EP0940835B1 - Fuse particularly for applications in the motor car field - Google Patents

Fuse particularly for applications in the motor car field Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0940835B1
EP0940835B1 EP19990102310 EP99102310A EP0940835B1 EP 0940835 B1 EP0940835 B1 EP 0940835B1 EP 19990102310 EP19990102310 EP 19990102310 EP 99102310 A EP99102310 A EP 99102310A EP 0940835 B1 EP0940835 B1 EP 0940835B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fuse
contact elements
current
heating
fuse element
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19990102310
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0940835A3 (en
EP0940835A2 (en
Inventor
Uwe Schön
Dieter Bornhorst
Joachim Korherr
Joachim Jüngst
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.)
BCS Automotive Interface Solutions GmbH
Original Assignee
BCS Automotive Interface Solutions 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 BCS Automotive Interface Solutions GmbH filed Critical BCS Automotive Interface Solutions GmbH
Publication of EP0940835A2 publication Critical patent/EP0940835A2/en
Publication of EP0940835A3 publication Critical patent/EP0940835A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0940835B1 publication Critical patent/EP0940835B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • H01H85/04—Fuses, i.e. expendable parts of the protective device, e.g. cartridges
    • H01H85/05—Component parts thereof
    • H01H85/143—Electrical contacts; Fastening fusible members to such contacts
    • 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
    • H01H85/0241—Structural association of a fuse and another component or apparatus
    • H01H2085/0266—Structural association with a measurement device, e.g. a shunt
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01H85/36—Means for applying mechanical tension to fusible member

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuse, in particular for motor vehicle technology.
  • fuses are currently mainly found Use the power supply when the rated current is exceeded to one or more downstream consumers by melting interrupt a melting range.
  • a safety device in which the Current through a conventional fuse using a separate current sensor is detected, when a predetermined value is exceeded Threshold for the current strength of a thyristor connected downstream of the fuse ignited and a current is conducted to ground via the thyristor is higher than the nominal current for the fuse. This will be destroyed.
  • a similar fuse with one or more small explosive charges is known from US-A-4,677,412.
  • the explosive charge can be caused by the backup current themselves or a heater.
  • a similar thermal fuse element is known from DE-A-32 34 826, in which two spring wires under tension are soldered at one end are. There is a heating resistor near the solder joint to shorten the response time intended.
  • a controllable fuse is known from US-A-5 084 691, at the provided on a flat support plate two electrically conductive surfaces are bridged by means of an electrically conductive element.
  • the electric conductive element can only be made of a solder or with the suffered surfaces are soldered element, which under the bias a feather.
  • an electrically conductive heating surface made of a suitable material, which the current flow generates heat required to blow the fuse. If exceeded a temperature that is above the softening point of the solder, the soldered Element is removed or the electrical connection is interrupted, that the solder mass due to the surface tension of at least withdraws one of the conductive surfaces. A trip of the fuse without active heating is not provided.
  • the present invention is based on this prior art Task based on a backup, especially for automotive technology, to create, in which practically no oversizing of the downstream Cable is required and in which a disturbing arc in the Interruption of the electricity is avoided.
  • the fuse is designed according to the invention such that the resistance value between the fuse contacts, which is essentially is determined by the securing element and / or the contact elements as Shunt to capture the current to one or more downstream Can be used by consumers. This requires these elements and the connections have the desired resistance value.
  • connection between the fuse element and the contact elements made by soldering.
  • solder melts, which is exemplary at temperatures of approx. 180 °
  • an interruption of the Current by releasing the fuse element from the contact elements reached.
  • the risk of arcing, which is known in the case of Fuses are promoted by the occurrence of high melting temperatures is practically not given.
  • the actual securing element is so acted upon by the force of a resilient element that independent the position of the fuse when the connection melts or softens the securing element between the securing element and the contact elements is lifted off the contact elements.
  • the fuse can be used to achieve the current flow to the consumer an additional heater.
  • the heating takes place in particular so that the immediate vicinity of the connections between the Fuse element and the contact elements is heated.
  • the heating is preferably carried out by generating an additional one Current over the fuse element or one or more contact elements. This electricity used for heating is connected to the downstream Electricity supplied to consumers is superimposed.
  • the consumer can be dimensioned in this way to generate this additional current that there is a direct connection to the battery via the Theoretically, fuse would result in an impermissibly high current.
  • the "excess" Current can then be dissipated through a resistor, which with a connection contact or the fuse element is connected. The purging is preferably against ground.
  • the value of the resistance over which the additional heating current flows determines the temperature of the connections between the fuse element and the contact elements in normal operation. As a result, the nominal current of the fuse can be determined by this resistance be determined.
  • the heating can also be done in such a way that the temperature of the connections or the contact elements or the securing element is detected and is kept constant in a closed control loop: instead the ambient temperature can also be recorded and in the sense of a control the heating can be carried out depending on the ambient temperature. This results in an independent of the ambient temperature Fuse rated current.
  • the voltage drop can then occur in an overall system for protecting the consumers recorded, from this the current flowing to the consumer is determined and when a threshold current is exceeded, an active interrupt element for Interruption of the current to the consumer can be controlled.
  • the fuse can be designed such that a controllable switch, for example a relay or the like, with a contact element or the Security element is connected and in the event of detection of an exceeding of the threshold current are controlled so that the current becomes essential Partly or completely, preferably against mass, is removed.
  • a controllable switch for example a relay or the like
  • controllable electrical trigger heater a self-triggering one can also be used or controllable heating element of another type can be used.
  • This can e.g. a heating element based on an exothermic chemical reaction be either by means of e.g. electrical signal can be activated or triggers the exothermic reaction from a predetermined temperature.
  • the heating element can be in the immediate vicinity of the connections between the contact elements and the securing element are provided, so that when the fuse's rated current is exceeded, resulting in increased temperature leads, the threshold temperature of the release heating element exceeded and heating is triggered. This allows you to be ready for a relatively small overshoot of the rated current has triggered the fuse very quickly become.
  • the fuse 1 shown in Fig. 1 consists essentially of an electrical non-conductive carrier 3 on which two electrical contact elements 5 are arranged.
  • the electrical contact elements 5 are via a fuse element 7 connected.
  • the connection of the contact elements 5 with the securing element 7 can preferably be done by soldering in contact areas 9.
  • the Solder for establishing the electrical connection between the contact elements 5 and the securing elements 7 in the contact areas 9 can be dependent of the materials for the contact elements 5 and the securing element 7 in be chosen appropriately.
  • the solder can be selected so that the softening or melting point is reached at a predetermined temperature becomes.
  • a temperature of the contact elements or of the securing element of approximately 80 ° results in normal operation.
  • the softening or melting temperature is approx. 180 °. If the current I a supplied to the consumer via the fuse 1 is greater than a predetermined value, the temperature finally rises to the temperature of the softening or melting point, as a result of which the contact between the fuse element 7 and the contact elements 5 and thus the current flow the consumer is interrupted.
  • the securing element 7 on its side facing the contact elements 5 by a resilient element 11, for example, a coil spring, which deals with the supports the other end against the side of the carrier 3 facing it.
  • a resilient element 11 for example, a coil spring
  • the securing element 7 is lifted safely and permanently from the contact elements 5.
  • the fuse 1 comprise a housing, not shown, so that the fuse element 7 after triggering the fuse against one Inner wall of the housing can be pressed and fixed in this position.
  • connection can of course also be selected, which depend the temperature of the elements or the connection when exceeded guarantee a release of the connection of a threshold value.
  • Fig. 2 shows the fuse in Fig. 1, which is additionally heated.
  • Any heating source can of course be used for heating, for example an external resistance heater or one on an exothermic one chemical reaction based heater can be used.
  • a resistor 13 is connected to the output-side contact element 5, which dissipates a certain current I h against dimensions.
  • This additional heating current I h which is additionally conducted to the consumer current I a via fuse 1, causes additional heating of contact elements 5 or fuse element 7 and contact areas 9.
  • the value of resistor 13 is selected such that the The voltage of the battery, not shown in more detail, which is applied to the input-side contact element 5, is not influenced or is influenced only to an insignificant extent, so that the open-circuit voltage of the battery is practically available on the output side of the fuse without load from a consumer.
  • the value of the resistor 13 is selected such that a heating current I h results which, in normal operation, leads to a predetermined temperature of the contact elements 5 or of the fuse element 7 and thus of the contact areas 9. The closer this temperature is to the softening or melting point of the solder or the connecting means, the lower the nominal current of the fuse 1. In this way, it is possible to select different nominal currents with one and the same fuse simply by choosing the resistor 13 realize. In addition, there is the possibility of making the resistance changeable or controllable, so that the nominal current of the fuse 1 can be changed depending on certain circumstances.
  • the resistor 13 is the Series connection of a controllable switch 15 and a resistor 17 in parallel connected.
  • the resistor 17 may also be omitted if the electrical connections between the relevant contact element 5 and the dimensions or the structure of the controllable switch 15 a short-circuit current or the controllable switch already has a corresponding internal resistance having.
  • the controllable switch 15 can be controlled by an evaluation and control unit 19.
  • the evaluation and control unit 19 is connected to corresponding inputs with the contact elements 5, so that the voltage drop across the fuse 1 can be determined in this way. If the fuse is designed in such a way that it has a suitable resistance value for a shunt due to a suitable choice of the materials and geometry of the contact elements 5 of the fuse element 7 and of the connections in the regions 9, then the voltage drop to the consumer which is detected via the fuse 1 can flowing current I a can be determined. In this context, it should be noted that the current I a at the output of the fuse 1 is practically not falsified by the voltage measurement.
  • the evaluation and control unit 19 is designed such that it continuously or at predetermined time intervals determines the current I a flowing to the consumer and controls the controllable switch 15 in the closed state when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. Immediately after the switch 15 is closed, the current I a , which is deducted to be impermissibly high , is drastically reduced, at least to a value below the threshold value.
  • FIG. 2 the possibility of use shown in FIG. 2 can be used of a controllable switch can also be implemented when no additional Heating of the fuse is provided in normal operation via a resistor 13 is.
  • a controllable switch can also be located in the current path to the consumer be provided, the current after detecting an impermissibly high Value interrupts. This may turn out to be necessary, for example, if the consumer has a very low impedance, so that at closing the switch to generate the tripping heating current to the consumer is not reduced to a permissible (minimum) value.
  • controllable switch on the current path to the consumer offers also in cases where an external heater for disconnecting the fuse element of the contact elements after a detection of an inadmissible high current to the consumer is activated.
  • Tripping heating elements 21 are provided in recesses in the contact elements 5 in the immediate vicinity of the contact or connection areas 9. These can be controlled by the evaluation and control unit 19, in particular if the evaluation and control unit 19 detects an impermissibly high current I a via the fuse. A rapid tripping of the fuse can thus be ensured, even if the contact resistance of the contact areas 9 and thus the thermal power loss which is supplied thereby is relatively low.
  • the trigger heating elements 21 can also be designed to be self-triggering his. For example, fabrics can be used that are exceeded a predetermined trigger temperature an exothermic reaction in progress set, which quickly provides the amount of heat required to trip the fuse 1 is supplied.

Landscapes

  • Fuses (AREA)
  • Control Of Resistance Heating (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Sicherung, insbesondere für die Kraftfahrzeugtechnik.The invention relates to a fuse, in particular for motor vehicle technology.

Auf diesem technischen Gebiet finden derzeit im Wesentlichen Schmelzsicherungen Verwendung, die bei Überschreiten des Nennstroms die Stromversorgung zu einem oder mehreren nachgeschalteten Verbrauchern durch das Schmelzen eines Schmelzbereichs unterbrechen.In this technical field, fuses are currently mainly found Use the power supply when the rated current is exceeded to one or more downstream consumers by melting interrupt a melting range.

Diese Sicherungen erfordern jedoch für eine relativ lange Zeit eine hohe Stromstärke, die wesentlich über dem Nennstrom der Sicherung liegt. Demzufolge müssen nachfolgende Kabel entsprechend überdimensioniert sein, um einen Kabelbrand und damit eine Gefährdung des KFZ zu vermeiden.However, these fuses require a high amperage for a relatively long time, which is significantly higher than the nominal current of the fuse. As a result, subsequent cables must be oversized accordingly in order to prevent a cable fire and thus to avoid endangering the vehicle.

Zudem entsteht bei Schmelzsicherungen ein Lichtbogen, der sich störend auswirken kann. Auch erfordert das Schmelzen eine Abschirmung der Sicherung, um zu vermeiden, dass Tröpfchen geschmolzenen Metalls störende Wirkungen hervorrufen.In addition, an arc arises with fuses, which has a disruptive effect can. Melting also requires shielding the fuse, to prevent droplets of molten metal from interfering cause.

Aus der DE-A-195 27 997 ist eine Sicherungsvorrichtung bekannt, bei der die Stromstärke durch eine übliche Schmelzsicherung mittels eines separaten Stromstärke-Sensors erfasst wird, wobei bei Überschreiten einer vorbestimmten Schwelle für die Stromstärke ein der Schmelzsicherung nachgeschalteter Thyristor gezündet und über den Thyristor ein Strom gegen Masse geführt wird, der höher als der Nennstrom für die Schmelzsicherung ist. Diese wird dadurch zerstört. From DE-A-195 27 997 a safety device is known in which the Current through a conventional fuse using a separate current sensor is detected, when a predetermined value is exceeded Threshold for the current strength of a thyristor connected downstream of the fuse ignited and a current is conducted to ground via the thyristor is higher than the nominal current for the fuse. This will be destroyed.

Auch bei dem in der US-A-3 958 206 beschriebenen Sicherungselement, welches mittels einer kleinen Explosivladung zerstörbar ist, wenn die Auslösetemperatur für die Explosivladung überschritten wird, kann ein Stromsensor mit nachgeschaltetem Schwellwertschalter verwendet werden, um die Explosivladung über eine zusätzliche ansteuerbare Heizung schneller zu zünden, als dies bei einer Zündung durch die rein thermische Erwärmung durch den durch das Sicherungselement fließenden Strom der Fall wäre.Also in the securing element described in US-A-3 958 206, which is destructible by means of a small explosive charge if the trigger temperature for the explosive charge is exceeded, a current sensor with a downstream Threshold switches are used to switch the explosive charge over to ignite an additional controllable heater faster than with a Ignition due to the purely thermal heating caused by the fuse element flowing current would be the case.

Eine ähnliche, ein oder mehrere kleine Explosivladung aufweisende Sicherung ist aus der US-A-4 677 412 bekannt. Die Explosivladung kann durch den Sicherungsstrom selbst oder eine Heizeinrichtung ausgelöst werden.A similar fuse with one or more small explosive charges is known from US-A-4,677,412. The explosive charge can be caused by the backup current themselves or a heater.

Sicherungselemente mit Explosivstoffen unterliegen jedoch in den meisten Staaten behördlichen Zulassungsverfahren, was die Herstellung bzw. Markteinführung solcher Sicherungen verteuert. In jedem Fall ist die Herstellung solcher Sicherungen aufwändiger, da jedes Risiko für Personen ausgeschlossen werden muss.However, fuse elements with explosives are subject in most states official approval process, what the manufacture or market launch such fuses expensive. In any case, the manufacture is such Fuses are more complex since every risk for people is excluded got to.

Aus der DE-PS 708 704 ist eine Unterbrechungseinrichtung für elektrische Stromkreise bekannt, bei der ein feste Kontakte überbrückendes Schaltglied mit den festen Kontakten verlötet ist. Für das Auslösen der Einrichtung ist eine Fremdheizung vorgesehen, wobei das Schaltglied bei Überschreiten der Erweichungstemperatur für das Lot abfällt und so der Stromkreis aufgetrennt wird.From DE-PS 708 704 an interruption device for electrical Circuits known in which a switching contacts bridging fixed contacts the fixed contacts is soldered. For triggering the facility is one External heating is provided, the switching element when the softening temperature is exceeded for the solder falls off and the circuit is broken.

Eine ähnliches Thermo-Sicherungselement ist aus der DE-A-32 34 826 bekann, bei dem zwei unter Vorspannung stehende Federdrähte an einem Ende verlötet sind. Zur Verkürzung der Ansprechzeit ist in der Nähe der Lötstelle ein Heizwiderstand vorgesehen.A similar thermal fuse element is known from DE-A-32 34 826, in which two spring wires under tension are soldered at one end are. There is a heating resistor near the solder joint to shorten the response time intended.

Schließlich ist aus der US-A-5 084 691 eine steuerbare Sicherung bekannt, bei der auf einer flachen Trägerplatte zwei elektrisch leitende Flächen vorgesehen sind, die mittels eines elektrisch leitenden Elements überbrückt sind. Das elektrisch leitende Element kann lediglich aus einer Lötmasse oder einem mit den leidenden Flächen verlöteten Element bestehen, welches unter der Vorspannung einer Feder steht. An der Rückseite der Platte ist eine elektrisch leitende Heizfläche aus einem geeigneten Material vorgesehen, welches bei Stromdurchfluss die für das Auslösen der Sicherung erforderliche Hitze erzeugt. Bei Überschreiten einer Temperatur, die über dem Erweichungspunkt des Lots liegt, wird das aufgelötete Element abgezogen bzw. wird die elektrische Verbindung dadurch unterbrochen, dass sich die Lotmasse in Folge der Oberflächenspannung von wenigstens einer der leitenden Flächen zurückzieht. Ein Auslösen der Sicherung ohne aktive Heizung ist nicht vorgesehen.Finally, a controllable fuse is known from US-A-5 084 691, at the provided on a flat support plate two electrically conductive surfaces are bridged by means of an electrically conductive element. The electric conductive element can only be made of a solder or with the suffered surfaces are soldered element, which under the bias a feather. At the back of the plate is an electrically conductive heating surface made of a suitable material, which the current flow generates heat required to blow the fuse. If exceeded a temperature that is above the softening point of the solder, the soldered Element is removed or the electrical connection is interrupted, that the solder mass due to the surface tension of at least withdraws one of the conductive surfaces. A trip of the fuse without active heating is not provided.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Sicherung, insbesondere für die Kraftfahrzeugtechnik, zu schaffen, bei welcher praktisch keine Überdimensionierung der nachgeschalteten Kabel erforderlich ist und bei welcher ein störender Lichtbogen bei der Unterbrechung des Stroms vermieden wird.The present invention is based on this prior art Task based on a backup, especially for automotive technology, to create, in which practically no oversizing of the downstream Cable is required and in which a disturbing arc in the Interruption of the electricity is avoided.

Die Erfindung löst diese Aufgabe mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

Durch das Verwenden einer Verbindung zwischen dem eigentlichen Sicherungselement und wenigstens zwei Kontaktelementen, welche bei Überschreiten einer entsprechenden Temperatur (die wesentlich unter der Schmelztemperatur der Materialien liegt), z.B. bedingt durch das Überschreiten des Nennstroms der Sicherung, erweicht und auf diese Weise das Sicherungselement von den Kontaktelementen gelöst wird, ergibt sich der Vorteil einer wesentlich geringerer Wärmemenge, die für das Auslösen der Sicherung erforderlich ist. Mit anderen Worten, die Sicherung reagiert bereits auf geringere Leistungsüberschreitungen im Vergleich zum Normalbetrieb. Nachteile von Schmelzprozessen bei hohen Temperaturen werden vermieden.By using a connection between the actual securing element and at least two contact elements which, when one is exceeded corresponding temperature (which is significantly below the melting temperature of the Materials), e.g. due to the nominal current being exceeded Fuse, softens and in this way the securing element from the contact elements solved, there is the advantage of a much smaller Amount of heat required to blow the fuse. With others Words, the backup already responds to minor overruns compared to normal operation. Disadvantages of melting processes at high Temperatures are avoided.

Die Sicherung ist erfindungsgemäß so ausgestaltet, dass der Widerstandswert zwischen den Anschlusskontakten der Sicherung, welcher im Wesentlichen durch das Sicherungselement und/oder die Kontaktelemente bestimmt ist, als Shunt zur Erfassung des Stroms zu einem oder mehreren nachgeschalteten Verbrauchern verwendbar ist. Hierzu müssen diese Elemente und die Verbindungen den gewünschten Widerstandswert aufweisen.The fuse is designed according to the invention such that the resistance value between the fuse contacts, which is essentially is determined by the securing element and / or the contact elements as Shunt to capture the current to one or more downstream Can be used by consumers. This requires these elements and the connections have the desired resistance value.

Damit können durch die Erfassung des Stroms zu den Verbrauchern mit einer geeigneten Auswerte- und Steuereinheit abhängig von der Stromstärke weitere Aktionen ausgelöst werden.Thus, by capturing electricity to consumers with a suitable evaluation and control unit depending on the current strength others Actions are triggered.

Bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird die Verbindung zwischen dem Sicherungselement und den Kontaktelementen durch Verlöten hergestellt. Auf diese Weise wird bereits beim Schmelzen des Lots, welches beispieIsweise bei Temperaturen von ca. 180° erfolgt, eine Unterbrechung des Stroms durch das Lösen des Sicherungselements von den Kontaktelementen erreicht. Die Gefahr des Entstehens eines Lichtbogens, welche bei bekannten Schmelzsicherungen durch das Auftreten der hohen Schmelztemperaturen gefördert wird, ist praktisch nicht gegeben. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection between the fuse element and the contact elements made by soldering. In this way, as soon as the solder melts, which is exemplary at temperatures of approx. 180 °, an interruption of the Current by releasing the fuse element from the contact elements reached. The risk of arcing, which is known in the case of Fuses are promoted by the occurrence of high melting temperatures is practically not given.

Nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist das eigentliche Sicherungselement derart mit der Kraft eines federnden Elements beaufschlagt, dass unabhängig von der Lage der Sicherung bei einem Schmelzen bzw. Erweichen der Verbindung zwischen dem Sicherungselement und den Kontaktelementen das Sicherungselement von den Kontaktelementen abgehoben wird.According to one embodiment of the invention, the actual securing element is so acted upon by the force of a resilient element that independent the position of the fuse when the connection melts or softens the securing element between the securing element and the contact elements is lifted off the contact elements.

Um bei einem bestimmten bzw. unterschiedlichen Nennstrom eine Unterbrechung des Stromflusses zum Verbraucher zu erreichen, kann die Sicherung mit einer zusätzlichen Heizung ausgestattet sein. Die Beheizung erfolgt dabei insbesondere so, dass die unmittelbare Umgebung der Verbindungen zwischen dem Sicherungselement und dem Kontaktelementen beheizt wird.An interruption at a certain or different nominal current The fuse can be used to achieve the current flow to the consumer an additional heater. The heating takes place in particular so that the immediate vicinity of the connections between the Fuse element and the contact elements is heated.

In bevorzugter Weise erfolgt das Beheizen durch das Erzeugen eines zusätzlichen Stroms über das Sicherungselement bzw. eines oder mehrerer Kontaktelemente. Dieser für die Beheizung genutzte Strom wird dem den nachgeschalteten Verbrauchern zugeführten Strom überlagert.The heating is preferably carried out by generating an additional one Current over the fuse element or one or more contact elements. This electricity used for heating is connected to the downstream Electricity supplied to consumers is superimposed.

Zur Erzeugung dieses zusätzlichen Stroms kann der Verbraucher so dimensioniert werden, dass es bei einer direkten Verbindung mit der Batterie über die Sicherung theoretisch zu einem unzulässig hohen Strom käme. Der "überschüssige" Strom kann dann über einen Widerstand abgeführt werden, welcher mit einem Anschlusskontakt bzw. dem Sicherungselement verbunden ist. Das Abführen erfolgt vorzugsweise gegen Masse. Der Wert des Widerstands, über welchen der zusätzliche Heizstrom fließt, bestimmt die Temperatur der Verbindungen zwischen dem Sicherungselement und den Kontaktelementen im normalen Betrieb. Demzufolge kann durch diesen Widerstandswert der Nennstrom der Sicherung festgelegt werden. The consumer can be dimensioned in this way to generate this additional current that there is a direct connection to the battery via the Theoretically, fuse would result in an impermissibly high current. The "excess" Current can then be dissipated through a resistor, which with a connection contact or the fuse element is connected. The purging is preferably against ground. The value of the resistance over which the additional heating current flows determines the temperature of the connections between the fuse element and the contact elements in normal operation. As a result, the nominal current of the fuse can be determined by this resistance be determined.

Das Beheizen kann auch in der Weise erfolgen, dass die Temperatur der Verbindungen bzw. der Kontaktelemente oder des Sicherungselements erfasst wird und in einer geschlossenen Regelschleife konstant gehalten wird: Anstelle dessen kann auch die Umgebungstemperatur erfasst werden und im Sinne einer Steuerung die Beheizung abhängig von der Umgebungstemperatur durchgeführt werden. Hierdurch ergibt sich ein von der Umgebungstemperatur unabhängiger Nennstrom der Sicherung.The heating can also be done in such a way that the temperature of the connections or the contact elements or the securing element is detected and is kept constant in a closed control loop: instead the ambient temperature can also be recorded and in the sense of a control the heating can be carried out depending on the ambient temperature. This results in an independent of the ambient temperature Fuse rated current.

In einem Gesamtsystem zur Absicherung der Verbraucher kann dann der Spannungsabfall erfasst, hieraus der zum Verbraucher fließende Strom bestimmt und bei Überschreiten eines Schwellenstroms ein aktives Unterbrechungselement zur Unterbrechung des Stroms zum Verbraucher angesteuert werden.The voltage drop can then occur in an overall system for protecting the consumers recorded, from this the current flowing to the consumer is determined and when a threshold current is exceeded, an active interrupt element for Interruption of the current to the consumer can be controlled.

Die Sicherung kann dabei so ausgebildet sein, dass ein steuerbarer Schalter, beispielsweise ein Relais oder dergleichen, mit einem Kontaktelement oder dem Sicherungselement verbunden ist und im Fall des Detektierens eines Überschreitens des Schwellenstroms so angesteuert werden, dass der Strom zu einem wesentlichen Teil oder vollständig, vorzugsweise gegen Masse, abgeführt wird.The fuse can be designed such that a controllable switch, for example a relay or the like, with a contact element or the Security element is connected and in the event of detection of an exceeding of the threshold current are controlled so that the current becomes essential Partly or completely, preferably against mass, is removed.

Bei dieser Ausführungsform ist zum einen gewährleistet, dass der detektierte unzulässig hohe Strom zum Verbraucher teilweise oder vollständig auf Null reduziert wird und zum anderen entsteht ein hoher Strom über die Sicherung, welcher seinerseits zu einem Auslösen der Sicherung führt. Auf diese Weise wird eine sehr reaktionsschnelle Sicherung geschaffen, die zudem (im Allgemeinen zeitlich verzögert) eine irreversible Trennung des Verbrauchers von der Stromquelle gewährleistet. In this embodiment, on the one hand, it is ensured that the detected one inadmissibly high current to the consumer partially or completely to zero is reduced and on the other hand a high current is generated via the fuse, which in turn triggers the fuse. That way created a very responsive backup that also (in general delayed) an irreversible separation of the consumer from the power source guaranteed.

Anstelle dieser ansteuerbaren elektrischen Auslöseheizung kann auch ein selbstauslösendes oder ansteuerbares Heizelement anderer Art verwendet werden. Dies kann z.B. ein auf einer exothermen chemischen Reaktion beruhendes Heizelement sein, das entweder mittels eines z.B. elektrischen Signals aktivierbar ist oder ab einer vorbestimmten Temperatur die exotherme Reaktion auslöst. Beispielsweise kann das Heizelement in unmittelbarer Nähe der Verbindungen zwischen den Kontaktelementen und dem Sicherungselement vorgesehen werden, so dass bei Überschreitung des Nennstroms der Sicherung, was zu erhöhten Temperatur führt, die Schwellentemperatur des Auslöseheizelements überschritten und das Heizen ausgelöst wird. Hierdurch kann bereit bei einer relativ geringen Überschreitung des Nennstroms ein sehr rasches Auslösen der Sicherung erreicht werden. Instead of this controllable electrical trigger heater, a self-triggering one can also be used or controllable heating element of another type can be used. This can e.g. a heating element based on an exothermic chemical reaction be either by means of e.g. electrical signal can be activated or triggers the exothermic reaction from a predetermined temperature. For example the heating element can be in the immediate vicinity of the connections between the contact elements and the securing element are provided, so that when the fuse's rated current is exceeded, resulting in increased temperature leads, the threshold temperature of the release heating element exceeded and heating is triggered. This allows you to be ready for a relatively small overshoot of the rated current has triggered the fuse very quickly become.

Weitere Ausführungsformen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Further embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Sicherung nach der Erfindung und;
Fig. 2
eine schematische Darstellung der Sicherung in Fig. 1, erweitert um eine zusätzliche elektrische Beheizung und eine aktive Unterbrechungseinrichtung.
Fig. 3
eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Sicherung mit einer aktivierbaren Auslöseheizung.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. The drawing shows:
Fig. 1
is a schematic sectional view of a fuse according to the invention and;
Fig. 2
a schematic representation of the fuse in Fig. 1, extended by an additional electrical heating and an active interrupt device.
Fig. 3
is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a fuse with an activatable trigger heater.

Die in Fig. 1 dargestellte Sicherung 1 besteht im Wesentlichen aus einem elektrisch nicht leitenden Träger 3, auf welchem zwei elektrische Kontaktelemente 5 angeordnet sind. Die elektrischen Kontaktelemente 5 sind über ein Sicherungselement 7 verbunden. Die Verbindung der Kontaktelemente 5 mit dem Sicherungelement 7 kann vorzugsweise durch Löten in Kontaktbereichen 9 erfolgen. Das Lot zur Herstellung der elektrischen Verbindung zwischen den Kontaktelementen 5 und den Sicherungselementen 7 in den Kontaktbereichen 9 kann abhängig von den Materialien für die Kontaktelemente 5 und das Sicherungselement 7 in geeigneter Weise gewählt werden. Zudem kann das Lot so gewählt werden, dass der Erweichungs- bzw. Schmelzpunkt bei einer vorbestimmten Temperatur erreicht wird.The fuse 1 shown in Fig. 1 consists essentially of an electrical non-conductive carrier 3 on which two electrical contact elements 5 are arranged. The electrical contact elements 5 are via a fuse element 7 connected. The connection of the contact elements 5 with the securing element 7 can preferably be done by soldering in contact areas 9. The Solder for establishing the electrical connection between the contact elements 5 and the securing elements 7 in the contact areas 9 can be dependent of the materials for the contact elements 5 and the securing element 7 in be chosen appropriately. In addition, the solder can be selected so that the softening or melting point is reached at a predetermined temperature becomes.

Es hat sich gezeigt, dass sich im normalen Betrieb beispielsweise eine Temperatur der Kontaktelemente bzw. des Sicherungselements von ca. 80° ergibt. Bei üblichen Loten beträgt die Erweichungs- bzw. Schmelztemperatur ca. 180°. Wird der dem Verbraucher über die Sicherung 1 zugeführte Strom Ia größer als ein vorbestimmter Wert, so steigt die Temperatur schließlich bis auf die Temperatur des Erweichungs- bzw. Schmelzpunkts an, wodurch der Kontakt zwischen dem Sicherungselement 7 und den Kontaktelementen 5 und damit der Stromfluss der Verbraucher unterbrochen wird .It has been shown that, for example, a temperature of the contact elements or of the securing element of approximately 80 ° results in normal operation. With conventional solders, the softening or melting temperature is approx. 180 °. If the current I a supplied to the consumer via the fuse 1 is greater than a predetermined value, the temperature finally rises to the temperature of the softening or melting point, as a result of which the contact between the fuse element 7 and the contact elements 5 and thus the current flow the consumer is interrupted.

Bei der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform wird das Sicherungselement 7 an seiner den Kontaktelementen 5 zugewandten Seite von einem federnden Element 11, beispielsweise einer Schraubenfeder, beaufschlagt, das sich mit dem anderen Ende gegen die ihm zugewandte Seite des Trägers 3 abstützt. Durch eine Vorspannung des federnden Elements 11 kann erreicht werden, dass nach Erreichen des Erweichungs- bzw. Schmelzpunkts des Lots das Sicherungselement 7 sicher und dauerhaft von den Kontaktelementen 5 abgehoben wird. Selbstverständlich kann die Sicherung 1 ein nicht näher dargestelltes Gehäuse umfassen, so dass das Sicherungselement 7 nach einem Auslösen der Sicherung gegen eine Innenwandung des Gehäuses gedrückt und in dieser Position fixiert werden kann.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the securing element 7 on its side facing the contact elements 5 by a resilient element 11, for example, a coil spring, which deals with the supports the other end against the side of the carrier 3 facing it. By a Biasing of the resilient element 11 can be achieved after reaching the softening or melting point of the solder, the securing element 7 is lifted safely and permanently from the contact elements 5. Of course can the fuse 1 comprise a housing, not shown, so that the fuse element 7 after triggering the fuse against one Inner wall of the housing can be pressed and fixed in this position.

Anstelle des Verlötens der Kontaktelemente 9 mit dem Sicherungselement 7 können selbstverständlich auch andere Verbindungen gewählt werden, die abhängig von der Temperatur der Elemente bzw. der Verbindung bei Überschreiten eines Schwellwertes ein Lösen der Verbindung gewährleisten.Instead of soldering the contact elements 9 to the securing element 7 other connections can of course also be selected, which depend the temperature of the elements or the connection when exceeded guarantee a release of the connection of a threshold value.

Fig. 2 zeigt die Sicherung in Fig. 1, wobei diese zusätzlich beheizt wird.Fig. 2 shows the fuse in Fig. 1, which is additionally heated.

Für eine Beheizung kann selbstverständlich jede beliebige Wärmequelle, beispielsweise eine externe Widerstandsheizung oder eine auf einer exothermen chemischen Reaktion beruhende Heizung verwendet werden.Any heating source can of course be used for heating, for example an external resistance heater or one on an exothermic one chemical reaction based heater can be used.

Bei dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel wurde jedoch die einfache und kostengünstig realisierbare Heizung mittels eines zusätzlichen Stroms über die Sicherung 1 gewählt. Hierzu ist mit dem ausgangsseitigen Kontaktelement 5 ein Widerstand 13 verbunden, der einen bestimmten Strom Ih gegen Maße abführt. Dieser zusätzliche Heizstrom Ih, welcher zusätzlich zudem zum Verbraucher geführten Strom Ia über die Sicherung 1 geführt wird, bewirkt eine zusätzlicher Erwärmung der Kontaktelemente 5 bzw. des Sicherungselements 7 und der Kontaktbereiche 9. Der Wert des Widerstands 13 ist so gewählt, dass die Spannung der nicht näher dargestellten Batterie, welche an dem eingangsseitigen Kontaktelement 5 anliegt, nicht oder nur unwesentlich beeinflusst wird, so dass auch an der Ausgangsseite der Sicherung ohne Belastung durch einen Verbraucher praktisch die Leerlaufspannung der Batterie zur Verfügung steht.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, however, the simple and inexpensive heating by means of an additional current via the fuse 1 was selected. For this purpose, a resistor 13 is connected to the output-side contact element 5, which dissipates a certain current I h against dimensions. This additional heating current I h , which is additionally conducted to the consumer current I a via fuse 1, causes additional heating of contact elements 5 or fuse element 7 and contact areas 9. The value of resistor 13 is selected such that the The voltage of the battery, not shown in more detail, which is applied to the input-side contact element 5, is not influenced or is influenced only to an insignificant extent, so that the open-circuit voltage of the battery is practically available on the output side of the fuse without load from a consumer.

Des Weiteren wird der Widerstand 13 seinem Wert nach so gewählt, dass sich ein Heizstrom Ih ergibt, der im normalen Betriebsfall zu einer vorbestimmten Temperatur der Kontaktelemente 5 bzw. des Sicherungselement 7 und damit der Kontaktbereiche 9 führt. Je näher diese Temperatur am Erweichungs- bzw. Schmelzpunkt des Lots bzw. des Verbindungsmittels liegt, um so geringer wird der Nennstrom der Sicherung 1. Auf diese Weise ist es allein durch die Wahl des Widerstands 13 möglich, mit ein und derselben Sicherung verschiedene Nennströme zu realisieren. Zudem besteht die Möglichkeit, den Widerstand veränderbar oder steuerbar zu gestalten, so dass abhängig von bestimmten Gegebenheiten der Nennstrom der Sicherung 1 verändert werden kann.Furthermore, the value of the resistor 13 is selected such that a heating current I h results which, in normal operation, leads to a predetermined temperature of the contact elements 5 or of the fuse element 7 and thus of the contact areas 9. The closer this temperature is to the softening or melting point of the solder or the connecting means, the lower the nominal current of the fuse 1. In this way, it is possible to select different nominal currents with one and the same fuse simply by choosing the resistor 13 realize. In addition, there is the possibility of making the resistance changeable or controllable, so that the nominal current of the fuse 1 can be changed depending on certain circumstances.

Bei dem in Fig. 2 dargestelltem Ausführungsbeispiel ist dem Widerstand 13 die Reihenschaltung eines steuerbaren Schalters 15 und eines Widerstands 17 parallel geschaltet. Der Widerstand 17 kann gegebenenfalls auch entfallen, wenn die elektrischen Verbindungen zwischen dem betreffenden Kontaktelement 5 und der Maße bzw. der Aufbau des steuerbaren Schalters 15 einen Kurzschlußstrom zulassen bzw. der steuerbare Schalter bereits einen entsprechenden Innenwiderstand aufweist.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the resistor 13 is the Series connection of a controllable switch 15 and a resistor 17 in parallel connected. The resistor 17 may also be omitted if the electrical connections between the relevant contact element 5 and the dimensions or the structure of the controllable switch 15 a short-circuit current or the controllable switch already has a corresponding internal resistance having.

Der steuerbare Schalter 15 ist von einer Auswerte- und Steuereinheit 19 ansteuerbar. Die Auswerte- und Steuereinheit 19 ist mit entsprechenden Eingängen mit den Kontaktelementen 5 verbunden, so dass auf diese Weise der Spannungsabfall über die Sicherung 1 ermittelt werden kann. Ist die Sicherung so ausgebildet, dass sie durch eine geeignete Wahl der Materialien und Geometrie der Kontaktelemente 5 des Sicherungselements 7 sowie der Verbindungen in den Bereichen 9 einen für einen Shunt geeigneten Widerstandswert aufweist, so kann aus dem über die Sicherung 1 detektierten Spannungsabfall der zum Verbraucher fließende Strom Ia ermittelt werden. In diesem Zusammenhang sei bemerkt, dass der Strom Ia am Ausgang der Sicherung 1 durch die Spannungsmessung praktisch nicht verfälscht wird.The controllable switch 15 can be controlled by an evaluation and control unit 19. The evaluation and control unit 19 is connected to corresponding inputs with the contact elements 5, so that the voltage drop across the fuse 1 can be determined in this way. If the fuse is designed in such a way that it has a suitable resistance value for a shunt due to a suitable choice of the materials and geometry of the contact elements 5 of the fuse element 7 and of the connections in the regions 9, then the voltage drop to the consumer which is detected via the fuse 1 can flowing current I a can be determined. In this context, it should be noted that the current I a at the output of the fuse 1 is practically not falsified by the voltage measurement.

Die Auswerte- und Steuereinheit 19 ist so ausgebildet, dass diese ständig oder in vorbestimmten Zeitintervalen den zum Verbraucher fließenden Strom Ia ermittelt und bei Überschreiten einer vorbestimmten Schwelle den steuerbaren Schalter 15 in den geschlossenen Zustand steuert. Sofort nach Schließen des Schalters 15 wird der als unzulässig hoch dediktierte Strom Ia drastisch, jedenfalls auf einen Wert unterhalb des Schwellwerts, reduziert. Durch die Wahl des Widerstands 17 derart, dass durch den über den Schalter 15 fließenden Auslöse-Heizstrom Iha die Sicherung soweit beheizt wird, dass es zu einem Auslösen kommt, ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass der Verbrauch sicher und dauerhaft von der Stromquelle getrennt wird.The evaluation and control unit 19 is designed such that it continuously or at predetermined time intervals determines the current I a flowing to the consumer and controls the controllable switch 15 in the closed state when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. Immediately after the switch 15 is closed, the current I a , which is deducted to be impermissibly high , is drastically reduced, at least to a value below the threshold value. By selecting the resistor 17 in such a way that the fuse heating current I ha flowing through the switch 15 heats the fuse to such an extent that it triggers, there is the advantage that the consumption is safely and permanently disconnected from the power source ,

Bei der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 2 ist somit gewährleistet, dass sofort nach einem Überschreiten eines Schwellwerts für den Strom Ia dieser Strom drastisch reduziert und dadurch der Verbraucher praktisch von der Stromquelle getrennt wird und dass nach einer gewissen Zeit ein mechanisches irreversibles Unterbrechen der elektrischen Leitung zwischen Stromquelle und Verbraucher erfolgt. Auf diese Weise müssen die Kabel zwischen dem Ausgang der Sicherung 1 und den nachgeschalteten Verbrauchern nicht mehr, wie bisher, bei üblichen Schmelzsicherungen erforderlich, entsprechend überdimensioniert werden.In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, it is thus ensured that immediately after a threshold value for the current I a is exceeded , this current is drastically reduced and the consumer is practically separated from the power source and that after a certain time a mechanical irreversible interruption of the electrical line between power source and consumer. In this way, the cables between the output of the fuse 1 and the downstream consumers no longer have to be oversized, as was previously the case with conventional fuses.

Selbstverständlich kann die in Fig. 2 dargestellte Möglichkeit der Verwendung eines steuerbaren Schalters auch dann realisiert werden, wenn keine zusätzliche Heizung der Sicherung im Normalbetrieb über einen Widerstand 13 vorgesehen ist.Of course, the possibility of use shown in FIG. 2 can be used of a controllable switch can also be implemented when no additional Heating of the fuse is provided in normal operation via a resistor 13 is.

Zusätzlich kann auch im Strompfad zum Verbraucher ein steuerbarer Schalter vorgesehen sein, der den Strom nach dem Detektieren eines unzulässig hohen Wertes unterbricht. Dies kann sich beispielsweise dann als notwendig herausstellen, wenn der Verbraucher eine sehr geinge Impedanz aufweist, so dass bei einem Schließen des Schalters zur Erzeugung des Auslöse-Heizstroms der Strom zum Verbraucher nicht auf einen zulässigen (minimalen) Wert reduziert wird.In addition, a controllable switch can also be located in the current path to the consumer be provided, the current after detecting an impermissibly high Value interrupts. This may turn out to be necessary, for example, if the consumer has a very low impedance, so that at closing the switch to generate the tripping heating current to the consumer is not reduced to a permissible (minimum) value.

Das Vorsehen eines steuerbaren Schalters am Strompfad zum Verbraucher bietet sich auch in Fällen an, in denen eine externe Heizung für das Trennen des Sicherungselements von den Kontaktelementen nach einem Detektieren eines unzulässig hohen Stroms zum Verbraucher aktiviert wird.The provision of a controllable switch on the current path to the consumer offers also in cases where an external heater for disconnecting the fuse element of the contact elements after a detection of an inadmissible high current to the consumer is activated.

Bei der in Fig. 3 dargestellten Ausführungsform ist keine zusätzliche Heizung für das Erreichen einer vorbestimmten Temperatur im Normalbetrieb vorgesehen.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, there is no additional heating for reaching a predetermined temperature is provided in normal operation.

In Ausnehmungen in den Kontaktelementen 5 sind in unmittelbarer Nahe der Kontakt- oder Verbindungsbereiche 9 Auslöseheizelemente 21 vorgesehen. Diese sind von der Auswerte- und Steuereinheit 19 ansteuerbar, insbesondere wenn die Auswerte- und Steuereinheit 19 einen unzulässig hohen Strom Ia über die Sicherung detektiert. Damit kann ein rasches Auslösen der Sicherung gewährleistet werden, auch wenn der Übergangswiderstand der Kontaktbereiche 9 und damit die hierdurch zugeführte thermische Verlustleistung relativ gering ist.Tripping heating elements 21 are provided in recesses in the contact elements 5 in the immediate vicinity of the contact or connection areas 9. These can be controlled by the evaluation and control unit 19, in particular if the evaluation and control unit 19 detects an impermissibly high current I a via the fuse. A rapid tripping of the fuse can thus be ensured, even if the contact resistance of the contact areas 9 and thus the thermal power loss which is supplied thereby is relatively low.

Des Weiteren können die Auslöseheizelemente 21 auch selbstauslösend ausgebildet sein. Beispielsweise können Stoffe verwendet werden, die bei Überschreiten einer vorbestimmten Auslösetemperatur eine exotherem Reaktion in Gang setzen, wodurch rasch die erforderliche Wärmemenge für das Auslösen der Sicherung 1 zugeführt wird.The trigger heating elements 21 can also be designed to be self-triggering his. For example, fabrics can be used that are exceeded a predetermined trigger temperature an exothermic reaction in progress set, which quickly provides the amount of heat required to trip the fuse 1 is supplied.

Im Gegensatz zu der in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsform ist bei der Ausführungsform nach Fig. 3 jedoch nicht unmittelbar nach einem Ansteuern der Auslöseheizelemente 21 eine Unterbrechung bzw. Reduzierung des Stroms Ia gewährleistet, da erst die erforderliche Wärmemenge für das Auslösen der Sicherung erzeugt werden muss.In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, however, an interruption or reduction in the current I a is not guaranteed immediately after the triggering heating elements 21 have been actuated, since only the amount of heat required for triggering the fuse is generated got to.

Claims (12)

  1. Fuse, in particular for automotive engineering,
    a) with a fuse element (7), which is connected to at least two contact elements (5),
    b) the connection being designed in such a way that, if a predetermined temperature is exceeded, the electrical contact between the fuse element (7) and the least two contact elements (5) is separated,
    characterized
    c) in that the fuse element (7) and/or the contact elements (5) are designed in such a way with regard to the resistance value that they can be used at the same time as a shunt for registering the current to one or more downstream loads.
  2. Fuse according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection is of such a kind that it has a predetermined electrical transition resistance, which leads to a heating up of the connection in accordance with the intensity of the current flowing via the fuse.
  3. Fuse according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection is produced by soldering the fuse element (7) to the contact elements (5).
  4. Fuse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuse element (7) is acted on by the force of a resilient element (11) and the force acts in a direction separating the contact elements (5) and the fuse element (7).
  5. Fuse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact elements (5) and/or the fuse element (7) are additionally heatable, preferably in the direct vicinity of the connecting regions (9).
  6. Fuse according to Claim 5, characterized in that the additional heating takes place by the generation of an additional current (Ih) via the fuse element (7) and/or the contact elements (5).
  7. Fuse according to Claim 6, characterized in that one or more of the at least two contact elements (5) or the fuse element (7) is connected to a resistor (13), via which the additional heating current (Ih) flows away, preferably to earth.
  8. Fuse according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, to produce fuses with a predetermined rated current, the additional heating takes place in such a way that the connections between the contact elements (5) and the fuse element (7) assume a corresponding predetermined temperature.
  9. Fuse according to Claim 8, characterized in that the additional heating to achieve a temperature of the connections between the contact elements (5) sind the fuse element (7) that is independent of the ambient temperature takes place under open-loop or closed-loop control.
  10. Fuse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more controllable switches (15) are provided, which, once activated, reduce or interrupt the current (Ia) flowing via the fuse (1) to the load before a thermal disconnection of the connection between the contact elements (5) and the fuse element (7).
  11. Fuse according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an automatically triggering or activatable triggering-heating element is provided, which after triggering or activation heats up the connections between the fuse element (7) and the contact elements (5) to such an extent that they are disconnected.
  12. Fuse according to Claim 11, characterized in that the triggering-heating element is provided as an electrically heatable element or an element which can be heated by means of an exothermal chemical reaction.
EP19990102310 1998-03-04 1999-02-05 Fuse particularly for applications in the motor car field Expired - Lifetime EP0940835B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE1998109149 DE19809149C2 (en) 1998-03-04 1998-03-04 Security, in particular for automotive technology
DE19809149 1998-03-04

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0940835A2 EP0940835A2 (en) 1999-09-08
EP0940835A3 EP0940835A3 (en) 1999-11-03
EP0940835B1 true EP0940835B1 (en) 2002-05-22

Family

ID=7859629

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19990102310 Expired - Lifetime EP0940835B1 (en) 1998-03-04 1999-02-05 Fuse particularly for applications in the motor car field

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US6445276B2 (en)
EP (1) EP0940835B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH11317144A (en)
KR (1) KR19990077580A (en)
CN (1) CN1151525C (en)
BR (1) BR9900841A (en)
CZ (1) CZ292433B6 (en)
DE (2) DE19809149C2 (en)

Families Citing this family (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6759760B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2004-07-06 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Method to eliminate shipping fuse handling
DE10248066A1 (en) * 2002-10-09 2004-04-22 E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH Safety device for a heating device and heating device
EP1889346A1 (en) * 2005-05-25 2008-02-20 Callsmart UK Limited Thermal protection for electrical installations and fittings
DE102007014339A1 (en) * 2007-03-26 2008-10-02 Robert Bosch Gmbh Thermal fuse for use in electrical modules
DE102007033180B4 (en) 2007-07-13 2010-11-18 Auto-Kabel Management Gmbh Circuit breaker for supply lines in motor vehicles
JP5034800B2 (en) * 2007-09-10 2012-09-26 三菱電機株式会社 Semiconductor device and inverter system provided with the same
US7969275B2 (en) * 2007-11-14 2011-06-28 Enerdel, Inc. Fuse assembly with integrated current sensing
US8193770B2 (en) * 2007-12-25 2012-06-05 BYD Co. Ltd Battery system for a vehicle having an over-current/over-temperature protective feature
JP4757895B2 (en) * 2008-03-05 2011-08-24 内橋エステック株式会社 Protective element
JP4943360B2 (en) * 2008-03-05 2012-05-30 内橋エステック株式会社 Protective element
JP4943359B2 (en) * 2008-03-05 2012-05-30 内橋エステック株式会社 Protective element
JP4757898B2 (en) * 2008-05-23 2011-08-24 内橋エステック株式会社 Protective element
JP5416835B2 (en) * 2009-05-21 2014-02-12 ビーワイディー カンパニー リミテッド Current fuse device and battery assembly including the same
JP4757931B2 (en) * 2009-05-22 2011-08-24 内橋エステック株式会社 Protective element
DE102009042916A1 (en) 2009-09-24 2011-04-07 Dbk David + Baader Gmbh Fuse, has elastic element i.e. spring, isolating contact elements e.g. contact bush and contact sleeve, when reaching or exceeding fusing temperature of soldered joint, where contact elements are connected by soldered joint
US8531263B2 (en) * 2009-11-24 2013-09-10 Littelfuse, Inc. Circuit protection device
CN201780951U (en) * 2010-04-29 2011-03-30 比亚迪股份有限公司 Novel fuse
DE102010038070B4 (en) * 2010-08-06 2012-10-11 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Thermal overload protection device
US20130057380A1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2013-03-07 Tsung-Mou Yu Protection device for circuit
DE102011084593A1 (en) * 2011-10-17 2013-04-18 Robert Bosch Gmbh Current separation device
EP3431347B1 (en) * 2011-12-06 2020-06-24 Magna Closures Inc. Components for active pedestrian safety mechanism
FR2994891B1 (en) * 2012-09-06 2016-10-21 Valeo Systemes Thermiques ELECTRIC FLUID HEATING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE, HEATING CIRCUIT, AND HEATING AND / OR AIR CONDITIONING APPARATUS THEREOF
KR101401141B1 (en) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-30 스마트전자 주식회사 The complex protection device of blocking the abnormal state of current and voltage
KR101388354B1 (en) * 2012-11-26 2014-04-24 스마트전자 주식회사 The complex protection device of blocking the abnormal state of current and voltage
US9490093B2 (en) * 2013-07-12 2016-11-08 Eaton Corporation Fuse and trip mechanism therefor
DE102015108758A1 (en) * 2014-06-13 2015-12-17 Smart Electronics Inc. Complex protection device
DE102014109982B4 (en) 2014-07-16 2018-02-08 Borgwarner Ludwigsburg Gmbh Thermal fuse and printed circuit board with thermal fuse
US11300458B2 (en) * 2017-09-05 2022-04-12 Littelfuse, Inc. Temperature sensing tape, assembly, and method of temperature control
TW201930837A (en) 2017-09-05 2019-08-01 美商力特福斯股份有限公司 Temperature sensing tape
DE102017125208B4 (en) * 2017-10-27 2021-08-12 Auto-Kabel Management Gmbh Electrical fuse element and method for operating an electrical fuse element
US10446345B2 (en) * 2018-01-09 2019-10-15 Littelfuse, Inc. Reflowable thermal fuse
US11049685B2 (en) 2018-05-10 2021-06-29 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Circuit protector arc flash reduction system with parallel connected semiconducor switch
US11749484B2 (en) * 2018-05-10 2023-09-05 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Circuit protector arc flash reduction system with parallel connected semiconductor switch
DE102018213522B4 (en) * 2018-08-10 2022-06-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Fusible link, fuse body, system and method
DE102018129679B4 (en) * 2018-11-26 2020-07-30 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Surge protection device with thermal overload protection device
JP7173902B2 (en) * 2019-03-05 2022-11-16 デクセリアルズ株式会社 protective element
US11811272B2 (en) 2019-09-27 2023-11-07 Black & Decker, Inc. Electronic module having a fuse in a power tool
US11631565B2 (en) * 2020-11-10 2023-04-18 Science Applications International Corporation Thermal fuse

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE543091C (en) * 1932-02-01 Siemens Schuckertwerke Akt Ges Fusible link with a soft soldering point between two fusible conductors
DE708704C (en) * 1935-03-07 1941-07-26 Siemens Schuckertwerke Akt Ges Interrupting device for electrical circuits
DE668300C (en) * 1936-09-23 1938-11-30 Hermann Muth Dipl Ing Electrical safety device for large currents
DE693608C (en) * 1939-03-28 1940-07-16 Wickmann Werke Akt Ges Glass cartridge fuse with delayed shutdown
US2300142A (en) * 1940-06-11 1942-10-27 Chase Shawmut Co Fusible electric protective device
DE720373C (en) * 1940-09-14 1942-05-04 Efen Elektrotech Fab Fine fuse for larger currents
US3931602A (en) * 1970-08-10 1976-01-06 Micro Devices Corporation Thermal limiter for one or more electrical circuits and method of making the same
US3763454A (en) * 1972-02-22 1973-10-02 Tektronix Inc Thermal switch
US3958206A (en) * 1975-06-12 1976-05-18 General Electric Company Chemically augmented electrical fuse
US4451814A (en) * 1982-06-14 1984-05-29 Fasco Controls Corporation Non-resettable thermal fuse
US4677412A (en) * 1982-07-28 1987-06-30 Dan Sibalis Energy supplemented electrical fuse
DE3234826A1 (en) * 1982-09-21 1984-03-22 Loewe Opta Gmbh, 8640 Kronach Thermal fuse element
US4494104A (en) * 1983-07-18 1985-01-15 Northern Telecom Limited Thermal Fuse
US4808960A (en) * 1987-11-06 1989-02-28 Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated Thermal cutoff heater
JP2820703B2 (en) * 1989-01-25 1998-11-05 株式会社オリエント Temperature current sensor
US5084691A (en) * 1990-10-01 1992-01-28 Motorola, Inc. Controllable fuse
US5097247A (en) * 1991-06-03 1992-03-17 North American Philips Corporation Heat actuated fuse apparatus with solder link
DE4219554A1 (en) * 1992-06-15 1993-12-16 Siemens Ag Thermal fuse and procedure for its activation
DE19527997C2 (en) * 1995-07-31 1998-02-05 Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag Safety device for a circuit in vehicles
US5793274A (en) * 1996-11-01 1998-08-11 Bourns, Inc. Surface mount fusing device
GB2320984A (en) * 1997-01-04 1998-07-08 Rover Group Electrical fuses

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE19809149A1 (en) 1999-09-09
US6445276B2 (en) 2002-09-03
EP0940835A3 (en) 1999-11-03
DE59901479D1 (en) 2002-06-27
CZ74999A3 (en) 1999-09-15
CN1228604A (en) 1999-09-15
JPH11317144A (en) 1999-11-16
CZ292433B6 (en) 2003-09-17
DE19809149C2 (en) 2001-09-27
CN1151525C (en) 2004-05-26
KR19990077580A (en) 1999-10-25
US20010020888A1 (en) 2001-09-13
BR9900841A (en) 1999-12-21
EP0940835A2 (en) 1999-09-08

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0940835B1 (en) Fuse particularly for applications in the motor car field
DE10049071B4 (en) Safety device for a circuit, in particular in motor vehicles
EP1019934B1 (en) Circuit arrangement and process for operating a safety fuse
EP2601665B1 (en) Thermal overload protection apparatus
EP2126950A1 (en) Fusible alloy element, thermal fuse with fusible alloy element and method for producing a thermal fuse
WO2015149994A1 (en) Battery system with a battery for supplying a high-voltage network and at least one switching unit for limiting a residual current flowing across the battery and the high-voltage terminals of the battery and/or for limiting a voltage applied from the battery across the high-voltage terminals of the battery to the high-voltage network and a corresponding method
DE112008003792T5 (en) External operation thermal protection device
DE10036156A1 (en) Circuit breaker for motor vehicle, has heating agent ignited in response to vehicle abnormality signal to melt retainer so that spring can extend to break circuit
EP1004130B1 (en) Fuse element for electrical systems and a method and circuit for operating a fuse element
DE102020125293A1 (en) FLOATING RELEASE MECHANISMS FOR USE WITH SWITCHING DEVICES INCLUDING PYROTECHNICAL FEATURES
WO2008116675A1 (en) Thermal fuse for use in electric modules
DE102008013447A1 (en) Surge arrester, has separating device integrated in electrical contact path of arresting element, where defect state variable of arrester is supplied to auxiliary module to pass high switching current or short-circuit current over module
DE112010004559T5 (en) Circuit protection device
EP3429885A1 (en) Dc overcurrent protection apparatus
EP1040495A1 (en) Electric fuse
DE602004006903T2 (en) Thermal fuse with power function
DE19735552A1 (en) Fuse element for automobile current circuit
DE3932602C1 (en)
DE19821487C1 (en) Electrical fuse with controllable disconnecting device
DE10111252A1 (en) Arrangement for protecting loads in vehicle electrical circuits, has trigger unit with semiconducting elements in pyrotechnic charge for igniting charge to open isolating element
DE19827374C2 (en) Fuse element for electrical systems
EP3724021B1 (en) Electrochemical energy storage module and vehicle
DE3441870A1 (en) Device for detecting and stopping unwanted arcs
DE10311090A1 (en) Thermal cutout for protecting against too high temperatures in electrical consumers, fits in a current path with a short-circuit flexible element as a first cutout function element.
DE202018101334U1 (en) Overvoltage protection order

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19991215

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE ES FR GB IT PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20010227

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020522

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59901479

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020627

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20020725

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020822

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20020822

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20021128

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030225

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20090106

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20090206

Year of fee payment: 11

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20100205

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20101029

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100301

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100205

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20140227

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 59901479

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150901