EP1912241B1 - Electrical fuse device - Google Patents
Electrical fuse device Download PDFInfo
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- EP1912241B1 EP1912241B1 EP07019623A EP07019623A EP1912241B1 EP 1912241 B1 EP1912241 B1 EP 1912241B1 EP 07019623 A EP07019623 A EP 07019623A EP 07019623 A EP07019623 A EP 07019623A EP 1912241 B1 EP1912241 B1 EP 1912241B1
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- Prior art keywords
- fuse
- actuator
- contacts
- movable contact
- primary
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- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 21
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H85/00—Protective devices in which the current flows through a part of fusible material and this current is interrupted by displacement of the fusible material when this current becomes excessive
- H01H85/02—Details
- H01H85/26—Magazine arrangements
- H01H85/28—Magazine arrangements effecting automatic replacement
Definitions
- the device 30 may include a controller comprising microprocessor, microcontroller, PLC or other programmable device (not shown) for controlling the operation of the spring 50.
- the controller may monitor the output of the voltage monitor, determine when the fuse 34 is blown and, after an appropriate delay, cause the spring 50 to be released.
- the contact of the switching mechanism connecting to fuse 34 must be capable of carrying fault current, but is only required to be load make or break.
- the contact connecting to fuse 36 e.g. the contacts 42, 44, 46
- the contact 142 forms part of a switch device 143.
- the switch device 143 also includes fixed contacts 144, 146 which are cooperable with the movable contact 142 to make or break an electrical circuit and, in particular, to make or break the electrical connection between the second end 139 of the fuse 136 and the second main contact 140.
- the contacts 144, 146 are spaced-apart and arranged to receive the movable contact 142 therebetween such that the movable contact 142 makes an electrical connection between the fixed contacts 144, 146.
- the movable contact 142 is wedge-shaped such that its leading end (in the direction of movement towards the fixed contacts) is narrower in transverse cross-section than its trailing end.
- the gap 145 between the fixed contacts 144, 146 is correspondingly wedge-shaped.
- the contact 142 and gap 145 may take any other suitable shape and, typically, are substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section.
- the preferred device 130 is also capable of reporting this condition to a remote location as above.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an electrical fuse device.
- An electricity supply system typically comprises an electricity generator, a plurality of transformers and a plurality of consumer outlets, the aforesaid being interconnected by a network of electricity supply lines. The electricity supply network usually comprises a transmission network, for carrying electricity between the generator and a first set of transformers; a distribution network, for carrying electricity between the first set of transformers and a second set of transformers; and a mains network, for supplying electricity to the consumers. By way of example, the transmission network may carry high voltage (HV) signals of 66kV or above. The distribution network usually carries medium voltage (MV) signals of 11kV or 22kV. The mains network usually carries low voltage (LV) signals which are, for example, 240V in the United Kingdom and 110V in the USA.
- The electricity supply can be disrupted by a fault in a supply line or in the equipment connected to a supply line. A fault can cause widespread disruption of the electricity supply and, accordingly, the management of faults is an important aspect of the operation of an electricity supply system.
- Typically, a fault causes one or more fuses in the supply line to blow thereby causing an outage in the supply to consumers. Electricity providers can be heavily penalised for outages, the penalty level usually depending on the duration of the outage. It is known to provide automatic circuit reclosers at various locations in a network instead of fuses. A typical recloser comprises a normally closed circuit beaker which opens upon detection of a fault. Reclosers may be configured to close again after a predetermined period of time. If the fault is a permanent fault, then the recloser will open again but if the fault is intermittent, it remains closed until the next time a fault is detected. Reclosers are therefore useful in the management of intermittent faults. However, reclosers tend to be relatively large and expensive and this places a practical limitation on their use.
- It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a relatively small and inexpensive device for managing faults, especially intermittent faults, in an electricity supply network.
German patent application DE 1193132 andUnited States patents US 2,345,996 andUS 2,437,310 each discloses an electrical fuse device in which primary and secondary fuses are provided, the secondary fuse being switched in line in the event that the primary fuse fails. These devices suffer from the disadvantage that more than one operator is required to replace the failed primary fuse and / or that a special tool is required for this purpose. - Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides an electrical fuse device comprising first and second main electrical contacts between which a primary fuse is electrically connectable; means for receiving a secondary fuse such that one end of said second fuse is electrically connected to said first main contact; means for selectably connecting the other end of said secondary fuse to said second main contact; and means for causing said connecting means to connect said other end of said secondary fuse to said second main contact in response to a detected failure of the primary fuse. The device typically also includes means for detecting a failure of said primary fuse, although in some embodiments this may be provided externally of the device and arranged to communicate a detected failure to the device. An actuator is provided for actuating said connecting means into a closed state in which said other end of the secondary fuse is connected in use to said second main contact, and wherein said actuator is carried by a removable part of the device. The actuator is thus removable from and insertable into its working position in the device by respectively removing and replacing said removable part of the device.
- In preferred embodiments, the device is adapted for use in place of a conventional fuse in an electrical circuit. The device automatically restores electrical supply to a circuit after a fault condition. Advantageously, the device permits a blown fuse to be replaced without interrupting the electrical supply to the circuit. In a typical use, the device is installed in an electrical distribution panel in place of a conventional fuse.
- Preferably, a carrier for said primary fuse is provided on a removable part of the device. In preferred embodiments, said actuator and said primary fuse carrier are both provided on the same removable part of the device. The, or each, removable part of the device is preferably adapted to be clipped or plugged into the device, conveniently by a manual pulling action.
- Preferably, said actuator is adapted to be primed for actuation, preferably manually primed, when removed from the device.
- In preferred embodiments, said connecting means comprises a movable contact cooperable with first and second, preferably fixed, contacts, said movable contact being movable between an open state in which said first and second preferably fixed contacts are electrically isolated from one another, and a closed state in which said first and second preferably fixed contacts are electrically connected to one another,. Typically, one of said preferably fixed contacts being connected in use to said other end of said secondary fuse, the other of said preferably fixed contacts being connected to said second main contact.
- The actuator, when inserted into the device, is arranged to actuate said movable contact into its closed state. The movable contact is typically carried by a support including a strike plate, the actuator including a deployable, preferably linearly deployable, actuating member arranged to act on said strike plate.
- In some embodiments, said selectably connecting means also includes means for actuating said movable contact between the open and closed states, or at least from said open state to said closed state. The actuation means preferably includes a spring, or other resilient biasing means, arranged to act directly or indirectly on said movable contact. Preferably, the spring, or other resilient biasing means, is held under tension when said movable contact is in the open state and, when released, causes the movable contact to adopt the closed state.
- The movable contact is preferably movable substantially linearly. The actuation means may comprise a line or rod connected to the movable contact and arranged to pull the movable contact from the open state to the closed state. The actuation means may include a pivotable or rotatable lever mechanism acted upon by said spring, or other resilient biasing means, and acting on said movable contact, for example via said line or rod.
- Said detecting means may comprise a voltage monitor arranged to monitor the voltage across the first fuse or main contacts.
- Other advantageous aspects of the invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- It will be understood that the word "supply" as used herein may embrace electricity supply, power supply and voltage supply, as appropriate.
- Specific embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are used to indicate like parts and in which:
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Figure 1 is a schematic view of a conventional electricity supply network in the form of an open ring network; -
Figure 2 is an end view of a fuse device embodying the invention; -
Figure 3 is a side view of the device ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 4 is a more detailed side view of part of the device ofFigures 1 and2 ; -
Figures 5A and 5B are circuit diagrams illustrating the fuse device; -
Figure 6A is a perspective view of a preferred fuse device, shown in a disassembled state, embodying the invention; -
Figure 6B shows the device ofFigure 6A in an assembled state; -
Figure 6C shows the device ofFigure 6A in the assembled state with part of its housing removed. -
Figures 7A and 7B show respective perspective views of the device ofFigure 6A in an assembled state with its switch open and with its housing removed; -
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the device ofFigure 6A in the assembled state with its switch closed and with its housing removed; -
Figure 9 shows the device ofFigure 6 in the disassembled state with its switch closed and its housing removed; -
Figure 10 shows a removed part of the device ofFigure 6A ; and - Figure 11 shows the device of
Figure 6A reassembled with its switch closed and its housing removed. - With reference to
Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown, generally indicated as 10, a conventional electricity supply network. Thenetwork 10 may form part of a larger electricity network, or system (not shown). InFigure 1 , thenetwork 10 takes the form of an open ring network by way of example only. Thenetwork 10 is of the type that may for example be used in a mains supply network and may include supply lines that are located underground. - The
network 10 comprises a plurality of electrical supply lines including anopen ring line 14 to which a plurality offeeder lines 16 are connected. Thenetwork 10 is connectable to an electricity supply which, in the present example, is provided by electrical substations ordistribution units 18. Each end ofopen ring line 14 is connectable to a respective substation ordistribution box 18 via a respective isolatingdevice 12 which may, in a conventional network, take the form of a fuse or an automatic circuit recloser. Thedistribution units 18 may include one or more transformers (not shown) for transforming the electrical supply voltage to a level suitable for thenetwork 10. The particular nature of theunits 18 depends on which part of the supply system is being implemented by thenetwork 10. Thering line 14 includes a normallyopen switch 20 which provides a normally open point (NOP) in thering line 14. The electricity supply is usually a three phase supply but this is not described herein for reasons of clarity and since it is not instrumental in understanding the invention. - The
network 10 may comprise, or form part of, a transmission network, a distribution network or a mains network and may be arranged to carry high voltage (HV), medium voltage (MV) or low voltage (LV) signals. In the present example, it is assumed that thenetwork 10 is arranged for carrying MV (e.g. 11kV or 22kV) or LV (e.g. 110V or 240V) signals. In the case wherenetwork 10 comprises an MV network, thenetwork 10 typically comprises a distribution network andsubstations 18 are typically supplied by an electricity generator, for example a power station (not shown), via an HV transmission network (not shown). For an MV network, thefeeders 16 normally supply electricity to further networks, or network portions, or to distribution substations, distribution transformers, or even large consumers, such as factories (not shown). In the case wherenetwork 10 comprises an LV network, thenetwork 10 normally comprises a mains network andsubstations 18 are normally supplied by a distribution network (not shown). For an LV network, thefeeders 16 normally supply electricity directly to domestic or commercial consumers. - A fault occurring in the
line 14 orfeeders 16 causes the isolatingdevices 12 to blow (in the case of a fuse) or to open (in the case of a recloser) thereby isolating the network 10 (or at least a portion of it) from thesubstation units 18. Where the fault is intermittent, a conventional fuse can be replaced manually by an engineer but this is time consuming and tends to prolong the outage caused by the fault. The use of a recloser overcomes this problem but reclosers are relatively expensive and tend to be too large to fit into local distribution boxes. -
Figures 2 to 4 illustrate afuse device 30 which embodies the present invention and which is suitable for use as theisolation device 12 in place of a conventional fuse or recloser. Thedevice 30 comprises ahousing 32 which houses afirst fuse 34 and asecond fuse 36. Thefirst fuse 34 is connected between first and second main electrical contacts orterminals main contacts fuse 34 is intact, i.e. not blown. - The
second fuse 36 has a first end or terminal connected (at least electrically) to the firstmain contact 38. The second end or terminal of thesecond fuse 36 is connectable (at least electrically) to the secondmain contact 40 depending on the position or state of amovable contact 42. Asupport structure 39 may be provided for supporting thesecond fuse 36. - The
movable contact 42 is co-operable withcontacts Figures 3 and 4 ), the movableelectrical contact 42 does not make an electrical connection between the fixedelectrical contacts movable contact 42 contacts each of the fixedcontacts movable contact 42 is physically spaced apart from one or both of the fixedcontacts movable contact 42 makes a physical connection between thecontacts contacts contact 42 may be configured for substantially linear movement (as per the illustrated embodiment), or may alternatively employ rotary or pivoting movement. - In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed
contacts contact 46 being electrically (and conveniently physically) connected to the second end of thesecond fuse 36, theother contact 44 being electrically (and conveniently physically) connected to the secondmain contact 40. In the open state, themovable contact 42 makes no connection between the fixedcontacts contacts movable contact 42 adopts a position where it makes contact with eachcontact Figure 4 ) of themovable contact 42 is arranged to fit between thecontacts - One or more tracks or guides (not shown) may be provided in the
housing 32 to support, and to guide the movement of, themovable contact 42. - The
device 30 further includes means for actuating the movable contact between the open and closed states, or at least from the open state to the closed state. Preferably, the actuating means comprises aspring 50, or other resilient biasing means, arranged to act indirectly (in the illustrated embodiment) or directly on themovable contact 42. In a preferred arrangement, thespring 50 is held under tension while themovable contact 42 is in the open state, the arrangement being such that, when thespring 50 is released, it causes themovable contact 42 to move to the closed state. In the illustrated embodiment, thespring 50 acts on themovable contact 42 via a linkage mechanism which includes a line orrod 52 connected to themovable contact 42 and alever mechanism 54 which couples therod 52 to thespring 50. Thelever mechanism 54 is pivotable or rotatable with respect to the housing 32 (for example at pivot point P) and may include anoperating cam 56 acting on therod 52. Afirst end 51 of thespring 50 is connected to a fixed point in thehousing 32, theother end 53 being connected or coupled to thelever mechanism 54. Rotation or pivoting movement of the lever mechanism 54 (in a clockwise direction as viewed inFigures 3 and 4 ) causes therod 52 to pull themovable contact 42 into the closed state. Thespring 50 may be held under tension by any suitable releasable mechanism (not shown), e.g. a latching mechanism, typically an electro-mechanical mechanism. For example, the mechanism may comprise a mechanical latch mechanism controlled by a solenoid device (not shown). - The
device 30 also includes means for detecting when thefirst fuse 34 is ruptured or blown. For example, the detecting means may take the form of a voltage monitor (not shown) arranged to monitor the voltage across thefirst fuse 34 or across themain contacts 38, 40 - the rupturing offuse 34 may be detected by an increase in the voltage across it. The voltage monitor, or other detecting means, is advantageously arranged to control (directly or indirectly) the mechanism which holds thespring 50 under tension. In response to detecting thatfuse 34 has ruptured, the voltage monitor causes thespring 50 to be released. It is preferred to introduce a delay (typically of between 10 and 60 seconds) between detecting that thefuse 34 is blown and causing the spring to be released. This allows time for an intermittent fault to disappear while keeping the outage period relatively short. To this end, thedevice 30 may include a controller comprising microprocessor, microcontroller, PLC or other programmable device (not shown) for controlling the operation of thespring 50. The controller may monitor the output of the voltage monitor, determine when thefuse 34 is blown and, after an appropriate delay, cause thespring 50 to be released. - In use, the
device 30 is incorporated into an electricity supply line, for example ascomponent 12 inFigure 1 , or other electrical circuit, such that themain contacts first fuse 34 is intact, electricity is supplied through thecontacts fuse 34. In this state of use, the voltage acrossfuse 34 is relatively low. When a fault occurs with an over-current sufficient to blowfuse 34, the voltage monitor detects a corresponding rise in the voltage acrossfuse 34. In response, and after the predetermined delay,spring 50 is released and themovable contact 42 is closed. The electrical circuit between themain contacts second fuse 36. - In alternative embodiments, the actuation means may comprise one or more power operated actuator, e.g. an electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically powered actuator, arranged to act directly or indirectly on the movable contact.
- In alternative embodiments, more than one "second" fuse may be provided, each associated with a respective movable contact which may be arranged and be operable in turn in a manner substantially the same or similar to that described herein.
-
Figures 5A and 5B show circuit diagrams illustrating the fuse device more generally. InFigure 5A , the circuit betweenmain contacts first fuse 34. The voltage acrossfuse 34 is monitored by a controller 60 (e.g. the voltage monitor and controller described above) which, in normal circumstances is relatively low. In the event of a fault, high current passes through thefuse 34 causing it to rupture. The voltage acrossfuse 34 increases to approximately the supply line voltage (e.g. about 230 V). Upon detection of the increased voltage, the controller 60 activates a switching mechanism 62 (e.g. the actuation means described above) after the preset delay to make the circuit betweencontacts Figure 5B ). - The contact of the switching mechanism connecting to fuse 34 must be capable of carrying fault current, but is only required to be load make or break. The contact connecting to fuse 36 (e.g. the
contacts - Referring now to
Figures 6 to 11 , there is shown, generally indicated as 130, a preferred fuse device embodying the invention. Thefuse device 130 is suitable for use in the circuit ofFigures 5A and 5B . Thefuse device 130 is similar to thefuse device 30 and, where applicable, like numerals have been used to indicate like parts and relevant portions of the foregoing description apply to the embodiment ofFigures 6 to 11 as will be apparent to a skilled person. - The
device 130 comprises ahousing 132 which houses a first, or primary, fuse 134 and asecondary fuse 136. InFigure 6 , thedevice 130 is shown in two separable parts, namely afirst part 130A including theprimary fuse 134 and a second part 130B including thesecondary fuse 136. The second part 130B is typically, in use, fixed to a terminal 131, e.g. in an electricity distribution box, as shown inFigure 6 . Theprimary fuse 134 is connectable between first and second main electrical contacts orterminals main contacts fuse 134 is intact. Thecontacts fuse 134 forms part of the circuit. Thesecondary fuse 136 has afirst end 137 or terminal connected (at least electrically) to the firstmain contact 138. Thesecond end 139 or terminal of thesecond fuse 136 is connectable (at least electrically) to the secondmain contact 140 depending on the position or state of amovable contact 142. - The
contact 142 forms part of aswitch device 143. Theswitch device 143 also includes fixedcontacts movable contact 142 to make or break an electrical circuit and, in particular, to make or break the electrical connection between thesecond end 139 of thefuse 136 and the secondmain contact 140. In the preferred embodiment, thecontacts movable contact 142 therebetween such that themovable contact 142 makes an electrical connection between the fixedcontacts movable contact 142 is wedge-shaped such that its leading end (in the direction of movement towards the fixed contacts) is narrower in transverse cross-section than its trailing end. Thegap 145 between the fixedcontacts contact 142 andgap 145 may take any other suitable shape and, typically, are substantially rectangular in transverse cross-section. - In the preferred embodiment, the
movable contact 142 is carried by a support orcarriage 147. Thecarriage 147 is movable between a first state (as shown inFigure 7B ) in which thecontact 142 is isolated, or spaced apart from, the fixedcontacts Figures 8 and9 ) in which thecontact 142 is located between thecontacts carriage 147 is slidable between its first and second states by any convenient sliding mechanism. For example aslot 149 may be provided in which a corresponding projection (not visible) is slidably located. A second projection 151' may be provided on the other side of thecarriage 147 for sliding engagement with a second slot (not shown) provided adjacent the other side of thecarriage 147. - The
switch 143 further includes means for actuating theswitch 143 at least from its open state (Figure 7B ) in which thecontact 142 is in its first state, into its closed state (Figures 8 and9 ) in which thecontact 142 is in its second state. The actuating means comprises anactuator 155 having a deployable member, conveniently in the form of arod 157, that is deployable, preferably linearly deployable, between a retracted state (Figures 6 and10 ) and an extended state (Figures 8 and9 ) or partially extended state (Figure 7B ). Operation of theactuator 155 into the extended state drives thecontact 142 between thecontacts carriage 147 is in the open state and therod 157 is retracted, therod 157 abuts, or substantially abuts, against thecarriage 147 so that, when actuated, therod 157 pushes against thecarriage 147 rather that impacts upon it before pushing. - The
actuator 155 may take any suitable form and may be operated by any suitable means, e.g. it may be pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically and/or mechanically powered. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator 155 includes resilient biasing means in the form of a spring (not visible but typically located inside the body of the actuator 155) arranged to urge therod 157 into its extended state. Theactuator 155 also includes activation means for theactuator 155 in the form of a latch mechanism 161arranged to hold theactuator 155 in the retracted state, and, when activated, to cause therod 157 to be released so that it may adopt the extended state. In the illustrated embodiment, thelatch mechanism 161 includes an activating member in the preferred form ofcradle 163 in which theactuator 155 may be removably received. Thecradle 163 is cooperable with an operating member in the preferred form ofcollar 165 on theactuator 155 and is movable to cause theoperating collar 165 to release therod 157. Thecradle 163 may be operated by any suitable means, for example an electro-mechanical actuator 167 coupled to thecradle 163 by alinkage 169, as shown inFigure 7A . In the present example, thecollar 165 is urged into a latching position by resilient biasing means,e.g. spring 159, and is movable out of its latching position bycradle 163. Thecollar 165 is coupled to one or more retaining members (not visible), e.g. ball bearings, which pass through the body of the actuator and hold the internal biasing means in its primed state until thecollar 165 is moved out of its latching position whereupon the internal biasing means is released to drive therod 157. - The
device 130 also includes means for opening theswitch 143, i.e., returning the movable actuator to its first state. The switch opening mechanism may take any suitable form and may be operated by any suitable means, e.g. it may be pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically and/or mechanically powered. In the illustrated embodiment, one ormore levers 175 are provided for this purpose. The levers may for example be arranged to act on thecarriage 147, e.g. via the projection 151', and may be manually operable, and/or spring assisted, to lift thecarriage 147 upwards (as viewed in the drawings) and so to disengage thecontact 142 from thecontacts - The
device 130 includes, or is cooperable with, a controller (not shown) for detecting the failure of theprimary fuse 134 and, upon such detection, causing theswitch 143 to close. The controller may same the same or similar to the controller 60 described above and, typically, monitors the voltage across and/or current in the primary fuse. The device 130 (or the device 30) may also include a communications module (not shown) for communication, typically wireless communication, of its condition to a remote monitoring station (not shown). - The
first part 130A of thedevice 130 is removable from the second part 130B. In the preferred embodiment, thefirst part 130A includes not only theprimary fuse 134, but also theactuator 155. It will be seen fromFigures 9 and 10 that thefirst part 130A includes part of thehousing 132, a carrier orholder 171 for theprimary fuse 134 and a carrier orholder 173 for theactuator 155. Theholder 171 may include a respective removable fastener in the preferred form of apin 180 for releasably connecting each end of theprimary fuse 134 to thefirst part 130A of the device. Thecontacts pins 180. To this end, it is preferred that thecontacts recess 182 for receiving thepins 180, therecesses 182 facing outwardly of the second part 130B of the device in the same direction, said direction conveniently being substantially perpendicular with the direction in which they are spaced apart. - The
holder 173 for theactuator 155 may take any suitable form, e.g. one ormore collars 184. The second part 130B of the device defines astation 186 for receiving theactuator 155, and typically also itsholder 173, when the twoparts 130A, 130B are assembled together. In thestation 186, theactuator 155 is positioned such that therod 157 can act directly or indirectly on themovable contact 142 without being fixed thereto. In the preferred embodiment, thecarriage 147 defines part of thestation 186 and includes a base or abutment/striking surface 188 on which therod 157 acts. There is no fixed connection between the actuator 155 and thecarriage 147 and so the actuator 155 can readily be removed. Means for activating theactuator 155 are preferably provided in thestation 186 and are adapted to releasably couple with theactuator 155 when the actuator is in thestation 186. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable coupling is provided by thecradle 163. - Hence, the
contacts device 130 are removably connectable to respective ends of the fuse 134 (or the fuse holder 171). Thecradle 163 andcarriage 147 are adapted to removably receive the actuator 155 (and/or its holder 173). The preferred arrangement is such that thefirst part 130A may be removed from the second part 130B by a manual pulling action, and reassembled with the second part 130B by a push fit action. One or more screws orother fasteners 190 may be provided to secure thefirst part 130A to the second part 130B. - More generally, the preferred arrangement is such that the
removable part 130A may be engaged and disengaged with the rest of the device 130B by a manual pulling action, preferably in a lateral direction as indicated in the drawings. To this end, there is preferably provided a male and female fit between the twoparts 130A, 130B. In particular, there is a male/female fit between the primary fuse (and/or its holder) and themain contacts station 186. The fit between at least some of the respective parts may be a releasable friction or interference fit. - During normal operation, the
switch 143 is held in the open position and all of the electrical current flowing through thedevice 130 is carried by theprimary fuse 134. If a fault occurs on the circuit in which thefuse device 130 is installed, theprimary fuse 134 ruptures, interrupting the current and isolating the electrical supply to the circuit. Thedevice 130 detects this condition and automatically closes the switch 143 (typically under suitable defined conditions, e.g. as described above in relation to the device 30) to bring thesecondary fuse 136 into the circuit, thus restoring the electrical supply. Where a communications module is provided, thedevice 130 can communicate its status to a remote location permitting appropriate remedial action to be initiated. - While the
secondary fuse 136 is in circuit and carrying the load, thepart 130A of thedevice 130 can be removed from the device. This permits theprimary fuse 134 to be replaced without interrupting the current flow in the circuit. Moreover, since theactuator 155 is also removed, it can be re-primed for future activation. Being able to prime theactuator 155, and replace thefuse 134, while removed from thedevice 130 is advantageous since these acts may be performed manually by a single person - some regulations require that such acts can only be performed using a tool and in the presence of a second individual if the relevant components are part of a device that is still connected to the electricity supply. - Once the
primary fuse 134 has been replaced,part 130A can then be refitted to part 130B. Theswitch 143 may then be opened to restore thedevice 130 to its initial condition and without interrupting the electrical supply to the circuit. - If the electrical fault persists after the
primary fuse 134 has blown and thesecondary fuse 136 is in circuit, then thesecondary fuse 136 will also blow and the circuit will remain isolated until manual intervention can replace both fuses and repair the fault on the circuit. Thepreferred device 130 is also capable of reporting this condition to a remote location as above. - Optionally, the
device
Claims (9)
- An electrical fuse device (130) comprising first and second main electrical contacts (138, 140) between which a primary fuse (134) is electrically connectable; means for receiving a secondary fuse (136) such that one end (137) of said second fuse is electrically connected to said first main contact; means (143) for selectably connecting the other end (139) of said secondary fuse to said second main contact; means for detecting a failure of said primary fuse, and causing said connecting means to connect said other end of said secondary fuse to said second main contact in response to a detected failure of the primary fuse, characterised in that an actuator (155) is provided for actuating said connecting means into a closed state in which said other end of the secondary fuse is connected in use to said second main contact, and wherein said actuator is carried by a removable part (130A) of the device.
- A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a carrier (171) for said primary fuse (134) is provided on a removable part of the device.
- A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said actuator (155) and said primary fuse carrier (171) are both provided on the same removable part of the device.
- A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said actuator is adapted to be primable for actuation, preferably manually primed, when removed from the device.
- A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said connecting means comprises a movable contact (142) cooperable with first and second fixed contacts (144, 146), said movable contact being movable between an open state in which said first and second fixed contacts are electrically isolated from one another, and a closed state in which said first and second fixed contacts are electrically connected to one another, one of said fixed contacts being connected in use to said other end of said secondary fuse, the other of said fixed contacts being connected to said second main contact.
- A device as claimed in claim 5 when dependent on any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said actuator, when inserted into the device, is arranged to actuate said movable contact into its closed state.
- A device as claimed in claim 6, further including a station (186) for removably receiving said actuator, part of said station being defined by an abutment surface (188) coupled to said movable contact, the actuator including a deployable, preferably linearly deployable actuating member (157) arranged to act on said abutment surface when the actuator is located in the station.
- A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said station includes means (161) for activating said actuator, said activating means being arranged to releasably couple with said actuator.
- A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said ends of the primary fuse, or the primary fuse carrier, are releasably engagable with respective main contacts.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP10011950A EP2270830B1 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2007-10-08 | Electrical fuse device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0619932.7A GB0619932D0 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2006-10-09 | Electrical fuse device |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10011950.2 Division-Into | 2010-09-30 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1912241A1 EP1912241A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
EP1912241B1 true EP1912241B1 (en) | 2011-12-14 |
Family
ID=37454233
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10011950A Active EP2270830B1 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2007-10-08 | Electrical fuse device |
EP07019623A Active EP1912241B1 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2007-10-08 | Electrical fuse device |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10011950A Active EP2270830B1 (en) | 2006-10-09 | 2007-10-08 | Electrical fuse device |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP2270830B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE537548T1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB0619932D0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB201013888D0 (en) * | 2010-08-19 | 2010-10-06 | Kelvatek Ltd | Method of installing an electrical fuse device |
EP2421020B1 (en) | 2010-08-19 | 2013-10-16 | Kelvatek Ltd. | Electrical fuse device with locking mechanism |
GB201013900D0 (en) * | 2010-08-19 | 2010-10-06 | Kelvatek Ltd | Electrical fuse device with improved fuse clamps |
GB201106334D0 (en) * | 2011-04-14 | 2011-06-01 | Kelvatek Ltd | Load monitoring in an electricity supply system |
GB201802023D0 (en) * | 2018-02-07 | 2018-03-28 | 42 Tech Ltd | Apparatus for electrical measurement |
CN113725049A (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2021-11-30 | 杭州夏树科技有限公司 | Anti-creeping safety device of electric automobile |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2305996A (en) | 1940-05-25 | 1942-12-22 | Line Material Co | Repeating fuse construction |
US2437310A (en) | 1945-08-08 | 1948-03-09 | Werber Norberto | Double fuse |
DE1193132B (en) | 1961-11-08 | 1965-05-20 | Sachsenwerk Licht & Kraft Ag | Switchgear with high-performance fuses for short interruptions |
-
2006
- 2006-10-09 GB GBGB0619932.7A patent/GB0619932D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2007
- 2007-10-08 EP EP10011950A patent/EP2270830B1/en active Active
- 2007-10-08 EP EP07019623A patent/EP1912241B1/en active Active
- 2007-10-08 AT AT07019623T patent/ATE537548T1/en active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1912241A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 |
ATE537548T1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
GB0619932D0 (en) | 2006-11-15 |
EP2270830A1 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
EP2270830B1 (en) | 2012-12-12 |
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