Fusible link unit

A fusible link unit which is fastened to a battery post clamp terminal clamped to an on-vehicle battery, includes: a bus bar made from a metal plate and including: a battery terminal including at least two mounting edges, and a plurality of fastening holes provided thereon and through which a fastening member of the battery post clamp terminal is inserted, each of the fastening holes corresponding to a respective one of the mounting edges; and at least one fusible portion provided at a side of the bus bar opposite to the battery terminal; and a resin case covering the bus bar except for the at least one fusible portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. 2008-192643 filed on Jul. 25, 2008, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a fusible link unit including a battery terminal and at least one fusible portion so as to form a bus bar. The battery terminal is combined with a battery post-clump terminal member which is clumped to a battery post of a on-vehicle battery. The battery terminal is formed at one end side of a conductive metal plate. The fusible portion is fused when an over current flows on another end side which is rearward of the metal plate as compared to the battery terminal. The bas bar is able to be commonly used for a plurality kinds of vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Generally, an on-vehicle battery serving as a drive source for driving an electrical system is mounted within a bonnet or a trunk room of a vehicle, and a pair of battery posts (indicated respectively as a plus electrode (positive electrode) and a minus electrode (negative electrode) by a red mark and a black mark) are formed in an exposed manner on the on-vehicle battery.

Various forms of fusible link units of the battery direct-mounting type are used. The fusible link units protect an electronic circuit of the electrical system by connecting a fuse to the battery post of the plus electrode (positive electrode) side when the electrical system and the pair of battery posts provided on the on-vehicle battery are connected, for example.

For example, there is a related fusible link unit (see, JP2005-190735A) including a battery terminal which is combined to a battery post clump member and formed at one end side of a bas bar using a conductive metal plate, and at least one fusible portion having a fuse function which is formed at another side of a bas bar which is rearward as compare to the battery terminal and is connected to a terminal provided in a connector housing.

FIG. 14is an exploded perspective view showing a condition in which a related fusible link unit is to be mounted on a battery post of an on-vehicle battery through a battery post-clamping terminal member, andFIG. 15is a fuse circuit diagram in the related fusible link unit.

The related fusible link unit110shown inFIG. 14is disclosed in JP-A-2005-190735, and will now be described briefly with reference to it.

As shown inFIG. 14, the battery post101bof a substantially conical shape is formed on and projects from an upper surface101aof the on-vehicle battery101, and the related fusible link unit110is able to be mounted on the battery post101bthrough the battery post-clamping terminal member102having electrical conductivity.

The battery post-clamping terminal member102having electrical conductivity is formed by bending an conductive metal plate into a substantially recumbent U-shape. The battery post clamping terminal member102has a round clamp hole102a1on an one side102aso as to penetrate the metal plate. The battery post101bis inserted into and clamped by the round clamp hole102a1. A groove102cis formed by narrowly cutting out the metal plate from a part of the round clamp hole102a1to a portion between U-shape bending portions102band102d.

An adjusting screw103is received in the U-shaped bent portions102band102dof the battery post-clamping terminal member102, and a nut104is screwed on a distal end portion of the adjusting screw103. By tightening the adjusting screw103by the nut104, the diameter of the clamp hole102a1gets smaller and the clamp hole102a1clamps the terminal member102to the battery post101bof the on-vehicle battery101. The related fusible link unit110is fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member102by a stud bolt105formed upwardly on the other end portion102eof the terminal member102which is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the upper surface101aof the on-vehicle battery101. The stud bolt105is spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the clamp hole102a1. The stud bolt105is threaded so that a nut106is able to be screwed.

The related fusible link unit110is designed to be fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member102directly clamped to the battery post101bof the on-vehicle battery101. This related fusible link unit110includes a bus bar111which is formed by cutting an electrically-conductive metal plate into a predetermined shape by the use of a pressing machine and then by bending the cut metal plate into an L-shape by the use of a bending machine.

The bus bar111has a battery terminal111aand a first alternator terminal111bformed respectively at left and right portions of one end portion of the electrically conductive metal plate which forms the bus bar111. The battery terminal111aand the first alternator terminal111bare flat so as to be substantially parallel to the upper surface101aof the on-vehicle battery101. The bus bar111has a fastening hole111a2bored and provided on a distal end mounting edge111a1of the battery terminal111afor the passage of the stud bolt105of the battery post-clamping terminal member102. The stud bolt105passes through the fastening hole1112from the back side of the battery terminal111a. Also, the first alternator terminal111bhas an another stud bolt112which is formed uprightly on the first alternator terminal111b.

The bus bar111is bent into an L-shape. One end of the L-shape includes one end portion where the battery terminal111aand the first alternator terminal111bprovided. The other side of the L-shape includes a plurality of fusible portions113each of which has a fuse function.

The bus bar111is covered with an insulative synthetic resin case114except for the battery terminal111a, the first alternator terminal111band the plurality of fusible portions113. A connector housing115is subsequent to the resin case114.

As shown inFIG. 15, in a fuse circuit of the related fusible link unit110, a plurality of load terminals116are connected respectively to second ends of the plurality of fusible portions113whose first ends are connected to the battery terminal111a. A second alternator terminal111cis formed at that side opposite to the first alternator terminal111b. The plurality of load terminals116and the second alternator terminal111care accommodated within the connector housing115.

In this fuse circuit, the first alternator terminal111bis used when an alternator input is large. On the other hand, the second alternator terminal111cis used when the alternator input is small.

The operation of the related fusible link unit110when the battery post-clamping terminal member102clamped to the battery post101bof the on-vehicle battery101is fastened to the battery terminal111aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar111is briefly described below. Electric power is supplied from the on-vehicle battery101and an alternator (not shown) and is distributed to the plurality of loads via the fuse circuit including the plurality of fusible portions113each performing the fuse function in the fusible link unit110.

When a battery level of the on-vehicle battery101decreases, electric power is supplied from the alternator to the on-vehicle battery101to charge the on-vehicle battery101. When a current larger than a predetermined value flows through any of the fusible portions113due to a short-circuit accident of the load circuit, the corresponding fusible portion113melts by heating. Therefore, the related fusible link110prevents an accident due to the over-current as described in JP-A-2005-190735.

SUMMARY

The related fusible link unit110described in JP-A-2005-190735 is electrically connected to the battery post101bof the on-vehicle battery101via the battery post-clamping terminal member102. However, in this fusible link unit110, the battery post-clamping terminal member102is fastened to the battery terminal111aonly from a direction perpendicular to the distal end mounting edge111a1of the battery terminal111aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar111. This fastening operation is able to be suitably carried out for a specified kind of vehicle, but not able to be carried out for a plurality of kinds of vehicles, since the fastening hole111a2is provided on the battery terminal111ain a predetermined distance from the distal end mounting edge111a1.

Therefore, a plurality of kinds of related fusible links110corresponding respectively to the plurality of kinds of vehicles have to be prepared, and therefore a plurality of kinds of dies for respectively forming a plurality of kinds of bus bars111corresponding respectively to the plurality of kinds of vehicles need to be prepared. As a result, the cost of each bus bar111is high, and besides a stock management of the plurality of kinds of fusible link units110is complicated.

Furthermore, in the related fusible link unit110, when the battery terminal111aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar111is fastened to the battery post101bof the on-vehicle battery101through the battery post-clamping terminal member102, the vertically-extending other end portion of the L-shaped bus bar111hangs down vertically in a cantilever manner in adjacent relation to the outer side surface of the on-vehicle battery101. However, various boxes, an air cleaner, etc., exist around the on-vehicle battery101, and a space available around the on-vehicle battery101differs depending on the kind of vehicle, and therefore the hanging portion of the bus bar111must be located so as to meet with the available space.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a fusible link unit which enables a bus bar to be commonly used for a plurality of kinds of vehicle, a battery post-clamping terminal member to be effectively attached and selectively positioned on a suitable position of a periphery of a battery terminal which is formed at an one end of the bus bar, and area for installation of the fusible link unit to be reduced.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fusible link unit which is fastened to a battery post clamp terminal clamped to an on-vehicle battery, includes a bus bar made from a metal plate and including: a battery terminal including at least two mounting edges, and a plurality of fastening holes provided thereon and through which a fastening member of the battery post clamp terminal is inserted, each of the fastening holes corresponding to respective one of the mounting edges; and at least one fusible portion provided at an side of the bus bar opposite to the battery terminal; and a resin case covering the bus bar except for at least one of the fusible portion.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the battery terminal includes two mounting edges and the fastening holes are integrally formed into a twofold leaf shape.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the battery terminal includes three mounting edges and the fastening holes are integrally formed into a trefoil shape.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the fastening holes are integrally formed into a single rectangular shape.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the fastening holes are respectively formed into a circular shape; and a first distance between a center of a first one of the fastening holes and the respective mounting edge is shorter than a second distance between a center of a second one of the fastening holes and the respective mounting edge.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided A fusible link unit which is fastened to a battery post clamp terminal clamped to an on-vehicle battery, includes a bus bar made from a metal plate includes a battery terminal including an edge which is substantially parallel to a side surface of the on-vehicle battery, and an inclined mounting edge inclined from the edge in an angle; and at least one fusible portion provided at an side of the bus bar opposite to the battery terminal; and a resin case covering the bus bar except for at least one of the fusible portion. The battery post clamp terminal is fastened so as to face the inclined mounting edge.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the battery terminal further includes a resin position regulation member is provided at lateral ends of the each mounting edge.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided A fusible link unit which is fastened to a battery post clamp terminal clamped to a on-vehicle battery, includes a bus bar made from a metal plate including a battery terminal including at least two mounting edges each of which has a concaved line, and a plurality of fastening holes provided thereon through which a fastening member of the battery post clamp terminal is inserted, each of the fastening holes corresponding to respective one of the mounting edges; and at least one fusible portion provided at an side of the bus bar opposite to the battery terminal; a resin case covering the bus bar except for at least one of the fusible portion.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the buttery terminal further includes a resin position regulation member is provided at lateral ends of the each mounting edges; and the resin position regulation member has periphery of a same concaved line shape as the mounting edge.

In the fusible link unit of the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the bus bar made of the electrically-conductive metal sheet has the battery terminal formed at the one end portion thereof and adapted to be fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member clamped to the battery post of the on-vehicle battery, and also has at least one fusible portion connected to the other end portion of the bus bar disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal, and the fusible portion can melt when an over-current flows therethrough. Particularly, at least two mounting edges are formed at the outer periphery of the battery terminal so that the battery post-clamping terminal member can be fastened to the battery terminal from a selected one of the different directions, and the fastening hole for the passage of the fastening member therethrough so as to fasten the battery post-clamping terminal member to the battery terminal is formed through the battery terminal. Therefore, the bus bar can be suitably used in any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the fusible link unit of the invention can be provided at a low cost. The fastening hole formed through the terminal battery can have any of the twofold leaf-shape, the trefoil shape and the rectangular shape (each having the fastening member-receiving portions (hole portions) opposed respectively to the mounting edges) or the round shape such that the position of the fastening hole relative to the mounting edges can be varied.

In the fusible link unit of the sixth aspect of the invention, the bus bar made of the electrically-conductive metal sheet has the battery terminal formed at the one end portion thereof and adapted to be fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member clamped to the battery post of the on-vehicle battery, and also has at least one fusible portion connected to the other end portion of the bus bar disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal, and the fusible portion can melt when an over-current flows therethrough. Particularly, the battery terminal includes the inclined mounting edge extending from the end of the distal end edge thereof (so disposed as to be generally parallel to the one side surface of the on-vehicle battery) toward the one side surface of the on-vehicle battery and inclined at the predetermined angle relative to the distal end edge, and the battery post-clamping terminal member is fastened to the battery terminal in opposed relation to the inclined mounting edge. Therefore, when the batter post-clamping terminal member is to be clamped to the battery post of the on-vehicle battery mounted, for example, within a trunk room of the vehicle, the operation side in the clamping operation can be directed toward the operator, and therefore the battery post-clamping terminal member can be efficiently and positively clamped to the battery post of the on-vehicle battery, and also the area of installation of the fusible link unit on the on-vehicle battery can be reduced.

In the fusible link unit of the seventh aspect of the invention, the resin-made position regulation members for regulating the position of the battery post-clamping terminal member in the direction lateral to the direction of inserting of the battery post-clamping terminal member are mounted respectively on the left and right portions of each of the mounting edges of the battery terminal. Therefore, the battery post-clamping terminal member can be positively positioned in the direction lateral to the inserting direction.

In the fusible link unit of the eighth and ninth aspects of the invention, the bus bar made of the electrically-conductive metal sheet has the battery terminal formed at the one end portion thereof and adapted to be fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member clamped to the battery post of the on-vehicle battery, and also has at least one fusible portion connected to the other end portion of the bus bar disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal, and the fusible portion can melt when an over-current flows therethrough, and the bus bar is bent into the generally L-shape so that the other end portion of the bus bar is disposed generally vertically perpendicularly to the battery terminal. Particularly, at least two concavely-curved mounting edges of the generally arc-shape are formed at the outer periphery of the battery terminal so that the battery post-clamping terminal member can be fastened to the battery terminal from a selected one of the different directions, and the fastening hole for the passage of the fastening member therethrough so as to fasten the battery post-clamping terminal member to the battery terminal is formed through the battery terminal. Therefore, the vertically-extending other end portion of the L-shaped bus bar hangs down in adjacent relation to the outer side surface of the on-vehicle battery, and although a space available around the on-vehicle battery varies depending on the kind of vehicle, the battery post-clamping terminal member can be fastened to the battery terminal (formed at the one end portion of the bus bar) from the suitable direction, and therefore the fusible link unit can be used in any of the plurality of kinds of vehicles. In this case, the resin-made positioning member having at least two concavely-curved surfaces equal in shape to the at least two concavely-curved mounting edges is fixedly secured to the outer peripheral portion of the battery terminal such that the at least two concavely-curved surfaces extend respectively along the at least two concavely-curved mounting edges. The battery post-clamping terminal can be properly positioned relative to the battery terminal through a selected one of the concavely-curved surfaces.

Embodiments (first, second and third embodiments) of fusible link units of the present invention are described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 13.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIGS. 1A and 1Bare explanatory views of the first embodiment of the fusible link unit of the invention.FIG. 1Ais an exploded perspective view showing a condition in which the fusible link unit of the first embodiment is to be mounted on a battery post of an on-vehicle battery through a battery post-clamping terminal member.FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the fusible link unit of the first embodiment as seen from the reverse side thereof.FIGS. 2A,2B and2C are a left side-elevational view, a top plan view and a right side-elevational view of the battery post-clamping terminal member ofFIG. 1, respectively.FIG. 3is a developed view of an electrically-conductive bus bar employed in the fusible link unit of the first embodiment.FIGS. 4A,4B and4C are explanatory views of a first form of use of the fusible link unit of the first embodiment.FIG. 4Ais a plan view showing the first form of use of a battery terminal of the bus bar.FIG. 4Bis a perspective view showing the first form of use.FIG. 4Cis a schematic view showing the first form of use in which the fusible link unit is mounted on the on-vehicle battery.FIGS. 5A,5B and5C are explanatory views of a second form of use of the fusible link unit of the first embodiment.FIG. 5Ais a plan view showing the second form of use of the battery terminal of the bus bar.FIG. 5Bis a perspective view showing the second form of use.FIG. 5Cis a schematic view showing the second form of use in which the fusible link unit is mounted on the on-vehicle battery.FIGS. 6A,6B and6C are explanatory views of a third form of use of the fusible link unit of the first embodiment.FIG. 6Ais a plan view showing the third form of use of the battery terminal of the bus bar.FIG. 6Bis a perspective view showing the third form of use.FIG. 6Cis a schematic view showing the third form of use in which the fusible link unit is mounted on the on-vehicle battery.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment includes a battery terminal11aand at least one fusible portion12so as to form a bus bar11. The battery terminal11ais combined with a battery post-clamp terminal member2which is clamped to a battery post1bof a on-vehicle battery1. The battery terminal11ais formed at one end side of a conductive metal plate having a L-shape. The fusible portion12is fused when an over current flows on another end side of the L-shape. The bas bar11is able to be commonly used for a plurality kinds of vehicles, since the battery post-clamp terminal member2is selectively combined with the battery terminal11aof the bus bar11from different directions.

Namely, in the first embodiment, a pair of battery posts1b(only one of which is shown inFIG. 1A) indicated respectively as a plus electrode (positive electrode) and a minus electrode (negative electrode) by a red mark and a black mark) are formed in an exposed manner on an upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1. Each of the battery posts1bformed in a rod made of electrically-conductive metal such as copper. In a power circuit of an electrical system (not shown) provided within an automobile, an electric current of several tens of amperes flows between a plus electrode (positive electrode) and a minus electrode (positive electrode), and the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment is mounted, for example, on the plus (positive) battery post1bthrough the battery post-clamping terminal member2of which has electrical conductivity so as to protect the power circuit of the electrical system when an over-current flows. This embodiment is described below.

The battery post-clamping terminal member2is similar construction to the battery post-clamping terminal102of the related fusible link unit described above. The battery post-clamping terminal member2having electrical conductivity is formed by bending an conductive metal plate into a substantially recumbent U-shape as shown inFIGS. 2A to 2C. The battery post clamping terminal member2has a round clamp hole2a1on an one side2aso as to penetrate the metal plate. The battery post1bis inserted into and clamped by the round clamp hole2a1. A groove2cis formed by narrowly cutting out the metal plate from a part of the round clamp hole2a1to a portion between U-shape bending portions2band2d.

An adjusting screw3is received in the pair of U-shaped bent portions2band2dof the battery post-clamping terminal member2. A nut4is screwed in a distal end portion of the adjusting screw3. By tightening the adjusting screw3by the nut4, the diameter of the clamp hole2a1is varied, thereby the clamp hole2a1clamps the terminal member2to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1. A stud bolt5, to which the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment is adapted to be fastened, is formed upright on the other end portion2eof the terminal member2. The other end portion2eis formed into a flat plate-shape so as to be disposed substantially parallel to the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1. The stud bolt5is provided at a position spaced in a predetermined distance from the center of the clamp hole2a1. A nut6(FIG. 1) can be screwed to the stud bolt5.

In this first embodiment, although the stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is used as a fastening member for fastening the fusible link unit10, the fastening means is not limited to this construction. For example, a screw hole (not shown) can be formed in the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2, into which a screw (not shown) serving as a fastening member for the fusible link unit10is screwed.

As shown inFIGS. 2A,2B, and2C, a rotation prevention portion2abfor preventing the rotation of a polygonal head3aof the adjusting screw3are formed respectively at left edges of the one end portion2aof the battery post-clamping terminal member2, and are disposed adjacent to the bent portion2b. Similarly, a rotation prevention portion2adare formed respectively at right edges of the one end portion2aof the battery post-clamping terminal member2, and are disposed adjacent to the bent portion2d. The adjusting screw3is able to be inserted into the pair of bent portions2band2dfrom either of the left and right sides.

As shown inFIG. 2, a step portion2fis formed between the one end portion2aand the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2, and therefore the battery terminal11aformed at the bus bar11is brought into abutting engagement with the step portion2f, and by doing so, the direction of mounting of the battery terminal11aon the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be determined.

As described above, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is formed by bending the electrically-conductive metal plate into the generally recumbent U-shape, and by doing so, the cost of this terminal member2is lowered. However, the terminal member2is not limited to such a construction, and a battery post-clamping terminal member having similar functions is able to be formed, using a die cast material or the like.

The fusible link unit10of the first embodiment is designed to be fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member2directly connected to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1. This fusible link unit10includes the bus bar11which is formed by cutting an electrically-conductive metal plate into a predetermined shape by the use of a pressing machine and then by bending the thus cut metal plate into an L-shape by the use of a bending machine.

As shown inFIGS. 1A,1B and3, this bus bar11made of the electrically-conductive metal plate has the battery terminal11aformed at one end portion the bus bar. The battery terminal11ais flat so as to be disposed generally parallel to the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1. The bus bar11is bent into the L-shape such that the other end portion19of the bus bar11disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal11avertically extends (or hangs down) so as to substantially be perpendicular to the battery terminal11a, and thereafter one ends of the plurality of fusible portions12each having a fuse function are connected to the other end portion19of the bus bar11.

In this bus bar11, a chip made of alloy of tin, lead or other substance is used as each of the fusible portions12having the fuse function. When an over-current flows through any of these fusible portions12, at least one of these fusible portions12melt because of self-heating.

Here, the battery terminal11aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar11has at least two mounting edges (three mounting edges in the illustrated embodiment) which are formed at the outer periphery of the battery terminal11a. These mounting edges are disposed substantially perpendicularly to each other so that the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened to the battery terminal1afrom a selected one of different directions. More specifically, the battery terminal11ahas the distal end mounting edge11a1, the left side mounting edge11a2and the right side mounting edge11a3which jointly form the rectangular peripheral edge of the battery terminal11a.

Each of the mounting edges11a1,11a2and11a3are able to be selectively fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member2. When the selected mounting edge is fastened, the selected mounting edge is perpendicular to an imaginary centerline O connecting the center of the clamp hole2a1and the center of the stud bolt5of the battery post-clamping terminal member2. When fastening the battery terminal11ato the battery post-clamping terminal member2, a selected one of the three mounting edges11a1,11a2and11a3of the battery terminal11ais brought into abutting engagement with the above-mentioned step portion2f(FIG. 2) of the battery post-clamping terminal member2.

Three fastening holes (hole portions or fastening member-receiving portions)11a1h,11a2hand11a3hare formed through the battery terminal11a, and are opposed respectively to the three mounting edges11a1,11a2and11a3, and are continuous with each other to jointly assume a substantially trefoil-shape (threefold leaf-shape). The stud bolt5of the battery post-clamping terminal member2is inserted into a selected one of the three fastening holes11a1h,11a2hand11a3hfrom the back surface of the terminal member2, and the battery terminal11ais fastened onto the battery post-clamping terminal member2by screwing the nut6on the stud bolt5.

The (shortest) distance L1between the center of the mounting edge11a1of the battery terminal11aand the center of the fastening hole11a1h, the (shortest) distance L2between the center of the mounting edge11a2and the center of the fastening hole11a2hand the (shortest) distance L3between the center of the mounting edge11a3and the center of the fastening hole11a3hare set so as to be substantially equal to each other as shown inFIG. 3.

With the above construction, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is selectively located so as to be opposed to any of the three mounting edges11a1,11a2and11a3of the battery terminal11a. Therefore the bus bar11is able to be used in any of the plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment is able to be provided at a low cost.

Referring back toFIGS. 1A and 1B, a pair of first resin-made position regulation members13each in the form of a square block are formed respectively at a corner portion of the battery terminal11a(of the bus bar1) where the distal end mounting edge11a1and the left side mounting edge11a2intersect each other and a corner portion of the battery terminal11awhere the distal end mounting edge11a1and the right side mounting edge11a3intersect each other. Each first resin-made position regulation member13is disposed over the opposite sides (faces) of the battery terminal11a. Further, a second resin-made position regulation member14in the form of a rectangular block is formed on and along a rear portion of the battery terminal11adisposed in parallel spaced relation to the distal end mounting edge11a1, the second resin-made position regulation member14being disposed over the opposite sides of the battery terminal11a.

With this construction, when the battery post-clamping terminal member2is inserted from the back side of the battery terminal11aso as to be opposed to the distal end mounting edge11a1, the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is positively positioned relative to the battery terminal11abetween the pair of first resin-made position regulation members13and13in a direction lateral to the inserting direction. Also, when the battery post-clamping terminal member2is inserted from the back side of the battery terminal11aso as to be opposed to the left side mounting edge11a2or the right side mounting edge11a3, the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is positively positioned relative to the battery terminal11abetween one or the other first resin-made position regulation member13and the second resin-made position regulation member14in the direction lateral to the inserting direction.

The rear portion of the L-shaped bus bar11(including the other end portion thereof) disposed perpendicularly to the battery terminal11ais covered at its front and back sides (faces) with a resin-made case15except for the portion where the plurality of fusible portions12are positioned. The resin-made case15is made of an insulative resin and has radiating fins. A connector housing16is formed at the other end portion of the bus bar11, and accommodates the other end portions of the plurality of fusible portions12.

When covering the front and back sides of the bus bar11with the resin-made case15having the radiating fins, this resin-made case15and the first and second resin-made position regulation members13and14are integrally molded on the bus bar11at the same time.

As shown inFIG. 3, the second ends of the plurality of fusible portions12are connected respectively to a plurality of load terminals17and a plurality of alternator terminals18, and these terminals17and18are accommodated within the connector housing16. Therefore, a connector (not shown) connected to the electrical system is equipped in the connector housing16.

When the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment having the above construction is to be fastened to the battery post-clamping terminal member2clamped to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1, the fusible link unit10is able to take any of the first to third forms of use shown respectively inFIGS. 4 to 6.

Firstly, in the first form of use of the fusible link unit10, as shown inFIGS. 4A to 4C, the stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is inserted into the fastening hole11a1h(formed through the battery terminal11aof the bus bar11so as to be opposed to the distal end mounting edge11a1) from the back side of the battery terminal11a, and then the nut6is screwed onto the stud bolt5, so that the battery post-clamping terminal member2is fastened to the distal end mounting edge11a1of the battery terminal11a. Therefore, the clamp hole2a1formed through the one end portion2aof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is opposed to the distal end mounting edge11a1of the battery terminal11a, and in this condition the clamp hole portion2a1is clamped to the battery post1bprojecting upwardly from the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 4C, the fusible link unit10is electrically connected to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1through the battery post-clamping terminal member2without interfering with a battery band7extending between opposite side surfaces1cand1dof the on-vehicle battery1The resin-made case15(having the radiating fins) and the connector housing16which are provided on the fusible link unit10are disposed in substantially-parallel and slightly-spaced from the side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1in a cantilever manner (that is, in a hanging manner).

Next, in the second form of use of the fusible link unit10, as shown inFIGS. 5A to 5C, the stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is inserted into the fastening hole11a2h(formed through the battery terminal11aof the bus bar11so as to be opposed to the left side mounting edge11a2) from the back side of the battery terminal11a, and then the nut6is screwed onto the stud bolt5, so that the battery post-clamping terminal member2is fastened to the left side mounting edge11a2of the battery terminal11a. Therefore, the clamp hole2a1formed through the one end portion2aof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is opposed to the left side mounting edge11a2of the battery terminal11a, and in this condition the clamp hole portion2a1is clamped to the battery post1bprojecting upwardly from the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 5C, the fusible link unit10is electrically connected to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1through the battery post-clamping terminal member2without interfering with a battery band7extending between opposite side surfaces1cand1dof the on-vehicle battery1, and also the resin-made case15(having the radiating fins) and the connector housing16which are provided on the fusible link unit10are disposed in substantially-parallel, adjacent (or contiguous) relation to the side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1in a cantilever manner (that is, in a hanging manner). Therefore, the area for installation of the fusible link unit10on the on-vehicle battery1is smaller as compared with the first form of use shown inFIGS. 4A to 4C.

Next, in the third form of use of the fusible link unit10, as shown inFIGS. 6A to 6C, the stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2eof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is inserted into the fastening hole11a3h(formed through the battery terminal11aof the bus bar11so as to be opposed to the right side mounting edge11a3) from the reverse side of the battery terminal11a, and then the nut6is screwed onto the stud bolt5, so that the battery post-clamping terminal member2is fastened to the right side mounting edge11a3of the battery terminal11a. Therefore, the clamp hole2a1formed through the one end portion2aof the battery post-clamping terminal member2is opposed to the right side mounting edge11a3of the battery terminal11a, and in this condition the clamp hole portion2a1is clamped to the battery post1bprojecting upwardly from the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 6C, the fusible link unit10is electrically connected to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1through the battery post-clamping terminal member2without interfering with a battery band7extending between opposite side surfaces1cand1dof the on-vehicle battery1. The resin-made case15(having the radiating fins) and the connector housing16which are provided on the fusible link unit10are disposed in substantially-parallel, adjacent (or contiguous) relation to the side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1in a cantilever manner (that is, in a hanging manner). Therefore, the area for installation of the fusible link unit10on the on-vehicle battery1is smaller as compared with the first form of use shown inFIGS. 4A to 4C.

Then, when the fusible link unit10is operated in any of the first to third forms of use, electric power is supplied from the on-vehicle battery1and an alternator (not shown) and is distributed to the plurality of loads via the fuse circuit including the plurality of fusible portions12each performing the fuse function in the fusible link unit10.

When a battery level of the on-vehicle battery1decreases, electric power is supplied from the alternator to the on-vehicle battery1to charge this battery. When a current larger than a predetermined value flows through any of the fusible portions12as a result of an accident such as short-circuiting of the load, it melts by heating. Thereby, the fusible portions prevent an accident due to the over-current same as the conventional fusible link unit.

Next, modified examples of the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment will be briefly described with reference toFIGS. 7A to 7E.

FIGS. 7A to 7Eare views respectively showing 1st to 5th modified battery terminals of the bus bar used in the modified examples of the fusible link unit10of the first embodiment.

The 1st to 5th modified examples shown respectively inFIGS. 7A to 7Ediffer from the first embodiment only in the shape of fastening holes formed through the battery terminal11afor the purpose of fastening the battery post-clamping terminal member2to the battery terminal11a. Therefore, only the shapes of the fastening holes is described below.

In the 1st modified example shown inFIG. 7A, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened selectively to any of a distal end mounting edge11a1, a left side mounting edge11a2and a right side mounting edge11a3of the battery terminal11a. In this case, three fastening holes11a1h,11a2hand11a3hare formed through the battery terminal11ain opposed relation respectively to the mounting edges11a1,11a2and11a3, and are continuous with each other to assume a substantially trefoil-shape. The (shortest) distance L1between the mounting edge Hal of the battery terminal11aand the center of the fastening hole11a1h, the (shortest) distance L2between the mounting edge11a2and the center of the fastening hole11a2hand the (shortest) distance L3between the mounting edge11a3and the center of the fastening hole11a3hare different from one another. Alternatively, at least one of the shortest distances L1, L2and L3is different from the other shortest distances. With this construction, the bus bar11is able to be used for any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the first modified fusible link unit is provided at a low cost.

In the 2nd modified example shown inFIG. 7B, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened selectively to any of a distal end mounting edge11a1, a left side mounting edge11a2and a right side mounting edge11a3of the battery terminal11a. In this case, the slot-like fastening hole11a4hwhose semi-circular opposite end edges have the same radius R is formed through the battery terminal11a, and extends parallel to the distal end mounting edge11a1or (the left and right mounting edges11a2and11a3). With this construction, the bus bar11is able to be used for any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the second modified fusible link unit is provided at a low cost.

In the 3rd modified example shown inFIG. 7C, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened selectively to any of a distal end mounting edge11a1, a left side mounting edge11a2and a right side mounting edge11a3of the battery terminal11a. In this case, the slot-like fastening hole11a5hwhose semi-circular opposite end edges have different radiuses R1and R2, respectively, is formed through the battery terminal11a, and extend generally parallel to the distal end mounting edge11a1(or the left and right side mounting edges11a2and11a3). With this construction, the bus bar11is able to be used for any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the 3rd modified fusible link unit can be provided at a low cost.

In the 4th modified example shown inFIG. 7D, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened selectively to any of a distal end mounting edge11a1, a left side mounting edge11a2and a right side mounting edge11a3of the battery terminal11a. In this case, one fastening hole11a6hof a round shape is formed through the battery terminal11a, and the (shortest) distance L1between the mounting edge11a1of the battery terminal11aand the center of the fastening hole11a6h, the (shortest) distance L2between the mounting edge11a2and the center of the fastening hole11a6hand the (shortest) distance L3between the mounting edge11a3and the center of the fastening hole11a6hare different from one another. Alternatively, at least one of the shortest distances L1, L2and L3is different from the other shortest distances. With this construction, the bus bar11is able to be used for any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the 4th modified fusible link unit is provided at a low cost.

In the 5th modified example shown inFIG. 7E, for example, a stud bolt19is fixedly secured to a right side portion of the battery terminal11aof the bus bar11. In this case, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened to either of a distal end mounting edge11a1and a left side mounting edge11a2of the battery terminal11, and therefore two fastening holes11a1hand11a2hare formed through the battery terminal11a, and are opposed respectively to the two mounting edges11a1and11a2, and are continuous with each other to jointly assume a substantially twofold leaf-shape. With this construction, the bus bar11is able to be used for any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles, and the 5th modified fusible link unit is provided at a low cost.

In the case of the 5th modified example, the first resin-made position regulation members13and13(for regulating the position of the battery post-clamping terminal member2when it is be fastened to the distal end mounting edge11a1) are provided respectively at a left corner portion of the battery terminal11a(where the distal end mounting edge11a1and the left side mounting edge11a2intersect each other) and a right portion of the distal end mounting edge11a1.

InFIG. 7E, although the stud bolt19is fixedly secured to the right side portion of the battery terminal11aof the bus bar11, the stud bolt19may be fixedly secured to a left side portion of the battery terminal11a. Also, it is possible that a fusible portion (not shown) is formed at the right side portion (or the left side portion) of the battery terminal11a. In such a cases, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be fastened selectively to either of at least two mounting edges of the battery terminal11a.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 8is a plan view showing a condition in which a second embodiment of a fusible link unit of the invention is mounted on a battery post of an on-vehicle battery through a battery post-clamping terminal member, andFIG. 9is a plan view showing a condition in which the fusible link unit of the second embodiment is mounted on the battery post of the on-vehicle battery through the battery post-clamping terminal member when the on-vehicle battery is mounted within a trunk room of a vehicle.

As shown inFIG. 8, in the fusible link unit20of the second embodiment, a bus bar21including a battery terminal21aand at least one fusible portion22so as to form a bus bar. The battery terminal21ais fastened to a battery post-clump terminal member2which is clumped to a battery post1bof a on-vehicle battery. The battery terminal21ais formed at one end side of a conductive metal plate. The fusible portion22is fused when an over current flows on another end side which is rearward of the metal plate as compared to the battery terminal21a. The bas bar21is able to be commonly used for a plurality kinds of vehicles. The fusible link unit20of the second embodiment enables user to efficiently mount the battery post clamp terminal member2for fastening the battery terminal21aof bus bar21on the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1. Also, the fusible link unit20of the second embodiment makes it possible to reduce an area of installation of the fusible link unit20on the on-vehicle battery1as described hereafter.

Namely, in this second embodiment, a pair of battery posts1b(seeFIG. 9), indicated respectively as a plus electrode (positive electrode) and a minus electrode (negative electrode) by a red mark and a black mark), are formed in an exposed manner on an upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1as described above for the first embodiment. Each of the battery posts1bincludes a rod made of electrically-conductive metal such as copper. The fusible link unit20of the second embodiment is mounted, for example, on the plus (positive) battery post1bvia the battery post-clamping terminal member2of an electrically-conductive nature.

The battery post-clamping terminal member2of the electrically-conductive nature is similar to the battery post-clamping terminal member2described above for the first embodiment, and therefore detailed explanation of it is omitted.

In the fusible link unit20of the second embodiment, also, the bus bar21is formed by cutting an electrically-conductive metal plate into a predetermined shape by the use of a pressing machine and then by bending the thus cut metal plate into an L-shape by the use of a bending machine.

This bus bar21made of the electrically-conductive metal plate has the battery terminal21aformed at one end portion of the bus bar21. The battery terminal21ais flat so as to be disposed substantially parallel to the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1. The bus bar21is bent into an L-shape such that the other end portion of the bus bar21disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal21aextends so as to be substantially vertical to the battery terminal21a. First ends of the plurality of fusible portions22each having a fuse function are connected to the other end portion of the bus bar21. Load terminals23are connected respectively to the other ends of the fusible portions22.

The bus bar21is covered at its opposite sides (faces) with a resin-made case24except for portions where the battery terminal21aand the plurality of fusible portions22position. The resin-made case25is made of an insulative resin and has radiating fins. A connector housing25is formed at the other end portion of the bus bar11, and accommodates the second end portions of the plurality of fusible portions22.

In this second embodiment, the battery terminal21aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar21includes an inclined mounting edge21a2extending from an end of the distal left end edge21a1so as to be inclined in a predetermined angle (for example 45 degrees) from a side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1. The distal end edge21a1is substantially parallel to the side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1. A fastening hole21a2hof a round shape is formed through the battery terminal21aso as to be opposed to the inclined mounting edge21a2.

The other end portion of the battery post-clamping terminal member2is opposed to the inclined mounting edge21a2of the battery terminal21a, and a stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2eis inserted into the fastening hole21a2hfrom the back side of the battery terminal21a, and the battery post-clamping terminal member2is fastened to the battery terminal21aby screwing a nut6onto the stud bolt5.

The battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be properly positioned relative to the battery terminal21ain a direction lateral to the direction of inserting of the terminal member2because left and right portion of the inclined mounting edge21a2of the battery terminal21awhich is formed at one end portion of bas bar21.

When the battery post-clamping terminal member2is fastened to the inclined mounting edge21a2of the battery terminal21aof the bus bar21, the resin-made case24(having the radiating fins) and the connector housing25which are provided on the fusible link unit20are disposed so as to be substantially parallel and adjacent to the side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1in a cantilever manner (that is, in a hanging manner). Therefore, the area of installation of the fusible link unit20on the on-vehicle battery1is reduced.

The on-vehicle battery1is mounted, for example, within the trunk room, and then the fusible link unit20is fastened to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1through the battery post-clamping terminal member2as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. In this case, the battery post-clamping terminal member2is fastened to the battery terminal21aand is disposed at substantially right angles relative to the inclined mounting edge21a2thereof. Therefore if an fastening operating position of the operator to is located at a rear portion of the vehicle, a pneumatically-operated screwdriver AD for tightening an adjusting screw3(received in U-shaped bent portions2band2dof the battery post-clamping terminal member2) by a nut4is directed toward the operator, and therefore the battery post-clamping terminal member2is able to be positively and efficiently clamped to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view showing a condition in which a third embodiment of a fusible link unit of the invention is to be mounted on a battery post of an on-vehicle battery through a battery post-clamping terminal member, andFIG. 11is a plan view showing the fusible link unit of the third embodiment, andFIG. 12Ais a view showing a first form of use, in which the fusible link unit of the third embodiment is mounted on the battery post of the on-vehicle battery through the battery post-clamping terminal member, andFIG. 12Bis a view showing a second form of use, in which the fusible link unit of the third embodiment is mounted on the battery post of the on-vehicle battery through the battery post-clamping terminal member, andFIG. 13is an enlarged plan view showing a battery terminal formed at one end portion of a bus bar employed in the fusible link unit of the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 10, in the fusible link unit30of the third embodiment, the bus bar31is made of an electrically-conductive metal sheet, and has the battery terminal31aformed at one end portion thereof and adapted to be clamped to the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ clamped to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1, and the bus bar31is bent into an L-shape such that the other end portion of the bus bar31disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal31aextends generally vertically perpendicularly to the battery terminal31a, and at least one fusible portion35(a plurality of fusible portions35in the illustrated embodiment) which can melt upon flowing of an over-current therethrough is connected to the other end portion of the bus bar31. The fusible link unit30is characterized in that at least two concavely-curved mounting edges (31a1and31a2) of a generally arc-shape are formed at the outer periphery of the battery terminal31aof the bus bar31, that a resin-made positioning member40having at least two concavely-curved surfaces (or edges)40aand40bequal in shape to the concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2is fixedly secured to the battery terminal31asuch that the two concavely-curved surfaces40aand40bextend respectively along the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2, and that the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ can be positioned selectively relative to either of the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2and can be fastened thereto.

Namely, in this third embodiment, a pair of battery posts1b(only one of which is shown in the drawings) are formed in an exposed manner on an upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1as described above for the first and second embodiments, each of the battery posts1bcomprising a rod made of electrically-conductive metal such as copper. The fusible link unit30of the third embodiment is mounted, for example, on the plus (positive) battery post1bvia the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ of an electrically-conductive nature.

As described above for the first embodiment, the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ of the electrically-conductive nature is formed by bending an electrically-conductive metal sheet into a recumbent U-shape, and a round clamp hole2a1for the passage of the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1therethrough for clamping purposes is formed through one end portion2aof the terminal member2′ in an upward-downward direction, and a stud bolt5is formed upright on the other end portion2eof the terminal member2′ (formed into a flat plate-shape so as to be disposed generally parallel to the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1), and is spaced a predetermined distance from the center of the clamp hole2a1. A nut6can be threaded on the stud bolt5. The battery post-clamping terminal member2′ of the third embodiment differs from the battery post-clamping terminal member2of the first embodiment in that a convexly-curved surface2a2is formed on part of an outer peripheral portion of the clamp hole2a1in concentric relation to this clamp hole2a1.

In the third embodiment, also, the bus bar31is formed by cutting an electrically-conductive metal sheet into a predetermined shape by the use of a pressing machine and then by bending the thus cut metal sheet into an L-shape by the use of a bending machine.

The bus bar31made of the electrically-conductive metal sheet has the battery terminal31aformed at the one end portion thereof, the battery terminal11abeing flat so as to be disposed generally parallel to the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1. A pair of stud bolts32and33are fixed respectively to right and left sections of that portion of the bus bar31disposed rearwardly of the battery terminal31a, and an IC34is mounted through a socket35on that portion of the bus bar31lying between the pair of stud bolts32and33. The bus bar31is bent into an L-shape such that the other end portion of the bus bar31disposed rearwardly of the pair of stud bolts32and33and the IC34extends generally vertically perpendicularly to the battery terminal31a, and thereafter one ends of the plurality of fusible portions36each having a fuse function are connected to the other end portion of the bus bar31while the other ends of the fusible portions36are connected respectively to load terminals37, and the load terminals37are received within a connector housing38.

The bus bar31is covered at its opposite sides (faces) with a resin-made case39except the battery terminal31a, those portions of the bus bar31disposed respectively around the pair of stud bolts32and33and the plurality of fusible portions36, the resin-made case39being made of an insulative resin and having radiating fins.

In this third embodiment, as shown inFIG. 11on an enlarged scale, the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2of the arc-shape are formed at the outer periphery (or outer peripheral edge) of the battery terminal31aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar31, and more specifically are formed respectively at the distal end edge of the battery terminal31aand the right side edge thereof perpendicularly intersecting this distal end edge. Each of the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2has a curvature substantially corresponding to a curvature of the convexly-curved surface2a2formed on the outer peripheral portion of the clamp hole2a1. A fastening hole31ahof a round shape is formed through the battery terminal31ain opposed relation to the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2.

The resin-made positioning member40having a predetermined thickness is fixedly secured to the outer peripheral portion of the battery terminal31a(formed at the one end portion of the bus bar31) such that the outer periphery of this resin-made positioning member40substantially coincides with part of the outer periphery of the battery terminal31including the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2. The resin-made positioning member40have the concavely-curved surfaces (or edges)40aand40bwhich face outwardly, and are equal in shape and curvature to the concavely-curved mounting edges30a1and30a2, and extend respectively along the concavely-curved mounting edges30a1and30a2. The resin-made positioning member40further has a concavely-curved surface (or edge)40c, and this concavely-curved surface40cfaces inwardly, and is disposed in concentric relation to the fastening holes31ah, and is larger in diameter than the nut6.

The convexly-curved surface2a2formed at the outer peripheral portion of the clamp hole2a1of the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ can abut in a positioned condition against each of the concavely-curved surfaces40aand40bof the resin-made positioning member40fixedly secured to the battery terminal31awith the concavely-curved surfaces40aand40bextending respectively along the concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2. Therefore, the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ can be fastened selectively to either of the concavely-curved surfaces40aand40bof the resin-made positioning member40.

As shown inFIG. 12A, when the fusible link unit30of the third embodiment is to be electrically connected to the battery post1b(formed on the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1) through the battery post-clamping terminal member2′, the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ clamped to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1is disposed in opposed relation to the concavely-curved (distal end) mounting edge31a1of the battery terminal31aand the concavely-curved surface40aof the resin-made positioning member40, and then the stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2e(FIG. 10) of the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ is inserted into the fastening hole31ahfrom the reverse side of the battery terminal31, and is tightened by the nut6. By doing so, the distance K1between the center of the battery post1band a side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1can be increased, and also the distance K2between the center of the battery post1band a rear end30aof the fusible link unit30can be increased.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 12B, when the fusible link unit30of the third embodiment is to be electrically connected to the battery post1b(formed on the upper surface1aof the on-vehicle battery1) through the battery post-clamping terminal member2′, the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ clamped to the battery post1bof the on-vehicle battery1is disposed in opposed relation to the concavely-curved (right) mounting edge31a2of the battery terminal31aand the concavely-curved surface40bof the resin-made positioning member40, and then the stud bolt5formed upright on the other end portion2e(FIG. 10) of the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ is inserted into the fastening hole31ahfrom the reverse side of the battery terminal31, and is tightened by the nut6. By doing so, the distance K3between the center of the battery post1band a side surface1cof the on-vehicle battery1can be reduced, and also the distance K4between the center of the battery post1band the rear end30aof the fusible link unit30can be reduced.

In the fusible link unit30of the third embodiment, as described above, the concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2are formed respectively at the distal end edge and right edge of the battery terminal31aformed at the one end portion of the bus bar31, and the concavely-curved surfaces40aand40bcorresponding respectively to the two concavely-curved mounting edges31a1and31a2are formed at the resin-made positioning member40. However, the invention is not limited to this construction, and there can be used a construction in which a plurality of concavely-curved mounting edges are formed respectively at a distal end edge, left and right edges and a left corner portion (where the distal end edge and the left edge intersect each other) and a right corner portion (where the right edge and the distal end edge intersect each other) of a battery terminal31aformed at one end portion of a bus bar31as shown inFIG. 13, and a plurality of concavely-curved surfaces corresponding respectively to the plurality of concavely-curved mounting edges are formed at a resin-made positioning member40. In this case, the battery post-clamping terminal2′ can be fastened selectively to any of the plurality of concavely-curved mounting edges (formed at the outer periphery of the battery terminal31) and also to the corresponding one of the plurality of concavely-curved surfaces formed at the resin-made positioning member (conforming respectively to the plurality of concavely-curved mounting edges), using the fastening hole31ahformed through the battery terminal31a. Thus, the battery terminal31ais required to have at least two concavely-curved mounting edges, and the resin-made positioning member is required to have at least two concavely-curved surfaces.

In the fusible link unit30, the vertically-extending other end portion of the L-shaped bus bar31hangs down in adjacent relation to the outer side surface of the on-vehicle battery1, and although a space available around the on-vehicle battery1varies depending on the kind of vehicle, the battery post-clamping terminal member2′ can be fastened to the battery terminal31(formed at the one end portion of the bus bar31) from a suitable direction (that is, from any of the plurality of directions), and therefore the fusible link unit30of the third embodiment can be used in any of a plurality of kinds of vehicles.

In each of the above fusible link units10,20and30of the first, second and third embodiments, the terminals17and18,23,37connected respectively to the other ends of the fusible portions12,22and36are received within the connector housing16,25,38. However, the invention is not limited to such a construction, and the other ends of the fusible portions12,22,36can be connected directly to wire harness terminals (not shown).