Devices and methods for current interrupting using current diversion path

A current interrupting method executed in a current interrupting device, the current interrupting device being provided with:

• a current limiting element provided on a power supply path from a predetermined power supply to a load device, the current limiting element being configured to exhibit a current limiting action when current flowing in the power supply path exceeds a first current threshold value;
• and a current diversion path switch capable of switching on and off of an electric conduction of a current diversion path, the current diversion path switch being connected in parallel with the power supply path, wherein
• the current diversion path switch is switched on from an off state when it is detected that current flowing in the current limiting element is limited to a second current threshold value after the current flowing in the current limiting element has exceeded the first current threshold value, and
• the current diversion path switch is switched off again after a predetermined switched-on holding time has elapsed since the current diversion path switch has been switched on.

A current interrupting device provided with:

• a current limiting element provided on a power supply path from a predetermined power supply to a load device, the current limiting element being configured to exhibit a current limiting action when current flowing in the power supply path exceeds a first current threshold value;
• a current diversion path switch configured to switch on and off an electric conduction of a current diversion path, the current diversion path switch being connected in parallel with the power supply path;
• a current sensor configured to detect current flowing in the power supply path;
• and
• a controller programmed to control on and off of the current diversion path switch with reference to a current detected value obtained by the current sensor, wherein
• the controller is programmed to:
• switch the current diversion path switch on from an off state when it is determined that the current detected value is decreased to a second current threshold value after exceeding the first current threshold value, and
• switch the current diversion path switch off again after a predetermined switched-on holding time has elapsed since the current diversion path switch has been switched on, such that the power supply path from the predetermined power supply to the load device is interrupted.