WO2019166897A1

WO2019166897A1 - Battery fuse terminal for vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2019166897A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/051023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mayur Anil SUTRAVE
Original assignee: Yazaki India Private Limited
Priority date: 2018-02-28
Filing date: 2019-02-08
Publication date: 2019-09-06

Abstract

A battery fuse terminal (BFT) formed of a single metal piece is disclosed. The single metal piece includes a battery post mounting portion (102a) for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion (102c) to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion (102b) connecting the battery post mounting portion (102a) to the connection portion (102c) thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion (102c), the fusible link portion (102b) designed to protect the external electric circuit. The BFT further has a body part (104) made of electrically insulating material and configured to enclose the fusible link portion (102b) with a transparent cover (106), and with fins for heat dissipation.

Description

BATTERY FUSE TERMINAL FOR VEHICLES

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automotive electrical systems. More particularly, it relates to protective and safety devices in electrical system of vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Fuses are well known protective and safety devices in electrical circuits. A fuse forms an electrical connection between a power source (for instance, an automotive battery) and corresponding electric loads such as starter motor, headlights, horns and other electronic circuits. A fuse has a fusible link/element between its terminations. When an electric current passing through the fuse exceeds a pre-determined limit, the fusible link portion melts thereby breaking the electric circuit. The breaking of the electric circuit aims to prevent damage to the electric components connected to the fuse and also to avoid more serious hazards such as fire that can occur due heat caused by higher than designed current flowing through damaged components, wires etc.

[0004] As would be evident, to minimize damages due to drawl of excess current, the fuse should be positioned as close to the power source as possible as it may happen that a short circuiting takes place of a cable connecting the power source to the fuse, in which case the fuse would remain unaffected by the short circuit current. However, present practice followed in vehicles is to position the fuses in a fuse box that is mounted on the vehicle with clamps/brackets etc. The fuse box carries fuses for all the electric circuits. A battery terminal (clamp) connects positive post of the battery to a fuse box via which electric supply is given to various electric circuits that have their own fuses. Some of these circuits can be designed for low current carrying capacities, while some other can be designed for high currents.

[0005] A fuse element carrying high current (that can be a main fuse, for example) generates high heat immediately prior to its blowing when it experiences still higher currents. This heat generation during blowing of a fuse can damage wires, fuse box, other fuses/fuse bases etc. configured quite near to the fuse. Hence, it is advisable to shift such fuses with high current throughput away from the fuse box to other locations or reduce the fuse box size. Additionally, with increasing applications/different auxiliary functions such as security systems, smartphone charging systems etc. in modern vehicles requiring more electric circuits with corresponding fuses, there is increasing demand for increasing fuse box sizes. However, space is a critical consideration for any component design in the automobile industry, and more so for 2-wheel vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters and the like.

[0006] Hence there is a need in the art for a compact device that can carry different fuses in very little space, while at the same time eliminating/minimizing risks such due to short circuiting of the cable connecting battery to the fuse box, as well as due to excess heat generated in the event of blowout of the fuse. Besides, the device should facilitate easy servicing and maintenance.

[0007] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[00011] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[00012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a device that eliminates risks due to short circuiting of the cable connecting battery to a fuse box of a two wheeler.

[00013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a device that minimizes fire risk in the event of a main fuse blowout of a two wheeler.

[00014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide for a device that facilitates easy servicing and maintenance of electric circuits of a two wheeler.

SUMMARY

[00015] The present disclosure relates to the electrical systems, and protective and safety devices therein for vehicles. More particularly, it relates to novel design and construction of a battery terminal with one/more integrated fuses.

[00016] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a battery fuse terminal (BFT), the BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising: a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion connecting the battery post mounting portion to the connection portion thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion, the fusible link portion designed to protect the external electric circuit.

[00017] In another aspect, the BFT can further include a body part made of insulating material to provide electric insulation.

[00018] In yet another aspect, the body part can provide the insulation by embedding any or a combination of the battery post mounting portion, the fusible link portion and the connection portion itself.

[00019] In an aspect, the body part can be configured to enclose any or a combination of the battery post mounting portion, the fusible link portion, and the connection portion.

[00020] In another aspect, the body part can be lockable.

[00021] In yet another aspect, the body part can have a transparent cover to provide visibility to any or a combination of the battery post mounting portion, the fusible link portion, and the connection portion.

[00022] In an aspect, the body part can be configured with fins for heat dissipation

[00023] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a battery fuse terminal (BFT) formed of a single metal piece comprising: a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a plurality of connection portions to distribute the electric current from the battery post to a plurality of external electric circuits; and a plurality of fusible link portions connecting the battery post mounting portion to the plurality of connection portions thereby distributing the electric current to the plurality of connection portions, each of the plurality of fusible link portions designed to protect the circuit served by the respective connection portion out of the plurality of connection portions, wherein each of the plurality of connection portions is held separate from each other using electric insulation and wherein each of the plurality of fusible link portions is held separate from each other using electric insulation.

[00024] In yet another aspect, the electric insulation can be provided by the body part.

[00025] In an aspect, a main fusible link portion can intervene between the plurality of fusible link portions and the battery post mounting portion, the main fusible link portion being of current carrying capacity at least equal to sum of that of the plurality of fusible link portions. [00026] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a battery configured to hold a battery fuse terminal (BFT), the BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising :a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post of the battery and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion connecting the battery post mounting portion to the connection portion thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion, the fusible link portion designed to protect the external electric circuit.

[00027] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a vehicle having at least one battery, the battery having at least one battery post configured to hold a battery fuse terminal (BFT), the BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising : a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to the at least one battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion connecting the battery post mounting portion to the connection portion thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion, the fusible link portion designed to protect the external electric circuit.

[00028] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

[00029] Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[00031] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein: [00032] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric overall view of the disclosed battery fuse terminal (BFT) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00033] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the disclosed BFT illustrating configuration of a fusible link portion within in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00034] FIG.3 illustrates a top view of the disclosed BFT in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00035] FIG.4 illustrates a front view of the disclosed BFT in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[00037] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00038] If the specification states a component or feature“may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[00039] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[00040] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[00041] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.

[00042] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[00043] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[00044] The present disclosure relates to the electrical systems, and protective and safety devices therein for vehicles. More particularly, it relates to novel design and construction of a battery terminal with one/more integrated fuses.

[00045] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a battery fuse terminal (BFT), the BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising: a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion connecting the battery post mounting portion to the connection portion thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion, the fusible link portion designed to protect the external electric circuit.

[00046] In another aspect, the BFT can further include a body part made of insulating material to provide electric insulation.

[00047] In yet another aspect, the body part can provide the insulation by embedding any or a combination of the battery post mounting portion, the fusible link portion and the connection portion itself.

[00048] In an aspect, the body part can be configured to enclose any or a combination of the battery post mounting portion, the fusible link portion, and the connection portion.

[00049] In another aspect, the body part can be lockable.

[00050] In yet another aspect, the body part can have a transparent cover to provide visibility to any or a combination of the battery post mounting portion, the fusible link portion, and the connection portion.

[00051] In an aspect, the body part can be configured with fins for heat dissipation

[00052] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a battery fuse terminal (BFT) formed of a single metal piece comprising: a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a plurality of connection portions to distribute the electric current from the battery post to a plurality of external electric circuits; and a plurality of fusible link portions connecting the battery post mounting portion to the plurality of connection portions thereby distributing the electric current to the plurality of connection portions, each of the plurality of fusible link portions designed to protect the circuit served by the respective connection portion out of the plurality of connection portions, wherein each of the plurality of connection portions is held separate from each other using electric insulation and wherein each of the plurality of fusible link portions is held separate from each other using electric insulation.

[00053] In yet another aspect, the electric insulation can be provided by the body part.

[00054] In an aspect, a main fusible link portion can intervene between the plurality of fusible link portions and the battery post mounting portion, the main fusible link portion being of current carrying capacity at least equal to sum of that of the plurality of fusible link portions.

[00055] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a battery configured to hold a battery fuse terminal (BFT), the BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising :a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to a battery post of the battery and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion connecting the battery post mounting portion to the connection portion thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion, the fusible link portion designed to protect the external electric circuit.

[00056] In an aspect, present disclosure elaborates upon a vehicle having at least one battery, the battery having at least one battery post configured to hold a battery fuse terminal (BFT), the BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising : a battery post mounting portion for directly affixing the BFT to the at least one battery post and thereby receive electric current from the battery post, a connection portion to provide the electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion connecting the battery post mounting portion to the connection portion thereby supplying the electric current to the connection portion, the fusible link portion designed to protect the external electric circuit.

[00057] In an aspect, proposed device helps fit a fuse of a required rating to protect electrical system of a two-wheeler in very little space while at the same time eliminating risk of fire in the fuse box and its consequent disadvantages.

[00058] In another aspect, proposed device aims to use existing battery compartment of a 2-wheeler. Batteries of a 2-wheel are small in size with battery posts that are typically of rectangular cuboid profile. Such a battery post has a hole for connecting a battery terminal utilizing a nut and bolt arrangement. A battery terminal so mounted on a positive battery post is in turn connected to a heavy gauge wire (with a current carrying capacity more than that of all electric circuits in the 2-wheel vehicle) by means such as crimping the wire or attaching it by means of screws configured in the battery terminal itself. The heavy gauge wire connects to one/more fuses in a fuse box some of which carry high current. In an aspect, the present invention discloses an arrangement for mounting one or more fuses directly on the positive battery post itself. In another aspect the proposed arrangement integrates one or more fuses of required ratings with a battery terminal thereby providing protection and safety against over drawl of current at the power source itself. Besides, the disclosure provides a very compact fuse without need for any additional space. Further, the structure as elaborated further can help in quick heat dissipation preventing any possibility of occurrence of a flame thereby minimizing fire risk in normal working and accident situation. Since the device as described herein is positioned in place of battery terminal with fuse, the proposed device is termed as battery fuse terminal (BFT).

[00059] In another aspect, to prevent any surrounding parts getting damaged due to heat generated in the eventuality of the fuse getting blown, the fusible link portion of the BFT can be well covered. Further, the proposed BFT can have a transparent cover for visual inspection of its condition without dismounting it from the positive battery post, thereby helping in quicker/better maintenance. In case of any short circuit (that could be due to a crash as well) the fuse can blow out, thereby protecting the battery of the vehicle as well as its various electrical components/circuits. All such features and advantages can make the proposed BFT readily acceptable to different original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of two-wheelers.

[00060] It is to be appreciated that though the exemplary illustrations show only one fuse integrated in the proposed device, it is possible to integrate more than one fuse in the proposed BFT device using the disclosed concept, wherein each fuse can have a separate means for connection with corresponding wires.

[00061] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric overall view of the battery fuse terminal (BFT) disclosed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00062] In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed BFT device can comprise a metal part 102, a body part 104 and a transparent cover 106 over the body part as illustrated. [00063] In another aspect, metal part 102 can include three distinct portions- a battery post mounting portion 102a, a connection terminal portion 102c and a fusible link portion 102b. The metal part 102 can be fabricated as an integrated, single metal piece. In an exemplary embodiment, the single metal piece can be formed using techniques such as sheet metal punching and pressing. The battery post mounting portion l02a can be adapted to fit a battery post, thereby affixing/connecting the BFT to the battery post without a battery terminal being required. The connection terminal partl02c (also referred to as connection portion and the two terms used interchangeably hereinafter) can be adapted to connect the BFT to one or more electric wires to provide electric output of the BFT to one or more external electric circuits. It can be readily appreciated that there can be a plurality of connection portions l02c, each adapted for connection to a different electric wire to supply power to its corresponding circuit.

[00064] In yet another aspect, the fusible link portion l02b can be adapted to work as a fuse (not shown in FIG. 1 but illustrated in FIG. 2) and can be disposed between the battery post mounting portion l02a, and the connection terminal partl02c. Fusible link portion l02b can be sized to provide protection and safety function to electric circuit being served by the connection portion l02c. It can be readily appreciated that there can be a plurality of fusible link portions l02b, each connected to corresponding connection portion l02c and designed for a current carrying capacity that ensures protection and safety to the circuit being served by the corresponding connection portionl02c.

[00065] In yet another aspect, battery post mounting portion 102a can be configured with appropriate holes (illustrated as 108) to enable fitment of the battery post mounting portionl02a to a battery post of the vehicle’s battery. In this manner, the proposed BFT can be rigidly mounted on the battery post itself. While only one of the holes 108 may be used at a time for mounting the BFT to the battery post, two holes are provided to provide flexibility in mounting depending upon the battery position in the vehicle, position of corresponding hole in the battery post of the battery, space available for the bolting process etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery post mounting portionl02a can have a flat profile to act as a supporting portion when attached to the battery post flat surface (as the battery post has a rectangular cuboid profile). The battery post mounting portionl02a can be suitably profded to match profile of the battery post and thereby be able to be affixed rigidly thereupon. [00066] In an aspect, the body part 104 can be made of resin / suitable insulative material and serve to insulate the BFT from rest of the vehicle. The body part 104 can provide insulation to battery post mounting portionl02a, fusible link portion l02b and connection portion l02c. Insert molding method can be used to embed metal part 102 in an insulating structure to cover exposed portions of metal part 102 with body part 104. Body part 104 can be made of a suitable material such as resin and can also serve to provide strength to all BFT parts.

[00067] In another aspect, the body part 104 can be configured in a shape of a box over fusible link portion l02b as illustrated. The box can be provided with fins on outside so as to easily and quickly dissipate any heat generated by the BFT in the event the fusible link portion l02b melts to provide protection and safety during a high current event, such as during a short circuit. Besides, the resin coating can serve to protect the BFT in situations like a fall to the ground. Likewise, on the connection portion l02c side, body partl04 can be profiled with flanges (as illustrated at 110) so as to provide additional strength while bolting/connecting the connection portion l02c to corresponding wire. The flanges 110 can also keep different wires connected to different connection portions 102c segregated from each other.

[00068] In yet another aspect, a transparent cover 106 can be configured over fusible link portion l02b that can work as a cover to box shaped body part 104. Appropriate locks can be configured on body part 104 so as to hold the cover 106 locked over the fusible link portion l02b. In another aspect, the transparent cover can provide visibility to the fusible link portion l02b and condition of the fusible link portion l02b can be ascertained without dismounting the BFT from its battery post. As can be appreciated, this feature can allow for easier and quicker maintenance. Further, locking of transparent coverl06 can prevent its opening under vibration etc. and can provide strength to the BFT.

[00069] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the proposed BFT illustrating configuration of the fusible link portion in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the fusible link portion l02b is covered by cover 106. Battery post mounting portion l02a can be covered with resin (on account of being molded into body part 104 using insert molding). Box profile of body part 104 over fusible link portion l02b is illustrated at 202.

[00070] Referring to FIG.3 and FIG. l, holes 108 can be configured in battery post mounting portion l02a to enable bolting of the BFT on a battery post of the battery over which the BFT proposed is being mounted. [00071] Referring to FIG. 4, a hole 402 can be provided in connection portion l02c (refer to FIG. 1) to connect an electric wire of an electric circuit to the connection portion l02c. As stated earlier there can be more than one wire connected to more than one fusible link portion l02b and the relevant part can be split into more than one part each connected to a fusible link portion l02b.

[00072] It can be appreciated that when the battery post mounting portionl02a of the BFT is connected/mounted on a battery post, current can flow via the battery post mounting portion l02a and the one or more fusible link portions l02b to one or more connection portions l02c. Depending upon various applications required in the vehicle, rating and structure of the one or more fusible link portions 102b can be determined.

[00073] While the invention has been elaborated showing one fusible link portion l02b and one connection portion l02c, it can readily be understood that metal part 102 can be configured in such a manner that battery post mounting portion l02a further splits into a plurality of fusible link portions l02b, each connecting to a corresponding connection portion l02c in turn supplying current to corresponding electric circuit. Or battery post mounting portion l02a can lead to a fusible link portion (that can be termed as a main fusible link portion) configured according to overall current supply requirement of various electric circuits. The main fusible link portion can be further split into a plurality of fusible link portions each with its corresponding connection portionl02c. All such and other similar configurations are fully a part of the present disclosure.

[00074] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

[00075] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms“coupled to” and“coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms“coupled to” and“coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean“communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[00076] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms“comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ... .and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[00077] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00078] The present disclosure provides for a device that eliminates risks due to short circuiting of the cable connecting battery to a fuse box of a two wheeler.

[00079] The present disclosure provides for a device that minimizes fire risk in the event of a main fuse blowout of a two wheeler.

[00080] The present disclosure provides for a device that facilitates easy servicing and maintenance of electric circuits of a two wheeler.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A battery fuse terminal (BFT), said BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising:

a battery post mounting portion (l02a) for directly affixing said BFT to a battery post and thereby receive electric current from said battery post,

a connection portion (l02c) to provide said electric current to an external electric circuit; and

a fusible link portion (l02b) connecting said battery post mounting portion (l02a) to said connection portion (l02c) thereby supplying said electric current to said connection portion (l02c), said fusible link portion (l02b) designed to protect said external electric circuit.

2. The BFT of claim 1, wherein the BFT further comprises a body part (104) made of insulating material to provide electric insulation.

3. The BFT of claim 2, wherein said body part (104) provides said insulation by embedding any or a combination of said battery post mounting portion (l02a), said fusible link portion (l02b), and said connection portion (l02c) within itself.

4. The BFT of claim 3, wherein said body part (104) is configured to enclose any or a combination of said battery post mounting portion (l02a), said fusible link portion (l02b), and said connection portion (l02c) .

4. The BFT of claim 4, wherein said body part (104) is lockable.

5. The BFT of claim 4, wherein said body part (104) has a transparent cover to provide visibility to any or a combination of said battery post mounting portion (l02a), said fusible link portion (l02b), and said connection portion (l02c).

6. The BFT of claim 4, wherein said body part (104) is configured with fins for heat dissipation.

7. A battery fuse terminal (BFT) formed of a single metal piece comprising:

a plurality of connection portions (l02c) to distribute said electric current from said battery post to a plurality of external electric circuits; and a plurality of fusible link portions (l02b) connecting said battery post mounting portion (l02a) to said plurality of connection portions (l02c) thereby distributing said electric current to said plurality of connection portions (l02c), each of the said plurality of fusible link portions (l02b) designed to protect the circuit served by the respective connection portion out of the plurality of connection portions (l02c),

wherein each of the plurality of connection portions (l02c) is held separate from each other using electric insulation and wherein each of the plurality of fusible link portions (l02b) is held separate from each other using electric insulation.

7. The BFT of claim 6, wherein said electric insulation is provided by said body part( 104).

8. The BFT of claim 6 wherein a main fusible link portion intervenes between said plurality of fusible link portions (l02c) and said battery post mounting portion (l02a), said main fusible link portion being of current carrying capacity at least equal to sum of that of said plurality of fusible link portions (l02c).

9. A battery configured to hold a battery fuse terminal (BFT), said BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising:

a battery post mounting portion (l02a) for directly affixing said BFT to a battery post of said battery and thereby receive electric current from said battery post,

10. A vehicle having at least one battery, said battery having at least one battery post configured to hold a battery fuse terminal (BFT), said BFT formed of a single metal piece comprising:

a battery post mounting portion (l02a) for directly affixing said BFT to said at least one battery post and thereby receive electric current from said battery post,

a connection portion (l02c) to provide said electric current to an external electric circuit; and a fusible link portion (l02b) connecting said battery post mounting portion (l02a) to said connection portion (l02c) thereby supplying said electric current to said connection portion (l02c), said fusible link portion (l02b) designed to protect said external electric circuit.