GB2332574A - Fuse arrangement and operating circuit - Google Patents
Fuse arrangement and operating circuit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2332574A GB2332574A GB9726433A GB9726433A GB2332574A GB 2332574 A GB2332574 A GB 2332574A GB 9726433 A GB9726433 A GB 9726433A GB 9726433 A GB9726433 A GB 9726433A GB 2332574 A GB2332574 A GB 2332574A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fuse arrangement
- heating element
- switch
- electrical
- sensor
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- H01H85/46—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the protective device
-
- 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
- H01H85/46—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the protective device
- H01H2085/466—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the protective device with remote controlled forced fusing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H61/00—Electrothermal relays
- H01H61/02—Electrothermal relays wherein the thermally-sensitive member is heated indirectly, e.g. resistively, inductively
Landscapes
- Fuses (AREA)
Abstract
Power supply 14 is connected to load 16 by a conductor 12 having a portion 18 with a predetermined melting point. When a sensor 28 detects a condition such as high temperature, high current, or a vehicle crash, a switch 24 is closed and a heater 22 is energised, causing the portion 18 to melt and disconnect the load 16 from the supply 14. The heater 22 may be an annular graphite element, a coil, or a flat element with a catalyst. Several such circuits may be connected to different loads.
Description
2332574 A FUSE ARRANGEMENT Technical Fiel The present invention relates to
a fuse arrangement, and in particular to a fuse arrangement for use in the electrical system of a motor vehicle.
Background of the Inventio
Fuse arrangements are well known in electrical systems. In general, such fuse arrangements comprise an electrical conductor having a portion which melts when excessive current passes through the portion of the conductor. Whilst this type of fuse arrangement works well in preventing excessive currents reaching an electrical load, it has limitations in that it only operates when an excessive current Passes through the conductor.
SummaiZ of the Inventio It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuse arrangement which disconnects electrical power to an electrical load on detection of an adverse condition.
A fuse arrangement in accordance with the present invention comprises an electrical conductor connectable between a power supply and an electrical load, the electrical conductor having a portion with a predetermined melting point; a heating element attached to the portion of the electrical conductor, the heating element being capable of reaching a temperature above the predetermined melting point; a switch connected between the heating element and electrical ground, the switch normally being open; and switch control means for closing the switch means and heating the heating element on receipt of a predetermined signal from a sensor.
The present invention provides protection for electrical loads on detection of any sensed adverse condition, such an excessive high 2 temperature, a vehicle crash (where the present invention is installed in a motor vehicle), overload current, or other sensed adverse condition.
Brief Descr2tion of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of a first embodiment of fuse arrangement in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of fuse arrangement in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a third embodiment of fuse arrangement in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 4 is part of a circuit diagram of a fourth embodiment of fuse arrangement in accordance with the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodime
Referring to Figure 1, the fuse arrangement 10 comprises an electrical conductor 12 which provides an electrical connection between a power supply 14 and an electrical load 16. A portion 18 of the conductor 12 is stripped of the conductor insulation 20. The portion 18 has a composition, shape and size such that the portion has a predetermined melting point. A heating element 22 is attached to the portion 18 of the conductor 12. The heating element 22 is capable of reaching temperatures in excess of the predetermined melting point. A switch 24 is connected between the heating element 22 and electrical ground. The switch 24 is actuated by switch control means 26. The switch control means 26 receives signals from one or more sensors 28.
The switch 24 is normally open and may be a relay operated switch or a semiconductor switch (such as a transistor). The sensors 28 monitor predetermined adverse conditions such as high temperature, overload 3 current, and in respect of use on a motor vehicle, a vehicle crash. The switch control means 26 is an electronic circuit or microcomputer which receives signals from the sensor or sensors 28. On receipt of any adverse signal from the or one of the sensors 28, the switch control means 26 closes the switch 24. Closure of the switch 24 connects the heating element 22 between the power supply 14 and electrical ground and, as a consequence, heats the heating element. Heating of the heating element 22 causes the portion 18 of the conductor 12 to melt disconnecting the power supply 14 from the electrical loads 16.
Where the switch control means 26 is a microcomputer, preferably the microcomputer retains information concerning an adverse condition in a memory in the microcomputer for subsequent interrogation, for example, by a vehicle servicing person. In the above described example, the heating element 22 is preferably an annular graphite element which is placed around the portion 18 of the conductor 12. In the alternative arrangements shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heating element is in the form of a heating coil 30 (Figure 2) or a substantially flat heating element 32 (Figure 3) with a heating catalyst 34 between the element and the portion 18 of the conductor 12.
A further alternative fuse arrangement 100 is shown in Figure 4 for use with electrical conductors 112 in the form of busbars which are connected to the power supply 114 by way of a single busbar 102. Each conductor 112 has a heating element 122 (with each heating element being individually operated by a switch and switch control means as described above) attached thereto. Such an arrangement provides for selective disconnection of power to one or more of the electrical loads 116.
The present invention provides for protection of the electrical loads from additional adverse conditions (such as excessive high temperature) besides high or overload current. The present invention allows a normal 30 electrical conductor to be used with a portion selected for melting if an 4 adverse condition is detected. Such an arrangement overcomes problems associated with voltage drop across a fuse as no such voltage drop is generated with the present invention. The present invention has particular application in a motor vehicles and can be used to disconnect the power supply from the vehicle battery in the event of the motor vehicle being involved in a crash.
Claims (11)
1. A fuse arrangement comprising an electrical conductor connectable between a power supply and an electrical load, the electrical conductor having a portion with a predetermined melting point; a heating element attached to the portion of the electrical conductor, the heating element being capable of reaching a temperature above the predetermined melting point; a switch connected between the heating element and electrical ground, the switch normally being open; and switch control means for closing the switch means and heating the heating element on receipt of a predetermined signal from a sensor.
R
2. A fuse arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises an annular graphite element.
A fuse arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises a heating coil.
4. A fuse arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heating element is substantially planar with a heating catalyst between the heating element and the portion of the electrical conductor.
5. A fuse arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch is operated by a relay.
6. A fuse arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch is a semiconductor device.
7. A fuse arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch control means is a microcomputer.
6
8. A fuse arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch control means is an electronic circuit.
9. A fuse arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.
10. A fuse arrangement as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a crash sensor.
11. A fuse arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to, and as shown in,the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9726433A GB2332574B (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1997-12-16 | A fuse arrangement |
| EP98203980A EP0924735A3 (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1998-11-25 | A fuse arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9726433A GB2332574B (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1997-12-16 | A fuse arrangement |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9726433D0 GB9726433D0 (en) | 1998-02-11 |
| GB2332574A true GB2332574A (en) | 1999-06-23 |
| GB2332574B GB2332574B (en) | 2002-06-12 |
Family
ID=10823604
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9726433A Expired - Fee Related GB2332574B (en) | 1997-12-16 | 1997-12-16 | A fuse arrangement |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0924735A3 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2332574B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005055659A1 (en) * | 2003-12-04 | 2005-06-16 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Safety device for a heating apparatus, heating apparatus, and continuous flow heater |
| DE102015217190A1 (en) * | 2015-09-09 | 2017-03-09 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Combined fuse for an electric vehicle electrical system of an electrically driven vehicle |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6667461B1 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2003-12-23 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Multiple load protection and control device |
| DE102006021256A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2007-11-08 | Danfoss Compressors Gmbh | Motor start circuit |
| DE102006034499A1 (en) | 2006-07-19 | 2008-01-31 | Danfoss Compressors Gmbh | Motor start circuit |
| DE102006053524B4 (en) | 2006-11-07 | 2011-05-26 | Danfoss Flensburg Gmbh | Motor start circuit |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH08145388A (en) * | 1994-11-17 | 1996-06-07 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Panel heater |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3575681A (en) * | 1969-06-11 | 1971-04-20 | Motorola Inc | Remote fuse destruction device |
| US3764948A (en) * | 1970-08-10 | 1973-10-09 | Micro Devices Corp | Thermal limiter for one or more electrical circuits and method of making the same |
| US3958206A (en) * | 1975-06-12 | 1976-05-18 | General Electric Company | Chemically augmented electrical fuse |
| US4677412A (en) * | 1982-07-28 | 1987-06-30 | Dan Sibalis | Energy supplemented electrical fuse |
| AT383697B (en) * | 1983-09-15 | 1987-08-10 | Wickmann Werke Gmbh | PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR INTERRUPTING A CIRCUIT OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES, MACHINES ETC. |
| EP0513405A1 (en) * | 1991-05-11 | 1992-11-19 | Intermacom A.G. | Method and apparatus for current interruption in electrically-powered apparatus and equipment |
| NL1000175C2 (en) * | 1995-04-19 | 1996-10-22 | White Holding B V | Battery clamp. |
| DE19735546A1 (en) * | 1997-08-16 | 1999-02-18 | Daimler Benz Ag | Fuse element for automobile current circuit |
-
1997
- 1997-12-16 GB GB9726433A patent/GB2332574B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-11-25 EP EP98203980A patent/EP0924735A3/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH08145388A (en) * | 1994-11-17 | 1996-06-07 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Panel heater |
Non-Patent Citations (4)
| Title |
|---|
| Patent Abstracts of Japan No JP 560017407 A * |
| Patent Abstracts of Japan No JP 600250414 A * |
| WPI Accession No 91-066176 25 & DE 003927547 A * |
| WPI Accession No 96-323883 33 & JP 080145388 A * |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005055659A1 (en) * | 2003-12-04 | 2005-06-16 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Safety device for a heating apparatus, heating apparatus, and continuous flow heater |
| DE102015217190A1 (en) * | 2015-09-09 | 2017-03-09 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Combined fuse for an electric vehicle electrical system of an electrically driven vehicle |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0924735A3 (en) | 1999-11-03 |
| GB2332574B (en) | 2002-06-12 |
| GB9726433D0 (en) | 1998-02-11 |
| EP0924735A2 (en) | 1999-06-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20041216 |