METHOD OF ASSEMBLING FUSE END CAP

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical fuse. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of assembling and adhering an end cap onto an electrical fuse to provide either or both of a mechanical connection and a hermetic seal between the end cap and a body of the fuse. A fuse assembled according to the present invention may be used in a situation in which it is immersed in hot oil.

[0002] Electrical fuses are used extensively in electrical transformers. Increasingly, electrical transformers are assembled such that both the windings of the transformer and a fuse mounted to the transformer are immersed in oil. When the transformer is energised, electrical resistance can cause significant heating of the windings and thus the oil and the fuse are also heated. Depending upon the operating conditions, a fuse mounted in such a transformer may be exposed to temperatures from -35°C to 125°C, coupled with variations in ambient pressure of plus or minus 100 to 200 mbar. An example of a fuse used in such a way comprises a hollow ceramic body which contains fuse elements, surrounded with fine grains of silica quartz. Air inevitably occupies the spaces between the grains of silica quartz and thus variations in temperature can create high variations in pressure within the fuse where the fuse is hermetically sealed. Fuses used in this situation need to be hermetically sealed to avoid the egress of air and the ingress of oil into the fuse. Further, it is essential that no water is present in the oil when the transformer is assembled and therefore the transformer windi ng and fuse assembly is heated to high temperatures, in excess of 125°C, before the transformer is filled with oil.

[0003] Due to the large variations in temperature and therefore internal pressure, it is important that a strong mechanical engagement, combined with a hermetic seal, is provided between an end cap of the fuse and the fuse body to which the end cap is assembled.

[0004] In a known method of assembly of an end cap onto a fuse for use under hot oil, a cylindrical end cap is assembled over an end of a cylindrical fuse body. To create a hermetic seal between the end cap and the fuse body, an adhesive is applied by injection into the open end of the cylindrical end cap to occupy a space between the wall of the end cap and an outer wall of the fuse body. A significant degree of skill and experience is required by a manual operator applying an adhesive in this way. If an insufficient amount of adhesive is applied, then an insufficient hermetic seal will be created. Adhesives used to adhere an end cap onto a fuse body may have a high viscosity, which can mean that the adhesive will not flow freely into the cavity. The adhesive is therefore generally applied under pressure. In order to ensure that sufficient adhesive occupies the space between the end cap and the outer wall of the fuse body, an excess of adhesive is generally applied and then any excess adhesive remaining outside the end cap and fuse body assembly is removed. This can result in a significant degree of waste of adhesive. The amount of adhesive wasted can reach up to between 50% and 100% of the volume of adhesive remaining within the assembly and usefully adhering the end cap to the fuse body. Due to inconsistencies in both operator technique and variations in resistance to the flow of the adhesive into the space between the end cap and the fuse body, significant variations in the quality of the hermetic seal achieved can occur and significant numbers of failures during stress testing of the seal can be found. When a failed seal is identified, it cannot be repaired and thus the fuse must be scrapped, resulting in wasted production time and materials.

[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved method of assembling an electrical fuse.

[0006] US 4274073 discloses a method according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0007] US 4562420 discloses a fuse assembly in which parts of an end cap are deformed to engage a fuse body to retain the end cap on the fuse body.

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided a method of assembling an electrical fuse, comprising the steps of:

providing a fuse body;

providing an end cap on an end of the fuse body such that a cavity is created between the fuse and the end cap; characterised by:

the fuse end cap having at least one opening located over the cavity; and

providing an adhesive material, through the opening in the end cap, into the cavity to adhere the end cap to the fuse.

[0009] Providing an adhesive material through an opening in the end cap into the cavity allows a more direct and consistent application of the adhesive into the cavity. Further, when the adhesive material is provided through an opening in the end cap into the cavity, the more direct provision into the cavity gives a more reliable distribution of the adhesive within the cavity and the need to apply excess adhesive is reduced. Therefore, the amount of waste adhesive may also be reduced.

[0010] A second opening may be provided in the end cap, over the cavity, to allow air to escape from the cavity as adhesive is provided through the first opening, to the cavity. Allowing air to escape from the cavity as adhesive is injected can improve the reliability of the distribution of the adhesive in the cavity and thus improves the reliability of the hermetic seal created by the adhesive.

[0011] The second opening may be located on an opposite side of the end cap to the first opening. This allows adhesive to fill the cavity from one side of the end cap and progress through the cavity toward the opposite side of the end cap, expelling air from the second opening in the process.

[0012] Adhesive maybe provided through both of the first and the second openings. In the event that adhesive injected through the first opening does not sufficiently fill the whole cavity, then adhesive injected through the second opening can fill any spaces left after injection through the first opening is complete.

[0013] Adhesive may be provided through the second opening after adhesive is provided through the first opening. This can allow adhesive to be provided through each of the first and second openings using a single apparatus for providing adhesive. This may also allow a majority of the air in the cavity to be expelled by injection through the first opening, whilst subsequent injection through the second opening ensures a more even distribution of adhesive on each side of the end cap.

[0014] The cavity may be formed between the side wall of the fuse body and the end cap. Provision of adhesive into a cavity formed between a side wall of the fuse body and the end cap allows a large surface area of adhesion, which is subject primarily to sh earing forces rather than peeling or longitudinal stress. This can improve the effectiveness of the adhesive in resisting forces created by the internal pressure of the fuse.

[0015] The cavity may be formed between a side wall of the fuse body and a side wall of the end cap. This also allows a greater area of adhesion to the end cap and submits the adhesive bond with the end cap to shearing rather than peeling or longitudinal stresses. The adhesive may be provided through an opening through a side wall of the end cap. Provision through an opening in the side wall of the end cap can allow more direct and reliable provision of the adhesive into the cavity, which ultimately provides a more consistent and reliable mechanical bond and hermetic seal. The adhesive may be injected through the opening in the end cap. Injection of the adhesive under pressure through the opening in a side wall of the end cap allows more direct provision of the adhesive into the cavity and can reduce the amount of excess adhesive that needs to be applied, thus reducing the amount of adhesive wasted during the application process.

[0016] The cavity may comprise a recess provided in the fuse body. Including a recess in the fuse body in the cavity can allow the adhesive to flow into the recess and thus improve the mechanical engagement of the adhesive and the end cap with the fuse body.

[0017] The recess may comprise a groove provided on an outer surface of the fuse body. The provision of a groove may allow an improved resistance to forces acting in a direction lateral to the groove, without the need to fill as large a volume as in the case that the recess were of the same dimension in both latitudinal and longitudinal directions.

[0018] The recess may extend around the fuse body in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the fuse body. This allows an improved mechanical bond between the adhesive and the fuse body, which is particularly resistant to forces along the axis of the fuse body.

[0019] The groove may circumnavigate the fuse body. This may allow adhesive to flow right around the fuse body, allowing a single opening to permit provision of adhesive to the entirety of a recess circumnavigating the fuse body. A groove or recess which circumnavigates the fuse body can give a bond of improved strength.

[0020] The method according to the present invention may further comprise the step of providing an inner end cap on the fuse body, the inner end cap having a larger diameter than the fuse body, to form an end wall of the cavity.

[0021] This allows a cavity of the desired dimensions to be formed between the end cap and the fuse body, without the need for the provision of any specific features on the outer surface of the fuse body. This can reduce the time and cost of the manufacturing and assembly processes.

[0022] The method according to the present invention may further comprise the step of providing a shoulder on an outer surface of the fuse body to form an end wall of the cavity. This allows the cavity to be provided with an end wall without the need for additional components.

[0023] The method may further comprise the steps of:

providing a reduced radius end section to the fuse body, the reduced radius end section having a smaller outer radius than a main section of the fuse body to create a shoulder forming an end wall of the cavity;

providing an inner end cap on the reduced radius end section, the inner end cap having an outer radius greater than the radius of the reduced radius end section such that the cavity is created between the main section and the inner end cap. This allows the creation of a cavity for receiving the adhesive without the need for additional components to create end walls to the cavity.

[0024] The method according to the present invention may further comprise the step of providing a seal between the fuse body and the end cap. This seal can act to prevent adhesive from escaping through a gap between the fuse body and the end cap to ensure that adhesive provided through the opening flows into and around the cavity, rather than exiting the cavity through the gap between the fuse body and the open end of the end cap.

[0025] The seal may be any one of an o-ring seal, a band, a grommet, a rubber seal, or other sealing means.

[0026] The seal may be positioned to prevent adhesive exiting the cavity between the fuse body and the end cap. This ensures that adhesive applied through the opening flows into and around the cavity rather than exiting the cavity between the fuse body and the end cap.

[0027] The seal may provide an end wall of the cavity. This allows the creation of an end wall for the cavity, without the need for additional features on the fuse body, or other additional components.

[0028] The method according to the present invention may further comprise the step of providing a protrusion or indentation in the inner profile of the end cap, located over the cavity when the end cap is assembled onto the fuse, such that adhesive in the cavity contacts the protrusion or indentation. This may improve the mechanical and hermetic bond between the adhesive and the end cap.

[0029] The method may further comprise the step of deforming an edge of the end cap towards its interior to provide a protrusion toward the interior of the end cap. This can further improve the mechanical bond and hermetic seal of the adhesive to the end cap.

[0030] The method may further comprise the step of curing the adhesive at an elevated temperature after injecting it into the cavity.

[0031] The method may further comprise the step of preheating the fuse body prior to providing the adhesive. This can elevate the temperature of the adhesive once in the cavity to reduce its viscosity and cause it to flow better around the cavity. Heating the fuse body can also cause any air within the fuse body to expand, thus expelling some of the air from the fuse body prior to forming the hermetic seal with the adhesive.

[0032] The method may further comprise the step of vibrating the fuse after injecting the resin into the void. This may cause the resin to flow more evenly throughout the cavity after it has been provided into the cavity.

[0033] In a known method of assembling a fuse, the following steps may be carried out:

a first end of a fuse assembly comprising a fuse body and an end cap is preheated;

adhesive applied to the first end according to a known method;

the adhesive cured;

a second end, assembled with an end cap of the fuse assembly is preheated;

adhesive is applied to the second end;

the second end is cured; and

the fuse is then temperature stressed in an oven.

[0034] The method of the invention, when applied to a fuse assembly having a fuse body and 2 end caps, may further comprise the steps of:

preheating the fuse body and end caps in an oven;

providing adhesive to first and second ends of the fuse in accordance with the method of the present invention;

curing the adhesive in an oven;

stressing the fuse assembly in an oven at an elevated temperature.

[0035] These method steps provide a reduced process time as compared to a known method described above:

The present invention further provides an electrical fuse assembly, comprising:

a fuse body having an outer surface;

a fuse end cap comprising:

an end wall section;

a side wall section extending from the end wall section; at least one opening through the side wall section, located over a cavity between the fuse body and the end cap, characterised by an adhesive disposed in the cavity.

[0036] The adhesive may be a resin.

[0037] The electrical fuse assembly may further comprise a seal disposed between the fuse body and the end cap to prevent adhesive exiting the space between the end cap and the fuse body.

[0038] The present invention may further provide a fuse end cap comprising:

an end wall section;

a side wall section extending from the end wall section;

at least one opening through the side wall section.

[0039] The fuse end cap may further comprise a protrusion or an indentation in the inner profile of the side wall section for improving adherence on adhesive to the end cap.

[0040] The fuse end cap may further comprise a second opening through the side wall section.

[0041] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a known method of injecting adhesive into a fuse end cap assembly;

Figure 2 shows an example of fuse assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a section of a fuse body;

Figure 4 shows a fuse sub-assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a fuse end cap assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration of a fuse assembly in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a further alternative configuration of a fuse assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a further alternative arrangement according to the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a further alternative arrangement according to the present invention;

Figure 10 a further alternative arrangement to an end cap assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 11 shows an end cap assembly according to the present invention; and

Figure 12 shows an alternative arrangement of an end cap assembly according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates the known method of adhering an end cap to a fuse body described above. The figure shows a section of a fuse body 1 and end cap 11 assembled in a similar way to those shown in Figure 2. Dashed line 12 represents a cut out of the fuse body and end cap equivalent to dashed line 2A shown in Figure 2.

[0043] In Figure 1, adhesive 13 is provided under pressure from a syringe 14 in this particular example. Any other means of providing adhesive, under pressure or otherwise, may also be used in the present invention. Adhesive 13 flows into a space 15 between an end cap 11 and fuse body 1 in the direction of arrow 16. If an adhesive of relatively high viscosity is used, adhesive may tend to build up in the gap between the end cap and fuse body 1. The adhesive may be able to flow out of the gap toward area 17 more easily than it can flow in the direction of arrow 16. To ensure, as far as is possible, that sufficient adhesive has descended in the direction of arrow 16, an excess of adhesive is provided under pressure and adhesive will therefore exit the gap and create unwanted adhesive in areas such as that indicated by numeral 17. As discussed above, excess adhesive in these areas must be removed and this results in significant waste.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a fuse end cap assembly 2 in accordance with the present invention. End cap 21 is assembled on fuse body 1. Optional inner end cap 22 and optional washer 23 have been assembled on to the fuse body. A cavity 24, between the end cap and the fuse body is provided for receiving adhesive. Adhesive may be provided to the cavity via a first opening 25 and/or optional second opening 26 in the end cap. Optional o-ring seal 27 is shown, positioned to prevent adhesive exiting cavity 24 through the gap between the fuse end cap and the fuse body. Further optional protrusions 28 and indentations 29 are shown on the inner wall of the end cap. Optional curl 29a may also be provided to improve mechanical engagement of the end cap with the fuse body. Dashed circles 2A and 2B represent cut-out sections of the figure referred to in other figures.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a section of fuse body 1 upon which an optional portion of reduced diameter 31 has been provided, such that a shoulder 32 appears on the outer surface of the fuse body. The shoulder shown comprises a smooth radius extending out to a sharp corner 33. However, a shoulder may be understood to be any change in diameter or radius on the outer surface of the fuse body.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a sub-assembly of fuse body 1, having optional shoulder 32. Optional inner end cap 22 is shown assembled on to the end of fuse body 1 and may be held in place by an interference fit or any other suitable means of fixation. Optional seal 41 is shown pre-assembled onto fuse body 1.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the subassembly shown in Figure 4, with the addition of fuse end cap 51, assembled onto fuse body 1 and optional inner end cap 22. A cavity 52 is created between the outer wall of fuse body 1 and an inner wall of end cap 51. Seal 41 is shown, in this particular example providing an end wall to cavity 52. End cap 51 may further comprise optional flared portion 56. Flared portion 56 may ease assembly of the end cap onto fuse body 1. Where seal 41 is present, flared portion 56 may act to ease the placement of end cap 51 over seal 41. An opening 53 through end cap 51 is shown for providing adhesive into cavity 52. Opening 53 is shown in this particular example located toward the end 55 of the cavity nearest the open end 54 of the fuse end cap 51. Opening 53 could be located at any position over the cavity, however it can be advantageous to have the opening located away from inner end cap 41, toward the end of cavity 52 nearest the open end of the end cap 51. This is because it will create the greatest distance between inner end cap 41 and opening 53. The seal between the adhesive and the end cap 51 will be created over a distance starting at a point toward the open end of the fuse body 1 where adhesive first contacts end cap 51, i.e. generally at inner end cap 41. The seal ends where the adhesive stops, toward the opposite end of cavity 52. However, there exists a shorter sealed distance where opening 53 interrupts the seal between the adhesive and the end cap. This may create a potential weakness in the seal and therefore placing the opening 53 at a point toward reduces the potential weakness in the seal which may be introduced by opening 53.

[0048] Figure 6 shows a similar assembly to that shown in Figure 5, however a recess 61 has been provided in the fuse body 1. When adhesive is provided through opening 62 into cavity 52, the adhesive will now flow into recess 61. The resultant advantage is that, when cured, the adhesive achieves an improved mechanical engagement and hermetic seal with fuse body 1.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a further alternative configuration of fuse body 1. Cavity 52 is now delimited by protrusions 71 and 72 provided on the outer surface of the fuse body. The protrusions here are shown with a square profile, however, any protrusion extending away from outer surface 74 of the fuse body towards end cap 51 would perform similar function. With this arrangement, adhesive provided through opening 73, when cured, can provide an improved mechanical and hermetic seal between end cap 51 and fuse body 1. In addition to being provided in the position shown, seal 41 may also be provided between an outer surface of protrusion 71 and the end cap 51.

[0050] A further alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 8. In this arrangement, inner end cap 22 provides a first end wall to cavity 52. A shoulder 81 is provided to form a second end wall to cavity 52. Although a right angled shoulder is shown here, any change in diameter of the fuse body may suitably perform the function of an end wall to cavity 52. The shoulder 81, in combination with seal 41 acts to prevent adhesive provided through opening 82 exiting through the open end 83 of the end cap. The provision of shoulder 81, in this particular case, results in a smaller gap between surface 84 of fuse body 1 and the end cap and therefore seal 41 does not need to seal the entire depth of cavity 52 from surface 85 of fuse body 1 to surface 86 of end cap 51. Therefore a smaller sized seal may be used.

[0051] Figure 9 shows alternative features which may act to improve the mechanical and hermetic seal between end cap 51 and fuse body 1. Protrusions 91 and indentations 92 are shown on inner surface 93 of end cap 51. Features 91 and 92 may be used either separately or in combination and each may act to improve the mechanical and hermetic seal once adhesive is injected into cavity 52 via opening 94. An alternative means of improving the adhesive with the inner wall of the end cup may be to provide knurling on the inner wall.

[0052] Curled section 95 may be formed on the open end of the side wall of end cap 51. Feature 95 can maintain seal 41 in position and also further improve the mechanical engagement of end cap 51 with fuse body 1.

[0053] Figure 10 shows a further alternative arrangement which may improve the mechanical and hermetic seal between fuse body 1 and end cap 51. An indentation 101 is created in the outer surface of end cap 51, resulting in a protrusion into cavity 52, which may optionally be provided with recess 61. Feature 101 may be created by a spinning operation on the end cap after assembling the end cap onto fuse body 1. The feature may be created before assembly onto the fuse body, as shown in Figure 9. However where recess 61 is provided and indentation 101 is of sufficient depth to protrude into recess 61, then the mechanical and hermetic seal between fuse end cap 51 and fuse body 1, once adhesive is provided into cavity 52 via opening 102 may be further improved.

[0054] Figure 11 shows the arrangement of Figure 9, where cavity 52 has been filled with adhesive via opening 94.

[0055] Figure 12 shows a further alternative arrangement wherein a recess 121 has been provided in outer surface 122 of fuse body 1 to improve the mechanical and hermetic seal between end cap 51 and fuse body 1. Recess 121 is shown having a curved profile, however, this recess could take any form, such as the right-angled form shown in Figure 6, or any other form of indentation in the outer surface of the fuse body. The recess or indentation 121 in the fuse body may extend all or a part of the way around the fuse body and may form a groove extending around the fuse body. Any of these configurations may provide improved adherence of the adhesive to the fuse body.

Claims

1. A method of assembling an electrical fuse, comprising the steps of:

providing a fuse body (1);

providing an end cap (11) on an end of the fuse body such that a cavity (24,52) is created between the fuse body and the end cap characterised by:

the fuse end cap having at least one opening located over the cavity; and

providing an adhesive material, through the opening in the end cap, into the cavity to adhere the end cap to the fuse.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a second opening (26) is provided in the end cap, over the cavity, to allow air to escape from the cavity as adhesive is provided through the first opening; wherein the second opening is preferably located on an opposite side of the end cap (11) to the first opening.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein adhesive is provided through the first (25) and second (26) openings, the adhesive preferably being provided through the second opening after adhesive is provided through the first opening.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive is provided through an opening through a side wall of the end cap; wherein the adhesive is preferably injected through the opening.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cavity (24) is formed between a side wall of the fuse body and the end cap and wherein the cavity preferably comprises a recess (61) provided in the fuse body (1) or a groove provided on an outer surface of the fuse body.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the recess (61) extends around the fuse body (1) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the fuse body; or wherein the groove circumnavigates the fuse body.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of:

providing an inner end cap (22) on the fuse body (1), the inner end cap having a larger diameter than the fuse body, to form an end wall of the cavity; or

providing a shoulder (81) on an outer surface of the fuse body to form an end wall of the cavity.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of:

providing a reduced radius end section to the fuse body (1), the reduced radius end section having a smaller outer radius than a main section of the fuse body to create a shoulder (81) forming an end wall of the cavity;

providing an inner end cap (22) on the reduced radius end section, the inner end cap having an outer radius greater than the radius of the reduced radius end section such that the cavity is created between the main section and the inner end cap.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing a seal (41) between the fuse body and the end cap;
wherein the seal is preferably any one of an o-ring seal, a band, a grommet, a rubber seal, or other sealing means;
wherein the seal is preferably positioned to prevent adhesive exiting the cavity (52) between the fuse body and the end cap; and
wherein the seal preferably provides an end wall of the cavity.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing a protrusion (28) or an indentation (29) in the inner profile of the end cap, located over the cavity (24) when the end cap is assembled onto the fuse, such that adhesive in the cavity contacts the protrusion or indentation.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of deforming an edge (29a) of the end cap (21) toward its interior to provide a protrusion toward the interior of the end cap.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of curing the adhesive at an elevated temperature after injecting it into the cavity, the method preferably further comprising the step of pre-heating the fuse body prior to providing the adhesive; and preferably further comprising the step of vibrating the fuse after injecting the adhesive into the cavity.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of:

preheating the fuse body (1) and end caps (21) in an oven;

providing adhesive to first and second ends of the fuse in accordance with the method of claim 1;

curing the adhesive in an oven;

stressing the fuse assembly in an oven at an elevated temperature.

14. An electrical fuse assembly, comprising:

a fuse body (1) having an outer surface;

a fuse end cap (21) comprising:

an end wall section;

a side wall section extending from the end wall section;

at least one opening (25,26) through the side wall section,

located over a cavity (24) between the fuse body and the end cap; characterised by:

an adhesive disposed in the cavity, the adhesive preferably being a resin.

15. An electrical fuse assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a seal (41) disposed between the fuse body and the end cap to prevent adhesive exiting the space between the end cap and the fuse body.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zur Montage einer elektrischen Sicherung, das folgende Schritte umfasst:

Bereitstellen eines Sicherungskörpers (1),

Bereitstellen einer Endkappe (11) an einem Ende des Sicherungskörpers, sodass eine Vertiefung (24, 52) zwischen dem Sicherungskörper und der Endkappe geschaffen wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

die Endkappe der Sicherung wenigstens eine Öffnung hat, die über der Vertiefung angebracht ist, und

ein Klebstoffmaterial bereitstellt, das durch die Öffnung in der Endkappe in die Vertiefung geht, um die Endkappe an die Sicherung zu kleben.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine zweite Öffnung (26) in der Endkappe über der Vertiefung bereitgestellt wird, um ein Entweichen von Luft von der Vertiefung zu ermöglichen, wenn Klebstoff durch die erste Öffnung bereitgestellt wird, wobei die zweite Öffnung vorzugsweise auf einer gegenüberliegenden Seite der Endkappe (11) der ersten Öffnung angebracht ist.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Klebstoff durch die erste (25) und zweite (26) Öffnung bereitgestellt wird, wobei der Klebstoff vorzugsweise durch die zweite Öffnung bereitgestellt wird, nachdem der Klebstoff durch die erste Öffnung bereitgestellt wird.

4. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Klebstoff durch eine Öffnung in der Seitenwand der Endkappe bereitgestellt wird, wobei der Klebstoff vorzugsweise durch die Öffnung eingespritzt wird.

5. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Vertiefung (24) zwischen der Seitenwand des Sicherungskörpers und der Endkappe gebildet wird, und wobei die Vertiefung vorzugsweise eine Aussparung (61) umfasst, die im Sicherungskörper (1) oder in einer Rille, die an einer Außenfläche des Sicherungskörpers vorhanden ist, bereitgestellt wird.

6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, wobei sich die Aussparung (61) um den Sicherungskörper (1) herum in einer Richtung erstreckt, die im rechten Winkel zur Achse des Sicherungskörpers ist, oder wobei die Rille den Sicherungskörper umgeht.

7. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner folgende Schritte umfasst:

Bereitstellen einer inneren Endkappe (22) am Sicherungskörper (1), wobei die innere Endkappe einen größeren Durchmesser als den Sicherungskörper hat, um eine Endwand der Vertiefung zu bilden, oder

Bereitstellen einer Schulter (81) an einer Außenfläche des Sicherungskörpers, um eine Endwand der Vertiefung zu bilden.

8. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner folgende Schritte umfasst:

Bereitstellen eines reduzierten Endabschnitts am Sicherungskörper (1), wobei der reduzierte Radius des Endabschnitts einen kleineren äußeren Radius hat, als ein Hauptbereich des Sicherungskörpers, um eine Schulter (81) zu schaffen, die eine Endwand der Vertiefung bildet,

Bereitstellen einer inneren Endkappe (22) am reduzierten Radius des Endabschnitts, wobei die innere Endkappe einen äußeren Radius hat, der größer als der Radius des reduzierten Radius des Endabschnitts ist, sodass die Vertiefung zwischen dem Hauptbereich und der inneren Endkappe geschaffen wird.

9. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner den Schritt der Bereitstellung einer Dichtung (41) zwischen dem Sicherungskörper und der Endkappe umfasst,
wobei die Dichtung vorzugsweise eine von einer O-Ring-Dichtung, einem Band, einer Durchführung, einer Gummidichtung oder anderen Dichtungsmitteln ist,
wobei die Dichtung vorzugsweise so positioniert ist, dass sie verhindert, dass Klebstoff von der Vertiefung (52) zwischen dem Sicherungskörper und der Endkappe austritt, und
wobei die Dichtung vorzugsweise eine Endwand der Vertiefung bereitstellt.

10. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner den Schritt der Bereitstellung eines Vorsprungs (28) oder eines Eindrucks (29) im inneren Profil der Endkappe umfasst, die über der Vertiefung (24) angebracht ist, wenn die Endkappe an der Sicherung montiert ist, sodass der Klebstoff in der Vertiefung den Vorsprung oder den Eindruck enthält.

11. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner den Schritt des Verformens einer Kante (29a) der Endkappe (21) in Richtung des Inneren umfasst, um einen Vorsprung in Richtung des Inneren der Endkappe bereitzustellen.

12. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner den Schritt des Härtens des Klebers bei einer erhöhten Temperatur umfasst, nachdem er in die Vertiefung eingespritzt wird, wobei das Verfahren vorzugsweise den Schritt des Vorheizens des Sicherungskörpers vor dem Bereitstellen des Klebers umfasst, und vorzugsweise ferner den Schritt des Vibrierens der Sicherung umfasst, nachdem der Klebstoff in die Vertiefung eingespritzt wurde.

13. Verfahren nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, das ferner folgende Schritte umfasst:

Vorheizen des Sicherungskörpers (1) und der Endkappen (21) in einem Ofen,

Bereitstellen eines Klebstoffs am ersten und zweiten Ende der Sicherung gemäß des Verfahrens nach Anspruch 1,

Aushärten des Klebstoffs in einem Ofen,

wobei die Montage der Sicherung in einem Ofen bei erhöhter Temperatur belastet wird.

14. Elektrische Sicherungsmontage, die Folgendes umfasst:

einen Sicherungskörper (1), der eine Außenfläche hat,

eine Sicherungsendkappe (21), die Folgendes umfasst:

einen Endwandbereich,

einen Seitenwandbereich, der sich vom Endwandbereich erstreckt,

wenigstens eine Öffnung (25, 26) durch den Seitenwandbereich,

die über einer Vertiefung (24) zwischen dem Sicherungskörper und der Endkappe angebracht ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet,

dass ein Klebstoff in der Vertiefung angeordnet ist, wobei der Klebstoff vorzugsweise ein Harz ist.

15. Elektrischer Sicherungsaufbau nach Anspruch 14, der ferner eine Dichtung (41) umfasst, die zwischen dem Sicherungskörper und der Endkappe angeordnet ist, um ein Austreten des Klebstoffs im Raum zwischen der Endkappe und des Sicherungskörpers zu verhindern.

Revendications

1. Procédé d'assemblage d'un fusible électrique, comprenant les étapes consistant à :

fournir un corps de fusible (1) ;

fournir un capuchon d'extrémité (11) sur une extrémité du corps du fusible de manière à ce qu'une cavité (24, 52) soit créée entre le corps du fusible et le capuchon d'extrémité, caractérisé par :

le fait que le capuchon d'extrémité a au moins une ouverture située au-dessus de la cavité ; et à

fournir une matière adhésive, à travers l'ouverture dans le capuchon d'extrémité, à l'intérieur de la cavité pour faire adhérer le capuchon d'extrémité au fusible.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel une deuxième ouverture (26) est prévue dans le capuchon d'extrémité, au-dessus de la cavité, pour permettre à de l'air de s'échapper de la cavité tandis que de l'adhésif est fourni à travers la première ouverture ; cette deuxième ouverture étant située de préférence sur un côté opposé du capuchon d'extrémité (11) par rapport à la première ouverture.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel de l'adhésif est fourni à travers les première (25) et deuxième (26) ouvertures, cet adhésif étant fourni de préférence à travers la deuxième ouverture après que de l'adhésif a été fourni à travers la première ouverture.

4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'adhésif est fourni à travers une ouverture à travers une paroi latérale du capuchon d'extrémité ; l'adhésif étant injecté de préférence à travers cette ouverture.

5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la cavité (24) est formée entre une paroi latérale du corps du fusible et le capuchon d'extrémité et dans lequel la cavité comprend de préférence un évidement (61) prévu dans le corps du fusible (1) ou une gorge prévue sur une surface extérieure du corps du fusible.

6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'évidement (61) s'étend autour du corps du fusible (1) dans une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe du corps du fusible ; ou dans lequel la gorge fait le tour du corps du fusible.

7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à :

fournir un capuchon d'extrémité interne (22) sur le corpos du fusible (1), ce capuchon d'extrémité interne ayant un diamètre plus grand que le corps du fusible, afin de former une paroi extrême de la cavité ; ou à

fournir un épaulement (81) sur une surface extérieure du corps du fusible afin de former une paroi extrême de la cavité.

8. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à :

fournir une section extrême à rayon réduit sur le corps du fusible (1), cette section extrême à rayon réduit ayant un rayon externe plus petit qu'une section principale du corps du fusible afin de créer un épaulement (81) formant une paroi extrême de la cavité ;

fournir un capuchon d'extrémité interne (22) sur la section extrême à rayon réduit, ce capuchon d'extrémité interne ayant un rayon externe plus grand que le rayon de la section extrême à rayon réduit de manière à ce que la cavité soit créée entre la section principale et le capuchon d'extrémité interne.

9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à fournir un joint d'étanchéité (41) entre le corps du fusible et le capuchon d'extrémité ;
dans lequel ce joint d'étanchéité est de préférence n'importe lequel des éléments suivants : un joint torique, une bande, une bague, un joint d'étanchéité en caoutchouc ou un autre moyen d'étanchéité ;
dans lequel le joint d'étanchéité est positionné de préférence de façon à empêcher l'adhésif de sortir de la cavité (52) entre le corps du fusible et le chapeau d'extrémité ; et
dans lequel le joint d'étanchéité fournit de préférence une paroi extrême de la cavité.

10. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à fournir une saillie (28) ou un renfoncement (29) dans le profil interne du capuchon d'extrémité, situés au-dessus de la cavité (24) lorsque le capuchon d'extrémité est assemblé sur le fusible, de manière à ce que l'adhésif dans la cavité entre en contact avec la saillie ou le renfoncement.

11. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à déformer un bord (29a) du capuchon d'extrémité (21) vers son intérieur de façon à fournir une saillie vers l'intérieur du capuchon d'extrémité.

12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à faire durcir l'adhésif à une température élevée après l'avoir injecté dans la cavité, ce procédé comprenant en outre, de préférence, l'étape consistant à préchauffer le corps du fusible avant de fournir l'adhésif ; et comprenant en outre, de préférence, l'étape consistant à faire vibrer le fusible après avoir injecté l'adhésif dans la cavité.

13. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à :

préchauffer le corps du fusible (1) et les capuchons d'extrémité (21) dans un four;

fournir de l'adhésif aux première et deuxième extrémités du fusible conformément au procédé de la revendication 1 ;

faire durcir l'adhésif dans un four ;

solliciter l'ensemble fusible dans un four à une température élevée.

14. Ensemble fusible électrique, comprenant :

un corps de fusible (1) ayant une surface externe ;

un capuchon d'extrémité de fusible (21) comprenant :

une section paroi extrême ;

une section paroi latérale s'étendant depuis la section paroi extrême ;

au moins une ouverture (25, 26) à travers la section paroi latérale, située au-dessus d'une cavité (24) entre le corps du fusible et le capuchon d'extrémité ; caractérisé par

un adhésif disposé dans la cavité, cet adhésif étant de préférence une résine.

15. Ensemble fusible électrique selon la revendication 14, comprenant en outre un joint d'étanchéité (41) disposé entre le corps du fusible et le chapeau d'extrémité de façon à empêcher l'adhésif de sortir de l'espace entre le capuchon d'extrémité et le corps du fusible.

Drawing