Fuse array for vehicle electrical system having multiple discrete circuits
First Claim
1. A fuse array for use in a vehicle electrical system having first and second vehicle batteries, the fuse array comprises:
- an insulative housing;
a first discrete circuit for providing battery power from the first vehicle battery to a first downstream component, the first discrete circuit includes a first internal bus bar secured on the outside of the insulative housing and a first fuse contained within the insulative housing, the first internal bus bar is made of a conductive metal and includes a terminal side, a base side that opposes the terminal side, a connecting side that connects the terminal and base sides together, and an open slot; and
a second discrete circuit for providing battery power from the second vehicle battery to a second downstream component, the second discrete circuit includes a second internal bus bar secured to the outside of the insulative housing, the second internal bus bar is accommodated in the open slot;
wherein the first and second discrete circuits are electrically isolated from one another within the fuse array so that the first discrete circuit can provide battery power from the first vehicle battery to the first downstream component and the second discrete circuit can independently provide battery power from the second vehicle battery to the second downstream component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fuse array for use in a vehicle electrical system having more than one battery, such as in a start-stop vehicle that automatically shuts off an engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and automatically restarts the engine when a driver starts driving again. The fuse array includes first and second discrete circuits, where the discrete circuits include their own internal bus bars and are electrically isolated from one another, even though they are part of the same fuse array. This enables the fuse array to independently provide battery power to different downstream electrical components, such as a power distribution device and various high amperage components, while still utilizing a single compact assembly.
18 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fuse array for use in a vehicle electrical system having first and second vehicle batteries, the fuse array comprises:
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an insulative housing; a first discrete circuit for providing battery power from the first vehicle battery to a first downstream component, the first discrete circuit includes a first internal bus bar secured on the outside of the insulative housing and a first fuse contained within the insulative housing, the first internal bus bar is made of a conductive metal and includes a terminal side, a base side that opposes the terminal side, a connecting side that connects the terminal and base sides together, and an open slot; and a second discrete circuit for providing battery power from the second vehicle battery to a second downstream component, the second discrete circuit includes a second internal bus bar secured to the outside of the insulative housing, the second internal bus bar is accommodated in the open slot; wherein the first and second discrete circuits are electrically isolated from one another within the fuse array so that the first discrete circuit can provide battery power from the first vehicle battery to the first downstream component and the second discrete circuit can independently provide battery power from the second vehicle battery to the second downstream component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A fuse array for use in a vehicle electrical system having first and second vehicle batteries, the fuse array comprises:
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an insulative housing; a first discrete circuit for providing battery power from the first vehicle battery to a first downstream component, the first discrete circuit includes a first internal bus bar secured on the outside of the insulative housing and a first fuse contained within the insulative housing; and a second discrete circuit for providing battery power from the second vehicle battery to a second downstream component, the second discrete circuit includes a second internal bus bar secured to the outside of the insulative housing, the second internal bus bar is Z-shaped, when viewed from a side, and sits on the outside of the insulative housing; wherein the first and second discrete circuits are electrically isolated from one another within the fuse array so that the first discrete circuit can provide battery power from the first vehicle battery to the first downstream component and the second discrete circuit can independently provide battery power from the second vehicle battery to the second downstream component.
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18. A fuse array for use in a vehicle electrical system having first and second vehicle batteries, the fuse array comprises:
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an insulative housing; a first discrete circuit for providing battery power from the first vehicle battery to a first downstream component, the first discrete circuit includes a first internal bus bar secured on the outside of the insulative housing and a first fuse contained within the insulative housing, the first internal bus bar is C-shaped, when viewed from a side, and at least partially wraps around the outside of the insulative housing; and a second discrete circuit for providing battery power from the second vehicle battery to a second downstream component, the second discrete circuit includes a second internal bus bar secured to the outside of the insulative housing; wherein the first and second discrete circuits are electrically isolated from one another within the fuse array so that the first discrete circuit can provide battery power from the first vehicle battery to the first downstream component and the second discrete circuit can independently provide battery power from the second vehicle battery to the second downstream component.
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Specification