Connector with fuse and fuse status indicator

Abstract

The connector includes a first portion and a second portion releasably connected together. The first portion has a body, a first contact, and a fuse electrically coupled to the first fuse contact and the first contact. The second portion has a body connectable to the body of the first portion, a second contact engageable with the first contact when the first portion is connected to the second portion, and a second fuse contact engageable with the fuse when the first portion is connected to the second portion. The fuse is partially received within the first fuse groove of the first portion, and the fuse has a portion exposed from the first fuse groove, and when the first portion and the second portion are connected together, the fuse engages with the second fuse contact of the second portion to complete a circuit including the fuse.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a fused coupling that may have a fuse status indicator. Background Art

[0002] Programmable logic controllers and similar system equipment may include multiple connectors for various inputs and outputs. Such system equipment includes a cabinet in which the connectors are housed and may be coupled to one or more fused terminal blocks, which requires additional space and a larger cabinet.

[0003] Access to the interior of the cabinet is required to service the connectors / connections or fuse terminal blocks, and it can be difficult to determine which connection requires service, and then the actual service of the connection can become difficult due to space and system constraints. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In at least some embodiments, a connector includes a first portion and a second portion that are releasably connected together. The first portion has a body, a first contact carried by the body, and a fuse electrically coupled to the first fuse contact and the first contact. The second portion has a body that is connectable to the body of the first portion, a second contact that engages with the first contact when the first portion is connected to the second portion, and a second fuse contact that engages with the fuse when the first portion is connected to the second portion. The fuse is partially housed within a first fuse recess of the first portion, the fuse having a portion exposed from the first fuse recess, and when the first and second portions are connected together, the fuse engages with the second fuse contact of the second portion to complete a circuit including the fuse.

[0005] In at least some embodiments, both fuse contacts are located in or carried by the same portion of the connector. When the first and second portions are not connected together, the fuse can be carried by either the first or second portion. When the first and second portions are not connected together, the fuse can be exposed at a front surface of the first or second portion, and in at least some embodiments, the fuse can be manually removable.

[0006] In at least some embodiments, the first portion includes a cavity, the first contact is exposed within the cavity, and the first fuse recess opens into the cavity. In at least some embodiments, the first fuse contact is at least partially located within the first fuse recess and engages with the fuse. In at least some embodiments, the cavity opens to the front surface of the first portion body and is partially defined by one or more walls of the first portion body. When fully contained within the first fuse recess, the fuse can extend beyond the front surface. In at least some embodiments, the first fuse recess is parallel to the first contact or within 10 degrees of parallel to the first contact. The fuse may also be mounted or oriented at other angles.

[0007] In at least some embodiments, the fuse includes a first end having a first metal end cap and a second end having a second metal end cap, wherein the first metal end cap engages the first fuse contact and the second metal end cap engages the second fuse contact when the first and second parts are connected together.

[0008] In at least some embodiments, the first portion includes a plurality of contacts spaced apart from the first contact, and the second portion includes a plurality of contacts spaced apart from the second contact, and when the first portion and the second portion are connected together, the plurality of contacts of the first portion are connected to the plurality of contacts of the second portion, wherein the fuse is farther from the inner surface of the peripheral wall than at least one of the plurality of contacts of the first portion.

[0009] In at least some embodiments, an indicator is carried by the first portion and electrically connected to the fuse, wherein when the fuse is blown, the indicator provides an output detectable from outside the first portion. If desired, the indicator can be carried by the second portion instead of the first portion. In at least some embodiments, a circuit board is carried by the first portion and connected to the first contacts, the fuse, and the indicator. In at least some embodiments, the circuit board is connected to an additional connector body carried by the first portion, wherein the additional connector body provides a pass-through connection from the first contacts, the circuit board, or both.

[0010] In at least some embodiments, the body of the second portion includes a second fuse recess, the second fuse contact is at least partially received in the second fuse recess, and when the first portion and the second portion are connected together, the fuse is partially received in the second fuse recess and electrically coupled to the second fuse contact.

[0011] In at least some embodiments, the connector portion includes a body having a first fuse recess open at one end, a first contact carried by the body, a first fuse contact at least partially housed within the first fuse recess, and a fuse. The fuse is electrically coupled to the first fuse contact and the first contact, the fuse being partially housed within the first fuse recess, the fuse having a portion exposed from the first fuse recess. The fuse has a first state in which current flows through the fuse and a second state in which current does not flow through the fuse.

[0012] In at least some embodiments, the indicator is electrically connected to the fuse, wherein the indicator provides an output when the fuse is in the second state, the output being detectable from outside the body. In at least some embodiments, a circuit board is carried by the first portion and connected to the first contacts, the fuse, and the indicator. In at least some embodiments, the circuit board is connected to an additional connector body carried by the first portion, wherein the additional connector body provides a pass-through connection from the first contacts, the circuit board, or both.

[0013] In at least some embodiments, the body includes a cavity, the first contact is exposed within the cavity, and the first fuse recess opens into the cavity. In at least some embodiments, the cavity opens into the front surface of the body and is partially defined by one or more walls of the body. When fully contained within the first fuse recess, the fuse can extend beyond the front surface. In at least some embodiments, the first fuse recess is parallel to the first contact or within 10 degrees of parallel to the first contact.

[0014] Fuses may be provided in a pass-through connector having a plurality of electrical contacts or pins. If desired, one or more up to all of the pins may each be associated with a separate fuse. The fuse is carried by the connector and is not accessible from outside the connector when the connector is in a connected state, but is accessible from outside the connector portion when the connector portions are disconnected from each other. Such a connector may be used outside a cabinet of system equipment (such as a PLC) so that the fuse can be serviced and connection troubleshooting can be accomplished without having to enter the interior of the system equipment cabinet. The connector may include a fuse status indicator having one state when the fuse is operating normally within a closed circuit and a second state when the fuse is blown. In one example, the indicator is a light that illuminates when the fuse is blown but does not illuminate when the fuse is operating normally.

[0015] The fuse may be housed between and within the plurality of contacts of the connector. The fuse may be carried by the first portion of the connector and automatically electrically connected to the second portion of the connector when the first and second portions are connected together. The spring may define a portion of the fuse's electrical connection path and may provide a force on the fuse to ensure sufficient electrical contact between the fuse and the fuse contacts disposed in the two connector portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the best mode with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fusible electrical connector in a connected state, having a first portion coupled to a second portion;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the electrical connector in a disconnected state;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second portion of the electrical connector;

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first portion and a second portion of an electrical connector, shown in a disconnected state;

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electrical connector;

[0022] Figure 6 is a representative view of the pinout of an electrical connector; and

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a cabinet, such as for a programmable logic controller, including a plurality of electrical connectors coupled thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] With reference to the accompanying drawings in more detail, Figure 1 、 2 4 show an electrical connector 10 having a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 that are releasably coupled together to define an electrical connection between the portions, with one or more fuses 15 included within the connector 10. The first and second portions 12, 14 of the electrical connector 10 may include mating engagement features that may include male and female configurations, and associated first and second electrical contacts 16 (in Figure 4 and 5 Marked in), 18( Figures 2-5 ), the first and second electrical contacts are electrically coupled together when the two parts 12, 14 are connected together. For ease of description of the connector 10 parts, the first part 12 is shown as having a female insert and will be referred to as the bulkhead 12, and the second part 14 is shown as having a male insert and will be referred to as the coupler 14. When the two parts are connected together, an electrical connection and a signal / data connection can be established between the bulkhead 12 and the coupler 14 of the electrical connector 10, and the connection is terminated when the two parts are disconnected, which occurs Figure 1 In the connection / disconnection direction shown by the arrow 20. The partition 12 and the connector 14 can be connected to separate components, such as cables 21, 22 ( Figure 1 ) or other parts of the circuit (such as a circuit board) to electrically connect the components through the connector 10, such as completing the circuit when the connector 10 is in the connected state, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0025] In the example shown in the drawings, the partition 12 includes a body 24 having an insert 26 at one end and defining a front surface 25 ( Figure 4), at least a portion of which may be arranged perpendicular to the direction of connection and disconnection of connector portions 12, 14. Electrical contacts 16 are carried by bulkhead 12 and provided in any desired number and arrangement and may extend into insert 26. In at least some embodiments, the bulkhead's electrical contacts 16 are accessible through and may be exposed within one or more openings 27 extending into front surface 25. Contacts 16 may be tubular or otherwise arranged to receive pin-shaped contacts 18 of connector 14, although other arrangements may be used if desired. Several openings 27 may be provided in body 24, each of which may be associated with or open to any desired number of contacts, including zero, wherein the openings in front surface 25 may be provided for reasons other than allowing access to contacts 16. While the perimeter of insert 26 is generally rectangular (e.g., a rectangular prism) in the illustrated embodiment, insert 26 may have any desired shape suitable for use with connector 14 having corresponding cavities 28. Likewise, the bulkhead body 24 may have a different shape than shown, and the connecting components, such as the cables 21, may be arranged differently than shown, depending on the needs of a particular application. Figure 1 A cable-to-cable shield is shown as the connection point between cable 21 and cable 22 .

[0026] Further with respect to the example shown in the drawings, the coupler 14 includes a body 30 having a cavity 28 formed in a front surface 32 of the coupler 14 body 30. Figure 4 Cavity 28 has an interior 34 defined by surfaces of body 30 that are configured to receive at least a portion of insert 26 of bulkhead 12. Cavity 28 may have a depth defined between rear wall 36 and front surface 32 of coupler 14 body, with cavity 28 open to / through front surface 32. The cavity is partially defined by inner surface 38 of perimeter wall 40 defining cavity 28, which may have a shape corresponding to the exterior of bulkhead insert 26. Wall 40 may be solid, without perforations or openings, such that cavity 28 is surrounded by wall 40, with the only exterior opening of the cavity being at front surface 32. Cavity 28 is shown as a rectangular prism, open at front surface 32, but may be otherwise formed to accommodate insert 26 of any desired size and shape. Cavities of any shape may be enclosed by walls except at front surface 32, which may be imperforate to completely enclose contacts 16 and 18 when connector 10 is in a connected state. The electrical contacts or other through-contacts 18 of the connector 14 can be carried by the connector body 30 in any desired number and arrangement and can extend into the cavity 28 and be exposed or contactable within the cavity 28 for use with the bulkhead 12, coupled to the insert 26 in a known manner (e.g., through the opening 27). The connector body 30 can have a shape different from that shown, and the connecting components, such as the cable 22, can be arranged in a manner different from that shown, depending on the needs of a particular application.

[0027] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the electrical connector 10 may include a retainer 46 arranged to selectively retain the connector in a connected state. Figure 1 As shown, the retainer 46 may have a locked position in which disconnection of the diaphragm 12 and the coupling 14 is inhibited or prevented. Figure 2 As shown, retainer 46 has a released position that allows disconnection of diaphragm 12 and coupler 14. In at least some embodiments, retainer 46 includes a latch 48 carried by one of diaphragm 12 and coupler 14, and a retaining surface 50 carried by the other of diaphragm 12 and coupler 14, wherein latch 48 is movable such that latch 48 overlaps retaining surface 50 in the locked position of retainer 46 and does not overlap retaining surface 50 in the released position of retainer 46.

[0028] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the example shown: a) the latch 48 is carried by the coupler 14; b) the retaining surface 50 is carried by the bulkhead 12; c) the latch 48 pivots about a pivot pin or shaft 51; d) the retaining surface 50 is fixed and does not move and may be defined by an outward projection, such as a tab or flange, on the periphery of the bulkhead body 24. When the bulkhead 12 and coupler 14 are connected together, the retaining surface 50 is within the path of movement of the latch 48 and is overlapped by the latch 48 as the latch 48 advances toward the retaining surface 50 to define the locked position of the retainer 46. The latch may include an inclined or ramped surface that acts as a cam surface to draw the bulkhead and coupler 14 together to ensure that the bulkhead 12 and coupler 14 are fully coupled when the latch moves to the locked position. In this locked position, the overlap of the latch 48 and the retaining surface 50 prevents the connector portions 12, 14 from moving away from each other and maintains the connector 10 in a connected state. When the latch 48 is rotated away from the retaining surface 50, as shown Figure 2 As shown, the bulkhead 12 and the coupling 14 can be separated.

[0029] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the connector 10 includes a fuse 15 carried by one or the other of the bulkhead 12 and the coupler 14, and electrically coupled by both the bulkhead 12 and the coupler 14 when the connector 10 is in a connected state. In the example shown, the fuse 15 is carried by the coupler 14 and has a portion exposed within the cavity 28, and is at least partially housed in the bulkhead 12 when the bulkhead and coupler 14 are coupled together. Of course, if desired, the fuse 15 can instead be carried by the bulkhead 12 to engage the coupler 14 or be housed in the coupler 14 when the connector 10 is in a connected state.

[0030] In at least some embodiments, Figure 4As best shown in FIG. 1 , the coupler 14 includes a first fuse recess 52 sized and shaped to receive a corresponding portion of the fuse 15. In one example, the fuse recess 52 and the fuse 15 are cylindrical, with the fuse 15 having a first end 54 received in the fuse recess 52 and the fuse 15 extending from the recess 52 such that a second end 56 of the fuse 15 is exposed within the recess 52. The fuse 15 and the fuse recess 52 can be oriented parallel to, or within ten degrees of, the second contact 18 within the cavity 28. The fuse 15 can extend into the cavity 28 a distance similar to that of the second contact 18. For example, the fuse 15 can extend into the cavity 28 at a distance between 75% and 125% of the distance that the second contact 18 extends into the cavity 28, where the distance is measured from the rear wall 36 to the free end 54 of the second contact. If the second contacts do not extend the same distance into the cavity 28, an average distance can be used for the second contacts. In at least some embodiments, the fuse 15 does not extend beyond the front surface 32 of the coupler 14 and is recessed within the cavity and the front edge of the perimeter wall 40 that partially defines the cavity 28 .

[0031] In at least some embodiments, the fuse 15 can include a glass body 58 and metal end caps 60, 62 electrically connected to an internal fuse member at each end 54, 56. Thus, to electrically connect the fuse 15 within the connector 10, corresponding fuse contacts are provided in the bulkhead 12 and the coupler 14, wherein the fuse contacts are electrically conductive and engage the fuse end caps 60, 62 when the connector 10 is in a connected state.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the connector 14 includes a first fuse contact 64 within or defining the bottom of the fuse recess 52. Thus, the metal end cap 60 at the first end 54 of the fuse 15 is in direct contact with the first fuse contact 64. The first fuse contact 64 is, in turn, connected to another portion of the circuit, such as via a conductor that is part of or connected to the conductors of the cable 22. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the bulkhead 12 includes a second fuse contact 66 that is arranged to engage the metal end cap 62 at the second end 56 of the fuse 15. The second fuse contact 66 may be defined by or include a biasing member, such as a spring 68, that, when the connector 10 is in a connected state, may yield to urge the second fuse contact 66 against the metal end cap 62 of the fuse 15 to provide a force on the fuse 15, ensuring that both fuse contacts 64, 66 are in sufficient metal-to-metal contact with the end caps 60, 62 of the fuse 15. The spring 68 can be coupled to the second fuse contact 66, such as a metal plate or terminal, which in turn can be coupled to a conductor or other circuit component of the cable 21. In the illustrated example, the spring 68 is a cylindrical coil spring and is housed within a second fuse recess 70 formed in the bulkhead body 24 that is aligned with the first fuse recess 52 in the coupler body 30. The first and second fuse recesses 52, 70 can be coaxial (in the connected state of the connector 10), and in at least some embodiments, the recesses 52, 70 can be parallel to the first and second contacts 16, 18 of the bulkhead 12 and coupler 14.

[0033] In at least some embodiments, at least one-third of the length of the fuse 15 between its ends is exposed within the fuse recess 52. For cartridge fuses having metal end caps as described, in at least some embodiments, the metal end caps can be completely contained within the fuse recess 52. In at least some embodiments, there is at least 1.5 mm of clearance between the fuse 15 and any electrical contacts 16, 18 to facilitate installation and removal of the fuse 15 from the fuse recess 52 and / or to electrically isolate the fuse from adjacent contacts. If desired, a snap-on retainer or other retainer, such as a metal tab or clip, can be provided in the recess 52 to releasably retain the fuse 15 and, in at least some embodiments, prevent the fuse from simply sliding or falling out of the recess during connector handling.

[0034] Fuse 15 has a first state, in which current flows through the fuse, and a second state, in which current does not flow through the fuse (commonly referred to as a "blown" fuse). Fuse 15 helps prevent component damage that could occur, for example, in the event of a short circuit, power overload, load mismatch, or device malfunction. Once fuse 15 blows, it defines an open circuit, and power flow through connector 10 ceases. To provide an indication of an open circuit in a fused connection, connector 10 may include a fuse status indicator 72 that provides an output when an open circuit exists in the fused connection. In the illustrated embodiment, indicator 72 provides a visual output, such as light emitted from an LED 72 or other light source. In practice, power flow through connector 10 does not completely cease after fuse 15 blows. In fact, approximately 2-5 milliamperes of leakage current may still be transmitted to the device from LED 72. LED 72 can be detected (e.g., visible) from the outside of connector 10, which can help determine which connector contains the open circuit in applications involving multiple connectors. In at least some embodiments, an LED or other indicator 72 can be exposed on the exterior of the body 30 and can be connected in parallel with the fuse 15 in a path having a higher resistance than the blown path when the fuse 15 is conducting, but the indicator 72 is powered when the fuse 15 is blown. While the indicator 72 and the fuse 15 are shown as being carried by the coupler 14, one or both can be carried by the bulkhead 12 if desired.

[0035] Figure 7 An embodiment of a plurality of connectors 10 is shown associated with a housing 74 of a programmable logic controller (PLC) 76. The PLC housing 74 includes an access panel or door 78 on its front side, an opposing rear side that can be mounted to a wall or rack if desired, and peripheral left, right, top, and bottom sides. The bulkhead 12 of each connector 10 is mountable to the housing 74, with the body 24 of each bulkhead being partially received through a separate one of a plurality of openings in the housing (one opening for each connector 10) and having an outwardly extending flange 80 ( Figure 1 、 2 and 4). If desired, flange 80 can be secured to housing 74 by screws. In this embodiment, indicator 72 is very useful for indicating which of the many connectors has a blown fuse 15 / open circuit to facilitate troubleshooting and / or fuse replacement.

[0036] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the connector 10 and Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the connector 10 in FIG. 1 shows several through connections, the fuse 15, the indicator 72, and a circuit board 82 and a second connector body 84 (in this example) that may be included in the connector 14. The bulkhead body 24 is coupled to the housing 74 and may be electrically coupled to a circuit board or other component 86 if desired.Figure 5 ). The connector 10 may have any desired number of contacts 16, 18, the example shown having five. The pins or contacts mate with each other to define a through connection, which will be discussed with respect to one embodiment and with particular reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The accompanying routing diagram is described.

[0037] exist Figure 5 and 6 In the diagram, the wires or terminals labeled on the left side of the bulkhead 12 are described in relation to electrical power or signal pass-through associated therewith, in a non-limiting example. In this example, the first pin 88 provides power pass-through (of any desired voltage, 24 VDC being an option); the second location, nominally designated as the second pin 90, includes a fuse 15 in a line that may pass data signals; the third pin 92 provides a reference voltage; the fourth pin 94 provides signal pass-through; and the fifth pin 96 is connected to ground. These connections are established when the bulkhead and connector 14 are coupled and are connected directly to the circuit board 82 within the connector 14. In the illustrated example, the connector 14 includes an LED indicator 72 and is also coupled to the second connector body 84, which provides a convenient connection interface for the cable 22, including the mating connector. Of course, these pins or electrical contacts are merely representative, and any number of contacts and fuses may be used in any desired arrangement. In at least some embodiments, not every pin / contact is fused, but each pin or contact can be fused if desired. This provides flexibility for different applications and efficiency for each application.

[0038] Thus, in at least some embodiments, fuse 15 is accessible from a front surface of one of connector portions 12, 14, such as from a front surface of second connector portion 14, when connector 10 is disconnected, but is inaccessible when connector 10 is connected. That is, in at least some embodiments, fuse 15 is spaced from the exterior of connector 10 and is inaccessible from the exterior of connector 10, except from the front surfaces of connector portions 12, 14 when connector 10 is disconnected. Since fuse 15 is arranged such that central axis 98 ( Figure 5) is parallel to the connection and disconnection direction of the connector 10 and the connection and disconnection direction of the contacts 16, 18, the fuse 15 can be easily removed from and installed in the connector portion. In at least some embodiments, the fuse 15 can be removed and installed without any tools, although tools can be used if necessary, or other embodiments can be designed to use tools when removing or installing the fuse. The fuse 15 can be located between the plurality of pins or contacts 18 of the connector portion 14 and can extend in a direction parallel to at least the exposed portion of the contacts 18 or the portion of the contacts 18 that is overlapped by the contacts 16 of the mating connector portion 12 (for example, the contacts may be curved somewhere along their length but may be straight along the portion that is overlapped by the mating contacts of the mating connector portion).

[0039] In at least some embodiments, the fuse can be oriented at any desired angle, including perpendicular to the contacts 18 or the central axis 98, or within 10 degrees of perpendicular to the central axis. The aforementioned range of plus or minus 10 degrees parallel to the contacts 18 or the central axis 98 can be used in some embodiments, as can embodiments with a range of 45 degrees parallel to the central axis 98, and embodiments with a range of plus or minus 20 degrees parallel to the central axis 98.

[0040] Furthermore, while certain embodiments are described with reference to fuses having a glass body and a metal end cap in the form of a cylindrical box, other types of fuses may be used if desired. By way of non-limiting example, spade-shaped, plug-in fuses (e.g., as used in automotive systems) may be used, which may be generally C-shaped, as well as SMD fuses or axial fuses.

[0041] Additionally, the PLC 76 may include a fused terminal block within the housing or cabinet to provide a fused connection thereto. Terminal blocks require a larger cabinet, and troubleshooting and repairing fused connections can be costly and time-consuming because the cabinet must be accessed and worked within. The connector 10 with the fuse 15 therein can be easily accessed from outside the housing or cabinet, allowing for the use of a smaller cabinet and eliminating the need to access or work within the cabinet.

[0042] While the forms of the invention disclosed herein constitute currently preferred embodiments, many other forms are possible. It is not intended herein to mention all possible equivalent forms or branches of the invention. It should be understood that the terms used herein are descriptive only and not restrictive, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. In this regard, certain features are described directly with respect to specific embodiments, but can be used in combination with other features as long as they are not mutually exclusive or the connector does not become inoperative or unsuitable for its intended use.

[0043] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art unless explicitly stated to the contrary herein. In particular, use of singular articles such as "a," "an," "the," and the like should be understood to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: a first portion having a body, a first contact carried by the body; as well as a fuse electrically connected to the first fuse contact and the first contact; and a second portion having a body connectable to the body of the first portion, the second portion having a second contact engageable with the first contact when the first portion is connected to the second portion, and the second portion having a second fuse contact engageable with the fuse when the first portion is connected to the second portion, wherein the fuse is partially received within the first fuse recess of the first portion and the fuse has a portion exposed from the first fuse recess, and when the first and second portions are connected together, the fuse engages the second fuse contact of the second portion to complete a circuit including the fuse. 2 . The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion includes a cavity, and the first contact is exposed within the cavity, and the first fuse recess is open to the cavity. 3 . The connector of claim 2 , wherein the first fuse contact is at least partially located within the first fuse recess and engages the fuse.

4. The connector of claim 2, wherein the cavity is open to a front surface of the body of the first portion and is defined in part by one or more walls of the body of the first portion. 5 . The connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first fuse groove is parallel to the first contact or is within 10 degrees of parallelism with the first contact.

6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the fuse includes a first end having a first metal end cap and a second end having a second metal end cap, and wherein the first metal end cap engages the first fuse contact and the second metal end cap engages the second fuse contact when the first and second parts are connected together.

7. The connector of claim 4 , wherein the first portion includes a plurality of contacts spaced apart from the first contact, and the second portion includes a plurality of contacts spaced apart from the second contact, the plurality of contacts of the first portion being connected to the plurality of contacts of the second portion when the first and second portions are connected together, and wherein the fuse is spaced further from the inner surface of the peripheral wall than at least one of the plurality of contacts of the first portion.

8. The connector of claim 1, further comprising an indicator carried by the first portion and electrically connected to the fuse, wherein when the fuse is blown, the indicator provides an output detectable from outside the first portion.

9. The connector of claim 8, further comprising a circuit board carried by the first portion and connected to the first contact, the fuse, and the indicator.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the circuit board is connected to an additional connector body carried by the first portion, wherein the additional connector body provides a through connection from the first contact, the circuit board, or both.

11. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the body of the second portion includes a second fuse recess, the second fuse contact is at least partially received in the second fuse recess, and when the first portion and the second portion are connected together, the fuse is partially received in the second fuse recess and electrically coupled to the second fuse contact.

12. A connector component, comprising: a body having a first fuse recess open at one end; a first contact carried by the body; a first fuse contact at least partially received within the first fuse recess; as well as a fuse electrically coupled to the first fuse contact and the first contact, wherein the fuse is partially housed within the first fuse recess and has a portion exposed from the first fuse recess, and the fuse has a first state in which current passes through the fuse and a second state in which current does not pass through the fuse.

13. The connector component of claim 12, further comprising an indicator electrically connected to the fuse, wherein the indicator provides an output when the fuse is in the second state, and wherein the output is detectable from outside the body.

14. The connector component of claim 12, further comprising a circuit board carried by the first portion and connected to the first contact, the fuse, and the indicator.

15. The connector component of claim 13, wherein the circuit board is connected to an additional connector body carried by the first portion, wherein the additional connector body provides a through connection from the first contact, the circuit board, or both.

16. The connector component of claim 12, wherein the body includes a cavity, and the first contact is exposed within the cavity, and the first fuse recess is open to the cavity.

17. A connector component according to claim 16, wherein the cavity is open to the front surface of the body and is defined in part by one or more walls of the body.

18. The connector component of claim 16, wherein the first fuse recess is parallel to or within 10 degrees of parallelism with the first contact.

19. A connector comprising: a first portion having a body, a first contact carried by the body, and a fuse electrically coupled to a first fuse contact and the first contact; a second portion having a body connectable to the body of the first portion, the second portion having a second contact engageable with the first contact when the first portion is connected to the second portion; as well as a second fuse contact carried by the first portion or the second portion such that the fuse is located within a circuit including the fuse, the first contact, and the second contact, wherein the fuse is at least partially contained within a cavity formed in the first portion and a portion of the fuse is exposed when the first and second portions are not connected together.

20. The connector of claim 19, wherein the second portion includes the second fuse contact, and the second fuse contact is engageable with the fuse when the first portion is connected to the second portion, wherein the fuse is partially housed within the first fuse recess of the first portion, and the fuse has a portion exposed from the first fuse recess, and when the first portion and the second portion are connected together, the fuse engages the second fuse contact of the second portion to complete a circuit including the fuse.

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