ELECTRICAL FUSE

Abstract

An electrical fuse (100) comprising: an electrical conductor element (108) comprising a melting section (110) and further comprising a first extension section (112) and a second extension section (114) both integrally formed with the melting section (110) and extending from both ends of the melting section (110) in the lengthwise direction thereof, an electrically insulating, multi-part housing (102), which encloses said melting section (110) in an interior space (116), wherein the multi-part housing (102) comprises a first part (104) and a second part (106) slidingly engaged with said first part (104) and arranged such that the second part (106) covers an access opening (118) of the first part to the interior space (116), and wherein the first extension section (112) and second extension section (114) comprise a terminal area, respectively, both terminal areas are arranged outside the multi-part housing (102).

Claims

1. An electrical fuse comprising: an electrical conductor element comprising a melting section and further comprising a first extension section and a second extension section both integrally formed with the melting section and extending from both ends of the melting section in the lengthwise direction thereof, an electrically insulating, multi-part housing, which encloses said melting section in an interior space, wherein the multi-part housing comprises a first part and a second part slidingly engaged with said first part and arranged such that the second part covers an access opening of the first part to the interior space, and wherein the first extension section and second extension section comprise a terminal area, respectively, both terminal areas are arranged outside the multi-part housing.

2. The electrical fuse according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a first opening and a second opening opposite to the first opening, said first and second openings being penetrated by the first extension section and second extension section, respectively, and wherein a wall comprised by the second part covers the access opening.

3. The electrical fuse according to claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a first opening and the second part comprises a second opening opposite to the first opening of the first part, said first and second openings being penetrated by the first extension section and second extension section, respectively.

4. The electrical fuse according to claim 1, wherein the first extension section comprised by the electrical conductor element seals said first opening, and wherein the second extension section comprised by the electrical conductor element seals said second opening.

5. The electrical fuse according to claim 4, wherein a cross-section of said first extension section of the electrical conductor element perpendicular to the lengthwise direction thereof corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of said first opening and/or wherein the cross-section of said second extension section of the electrical conductor element perpendicular to the lengthwise direction thereof corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of said second opening.

6. The electrical fuse according to claim 4, wherein the first opening and second opening in a cross-sectional view of the multi-part housing in a plane parallel to the lengthwise direction of the melting section of the electrical conductor element are formed in a V-shape or W-shape.

7. The electrical fuse according to claim 1, wherein said electrical conductor element is a sheet metal.

8. The electrical fuse according to claim 1, further comprising a filling material filled in the interior space.

9. The electrical fuse according to claim 8, wherein the filling material comprises a material having arc extinction capability.

10. The electrical fuse according to claim 8, wherein the filling material comprises at least one of sand, silicone, glass beads and ceramic beads.

11. A method of manufacturing an electrical fuse according to claim 10, said method comprising the steps: a) providing an electrical conductor element comprising a melting section and further comprising a first extension section and a second extension section both integrally formed with the melting section and extending from both ends of the melting section in the lengthwise direction thereof, b) providing an electrically insulating, multi-part housing comprising a first part and a second part, c) introducing the conductor element into the multi-part housing thus far that the melting section is enclosed in an interior space thereof, d) slidingly engaging the first and second parts in relation to each other thus covering by the second part an access opening of the first part to the interior space.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: step b) further comprises providing the first part with a first opening and a second opening opposite to the first opening, step c) further comprises introducing the conductor element through said first opening and through said second opening thus far that said first and second openings being penetrated by the first and second extension sections, respectively.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: step b) further comprises providing the first part with a first opening and the second part with a second opening opposite to the first opening once the first part and the second part are engaged, step c) further comprises introducing the conductor element through said first opening and through said second opening thus far that said first and second openings being penetrated by the first and second extension sections, respectively.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of: e) bending the first extension section and/or second extension section such to abut at least partially against outer wall sections of the multi-part housing.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein step d) is preceded by the step of: filling a filling material into the interior space through the access opening.

Description

[0052] The invention shall now be further exemplified with the help of figures. The figures show:

[0053] FIGS. 1a) to 1c) different views of an electrical fuse according to the invention in a first aspect;

[0054] FIGS. 1d) to 1i) different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse according to the invention in the first aspect;

[0055] FIGS. 2a) to 2d) different views of an electrical fuse according to the invention in a second aspect;

[0056] FIGS. 2e) to 2j) different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse according to the invention in the second aspect;

[0057] FIGS. 3a) to 3c) different views of an electrical fuse according to the invention in a third aspect;

[0058] FIGS. 3d) to 3i) different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse according to the invention in the third aspect;

[0059] FIGS. 4a) to 4c) different views of an electrical fuse according to the invention in a fourth aspect;

[0060] FIGS. 4d) to 4i) different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse according to the invention in the fourth aspect;

[0061] FIGS. 5a) to 5c) different views of an electrical fuse according to the invention in a fifth aspect; and

[0062] FIGS. 5d) to 5h) different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse according to the invention in the fifth aspect.

[0063] FIGS. 1a) to 1c) show different views of an electrical fuse 100 according to the invention in a first aspect, while FIGS. 1d) to 1i) show different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse 100 in the first aspect.

[0064] The electrical fuse 100 comprises an electrically insulating, multi-part housing 102 comprising a first part 104 and a second part 106. In the assembled state, the first part 104 and second part 106 are slidingly engaged to each other to be explained in further detail in the following.

[0065] The electrical fuse 100 further comprises an electrical conductor element 108. In the shown aspect, the electrical conductor element 108 comprises a sheet metal. The electrical conductor element 108 comprises a melting section 110, a first extension section 112 and a second extension section 114, all sections integrally formed. The first extension section 112 and second extension section 114, respectively, extend from both ends of the melting section 110 in the lengthwise direction. The melting section 110 of the electrical conductor element 108 can be formed of e.g. parallel strips with reduced width as compared to the widths of the first extension section 112 and second extension section 114.

[0066] In the assembled state, the multi-part housing 102 encloses the melting section 110 in an interior space 116 of the multi-part housing 102. The first part 104 comprises an access opening 118 allowing access to the interior space 116. In the assembled state, the first part 104 and second part 106 are engaged or rather arranged such that the second part 106 covers the access opening 118 of the first part 104 to the interior space 116.

[0067] The first part 104 further comprises a first opening 120 and a second opening 122 opposite to the first opening 120. Said first opening 120 and second opening 122 being penetrated by the first extension section 112 and second extension section 114, respectively. A (lateral) wall 124 comprised by the second part 106 covers the access opening 118 of the first part 104.

[0068] In assembling the electrical fuse 100, the electrical conductor element 108 is mounted to the first part 104 by laterally guiding the first extension section 112 and second extension section 114 of the conductor element 108 via the first opening 120 and second opening 122 of the first part 104 such that the melting section 110 of the electrical conductor element 108 is enclosed or rather resides in the interior space 116 (refer to FIGS. 1d) and 1e)). The first extension section 112 can be pre-bended.

[0069] In a next step, the first part 104 (equipped with the electrical conductor element 108) and the second part 106 are slidingly engaged with each other (refer to FIGS. 1f) and 1g)). In the engaged state, the (lateral) wall 124 comprised by the second part 106 covers the access opening 118 of the first part 104 (refer to FIGS. 1h) and 1i)). Hence, the melting section 110 of the electrical conductor element 108 is placed in the interior space 116 of the multi-part housing 102 while properly sealed against the exterior thereof. In a next step, the second extension section 114, in at least a portion thereof, can be bended. Said bending can e.g. performed such to engage an outer surface portion of the second part 106, thus properly attaching or rather arresting the first part 104 and second part 106 to each other. In the shown aspect, a portion of the second extension section 114 is bended such to correspond to the pre-bended portion of the first extension section 112 (refer to FIGS. 1b) and 1c)).

[0070] In the shown aspect, the cross-section of the first extension section 112 of the electrical conductor element 108 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the first opening 120. Further, the cross-section of the second extension section 114 of the electrical conductor element 108 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the second opening 122.

[0071] In the thus assembled state, the first extension section 112 comprised by the electrical conductor element 108 seals the first opening 120 of the first part 104, and the second extension section 114 comprised by the electrical conductor element 108 seals the second opening 122 of the first part 104.

[0072] The walls of the multi-part housing 102, the first extension section 112 of the electrical conductor element 108 and the second extension section 114 of the electrical conductor element 108 together form a dust-tight multi-part housing 102. Gaps between the multi-part housing 102 and the first extension section 112 and second extension section 114 of the electrical conductor element 108 can be dimensioned small enough that no dust can pass across the gaps. This prevents on the one hand dust particles from entering into the multi-part housing 102 from outside the electrical fuse 100 and on the other hand protects the surrounding of the electrical fuse 100 from particles produced as consequence of blowing the electrical conductor element 108. Consequently, the interior space 116 of the multi-part housing 102 can be properly sealed, while the first part 104 and second part 106 can be properly attached to each other without further connecting means.

[0073] Subsequently to the step of mounting the electrical conductor element 108 to the first part 104, the interior space 116 can be filled with a filling material 126 comprising e.g. an arc quenching material, as schematically depicted in FIG. 1c). Advantageously, the access opening 118 is formed widened such to easily allow filling the interior space 116 with the filling material 126. Once the first part 104 and second part 106 of the multi-part housing 102 are engaged, the wall 124 comprised by the second part 106 properly covers or rather seals the access opening 118 against the exterior such to reliably retain the filling material 126 inside the interior space 116.

[0074] FIGS. 2a) to 2d) show different views of an electrical fuse 200 according to the invention in a second aspect, while FIGS. 2e) to 2j) show different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse 200 according to the invention in the second aspect.

[0075] The electrical fuse 200 comprises an electrically insulating, multi-part housing 202 comprising a first part 204 and a second part 206. In the assembled state, the first part 204 and second part 206 are slidingly engaged to each other to be explained in further detail in the following.

[0076] The electrical fuse 200 further comprises an electrical conductor element 208. In the shown aspect, the electrical conductor element 208 comprises a sheet metal. The electrical conductor element 208 comprises a melting section 210, a first extension section 212 and a second extension section 214, all sections integrally formed. The first extension section 212 and second extension section 214, respectively, extend from both ends of the melting section 210 in the lengthwise direction. The melting section 210 of the electrical conductor element 208 can be formed of e.g. parallel strips with reduced width as compared to the widths of the first extension section 212 and second extension section 214.

[0077] In the assembled state, the multi-part housing 202 encloses the melting section 210 in an interior space 216 of the multi-part housing 202. The first part 204 comprises a (front) access opening 218 allowing access to the interior space 216. In the assembled state, the first part 204 and second part 206 are engaged or rather arranged such that the second part 206 covers the access opening 218 of the first part 204 to the interior space 216.

[0078] The first part 204 comprises a first opening 220 and the second part 206 comprises a second opening 222 opposite to the first opening 220 of the first part 204. Said first opening 220 and second opening 222 being penetrated by the first extension section 212 and second extension section 214, respectively. A (back) wall 224 comprised by the second part 206 covers the access opening 218 of the first part 204.

[0079] In assembling the electrical fuse 200, the electrical conductor element 208 is mounted to the first part 204 by guiding the first extension section 212 and second extension section 214 via the first opening 220 of the first part 204 (in the lengthwise direction thereof) such that the melting section 210 of the electrical conductor element 208 resides in the interior space 216 (refer to e.g. FIGS. 2e), 2f) and 2i)). The first extension section 212 can be pre-bended.

[0080] In a next step, the first part 204 (equipped with the electrical conductor element 208) and the second part 206 are slidingly engaged with each other (refer to FIGS. 2h) and 2i)). In the engaged state, the (rear) wall 224 comprised by the second part 206 covers the access opening 218 of the first part 204 (refer to FIG. 2j). Hence, the melting section 210 of the electrical conductor element 208 resides in the interior space 216 of the multi-part housing 202 while properly sealed against the exterior thereof (refer to FIGS. 2c) and 2d)). In a next step, the second extension section 214, in at least a portion thereof, can be bended. Said bending can e.g. performed such to engage an outer surface portion of the second part 206, thus properly attaching or rather arresting the first part 204 and second part 206 to each other. In the shown aspect, a portion of the second extension section 214 is bended such to correspond to the pre-bended portion of the first extension section 212 (also refer to FIGS. 2c) and 2d).

[0081] In the shown aspect, the cross-section of the first extension section 212 of the electrical conductor element 208 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the first opening 220 of the first part 204. Further, the cross-section of the second extension section 214 of the electrical conductor element 208 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the second opening 222 of the second part 206.

[0082] In the thus assembled state, the first extension section 212 comprised by the electrical conductor element 208 seals the first opening 220 of the first part 204, and the second extension section 214 comprised by the electrical conductor element 208 seals the second opening 222 of the second part 206.

[0083] The walls of the multi-part housing 202, the first extension section 212 of the electrical conductor element 208 and the second extension section 214 of the electrical conductor element 208 together form a dust-tight multi-part housing 202. Gaps between the multi-part housing 202 and the first extension section 212 and second extension section 214 of the electrical conductor element 208 can be dimensioned small enough that no dust can pass across the gaps. This prevents on the one hand dust particles from entering into the multi-part housing 202 from outside the electrical fuse 200 and on the other hand protects the surrounding of the electrical fuse 200 from particles produced as consequence of blowing the electrical conductor element 208.

[0084] Consequently, the interior space 216 of the multi-part housing 202 can be properly sealed, while the first part 204 and second part 206 can be properly attached to each other without further connecting means.

[0085] Subsequently to the step of mounting the electrical conductor element 208 to the first part 204, the interior space 216 can be filled with a filling material 226 comprising e.g. an arc quenching material, as schematically depicted in FIG. 2d). Advantageously, the access opening 218 is formed widened such to easily allow filling the interior space 216 with the filling material 226. Once the first part 204 and second part 206 of the multi-part housing 202 are engaged, the (back) wall 224 comprised by the second part 206 properly covers or rather seals the access opening 218 against the exterior such to reliably retain the filling material 226 inside the interior space 216.

[0086] FIGS. 3a) to 3c) show different views of an electrical fuse 300 according to the invention in a third aspect, while FIGS. 3d) to 3i) show different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse 300 according to the invention in the third aspect.

[0087] The electrical fuse 300 comprises an electrically insulating, multi-part housing 302 comprising a first part 304 and a lid-like second part 306. In the assembled state, the first part 304 and second part 306 are slidingly engaged to each other to be explained in further detail in the following.

[0088] The electrical fuse 300 further comprises an electrical conductor element 308. In the shown aspect, the electrical conductor element 308 comprises a sheet metal. The electrical conductor element 308 comprises a melting section 310, a first extension section 312 and a second extension section 314, all sections integrally formed. The first extension section 312 and second extension section 314, respectively, extend from both ends of the melting section 310 in the lengthwise direction. The melting section 310 of the electrical conductor element 308 can be formed of e.g. parallel strips with reduced width as compared to the widths of the first extension section 312 and second extension section 314.

[0089] In the assembled state, the multi-part housing 302 encloses the melting section 310 in an interior space 316 of the multi-part housing 302. The first part 304 comprises a (front) access opening 318 allowing access to the interior space 316. In the assembled state, the first part 304 and second part 306 are engaged or rather arranged such that the second part 306 covers the access opening 318 of the first part 304 to the interior space 316.

[0090] The first part 304 comprises a first opening 320 and the second part 306 comprises a second opening 322 opposite to the first opening 320 of the first part 304. Said first opening 320 and second opening 322 being penetrated by the first extension section 312 and second extension section 314, respectively. A wall 324 comprised by the second part 306 covers the access opening 318 of the first part 304.

[0091] In assembling the electrical fuse 300, the electrical conductor element 308 is mounted to the first part 304 by guiding the first extension section 312 and second extension section 314 via the first opening 320 of the first part 304 such that the melting section 310 of the electrical conductor element 308 resides in the interior space 316 (refer to FIGS. 3d) to 3h)). The first extension section 312 can be pre-bended.

[0092] In a next step, the first part 304 (equipped with the electrical conductor element 308) and the second part 306 are slidingly engaged with each other (refer to FIGS. 3g) and 3h)). In the engaged state, the wall 324 comprised by the lid-like second part 306 covers the access opening 318 of the first part 304 (refer to FIG. 3i). Hence, the melting section 310 of the electrical conductor element 308 resides in the interior space 316 of the multi-part housing 302 while properly sealed against the exterior thereof (refer to FIGS. 3b) and 3c)). In a next step, the second extension section 314, in at least a portion thereof, can be bended. Said bending can e.g. performed such to engage an outer surface portion of the second part 306, thus properly attaching or rather arresting the first part 304 and second part 306 to each other. In the shown aspect, a portion of the second extension section 314 is bended such to correspond to the pre-bended portion of the first extension section 312 (also refer to FIGS. 3b) and 3c).

[0093] In the shown aspect, the cross-section of the first extension section 312 of the electrical conductor element 308 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the first opening 320. Further, the cross-section of the second extension section 314 of the electrical conductor element 308 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the second opening 322 of the second part 306.

[0094] In the thus assembled state, the first extension section 312 comprised by the electrical conductor element 308 seals the first opening 320 of the first part 304, and the second extension section 314 comprised by the electrical conductor element 308 seals the second opening 322 of the second part 306.

[0095] The walls of the multi-part housing 302, the first extension section 312 of the electrical conductor element 308 and the second extension section 314 of the electrical conductor element 308 together form a dust-tight multi-part housing 302. Gaps between the multi-part housing 302 and the first extension section 312 and second extension section 314 of the electrical conductor element 308 can be dimensioned small enough that no dust can pass across the gaps. This prevents on the one hand dust particles from entering into the multi-part housing 302 from outside the electrical fuse 300 and on the other hand protects the surrounding of the electrical fuse 300 from particles produced as consequence of blowing the electrical conductor element 308.

[0096] Consequently, the interior space 316 of the multi-part housing 302 can be properly sealed, while at the same time the first part 304 and second part 306 can be properly attached to each other without further connecting means.

[0097] Subsequently to the step of mounting the electrical conductor element 308 to the first part 304, the interior space 316 can be filled with a filling material 326 comprising e.g. an arc quenching material, as schematically depicted in FIG. 3c). Advantageously, the access opening 318 is formed widened such to easily allow filling the interior space 316 with the filling material 326. Once the first part 304 and second part 306 of the multi-part housing 302 are engaged, the wall 324 comprised by the second part 306 properly covers or rather seals the access opening 318 against the exterior such to reliably retain the filling material 326 inside the interior space 316.

[0098] FIGS. 4a) to 4c) show different views of an electrical fuse 400 according to the invention in a fourth aspect, while FIGS. 4d) to 4i) show different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse 400 according to the invention in the fourth aspect.

[0099] The electrical fuse 400 comprises an electrically insulating, multi-part housing 402 comprising a first part 404 and a second part 406. In the assembled state, the first part 404 and second part 406 are slidingly engaged to each other to be explained in further detail in the following.

[0100] The electrical fuse 400 further comprises an electrical conductor element 408. In the shown aspect, the electrical conductor element 408 comprises a sheet metal. The electrical conductor element 408 comprises a melting section 410, a first extension section 412 and a second extension section 414, all sections integrally formed. The first extension section 412 and second extension section 414, respectively, extend from both ends of the melting section 410 in the lengthwise direction. The melting section 410 of the electrical conductor element 408 can be formed of e.g. parallel strips with reduced width as compared to the widths of the first extension section 412 and second extension section 414.

[0101] In the assembled state, the multi-part housing 402 encloses the melting section 410 in a well-like interior space 416 of the multi-part housing 402. The first part 404 comprises an access opening 418 allowing access to the well-like interior space 416 from above. In the assembled state, the first part 404 and second part 406 are engaged or rather arranged such that the second part 406 covers the access opening 418 of the first part 404 to the interior space 416.

[0102] The first part 404 comprises a first opening 420 and a second opening 422 opposite to the first opening 418. Said first opening 420 and second opening 422 being penetrated by the first extension section 412 and second extension section 414, respectively. A wall 424 comprised by the second part 406 covers the access opening 418 of the first part 404 from above.

[0103] In assembling the electrical fuse 400, the electrical conductor element 408 is mounted to the first part 404 by guiding the second extension section 414 and first extension section 412 via the first opening 420 and second opening 422 of the first part 404 such that the melting section 410 of the electrical conductor element 408 resides in the interior space 416 of the first part 404 (refer to e.g. FIGS. 4d) and 4e)). The first extension section 412 can be pre-bended.

[0104] In a next step, the first part 404 (equipped with the electrical conductor element 408) and the second part 406 are slidingly engaged with each other (refer to FIGS. 4g) and 4h)). In the engaged state, the wall 424 comprised by the second part 406 covers the access opening 418 of the first part 404 from above (refer to FIG. 4i)). Hence, the melting section 410 of the electrical conductor element 408 is placed in the interior space of the multi-part housing 402 while properly sealed against the exterior thereof. In a next step, the second extension section 414, in at least a portion thereof, can be bended. Said bending can e.g. performed such to engage an outer surface portion of the second part 406, thus properly attaching or rather arresting the first part 404 and second part 406 to each other. In the shown aspect, a portion of the second extension section 414 is bended such to correspond to the pre-bended portion of the first extension section 412 (refer to FIGS. 4b) and 4c).

[0105] In the shown aspect, the cross-section of the first extension section 412 of the electrical conductor element 408 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the first opening 420. Further, the cross-section of the second extension section 414 of the electrical conductor element 408 corresponds in form and dimension to the cross-section of the second opening 422.

[0106] In the thus assembled state, the first extension section 412 comprised by the electrical conductor element 408 seals the first opening 420 of the first part 404, and the second extension section 414 comprised by the electrical conductor element 408 seals the second opening 422 of the first part 404.

[0107] The walls of the multi-part housing 402, the first extension section 412 of the electrical conductor element 408 and the second extension section 414 of the electrical conductor element 408 together form a dust-tight multi-part housing 402. Gaps between the multi-part housing 402 and the first extension section 412 and second extension section 414 of the electrical conductor element 408 can be dimensioned small enough that no dust can pass across the gaps. This prevents on the one hand dust particles from entering into the multi-part housing 402 from outside the electrical fuse 400 and on the other hand protects the surrounding of the electrical fuse 400 from particles produced as consequence of blowing the electrical conductor element 408.

[0108] Consequently, the interior space 416 of the multi-part housing 102 can be properly sealed, while at the same time the first part 404 and second part 406 can be properly attached to each other without further connecting means.

[0109] Subsequently to the step of mounting the electrical conductor element 408 to the first part 404, the well-like interior space 416 can be filled with a filling material 426 comprising e.g. an arc quenching material, as schematically depicted in FIG. 4c). Advantageously, the access opening 418 is formed widened such to easily allow filling the interior space 416 with the filling material 426 from above. Further advantageously, the orientation of the first part 404 can remain unchanged while engaging the first part 404 and second part 406 to each other.

[0110] Once the first part 404 and second part 406 of the multi-part housing 402 are engaged, the wall 424 comprised by the second part 406 properly covers or rather seals the access opening 418 against the exterior such to reliably retain the filling material 426 inside the interior space 416.

[0111] FIGS. 5a) to 5c) show different views of an electrical fuse 500 according to the invention in a fifth aspect, while FIGS. 5d) to 5h) show different states during manufacturing the electrical fuse 500 in the fifth aspect.

[0112] The electrical fuse 500 comprises an electrically insulating, multi-part housing 502 comprising a first part 504 and a second part 506. In the assembled state, the first part 504 and second part 506 are slidingly engaged to each other to be explained in further detail in the following.

[0113] The electrical fuse 500 further comprises an electrical conductor element 508. In the shown aspect, the electrical conductor element 508 comprises a sheet metal. The electrical conductor element 508 comprises a melting section 510, a first extension section 512 and a second extension section 514, all sections integrally formed. The first extension section 512 and second extension section 514, respectively, extend from both ends of the melting section 510 in the lengthwise direction. The melting section 510 of the electrical conductor element 508 can be formed of e.g. parallel strips with reduced width as compared to the widths of the first extension section 512 and second extension section 514.

[0114] In the assembled state, the multi-part housing 502 encloses the melting section 510 in an interior space 516 of the multi-part housing 502. The first part 504 comprises an access opening 518 allowing access to the interior space 516. In the assembled state, the first part 504 and second part 506 are engaged or rather arranged such that the second part 506 covers the access opening 518 of the first part 504 to the interior space 516.

[0115] The first part 504 further comprises a first opening 520 and a second opening 522 opposite to the first opening 520. Said first opening 520 and second opening 522 being penetrated by the first extension section 512 and second extension section 514, respectively. A (lateral) wall 524 comprised by the second part 506 covers the access opening 518 of the first part 504.

[0116] In assembling the electrical fuse 500, the electrical conductor element 508 is mounted to the first part 504 by laterally guiding the first extension section 512 and second extension section 514 of the conductor element 508 via the first opening 520 and second opening 522 of the first part 504 such that the melting section 510 of the electrical conductor element 508 is enclosed or rather resides in the interior space 516 (refer to FIGS. 5b) and 5c)). The first extension section 512 can be pre-bended.

[0117] In a next step, the first part 504 (equipped with the electrical conductor element 508) and the second part 506 are slidingly engaged with each other (refer to FIG. 5f)). In the engaged state, the (lateral) wall 524 comprised by the second part 506 covers the access opening 518 of the first part 504 (refer to FIGS. 5g) and 5h)). Hence, the melting section 510 of the electrical conductor element 508 is placed in the interior space 516 of the multi-part housing 502 while properly sealed against the exterior thereof. In a next step, the second extension section 514, in at least a portion thereof, can be bended. Said bending can e.g. performed such to engage an outer surface portion of the second part 506, thus properly attaching or rather arresting the first part 504 and second part 506 to each other. Hence, no further means and/or steps for attaching, e.g. gluing, etc., are required. In the shown aspect, a portion of the second extension section 514 is bended such to correspond to the pre-bended portion of the first extension section 512 (refer to FIGS. 5b) and 5c)).

[0118] In the shown aspect, in a cross-sectional view of the first part 504 in a longitudinal direction thereof, the first opening 520 and second opening 522 are formed in a W-shape. Said shape of the openings proper improves sealing against small particles even if manufacturing tolerances may not allow for openings with sufficiently small dimensions. While not shown, only one of the first opening and second opening can be formed in the W-shape. Further, while not shown, the first opening and/or second opening can be formed in different shapes, e.g. a V-shape, etc. Further, while not shown, the first opening and/or second opening can be formed in a reversed W-shape or reversed V-shape.

[0119] In the thus assembled state, the first extension section 512 comprised by the electrical conductor element 508 seals the first opening 520 of the first part 504, and the second extension section 514 comprised by the electrical conductor element 508 seals the second opening 522 of the first part 504.

[0120] The walls of the multi-part housing 502, the first extension section 512 of the electrical conductor element 508 and the second extension section 514 of the electrical conductor element 508 together form a dust-tight, multi-part housing 502. Gaps between the multi-part housing 502 and the first extension section 512 and second extension section 514 of the electrical conductor element 508 can be dimensioned small enough that no dust can pass across the gaps. This prevents on the one hand dust particles from entering into the multi-part housing 502 from outside the electrical fuse 500 and on the other hand protects the surrounding of the electrical fuse 500 from particles produced as consequence of blowing the electrical conductor element 508. Consequently, the interior space 516 of the multi-part housing 502 can be properly sealed, while the first part 504 and second part 506 can be properly attached to each other without further connecting means.

[0121] Subsequently to the step of mounting the electrical conductor element 508 to the first part 504, the interior space 516 can be filled with a filling material 526 comprising e.g. an arc quenching material, as schematically depicted in FIG. 5c). Advantageously, the access opening 518 is formed widened such to easily allow filling the interior space 516 with the filling material 526. Once the first part 504 and second part 506 of the multi-part housing 502 are engaged, the wall 524 comprised by the second part 506 properly covers or rather seals the access opening 518 against the exterior such to reliably retain the filling material 526 inside the interior space 516.