Connector with built-in fuse and connector structure

Abstract

A connector (13) with a built-in fuse, comprising a housing (15), a fuse terminal (16) mounted to the housing (15), a holder (17) mounted to the housing (15), and a fuse (12) mounted to the holder (17) and electrically connected to the fuse terminal (16), the housing (15) having a locking portion (27), the holder (17) having a locking support portion (26) elastically engaged with the locking portion (27), the holder (17) having a fuse housing portion (45) housing the fuse (12) in a detachable manner, the fuse (12) having a terminal portion (36), and the fuse terminal (16) having a fuse elastic contact portion (35) elastically contacting the terminal portion (36) of the fuse (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector with a built-in fuse and a connector construction. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a connector with a built-in fuse, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-79723, was known as a connector with a built-in fuse. In this connector, the fuse is fixed to the busbar by a threaded portion and a nut. After loosening and removing the threaded portion or nut, the fuse is replaced. The new fuse is then fixed again by the threaded portion and nut.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-79723 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, based on the above structure, there is a risk that the threaded part or nut may come off when replacing the fuse, which leads to a decrease in the efficiency of fuse replacement operations.

[0008] This disclosure is made based on the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology related to a connector with a built-in fuse that improves the efficiency of fuse replacement operations.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] This disclosure discloses a connector with a built-in fuse, comprising a housing, a fuse terminal mounted on the housing, a bracket mounted on the housing, and a fuse mounted on the bracket and electrically connected to the fuse terminal. The housing has a locking portion, the bracket has a locking support portion that elastically engages with the locking portion, the bracket has a fuse receiving portion that detachably accommodates the fuse, the fuse has a terminal portion, and the fuse terminal has a fuse resilient contact portion that elastically contacts the terminal portion of the fuse.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to this disclosure, the efficiency of fuse replacement operations can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the connector structure according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 2This is a top view showing the connector structure.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the connector structure.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The V-V line sectional view in the image.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure in which the fuse is housed at the support.

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0020] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the connector structure according to Embodiment 2.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure in which the fuse is housed at the support.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connector structure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0024] First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0025] (1) The present disclosure is a connector with a built-in fuse, comprising a housing, a fuse terminal mounted on the housing, a bracket mounted on the housing, and a fuse mounted on the bracket and electrically connected to the fuse terminal. The housing has a locking portion, the bracket has a locking support portion that elastically engages with the locking portion, the bracket has a fuse receiving portion that detachably accommodates the fuse, the fuse has a terminal portion, and the fuse terminal has a fuse elastic contact portion that elastically contacts the terminal portion of the fuse.

[0026] The locking part is released from the locking support, separating the housing from the bracket. This separates the fuse-compatible resilient contact of the fuse terminal from the fuse terminal, thus cutting off the electrical connection between the fuse terminal and the fuse. The fuse is then removed from the fuse housing of the bracket and replaced with a new fuse. The bracket with the new fuse installed in the fuse housing is then installed into the housing. The fuse terminal and the fuse terminal are then electrically connected via the fuse-compatible resilient contact. This eliminates the need to remove the threaded part and nut, and to re-engage the threaded part and nut after fuse replacement, thus improving the efficiency of fuse replacement.

[0027] (2) Preferably, the terminal portion is disposed on the outer surface of the fuse, and the fuse elastic contact portion of the fuse terminal is elastically embedded in the terminal portion.

[0028] Because an electrical connection can be made by making the fuse elastically contact the fuse terminals, the efficiency of fuse replacement work is improved.

[0029] (3) Preferably, the terminal portion of the fuse has a plate-shaped connector portion, the fuse terminal has a fuse cylinder portion that is inserted into the connector portion, and the fuse cylinder portion has a fuse elastic contact portion that protrudes into the fuse cylinder portion and elastically contacts the connector portion inserted into the fuse cylinder portion.

[0030] Because an electrical connection can be made by making the fuse elastically contact the fuse terminals, the efficiency of fuse replacement work is improved.

[0031] (4) Preferably, a relay terminal is installed on the housing, the bracket has a busbar receiving portion for receiving a busbar that is electrically connected to the relay terminal, the relay terminal has a busbar sleeve portion for receiving the busbar, and the busbar sleeve portion has a busbar elastic contact portion that protrudes into the busbar sleeve portion and elastically contacts the busbar inserted into the busbar sleeve portion.

[0032] A circuit with a fuse connected in series and a circuit with a busbar connected in series can be constructed using a connector with a built-in fuse.

[0033] (5) The present disclosure is a connector structure having a connector with a built-in fuse as described in any one of (1) to (4) above and a counterpart connector that engages with the connector with the built-in fuse, the counterpart connector having a counterpart terminal that is electrically connected to the terminal portion of the fuse, the counterpart terminal having a counterpart fuse resilient contact portion that resiliently contacts the terminal portion of the fuse.

[0034] If the mating of the other connector with the built-in fuse is disengaged, the electrical connection between the other terminal's fuse and the fuse terminal is severed by the elastic contact of the other terminal. This eliminates the need for threads and nuts when electrically connecting the other terminal to the fuse terminal, thus improving the ease of fuse replacement.

[0035] (6) Preferably, the housing of the connector with the built-in fuse has a window for the bracket to be exposed when assembled in the housing, the fuse mounted in the bracket is exposed from the window, and the other connector has a cover portion that blocks the window and covers the fuse when the connector with the built-in fuse is engaged with the other connector.

[0036] Since the fuse can be visually identified through the window, it is easy to confirm whether the fuse replacement has been completed. This improves the efficiency of fuse replacement work. In addition, when the connector with the built-in fuse is engaged with the other connector, the cover blocks the window, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the connector structure through the window.

[0037] [Details of the embodiments disclosed herein]

[0038] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is represented by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0039] <Implementation Method 1>

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 7 This describes Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The connector structure 10 according to this embodiment is used to install on a device 11 such as a battery pack in a vehicle (not shown). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connector structure 10 includes a connector 13 with a built-in fuse 12 and a mating connector 14 that engages with the connector 13 with the built-in fuse. The mating connector 14 is mounted on the device 11. In the following description, for ease of explanation, the direction indicated by arrow line Z is upward, the direction indicated by arrow line Y is forward, and the direction indicated by arrow line X is leftward. Furthermore, for multiple identical parts, sometimes reference numerals are added to some parts, and reference numerals are omitted for other parts.

[0041] [Connector 13 with built-in fuse]

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the connector 13 with a built-in fuse includes a housing 15, a fuse terminal 16 mounted on the housing 15, a bracket 17 mounted on the housing 15, and a fuse 12 mounted on the bracket 17 and electrically connected to the fuse terminal 16. Two wires 31 are led rearward from the rear end of the connector 13 with a built-in fuse (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0043] [Outer shell 15]

[0044] The outer casing 15 is injection molded from insulating synthetic resin. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing 15 is configured as a cylinder with openings at the front and rear. The outer casing 15 has an inner cylinder portion 18 located radially inward and an outer cylinder portion 19 located on the outer side. The inner cylinder portion 18 and the outer cylinder portion 19 are connected by a connecting portion 20 extending radially inward from the outer casing 15.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, a window 21 is formed at the upper wall 19A of the outer cylinder 19, with a notch extending from the front end to the rear. The interior of the outer casing 15 is exposed through the window 21.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, an upwardly protruding arm base 22 is provided on the upper wall 18A of the inner cylinder portion 18, near the rear end. A locking arm 23 extends forward and backward from the upper end of the arm base 22. The locking arm 23 is configured to swing vertically with the arm base 22 as a fulcrum. A locking hole 25, which is engaged by the locking protrusion 24 of the counterpart connector 14 (described later), penetrates vertically at the portion of the locking arm 23 near the front end.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, at the upper wall 18A of the inner cylinder 18, near the front end, a locking part 27 is formed protruding inwards from the inner cylinder 18, which is elastically engaged with the locking support part 26 of the bracket 17 described later. Behind the locking part 27, a through hole 28 is formed that passes vertically through the upper wall 18A of the inner cylinder 18.

[0048] [Waterproof rubber stopper 29]

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, a waterproof rubber stopper 29 is embedded in the rear end of the inner cylinder portion 18. The outer surface of the waterproof rubber stopper 29 is in close contact with the inner surface of the rear end portion of the inner cylinder portion 18, thereby liquid-tightly sealing the outer shell 15 and the waterproof rubber stopper 29. A rubber stopper bracket 56 is externally embedded in the rear end of the inner cylinder portion 18. Thus, the waterproof rubber stopper 29 is held in the inner cylinder portion 18 in a manner that prevents it from dislodging rearward.

[0050] like Figure 5As shown, the waterproof rubber stopper 29 has a wire insertion hole 30 extending through in the front-to-back direction. Although not shown in detail, in this embodiment, the waterproof rubber stopper 29 has two wire insertion holes 30 arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction. With the wire 31 passing through the wire insertion hole 30 respectively, the outer surface of the wire 31 is in close contact with the inner surface of the wire insertion hole 30, thereby liquid-tightly sealing the wire 31 to the waterproof rubber stopper 29.

[0051] [Sealing component 32]

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, a rubber sealing member 32 is externally fitted into the rear end of the inner cylinder portion 18. The sealing member 32 is approximately ring-shaped. The sealing member 32 is installed in front of the connecting portion 20 that connects the inner cylinder portion 18 and the outer cylinder portion 19.

[0053] [Fuse Terminal 16]

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, a fuse terminal 16 is connected to the front end of the left-hand wire 31 among two wires 31, and a busbar terminal 33 is connected to the front end of the right-hand wire 31. The fuse terminal 16 has a wire connection portion 34 welded to the front end of the wire 31 and a resilient fuse contact portion 35 extending forward from the wire connection portion 34 and electrically connected to the fuse 12. The fuse terminal 16 is formed by stamping a metal sheet into a predetermined shape.

[0055] The fuse terminal 16 is installed inside the inner cylinder 18 using a known method such as a spear. The wire 31 is electrically connected to the fuse terminal 16 by crimping the wire connector 34 to the outer periphery of the wire 31.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the fuse 12 is generally configured as a cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-back direction. Conductive terminal portions 36 are respectively provided in a ring shape at the front and rear ends of the fuse 12.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the resilient contact portion 35 for the fuse is formed by shaping a metal sheet into a ring. The resilient contact portion 35 is configured to expand in diameter. The inner diameter of the resilient contact portion 35 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12 (described later) in its natural state. When the resilient contact portion 35 is externally fitted into the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12, the resilient contact portion 35 elastically expands in diameter, causing the elastic force to extend radially inwards. Thus, the resilient contact portion 35 elastically contacts the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12.

[0058] [Busbar Terminal 33]

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the busbar terminal 33 has a wire connection portion 37 that is welded to the front end of the wire 31 and a busbar sleeve portion 39 that extends forward from the wire connection portion 37 and accommodates the busbar 38 (described later). The busbar terminal 33 is formed by stamping a metal sheet into a predetermined shape.

[0060] The busbar terminal 33 is installed inside the inner cylinder 18 using a known method such as a spear. The wire 31 is electrically connected to the busbar terminal 33 by crimping the wire connector 37 to the outer periphery of the wire 31.

[0061] The busbar 38 is formed by stamping a metal sheet into a predetermined shape. The busbar 38 has a main body 40 that is rectangular when viewed from above, and connectors 41 that protrude forward and backward from the front and rear ends of the main body 40, respectively. The width dimension of the connector 41 in the left-right direction is set to be smaller than the width dimension of the main body 40 in the left-right direction.

[0062] The busbar sleeve 39 is formed as a square tube extending in the front-to-back direction. Inside the busbar sleeve 39, a flexible contact portion 42 for the busbar that can elastically deform is formed protruding inward. When the connector 41 of the busbar 38 is inserted into the busbar sleeve 39 from the front, the flexible contact portion 42 for the busbar elastically contacts the connector 41. This electrically connects the busbar 38 to the busbar terminal 33 (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0063] [Standard 17]

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, a bracket 17, formed by injection molding of insulating synthetic resin, is installed inside the housing 15. A locking support portion 26 extending rearward is formed at the rear end of the bracket 17. The locking support portion 26 is formed as a plate extending in the front-rear direction. On the upper surface of the locking support portion 26, near the rear end, an upwardly protruding protrusion 43 is formed. This protrusion 43 contacts the locking portion 27 from the rear, thereby holding the bracket 17 in the housing 15 to prevent it from disengaging forward. When the locking portion 27 and the locking support portion 26 are engaged, the protrusion 43 protrudes from the through hole 28 formed in the inner cylinder portion 18.

[0065] The bracket 17 is roughly box-shaped with an upward opening. Near the center of the bracket 17 in the left-right direction, a partition 44 extending in the front-back direction is formed. Through the partition 44, a fuse receiving portion 45 for receiving the fuse 12 is formed on the left side of the bracket 17, and a busbar receiving portion 46 for receiving the busbar 38 is formed on the right side of the bracket 17.

[0066] The longitudinal length of the fuse housing 45 is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the longitudinal length of the area of ​​the fuse 12 sandwiched between the two terminal portions 36. Therefore, when the fuse 12 is assembled to the fuse housing 45 from above, the terminal portions 36 of the fuse 12 protrude forward and backward from the front and rear ends of the fuse housing 45, respectively. At the fuse housing 45, a fuse locking part 47 is provided that locks the fuse 12 from above into the area sandwiched between the two terminal portions 36, and holds the fuse 12 in a manner that prevents it from disengaging upwards.

[0067] The longitudinal length of the busbar receiving portion 46 is set to be the same as or slightly smaller than the longitudinal length of the main body portion 40 of the busbar 38. Therefore, when the busbar 38 is assembled to the busbar receiving portion 46 from above, the connector 41 of the busbar 38 protrudes forward from the front end and backward from the rear end of the busbar receiving portion 46. A busbar locking portion 48 is provided in the busbar receiving portion 46 to lock onto the main body portion 40 of the busbar 38 from above and to hold the busbar 38 in a manner that prevents it from detaching upwards.

[0068] With the bracket 17 installed on the housing 15, the fuse 12, which is held in the bracket 17, protrudes from the window 21 formed in the outer cylinder portion 19. Thus, the fuse 12 can be visually identified from above through the window 21.

[0069] [Opponent Connector 14]

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, the counterpart connector 14 is mounted on the device 11. The device 11 has a mounting hole 49 extending through in the front-rear direction. The counterpart connector 14 is inserted into the mounting hole 49 from the rear.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the mating connector 14 is injection molded from insulating synthetic resin. The mating connector 14 has a cylindrical cover 50 with openings at both the front and rear, a tower portion 51 located radially inward of the cover 50, and a flange 52 extending radially outward from a position near the front end of the cover 50. The cover 50 and the tower portion 51 are connected by a connecting portion 53 extending radially from the cover 50.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, on the upper surface 50A of the cover 50, near the front end, a locking protrusion 24 is formed that protrudes upward. This locking protrusion 24 contacts the edge of the locking hole 25 of the locking arm 23 from the rear, thereby maintaining the connector 14 and the connector 13 with the built-in fuse in a state to prevent them from disengaging.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, metal collars 54 are embedded at both ends of the flange 52. The collars 54 are cylindrical in shape extending in the front-rear direction. The other connector 14 is fixed to the device 11 by threading a bolt (not shown) into the collar 54 and connecting the bolt to the device 11.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, a rubber sealing ring 55 is fitted onto the front end of the cover 50. The front end of the cover 50 is inserted into the mounting hole 49. With the other connector 14 installed in the device 11, the outer surface of the sealing ring 55 is in close contact with the inner surface of the mounting hole 49. Thus, the other connector 14 and the device 11 are liquid-tightly sealed.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover 50 of the other connector 14 is inserted from the front into the space between the outer cylinder 19 and the inner cylinder 18 of the connector 13 with the built-in fuse. With the cover 50 inserted between the outer cylinder 19 and the inner cylinder 18, the inner surface of the cover 50 is in close contact with the outer surface of the sealing member 32 embedded in the inner cylinder 18. This provides a liquid-tight seal between the other connector 14 and the connector 13 with the built-in fuse.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, with the connector 14 engaged with the connector 13 containing the fuse, the cover 50 blocks the window 21 formed on the outer cylinder 19 from below. Additionally, the cover 50 covers the fuse 12 from above the bracket 17.

[0077] At the tower section 51, a fuse terminal 16 electrically connected to the fuse 12 and a busbar terminal 33 electrically connected to the busbar 38 are housed. The fuse terminal 16 and the busbar terminal 33 are held within the tower section 51 by a known method such as a spear. The fuse terminal 16 is housed on the left side of the tower section 51, and the busbar terminal 33 is housed on the right side. The fuse terminal 16 and the busbar terminal 33 are respectively connected to the rear ends of the wires 31. The two wires 31 are led forward from the front end of the tower section 51.

[0078] The fuse terminal 16 and busbar terminal 33 housed in the tower section 51 have the same structure as the fuse terminal 16 and busbar terminal 33 housed in the connector 13 with the built-in fuse. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used and the description is omitted.

[0079] [Assembly of Connector Structure 10]

[0080] Next, an example of the assembly process of the connector structure 10 will be described. The assembly process of the connector structure 10 is not limited to the description below.

[0081] The waterproof rubber plug 29 is inserted from the rear into the inner cylinder portion 18 of the housing 15 of the connector 13 with the built-in fuse. Additionally, the sealing member 32 is inserted from the front into the inner cylinder portion 18 of the housing 15.

[0082] Connect the fuse terminal 16 to the front end of one wire 31, and connect the busbar terminal 33 to the front end of another wire 31. Insert the fuse terminal 16 and busbar terminal 33 from the rear into the wire insertion hole 30 of the waterproof rubber plug 29, and install them in the inner cylinder portion 18 of the housing 15. Fit the rubber plug bracket 56 externally into the rear end of the inner cylinder portion 18 of the housing 15.

[0083] The fuse 12 is housed in the fuse housing section 45 of the bracket 17 from above. Additionally, the busbar 38 is housed in the busbar housing section 46 of the bracket 17 from above.

[0084] The bracket 17 is mounted to the housing 15 from the front. The protrusion 43 of the locking support portion 26 provided on the bracket 17 contacts the locking portion 27 of the inner cylinder portion 18 from the front. As a result, the locking support portion 26 flexes downward. When the bracket 17 is further pressed rearward, the locking support portion 26 returns to its original position, and the protrusion 43 of the locking support portion 26 contacts the locking portion 27 from the rear, thereby holding the bracket 17 in a state that prevents it from disengaging forward on the housing 15.

[0085] With the bracket 17 held within the housing 15, the fuse resilient contact 35 of the fuse terminal 16 is externally inserted into the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12. The fuse resilient contact 35 expands and deforms radially, thereby contacting the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12 by elastic force. Thus, the fuse 12 and the fuse terminal 16 are electrically connected.

[0086] Furthermore, with the bracket 17 held within the housing 15, the connector 41 of the busbar 38 is inserted into the busbar sleeve 39 of the busbar terminal 33. When the connector 41 of the busbar 38 is inserted into the busbar sleeve 39, the elastic contact portion 42 of the busbar elastically contacts the connector 41. This electrically connects the busbar 38 to the busbar terminal 33. Thus, the connector 13 with the built-in fuse is completed.

[0087] Connect the fuse terminal 16 to the rear end of one wire 31, and connect the busbar terminal 33 to the rear end of another wire 31. Install the fuse terminal 16 and the busbar terminal 33 onto the tower portion 51 of the other connector 14. Fit the sealing ring 55 onto the cover portion 50 near the front end.

[0088] Insert the front end of the cover 50 into the mounting hole 49 of the device 11 from the rear. Insert a bolt (not shown) into the collar 54 of the flange 52 to secure the device 11 to the connector 14.

[0089] The connector 13 with the built-in fuse is brought close to the connector 14 fixed to the device 11 from the rear by inserting the cover 50 of the other connector 14 between the inner cylinder 18 and the outer cylinder 19 of the connector 13 with the built-in fuse. The locking protrusion 24 formed on the upper surface 50A of the cover 50 contacts the front end of the locking arm 23 from the front. As a result, the locking arm 23 swings with the arm base 22 as a fulcrum, in a manner in which the front end of the locking arm 23 moves upward and the rear end of the locking arm 23 moves downward.

[0090] When the other connector 14 is brought closer to the connector 13 with the built-in fuse, the locking arm 23 reverts to its original position, and the locking protrusion 24 of the other connector 14 enters the locking hole 25 of the locking arm 23. The locking protrusion 24 contacts the edge of the locking hole 25 from the rear, thereby holding the other connector 14 and the connector 13 with the built-in fuse in a state that prevents them from disengaging in the front-rear direction. Thus, the connector structure 10 is completed.

[0091] [Replacement of Fuse 12]

[0092] Next, an example of the replacement operation of fuse 12 will be described. The replacement operation of fuse 12 is not limited to the description below.

[0093] By pressing the rear end of the locking arm 23 downward, the locking arm 23 swings around the arm base 22 as a fulcrum. This causes the front end of the locking arm 23 to move upward. As a result, the locking protrusion 24 is released from engagement with the edge of the locking hole 25. In this state, the connector 13 with the built-in fuse is pulled rearward.

[0094] After disengaging the connector 13 with the built-in fuse from the other connector 14, use a clamp (not shown) to press down the protrusion 43 exposed from the through hole 28 of the inner cylinder 18. This releases the engagement between the locking part 27 and the locking support part 26. In this state, the bracket 17 is disengaged from the housing 15.

[0095] Remove the fuse 12 from the bracket 17 after it leaves the housing 15. Next, assemble the new fuse 12 into the bracket 17.

[0096] Subsequently, after assembling the bracket 17 into the housing 15, the connector 13 with the built-in fuse is engaged with the other connector 14.

[0097] [Effects of this implementation method]

[0098] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be explained. The connector 13 with a built-in fuse according to this embodiment includes a housing 15, a fuse terminal 16 mounted on the housing 15, a bracket 17 mounted on the housing 15, and a fuse 12 mounted on the bracket 17 and electrically connected to the fuse terminal 16. The housing 15 has a locking part 27, the bracket 17 has a locking support part 26 that elastically engages with the locking part 27, and the bracket 17 has a fuse receiving part 45 that can detachably house the fuse 12. The fuse 12 has a terminal part 36, and the fuse terminal 16 has a fuse elastic contact part 35 that elastically contacts the terminal part 36 of the fuse 12.

[0099] The locking part 27 is released from the locking support part 26, separating the housing 15 from the bracket 17. This separates the fuse resilient contact 35 of the fuse terminal 16 from the terminal 36 of the fuse 12, thus cutting off the electrical connection between the fuse terminal 16 and the fuse 12. The fuse 12 is removed from the fuse receiving part 45 of the bracket 17 and replaced with a new fuse 12. The bracket 17, with the new fuse 12 installed in the fuse receiving part 45, is then installed on the housing 15. The fuse terminal 16 and the terminal 36 of the fuse 12 are then electrically connected via the fuse resilient contact 35. This eliminates the need to remove the threaded part and nut, and to re-engage the threaded part and nut after replacing the fuse 12, thus improving the efficiency of fuse replacement.

[0100] According to this embodiment, a terminal portion 36 is disposed on the outer surface of the fuse 12, and the fuse elastic contact portion 35 of the fuse terminal 16 is elastically embedded in the terminal portion 36.

[0101] By making the fuse 12 elastically contact the fuse terminal 16, an electrical connection can be achieved, thus improving the efficiency of the fuse 12 replacement operation.

[0102] According to this embodiment, a busbar terminal 33 is installed on the housing 15, and the bracket 17 has a busbar receiving portion 46 for receiving a busbar 38 that is electrically connected to the busbar terminal 33. The busbar terminal 33 has a busbar sleeve portion 39 for receiving the busbar 38, and the busbar sleeve portion 39 has a busbar elastic contact portion 42 that protrudes into the busbar sleeve portion 39 and elastically contacts the busbar 38 inserted into the busbar sleeve portion 39.

[0103] A circuit with a fuse 12 connected in series and a circuit with a busbar 38 connected in series can be formed by a connector 13 with a built-in fuse.

[0104] According to this embodiment, the connector structure includes a connector 13 with a built-in fuse and a mating connector 14 that engages with the connector 13 with the built-in fuse. The mating connector 14 has a fuse terminal 16 that is electrically connected to the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12. The fuse terminal 16 has a fuse elastic contact portion 35 that elastically contacts the terminal portion 36 of the fuse 12.

[0105] If the engagement between the connector 14 and the connector 13 with the built-in fuse is disengaged, the electrical connection between the fuse resilient contact 35 of the fuse terminal 16 and the terminal 36 of the fuse 12 is severed. Thus, when the fuse terminal 16 is electrically connected to the terminal 36 of the fuse 12, no threads or nuts are required, thereby improving the efficiency of fuse replacement.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the housing 15 of the connector 13 with built-in fuse has a window 21 for the bracket 17 to be exposed when assembled in the housing 15, the fuse 12 mounted on the bracket 17 is exposed from the window 21, and the other connector 14 has a cover 50 that blocks the window 21 and covers the fuse 12 when the connector 13 with built-in fuse and the other connector 14 are engaged.

[0107] With the connector 13 with the built-in fuse separated from the other connector 14, the fuse 12 can be visually identified through the window 21, making it easy to confirm whether the fuse 12 replacement is complete. This improves the efficiency of the fuse 12 replacement operation. Furthermore, when the connector 13 with the built-in fuse is engaged with the other connector 14, the cover 50 blocks the window 21, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the connector structure 10 through the window 21.

[0108] <Implementation Method 2>

[0109] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 10 This describes embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in the connector structure 10 according to this embodiment, the terminal portion 73 of the fuse 72 of the connector 71 with the built-in fuse has an annular outer portion 74 mounted on the outer surface of the fuse 72 and a plate-shaped connector portion 75 extending downward from the lower end of the outer portion 74 and extending in a direction away from the fuse 72 in the front or rear direction. The front end of the connector portion 75 extends outward more protrudingly than the outer portion 74 of the fuse 72 in the front-rear direction.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, a fuse receiving section 77 for accommodating a fuse 72 is provided on the left side of the bracket 76, and a busbar receiving section 79 for accommodating a busbar 78 is provided on the right side of the bracket 76. In this embodiment, the length dimension of the fuse receiving section 77 in the front-to-back direction is set to be shorter than the length dimension of the busbar receiving section 79 in the front-to-back direction.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, the width of the connector 75 in the left-right direction of the terminal portion 73 of the fuse 72 is set to be approximately the same as the width of the connector 80 in the left-right direction of the busbar 78. Furthermore, the thickness in the vertical direction of the connector 75 in the terminal portion 73 of the fuse 72 is set to be approximately the same as the thickness in the vertical direction of the connector 80 in the busbar 78.

[0112] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the terminal 81 (an example of a fuse terminal) connected to the connector 75 of the terminal portion 73 provided in the fuse 72 has the same shape as the terminal 81 (an example of a busbar terminal) connected to the busbar 78. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the terminal 81 connected to the fuse 72 and the terminal 81 connected to the busbar 78, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0113] like Figure 10 As shown, terminal 81 has a wire connection portion 82 that is pressure-welded to the end of wire 31 and a cylindrical portion 83 extending from the wire connection portion 82 (an example of a cylindrical portion for a fuse or a cylindrical portion for a busbar). The connector portion 75 of fuse 72 or the connector 80 of busbar 78 is inserted into the interior of cylindrical portion 83. Inside cylindrical portion 83, an elastic contact portion 84 capable of elastic deformation is disposed (an example of an elastic contact portion for a fuse or an elastic contact portion for a busbar). This elastic contact portion 84 elastically contacts the connector portion 75 or the connector 80.

[0114] like Figure 10As shown, a terminal 81 is housed in the housing 85 of the connector 71 with a built-in fuse. Inside the housing 85, a forward-extending spear-shaped member 86 is provided. The terminal 81 is held in a state where it is prevented from disengaging backward by contacting the front end of the spear-shaped member 86 with the cylindrical portion 83 of the terminal 81 from the front.

[0115] like Figure 10 As shown, a terminal 81 is housed in the tower portion 87 of the other connector 89. A spear-shaped member 88 extending rearward is provided inside the tower portion 87. The terminal 81 is held in place by contacting the rear end of the spear-shaped member 88 from the rear by the cylindrical portion 83 of the terminal 81, thereby preventing the terminal 81 from disengaging forward.

[0116] Regarding structures other than those described above, since they are largely the same as in Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the terminal portion 73 of the fuse 72 has a plate-shaped connector portion 75, and the terminal 81 has a cylindrical portion 83 into which the connector portion 75 is inserted. The cylindrical portion 83 has an elastic contact portion 84 that protrudes into the cylindrical portion 83 and elastically contacts the connector portion 75 inserted into the cylindrical portion 83.

[0118] By making the fuse 72 elastically contact the terminal 81, an electrical connection can be achieved, thus improving the efficiency of the fuse 72 replacement operation.

[0119] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0120] (1) The wire 31 connected to the connector 13 with the built-in fuse can be one or more. The components connected to the connector 13 with the built-in fuse are not limited to the wire 31, and can be any conductive component such as the busbar 38.

[0121] (2) The wire 31 connected to the other party connector 14 can be one or more. The component connected to the other party connector 14 is not limited to the wire 31, and can be any conductive component such as the busbar 38.

[0122] (3) The outer casing 15 may also be configured to not have a window 21 and to cover the outer periphery of the bracket 17 so that the bracket 17 is not exposed to the outside.

[0123] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0124] 10, 70: Connector structure

[0125] 11: Equipment

[0126] 12, 72: Fuse

[0127] 13, 71: Connectors with built-in fuses

[0128] 14, 89: Counterparty connector

[0129] 15, 85: Outer shell

[0130] 16: Terminals for fuses

[0131] 17, 76: Bracket

[0132] 18: Inner cylinder part

[0133] 18A: Upper wall

[0134] 19: Outer cylinder part

[0135] 19A: Upper wall

[0136] 20: Connecting Part

[0137] 21: Window

[0138] 22: Arm base

[0139] 23: Locking arm

[0140] 24: Locking Protrusion

[0141] 25: Locking hole

[0142] 26: Locking support

[0143] 27: Locking section

[0144] 28: Through hole

[0145] 29: Waterproof rubber stopper

[0146] 30: Electrical wire insertion hole

[0147] 31: Electrical wire

[0148] 32: Sealing components

[0149] 33: Busbar terminals

[0150] 34: Wire connection part

[0151] 35: Flexible contact part for fuses

[0152] 36, 73: Terminal section

[0153] 37: Wire connection part

[0154] 38, 78: Busbar

[0155] 39: Busbar sleeve

[0156] 40: Main body

[0157] 41, 80: Connector

[0158] 42: Elastic contact part for busbar

[0159] 43: convex part

[0160] 44: Next door

[0161] 45, 77: Fuse housing section

[0162] 46, 79: Convergence Line Containment Department

[0163] 47: Fuse locking section

[0164] 48: Busbar Fixing Section

[0165] 49: Mounting holes

[0166] 50: Cover

[0167] 50A: Top surface

[0168] 51: Tower Section

[0169] 52: Flange

[0170] 53: Connecting Part

[0171] 54: Ring

[0172] 55: Sealing ring

[0173] 56: Rubber stopper bracket

[0174] 74: Embedded part

[0175] 75: Connector

[0176] 81: Terminal

[0177] 82: Wire connection part

[0178] 83: Cylinder section

[0179] 84: Elastic contact part

[0180] 86, 88: Spear-shaped objects

[0181] 87: Tower Section

Claims

1. A connector with a built-in fuse, comprising: shell; A fuse terminal is mounted on the housing; The bracket is mounted on the housing; as well as A fuse, mounted on the bracket, and electrically connected to the fuse via terminals. The outer casing has a locking part, and the bracket has a locking support part that elastically engages with the locking part. The bracket has a fuse receiving section that can detachably accommodate the fuse. The fuse has a terminal section. The fuse terminal has a fuse elastic contact portion that elastically contacts the terminal portion of the fuse. A relay terminal is installed in the housing. The bracket has a busbar receiving section for accommodating the busbar that is electrically connected to the relay terminal. The relay terminal has a busbar sleeve portion for accommodating the busbar. The busbar sleeve has an elastic contact portion that protrudes into the busbar sleeve and elastically contacts the busbar inserted into the busbar sleeve.

2. The connector with a built-in fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal portion is disposed on the outer surface of the fuse. The fuse-use resilient contact portion of the fuse terminal is elastically embedded in the terminal portion.

3. The connector with a built-in fuse according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal portion of the fuse has a plate-shaped connector. The fuse terminal has a fuse sleeve portion that is inserted into the connector portion. The fuse cylinder has an elastic contact portion that protrudes into the fuse cylinder and elastically contacts the connector portion inserted into the fuse cylinder.

4. A connector structure comprising: The connector with a built-in fuse as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3; and The other connector engages with the connector containing the built-in fuse. The counterpart connector has a counterpart terminal that is electrically connected to the terminal portion of the fuse. The counterpart terminal has an elastic contact portion for the counterpart fuse that elastically contacts the terminal portion of the fuse.

5. The connector structure according to claim 4, wherein, The housing of the connector with a built-in fuse has a window for exposing the bracket when assembled in the housing, and the fuse mounted on the bracket is exposed from the window. The counterpart connector has the function of blocking the window and covering the fuse cover when the connector with the built-in fuse is engaged with the counterpart connector.

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