Shock-safe fuseholder assembly

Abstract

A bayonet lock for retaining the knob of a fuseholder to an axial-insertion fuseholder body is formed by camming surfaces disposed in the walls of grooves formed in the walls of the insertion passage and on the surfaces of a knob extension which enters the passage. The engaging surfaces of the lock are of insulating material. Axial insertion and rotation of the knob retains an inserted fuse. Camming surfaces are provided so that upon rotation of the fuseholder knob in an unlocking direction, these camming surfaces cause an automatic outward ejection of the fuseholder knob. Additional camming surfaces are provided to assist in insertion so that when operator pressure is released from the knob, the knob compression spring forces the knob axially outward into engagement therewith, the surfaces being configured to provide a force urging the knob in the locking direction. A conducting fuse end cap contacting sleeve is configured at the closed end thereof to grippingly engage an axial post extending inwardly into the fuse-accepting passageway. The post is configured to extend significantly along the axis of an axially disposed compression spring. The length of the post is chosen so that knob insertion is terminated when the post strikes the outer end of an overlength inserted fuse, thereby preventing damaging overcompression of the spring.