Safety device for power circuit and fuse box

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6775113
  • Patent Number
    6,775,113
  • Date Filed
    Friday, September 13, 2002
    21 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, August 10, 2004
    19 years ago
Abstract
The safety device for a power circuit includes a first power circuit (2A) including a first load (4) and a first fuse element (5A) for receiving a first voltage power from a power supply (9) to supply the first voltage power to the first load through the first fuse element. The safety device includes a second power circuit (2B) including a second load (3) and a second fuse element (5B) for receiving a second voltage power from a converter (8), which converts the first voltage power into the second voltage power, to supply the second voltage power to the second load (3) through the second fuse element (5B). The device includes a fusion system (20) for fusing the other of the first and second fuse elements when an arbitrary one of the first and second fuse elements fuses.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




The invention relates to a safety device for a power circuit and a fuse box effectively adapted for the safety device. The power circuit supplies power to loads on two related systems. The loads include, for example, an actuator and an electrical control unit (referred to as ECU) for controlling the actuator.




2. Description of Relevant Art




A conventional energization system for a 14 V-system automotive includes a junction box. The box includes a branched power circuit. The system includes ECUs. The system includes loads for producing physical output, such as an actuator. The power circuit supplies a current to the ECUs and actuators through common fuses. The system allows a voltage from a power supply to be directly inputted to the ECUs. Respective ECUs include corresponding series regulator inside them, which converts to a low-voltage of, for example, 5V for actuating an internal circuit.




With recent advances in development, an automotive is equipped with a motor generator with efficient fuel cost, and can drive at a high-voltage of 42 V. Voltage conversion of a high-voltage of 42 V, using a series regulator, causes excessive loss. A proposal is that all ECUs house more efficient switching converters. The proposal, however, would result in remarkably high prices.




Another proposal is that a junction box includes a DC/DC converter within it. The converter collectively converts the voltage of a 42 V power supply into a lower voltage of 12 V to be distributed to respective ECUs. One system includes a power circuit for a high-voltage, which applies a voltage of 42 V to an actuator. Another system includes a power circuit for low-voltage, which applies a voltage of 12 V to an ECU. Respective power circuits have corresponding fuses for high and low voltage in them to protect the circuits.




As the ECU controls the actuator, the two systems are closely related to each other. If an abnormality occurs on one system when a current is being supplied to loads on the two systems, the supply of current to the other system is necessarily stopped.




In the 14 V system, a current is supplied to both of the actuator and ECU through fuses. For example, in response to an abnormality in the actuator, fusion of a fuse automatically stops the supply of a current to an ECU. In response to an abnormality in the ECU, fusion of a fuse automatically stops the supply of current to the actuator. These produce no specific problems.




Another proposal is that energization system is separated into systems for the actuator and the ECU respectively. A current is supplied to each of the actuator and the ECU through corresponding fuses for high and low voltage. The fusion of one fuse in the system due to an abnormality allows the other fuse to be left effectively, and to continuously supply a current to the other load.




When a fuse fuses if an abnormality exists on, for example, the actuator, the supply of a current to the ECU for controlling it should stop. After the fusion of one fuse, a voltage is continuously applied to the remaining load. The application can cause an abnormality on the remaining system, such as a rapid short-circuit or a rare-short. Systems separated from a power circuit produce new problems.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The invention is directed to a safety device for a power circuit, and a fuse box effectively adapted for the safety device. Where a current is applied to two related loads of two systems, the fusion of the fuse on one system caused by the fusion of the fuse on other system ensures the safety of entire circuit.




A first aspect of the invention is directed to a safety device for a power circuit. The device includes a first power circuit including a first load and a first fuse element for receiving a first voltage power from a power supply to supply the first voltage power to the first load through the first fuse element. The device includes a second power circuit including a second load and a second fuse element for receiving a second voltage power from a converter, which converts the first voltage power into the second voltage power, to supply the second voltage power to the second load through the second fuse element. The device includes a fusion system for fusing the other of the first and second fuse elements when an arbitrary one of the first and second fuse elements fuses.




Preferably, the fusion system includes a circuit for applying overcurrent to the other fuse element to be fused when said arbitrary fuse element fuses.




Preferably, the fusion system includes a heating element for heating the other fuse element to be fused at a fusion temperature when said arbitrary fuse element fuses.




Preferably, the first power circuit includes a first power terminal connected to the power supply. The first power circuit includes a second load terminal connected to the first load. The second power circuit includes a second power terminal connected to the power supply. The second power circuit includes a second load terminal connected to the second load. The first fuse element includes a first fusible member extending from the first power terminal. The second fuse element includes a second fusible member extending from the second power terminal. The fusion system includes a first conductive member extending from the first load terminal, and conductively contacting with the first fusible member. The fusion system includes a second conductive member extending from the second load terminal, and conductively contacting with the second fusible member. The fusion system includes a displacing system for displacing a corresponding conductive member to contact with the other fusible member, the other conductive member or the other load terminal, when said arbitrary fusible member fuses.




Preferably, the second load includes a controller for controlling the first load.




Preferably, the second power circuit supplies a current to the controller, serving as a power circuit for low-voltage. The first power circuit supplies a current to the first load, serving as a power circuit for high-voltage.




Preferably, the first fuse element includes a first fusible member arranged side by side with a first circuit member of the first power circuit. The second fuse element includes a second fusible member arranged side with by side a second circuit member of the second power circuit. The fusion system includes a first conductive member having a tendency to deform to contact with the second circuit member. The first conductive member is separated away from the second circuit member, and is retained against the first fusible member. The fusion system includes a second conductive member having a tendency to deform to contact with the first circuit member. The second conductive member is separated away from the first circuit member, and is retained against the second fusible member.




Preferably, the fusion system includes a first shunt circuit between the first fuse element and the first load for grounding the first power circuit. The fusion system includes a control circuit responsive to identical electric potentials of both terminals of the second fuse element to open the first shunt circuit.




Preferably, the control circuit is responsive to an electric potential difference between both terminals of the second fuse element to close the first shunt circuit.




Preferably, the fusion system includes a second shunt circuit between the second fuse element and the second load for grounding the second power circuit. The fusion system includes a control circuit responsive to identical electric potentials of both terminals of the first fuse element to open the second shunt circuit.




Preferably, the control circuit is responsive to an electric potential difference between both terminals of the second fuse element to close the first shunt circuit.




A second aspect of the invention is directed to a fuse box adapted for power circuits. The fuse box includes a first power terminal configured to connect a power supply via a first power circuit. The fuse box includes a first load terminal configured to connect a load of the first power circuit. The fuse box includes a second power terminal configured to connect the power supply via a second power circuit. The fuse box includes a second load terminal configured to connect a load of the second power circuit. The fuse box includes a first fusible member extending from the first power terminal. The fuse box includes a second fusible member extending from the second power terminal. The fuse box includes a first conductive element extending from the second load terminal, and conductively contacting with the first fusible member. The fuse box includes a second conductive member extending from the second load terminal, and conductively contacting with the second fusible member. The fuse box includes a displacing system for displacing a corresponding one of the first and second conductive members to contact with the other fusible member, the other conductive member or the other load terminal, when an arbitrary one of the first and second fusible members fuses.




Preferably, said corresponding conductive member has resilience.




Preferably, the displacing system includes a resilient member biasing said corresponding conductive member against said arbitrary fusible member.




According to the safety device, when one of the first and second fuse elements fuses, the other fuse element is forced to fuse, thus stopping current to the other load. Thus, if an abnormality occurs on one of the first and second loads in association with each other, continuous supply of a current to the other load would produce inconvenience. The device securely prevents this inconvenience and ensures safety.




For example, one of two loads is an actuator and the other load is a control unit for controlling the actuator. If an abnormality on the actuator causes a fuse to be fused, this device prevents continuous application of current to the control unit. Similarly, if an abnormality on the controller causes the other fuse to be fused, the device prevents continuous application of current to the actuator.




For example, a combination of logical circuit ensures the safety of the power circuits.




For example, a combination of the heating element and the circuit for energizing the heating element ensures the safety of the power circuits.




According to the device, an abnormality on the first load causes the application of overcurrent to the first power circuit to fuse the first fusible member. The fusion disengages the retention of the first fuse element in a normal position. The first conductive member is displaced toward the second fusible member, the second conductive member, and the second load terminal for conductive contact.




Thus, the second fusible member is joined with the first load, as well as with the second load. The joint allows the instant application of overcurrent more than normal to the second fusible member. The overcurrent fuses the second conductive member, which simultaneously stops the energization of both loads, thus ensuring safety.




If an abnormality occurs on the second load, the fusion of the second conductive member allows the fusion of the first conductive member in a reversed motion. Similarly, this simultaneously stops the energization of both loads, thus ensuring safety.




If the controller has an abnormality when the second fuse element for energizing the controller fuses, the energization of the first load to be controlled by the controller stops. On the other hand, if the first load has an abnormality when the first fuse element for energizing the first load fuses, the energization of the controller stops. This ensures safety of the entire energization system.




If one of the first and second fuse elements of the first and second power circuits fuses due to an abnormality, the other fuse element is securely fused. The fusion prevents an unforeseen situation, such as the generation of overcurrent or a rare short-circuit.




According to the fuse box, when the application of overcurrent to the first power circuit allows the fusion of the first fusible member, the fusion disengages the retention of the first conductive member at a normal position. The first conductive member is displaced toward the second fusible member, the second conductive member or the second load terminal for conductive contact. Thus, overcurrent more than normal is instantly applied to the second fusible member. The overcurrent fuses the second conductive member, stopping the energization of the load, and thus ensuring safety. When the application of overcurrent to the second power circuit allows the fusion of the second fusible member, in a reversed motion, the fusion of the first fusible member stops the energization of the load, ensuring safety.




One of the first and second fusible members is fused, and the corresponding conductive member in conductively contact with said one fuse element conductively contact with the other fuse element by its own resilience. Thus, compared to using another spring separated from a conductive member, this reduces the number of components and simplifies the structure.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a circuit diagram illustrating an energization system in an entire constitution, which includes the safety device according to the first embodiment;





FIG. 2

is a circuit diagram illustrating an energization system in an entire constitution, which includes the safety device according to the second embodiment;





FIG. 3

is a perspective external view of the fuse box, which is adapted for the system of

FIG. 8

;





FIG. 4

is a sectional view of the fuse box in

FIG. 3

;





FIGS. 5A and 5B

are illustrative views of the behavior when a 14 V fusible conductive member (corresponding to a fuse) is fused first;

FIG. 5A

illustrates a step of fusing a 14V fusible electrical conductive member;

FIG. 5B

illustrates a step of fusing a 42 V fusible electrical conductive member due to the displacement of the 14 V fusible conductive member successively after the fusion of the 14 V fusible conductive member;





FIGS. 6A and 6B

are illustrative views of the behavior when a 42 V fusible conductive member (corresponding to a fuse) is fused first;

FIG. 6A

illustrates a step of fusing a 42V fusible conductive member;

FIG. 6B

illustrates a step of fusing a 14 V fusible electrical conductive member due to the displacement of the 42 V fusible conductive member successively after the fusion of the 42 V fusible conductive member;





FIG. 7

is a sectional view of the fuse box according to another embodiment; and





FIG. 8

is a circuit diagram, which includes systems of 42 V and 12 V separated each other according to the third embodiment.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




The embodiments of the invention will hereby be described with reference to the drawings.




First Embodiment




The energization system includes 42 V power supply


9


. The system includes a logic circuit (forced-fusion circuit)


20


for forced-fusion. Power supply


9


supplies a voltage of 42 V to a junction box


1


. Box


1


supplies a voltage of 42 V to actuator


4


, and a voltage of 12 V to ECU


3


, respectively. Actuator


4


produces a physical output.




Relative to the system in

FIG. 1

, box


1


includes high-voltage power circuit


2


A (second power circuit), which applies a voltage of 42V to actuator (second load)


4


. Box


1


includes low-voltage power circuit


2


B, which applies a voltage of 12 V to ECU (first load)


3


for the control of actuator


4


. Box


1


includes fuse


5


A (second fuse) for high-voltage on circuit


2


A. Box


1


includes fuse (first fuse)


5


B for low-voltage on circuit


2


B. Box


1


includes DC/DC converter


8


, which collectively converts a high voltage of 42 V into a low voltage of 12 V to be supplied to circuit


2


B. Box


1


houses converter


8


, fuses


5


A,


5


B, and circuit


20


.




Logical circuit


20


includes two parallel comparators


21


A,


21


B. Circuit


20


includes OR circuit


22


, with the respective input terminals connected to corresponding comparators


21


A,


21


B. Circuit


20


includes two transistors


23


A,


23


B, with the respective input terminals connected in parallel to the output terminal of OR circuit


20


. When one fuse


5


A (or


5


B) is fused, overcurrent is forced to flow through the other fuse


5


B (or


5


A). The overcurrent fuses the other fuse


5


B (or


5


A).




Each of comparators


21


A,


21


B monitors the voltage between the both terminals of each of high and low-voltage fuses


5


A,


5


B. Normally, without the fusion of fuse


5


A or


5


B, little potential difference between the both terminals of fuse


5


A or


5


B occurs. If the fusion of one fuse


5


A (or


5


B) produces potential difference for some reason, comparator


21


A (or


21


B) has inverted output to be outputted as a High signal. The fusion of one fuse


5


A (or


5


B) allows OR circuit


22


to actuate transistor


23


A (or


23


B). The non-fused fuse


5


B (or


5


A) has the terminal connected to the load, which is short circuited to the ground. The short circuit allows overcurrent to flow through fuse


5


B (or


5


A). The over current forces the other fuse


5


B (or


5


A) to be fused.




The operation of the system is described.




Comparator


21


B detects the voltage between both terminals of fuse


5


B through which ECU


3


is energized. For example, an abnormality in the system of ECU


3


causes fuse


5


B to be fused. The potential difference between both terminals of fuse


5


B allows comparator


21


B to output a High signal. The signal allows OR circuit


22


to output a drive signal to transistors


23


A and


23


B. Transistor


23


A short circuits the other fuse


5


A to the ground, with the terminal connected to the load. The short-circuit allows overcurrent to flow through fuse


5


A, which forces it (


5


A) to be fused. The fusion stops the energization of actuator


4


.




On the other hand, comparator


21


A detects the voltage between both terminals of fuse


5


A through which actuator


4


is energized. For example, an abnormality in the system of actuator


4


causes fuse


5


A to be fused. The potential difference between both terminals of fuse


5


A allows comparator


21


A to output a High signal. The signal allows OR circuit


22


to output a drive signal to transistors


23


A and


23


B. Transistor


23


B short circuits the other fuse


5


B to ground, with the terminal connected to the load, to the ground. The short-circuit allows overcurrent to flow through fuse


5


B, which forces it (


5


B) to be fused. The fusion stops the energization of ECU


3


.




When one of fuses


5


A,


5


B for high and low-voltages is fused, the other one is forced to fuse. The fusion prevents an unforeseen situation, such as the abnormal running of actuator


4


, additional production of an overcurrent, or a rare short, thus ensuring a safe entire system. In particular, the supplement of logical circuit


20


ensures safety and simplifies the constitution.




Second Embodiment




A modification is added to a part of the system according to the first embodiment to constitute the system as shown in FIG.


2


. The system includes heater (for example, electrically heated wire)


30


for heating fuses


5


A,


5


B to a fusion temperature. The system includes logical circuit


35


for energizing heater


30


. The heater


30


heats one fuse


5


B (or


5


A) to a fusion temperature, when the other fuse


5


A (or


5


B) is fused. Heater


30


primarily corresponds to a forced-fusion means.




The circuit (a part of two comparators


21


A,


21


B and OR circuit


22


) for the detection of fusion on one fuse


5


A (or


5


B) is identical to the one of the first embodiment. The difference is that when an output signal of comparator


21


turns into High, OR circuit


22


drives transistor


33


. The direct application of a power supply voltage of 42 V to heater


30


produces heat.




The operation of the system is described.




In the system, comparator


21


B detects the voltage between both terminals of fuse


5


B. For example, an abnormality in the system of actuator


4


causes fuse


5


B to be fused. The potential difference between the terminals of fuse


5


B allows comparator


21


B to output a High signal. Transistor


33


allows a voltage of 42 V to be applied to heater


30


. The heat produced by heater


30


forces the other fuse


5


A to be fused. The fusion stops the energization of actuator


4


.




On the other hand, comparator


21


A detects the voltage between both terminals of fuse


5


A. For example, an abnormality in the system of actuator


4


causes fuse


5


A to be fused. The potential difference between the terminals of fuse


5


B allows comparator


21


A to output a High signal. OR circuit


22


outputs a drive signal to transistor


33


. Transistor


33


allows a voltage of 42 V to be applied to heater


30


. The heat produced by heater


30


forces the other fuse


5


B to be fused. The fusion stops the energization of ECU


3


.




The embodiment obtains the identical benefit to the first embodiment.




Third Embodiment




The first and second embodiments each recite the system with the safety device, in which an electric work allows for the forced-fusion of the remaining fuse. The third embodiment recites the system with the safety device, in which a mechanical work fuses the remaining fuse.




The arrangement of fuse box


50


on the system of

FIG. 8

constitutes a safety device.




In

FIGS. 3 and 4

, fuse box


50


includes a casing


51


for safety protection, which is common to high (42 V) and low (14 V) voltage power circuits


2


A and


2


B. Box


50


includes 42 V power supply terminal (second power terminal)


52


A, and 42 V load terminal (second load terminal)


53


A, in casing


51


. Terminal


52


A is connected to the power supply


9


of high-voltage power circuit (second power circuit)


2


A. Terminal


53


A is connected to the load


4


of circuit


2


A. Box


50


includes 14 V power supply terminal (first power terminal)


52


B in casing


51


and 14 V load terminal (first load terminal)


53


B. Terminal


52


B connects to power supply


8


of circuit


2


B. Terminal


53


B connects to load


3


of circuit


2


B. Box


50


includes 42 V fusible conductive member (second fusible conductive member)


54


A and 12 V fusible conductive member (first fusible conductive member)


54


B, which extend from terminals


52


A,


52


B toward terminals


53


A,


53


B, respectively. Box


50


includes 42 V non-fusible conductive member (second non-fusible conductive member)


55


A and 14V non-fusible conductive member (first non-fusible conductive member)


55


B, which extend from terminals


53


A,


53


B toward terminals


52


A,


52


B, respectively. Conductive members


55


A,


55


B are retained at a normal position, contacting and conducting with the ends of conductive members


54


A,


54


B, respectively. Conductive members


55


A,


55


B disengage from retention at the normal position due to the fusion of conductive members


54


A,


54


B in conductive contact with them.




Conductive members


54


A,


54


B,


55


A,


55


B include leaf springs with resilient ends, respectively. Inside conductive member


54


A has a resilient force, which tends to deform outwardly as is shown by the arrow A


2


. Outside conductive member


55


A has a resilient force, which tends to deform inwardly as shown by the arrow A


1


. The balance between the resilient forces allows conductive members


54


A,


55


A to be retained at a normal position as is shown in

FIG. 4

, before the fusion of conductive member


54


A.




Inside conductive member


54


B has a resilient force, which tends to deform it outwardly as shown by the arrow B


2


. Outside conductive member


55


B has a resilient force, which tends to deform it inwardly as shown by the arrow B


1


. The balance between the resilient forces allows conductive members


54


B,


55


B to be retained at a normal position as shown in

FIG. 4

, before the fusion of conductive member


54


B.




The contact and electrical conduction between conductive members


54


A or


54


B and conductive member


55


A or


55


B constitute a 42 V or 14V line. Conductive members


54


A and


54


B correspond to high and low-voltage fuses


5


A and


5


B of

FIG. 8

, respectively.




Conductive member


54


A or


54


B and conductive member


55


A or


55


B have ends, which are curled opposite to each other. The curl


55


A or


55


B, in

FIGS. 5A

,


5


B,


6


A and


6


B, serve to retain stable contact with conductive member


54


B or


54


A due to the fusion of conductive members


54


A or


54


B. The contact portion between conductive members


54


A and


55


A or


54


B and


55


B join to improve reliable solderless electrical conduction.




Casing


51


includes rib


56


in it, which prevents careless contact between members of 42V and 14V at a normal position. Box


50


requires strict distinction between positive pole (connected to the power supply) and negative poles (connected to the load), and between voltages of 42 V and 14 V. The outer side of casing


51


has projection


61


and recess


62


, which prevent error in the mounting direction. In

FIG. 4

, casing


51


includes the top face provided with indications


63


, which represent poles (positive, negative) and voltage (42V, 14V).




Next, the operation is described.




Normally, in

FIG. 4

, a current of 42 V flows in turn through terminal


52


A, conductive member


54


A,


55


A, and terminal


53


A, which constitute a 42 V line. A current of 14 V flows in turn through terminal


52


B, conductive member,


54


B,


55


B, and terminal


53


B, which constitute a 14V line. The arrows L


1


, L


2


, L


3


and L


4


indicate the flow of current.




When an abnormality occurs in the load system of 14 V line, the operation proceeds, as shown in

FIGS. 5A and 5B

. When an abnormality occurs in the load system of 42 V line, the operation proceeds, as shown in

FIGS. 6A and 6B

.




Production of some abnormality on a load connected to 14 V line causes overcurrent more than normal to flow through the line. Heat, produced by conductive members


54


B,


55


B, fuses conductive member


54


B at fusion portion P


1


in FIG.


5


A.




The contact of conductive member


55


B with conductive member


54


B retains conductive member


55


B at a normal position. The fusion of conductive member


54


B loses the mate to conductive member


55


B under balanced force. Conductive member


55


B displaces in a direction B


1


(refer to

FIG. 4

) due to its own resilient force, as shown in

FIG. 5B

, thus contacting a portion connected to the load in an energization portion of 42V. The contact portion may be the end of conductive member


54


A, or, in principle, any portion of conductive member


55


A or terminal


53


A. In

FIG. 5A

, contact with the end of conductive member


54


A is established. The contact allows current to flow from the power supply of the 42 V line to the load of 14 V line under abnormality again. Overcurrent more than normal one flows through the 42 V line. The overcurrent fuses the conductive member


54


A. The fusion stops the energization of both loads, thus ensuring safety.




While, if some abnormality occurs on a load connected to 14 V line, overcurrent more than normal flows through the 14 V line. Heat is produced by conductive members


54


A,


55


A to fuse conductive member


54


A at fused portion P


3


, as shown in FIG.


6


A.




The contact of conductive member


55


A with conductive member


54


A allows conductive member


55


A to be retained at a normal position. The fusion of conductive member


54


A loses the mate to conductive member


55


A under balanced force. Conductive member


55


A displaces due to its own resilient force in a direction A


1


(refer to FIG.


4


), as shown in FIG.


6


B. Conductive member


55


A contacts with an energization portion of 14V (fusible conductive member


54


B in the embodiment). The contact allows current to flow from the power supply of the 14 V line to the load of 42 V line again. Overcurrent more than normal flows through the 42 V line. The overcurrent fuses the conductive member


54


B. The fusion stops the energization of both loads, thus ensuring safety.




In box


50


, conductive members


54


A,


55


B of leaf spring correspond to forced-fusion means, which forces the remaining conductive members (corresponding to a fuse)


54


A,


54


B to be fused. If either of conductive member


54


B or


54


A of 14 V or 42 V line is fused first, members, connected to the power supply on the 14 V or 42 V lines have no contact with each other in the step of fusing the remaining one.




Box


50


includes conductive members


55


A,


55


of a leaf spring. When one conductive member


54


A or


54


B fuses, it contacts with the remaining conductive member


54


B or


54


A. The structure of conductive members


55


A,


55


B themselves of leaf spring decreases the number of components, thus simplifying the structure. Identically to this, another spring


59


A,


59


B may be provided to bias against conductive member


55


A or


55


B in a direction A


1


or B


1


as shown in FIG.


7


.




The embodiment serves a high voltage as 42 V and a low voltage as 12 V or 14 V. A value of voltage is arbitrarily established.




The entire contents of Japanese Patent Applications P2001-289523 (filed on Sep. 21, 2001) are incorporated herein by reference.




Although the invention has been described above by reference to certain embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the embodiments described above will occur to those skilled in the art, in light of the above teachings. The scope of the invention is defined with reference to the following claims.



Claims
  • 1. A safety device for a power circuit, comprising:a first power circuit including a first load and a first fuse element for receiving a first voltage power from a power supply to supply the first voltage power to the first load through the first fuse element; a second power circuit including a second load and a second fuse element for receiving a second voltage power from a converter, which converts the first voltage power into the second voltage power, to supply the second voltage power to the second load through the second fuse element; and a fusion system for fusing the other of the first and second fuse elements when an arbitrary one of the first and second fuse elements fuses.
  • 2. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the fusion system comprises a circuit for applying overcurrent to the other fuse element to be fused when said arbitrary fuse element fuses.
  • 3. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the fusion system comprising a heating element for heating the other fuse element to be fused at a fusion temperature when said arbitrary fuse element fuses.
  • 4. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the first power circuit comprises a first power terminal connected to the power supply; and a second load terminal connected to the first load, wherein the second power circuit comprises a second power terminal connected to the power supply; and a second load terminal connected to the second load, wherein the first fuse element includes a first fusible member extending from the first power terminal, wherein the second fuse element includes a second fusible member extending from the second power terminal, wherein the fusion system comprises a first conductive member extending from the first load terminal, and conductively contacting with the first fusible member; and a second conductive member extending from the second load terminal, and conductively contacting with the second fusible member, a displacing mechanism for displacing a corresponding conductive member to contact with the other fusible member, the other conductive member or the other load terminal, when said arbitrary fusible member fuses.
  • 5. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the second load includes a controller for controlling the first load.
  • 6. The safety device of claim 5,wherein the second power circuit supplies a current to the controller, serving as a power circuit for low-voltage, wherein the first power circuit supplies a current to the first load, serving as a power circuit for high-voltage.
  • 7. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the first fuse element comprises a first fusible member arranged side by side with a first circuit member of the first power circuit, wherein the second fuse element comprises a second fusible member arranged side by side with a second circuit member of the second power circuit, wherein the fusion system comprises a first conductive member having a tendency to deform to contact with the second circuit member, the first conductive member being separated from the second circuit member and being retained against the first fusible member; and a second conductive member having a tendency to deform to contact with the first circuit member, the second conductive member being separated away from the first circuit member and being retained against the second fusible member.
  • 8. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the fusion system comprises a first shunt circuit between the first fuse element and the first load for grounding the first power circuit; and a control circuit responsive to identical electric potentials of both terminals of the second fuse element to open the first shunt circuit.
  • 9. The safety device of claim 8,wherein the control circuit is responsive to an electric potential difference between both terminals of the second fuse element to close the first shunt circuit.
  • 10. The safety device of claim 1,wherein the fusion system comprises a second shunt circuit between the second fuse element and the second load for grounding the second power circuit; and a control circuit responsive to identical electric potentials of both terminals of the first fuse element to open the second shunt circuit.
  • 11. The safety device of claim 10,wherein the control circuit is responsive to an electric potential difference between both terminals of the second fuse element to close the first shunt circuit.
  • 12. A fuse box adapted for power circuits, comprising:a first power terminal configured to connect a power supply via a first power circuit; a first load terminal configured to connect a load of the first power circuit; a second power terminal configured to connect the power supply via a second power circuit; a second load terminal configured to connect a load of the second power circuit; a first fusible member extending from the first power terminal; a second fusible member extending from the second power terminal; a first conductive element extending from the second load terminal, and conductively contacting with the first fusible member; and a second conductive member extending from the second load terminal, and conductively contacting with the second fusible member; a displacing system for displacing a corresponding one of the first and second conductive members to contact with the other fusible member, the other conductive member or the other load terminal, when an arbitrary one of the first and second fusible members fuses.
  • 13. The fuse box of claim 12,wherein said corresponding conductive member has resilience.
  • 14. The fuse box of claim 12,wherein the displacing system comprises a resilient member biasing said corresponding conductive member against said arbitrary fusible member.
Priority Claims (1)
Number Date Country Kind
P2001-289523 Sep 2001 JP
US Referenced Citations (11)
Number Name Date Kind
4626952 Morikawa Dec 1986 A
5731944 Yasukuni et al. Mar 1998 A
6243245 Totsuka et al. Jun 2001 B1
6340848 Maeda Jan 2002 B1
6351361 Kawazu et al. Feb 2002 B1
6384489 Bluemel et al. May 2002 B1
6400589 Abo et al. Jun 2002 B2
6455951 Shultz et al. Sep 2002 B1
6459170 Tamai et al. Oct 2002 B1
6490142 Smith Dec 2002 B1
6583977 Oglesbee Jun 2003 B1
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number Date Country
2 174 854 Nov 1986 GB