Current-limiting fuse and housing arrangement

摘要

A current-limiting device is provided that defines a cavity of predetermined dimensions and an elongated circuitous path through the cavity. The device also includes provisions for supporting a current-limiting fusible element along the path. The cavity is filled with a pulverulent arc-quenching filler material. To increase the heat-withstand capabilities of the current-limiting device, heat withstand facilities are provided between the portions of the circuitous path to maximize the length of the path while minimizing the corresponding volume of the device, e.g. via heat resistant materials, the addition of heat shielding materials to the cavity-defining device structure or the structure of support portions of the cavity-defining structure. In one specific arrangement, the path of the fusible element is defined by one or more U-shaped sections. The fusible element includes a configuration of steps or bends along its length to maximize the path length of the fusible element.