MXPA97008059A - One-piece female blade fuse with accommodation and improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

A female fuse includes two female end portions and a fuse link can have first and second ends (202, 203) are first and second ball regions (241, 216), each region of balls having a ball hole (218) in the same, the first and second ball regions being separated substantially and symmetrically on opposite sides of a central axis of the female fuse. Said fusible link also includes first and second arcing strips (220, 222) which substantially symmetrically connect the first and second ball regions (214, 216) to each other, being, an inner portion of the arcing strips formed practically from a matrix section that is independent of the matrix section forming the external configuration of the female fuse, the female fuse terminals, (300, 301) may each have female end plates of formation (304) , 305, 306, 307) and forming side plates (308, 309, 312, 313), each of the endplates having a spring portion (330, 331, 332, 333), the spring portions being capable of be formed within contact springs for mach terminals

Description

"ONE-PIECE FEMALE BLADE FUSE, WITH ACCOMMODATION AND IMPROVEMENTS" DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to electrical fuses. More particularly, this invention relates to female electrical fuses that are designed to be connected to a fuseholder having male terminal connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Automotive and other female fuse assemblies commonly comprise a two-piece assembly hitherto having a box-like housing and a one-piece all-metal fuse secured therein. The female fuse has a pair of separate female terminals that are accessible from one end of the housing where the male terminal openings are placed in the housing to correspond to the male blade type terminals. Recently male or female blade type terminals typically extend from a mounting panel or male fuse holder, since there has been a shift in the automotive industry towards the use of male end blocks. The female terminals are commonly encompassed closely by the walls of the housing. The female fuse also includes a fusible element that extends, usually without holding between the female terminals. The connection or transition between the female terminals and the fusible link starts at the center of a female terminal and extends linearly, from a side view, to the other female terminal, without any lateral movement from a top view. From this top view, the width of the fusible element typically tapers to create a melting portion of the fuse. Some female fuses use an additional component with the fusible element, such as a ceramic member, for heat conduction purposes in order to achieve a desired melting characteristic. The fusible element and the additional component are commonly separated at a short distance from the side walls of the housing for a reduced volume of material used. The previously identified two-piece female fusible assembly, with a one-piece fuse, is generally disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,570,147 9 (Ebi), Number 4,751,490 (Hatagishi), Number 4,869,972 (Hatagishi), and Number 4,871,990 (Ikeda and others). However, there are two numerous advantages with these and other fuses of this type, based on the configurations of the female fuse mentioned so far. Specifically, when the width of the fusible element narrows by cutting the fusible element, it is very difficult to achieve a width that is consistent throughout the full length of the melting portion of the fuse. The consistency of this width is significant because the width of the melting portion of the fuse can be used to control the time delay of the fuse. In addition, the use of a linear fuse element, which starts at the center of the female terminals and said length of the fuse element. When linear bends are added to increase the length of the fusible element, without any side bends, a considerable amount of surface area is discarded during manufacture, as disclosed in Ebi mentioned above. The length of the fuse element is significant since the length can be used to control the resistance, and therefore, the current rating of the fuse. However, the Ebi configuration wastes a significant amount of metal during manufacturing, in order to increase the length of the fuse element. In addition, the use of an additional component with the fusible element, such as a ceramic member for heat conducting conduction purposes, increases the cost of the materials and increases the number of female fuse assembly steps. As additional background information for the present invention, the European Patent Application Number EP 633592 Al discloses a fuse that also makes use of a fusible element (fusible portion) that extends linearly between the terminals of the female fuse, without any lateral bends from the upper portion. However, the fuse disclosed in this Patent Number EP 633,592 Al has female fuse terminals which each use a single spring member together with a lower plate to make a connection with the respective male terminals. In this configuration, the single spring member is the sole source of the force necessary to maintain the required connecting forces between the female terminals and the respective male terminals that are inserted therein. Further, the single spring member in each female terminal is bent in such a way that only a very small surface area of the spring member actually contacts the male terminal when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal. As such, the significant portion of the electrical connection between the male and female terminals is carried out between the male terminal and the lower plate.

The present invention is provided to solve these and other problems.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a female fusible assembly. The fuse assembly, among other things, allows a longer effective length of the fuse element and allows a uniform reduction in the thickness of the fuse element, to control the resistance and the fuse time delay while at the same time avoiding the problems previously cited and others of the previous one-piece female fuses. Generally the female fuse assembly will interrupt a current flowing through a circuit by certain high current conditions. The circuit will include male terminals having opposing contact surfaces that connect to the female fuse assembly to conduct current through the circuit. The female fuse assembly includes a female fuse and a housing. The female fuse includes a first and a second female end portion, each having a face portion that includes a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, but includes a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm. subjection. The female fuse also includes a first stiffening arm and a second stiffening arm connected to the first and second respective ends of the face portion of the first and second female end portions. The female fuse further includes a fusible element having a first terminal extension and a second terminal extension connected to the first and second respective female terminal portions. The fusible element has a beveled region connected between the first and second terminal extensions at a first transition point and second transition point, respectively, to control the resistance between the first and second female terminal portions. The fusible element further includes a fusible melting portion and does not require an additional structure to thermally isolate the female fuse. The fusible element further includes a first terminal fold and a second terminal fold. The first terminal fold is placed essentially towards the second end of the face portion of the first female terminal portion, or viceveresa. The second terminal fold is essentially positioned towards the first end of the face portion of the second female terminal portion or vice versa. This placement allows an increased length of the fusible element.

The connection between the first female terminal portion and the first terminal portion of the fusible element is essentially positioned towards one end of the face portion of the first female terminal portion. Similarly, the connection between the second female terminal portion and the second terminal extension of the fusible element is placed essentially toward one end, but is not limited to the other end of the face portion of the second female terminal portion. The present invention can be configured both in an attached arrangement and face-to-face while at the same time retaining the features and advantages set forth herein. In an alternative and improved additional embodiment of the present invention, a female fuse is provided to interrupt a current flowing through the circuit including a female fuse under high current conditions, and to accept the male terminals connected to the circuit. This female fuse comprises a fuse element having a first end and a second end, and a fuse link portion between the first and second ends to interrupt the current flowing through the circuit. The female fuse further includes first and second fuse terminals coupled with the first and second respective ends of the fusible element. The first and second female fuse terminals each have first and second female forming end plates and first and second female forming side plates. The first and second female forming side plates each engage with the first female forming plates essentially in the first and second substantially respective boundary layers and the second female forming end plates each engage with the respective second side plates., in the third layers it limits essentially in a respective way. The first and second female forming end plates each have a spring portion, the spring portions being springing in contact springs to have contact with the male terminals when the male terminals are inserted into the female fuse terminals, once they have been inserted. formed. The first, second female forming plates and the first and second female forming end plates are capable of being formed to generally encompass the spring portions and the male terminals when the male terminals are inserted into the female fuse terminals formed. During the manufacturing process of creating a plurality of female fuse, the fuses are formed from a single sheet of metal, and the first and second terminals of the female fuse are coupled with the first and second respective ends of the fusible element. During the manufacturing method, the first and second strips are punched from a sheet of metal with the alignment of the strips being transverse from the length of the female fuses, and with the strips placed inside from the outer portions of the fuse terminals female. The female fuse is punched from a single sheet of metal. The fusible element therein includes first and second plug or granule regions (shown as circles in the Figures) between the first and second ends. Each granule region may have a granule hole therein, and the first and second granule regions are almost symmetrically spaced on opposite sides of a central axis of the female fuse positioned along the length of the fuse. The fusible element further includes first and second arcing strips that almost symmetrically connect the first and second regions of granule with one another. An inner portion of the granule regions and an inner portion of the arcing strips are formed essentially from a die or arc-tie die section that is independent of the die or die section forming the outer configuration of the fuse female. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification which is taken together with the following drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the female fuse assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Figure 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 is a left side view of the modality of Figure 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment of Figure 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a detailed perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a top view of the embodiment of the female fuse of Figure 1 of the present invention, in preformed sheet configuration. Figure 7 is a front view of the preformed sheet configuration of the female fuse mode of Figure 6 of the present invention. Figure 8 is a front view of the female fuse of the female fuse assembly of Figure 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 is a left side view of the female fuse of Figure 8 of the present invention. Figure 10 is a top view of the female fuse of Figure 8 of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a top view of a separate female fuse embodiment of the present invention, in a preformed sheet configuration similar to Figure 6. Figure 12 is a front view of the preformed blade configuration of the female fuse mode of Figure 11 of the present invention. Figure 13 is a left side view of a female fuse housing without a fuse cover. Figure 14 is a top view of the female fuse housing of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a bottom view of the female fuse housing of Figure 13, without the female fuse being inserted therein. Figure 16 is a recessed front view of the female fuse housing of Figure 13 with a further embodiment of a female fuse inserted therein, the location cut out in Figure 14 having been shown. Figure 17 is a detailed view of the embodiment of the female fuse of Figure 16 with the female fuse housing detailed with it. Figure 18 is a top view of the embodiment of the female fuse of Figure 16, in a preformed sheet configuration.

Figure 19 is a bottom view of the female fuse of Figure 18, with the terminals of the female fuse formed. Figure 20 is a side view of the female fuse in Figure 19. Figure 21 is a partial front view of the female fuse terminal of the female fuse of Figure 20. Figure 22 is a cut-away side view of a single terminal of the female fuse of the female fuse in Figure 16. Figure 23 is a top view of a plurality of female fuses shown during a step of the manufacturing process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Although this invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail below with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention. the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiment.

Figures 1 to 5 show a female fuse assembly for interrupting the current flowing through a circuit during certain high current or overcurrent conditions. Numerous events can cause these types of conditions, as is well known in the art. The female fuse assembly is typically placed inside a circuit to carry out these functions. Specifically, the circuit includes male terminals (not shown) that are typically part of a male end block or fuse holder (not shown) for inserting the female fuse assembly into the male terminal block. Each male terminal has opposing contact surfaces for conductively connecting the female fuse assembly with the rest of the circuit as will be described further below. The female fuse assembly of Figures 1 to 5 usually includes a fuse housing 2 and a female fuse 4. The 4 female fuse, which is shown more clearly in Figures 6 to 10, is made of a continuous metal sheet, preferably a copper alloy, and several manufacturing steps cut and otherwise form the sheet metal in the form of Figures 1 to 5 as will be described further below. The female fuse 4 includes a first female terminal portion 6 and a second female terminal portion 8. The first female end portion 6 includes a first face portion 10 and the second female end portion includes a second face portion 12. The first and second face portions each include a first end 14, 16, a second end 18, 20, a first side 22, 24 and a second side 26, 28, respectively. The first side 22 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion of the female terminal includes a first portion 30 raised. The first raised portion 30 is formed by pressing a rectangular configuration towards the second side 26 of the first face portion 10. Also, the first side 24 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal includes a second portion 32. lifted. The second portion 32 raised again is formed by pressing a rectangular configuration towards the second side 28 of the second face portion 12. The first and second raised portions 30, 32 are provided in the first and second face portions 10, 12, respectively, to create a secure engagement with the male terminals. The raised portions are also provided to create a large contact surface area between the face portions 10, 12 and the male terminals, to reduce the resistance between the portions 6, 8 of the female terminal and the male terminals.

The female fuse 4 further includes a first clamping arm 34 connected to the first end 14 of the first face portion 10, a first clamping arm 36 connected to the first end 16 of the second face portion 12, a second arm 38 of clamping connected with the second end 18 of the first face portion 10, and a second clamping arm 40 connected with the second end 20 of the second face portion 12, of the respective female terminal portions 6 to 8. The first clamping arm 34 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal includes a first contact edge 42, and the first clamping arm 36 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal includes a first contact edge 44. Also, the second clamping arm 38 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal includes a second contact edge 46, and the second clamping arm 40 of the second portion of the female terminal includes a second contact edge 48. Each one of these contact edges 42, 44, 46, 48 is generally oriented and extends towards the first respective side 22, 24 of each of the first and second portions of the female terminal 6, 8, after the fuse 4 female is formed during manufacture. These contact edges 42, 44, 46, 48 are provided for coupling the male terminals when the male terminals are inserted into the portions 6, 8 of the female terminal. When the male terminals are inserted, the contact edges 42, 44, 46, 48 are pressed against one side of the male terminals, and force the male terminals toward effective contact between the first and second lifted portions 30, 32. To achieve effective contact between the male terminals and the respective raised portions 30, 32, each holding arm includes a semicircular portion formed in an appropriate fold, which is made of sufficient resilience. Specifically, the first clamping arm 34 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal includes a first resilient semicircular portion 50, and the first clamping arm 36 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal includes a first resilient semicircular portion 52. Also, the second holding arm 38 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal includes a second resilient semicircular portion 54, and the second holding arm 40 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal includes a second resilient semicircular portion 56. Figures 6, 7, 11 and 12 do not show these semicircular portions 50, 52, 54, 56 since these portions are created by bending the respective holding arms 34, 38, 40 towards the first sides 22, 24 of the first and second respective faces 10, 12 of the first and second female terminal portions 6, 8.

The female fuse 4 further includes a first reinforcing arm 58 connected to the first end 14 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 the female terminal and a first reinforcement arm 60 connected to the first end 16 of the second portion 12 of the second portion 8 of female terminal. Likewise, the female fuse 4 includes a second reinforcing arm 62 connected to the second end 18 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal, and a second reinforcing arm 64 connected to the second end 20 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal. The first reinforcing arm 58 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal includes a first reinforcing edge 66, and the first reinforcing arm 60 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal includes a first reinforcing edge 68. Also, the second reinforcing arm 62 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal includes a second reinforcing edge 70, and the second reinforcing arm 64 of the second female terminal portion 8 includes a second reinforcing edge 72. The first and second reinforcing arms 58, 60, 62, 64 of the first and second portions 6, 8 of the respective female terminal are placed almost perpendicular to the first and second portions 10, 12, respectively, of the first and second portions. 6, 8 del - lí female terminal Therefore, the first and second reinforcing edges 66, 68, 70, 72 extend away from and perpendicular to the first respective side 22, 24 of the first and second face portions 10, 12 of the first and second portions. , 8 of the respective female terminal. The reinforcement arms 58, 60, 62, 64 and the reinforcing edges 66, 68, 70, 72 are provided to reinforce and stabilize the female fuse 4 within the housing 2, as will be described in greater detail below. The female fuse 4 further includes a fusible element 80. The fuse element 80 includes a first terminal extension 82 and a second terminal extension 84. The first terminal extension 82 is connected to the first portion 6 of the female terminal, and the second extension 84 terminal it is connected to the second portion 8 of the female terminal. The fusible element 80 further includes a beveled region 86 connected between the first and second terminal extensions 82, 84 at a first transition point 88 and a second transition point 90. The beveled region 86 is provided to control the resistance between the first and second portions of the female terminal, since the resistance will vary by changing the thickness of the fusible element 80. During manufacture, the beveling is carried out before the fuse is formed 4 female Specifically, the thickness is reduced by a specified area along the entire sheet of metal before the metal sheet is cut or punched into female fuses. The reduction in thickness is carried out by known reduction techniques, in such a way that the reduced area, or the beveled regions, have an essentially uniform thickness. The beveling creates a more uniform thickness and therefore a more reliable opening time characterized as well as other advantages, than modeling, stamping, coining or other reduction technique. The fuse element 80 also includes a fuse link portion 92. The fuse link portion 92 includes a ring 94 having a first branch 96 and a second branch 98 that together form a region 100 of granule. A granule (not shown) can be placed inside a granule hole 100 or a granule (not shown) can be placed in the upper part of the granule region 100, when there is no hole. The granule region may be planar or a tepe may be created in the granule region 100 to accept the granule without actually punching a hole (granule hole) into the granule region. As described in U.S. Patent No. 4,635,023 (Oh), referred to as "Fuse Assembly Having a Non-Sagging Suspended Fuse Link", which is incorporated herein as part of the present specification by reference, fusible melt portion 92 of the Fusible element 80 includes a hot zone portion or ring 94 and a fuse or granule melt current reducing material (not shown) that is placed within or joins with the granule region 100. The material used to reduce the opening current within the granule region 100 is preferably thin while the total female fuse 4 is preferably made of a copper alloy. In addition, the configuration of the fuse element 80 obviates the need for any thermal conduction member and does not require an additional structure to thermally insulate the fuse element 80 or the female fuse 4. Fusible element 80 formed further includes a first terminal fold 102 and a second terminal fold 104. In one embodiment, the first terminal fold 102 is placed almost towards the first end 14 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal, and the second terminal fold 104 is essentially positioned towards the second end 20 of the second end portion 10. face portion 12 of the second portion 80 of the female terminal. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal fold 102 was essentially placed towards the second end 18 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal, and the second terminal fold 104 is essentially positioned towards the first end 16 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal. The placement of the folds 102, 104 within the female fuse 4 increases the length of the fusible element 80 without requiring the use of any additional volume of metal material to create the female fuse 4. In addition, increasing the length of the fuse element 80 in this manner, and in the embodiments that will be described below, actually reduces the amount of material that is discarded during manufacture. Other configurations for the connections between the terminals 6, 8 of the female fuse and the terminal extensions 82, 84 will achieve an elongated fuse element 80 without increasing the volume of the material used as well. Specifically, another embodiment of the present invention includes that the connection between the first portion 6 of the female terminal and the first extension 82 of the terminal of the fusible element 80 is placed almost towards the first end 14 of the first portion 10 of the face of the first portion 6 of the female terminal, and includes that the connection between the second portion 8 of the female terminal and the second terminal extension 84 of the fusible element 80 is placed almost towards the first end 16 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal. Another embodiment of the present invention includes that the connection between the first portion 6 of the female terminal and the first terminal extension 82 of the fusible element 80 is placed almost towards the first end 14 of the first face portion 22 of the first portion 6 of the terminal female and includes that the connection between the second portion 8 of the female terminal and the second extension 84 of the fusible element 80 is placed almost towards the second end 20 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion of the female terminal. Another embodiment of the present invention includes that the connection between the first portion 6 of the female terminal and the first terminal extension 82 of the fusible element 80 is placed almost towards the second end 18 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 of the terminal female, and includes the connection between the second portion 8 of the female terminal and the second terminal extension 84 of the fusible element 80 is essentially positioned towards the second end 20 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female signal. Another embodiment of the present invention includes that the connection between the first portion 6 of the female terminal and the first terminal extension 82 of the fusible element 80 is placed essentially towards the second end 22 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 of the terminal female, and includes that the connection between the second portion 8 of the female terminal and the second terminal extension 84 of the fusible element 80 is essentially positioned towards the first end 16 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal. A particularity that most of the modalities have in common is that the fusible element 80 is non-linear. The above fuses used a fuse element that extended linearly from the first female terminal to the second female terminal when viewed from the side of the fuse (facing a face portion). There were no curves or side bends in these previous fuse elements from a side view. The present fuse 4 has at least two curved side portions 150 which interrupt the linearity of the fusible element 80 to increase the length of the fusible element 80 without using any additional fusible material during manufacture. After the female fuse 4 is formed, usually in the configuration of the female fuse 4 of Figures 1 to 5, and 8 to 10, the female fuse is placed inside the housing 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. The housing 2 includes a main portion 106 and a cover 108. The housing 2 of the fuse is made of electrically insulating material, such as synthetic polymer or plastic. The main portion 106 includes a first interior wall 110, a second interior wall 112, a third interior wall 114, and a fourth interior wall 116, a divider 118 extending between the third and fourth interior walls 114, 116 all defining a space in it. The divider is provided to partially divide the space and includes a first interior recess portion 120 and a second interior recess portion 122. The first inner recess portion 120 includes and is defined by a first side recessed wall 124 and a first recessed top wall 126. The second inner recessed portion 122 includes and is defined by a second recessed side wall 128 and a second recessed upper wall 130. At the top of the divider (central island), a flexible member (not shown) can optionally be provided to help retain the female fuse in place when the grip arms 34, 36, 38, 40 are facing inward, or when the terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse (mode described below) are oriented inwards. The terminals of the female fuse of the different modalities would jump securely to their site through spears, and also through the flexible member (not illustrated) placed in the divider (central island).

In order to secure the female fuse within the main portion 106 of the housing 2, the first portion of the female terminal includes a first lance 132. The first lance is defined by a first portion 136 recessed in the first face portion 10 in the first portion 6 of the female terminal, and is essentially centered between the first and second ends 14, 18 of the first face portion 10 of the first portion 6 of the female terminal. The first lance 132 includes a first lance edge 140. Likewise, the second portion 8 of the female terminal further includes a second lance 134. The second lance 134 is defined by a second recess portion 138 recessed in the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal, and is essentially centered between the first and second ends 16, 20 of the second face portion 12 of the second portion 8 of the female terminal. The second lance 134 also has a second edge 142 of the lance. When the female fuse 4 is inserted into the main portion 108 of the housing 2, the first edge of the lance is clamped between the first inner recessed portion 120 and engages with the first recessed upper wall 126. Also, the second lance edge 142 is held in the second inner recess portion 122 and engages with the second recessed upper wall 130. The lid 108 of the housing 2 preferably transparent, and is held in the main portion 108 through the well-known techniques. A further specific embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 11 and 12, and it has generally already been described above. However, Figures 11 and 12 include reference to several common item numbers with a single designated premium instead. A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 13 to 23. This additional representative embodiment is also punched from a single sheet of metal as may be understood with reference to Figures 17, 18 and 23. Referring to Figure 18, The female fuse is shown to interrupt the current flowing through the circuit that includes the female fuse, during certain high current conditions. The female fuse is configured to accept male terminals (not shown) that are typically mounted on a male end block (not shown) as described above. The male terminals are also part of and connected to the circuit. The female fuse includes a fuse element 200 having a first end 202 and a second end 203. The fuse element 200 includes a fusible melting portion between the first and second ends 202, 203 to interrupt the current flowing through the circuit . The female fuse also includes first and second terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse which engage the first and second respective ends 202, 203 of the fusible elements 200. The first and second terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse each include first and second plates 304, 305, 306, 307 of the female forming terminal. Each terminal 300, 301 of the female fuse also includes first and second female forming plates 308, 309, 312, 313. The first and second female forming plates 308, 309, 312, 313 each engage with the first female forming plates 304, 305 essentially in the first and second boundary layers 316, 317, 320 and 321 respectively. The second female forming plates 306, 307 each engage with the respective second lateral plates 312, 313 essentially in the third boundary layers 324, 325, respectively. The first and second plates 304, 305, 306, 307 female forming terminals each include a spring portion 330, 331, 332, 333 respectively. The spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 are able to be formed in contact springs (as will be readily understood from Figure 22) for direct contact with the male terminals (not shown) when the male terminals are inserted into the terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse, once it has been formed. The first and second female forming plates 308, 309, 312, 313 and the first and second female forming end plates 304, 305, 306, 307 are capable of being formed to generally comprise the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 and the male terminals, when the male terminals are inserted into the terminals of the female fuse formed (as will be easily understood from Figures 16 and 17). The formed female terminals 300, 301 (Fugura 17) take the form of a box. The formation of the female fuse will be described in greater detail below. However, the double spring configurations decrease the insertion force required to place the male terminals within the female fuse, center the male terminals within each female terminal 300, 301. The female fuse shown in Figures 13 to 23 is formed of a continuous sheet of metal. The sheet is made of a copper alloy. Preferably, the lamp is made of C-151, C-194 or 425. The first and second terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse each include first and second lances 336, 337, respectively. The lances 336, 337 are defined by first and second recessed portions 338, 339, respectively. The lances 336, 337 and the respective recessed portions 338, 339 are essentially centered between the first and second boundary layers 316, 317, 320, 321 and the first and second lances 336, 337 each having a respective lance edge 340, 341 The female fuse of claim 32, wherein the first and second first plates 304, 305, 306, 307 each comprise first and second portions 344, 345, 346, 347 respectively raised. These raised portions 344, 345, 346, 347 serve as overexertion protection (OSP) for the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333, when a male terminal is inserted into the terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse. Specifically, the male terminal is inserted into the terminal 300 or 301 of the female fuse formed at an angle that is not parallel or aligned with the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333, the male terminal will contact and the spring portion 330, 331, 332, or 333 will be depressed. If there is no raised portion 344, 345, 346 or 347, the spring portion 330, 331, 332, 333 can overstress and remain permanently bent out of shape. However, with the existence of the bent portions 344, 345, 346, 347, the spring portion 330, 331, 332, 333 can be depressed only until the portion comes into contact with the portion 344, 345, 346, 347, lifted, thus providing protection against overexertion. This type of OSP is significant since the protection (raised portions) extends over almost the entire length of the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333. The raised portions 344, 345, 346, 347 can be created through of the use of a section of matrix, perforator or embossed embosser. The first and second limit layers 316, 317, 320, 321 are provided with grooves. In addition, the third and fourth limit layers 324, 325, 328, 329 are scored. These fluted lines shown in Figure 18 allow ease of bending and formation of the terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse. For the purpose of this detailed description, the fluted lines provide an imaginary separation (boundary layers) between the various plates described above. Therefore, the use of the term boundary layer in the present does not include the fluted. (only one imaginary line (s)), while the use of the fluted term represents the real flute. The striated decreases the effort in the materials during the formation. The first and second terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse each also include a first and a second edge 350, 351 coupled with the first female forming plates 308, 309 respectively, essentially in the fourth limit layers 328, 329. The first and second layers female forming end plates 304, 305, 306, 307 each includes first and second notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, respectively, positioned essentially on either side of the respective spring portions 330, 331 , 332, 333 in them. These notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359 provide the additional spring action to the respective spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 associated with them. The notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 356, 357, 358, 359 create the additional spring action in the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 providing flexibility in the metal between the spring portions 330, 331 , 332, 333 and the main body of the female forming end plates 304, 305, 306, 307. The spring action is even greater with the use of the notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359. The notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359 also provide ease of forming the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 in the end position, as long as the notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359 are created before the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 are formed in the configurations of the female terminal similar to a box (final position). The notches 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359 also have a long-term effect of preventing the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 from relaxing (bending out of shape) or break prematurely (fail). The spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 each include first and second spring legs 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369 formed on either side of a spring leg forming slot 370, 371 , 372, 373, respectively. Referring, in particular, to Figure 16, the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 are bent to overlap a portion (overlap region) of the female forming end plates 304, 305, 306, 307. The region of overlap includes at least the raised portions 344, 345, 346, 347 below. The first and second spring legs 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369 of the respective spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 each include a terminating edge 376 that is bent away from the portion. overlap of the female forming end plates 304, 305, 306, 307. Once the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 and the associated elements are punched and formed in the terminals of the female fuse 300, 301, the spring portions and the associated elements need to be inspected. The female forming side plates 308, 309, 312, 313, therefore, include viewing holes 378 for viewing inside the box-like female fuse terminals 300, 301. A more complete inspection, such as checking space sizes, can then be carried out on the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333 and the associated elements. The fusible element of the female fuse mode in Figures 13 to 23 also includes a beveled region 210 between the first and second transition portions 212, 213. As described in detail above, beveled region 210 creates a thickness essentially uniform for the fusible element 200 between the first and second transition portions 212, 213. The uniform thickness improves the operation of the fuse. The bevel thickness scale of preference is .127 to 2.79 millimeters. Fusible element 200 further includes first and second granule regions 214, 216 (shown as circles in the Figures). A granule hole 218 may exist in each granule region 214, 216 and the tin granules may be placed within the holes 218. However, holes 218 are not necessary in a form of the present invention, such as sods (not illustrated). ) or just a flat surface can be used to hold the tin granules.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each granule region 214, 216 will include a granule hole 218, and both granule holes 218 will be filled with granules (tin). This form of the invention provides a relatively large mass on either side where the fuse is intended to melt. It is preferable that the fuse melts between the granule regions because it allows a person to see that the fuse has blown through the transparent cover of the fuse housing. However, there are several alternative ways. For example, a region 214 of the granule could have a granule hole 218 and a granule therein, with the opposite granule region 216, having no granule and granule hole therein (solid granule region 216). In this way, it would not be important in which region 214, 216 of granule would be the granule hole 218 or the granule. However, using only a single granule and granule hole 218 in this example, adjustments will be required in the other slots. In the embodiment of Figure 18, the first and second granule regions 214, 216 are symmetrically spaced from opposite sides of a central axis extending essentially through the center of both of the first female forming end layers 304, 305. The fusible element 200 also includes first and second arcing strips 220, 222 which essentially symmetrically connect the first and second regions of granule 214, 216 to one another. The arc shape of these strips increases the length of the fusible element 200 without the use of any additional material during manufacture. By increasing the arc, consequently the length of the fuse length will be increased for improved operation. The regions of granules 214, 216 and arc-forming strips 220, 222 each have an inner portion that forms a recessed portion 220 of bow lashing. The recessed arc-tie portion 226 is formed of a section of the arc-tie matrix (not shown) that exists within the single array that is used to create the total fuse. The array includes a plurality of die sections or die sections that are independent of the other die sections (die cut sections) within the single total array. The arc mooring matrix section (slot), within the total array, is separate and distinct from the array section (die section) that forms the external configuration of the female fuse. Therefore, the punching section of the bow lashing can be changed within the total matrix during manufacture to be changed to a different size arc punching die section in order to change the classification of the fuses being manufactured, without changing the die cutting section (die section) used to form the outer configuration of the female fuse, as shown in Figure 18. The cross-sectional area of the arch forming strips 220, 222 is partially determined by beveling, which is determined partially by the matrix section of the external shape of the female fuse and is partially determined by the matrix section of the arch anchor. By controlling this cross-sectional area the classification of the female fuse will be controlled. By controlling the size of the other slots, the classification of the female fuse will also be controlled. Therefore, there are numerous ways to fine-tune the rating of the female fuse. The fusible element 200 further includes first and second end slots 228, 230 placed essentially on the first and second respective ends 202, 203. The end slots 228, 230 help control the rating of the fuse by providing a heat sink on either side of the granule regions 214, 216. Similar to the arc tie matrix sections, a slot matrix section is used. extreme (not shown) to create the end slots 228, 230. As such, the end slot matrix section can be dropped within the total array (not shown) during manufacture, to be changed to an end slot matrix section of different size in order to change the classification of the fuses being manufactured, without changing the total matrix of the die section used to form the external configuration of the female fuse as shown in Figure 18. Providing the end slots 228, 230 and controlling the size of the slots of end 228, 230 helps to control the voltage drop through the fuse element 200, while increasing the time delay for the fuse to melt. These heat sinks act to draw heat away from the center of the fuse element 200, in order to increase the time delay. These end slots 228, 230 which create the heat triggers further help to ensure that the female fuse will melt at or between the granule regions 214, 216. This configuration also provides protection against fast short circuit. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of arcing strips 220, 222 can be reduced while at the same time maintaining equal or better circuit protection features. One of these features includes maintaining the time delay between about 200 percent and 300 percent of the current classification (characteristic power). Since this phase resisting a sharp increase is provided while at the same time good protection against short circuit is provided. For the purpose of this specification, the end slots 228, 230, the granule holes 218 (when present), and the arc-tie trimming portion 226 (or other configuration) are sometimes referred to together as slots. These sizes of these slots are changed to change the rating of the female fuse. Higher rated female fuses have smaller grooves, and lower rated female fuses have larger grooves. Separating the matrix sections with this type of female fuse arrangement for the fuse element 200 provides a simpler process because only a size perimeter of the female fuse link (for one of the matrix sections) is needed to create all the different classifications for female fuses). Only the sizes of the slot die change to change the rating of the female fuse. This allows a faster changeover time during fabrication from a classified female fuse to another rated female fuse because the slot matrix section (s) is the only matrix section (s) that needs to be changed (the different slots can come from different matrix sections). This, in turn, provides lower labor and tool costs. However, when referencing the slots, the meaning of the term is not intended to adopt any specific configuration. Therefore, the fusible element 200 of the present invention can also be described as including a plurality of grooves that create a fuse link portion 206. In a preferred form, the slots are positioned essentially symmetrically between the first and second ends 202, 203. The slots are formed essentially from one or more matrix sections that are independent of the matrix section forming the outer configuration of the fuse female, as described in greater detail in the foregoing. Referring to Figures 18 and 23, the method of manufacturing a plurality of female fuses begins on a single sheet of continuous metal. The blade is bevelled before additional steps are carried out, even though beveling does not have to take place first. The guide perforations 500 are used to guide the sheet through a main matrix (not shown) during the manufacturing process. The different elements of the female fuse are then punched, perforate, debase or otherwise form the different matrix sections placed within the main matrix. Within this process, the first and second guide strips 502, 503 of the metal sheet are punched out. The strips 502, 503 are aligned transversely to or generally perpendicular to the central axis along the length of the previously described female fuse. As an integral part of the present invention, the strips 502, 503 are placed inside the most outward portions of the terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse. The most outward portion of the terminals of the female fuse coincide on the terminating edge 376 of the spring portions 330, 331, 332, 333. In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, the strips are substantially aligned between the ends 202, 203, of the fusible element 200 and the terminals of the female fuse 300, 301. In a still further embodiment set of the present invention, the fusible elements 80, 80 'and 200 can be interchanged to create a variety of female fuse arrangements with the different arrangements of the terminal of the female fuse. Referring to Figures 13 to 17, a housing 400 for the female fuse is provided which is similar to the housing in Figures 1 to 5. The housing 400 includes a main portion 402 which includes a first interior wall 402, a second wall 406 interior, a third interior wall 408 and a fourth interior wall 410. A divider 412 extends between the third wall 408 and the fourth interior wall 410, and defines a space for receiving the female fuse. The divider 412 partially divides the space, and the divider 412 has a semi-resilient, over-hanging member 414 for coupling the inner and upper edges 380 of the terminals 300, 301 of the female fuse. Furthermore, it will be understood that the invention may be encompassed in other specific forms without deviating from the spirit or the central characteristics thereof, including but not limited to the orientations of the elements of the present invention to achieve the above-identified and other advantages. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the details provided herein.

Claims (35)

REVINDICATIONS:

1. A female fuse for interrupting a current flowing through a circuit including the female fuse during certain high current conditions and for accepting the male terminals connected to the circuit, the female fuse comprises: a fusible element (200) having a first end (202) and second end (203), the fusible element includes a fusible melting portion between the first and second ends (202, 203) to interrupt the current flowing through the circuit; and, first and second terminals of the female fuse (300, 301) coupled with the respective first and second ends (202, 203) of the fusible element (200), the first and second terminals in the female fuse (300, 301) each having first and second female forming end plates (304, 305, 306, 307) and first and second female forming side plates (308, 309, 312, 313), the first and second female forming side plates (308, 309, 312), 313) each being coupled with the first female forming end plates (304, 305) essentially in the first and second boundary layers (316, 317, 320, 321), respectively, the second female forming end plates (306, 307) each being coupled with the respective second side plates (312, 313) essentially in the third boundary layers (324, 325), respectively, first and second female forming end plates (304, 305, 306, 307) each having a spring portion (330, 331, 332, 333), the spring portions (330, 331, 332, 333) being capable of being formed in contact springs to contact the male terminals when the male terminals are inserted into the terminals of the female fuse (300, 301), once they have been formed, the first and second female forming side plates (308, 309, 312, 313) and the first and second female forming end plates (304, 305, 306, 307) being able to be formed to generally encompass the spring portions (330, 331, 332, 333) and the male terminals when the male terminals they are inserted into the terminals of the fuse female formed.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the female fuse is formed of a continuous metal sheet.

3. The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the first and second terminals of the female fuse (300, 301) each further includes first and second lances (336, 337), respectively, which are defined by the first and second respective recess portions of lance (338, 339), essentially centered between the first and second layers limit (316, 317, 320, 321), the first and second lances (336, 337) each have a respective lance edge (340, 341).

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the first and second female forming plates (304, 305, 306, 307) each includes first and second raised portions (344, 345, 346, 347) respectively.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the first and second limit layers (316, 317, 320, 321) are provided with grooves.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the first and second female fuse terminals (300, 301) each include a fourth limit layer (328, 329), and a first and a second edge (350, 351) , the fourth boundary layer (328, 329) positioned between the first and second female forming side plates (308, 309) and the edges (350, 351), respectively.

The female fuse of claim 6, wherein the third and fourth boundary layers (324, 325, 328, 329) are provided with grooves.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the first female forming end plate (304, 305) of each female fuse terminal (300, 301) includes first and second notches (352, 353, 354, 355) positioned essentially on either side of the respective spring portion (330, 331) therein.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the second female forming end plate (306), 307) of each terminal of the female fuse (300, 301) includes first and second notches (356, 357, 358, 359) positioned essentially on either side of the respective spring portion (332, 333) therein.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein each spring portion (330, 331, 332, 333) includes first and second spring legs (362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369) formed on either side of the spring leg forming notch (370, 371, 372, 373) therein.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the spring portions (330, 331, 332, 333) are bent to overlap a portion of the female forming end plates (304, 305, 306, 307), and where the first and second spring legs (362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369) each include a terminating edge (376) that bends away from the overlapped portion of the female forming end plates (304) , 305, 306, 307).

12. The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the first female forming side plate (308, 309) includes a viewing hole (378).

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the fusible element (200) includes a bevelled region (210) between the first and second transition portions (212, 213), the beveled region (210) creates an essentially uniform thickness for the fusible element (200) between the first and second transition portions (212, 213).

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the fusible element (200) includes first and second granule regions (214, 216), the first and second granule regions (214, 216) being symmetrically separated on opposite sides of a central axis of a female fuse.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the fusible element (200) includes first and second granule regions (214, 216), at least one of the first and second granule regions (214, 216) that has a granule attached to it.

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the fusible element (200) includes first and second regions of granule (214, 216), and the first and second arcing strips (220, 222) are essentially connected in a manner symmetric in the first and second regions of granule (214, 216) one with the other.

17. A method for manufacturing a plurality of female fuses from a single sheet of metal, each fuse includes a fusible element (200) having a first end and a second end (202, 203), the fuse element (200) includes a fusible melting portion between the first and second ends (202, 203): and first and second female fuse terminals (300, 301) coupled with the respective first and second ends (202, 203) of the fusible element (200 ); the method comprises: punching out the first and second strips (502, 503) of a metal sheet, the strips being aligned transversely of their female fuses and being placed inside the most outward portions of the terminals of the female fuse.

The method according to claim 17, wherein the strips (502, 503) are aligned essentially between the ends (202, 203) of the fusible element (200) and the terminals of the female fuse (300, 301).

The female fuse of claim 1, wherein the female fuse is punched from a sheet of metal, and wherein the fusible element (200) includes a plurality of slots (218, 226, 228, and / or 230) creating a fusible melting portion, the grooves being positioned between the first and second ends (202, 203).

The female fuse of claim 19 further comprising first and second granule regions (214, 216) between the first and second ends (202, 203), the first and second granule regions (214, 216) being essentially separated symmetrically on opposite sides of a central axis of the female fuse, the fusible element (200) further includes first and second arcing strips (220, 222) connecting the first and second regions of granule (214, 216) a with the other, an inner portion (226) of the granule regions (214, 216) and an inner portion (226) of the arch forming strips (220, 222) forming one of the grooves (218, 226, 228, and / or 230).

The female fuse of claim 20, wherein at least one granule region (214, 216) includes a granule hole (218) as one of the slots (218, 226, 228 and / or 230).

The female fuse of claim 19, wherein the slots (218, 226, 228, and / or 230) includes first and second end slots (228, 230) disposed essentially between the respective first and second ends (202, 203) to help control the classification of the fuse.

23. A female fuse housing for a female fuse, the female fuse includes a fuse element having first and second ends, a fuse melting portion positioned between the first and second ends, and first and second female fuse terminals coupled with the first and second ends of the fusible element, the terminals of the female fuse each have an upper inner edge and each have a lance, and the housing comprises: a side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an area Fuse insert to house the female fuse; a fuse insertion end adapted to receive the female fuse; a terminal input end positioned opposite the fuse insertion end having a first terminal plug and a second terminal plug; and a splitter positioned within the fuse insertion area between the first terminal plug and the second terminal plug having a first side and a second side, to define a first female receiving chamber and a second male receiving chamber each having a plurality of female fuse retainers.

24. The female fuse housing of claim 23, wherein the first of the plurality of retainers within the first female receiving chamber is a first female receiver positioned within the first side of the splitter.

25. A fuse housing of claim 23, wherein the first of the plurality of retainers within the second female receiving chamber is a first female retainer positioned within the second side of the splitter.

26. The housing of the female fuse of the reviction 24 or 25, wherein the first retainer assumes the shape of a cavity, the cavity being adapted to accept the lance at the terminal of the female fuse.

27. The female fuse housing of claim 24, wherein the first female retainer within the first female receiving chamber is in the form of an overlying member positioned toward the top of the first side of the splitter, to engage the upper inner edge of the female. one of the terminals of the female fuse.

The female fuse housing of claim 25, wherein the first female retainer within the second female receiving chamber assumes the shape of the overlying member positioned towards the top of the second side of the splitter, to engage the upper inner edge of one of the terminals of the female fuse.

29. The female fuse housing of claim 23, wherein the first of the plurality of retainers within the first female receiving chamber is a first female retainer positioned within the inner surface of the side wall.

The female fuse housing of claim 23, wherein a first of the plurality of retainers within the second female receiving chamber is a first female retainer positioned within the inner surface of the side wall.

The housing of the female fuse of claim 29 or 30, wherein the first female retainer assumes the shape of a cavity, the cavity adapted to accept the lance at the female fuse terminal.

The housing of the female fuse of claim 29, wherein the first female retainer within the first female receiving chamber takes the form of an overlying member ed within the inner surface of the side wall, for coupling the upper inner edge of one of the terminals of the female fuse.

33. The female fuse housing of claim 30, wherein the first female retainer within the second female receiving chamber is in the form of an overlying member and positioned within the inner surface of the side wall, to engage the upper inner edge of one of the terminals of the female fuse.

The housing of the female fuse of claim 26 or 31, wherein the cavity comprises a guide channel for preventing any movement of the female fuse within the housing.

35. The female fuse housing of claim 23 further comprising a cover, wherein the side wall of the fuse housing further comprises an edge positioned proximate the insertion end of the fuse, to engage with the cover.