USO0RE41917E

(19) United States (12) Reissued Patent

(10) Patent Number:

Boyd (54)

US RE41,917 E

(45) Date of Reissued Patent:

FUSE RELAY BOX APPARATUS, METHODS

(56)

Nov. 9, 2010

References Cited

AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

(75) Inventor:

Kenneth S. Boyd, Saluda, NC (US)

4,772,759 A

(73) Assignee: Tyco Electronics C0rp.,MiddletoWn, PAWS) (21)

(22)

APPLNQ; 11/700,923

Filed:

*

9/1988

i

Jan. 31, 2007

5,788,529 A 6,108,202 A

8/1998 BOfZl et a1. 8/2000 Sumida

6,196,882 B1 *

3/2001

6,224,397 B1

5/2001 Nakamura

6,468,091 B2 7,072,188 B2

(Under 37 CFR 1.47)

Royet a1. ............. .. l74/l7VA

gmifiet a1‘ Sato etal. ................. .. 439/701

10/2002 Roussel et a1. 7/2006 Janisch

* cited by examiner Related US. Patent Documents

Reissue of: (64) Patent N05

(51)

Issued:

6,850,421 Feb. 1, 2005

App1.No.:

10/113,513

Filed:

Apr. 1, 2002

Primary ExamineriHung S Bui (74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiBrinks Hofer Gilson & Lione

(57)

Int. Cl.

ABSTRACT

Fuse relay box apparatus, methods and articles of manufac

H01H 85/20 H02B 1/18

(2006.01) (2006.01)

ture are shoWn. A fuse relay box comprises a cover and base, With optional seal. The base comprises a number of channels adapted for use by either a fuse or relay. Some channels may

(52)

us. Cl. ...................... .. 361/833; 361/822; 361/797; 361/834; 361/837; 429/752

be useable by a diode as well- Terminals fer the eemaets of these components are connected to the contacts of the com

(58)

Field of Classi?cation Search ........ .. 361/8324834,

361/8377 8227 8197 7527 7907 7977 8007 724;

Penems through the Channels Mounting ?exibility is also

provided so the box is either side or bottom mounted.

439/752

See application ?le for complete search history.

9 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets

US. Patent

Nov. 9, 2010

Sheet 1 of5

US RE41,917 E

US. Patent

Nov. 9, 2010

Sheet 2 of5

US RE41,917 E

FIG. 1a 30a

US. Patent

Nov. 9, 2010

Sheet 3 of5

US RE41,917 E

| 54 52

42

41) K5%

l

h

US. Patent

Nov. 9, 2010

Sheet 4 of5

A

FIG. 5

US RE41,917 E

US. Patent

Nov. 9, 2010

Sheet 5 of5

US RE41,917 E

22

25

FIG. e

E5

K

K

\

1

FIG. 6A

1

2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The summary, as well as the following detailed descrip

FUSE RELAY BOX APPARATUS, METHODS AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE

tion of the invention, will be better understood when read in

Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue speci?ca

conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings, certain embodiment(s) which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not lim ited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities

tion; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

shown.

The present invention comprises fuse relay box apparatus,

The present invention relates to electrical components. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrical component housings such as fuse relay boxes and the like.

methods and articles of manufacture. The preferred embodi ments comprise a cover and power distribution module base.

Fuses, relays and diodes (referred to herein as “electrical components”) may be installed upon the base. A cover seal may also be used in certain preferred embodiments. Both the cover and any seal help protect the components installed on the base from the environment. Channels are provided that extend vertically through the base and are adapted for receiving the components. The

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of a housing, or box, in vehicles for electrical

components such as fuses and relays has become fairly com mon. These mixed use boxes (known as fuse relay boxes)

provide an advantage by decreasing the space required in the vehicle’s internals. Separate boxes for fuses and relays

20

require more space. Additionally, separate boxes may require more bulky wiring to the boxes, as the fuse wires and any harnesses likely require a separate path to a fuse box from the path taken by relay wires and any harnesses to a

relay box. Fuse relay boxes, however, may bring their own complica

within a slot of the cross, while the remaining slot provides access for removal of the terminal. Certain channels are con 25

tions. Placing fuses and relays in a single box is often

as to receive either sealed or unsealed terminals. A terminal 30

placement and/or fuse wiring placement in the box, or relay placement, and/or relay wiring placement in the box, can only be made with dif?culty, and would require recon?gura tion of the entire box.

35

Because of the limited recon?guration potential of these fuse relay boxes (which occasionally includes diodes as well, leading to yet another level of complication), these boxes are vehicle speci?c. They cannot be used in different vehicle models. A fuse relay box for a speci?c vehicle model with a ?xed con?guration of fuses and relays for that speci?c vehicle model usually cannot be used in a different vehicle

is brought up through the bottom of a channel to mate with a blade contact of an electrical component depending down wardly from the top of the channel and so a mechanical and electrical connection is made through the channel between the blade contact and terminal. Maximum ?exibility is thus

provided by permitting individual blade-terminal connec tions in any channel. Thus, any desired electrical component

con?guration may be created throughout the fuse relay box. Additionally, the preferred embodiments provide means 40

model as that second vehicle model may have a different set

of fuses, relays and diodes. A new box must be engineered. Additionally, a ?xed con?guration box often lacks mount

?gured to accept diodes as well, by use of an extra slot provided within a leg of a cross. This slot may not be used if fuses or relays are installed therein.

The blade contact extends partially through the channel from the top, and the bottom of the channel is con?gured so

accomplished through engineering speci?c areas of the box for a speci?c fuse or relay component. Wiring connecting those fuse-speci?c or relay-speci?c areas must also be routed to that area of the box. Thus, any changes to fuse

cross shaped top of any given channel receives a blade con tact from an electrical component. The contact blade ?ts

45

for mounting that accommodate either a side mount, i.e. the box is mounted so its side is coextensive with a mounting substrate, or a bottom mount, i.e. the box is mounted so its bottom is coextensive with a mounting substrate.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description and ?g ures which follow, and in part will become apparent to those

ing ?exibility because the box requires a speci?c mounting

skilled in the art on examination of the following, or may be

on the vehicle. Once design of that mounting is set, there is

learned by practice of the invention.

little or no ability to modify or move that mounting to

accommodate new wiring and fuse or relay requirements. Thus, it would be bene?cial if a fuse relay box is provided

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 50

FIG. 1a is an isolated view of an area of FIG. 1. FIG. 1b is another isolated view of an area of FIG. 1.

that allows for ?exible component placement throughout the box. Such a box would likely eliminate the need for ?xed

con?guration fuse relay boxes and provide ?exibility in con ?guring fuse, relay, diode and wire placement. It would also be bene?cial if a fuse relay box could be provided with

FIG. 2 shows another view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. 55

design. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of another embodiment. 60

manufacture. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a

user con?gurable fuse relay box apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture with ?exible mounting requirements.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 6a shows a partial view of an embodiment.

user con?gurable fuse relay box apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of another embodiment. FIG. 4a shows a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.

?exible mounting requirements, further simplifying vehicle provide fuse relay box apparatus, methods and articles of

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a preferred embodiment.

65

p DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment with installed elec trical components a. The contacts of the components are

US RE41,917E 3

4

installed Within various vertical channels of the embodiment, Which are adapted to receive the contacts from electrical components as Well as mating terminals for those contacts. Also seen is the top of a single unused channel 30.

and Micro 280 relays and mating terminals, so the pitch betWeen centerlines is 8.13 mm><7.8 mm, the diameter is siZed to accommodate a 2.8 mm blade contact and compo

nents may be placed anyWhere on the matrix, so long as any diode-speci?c channels are used appropriately. Of course, other components and terminals might lead to other dimen sions. The terminals are appropriately mated With the blade

Each channel has a cross shape, such as shoWn in the iso lated vieW of FIG. 1a, Which receives a contact blade from

the component in the slot along the direction shoWn by the arroW b (the “blade direction”) The slot of each cross along the direction shoWn by the letter c (the “lateral direction”) is

contact, so, for example, the terminals used in the especially preferred embodiments may be AMP Junior PoWer Timer or AMP MCP 2.8, Which also have a lock to help ensure their retention in the channel. Either sealed or unsealed terminals may be used. For example, sealed terminals may assist in

provided for removal of the terminal by means as knoWn in the art. In other preferred embodiments, one or more chan nels may have an additional slot across the end of a leg in the

protecting the contact-terminal connection and may assist in insulating the terminal from contact in the side of the chan nel.

blade direction and parallel to the lateral direction for mounting diodes, as shoWn by FIG. 1b, Which is a vieW of isolated channel 30a. HoWever, the presence of these slots,

The channel, in the preferred embodiments, leaves little

or diode mounting means, does not prevent insertion of a

play for the contact or terminal so that the mechanical and

fuse or relay, that is, the diode mounting means leaves the

electrical connection betWeen them may be made securely. Certain embodiments may have snap ?t ?ange or other

channel free for insertion of a fuse or relay, if desired.

Indeed, some embodiments might have diode mounting means throughout the entire matrix, thus providing channels for installation of diodes, fuses or relays throughout. In the preferred embodiments, any desired matrix of chan nels may be used as desired and so the shape of the embodi ment may be different from embodiment to embodiment. For example, an embodiment may have a 4x9 matrix, a 6x6 matrix, etc. Moreover, the matrix of an embodiment may be

means to secure the terminals as Well. Additionally, embodi 20

25

siZed for speci?c types of components, as Will be further described beloW.

Returning to FIG. 1, When the embodiment is assembled, cover 10 is placed over base 20 and the exterior of collar 11 ?ts about step back 21, as is further described beloW. Cover 10 is latched on base 20 through latch 12 mating With lug 22 on base 20. A similar latch and lug arrangement is present on the side not shoWn here. Brackets shoWn generally at 24 and 25 on base 20 retain tabs for installation of the embodiment

not shoWn. The tab 41 is a?ixed to the substrate by rivet 43, 30

on any desired mounting area, as Will be further described beloW. Other embodiments may locate brackets 24 or 25 or other mounting means on another area of the embodiment.

Both cover and base are made, in the preferred embodiments of a suitable dielectric, ?re retardant thermoplastic such as

40

PP GF25 M30, although any suitable materials may be used in other embodiment. As described above, in other embodiments, other means may be used to latch the cover onto the base. Of course,

embodiments may dispense With latch means. Additionally,

provide space for any gathered Wires and/or any Wire har ness or harnesses as Well.

The preferred embodiments provide an interlocking mechanism betWeen cover and base so as to assist in insulat 50

FIG. 2 is a vieW of the underside of base 20 Without installed electrical components. A 4><9 matrix of channels 30 is seen. Engagement lugs 21 and 26 are seen, Which mate With latches on the cover. Brackets 24, 25, 26 and 27 are also seen for mounting the embodiment on a substrate, as Will be further described beloW. Also visible Within a channel in

as can be seen in the cutaWay vieW of FIG. 4a (Which is of the bracket 41, recess 42, rivel 53 and substrate h, Without a base.) The tab is constructed of stainless steel in the pre ferred embodiments although other materials as knoWn in the art may be used. FIG. 5 shoWs a side mounted vieW, With tab 44 retained in bracket 54, and a similar tab-bracket arrangement on the side not shoWn here. Other mounting means may be used in other embodiments for either bottom or side mounting so long as suf?cient strength exists to retain the box upon the substrate. For example, screWs may be used, a U-shaped bracket may be used, preinstalled brackets on the base may be used, etc. If a Wire routing member is used on a bottom mounted embodi ment or embodiments, the mounting means may provide space betWeen the base bottom and the substrate, so as to

45

other means as knoWn in the art, e.g. screWs, may be used to install an embodiment on a mounting area, as is further

described beloW. Also means may be used, through addi tional members, to route Wires or Wiring harnesses depend ing from the bottom of the various channels.

ments may use Wires that are grouped together by Way of harness or other means, to simplify installation. Turning noW to FIGS. 4 and 5, tWo vieWs of embodiments are shoWn as mounted on substrates h and i, respectively. FIG. 4 shoWs a top mounted vieW, With tab 41 retained in bracket 51, and recess 42 in tab 41 sliding over lug 52 for a snap ?t. A similar tab-bracket mounting exists on the side

ing the components from the environment. FIG. 6 shoWs a cross sectional vieW, of the embodiment of FIG. 1 Without electrical components, With cover 10 installed. Here, the interlocking engagement of cover 10 and base 20 is seen.

Recess 68, located proximate to step back 21, engages With inner projection 18 on cover 10. Upright projection 69 55

engages recess 19 on cover 10, and collar 13 surrounds base

10. Latch 12 engages lug 22, as does latch 13 and lug 73, to lock the cover 10 onto base 20. Bracket 25 is also seen. The

FIG. 2 is groove 31, Which provides for the leg of a removal

interlocking arrangement provides protection against envi

tool to reach into the channel to remove the terminal if

ronmental degradation of the electrical components main

desired. Turning brie?y to FIG. 3, a cutaWay vieW of a channel of

60

an embodiment is seen. Here a blade contact d of an electri

cal component e is shoWn depending through a channel 30. A terminal f for the respective component Wire g is shoWn installed as Well. The components and Wire terminals are as 65

knoWn in the art. In the especially preferred embodiments, the channels are dimensioned for MINI Fuses, MINI diodes,

tained Within. It is also possible in various embodiments to use a seal, made of silicone or other material as knoWn in the art, ?tting Within recesses 28 and/or 19. In this, and other preferred embodiments, the seal Would be the shape of the cover and base, such as the seal 75 shoWn in FIG. 6a. In various embodiments, channels may be con?gured so as to engage only certain types of contacts. For example, as

US RE41,917E 6

5 Was described above, diodes may be used With appropriate

Within said channels so as to make a mechanical and

channel con?gurations in certain areas to ensure diodes are

electrical connection, at least one channel being further

only placed in those areas. This arrangement inhibits instal lation ?exibility, but may be desirable for safety reasons,

adapted to receive a diode contact.

5. A fuse relay box comprising:

maintenance reasons, etc.

a base having a matrix of orthogonal roWs and columns of

The above description and the vieWs and material depicted by the ?gures are for purposes of illustration only

channels therethrough, said channels being con?gured to interchangeably receive a fuse contact or a relay con

and are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, limitations on the invention.

tact and positioned at a uniform pitch along each col umn and at a uniform pitch along each roWs such that a fuse contact cap be inserted into any one of said chan nels and a set of contacts from a relay can be inserted in

Moreover, certain modi?cations or alternatives may sug gest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading of this speci?cation, all of Which are intended to be Within the spirit and scope of the present invention as de?ned in the attached claims. I claim:

any corresponding set of adjacent orthogonal channels, said channels being further adapted to receive terminals from ends of said channels opposite said insertions, Wherein said terminals can be mated to said contacts

1. A fuse relay box comprising:

Within said channels so as to make a mechanical and

a cover;

electrical connection, Wherein said channels have a

a base comprising a matrix of channels, With said chan nels adapted to interchangeably receive a fuse or relay blade contact from the top of said base, and said chan nel being further adapted to receive a terminal from the bottom of said base, Wherein said terminal may be

cross con?guration comprising mutually bisecting orthogonal slots. 6. [A] The fuse relay box as in claim 5, Wherein one or more fuses and one or more relays may be ?exibly posi tioned along both the roWs and columns of said matrix of

mated to said blade contact Within said channel so as to

make a mechanical and electrical connection, the base further adapted to receive said cover; and a mounting means, adapted for mounting said box on a

substrate, Wherein said mounting means is adapted for both bottom mounting and side mounting. 2. [A] The fuse relay box as in claim 1, further comprising

channel Without changing the con?guration of said base. 25

said channels being configured to interchangeably receive contacts of electrical components inserted at a 30

a seal means.

mutually bisecting orthogonal slots.

a cover; and

8. A power distribution module comprising: 35

mated to said blade contact Within said channel so as to

make a mechanical and electrical connection the base

wherein said terminal may be mated to said blade con

tact within said channel, further wherein said channels have a cross con?guration comprising mutually bisect

ing orthogonal slots.

receive a diode contact.

4. A fuse relay box, comprising: 45

channels therethrough, said channels being con?gured to interchangeably receive a fuse contact or relay con

tact and positioned at a uniform pitch along each col umn and at a uniform pitch along each roW, such that a fuse contact can be inserted into any one of said chan nels and a set of contacts from a relay can be inserted in

base including a plurality of channels therethrough, said channels being configured to interchangeably receive afuse or relay blade contact from the top of said base, and said channels being further adapted to receive a terminal from the bottom of said base,

40

further adapted to receive said cover, Wherein at least one of said channels is further adapted to

a base having a matrix of orthogonal roWs and columns of

first side ofany one ofsaid channels wherein said chan nels are positioned at a uniform pitch along each col umn and at a uniform pitch along each row, wherein said channels have a cross con?guration comprising

3. A fuse relay box comprising: a base comprising a matrix of channels, With said chan nels adapted to interchangeably receive a fuse or relay blade contact from the top of said base, and said chan nel being further adapted to receive a terminal from the bottom of said base, Wherein said terminal may be

7. A power distribution module comprising: a base including a plurality of channels therethrough,

50

9. A power distribution module comprising: a base having a matrix oforthogonal rows and columns of channels, wherein the channels are spaced apart equally such that the spacing between the rows is sub stantially the same as between the columns, further wherein the channels are configured to interchangeably

receive contacts of di?erent electrical components inserted at a first side of any one of said channels,

any corresponding set of adjacent orthognal channels,

wherein said channels have a cross con?guration com

said channels being further adapted to receive terminals from ends of said channels opposite said insertions,

prising mutually bisecting orthogonal slots.

Wherein said terminals can be mated to said contacts

*

*

*

*

*

Fuse relay box apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture

Jan 31, 2007 - Penems through the Channels Mounting ?exibility is also. 361/8377 8227 8197 7527 7907 7977 8007 724; provided so the box is either side ...

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