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EP0924735A2 - A fuse arrangement - Google Patents

A fuse arrangement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0924735A2
EP0924735A2 EP98203980A EP98203980A EP0924735A2 EP 0924735 A2 EP0924735 A2 EP 0924735A2 EP 98203980 A EP98203980 A EP 98203980A EP 98203980 A EP98203980 A EP 98203980A EP 0924735 A2 EP0924735 A2 EP 0924735A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heating element
switch
fuse arrangement
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98203980A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0924735A3 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Dinger
Holger Alksnat
Stefan Kriegesmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
Original Assignee
Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH filed Critical Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
Publication of EP0924735A2 publication Critical patent/EP0924735A2/en
Publication of EP0924735A3 publication Critical patent/EP0924735A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fuse arrangement, and in particular to a fuse arrangement in an electrical system of a motor vehicle.
  • Fuse arrangements are well known in electrical systems.
  • 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.
  • a fuse arrangement in accordance with the present invention in an electrical system of a motor vehicle 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 temperature, a vehicle crash (where the present invention is installed in a motor vehicle), overload current, or other sensed adverse condition.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • the heating element 22 is preferably an annular graphite element which is placed around the portion 18 of the conductor 12.
  • 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 electrical conductor to be used with a portion selected for melting if an 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 is for use in a motor vehicle 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.

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  • Fuses (AREA)

Abstract

A fuse arrangement in an electrical system of an motor vehicle comprising an electrical conductor (12) connectable between a power supply (14) and an electrical load (16), the electrical conductor having a portion (18) with a predetermined melting point; a heating element (22) attached to the portion of the electrical conductor, the heating element being capable of reaching a temperature above the predetermined melting point; a switch (24) connected between the heating element and electrical ground, the switch normally being open; and switch control means (26) for closing the switch means and heating the heating element on receipt of a predetermined signal from a sensor (28). Provides protection for electrical loads on detection of an adverse condition by the sensor.

Description

    Technical Field
  • The present invention relates to a fuse arrangement, and in particular to a fuse arrangement in an electrical system of a motor vehicle.
    • Background of the Invention
  • 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.
    • Summary of the Invention
  • 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 in an electrical system of a motor vehicle 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 temperature, a vehicle crash (where the present invention is installed in a motor vehicle), overload current, or other sensed adverse condition.
    • Brief Description 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 Embodiment
  • 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 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 electrical conductor to be used with a portion selected for melting if an 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 is for use in a motor vehicle 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 (10)

  1. A fuse arrangement in an electrical system of a motor vehicle 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.
  2. A fuse arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heating element comprises an annular graphite element.
  3. 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.
  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.
EP98203980A 1997-12-16 1998-11-25 A fuse arrangement Withdrawn EP0924735A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9726433 1997-12-16
GB9726433A GB2332574B (en) 1997-12-16 1997-12-16 A fuse arrangement

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0924735A2 true EP0924735A2 (en) 1999-06-23
EP0924735A3 EP0924735A3 (en) 1999-11-03

Family

ID=10823604

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98203980A Withdrawn EP0924735A3 (en) 1997-12-16 1998-11-25 A fuse arrangement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0924735A3 (en)
GB (1) GB2332574B (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004001925A1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2003-12-31 Tyco Electronics Corporation Multiple load protection and control device
DE102006021256A1 (en) * 2006-04-28 2007-11-08 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor start circuit
US7777438B2 (en) 2006-07-19 2010-08-17 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor start circuit
US7777992B2 (en) 2006-11-07 2010-08-17 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor start circuit

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10356788A1 (en) * 2003-12-04 2005-07-07 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Safety device for a heater, heater and water 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

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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
WO1996033078A1 (en) * 1995-04-19 1996-10-24 Power-Motive B.V. Battery clamp

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08145388A (en) * 1994-11-17 1996-06-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Panel heater
DE19735546A1 (en) * 1997-08-16 1999-02-18 Daimler Benz Ag Fuse element for automobile current circuit

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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
WO1996033078A1 (en) * 1995-04-19 1996-10-24 Power-Motive B.V. Battery clamp

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004001925A1 (en) * 2002-06-19 2003-12-31 Tyco Electronics Corporation Multiple load protection and control device
CN100420116C (en) * 2002-06-19 2008-09-17 泰科电子有限公司 Multiple load protection and control device
DE102006021256A1 (en) * 2006-04-28 2007-11-08 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor start circuit
US7630180B2 (en) 2006-04-28 2009-12-08 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor starter circuit
US7777438B2 (en) 2006-07-19 2010-08-17 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor start circuit
US7777992B2 (en) 2006-11-07 2010-08-17 Danfoss Compressors Gmbh Motor start circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2332574A (en) 1999-06-23
EP0924735A3 (en) 1999-11-03
GB2332574B (en) 2002-06-12
GB9726433D0 (en) 1998-02-11

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