Fuse and method for producing fuse

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuse capable of achieving a height reduction even in a case where an external fuse can be attached, and a method for manufacturing the fuse. A fuse (600) includes: a bus bar (100) including an input terminal (110), an external terminal (120), and a circuit unit (200) and a fuse section (113) provided between the input terminal (110) and the external terminal (120); and a housing (500) covering the bus bar (100), and the circuit unit (200) is configured to be attachable to an external fuse (700) including a fusing portion (730) and a connection terminal (720).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuse mainly used for automotive circuits and the like, and a method for manufacturing a fuse. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, fuses have been used to protect circuits and the like installed in automobiles and various electronic components connected to the circuit. Specifically, when an unexpected overcurrent flows through the circuit, the fusing portion is fused by the heat generated by the overcurrent to protect various electronic components from flowing through an excessive current.

[0003] Depending on the application scenario, there are various types of fuses. For example, the fuse in Patent Document 1 includes: a bus bar including an input terminal, an external terminal, and a fusing portion provided between the input terminal and the external terminal; and a housing covering the bus bar. A fuse connection terminal connected to the bus bar and a fuse-side external terminal paired with the fuse connection terminal are provided above the bus bar, and an external fuse can be attached by inserting it into the fuse connection terminal and the fuse-side external terminal. Therefore, when the vehicle model or the load of various electronic components changes, an external fuse with a different rating is replaced to easily cope with the change. However, since the structure for attaching the external fuse (such as the fuse-side external terminal) is provided separately from the bus bar, when changing the design of the arrangement position of the external fuse, both the structure on the bus bar side and the structure for attaching the external fuse need to be changed, which causes trouble.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-010768 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention provides a fuse that can easily and flexibly change the design of the arrangement position of an external fuse, and a method for manufacturing a fuse.

[0009] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0010] The fuse according to the present invention is a fuse including: a bus bar having an input terminal, an external terminal, a circuit unit, and a fusing portion provided between the input terminal and the external terminal; and a housing covering at least a part of the bus bar, and the circuit unit is configured such that an external fuse including a fusing portion and a connection terminal can be attached to the circuit unit.

[0011] According to the above characteristics, since the external fuse is directly attached to the circuit unit, the arrangement position of the external fuse can be easily and flexibly changed by changing the design of the circuit unit. For example, as Figure 12 shown, when the circuit unit has a flat plate-like configuration, the external fuses are linearly arranged above and below the external terminals. Further, as Figure 14 shown, if the circuit unit is configured to include a bent portion, the height of the circuit unit is reduced, and the arrangement position of the external fuse is also reduced, which helps to reduce the height. Further, as Figure 1 shown, when the circuit unit is bent into a substantially U shape and includes a main body and side wall portions facing each other, the height of the circuit unit is further reduced, and the arrangement position of the external fuse is further reduced, which helps to reduce the height.

[0012] In the fuse according to the present invention, a mounting opening is formed in a part of the circuit unit, and the external fuse can be attached to the mounting opening.

[0013] According to the above characteristics, the external fuse is connected to the circuit unit in a state where the position and orientation of the external fuse are more stable.

[0014] In the fuse according to the present invention, the circuit unit includes a main body and side wall portions facing each other.

[0015] According to the above characteristics, since the circuit unit includes the main body and the side wall portions facing each other, the height of the circuit unit is further reduced, and the arrangement position of the external fuse is further reduced, which helps to reduce the height of the fuse.

[0016] In the fuse according to the present invention, the main body and the side wall portions are formed by folding the upper end side of the circuit unit backward.

[0017] According to the above characteristics, since the main body and the side wall portions are integrally formed by folding the upper end portion of the circuit unit backward, there is no need to provide a separate connection structure (for example, a conventional fuse-side external terminal, etc.) as a part for electrically connecting the external fuse and the circuit unit, and the number of parts can be reduced, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0018] In the fuse according to the present invention, the side wall portion includes a plate-shaped convex connection terminal extending from the mounting opening, and the convex connection terminal is configured to be able to connect to a concave connection terminal of the external fuse.

[0019] According to the above characteristics, the structure of the part for electrically connecting the external fuse and the circuit unit of the fuse is simplified, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0020] In the fuse according to the present invention, the housing is provided with a receiving portion capable of receiving the external fuse.

[0021] According to the above characteristics, the external fuse can be easily attached.

[0022] A method for manufacturing a fuse according to the present invention is a method for manufacturing a fuse, which includes: a bus bar including an input terminal, an external terminal, and a circuit unit and a fusing portion provided between the input terminal and the external terminal; and a housing covering at least a part of the bus bar. The method includes: folding the upper end side of the circuit unit backward to form a main body and a side wall portion facing each other and an upper wall portion connecting the main body and the side wall portion; and cutting off a part of the circuit unit to form an open mounting opening, wherein the mounting opening is configured to be capable of attaching an external fuse, which includes a fusing portion and connection terminals.

[0023] According to the above characteristics, since the external fuse is directly attached to the circuit unit, the arrangement position of the external fuse can be easily and flexibly changed by changing the design of the circuit unit. Further, since a mounting opening for inserting and mounting the external fuse is provided, the height of the circuit unit can be kept low, and thus, even in a state where the external fuse is mounted, the height of the fuse can be reduced.

[0024] Advantages of the Invention

[0025] As described above, in the fuse according to the present invention and the method for manufacturing a fuse, the design of the arrangement position of the external fuse can be easily and flexibly changed. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a bus bar of a fuse according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 (a) of is a front view of the bus bar, and Figure 2 (b) of is a rear view of the bus bar.

[0028] Figure 3 (a) of is a top view of the bus bar, and Figure 3 (b) of is a side view of the bus bar.

[0029] Figure 4 is an overall perspective view of a housing split piece of a housing of a fuse.

[0030] Figure 5 (a) of is an overall perspective view of the front of the housing split piece, and Figure 5(b) is an overall perspective view of the back side of the housing split piece.

[0031] Figure 6 (a) is a rear view of the housing split piece, and Figure 6 (b) is a top view of the housing split piece.

[0032] Figure 7 (a) is an overall perspective view of the external fuse, and Figure 7 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A.

[0033] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the fuse.

[0034] Figure 9 is an overall perspective view of the assembled fuse.

[0035] Figure 10 (a) is a front view of the fuse, and Figure 10 (b) is a top view of the fuse.

[0036] Figure 11 (a) is along Figure 10 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B, and Figure 11 (b) is along Figure 10 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C.

[0037] Figure 12 is an overall perspective view of the bus bar according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 13 is an overall perspective view of the bus bar according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 14 is an overall perspective view of the bus bar according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals

[0041] 100: Bus bar, 110: Input terminal, 120: External terminal, 113: Fusing portion, 200: Circuit unit, 210: Main body, 220: Side wall portion, 230: Upper wall portion, 240: Mounting opening, 500: Housing, 600: Fuse, 720: Connection terminal, 730: Fusing portion, 700: External fuse. Detailed Embodiments

[0042] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The shape, material, etc. of each component of the fuse in the embodiments described below are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0043] <First Embodiment>

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 Shows the bus bar 100 of the fuse 600 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Is an overall perspective view of the bus bar 100, Figure 2 Of which (a) is the front view of the bus bar 100, Figure 2 Of which (b) is the rear view of the bus bar 100, Figure 3 Of which (a) is the top view of the bus bar 100, and Figure 3 Of which (b) is the side view of the bus bar 100.

[0045] As Figure 1 Shown, the bus bar 100 is formed by stamping a flat member having a uniform thickness and made of a conductive metal such as copper or its alloy into a predetermined shape using a press or the like, and includes an input terminal 110 that can be powered by a battery or the like, a plurality of external terminals 120, and a circuit unit 200. The input terminal 110 is connected to the circuit unit 200, and the external terminal 120 is connected to the circuit unit 200 via a fusing portion 113. Therefore, when an overcurrent flows from the power supply side such as a battery connected to the input terminal 110, the fusing portion 113 fuses, whereby various electronic components and the like connected to the external terminal 120 can be protected.

[0046] Furthermore, when manufacturing the bus bar 100, after stamping a flat member having a uniform thickness into a predetermined shape using a press or the like, the circuit unit 200 is bent and formed. Specifically, the upper end side of the flat circuit unit 200 is folded backward into a substantially U shape to form a main body 210, a side wall portion 220, and an upper wall portion 230 that connects the main body 210 and the side wall portion 220. The main body 210 and the side wall portion 220 facing each other are separated from each other and arranged in parallel. In addition, the input terminal 110 is connected to the main body 210, and the external terminal 120 is connected to the main body 210 via the fusing portion 113. Note that a fixing hole 201 is provided in the side wall portion 220, a fixing hole 202 is provided in the main body 210, and a fixing shaft of a housing described later can pass through the fixing hole.

[0047] Further, a part of the upper end side of the circuit unit 200 is cut away to form an upwardly opening mounting opening 240. Specifically, the mounting opening 240 includes an upper opening 241 opened by cutting away the upper wall portion 230 of the circuit unit 200, and a side opening 242 opened by cutting away the side wall portion 220, and the upper opening 241 and the side opening 242 are continuous. The mounting opening 240 is configured to be able to insert an external fuse 700 described later. In addition, the portion continuous with the lower side of the side opening 242 of the mounting opening 240 is a portion where the plate-shaped side wall portion 220 is not cut away and remains, and this portion becomes a plate-shaped convex connection terminal 250 connected to the external fuse 700.

[0048] Note that the circuit unit 200 is formed in a substantially U shape so as to include a flat upper wall portion 230, but is not limited thereto, and may have any shape such as a substantially V shape, as long as the circuit unit includes a main body 210 and side wall portions 220 facing each other. In addition, although the main body 210 and the side wall portions 220 facing each other are arranged parallel to each other, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main body 210 and the side wall portions 220 may be arranged in any posture as long as the main body and the side wall portions are separated from each other. Further, the circuit unit 200 includes a main body 210, side wall portions 220, and an upper wall portion 230 formed by bending a single flat plate member, but is not limited thereto, and the main body 210, the side wall portions 220, and the upper wall portion 230 may be formed separately, and the main body 210, the side wall portions 220, and the upper wall portion 230 may be connected and fixed to each other to form the substantially U-shaped circuit unit 200.

[0049] Next, reference will be made to Figure 4 Describe the housing 500 of the fuse 600 according to the present invention. The housing 500 includes a pair of housing split pieces 300 and 400. Figure 4 is an overall perspective view of the housing split piece 300.

[0050] As Figure 4As shown, the housing split piece 300 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular shape, and includes an upper-end-side accommodating portion 310 for accommodating the circuit unit 200 that houses the bus bar 100, a central-side accommodating portion 320 for accommodating the fusing portion 113 of the bus bar 100, and a lower-end-side accommodating portion 330 for accommodating the upper end side (the side connected to the fusing portion 113) of the external terminal 120 of the bus bar 100. An opening 312 is formed in the upper wall 311 of the upper-end-side accommodating portion 310, into which an external fuse 700, which will be described later, can be inserted. Further, the upper-end-side accommodating portion 310 is provided with a fixing hole 313, and the lower-end-side accommodating portion 330 is provided with a fixing hole 333. In addition, a viewing window 301 made of transparent resin is provided in the central-side accommodating portion 320 so that the fusing portion 113 of the bus bar 100 accommodated in the housing split piece 300 can be observed from the outside.

[0051] Next, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 to describe the housing split piece 400. Figure 5 FIG. (a) is an overall perspective view of the front surface of the housing split piece 400, Figure 5 FIG. (b) is an overall perspective view of the back surface of the housing split piece 400, Figure 6 FIG. (a) is a rear view of the housing split piece 400, and Figure 6 FIG. (b) is a top view of the housing split piece 400.

[0052] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the housing split piece 400 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular shape, and has a shape corresponding to that of the housing split piece 300 so as to be able to clamp and cover the bus bar 100 accommodated in the housing split piece 300. Specifically, the housing split piece 400 includes an upper-end-side accommodating portion 410 for accommodating the circuit unit 200 that houses the bus bar 100, a central-side accommodating portion 420 for accommodating the fusing portion 113 of the bus bar 100, and a lower-end-side accommodating portion 430 for accommodating the upper end side (the side connected to the fusing portion 113) of the external terminal 120 of the bus bar 100. On the front side of the upper-end-side accommodating portion 410, an accommodating portion 450 that is recessed toward the front side is provided so as to be continuous with the upper-end-side accommodating portion 410. The accommodating portion 450 is configured to accommodate the external fuse 700, which will be described later. In addition, a wall portion 451 is provided between adjacent accommodating portions 450. Further, the accommodating portion 450 is provided with a claw-shaped fixing portion 452 that locks and fixes to the external fuse 700 so that the accommodated external fuse 700 is not accidentally removed. The upper-end-side accommodating portion 410 is provided with a fixing shaft 413 that is connected to the fixing hole 313 of the housing split piece 300, and the lower-end-side accommodating portion 430 is provided with a fixing shaft 433 that is connected to the fixing hole 333 of the housing split piece 300.

[0053] Next, the external fuse 700 that can be attached to the fuse 600 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7 FIGS. Figure 7 5(a) is an overall perspective view of the external fuse 700, and Figure 7 FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A.

[0054] As Figure 7 shown, the external fuse 700 includes a housing 710 made of synthetic resin and having a substantially rectangular shape, a pair of connection terminals 720 accommodated in the housing 710, and a fusing portion 730 provided between the connection terminals 720. The housing 710 is provided with a slot 740 through which the connection terminals 720 are exposed. The concave terminal-shaped connection terminals (concave connection terminals) 720 are configured to be electrically connected to the convex connection terminal 250 of the fuse 600 when the convex connection terminal 250 of the fuse 600 is inserted into the slot 740, as described later. In this way, the convex connection terminal 250, the connection terminals 720, and the fusing portion 730 of the fuse 600 are electrically connected.

[0055] Next, aspects of assembling the fuse 600 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10 FIGS. Figure 8 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the fuse 600, Figure 9 FIG. 6(b) is an overall perspective view of the assembled fuse 600, Figure 10 FIG. 7(a) is a front view of the fuse 600, Figure 10 FIG. 7(b) is a top view of the fuse 600, Figure 11 FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 10 FIG. 7(b), and Figure 11 FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 10 FIG. 7(b).

[0056] First, as Figure 8As shown, the bus bar 100 is accommodated so as to be clamped from the front and rear between a pair of housing split pieces 300 and 400. Specifically, the circuit unit 200 of the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the upper end side accommodation portion 310 of the housing split piece 300, the fuse portion 113 of the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the central side accommodation portion 320 of the housing split piece 300, and the fixing hole 123 side of the external terminal 120 of the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the lower end side accommodation portion 330 of the housing split piece 300. Then, the housing split piece 400 is attached so as to cover the front side of the bus bar 100. At this time, the circuit unit 200 of the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the upper end side accommodation portion 410 of the housing split piece 400, the fuse portion 113 of the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the central side accommodation portion 420 of the housing split piece 400, and the fixing hole 123 side of the external terminal 120 of the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the lower end side accommodation portion 430 of the housing split piece 400. The fixing shaft 413 of the housing split piece 400 passes through the fixing holes 201 and 202 of the bus bar 100 and is connected to the fixing hole 313 of the housing split piece 300. Further, the fixing shaft 433 of the housing split piece 400 passes through the fixing hole 123 of the external terminal 120 of the bus bar 100 and is connected to the fixing hole 333 of the housing split piece 300. Thus, the housing split piece 300 and the housing split piece 400 are firmly connected and fixed to each other. In this way, the bus bar 100 is accommodated inside the housing 500 including the housing split piece 300 and the housing split piece 400.

[0057] When the bus bar 100 is accommodated in the housing split piece 300 and the housing split piece 400, the external fuse 700 is assembled onto the bus bar 100. Specifically, the external fuse 700 is pushed until the external fuse 700 is inserted into the mounting opening 240 of the bus bar 100, and the convex connection terminal 250 extending to the lower side of the mounting opening 240 is inserted into the slot 740 of the external fuse 700. Thereafter, the external fuse 700 is accommodated in the housing 500 such that the front and rear portions of the external fuse 700 are clamped between the opening 312 of the housing split piece 300 and the accommodation portion 450 of the housing split piece 400. As described above, since the housing 500 of the fuse 600 is provided with the accommodation portion 450 capable of accommodating the external fuse 700, the external fuse 700 can be easily attached.

[0058] Then, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown, the fuse 600 is assembled and completed. The fuse 600 according to the present invention is configured such that the external fuse 700 can be arbitrarily assembled, but the fuse 600 itself does not necessarily include the external fuse 700. Additionally, in Figure 9 and Figure 10In order to facilitate understanding of the state in which the external fuse 700 is assembled to the fuse 600, the external fuse 700 is not attached to the receiving portion 450 located on the front side.

[0059] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the distal side of the input terminal 110 extends outward from the housing 500, and the distal side of the external terminal 120 also extends outward from the housing 500. The connection terminals connected to various electronic components and the like are connected to the external terminal 120. Generally, as Figure 11 shown in (a) of, the current from the power supply side such as a battery connected to the input terminal 110 flows from the input terminal 110 to the main body 210 of the circuit unit 200, and further flows to the external terminal 120 and various electronic components via the fusing portion 113. When an overcurrent flows from the power supply side such as a battery connected to the input terminal 110, the fusing portion 113 fuses, so that the loads of various electronic components connected to the external terminal 120 can be protected.

[0060] As Figure 11 shown in (a) of, a part (side wall portion 220 side) of the circuit unit 200 is disposed in the receiving portion 450 of the fuse 600, and the mounting opening 240 of the circuit unit 200 faces the opening above the receiving portion 450. An opening portion 454 is provided below the receiving portion 450 so that the convex external terminal 910 of the external connection device 900 can be inserted into the opening portion, as will be described later.

[0061] As Figure 11 shown in (b) of, in a state where the external fuse 700 is received in the receiving portion 450, the external fuse 700 is inserted into the mounting opening 240 of the circuit unit 200, and the convex connection terminal 250 of the circuit unit 200 is inserted and connected to the connection terminal 720 located in the slot 740 of the external fuse 700. The fuse 600 is used by being attached to an external connection device 900 such as a fuse box, and the convex external terminal 910 of the external connection device 900 is inserted from the opening portion 454 into the slot 740 of the external fuse 700 and connected to the connection terminal 720. The convex external terminal 910 of the external connection device 900 is connected to various electronic components.

[0062] Generally, as Figure 11As shown in (b), current from the power supply side such as a battery connected to the input terminal 110 flows from the input terminal 110 to the convex connection terminal 250 of the circuit unit 200, and further flows from one connection terminal 720 of the external fuse 700 connected to the convex connection terminal 250 to the other connection terminal 720 via the fusing portion 730. Then, the current flows from the convex external terminal 910 connected to the other connection terminal 720 to various electronic components connected to the convex external terminal 910. When an overcurrent flows from the power supply side such as a battery connected to the input terminal 110, the fusing portion 730 of the external fuse 700 fuses, so that loads such as various electronic components connected to the convex external terminal 910 can be protected. When the load size of various electronic components connected to the convex external terminal 910 changes, the fuse can be replaced with another external fuse 700 having a fusing portion 730 with a different rating. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the die of the bus bar 100, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared with the case of changing the fusing portion 113 of the bus bar 100.

[0063] As described above, according to the fuse 600 of the present invention, the circuit unit 200 includes a main body 210 and side wall portions 220 facing each other, and further includes a mounting opening 240 into which the external fuse 700 is inserted and attached, so that the height of the circuit unit 200 can be kept low. Therefore, even when the external fuse 700 is attached, a reduction in the height of the fuse 600 can be achieved. Specifically, as Figure 11 shown in (b), since the external fuse 700 is inserted into and attached to the mounting opening 240, circuit portions of the external fuse 700 such as the fusing portion 730 and the connection terminal 720 are arranged to face the circuit unit 200 of the fuse 600, and are arranged substantially in parallel or at substantially the same height. Therefore, even when the external fuse 700 is attached to the fuse 600, the external fuse 700 can be prevented from jumping upward from the fuse 600, and a reduction in the height of the entire fuse 600 including the external fuse 700 can be achieved.

[0064] Since the main body 210, the side wall portions 220, and the upper wall portion 230 of the fuse 600 are integrally formed by folding the upper end portion side of the circuit unit 200 backward, it is not necessary to provide a separate connection structure (for example, a conventional fuse-side external terminal, etc.) as a part of the circuit unit 200 for electrically connecting the external fuse 700 and the fuse 600, and the number of parts can be reduced, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0065] In addition, since the side wall portion 220 of the circuit unit 200 includes the convex connection terminal 250, and the convex connection terminal 250 is configured to be connectable to the connection terminal 720 of the external fuse 700, the structure of the part of the circuit unit 200 that electrically connects the external fuse 700 and the fuse 600 is simplified, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved. Although the side wall portion 220 of the circuit unit 200 includes the convex connection terminal 250, and the convex connection terminal 250 is configured to be connectable to the connection terminal 720 of the external fuse 700, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any other structure may be adopted as long as the external fuse 700 and the circuit unit 200 of the fuse 600 can be electrically connected. For example, a groove-shaped concave terminal structure can be provided by further folding the side wall portion 220 of the circuit unit 200 backward, a corresponding convex terminal can be provided in the external fuse 700, and the convex terminal can be electrically connected by being inserted into the concave terminal structure of the circuit unit 200.

[0066] <Second Embodiment>

[0067] Next, Figure 12 shows the bus bar 100A of the fuse 600A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an overall perspective view of the bus bar 100A. The fuse 600A according to this second embodiment is different from the fuse 600 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 11 only in the configuration of the circuit unit 200A of the bus bar 100A, and other configurations are the same as those of the fuse 600 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

[0068] As Figure 12 shown, the bus bar 100A is formed by stamping a flat plate member having a uniform thickness and made of a conductive metal such as copper or its alloy into a predetermined shape by using a press or the like, and includes an input terminal 110A that can be powered by a battery or the like, a fusing portion 113A, a plurality of external terminals 120A, and a circuit unit 200A.

[0069] In addition, when manufacturing the bus bar 100A, the circuit unit 200A is formed by stamping a flat plate member having a uniform thickness into a predetermined shape by using a press or the like. The upper end 290A of the plate-shaped circuit unit 200A linearly extends, and the upper end 290A becomes the plate-shaped convex connection terminal 250A that is directly connected to the external fuse 700. As Figure 12 shown, the upper end 290A of the circuit unit 200A is inserted into and connected to the connection terminal 720 located in the slot 740 of the external fuse 700.

[0070] <Third Embodiment>

[0071] Next, Figure 13 shows a bus bar 100B of a fuse 600B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an overall perspective view of the bus bar 100B. The fuse 600B according to this third embodiment differs from the Figures 1 to 11 shown fuse 600 according to the first embodiment only in the configuration of the circuit unit 200B of the bus bar 100B, and other configurations are the same as those of the fuse 600 according to the first embodiment, and thus its detailed description will be omitted.

[0072] As Figure 13 shown, the bus bar 100B is formed by stamping a flat member having a uniform thickness and made of a conductive metal such as copper or its alloy into a predetermined shape using a press or the like, and includes an input terminal 110B that can be powered by a battery or the like, a fuse portion 113B, a plurality of external terminals 120B, and a circuit unit 200B.

[0073] In addition, when manufacturing the bus bar 100B, the circuit unit 200B is formed by stamping a flat member having a uniform thickness into a predetermined shape using a press or the like. At the upper end 290B of the plate-shaped circuit unit 200B, an upward-opening mounting opening 240B is formed by cutting off a part of the upper end 290B. The part continuous with the lower side of the mounting opening 240B is the part of the plate-shaped upper end 290B that is not cut off and remains, and this part becomes a plate-shaped convex connection terminal 250B connected to the external fuse 700. As Figure 13 shown, the external fuse 700 is inserted into the mounting opening 240B located at the upper end 290A of the circuit unit 200A, and the convex connection terminal 250B is inserted and connected to the connection terminal 720 located in the slot 740 of the external fuse 700. As described above, by providing the mounting opening 240B in the circuit unit 200B, the external fuse 700 is connected to the circuit unit 200B in a state where the position and orientation of the external fuse 700 are more stable.

[0074] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0075] Next, Figure 14 shows a bus bar 100C of a fuse 600C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is an overall perspective view of the bus bar 100C. The fuse 600C according to the fourth embodiment differs from the Figures 1 to 11 shown fuse 600 according to the first embodiment only in the configuration of the circuit unit 200C of the bus bar 100C, and other configurations are the same as those of the fuse 600 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description is omitted.

[0076] As Figure 14 shown, the bus bar 100C is formed by stamping a flat member having a uniform thickness and made of a conductive metal such as copper or its alloy into a predetermined shape using a press or the like, and includes an input terminal 110C, a fuse portion 113C, a plurality of external terminals 120C, and a circuit unit 200C that can be powered by a battery or the like.

[0077] In addition, when manufacturing the bus bar 100C, the circuit unit 200C is formed by stamping a flat member having a uniform thickness into a predetermined shape using a press or the like and bending the plate-like member stepwise in the vertical direction to form a bent portion 280C. The upper end 290C of the circuit unit 200C extends linearly, and the plate-like upper end 290C becomes a plate-like convex connection terminal 250C connected to the external fuse 700. As Figure 14 shown, the upper end 290C of the circuit unit 200C is inserted into and connected to the connection terminal 720 located in the slot 740 of the external fuse 700. In addition, since the circuit unit 200C includes a stepped bent portion 280C, the rigidity of the circuit unit 200C is improved and its height is reduced, which contributes to the reduction of the height of the fuse 600C.

[0078] As described above, since the external fuse 700 is directly attached to the circuit unit 200C, the arrangement position of the external fuse 700 can be easily and flexibly changed by changing the design of the circuit unit 200C. For example, as Figure 12 shown, if the circuit unit 200A has a flat configuration, the external fuses 700 are linearly arranged above and below the external terminals 120A. In addition, as Figure 14 shown, when the circuit unit 200C is configured to include a bent portion 280C, the height of the circuit unit 200C is reduced, and the arrangement position of the external fuse 700 is also reduced, which contributes to the height reduction. Furthermore, as Figure 1 shown, when the circuit unit 200 is bent into a substantially U shape and includes a main body 210 and side wall portions 220 facing each other, the height of the circuit unit 200 is further reduced, and the arrangement position of the external fuse 700 is further reduced, which contributes to the height reduction.

[0079] As Figure 13The installation opening 240B shown can be provided at the upper end 290C of the circuit unit 200C. Further, the circuit unit 200C includes a male connection terminal 250C, and the male connection terminal 250C is configured to be connectable to the connection terminal 720 of the external fuse 700, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Any other structure can be adopted as long as the external fuse 700 and the circuit unit 200C of the fuse 600C can be electrically connected. For example, a groove-shaped concave terminal structure can be provided by bending the upper end 290C of the circuit unit 200C, a corresponding male terminal can be provided in the external fuse 700, and the male terminal can be inserted into the concave terminal structure of the circuit unit 200C for electrical connection.

[0080] The fuse of the present invention and the method for manufacturing the fuse are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and combinations can be made within the scope of the claims and the embodiments, and these modifications and combinations are also included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fuse, comprising: A bus bar, including an input terminal, an external terminal, and a circuit unit and a fusing part provided between the input terminal and the external terminal; And A housing covering at least a part of the bus bar, wherein, The circuit unit is configured to be able to attach an external fuse, and the external fuse includes a fusing part and a connection terminal.

2. The fuse according to claim 1, wherein, An installation opening is formed in a part of the circuit unit, and the external fuse can be attached to the installation opening.

3. The fuse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The circuit unit includes a main body and side wall parts facing each other.

4. The fuse according to claim 3, wherein, The main body and the side wall parts are formed by folding the upper end side of the circuit unit backward.

5. The fuse according to claim 3, wherein, The side wall part includes a plate-shaped convex connection terminal extending from the installation opening, and The convex connection terminal is configured to be able to connect to the concave connection terminal of the external fuse.

6. The fuse according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The housing is provided with a receiving part capable of receiving the external fuse.

7. A method for manufacturing a fuse, the fuse comprising: A bus bar, including an input terminal, an external terminal, and a circuit unit and a fusing part provided between the input terminal and the external terminal; And A housing covering at least a part of the bus bar, the method comprising: Folding the upper end side of the circuit unit backward to form a main body and side wall parts facing each other and an upper wall part connecting the main body and the side wall parts; and Removing a part of the circuit unit to form an open installation opening, wherein, The installation opening is configured to be able to attach an external fuse, and the external fuse includes a fusing part and a connection terminal.

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