JPH0246619A - Electric connector of automobile fuse - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an improved terminal fitted into the blade terminal of a fuse by molding metallic materials of a U-shaped contact structural body around a shaft which is parallel to a metal initial plane or is within the plane so that the large surfaces of first and second contact arms may be arranged in the opposed relation each other. CONSTITUTION: This connector includes first and second contact arms 16 and 18 which are generally distanced in parallel and a connection strip 20 integrally extending between these contact arm 16 and 18. In the same way, a U-shaped contact structural body 14 includes first and second contact arms 22 and 24 which are generally distanced in parallel and a connection strip 26 integrally extending between them. The U-shapes of the contact structural bodies 12 and 14 can be obtained by molding the metallic material of a terminal 10 for a shaft 'b' extending to the principal plane of metallic materials of the terminal 10. Thus, an improved terminal fitted into the blade terminal of a fuse can be obtained. In an automobile environment of remarkably vibrations, an electric terminal excerting excellent electric and mechanical connections can be obtained in a blade type fuse terminal.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The present invention relates to electrical connectors for connecting automotive fuses to other circuit members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many electrical fuses, including those used in motor vehicles, include a pair of generally flat blade terminals that are electrically connected to each other.

The electrical connection between the blade terminals of this fuse is selected based on the specified current to be carried by the circuit in which the fuse is incorporated. If the current level exceeds a specified level, the circuit breaks due to damage to the electrical connections between the fuse blade terminals, preventing significant damage to other electrical components. The fuse is removably attached to the electrical circuit so that it can be removed and replaced if the electrical connection between the blade terminals is broken.

Typically, the flat blade terminals of the fuse are arranged in spaced apart relationship, generally in a common plane.

These blade terminals are generally elongated, substantially rectangular structures aligned such that their respective longitudinal axes are generally parallel. One longitudinal end of each blade and the electrical connections therebetween are typically attached to a non-conductive fuse housing. Opposite longitudinal ends of each blade terminal extend from the non-conductive fuse housing for insertion into two separate blade receiving terminals mounted on a fuse block or similar structure. The fuse thus completes an electrical circuit between the two blade receiving terminals of the fuse block.

However, if the electrical connection of the fuse between the fuse terminal blades is damaged, the circuit between the two blade receiving terminals of the fuse block is broken.

The blade type fuses described above are widely used in the automotive industry to protect virtually all electrically operated equipment in a vehicle, including headlights, audio systems, dash board indicators, near conditioners, etc. ing. The entire electrical system, including the fuses, is naturally subject to very large vibrations and wide temperature variations within the vehicle environment. Therefore, the blade-receiving terminals into which the blade-type fuses described above are inserted are designed to ensure that they can be removed in the event of damage to the fuse and to provide a quality electrical connection over a wide range of vibrations and temperatures. must achieve the contradictory objectives of

Known terminals for receiving fuse blade terminals are typically made from strips of metal so as to form opposing terminal contact arms for mechanical and electrical engagement on opposite sides of the fuse blade terminal. Cut out and molded. In particular, in prior art terminals, the metal strip is shaped such that the major plane of the shaped metal strip is in actual seven-sided contact with one of the planes of the blade fuse terminal. This known construction is intended to maximize the contact area between the blade terminal of the fuse and the blade receiving terminal. In order to improve contact pressure, known blade receiving terminals are shaped in such a way that by inserting a blade fuse terminal between opposing contact arms, these arms must be separated from each other.

An example of a typical known blade type fuse receiving terminal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,460,239, issued July 17, 1984 to Inouuni.

Each terminal disclosed in that patent is formed from a single metal strip having large length and width dimensions defining opposing major surfaces and a small thickness dimension extending between the major surfaces.

A blade receiving slot is defined between the two opposing major surfaces of the formed metal strip. One metal strip defining the blade receiving slot must be elastically deformed about an axis located in or parallel to the plane of the metal in order to receive the fuse blade in the slot. The resiliency of the metal is to exert a force on the fuse blade terminal attached to the slot. The molded fuse blade receiving terminal disclosed in the '239 patent also includes a pair of slots for attaching the terminal to the bus strip.

A similar known fuse blade receiving terminal is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,109 to Inouuni. The terminal of that patent is molded from a single metal strip, which is provided with a pair of slots for connecting the terminal to the bus strip. A terminal contact arm is bent about an axis arranged in or parallel to the plane of the metal, the arm being arranged diagonally towards the bus strip which is engaged in a pair of slots. Thus, the terminal disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,109 acts to force the blade terminal of the fuse attached thereto against the bus strip.

Another known technique uses a fuse blade receiving terminal defined by bending a metal strip around an axis disposed in or parallel to the plane of the metal material.
U.S. Patent No. 4,39 of Mr. Urani, dated July 5, 1983.
No. 1,485; U.S. Pat.
Oripella U.S. Patent No. 4,456,27, dated May 3.
No. 4; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,227 to Bucala, issued Dec. 24, 1985.

A particularly effective electrical terminal for use in addition to fuses is disclosed in Colleran et al., U.S. Pat. The terminal disclosed in that patent includes an insulation-baring terminal at one end and a jar or spade receiving terminal structure at the opposite end. The bin or spade-receiving end of the terminal disclosed in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. It is formed from a metal strip bent around parallel axes. A bottle or spade receiving slot having a uniform width along its length extends through the U-shaped connecting portion and extends elongated through each arm. Thus, U.S. Patent No. 4,693,536
The slot disclosed in this patent effectively forms a pair of opposed U-shaped terminal portions that are equidistantly spaced from each other along the length of the slot of uniform width. A plurality of such terminals are mounted in a housing configured to receive a spade or bin terminal at one end and an insulated conductor at the opposite end.

The terminals are aligned in the housing such that each arm of the U-shaped structure lies in two opposing generally parallel planes. The slots in the array of terminals define spaced parallel planes, the number of such planes being equal to the number of terminals. Thus, for example, in an array of two such terminals, the first
An arm lies in the same plane as the first arm of the second terminal.

Similarly, the second arm of the first terminal is arranged to lie in the same plane as the second arm of the second terminal.

The slots formed in the two terminals define two spaced apart and generally parallel planes. U.S. Patent No. 4,693
Although the pin or spade receiving portion of the terminal disclosed in No. 536 provides the desired electrical connection for many purposes, the terminal is suitable for receiving blade fuses in the highly vibrating environments encountered in automotive electronic circuits. It is not designed to provide specific technology for the automotive fuse described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above considerations, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved terminal for mating with a fuse blade terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical terminal that achieves superior electrical and mechanical connection to blade-type fuse terminals in a vibrating automotive environment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of terminals for receiving the blades of an automobile fuse.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a blade receiving terminal for attaching to a printed circuit board and for securely yet removably receiving a fuse blade terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a one-piece stamped and formed metal terminal for obtaining superior mechanical and electrical connections for blade terminals, such as those of automotive fuses used in significant vibration environments. Pertains to.

The terminal of the present invention includes a pair of spaced apart U-shaped contact structures defining a blade receiving slot therebetween. In particular, each U-shaped contact structure is
It includes first and second spaced apart, generally parallel contact arms and a connecting strip extending integrally between the first and second contact arms. Each contact arm has a pair of opposing generally parallel large surfaces and a pair of opposing small side edges. Each U-shaped contact structure is shaped such that the large surfaces of its first and second contact arms are disposed in opposing relation to each other. This shape is achieved by shaping the metal material of the U-shaped contact structure about an axis parallel to or within the initial plane of the metal.

The terminal of the present invention further includes first and second bases for locking engagement with a housing, such as a plastic fuse lock housing. These bases are integral with the U-shaped contact structure and are located at a distance from the connecting strip of each U-shaped contact structure. More particularly, the first base is integral with the two first contact arms, while the second base is integral with the two second contact arms.
is integral with the contact arm. These bases are generally planar and are arranged in parallel spaced relationship within the membrane.

At least one of the first and second bases is provided with means for lockingly engaging the terminal within a non-conductive housing, such as a fuse block housing. for example,
The first and second bases are provided with cantilevered locking tongues extending diagonally from each base. One base is provided with a solder tail so that the fuse receiving terminal can be attached directly onto the printed circuit board.

However, other termination means, such as crimp structures, may be provided in place of the solder tails.

The two U-shaped contact structures are arranged such that the fuse blade inserted between them contacts the small side edges of the two U-shaped contact structures. More specifically,
The first contact arms are arranged in generally coplanar relationship to contact substantially opposing locations on the fuse blade.

Similarly, the second contact arm is also disposed in a generally coplanar relationship so as to contact opposing locations on the same fuse blade.

As mentioned above, a fuse blade receiving slot is defined between the two U-shaped contact structures. The width of the blade receiving slot is selected such that the two U-shaped contact structures can be separated from each other by inserting the fuse blade therein. However, this differs significantly from known fuse terminals in which the fuse blades were placed between the arms of a single U-shaped structure, deflecting the arms about an axis in or parallel to the plane of the metal. be. The terminal of the invention requires displacement of each U-shaped structure about an axis extending perpendicular to the plane of the metal from which the terminal is formed. This substantial difference results in significantly greater bonding pressure on the fuse blade.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as described below, the side edges of the U-shaped contact structures that are opposite each other are arranged to form arcuate, sloped camming contact edges. More particularly, each contact arm is provided with a generally convex arcuate angled contact edge extending into a blade receiving slot. This configuration provides a quality wiping electrical connection in which the contact force gradually increases as the fuse blade terminal is inserted into the slot. Thus, each fuse blade is firmly mechanically and electrically engaged between two pairs of opposing convex arcuate contact edges.

The invention further provides a pair of terminals as described herein. It can be seen that the eight pairs of terminals are arranged such that the blade receiving slots lie substantially in a common plane. Thus, the blade receiving slots of the two terminals can receive a pair of spaced apart but generally coplanar blade terminals of a standard automotive fuse. In this construction, the U-shaped contact structures of each terminal are displaced away from each other as the dual-blade fuse is pushed into the alignment slot. In this embodiment, each blade of the automotive fuse is tightly electrically and mechanically engaged by four contact edges, with two spaced contact edges on each side of each blade. Additionally, the contact edges on one side of each blade are aligned generally opposite to the contact location on the other side of the blade, providing exceptionally secure gripping engagement and superior blade engagement in automotive environments with significant vibrations. This will ensure a good electrical connection.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The blade-style fuse receiving terminal of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 10 in FIG. This terminal 10 is made of an alloy of phosphorus and bronze, and its thickness "a" is approximately 0.38 m.
m±0.013 mm. The terminal 10 includes a pair of substantially identical parallel spaced U-shaped contact structures 12 and 1.
4, and is cut and formed into the shape shown in FIG. To describe in more detail, the U-shaped contact structure 12 is
first and second generally parallel spaced contact arms 1;
6 and 18 and a connecting strip 20 extending integrally between the contact arms 16 and 18.

Similarly, U-shaped contact structure 14 includes first and second generally parallel spaced contact arms 22 and 24 and a connecting strip 26 extending integrally therebetween.

The U-shaped shape of the contact structures 12 and 14 is obtained by shaping the metal material of the terminal IO about an axis 11 bII extending parallel to the main surface of the metal material of the terminal 10.

Terminal 10 further includes first and second bases 28 and 30 for attaching terminal IO to a non-conductive housing as described below. These first and second bases 28 and 3o are arranged in a generally parallel spaced relationship with each other. Additionally, first contact arms 16 and 22 extend integrally from first base 28, while second contact arms 18 and 24 extend integrally from second base 30. The actual shape of each base 28 and 3o will depend on the particular construction of the non-conductive housing to which the terminal 10 is attached. However, in most cases, bases 28 and 30 are generally flat as illustrated here. The bases 28 and 30 further include:
It includes cantilevered locking tongues 32 and 34 extending therefrom and capable of sledding. These tongues 32 and 34 are arranged to lockably engage a corresponding structure of the non-conductive housing into which the terminal IO is inserted.

Terminal 10 further includes a solder tail 36 extending integrally from first base 28 . Terminal 10 is attached to the housing such that solder tail 36 extends from one side of the non-conductive housing.

As a result, solder tails 36 can be extended through holes in the printed circuit board and electrically connected to conductive leads printed or otherwise placed on the board. However, the terminal IO may be provided with a crimp-type contact portion instead of the solder tail 36. Solder tail 36 is shown extending generally in the plane of first base 28 with its longitudinal axis generally parallel to first contact arms 16 and 22. However, it will be appreciated that the solder tails 36, or ponds, such connection structures may be placed at an angle relative to the alignment shown in FIG. For example, right-angled solder tails or crimp connection structures,
An alternative to the illustrated solder tail 36 can be provided.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 3, U
The letter-shaped contact structures 12 and 14 are arranged in a generally parallel spaced relationship to define a blade receiving slot 38 therebetween.

The minimum width of the blade receiving slot 38, indicated by size 'C'' in FIG.
the upper contacts 40 and 41 and the second respective contact arm 18
and contacts 42 and 43 on 24. Contacts 40-43 have corresponding contact arms 16 in the membrane.
．． 22. lies in the same plane as the adjacent parts of 18 and 24.

However, contacts 40-43 are each formed by mutually opposing convex arcuate contact edges 44-47. Convex arcuate contacts 44 on first contact arms 16 and 22
and 45 and separating convex arcuate contact edges 46 and 47 on second contact arms 18 and 24;
``'' is selected to be less than the thickness of the fuse blade terminal that is inserted into the blade receiving slot 38. Distance II d separating or separating the second contact arms 18 and 24
Preferably, l+ is greater than the thickness of the fuse blade terminal inserted into the blade receiving slot 38.

As shown in FIG. 4, terminal 10 is mounted in terminal receiving cavity 60 of non-conductive housing 62. As shown in FIG. In particular, terminal IO is attached to housing 62 such that its solder tail 36 extends away from one peripheral portion of housing 62. Therefore, the terminal 10 and housing 62 can be attached to a printed circuit board 64 having a through hole 68 extending completely therethrough for receiving the solder tail 36. Therefore, the solder tail 36 is
It can be electrically and mechanically connected to conductive leads 70 printed on circuit board 64.

Referring to FIG. 5, terminal 10 is used with a second substantially identical terminal 10A mounted to housing 62. Referring to FIG. In particular, the terminal 10 and IOA are arranged in the housing 62 such that their blade receiving slots substantially form a common plane. Therefore, referring to No. 4,
Terminal 10A and its associated blade receiving slot are directly behind and substantially aligned with terminal 10 and blade receiving slot 38, as shown in FIG.

The fuse 72 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is of the type commonly used in the automotive industry and includes a pair of spaced apart blade terminals 74 and 76 extending from a non-conductive housing 78. There is.

Each of these blade terminals 74 and 76 is substantially planar and lies substantially in the same plane.

Additionally, blade terminals 74 and 76 are positioned relative to housing 78 such that a portion of each blade terminal 74 and 76 extends from the housing while other portions are disposed within housing 78. Fuse 72 further includes a fuse wire 80 that connects terminal blade 74 disposed within non-conductive housing 78.
and 76 to connect them. Fuse wire 80 forms an electrical connection between terminals 74 and 78. However, fuse 72 operates at the selected current level. When a specified current level is exceeded, fuse wire 80 breaks, preventing the transmission of current between terminal blades 74 and 78.

Terminal housing 62 is attached to printed circuit board 64 such that solder tail 36 extends through through hole 68 and solder tail 36A of terminal 10A extends through second through hole 82 in printed circuit board 64. As mentioned above, solder tail 36 is electrically and mechanically connected to conductive lead 70 on the printed circuit board, while solder tail 36A is connected to a second conductive lead 84 on printed circuit board 64. It is connected. As a result, fuse 72 provides an electrical connection between conductive leads 70 and 84 of printed circuit board 64.

As mentioned above, automotive electrical circuits are often subjected to significant vibrations and wide temperature changes. Such vibrations and temperature changes adversely affect the quality of the electrical connection of the terminal to the blade fuse. However, the terminal 10 and IOA disclosed herein ensure excellent electrical and mechanical connection to the fuse 72 through virtually all vibration and temperature ranges likely to be encountered in such environments. In particular, as clearly shown in FIG. 4, when fuse 72 is inserted into fuse housing 62, fuse blade 74 engages U-shaped contact structure 12 and
4 and is pressed into the blade receiving slot 38. At the same time, the fuse blade 74 is brought into camming engagement with the convex arcuate contact edges 44-47.

The convex arcuate contact edges 44-47 thus act as ramps or cams to displace each U-shaped contact structure 12 and 14 away from each other. At the same time, in response to cam engagement of fuse blade 76, U of terminal 10A
The glyph structure is correspondingly displaced. Terminal 10 and IOA
Due to the above-described unique structure of U-shaped contact arm structures 12 and 14, substantially axes II d ++ and "
e ” and the arrow it f + shown in FIG.
+ and II gI + are pushed away from each other by a pivoting movement in the direction.

When the U-shaped terminal structure is rotated (generally indicated by arrows II f ++ and g'') by inserting fuse 72, U-shaped contact structures 12 and 14 are rotated relative to their larger thickness dimension. In particular, as best shown in FIG.
The widths rr hI+ and 'i'' of 6.18 and 22.24 are each several times larger than the thickness II all of the metal material forming the terminal 10.

As a result, each terminal 10 and the U-shaped contact structure 3 of the IOA
5 exerts a substantial residual displacement force on blade terminals 74 and 76.

Blade terminals 74, 76 and each convex arcuate contact edge 4
4-47 allows the fuse 72 to be inserted very easily into the terminal 10 and IOA while providing the desired wiping contact with the terminal blades 74 and 76 and substantially inwardly It is possible to gradually generate force directed toward As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, when fuse 72 is fully inserted into terminal 10 and IOA, the residual force exerted by terminal 10 and IOA on blade terminals 74 and 76 provides an excellent mechanical and electrical connection. is obtained.

Terminals having substantially parallel and/or planar contact edges forming blade-receiving slots allow for relatively easy insertion of the fuse into the blade-receiving slot and substantially lower contact edges at terminal 10 and IOA as described herein. It is not possible to obtain both the contact force and the contact force at the same time. The contact force exerted by the blade receiving terminal 10, IOA, on the blade terminal 74, 76 is significantly greater than the force available with a standard fuse receiving terminal. Standard fuse-receiving terminals generate contact force by deflecting the contact arm about an axis that lies within the metal plane of the terminal, rather than about an axis that extends perpendicular thereto. Terminals 10 and 1 described herein. Although the contact surface is small in OA, it can generate a very large contact force against the fuse blade terminal, making it extremely effective in environments with significant vibration and temperature fluctuations, such as those used in automobile fuses. mechanical and electrical connections are achieved.

In summary, a blade receiving terminal has been provided for receiving a blade terminal of an automobile fuse. The terminal includes first and second U-shaped contact structures with a blade-receiving slot between the structures and opposite first and second sides of the blade terminal. mechanical and electrical contact is possible. 1st
and a second U-shaped contact structure is formed by bending the metal material of the terminal about an axis extending parallel to the plane of the metal. Each U-shaped contact structure has a first and a second contact structure.
contact arms, the first contact arm being integral with the first base and the second contact arm being integral with the second base. The terminal base can be securely attached to the housing. A solder tail or other connection means extends from one side of the base. Each contact arm includes a generally convex arcuate contact edge extending toward the opposing U-shaped contact structure and into a blade receiving slot between the contact structures. The spacing between opposing convex theta contact edges is less than the thickness of the blade to be inserted into the terminal. Thus, upon insertion of the blade into the blade receiving slot of the terminal, a camming action occurs between the blade terminal and the convex arcuate contact edge. As a result, each U-shaped contact structure is moved away from each other about an axis extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the metal forming the terminal. Substantial residual contact forces are generated which provide an excellent electrical and mechanical connection with the fuse blade terminals. The terminals of the present invention are used in pairs, with their terminal receiving slots generally lying in a common plane.

Effects of the Invention From the foregoing description, an improved terminal for mating with a fuse blade terminal is provided, and an electrical terminal is provided which provides an excellent electrical and mechanical connection to a blade-type fuse terminal in a highly vibrating automotive environment. , a plurality of terminals for receiving automotive fuse blades have been provided, and a blade receiving terminal has been provided that is mounted on a printed circuit board and that securely yet removably receives the fuse blade terminals.

Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, the invention may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
It will be obvious that various modifications may be made.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The accompanying drawings show a preferred embodiment, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the terminal of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the terminal shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.
Front View of Terminal, FIG. 4 is a front view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the terminal attached to the housing and printed circuit board;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a pair of terminals with fuses attached thereto. 10...Blade type fuse receiving terminal 12.14
... U-shaped contact structure 16.18.22.24 ... contact arm 26 ... contact strip 28.30 ... first and second base 32.34.
... Cantilever locking tongue 36 ... Solder tail 38 ... Blade receiving slot 40.41, 42.43 ... Convex arcuate contact 44-4
7... Convex arcuate contact edge 60... Cavity 62... Housing 64... Circuit board 70... Conductive lead 72... Fuse 74, 76... Blade terminal 78... Housing 80...Fuse wire 82...Through hole 84...Second conductive lead FIG, 1

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) An electrical connector for connecting an automotive fuse to another circuit member, the automotive fuse having an elongated insulating fuse housing;
The housing has a body portion, an edge, and a pair of coplanar aligned and spaced flat metal contact blades extending from the edge, the electrical connector having a front end having at least one elongated opening; an insulating connector housing including an opposite rear end having at least one pair of aligned spaced apertures, the elongate opening in the front end extending from a rear slot surface disposed intermediate the front and rear ends of the housing. a fuse-receiving slot extends rearwardly up to and including at least one pair of spaced apart terminal-receiving cavities extending forwardly from the pair of rear end openings to the rear slot surface and in communication with the fuse-receiving slot. and further comprising at least one pair of integral metal strip terminals, each terminal extending between and interconnecting the first and second spaced apart bases. a pair of adjacent spaced U-shaped contact structures defining a blade-receiving contact slot between the bases, each of the U-shaped contact structures defining a blade receiving contact slot between the bases;
a first contact arm extending from a base and a second contact arm extending therebetween, each of the first contact arm and second contact arm generally extending into the blade receiving contact slot. having convex arcuate contact edge portions, the distance between opposing arcuate edge portions of the U-shaped contact structure being less than the thickness of a flat contact blade of an automotive fuse, each terminal having a convex arcuate contact edge portion; mounted in one of the terminal receiving cavities such that a receiving contact slot is aligned with a fuse receiving slot and the base is located near a rear end of the housing;
Each terminal further includes a second contact portion extending from one of the bases for electrically engaging the other circuit member, thereby allowing an automotive fuse to be inserted into the fuse receiving slot. , the U-shaped contact structures of each terminal deflect away from each other when the edge of the fuse housing generally abuts the rear slot surface and the flat blade contact portion is received in the blade receiving contact slot of the terminal. , forming four vibration-resistant electrical contact points between each terminal and each fuse blade to firmly electrically and mechanically engage the automotive fuse with said connector. electrical connector. 2. The automotive fuse electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the second contact portion of each terminal electrically engages a conductive lead. (3) The other circuit member includes a printed circuit board having a conductive region defined therein, and the second contact portion of each terminal electrically engages with the conductive region on the printed circuit board. 1
Automotive fuse electrical connectors listed in . (4) Claim 2, wherein the second contact portion is a solder tail.
2. The electrical connector for an automotive fuse according to item 2. 5. The automotive fuse electrical connector of claim 1 further comprising means for lockably attaching a terminal to said terminal receiving cavity.