Terminal bracket structure for a current limiting fuse

Abstract

A current limiting fuse has an electrical subassembly which includes fusible elements that are helically wound about a plurality of support plates which, in turn, are secured on each end to a terminal bracket. A leg member electrically and mechanically interconnects the terminal bracket to an end cap assembly fixed to a fuse housing and is flexible for allowing variation in distance between the end cap assembly and the internal subassembly such as would occur when the fuse is exposed to thermal excursions. The flexible leg has a portion which extends in generally transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the subassembly, and the leg portion is swingable in an arc as the associated end cap assembly shifts relative to the position of the terminal bracket. A series of apertures on each terminal bracket receives end segments of the fusible element supporting plates, and the bracket includes pointed projections which are bendable toward a position of clamping engagement with the end segment of each plate to substantially preclude subsequent disengagement of the plate from the bracket. The electrical subassembly is rigid in nature by means of a unique arrangement of interlocking components even though the support plates are elongated in nature and comprised of a flexible material including mica particles.