Fuse

• US 7,172,462 B1
• Filed: 08/15/2005
• Issued: 02/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/15/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yazaki North America Incorporated (Yazaki Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Yazaki North America Incorporated (Yazaki Corporation)
• Inventors: Gronowicz, William Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Abrams; Neil
• Application Number:
  US11/203,802
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 439/620.26, 439/755, 337/180, 337/181, 337186-189
• US Class Current: 439/620.26
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2085/025 Structural association with a binding post of a storage battery
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 85/044 General constructions or structure of low voltage fuses, i.e. below 1000 V, or of fuses where the applicable voltage is not specified H01H85/046 - H01H85/048 take precedence

Abstract

An over-current fuse of unitary, disposable construction is used to protect battery and alternator cables from over-current conditions. The fuse comprises a cylindrical body of high-temperature plastic having an axial through-bore and recessed annular seat surfaces formed into the opposite surfaces. Metal rings are mounted on the annular seat surfaces and are electrically interconnected by a fuse element.

Claims

1. A fuse comprising the unitary combination of:

a non-conductive body having a cylindrical outer surface, opposite parallel end surfaces and an axial through-hole extending between said end surfaces, said body further including a slot formed in the cylindrical outer surface and extending between said end surfaces;

first and second conductive rings mounted on said end surfaces;

a fuse element disposed in said slot and electrically connected between said rings; and

a sleeve extending around said body, the sleeve including a transparent cover portion disposed over said fuse element.

2. A fuse as defined in claim 1 wherein said end surfaces define annular seats having annular collars outboard of said seats such that said rings, when in said seats, are substantially flush with said collars.

3. A fuse as defined in claim 1 further including bent-over tabs formed on the outer edges of said annular rings for making electrical connections with said fuse element.

4. A fuse for a battery and cable combination wherein said battery and cable have matching flat annular terminals, said fuse comprising the unitary combination of:

a cylindrical non-conductive body having an outside cylindrical surface, opposite parallel seat surfaces and an axial through-hole extending between said seat surfaces to receive a threaded stud secured into but extending from said battery terminal;

first and second conductive metal rings mounted on said seat surfaces, each ring having a tab extending along the outside cylindrical surface;

a fuse element mounted on the outside cylindrical surface of said body and electrically connected between said tabs; and

said rings being sized so as to abutingly overlie said battery and cable terminals when assembled thereto.

5. A fuse as defined in claim 4 wherein the seat surfaces are annular recesses bordered by raised collars.

6. A fused connector between an alternator of the type having a threaded stud forming an output terminal and a cable of the type having a flat annular conductive terminal comprising the unitary combination of:

a cylindrical non-conductive body having an outer surface, opposite parallel seat surfaces and an axial through-hole extending between said seat surfaces, the seat surfaces being recessed annular surfaces bordered radially inboard and outboard by raised collars;

first and second flat conductive metal rings mounted on said seat surfaces between the inboard and outboard raised collars; and

a fuse element mounted on the outer surface of said body and electrically connected between said rings,

said through-hole being adapted to receive said stud and at least one of said rings being sized to overly said cable terminal when said fuse is assembled between said alternator stud and said cable terminal.

7. The fused connector defined in claim 6, wherein the seat surfaces are recessed annular surfaces bordered radially by raised collars.