Fuse holder and outdoor fuse device

Abstract

To provide a catch holder capable of surely discharging rainwater infiltrated into an insulation case to the outside even when being used in a state where a center axis of the insulation case is inclined with respect to a vertical direction.SOLUTION: An insulation case 8 stores a fuse device 20 interposed between a first end 12a of a first wire 10A and a second end 12b of a second wire 10B. The insulation case 8 includes an upper case 2A that is provided with the first wire 10A and houses part of the fuse device 20 in a hollow section, and a lower case 2B that is provided with the second wire 10B and houses a remaining portion of the fuse device 20 in the hollow section and connected to the upper case 2A. The lower case 2B includes at least three drain holes 4 near a lowermost bottom of the lower case 2B in a state where the fuse device 20 is stored in the insulation case 8. An interval between the drain holes 4 is uniform when viewed from a center axis direction of the second wire 10B according to a catch holder 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement of a ketch holder for storing a fuse device that is provided in an electric circuit, protects the electric circuit from a large current exceeding the rating, and prevents accidents such as overheating and ignition caused by this large current.

[0002] Conventionally, as a means for supplying power from an overhead line to facilities of power consumers such as factories and ordinary households, a low-voltage lead-in wire branched from a low-voltage distribution line is used. When a short circuit occurs in the facilities of the power consumer in this low-voltage lead-in wire and a large current exceeding the rating flows, an electric wire fuse is used to protect the electric circuit or to prevent accidents such as overheating and ignition caused by an unintentional large current flowing from the power supply side. Furthermore, a fuse device equipped with an electric wire fuse as described above is usually stored and used in a ketch holder which is an insulating case made of synthetic resin. And when storing a fuse device in the above-described ketch holder and using it outdoors, the following problems have occurred.

[0003] Here, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, problems when using a ketch holder according to the prior art outdoors will be described. FIG. 4(a) is a side view of a fuse device including a ketch holder according to the prior art, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the same fuse device. FIG. 5 is an image of an accident object of a fuse device including a ketch holder according to the prior art. First, an overview of a fuse device including a ketch holder according to the prior art will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) and (b). The fuse device 20 stored in the ketch holder 23 according to the prior art is used by being interposed in the middle of a low-voltage lead-in wire (electric wire) branched from a low-voltage distribution line as described above. That is, the low-voltage lead-in wire (electric wire) provided with the fuse device 20, which is the mounting target of the ketch holder 23 according to the prior art, is usually arranged and used in the vertical direction. However, these low-voltage service lines (electric wires) are not strictly always laid out vertically; most of them are tilted to a greater or lesser degree relative to the vertical. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the case where a low-voltage service drop (electric wire) equipped with a fuse device 20, which is the target of the conventional ketch holder 23, is arranged vertically.

[0004] The conventional ketch holder 23 is a synthetic resin insulating case for protecting a fuse device 20 interposed between a first electric wire 10A, whose end 12a is positioned vertically downward, and a second electric wire 10B, whose end 12b is positioned vertically upward, as shown in Figure 4(b), for example. Such a conventional ketch holder 23, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), consists of a first case 24A provided on the first wire 10A, housing a part of the fuse device 20 in its hollow section and having a wire outlet hole 25a for leading out the first wire 10A, and a second case 24B provided on the second wire 10B, housing the remaining part of the fuse device 20 in its hollow section and having a wire outlet hole 25b for leading out the second wire 10B, and connected to the first case 24A.

[0005] Furthermore, in the conventional ketch holder 23 shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the connecting portion of the first case 24A and the second case 24B are screwed together, and a packing 6 is interposed in this connecting portion. In addition, in the conventional ketch holder 23, packings 17a and 17b are placed in the wire outlet hole 25a of the first case 24A and the wire outlet hole 25b of the second case 24B in order to maintain watertightness inside the hollow portion. Furthermore, in the conventional ketch holder 23, both the first case 24A and the second case 24B are used without distinction between top and bottom.

[0006] On the other hand, conventional ketch holders 23, such as those shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), may, in some cases, be used outdoors and exposed to the elements for decades. In this case, in the conventional hatch holder 23, deterioration progresses more rapidly in areas that are exposed to more direct sunlight and in parts with relatively low weather resistance (e.g., packing 6). More specifically, in the conventional hatch holder 23 shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), deterioration is more likely to occur on the top surface of the first case 24A, around the wire outlet hole 25a, or in the packing 17a, while deterioration is less likely to occur in the second case 24B and packing 17b. As a result, cracks 26 occur on the top surface of the first case 24A, around the wire outlet hole 25a, or on the packing 17a, etc., while no cracks occur in the second case 24B or packing 17b. This leads to a situation where rainwater 27 seeps in through the cracked parts of the parts located vertically above the conventional ketch holder 23, as shown in Figure 4(b), and accumulates and remains inside the second case 24B. In this case, for example as shown in Figure 5, the clawed fuse 18 that constitutes the fuse device 20 was immersed for many years in rainwater 27 accumulated in the conventional ketch holder 23. As a result, the clawed fuse 18 corroded, causing poor contact between the first wire 10A and the second wire 10B, ultimately leading to a power outage. In other words, when using the conventional ketch holder 23, the clawed fuse 18 constituting the fuse device 20 may be blown for reasons other than a large current flowing through it.

[0007] To avoid such a situation, it would be effective to replace the conventional ketch holders 23 that have deteriorated due to aging. However, since the number of conventional ketch holders 23 installed is enormous, it has been practically difficult to check the deterioration status of each one and promptly replace them according to their deterioration status. Therefore, a situation has arisen where the deterioration of the conventional fuse holder 23 and the damage to the fuse device 20 (especially the fuse with claws 18) housed inside it are only recognized after a fuse with claws 18 is blown (causing a power outage), as shown in the image in Figure 5. Prior applications in the technical field related to the present invention include, for example, the following:

[0008] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention related to a fuse holder, primarily used in automobiles and other vehicles, that protects fuses and is improved to prevent malfunctions in the fuses. Claims 7 and 11 of Patent Document 1, as well as Figures 13 and 15 in the same document, disclose a fuse holder equipped with drainage holes. According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 as described above, it is possible to protect fuses connected to the electrical wiring of automobiles and the like, make it less likely for malfunctions to occur due to the ingress of water or the like, and reduce the risk of short circuits when inspecting or replacing fuses.

[0009] Patent Document 2 discloses an invention related to a waterproof case for fuses, which is used for fuse connections that require waterproofing, under the name "Waterproof Case for Fuse". Figure 4 of Patent Document 2 discloses a waterproof fuse case (10) equipped with a drain hole (12d). In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2, the waterproof fuse case (10) is equipped with a drain hole (12d), so that if water droplets form inside the waterproof fuse case (10) due to aggregation, these water droplets can be discharged to the outside through the drain hole (12d). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-373567 [Patent Document 2] Publication No. 60-31056 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] According to the inventions and designs disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, if the fuse holder or fuse case is placed on a horizontal surface or held in a position where it does not tilt in the vertical direction, it is considered that the water accumulated in these containers can be effectively drained to the outside. In this case, it is considered that malfunctions such as short circuits can be prevented, that is, the intended function and effect can be achieved. On the other hand, if the fuse holders and fuse cases disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are installed or used in a state where they are unintentionally tilted relative to the vertical, the water accumulated in the container will not be drained, and a problem arises in that it will not be possible to prevent malfunctions such as short circuits.

[0012] This invention addresses the aforementioned conventional circumstances and aims to provide a ketch holder and an outdoor fuse device using the same that can reliably drain rainwater that has entered the insulating case to the outside, even when the device is installed or used in an inclined position relative to the vertical. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The first invention for solving the above problems is a ketch holder, which is an insulating case for housing a fuse device interposed between a first wire, whose first end faces vertically downward, and a second wire, whose second end faces vertically upward. The insulating case comprises an upper case provided on the first wire, which houses a part of the fuse device in a hollow portion and has a first wire outlet hole for leading out the first wire, and a lower case provided on the second wire, which houses the remaining part of the fuse device in a hollow portion and has a second wire outlet hole for leading out the second wire, and is connected to the upper case. The lower case is provided with at least three drainage holes near the bottom of the lower case when the fuse device is housed in the insulating case, and the spacing between the drainage holes is uniform when viewed from the central axis direction of the second wire. In the first invention with the above configuration, the fuse device has the function of interrupting the circuit and preventing current from flowing from the first wire to the second wire when a current exceeding a predetermined value flows from the first wire to the second wire. The insulating case has the function of protecting the fuse device from rainwater, etc., by housing the fuse device in its hollow part. Furthermore, by configuring the insulating case with an upper case and a lower case that can be connected to each other, it has the function of allowing the insulating case to be divided (disassembled) as needed to check the internal condition or to replace the parts that make up the fuse device (e.g., fuses, etc.) as needed. Furthermore, the upper case is equipped with a first wire outlet hole for leading out the first wire, which has the effect of sliding the upper case in the direction of the central axis of the first wire when the insulating case is separated (disassembled). This prevents the upper case from detaching from the first wire and falling during the separation (disassembly) of the insulating case. In addition, the lower case is equipped with a second wire outlet hole for leading out the second wire, which has the effect of sliding the lower case in the direction of the central axis of the second wire when the insulating case is separated (disassembled). This prevents the lower case from detaching from the second wire and falling during the separation (disassembly) of the insulating case. Furthermore, the lower case has drainage holes near its very bottom, which allows rainwater to be quickly discharged outside the insulating case if it unintentionally enters the insulating case. Furthermore, by setting the number of drainage holes formed near the bottom of the lower case to at least three, and by making the spacing between the drainage holes uniform when viewing the lower case from the central axis direction of the electric wire (through-view), the system ensures that rainwater that has entered the lower case is reliably discharged to the outside, even if the central axis of the insulating case is tilted relative to the vertical during use, that is, regardless of which direction the central axis of the insulating case is tilted on the circumferential side of the insulating case. More specifically, when three drain holes are formed in a state of being evenly dispersed in the circumferential direction of the lower case, even if the central axis of the insulating case is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, any one of the three drain holes will always be arranged at a position relatively higher than the vertical position of the other drain holes. In this case, the drain hole existing at a relatively high position in the vertical direction functions as an air introduction hole, and has the effect of discharging the rainwater in the lower case more smoothly. The situation where rainwater infiltrates into the insulating case is a situation where any one of the parts constituting the insulating case is damaged and its watertightness is impaired. In this case, the damaged part of this insulating case also preferably acts as an air introduction hole when discharging rainwater from the drain hole. Therefore, according to the first invention, even if rainwater infiltrates into the insulating case, it is difficult to stay, and it has the effect of preventing the fuse from being corroded by the rainwater accumulated in the insulating case.

[0014] The second invention is the above-mentioned first invention, wherein when the upper case is arranged on the vertically upward side and the lower case is arranged on the vertically downward side, and the central axis of the insulating case formed by connecting and integrating them is aligned with the vertical direction, the outer opening of the drain hole is located on the vertically lower side than the inner opening. The second invention with the above configuration has the same effect as the first invention described above. Furthermore, by setting the arrangement of the outer opening and the inner opening of the drain hole as described above in the second invention, it has the effect of preventing rainwater flowing from the vertically upward side to the vertically downward side outside the insulating case from infiltrating into the hollow portion of the insulating case through the outer opening of the drain hole. Therefore, according to the second invention, it has the effect of reducing the risk that the fuse device stored in the insulating case comes into contact with water unintentionally.

[0015] The third invention is the above-mentioned first or second invention, wherein the outer surface of the lower case has a diameter-reducing portion that reduces in diameter toward the lead-out position of the second electric wire, and the outer opening of the drain hole is arranged in the diameter-reducing portion. The third invention with the above structure has the same effect as the effect of the first or second invention described above. Further, according to the third invention described above, at the outer surface of the lower case, the boundary portion between the body portion and the reduced-diameter portion of the lower case acts like an eaves, preventing rainwater flowing from the vertically upper side to the vertically lower side outside the insulating case from entering the hollow portion of the insulating case through the outer opening of the drain hole. Therefore, according to the third invention, it has the effect of further reducing the risk that the fuse device stored in the insulating case comes into contact with water unintentionally.

[0016] The fourth invention is any one of the first to third inventions described above, wherein the connecting portion between the upper case and the lower case has an overlapping portion, and in this overlapping portion, the lower case is inserted into the upper case. The fourth invention with the above structure has the same effect as the effects of the first to third inventions described above. Further, in the fourth invention described above, the connecting portion between the upper case and the lower case has an overlapping portion, and in this overlapping portion, since the lower case is inserted into the upper case, it has the effect of reducing the risk that rainwater flowing from the vertically upper side to the vertically lower side outside the insulating case enters the insulating case through the connecting portion between the upper case and the lower case. Therefore, according to the fourth invention, it has the effect of further reducing the risk that the fuse device stored in the insulating case comes into contact with water unintentionally.

[0017] The fifth invention is any one of the first to fourth inventions described above, wherein the hole path of the drain hole is linear, and the width (diameter of the drain hole) of the hole path of each drain hole is uniform. The fifth invention with the above structure has the same effect as the effects of the first to fourth inventions described above. Further, the fifth invention identifies, as an invention of an object, a lower case constituting an existing (in-use) key holder in which drain holes are formed later using a drilling means such as a drill. Therefore, according to the fifth invention, a water drainage function can be added to the lower case later while continuing to use the existing (currently in use) ketch holder. Therefore, according to the fifth invention, even if the existing (currently in use) ketch holder deteriorates over time and rainwater enters the insulating case, it has the effect of preventing rainwater from accumulating inside the insulating case. As a result, the fifth invention has the effect of preventing the fuse from corroding due to rainwater accumulated inside the insulating case.

[0018] The sixth invention, an outdoor fuse device, comprises a first electric wire with a first end facing vertically downward and a second electric wire with a second end facing vertically upward, a fuse device interposed between the first end and the second end, and an insulating case that houses the fuse device within its hollow portion, wherein the insulating case is any of the first to fifth inventions described above. The fifth invention of the above configuration specifies a fuse device equipped with a ketch holder (insulating case) as described in the first to fifth inventions above as a new outdoor fuse device, and its operation is the same as that of each of the first to fifth inventions described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the first invention described above, even if the insulating case deteriorates and becomes damaged due to aging and use, and rainwater unintentionally enters the insulating case, it is possible to prevent this rainwater from remaining stagnant inside the insulating case. Furthermore, according to the first invention, even when the insulating case is installed or used in a position tilted relative to the vertical, it is possible to reliably drain rainwater that has entered the insulating case to the outside. As a result, it is possible to prevent rainwater accumulating inside the insulating case from corroding the fuses that make up the fuse device, which could cause poor contact between the first and second wires, or in the worst case, cause a complete disconnection. Therefore, in the fuse device equipped with the first invention, a fuse blown for reasons other than an unexpectedly large current flowing between the first and second wires can be prevented, thus preventing unintended power outages. Therefore, according to the first invention, the risk of a power outage occurring on the downstream power demand side due to a malfunction in a fuse device equipped with a fuse holder can be reduced. As a result, electricity can be supplied stably to the electricity demand side.

[0020] The second invention has the same effects as the first invention described above. Furthermore, according to the second invention, the risk of rainwater flowing vertically upward to vertically downward on the outside of the insulating case entering the insulating case through the drainage holes can be reduced. In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fuses (such as claw-type fuses) of the fuse device housed in the insulating case from coming into contact with water. This can slow down the progression of deterioration due to corrosion of the fuse itself. Therefore, according to the second invention, the service life of the fuse device housed in the insulating case can be extended. As a result, according to the second invention, the costs required for the maintenance of power supply equipment can be reduced.

[0021] The third invention has the same effects as those of the first or second invention described above. Furthermore, according to the third invention, the risk of rainwater flowing vertically upward to vertically downward on the outside of the insulating case entering the insulating case through the drainage holes can be reduced. In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fuses (such as claw-type fuses) of the fuse device housed in the insulating case from coming into contact with water. This can slow down the progression of deterioration due to corrosion of the fuse itself. Therefore, according to the third invention, the costs required for the maintenance of power supply equipment can be further reduced.

[0022] The fourth invention has the same effects as those of the first to third inventions described above. Furthermore, according to the fourth invention, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fuse of the fuse device housed in the insulating case from coming into contact with water. This makes it possible to delay the progression of deterioration of the fuse itself due to corrosion, etc. Therefore, according to the fourth invention, the service life of the fuse device housed in the insulating case can be extended. As a result, according to the fourth invention, the costs required for the maintenance of power supply equipment can be further reduced.

[0023] According to the fifth invention, the unique effects of each of the first to fourth inventions described above can be achieved while continuing to use the existing (currently in use) ketch holder without replacing it. In this case, the cost of maintaining the power supply equipment can be significantly reduced compared to replacing the existing (in-use) ketch holder with a new one of the first to fourth inventions.

[0024] The sixth invention identifies a fuse device equipped with a ketch holder (insulating case) as described in the first to fifth inventions above as a novel outdoor fuse device, and its effects are the same as those of each of the first to fifth inventions described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] (a) A side view of an outdoor fuse device equipped with a ketch holder according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) A vertical cross-sectional view of the same outdoor fuse device. [Figure 2] This is a view from vertically downwards of an outdoor fuse device equipped with a fuse holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a disassembled ketch holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] (a) A side view of a fuse device equipped with a conventional ketch holder, and (b) A vertical cross-sectional view of the same fuse device. [Figure 5] This is an image of a faulty fuse device equipped with a conventional fuse holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] A fuse holder and an outdoor fuse device equipped therewith, according to embodiments of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0027] [1; Regarding the basic configuration of the present invention] First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the basic configuration of a fuse holder and an outdoor fuse device equipped therewith according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1(a) is a side view of an outdoor fuse device equipped with a ketch holder according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the same outdoor fuse device. In other words, Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 1(a). Figure 2 is a view of the outdoor fuse device equipped with a ketch holder according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the vertically downward side. The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those shown in Figure 4, and their configurations are not described. The ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment is a synthetic resin insulating case 8 for protecting a fuse device 20 interposed between a first electric wire 10A, whose end 12a is positioned vertically downward, and a second electric wire 10B, whose end 12b is positioned vertically upward, as shown in Figure 1(b), for example.

[0028] The ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, as described above, consists of, for example, an upper case 2A provided on the first electric wire 10A, which houses a part of the fuse device 20 in its hollow section and has an electric wire outlet hole 3a for leading out the first electric wire 10A, and a lower case 2B provided on the second electric wire 10B, which houses the remaining part of the fuse device 20 in its hollow section and has an electric wire outlet hole 3b for leading out the second electric wire 10B, and is connected to the open end 5a of the upper case 2A. Furthermore, the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment is provided with at least 3 drainage holes 4 near the bottom of the lower case 2B when the fuse device 20 is housed in the insulating case 8 as described above. Furthermore, in the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, when the fuse device 20 with the insulating case 8 described above, i.e., the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment, is viewed from vertically below, the spacing between the drainage holes 4 (more specifically, the spacing between the center positions of the drainage holes 4) is set to be uniform.

[0029] Furthermore, the fuse device 20 housed in the ketch holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment can use conventionally known wire fuse devices without any problems, and an example of such a device will be explained with reference to Figure 1(b). The fuse device 20, as shown in Figure 4(b), for example, consists of a base 11 made of an insulator, screw receivers 14a and 14b provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the base 11, a clawed fuse 18 installed between the screw receivers 14a and 14b, and fastening screws 15a and 15b that are screwed into the screw receivers 14a and 14b, respectively.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4(b), on the vertically upward side of the base 11, that is, the side with the screw receiver 14a (upper side of the paper), the mounting terminal 13a, which is fixed to the end 12a of the first electric wire 10A inserted from the end of the base 11 toward the center of the base 11, and the vertically upward side of the claw-type fuse 18 are fastened and fixed to the screw receiver 14a by fastening screws 15a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b), on the vertically downward side of the base 11, that is, the side equipped with the screw receiver 14b (the bottom side of the paper), the mounting terminal 13b, which is fixed to the end 12b of the second electric wire 10B inserted from the end of the base 11 toward the center of the base 11, and the vertically downward side of the claw-type fuse 18 are fastened and secured to the screw receiver 14b by fastening screws 15b. In other words, the first wire 10A and the second wire 10B are electrically connected via a claw-type fuse 18.

[0031] In such a fuse device 20, when the current flowing from the first wire 10A to the second wire 10B exceeds a predetermined value, the claw-type fuse 18 is physically disconnected, interrupting the flow of current from the first wire 10A to the second wire 10B. In this case, it is possible to prevent an unexpectedly large current from flowing into the second wire 10B side and damaging the circuit or equipment on the second wire 10B side.

[0032] Furthermore, the fuse device 20 described above may, for example as shown in Figure 4(b), have washers 16a and 16b interposed between the fastening screws 15a and 15b and the claw-type fuse 18 as needed to prevent the fastening screws 15a and 15b from loosening.

[0033] Furthermore, the base 11 is equipped with waterproof gaskets 17a and 17b at its longitudinal end, in the portion that fits into the wire outlet holes 3a and 3b when the ketch holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment is attached. In this case, when the fuse holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment is attached to the fuse device 20, it is possible to prevent rainwater from entering the inside of the insulating case 8 through the wire outlet holes 3a and 3b.

[0034] [2; Regarding the operation and effects of the basic configuration of the present invention] As described in the opening section of this specification, a wire fuse (e.g., fuse device 20) may be used outdoors exposed to the elements for several decades while fitted with the fuse holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment. In this case, even if weather-resistant synthetic resins or the like are used as the material for the upper case 2A, the lower case 2B, and the packings 17a and 17b provided at the longitudinal ends of the base 11 of the fuse device 20, deterioration due to aging is unavoidable. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the low-voltage service drop (electric wire) equipped with a fuse device (e.g., fuse device 20), to which the ketch holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment is mounted, is usually installed and used in a vertical direction.

[0035] Therefore, in the fuse holder 1 and the outdoor fuse device 7 equipped therewith according to this embodiment, damage due to deterioration is particularly likely to occur on the vertically upward side exposed to direct sunlight, that is, at the upper end (top surface) of the upper case 2A and the packing 17a provided on the base 11. On the other hand, damage due to deterioration is less likely to occur on the vertically downward side, where direct sunlight is less likely to hit, that is, at the lower end (bottom surface) of the lower case 2B and the packing 17b provided on the base 11. Therefore, in the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment, the upper end of the upper case 2A and the packing 17a provided on the base 11 are damaged, allowing rainwater to enter the insulating case 8 through the damaged area. On the other hand, the lower end of the lower case 2B and the packing 17b provided on the base 11 remain undamaged, maintaining a watertight state, resulting in rainwater accumulating inside the insulating case 8.

[0036] In contrast, in the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the lower case 2B is equipped with drainage holes 4, so that rainwater that has entered the insulating case 8 can be quickly discharged to the outside through the drainage holes 4. Furthermore, in the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, four drainage holes 4 are arranged evenly (including the concept of approximately even) in the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the lower case 2B. In other words, in the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the drainage holes 4 are arranged evenly (including the concept of approximately even) on the outer surface of the lower case 2B, centered on the central axis 19 of the second electric wire 10B. Therefore, even when the central axis of the outdoor fuse device 7 equipped with the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment is tilted with respect to the vertical direction, rainwater can be discharged to the outside through the misalignment of the four drainage holes 4. As a result, rainwater does not accumulate inside the ketch holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment.

[0037] To explain this point in more detail, if at least three drainage holes 4 are formed so that they are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the lower case 2B, then even if the central axis of the insulating case 8 is tilted with respect to the vertical, at least one of the three drainage holes 4 will always be positioned at a relatively higher position than the vertical position of the other drainage holes 4. In this case, the drainage hole 4, which is located at a relatively high position in the vertical direction, functions as an air intake hole, allowing rainwater inside the lower case 2B to be discharged more smoothly. As mentioned above, rainwater entering the insulating case 8 occurs when one of the components of the insulating case 8 is damaged, compromising its watertightness. In this case, the damaged part of the insulating case 8 also functions as an air intake hole when rainwater is discharged through the drainage hole 4. Therefore, according to the ketch holder 1 of this embodiment as described above, even if rainwater enters the insulating case 8, it has a structure that efficiently drains the water as described above, so rainwater is less likely to accumulate inside the insulating case 8. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the claw-type fuse 18 from corroding due to rainwater accumulated inside the insulating case 8.

[0038] Therefore, according to the ketch holder 1 and the outdoor fuse device 7 equipped therewith, even if the upper case 2A and packing 17a deteriorate and become damaged due to aging, and rainwater enters the inside of the insulating case 8 through these damaged parts, the rainwater can be quickly drained from the drainage holes 4 formed in the lower case 2B, so that the claw-type fuse 18 inside the insulating case 8 does not remain submerged in rainwater. In this case, it is possible to prevent problems such as the clawed fuse 18 of the fuse device 20 housed in the ketch holder 1 (insulating case 8) according to this embodiment corroding due to prolonged exposure to water, causing poor contact between the first wire 10A and the second wire 10B, or the clawed fuse 18 breaking, resulting in a power outage downstream of the second wire 10B.

[0039] Therefore, according to the ketch holder 1 and the outdoor fuse device 7 equipped therewith, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which the clawed fuse 18 constituting the fuse device 20 is blown for reasons other than its intended purpose. In other words, the claw holder 1 and the outdoor fuse device 7 equipped therewith according to this embodiment can prevent the claw-type fuse 18 from corroding and breaking due to rainwater that unintentionally enters the insulating case 8. Therefore, according to the fuse holder 1 and the outdoor fuse device 7 equipped therewith, power can be continuously and stably supplied to the power demand side.

[0040] In the case of the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment shown in Figure 2, the explanation uses the example of forming four drainage holes 4 on the circumferential surface of the lower case 2B that is slightly below the vertical line, but it is sufficient to have at least three drainage holes 4. Furthermore, there is no specific upper limit set for the number of drainage holes 4 formed on the circumferential surface of the lower case 2B, which is located slightly below the vertical line. However, since the strength of the lower case 2B is expected to decrease as the number of drainage holes 4 increases, a total of 3 to 6 drainage holes 4 should be sufficient.

[0041] [3; Regarding the detailed structure of the present invention] Next, the detailed structure of the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3 in addition to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3 is a disassembled side view of a ketch holder according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 also shows the fuse device 20 shown in Figure 1(b) as viewed from the direction indicated by reference numeral B in Figure 1(b). The same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as those shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, and their configurations are not described. <3-1; Regarding the positional relationship between the outer and inner openings of the drainage holes> As shown in Figures 1(b) and 3, in the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, the upper case 2A is positioned vertically upward and the lower case 2B is positioned vertically downward, and when the central axis of the insulating case 8, which is formed by connecting and integrating these two, is aligned vertically, the outer opening 4a of the drain hole 4 may be positioned vertically downward than the inner opening 4b (optional component). In this case, when the ketch holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment is used with the central axis of the insulating case 8 tilted with respect to the vertical direction, it is possible to effectively prevent rainwater flowing from the vertically upward side to the vertically downward side on the outside of the insulating case 8 from entering the insulating case 8 through the outer opening 4a of the drainage hole 4. In this case, it is possible to more reliably prevent the claw-type fuse 18 from coming into contact with rainwater while using the ketch holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment. As a result, corrosion of the claw-type fuse 18 can be prevented, and even if corrosion does occur in the claw-type fuse 18, its progression can be slowed down. Therefore, the service life of the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment can be extended.

[0042] <3-2; Regarding the formation position of the outer opening of the drainage hole> In the fuse holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a diameter-reducing section P is provided on the outer surface of the lower case 2B, slightly downward from the vertical, and the diameter is reduced towards the exit position of the second electric wire 10B (electric wire exit hole 3b). The outer opening 4a of the drain hole 4 may also be placed in this diameter-reducing section P (optional component). In this case, especially when the outdoor fuse device 7 is used with the central axis of the insulating case 8 approximated to the vertical direction, the boundary portion between the body and the reduced-diameter portion P of the lower case 2B acts like an overhang. In this case, rainwater flowing from the vertically upward to the vertically downward side outside the insulating case 8 can be effectively prevented from entering the insulating case 8 through the outer opening 4a of the drainage hole 4. In this case as well, the claw-type fuse 18 can be effectively prevented from coming into contact with rainwater while the ketch holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment is in use. As a result, corrosion of the claw-type fuse 18 can be prevented, and even if corrosion does occur in the claw-type fuse 18, its progression can be slowed down. Therefore, the service life of the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment can be extended.

[0043] If the lower case 2B of the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment has a diameter-reducing portion P on its outer surface as described above, it may also have a step R at the boundary between the diameter-reducing portion P and the body of the lower case 2B, as shown in Figures 1(a), (b) and 3 (optional component). In this case, rainwater flowing vertically upward to vertically downward on the outside of the insulating case 8 can be made even more difficult to penetrate into the hollow part of the insulating case 8 through the outer opening 4a of the drain hole 4.

[0044] Furthermore, if the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment simultaneously possesses the features described in <3-1> and the features described in <3-2> above, the effect of making it more difficult for rainwater flowing from the vertically upward to the vertically downward side outside the insulating case 8 to enter the insulating case 8 through the outer opening 4a of the drainage hole 4 can be further enhanced, especially when the outdoor fuse device 7 is used with the central axis of the insulating case 8 tilted with respect to the vertical direction. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the claw-type fuse 18 from coming into contact with rainwater while using the ketch holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment. Therefore, corrosion of the claw-type fuse 18 can be prevented, and even if corrosion does occur in the claw-type fuse 18, its progression can be slowed down. Therefore, the service life of the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment can be extended.

[0045] <3-3; Regarding the connection structure between the upper and lower cases> Furthermore, in the fuse holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, an overlapping portion Q may be formed at the connecting portion between the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B, and the lower case 2B may be inserted inside the upper case 2A at this overlapping portion Q (optional component). In this case, the risk of rainwater flowing vertically upward to vertically downward on the outside of the insulating case 8 entering the insulating case 8 through the open end 5a of the upper case 2A can be further reduced. In this case as well, the claw-type fuse 18 can be effectively prevented from coming into contact with rainwater while the ketch holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment is in use. As a result, corrosion of the claw-type fuse 18 can be prevented, and even if corrosion does occur in the claw-type fuse 18, its progression can be slowed down. Therefore, the service life of the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment can be extended.

[0046] Furthermore, Figures 1 and 3 illustrate an example in which a female thread 21 (see Figure 3) is formed on the inner surface of the upper case 2A of the ketch holder 1 near the open end 5a, and a male thread 22 (see Figure 3) is formed on the outer surface of the lower case 2B near the open end 5b, and these are screwed together to integrally connect the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B. However, the connecting structure of the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B may be in a form other than those shown. More specifically, for example, a fitting structure may be formed at the contact portion between the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B, and these can be attached and detached by utilizing the deformability of the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B themselves (not shown). In either case, the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B can be connected and integrated, and can also be separated (disassembled) as needed.

[0047] Furthermore, in the fuse holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment, a sealing material such as a packing 6 may be provided as needed at the connecting portion between the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B (optional component). In this case, it is possible to effectively prevent rainwater from entering the interior of the insulating case 8 from the connection point between the upper case 2A and the lower case 2B. Furthermore, sealing materials such as packing 6 are more susceptible to deterioration over time compared to the upper case 2A and lower case 2B that constitute the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment. However, if the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment has the features described in <3-3> above, even if the sealing material such as the packing 6 deteriorates and is damaged, it can effectively prevent rainwater from entering the hollow part of the insulating case 8.

[0048] <3-4; Regarding the shape of the drainage holes> Furthermore, in the ketch holder 1 (outdoor fuse device 7) according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(b) and 3, the paths (trajectories) of the drainage holes 4 may be made straight, and the width of the paths of each drainage hole 4 (diameter of the drainage hole 4) may be made uniform (optional component). In this case, the planar shape of the drainage hole 4 is specified as circular. Furthermore, the drainage hole 4 having the above-described characteristics can be easily formed in the lower case 2B using, for example, a drilling means such as a drill. In other words, by separating (disassembling) the ketch holder 1 in the outdoor fuse device 7 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), at its overlapping portion Q, and then separating the lower case 2B from the upper case 2A as shown in Figure 3, and then forming a drain hole 4 near the vertically downward side of the lower case 2B using a drilling means such as a drill, a conventional ketch holder (for example, the conventional ketch holder 23 shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b)) can be used as the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment.

[0049] When the inventors of the present invention first encountered the problems described in the opening section of this specification, they considered adding a water drainage function to a conventional ketch holder (for example, a conventional ketch holder 23, etc.) by making a cut or the like in the packing 17b attached to the fuse device 20. However, in this case, it was necessary to process the packing 17b using a knife or the like, and there was a possibility of unintentionally damaging the second wire 10B in the process. Therefore, after further trial and error, the ketch holder 1 of this embodiment (previous) was developed, which has a lower risk of damaging the wire 10B. <1> (See the description below) This led me to this conclusion.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the ketch holder 1 of this embodiment, which has the drainage hole 4 with the features described above, an existing ketch holder can be repurposed into the ketch holder 1 of this embodiment without replacing it. Furthermore, when processing a conventional ketch holder (for example, a conventional ketch holder 23, etc.) to create the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, the risk of damaging the second electric wire 10B can be significantly reduced. As a result, the process of converting existing ketch holders to the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment can be carried out easily and safely, while minimizing the risk of damaging power supply equipment. Therefore, if the drainage hole 4 in the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment has the above-described features, there is no need to replace the existing ketch holder with a new, different ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment, thus significantly reducing the costs required for maintenance of the power supply equipment.

[0051] <3-5; Regarding the diameter of the drainage holes> The diameter (maximum diameter) of the drain hole 4 formed in the lower case 2B of the ketch holder 1 according to this embodiment is not particularly specified, but for example, the cross-sectional area is 22 mm². 2 In the case of a fuse holder 1 attached to a fuse device 20 installed on an electric wire (first electric wire 10A or second electric wire 10B), the diameter of the drain hole 4 should be set within the range of 3 to 6 mm. In this case, if the diameter of the drain hole 4 is smaller than 3 mm, it may not be possible to efficiently drain rainwater from inside the insulating case 8. On the other hand, if the diameter of the drain hole 4 is larger than 6 mm, it is undesirable because it may reduce the strength of the insulating case 8 itself or make it easier for rainwater to seep into the insulating case 8 through the drain hole 4.

[0052] <3-6; Regarding the planar shape of the drainage holes> In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the planar shape of the outer opening 4a of the drain hole 4 is described as circular. However, the planar shape of the outer opening 4a of the drain hole 4 is not limited to a circle; it may be a square, a triangle, any other polygon, or a closed shape other than a polygon. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] As described above, the present invention is a ketch holder and an outdoor fuse device using the same that can reliably discharge rainwater that has entered the insulating case to the outside even when used in an inclined position relative to the vertical, and is applicable in the technical field related to power transmission and distribution equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1…Ketch holder 2A…Upper case 2B…Lower case 3a,3b…Wire outlet hole 4…Drain hole 4a…Outer opening 4b…Inner opening 5a,5b…Open end 6…Packing 7…Outdoor fuse device 8…Insulating case 10A…First wire 10B…Second wire 11…Base 12a,12b…End 13a,13b…Mounting terminal 14a,14b…Screw receiver 15a,15b…Fastening screw 16a,16b…Washer 17a,17b…Packing 18…Fuse with claw 19…Central axis 20…Fuse device 21…Female thread 22…Male thread 23…Ketch holder (insulating case) according to prior art 24A…First case 24B…Second case 25a,25b…Wire outlet hole 26...Cracks 27...Rainwater P...Reduced diameter Q...Overlapping parts R...Step

Claims

1. An insulating case for housing a fuse device interposed between a first wire having a first end facing vertically downward and a second wire having a second end facing vertically upward, wherein The aforementioned insulating case is An upper case provided on the first electric wire, housing a part of the fuse device within its hollow portion, and having a first electric wire outlet hole for leading out the first electric wire, The device comprises a lower case provided on the second electric wire, which houses the remaining part of the fuse device within its hollow portion and has a second electric wire outlet hole for leading out the second electric wire, and is connected to the upper case, The lower case is provided with at least three drainage holes near the bottom of the lower case when the fuse device is housed in the insulating case. The spacing between the drainage holes is uniform when viewed from the central axis direction of the second electric wire. A ketch holder characterized in that, when the upper case is positioned vertically upward and the lower case is positioned vertically downward, and the central axis of the insulating case formed by connecting and integrating these is aligned vertically, the outer opening of the drain hole is located vertically downward than the inner opening.

2. The outer surface of the lower case is provided with a diameter-reducing portion that decreases in diameter toward the outlet position of the second electric wire, The ketch holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer opening of the drain hole is located in the reduced diameter portion.

3. The connecting portion between the upper case and the lower case has an overlapping portion. The ketch holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lower case is inserted into the upper case in the overlapping portion.

4. The drainage hole has a straight path. The ketch holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the width of the passage of each of the drainage holes is uniform.

5. A first electric wire having a first end pointing vertically downward, and a second electric wire having a second end pointing vertically upward, wherein a fuse device is interposed between the first end and the second end. The fuse device comprises an insulating case that houses the fuse device within its hollow portion, An outdoor fuse device characterized in that the insulating case is a fuse holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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