Description: TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, cassette relay structure for the fuse box, and more specifically, relates to a locking mechanism incorporated in the cassette relay structure, which restricts cantilevering, rattling issues, and misalignment in the cassette relay structure.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Automobiles are generally provided with various electric equipment along with electric connection boxes/fuse boxes by which a plurality of electric circuits is connected in a concentrated manner so as to transmit signals between the electric equipment. In order to supply electric power to various equipment, the fuse box is arranged at a suitable position in the motor vehicle. The fuse box is constructed in such a manner that various electric circuit units, such as many fuses and relays, can be put together.
[0003] The fuse box includes a casing whose interior is divided in longitudinal and transverse directions into a plurality of sections by partition walls such that multiple relay cassette fitting portions are formed respectively on the inner surfaces of the sections. Each of the relay cassette fitting portions is adapted to fixedly hold a module-like relay cassette or relay box cassettes.
[0004] Existing relay box cassettes shown in FIG. 1A include a base frame that is provided with openings to accommodate the cassette. The cassette is being inserted into the opening surrounded by the outer walls of the frame. One or more relays can be mounted on the upper surface of the cassette. However, the existing cassette relay structure has several limitations that are as follows:
• lack of locking provision
• cantilever action of the cassette.
• the rattling of the cassette
• misalignment due to movement in an upward and downward direction.
[0005] Therefore, it is desired to overcome the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and develop a compact, cost-effective, and efficient apparatus with notch provision to restrict the cantilever action, rattling issue, and misalignment of the cassette.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, cassette relay structure for fuse box, and more specifically, relates to a locking mechanism incorporated in the cassette relay structure.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that restricts the upward and downward movement of the cassette.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that prevents the cantilever action of the cassette.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that prevents the rattling of the cassette.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that can be easily assembled in less time and with reduced man-hour.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that enables easy fitment of the cassette.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a compact, cost-effective, and efficient relay cassette structure.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that enables the cassette to be effectively assembled with the base frame by a press-fit action.

SUMMARY
[0014] The present disclosure relates, in general, cassette relay structure for the fuse box, and more specifically, relates to a locking mechanism incorporated in the cassette relay structure, which restricts cantilevering, rattling issues, and misalignment in the cassette relay structure. The main objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawback, limitations, and shortcomings of the existing cassette relay structure and solution, by providing an apparatus having the cassette with notch provisions located on an outer surface of the cassette and oriented in opposite directions from each other. Further, the base frame is provided with pocket members on an inner surface, which engages and locks with the corresponding notches. Accordingly, this locking of the notches with the pocket member facilitates alignment of the cassette, locking of the cassette, restricts cantilever action, the rattling of the cassette, and restricts upward and downward movement of the cassette in the frame.
[0015] The present invention includes at least two notches on the cassette and at least two pocket members on the base frame to prevent cantilever action, and rattling effect, and to restrict the movement of the cassette in an upward direction and downward direction. The cassette can be effectively assembled with the base frame by press fit action. The cassette is held in a base frame with the lock and notches and prevents rattling of the cassette. In addition, the present invention includes a first rib member protruding from another outer surface of the cassette, which is adapted to align with a second rib member configured at another inner wall surface of the base frame so as to facilitate the notches to align, engage, and lock with the corresponding pocket members. The cassette in which electrical components e.g., the relay is mounted, can be easily inserted into an opening of the frame. The notch provision in the cassette enters into the corresponding pocket members on the frame, thereby preventing the cassette from being distorted after the cassette is mounted into the frame. Further, since the notches enter into the pocket members, therefore the apparatus can be kept compact.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a conventional cassette relay block structure.
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates an downward cantilever action of the conventional cassette relay structure of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 1C illustrates a upward cantilever action of the conventional cassette relay structure of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates exemplary views of the proposed cassette relay structure (apparatus), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the proposed apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[0023] FIG. 2C illustrates the movement of the apparatus in an upward direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 2D illustrates the movement of the apparatus in a downward direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of the cassette, base frame, and relay of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates an assembling stage of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1A, a conventional cassette relay structure 100 is disclosed. The conventional cassette relay structure 100 includes a base frame 102 and a cassette 104. The cassette 104 is inserted into an opening surrounded by outer walls on frame 102 and fixed in frame 102. The cantilever action of the cassette 104 upon application of a force on the conventional cassette relay structure 100 in an upward and downward direction is shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C respectively. The conventional cassette relay structure 100 has several limitations that are as follows:
• lack of notch provision
• cantilever action of the cassette.
• the rattling of the cassette
• misalignment due to movement in the upward and downward direction.
[0030] The proposed apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with the conventional cassette relay structure 100 providing an apparatus having the cassette with notch provisions located on an outer surface of the cassette and oriented in opposite directions from each other. Further, the base frame is provided with pocket members on an inner surface, which engages and locks with the corresponding notches. Accordingly, this locking of the notches with the pocket member facilitates alignment of the cassette, locking of the cassette, restricts cantilever action, the rattling of the cassette, and restricts upward and downward movement of the cassette in the frame. Further, the apparatus can be easily assembled reducing the time and man-hour for the assembly. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] The advantages achieved by the apparatus of the present disclosure can be clear from the embodiments provided herein. The notch provision enters into the pocket members on the frame, thereby preventing the cassette from being distorted after the cassette is mounted into the frame, and also preventing the fuse box from being distorted after the cassette is mounted. Further, since the notch enters into the pocket members, therefore the apparatus can be kept compact. The description of terms and features related to the present disclosure shall be clear from the embodiments that are illustrated and described; however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents of the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the following description.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B, and 3, the cassette relay structure 200 (also referred to as an apparatus 200, herein) is disclosed, which can be coupled to a fuse box through which multiple electric circuits can be connected together in a concentrated manner so as to transmit signals between the electric device mounted in a vehicle, and the like. The apparatus 200 can include a base frame 202 that can be in the shape of a rectangular case but not limited to the like. The base frame 202 can include side walls 218 including a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall that construct frame 202, with an opening 216 surrounded by the side walls 218. The base frame 202 further includes at least two pocket members (210-1, 210-2) formed at the first inner wall surface of the base frame 202.
[0033] The cassette 204 is inserted into the opening 216 and fixed into the base frame 202. The cassette 204 can include multiple relay-receiving chambers 212, a first rib member 214-1, and at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) (collectively referred to as notches, herein). Each relay-receiving chamber 212 can have a suitable shape space formed within the cassette 204 based on the dimension of a micro-relay 208 to be accommodated thereon. The respective relay-receiving chamber 212 can extend parallel to the direction in which the cassette 204 is inserted into the opening 216 of the base frame 202.
[0034] The relay-receiving chamber 212 of the cassette 204 can be provided with grooves 220 on its upper surface, where each groove 220 is adapted to accommodate one relay 208. The notches (206-1, 206-2) can protrude from the first outer surface of the cassette 204, where the notches (206-1, 206-2) are oriented in opposite directions and spaced by a predetermined distance from each other. The notches (206-1, 206-2) are adapted to engage with corresponding pocket members (210-1, 210-2) of the base frame 202 so as to fix the cassette 204 in the base frame 202 and restrict misalignment, cantilevering, and rattling of the cassette.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the notches (206-1, 206-2) can include a first notch 206-1, and a second notch 206-2. Further, the pocket members (210-1, 210-2) can include a first pocket member 210-1 and a second pocket member 210-2 having a channel, where the first notch 206-1 and the second notch 206-2 slidably engages with the corresponding pocket members (210-1, 210-2) to fit the cassette 204 into the frame 202.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the first notch 206-1 and second notch 206-2 can be separated at the predetermined distance and positioned at bottom of the first outer surface of the cassette 204. The first notch 206-1 can be oriented opposite to the second notch 206-2, such that the first notch 206-1 is facing upward and the second notch 206-2 is facing downward. In an implementation, the first notch 206-1 of the cassette 204 engages with the corresponding first pocket member 210-1 to restrict the movement of the cassette 204 in the upward direction. The second notch 206-2 of the cassette 204 engages with the corresponding second pocket member 210-2 to restrict the movement of the cassette 204 in the downward direction.
[0037] In an embodiment, a first rib member 214-1 can protrude from a second outer surface of the cassette 204. Further, a second rib member 214-2 can be formed on a respective second inner wall surface of frame 202. The first rib member 214-1 of the cassette 204 can facilitate alignment of the cassette 204 with the corresponding opposite second rib member 214-2 during insertion of the cassette 204 in the base frame 202. The first rib member 214-1 can engage with the corresponding opposite second rib member formed on the frame 202, so as to facilitate the notches (206-1, 206-2) of the cassette 204 to align, engage, and lock with the corresponding pocket members (210-1, 210-2) of the base frame 202.
[0038] One or more micro-relays 208 (also referred to as micro-relays 208, or relays 208 herein) can be mounted on the upper surface of the cassette 204. The micro-relays 208 are electric components adapted to supply power to the electronic device selected from a head lamp, tail lamp, motors, and the likes mounted on the vehicle and other structures.
[0039] The micro-relays 208 can include a set of terminals that can be electrically coupled to the corresponding electric contact of the fuse box mounted on the vehicle or structure to supply electrical power to the electronic device. Further, terminal fitting can be attached to the body of the fuse box so as to be electrically and mechanically connected to the set of terminals of the relay 208.
[0040] In an implementation, the cassette 204 can be inserted into the opening 216 of the frame 202, where the notches (206-1, 206-2) of the cassette 204 can engage and lock with the pocket members (210-1, 210-2) of the base frame 202. Further, the micro-relays 208 can be mounted on the respective grooves 220 of the cassette 204. Then, the terminal of the relay 208 can be electrically connected to the corresponding electric contact of the fuse box mounted on the vehicle or structure. As the first notch 206-1 and the second notch 206-2 protruding from the cassette 204 engage and lock with the corresponding first and second pocket members (210-1, 210-2) of the base frame 202, the proposed apparatus restricts misalignment, cantilevering, and rattling of the cassette 204. The first notch 206-1 engaged with the first pocket member 210-1 of the base frame 202 can restrict the movement or cantilevering of the cassette 204 in the upward direction. Further, the second notch 206-2 engaged with the second pocket member 210-2 of the base frame 202 can restrict the movement or cantilever of the cassette 204 in the downward direction.
[0041] Accordingly, the proposed apparatus 200 restricts the upward and downward movement of the cassette, prevents cantilever action of the cassette, and prevents rattling of the cassette. The apparatus can be easily assembled with reducing time and manpower. The apparatus enables easy fitment of the cassette 204 with base frame 202 by press fit action.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2C, the first notch 206-1 is facing upward and slidably fit the first pocket member 210-1 of the base frame 202, which restricts the movement of the cassette 204 in the upward direction.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2D, the second notch 206-2 is facing downward and slidably fit the second pocket member 210-2 of the base frame 202, which restricts the movement of the cassette 204 in the downward direction.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates an assembling stage of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary assembling stage of the proposed apparatus is disclosed. As illustrated, when the cassette 204 is inserted in the base frame 202, the first notch 206-1 of the cassette 204 can engage with the corresponding first pocket member 210-1 to restrict the movement of the cassette 204 in the upward direction. Further, the second notch 206-2 of the cassette 204 engages with the corresponding second pocket member 210-2 to restrict the movement of the cassette 204 in the downward direction.
[0045] Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with existing solutions, and provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient apparatus that restricts the cantilever action, rattling issue, and misalignment of the cassette.
[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 200 of the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0047] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that restricts the upward and downward movement of the cassette.
[0048] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that prevents the cantilever action of the cassette.
[0049] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that prevents the rattling of the cassette.
[0050] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be easily assembled in less time and with reduced man-hour.
[0051] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that enables easy fitment of the cassette.
[0052] The present disclosure provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient relay cassette structure.
[0053] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that enables the cassette to be effectively assembled with the base frame by a press-fit action.
, Claims: 1. An apparatus (200) to restrict cantilever action, rattling issue, and misalignment of relay cassette, the apparatus (200) comprising:
a base frame (202) comprising side walls (218) with an opening (216) between the side walls (218), defining the shape of the base frame (202), wherein at least two pocket members (210-1, 210-2) are configured on a first inner wall surface of the base frame (202);
a cassette (204) comprising at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) protruding from a first outer surface of the cassette (204), the cassette (204) is adapted to be inserted into the opening (216) of the base frame (202),
wherein the at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) are spaced by a predetermined distance and oriented in opposite directions from each other, the at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) are adapted to engage with the corresponding pocket members (210-1, 210-2) of the base frame (202) upon insertion of the cassette (204) in the base frame (202), which locks the cassette (204) in the base frame (202) and restricts misalignment, cantilevering, and rattling of the cassette (204).

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) comprise a first notch (206-1) and a second notch (206-2), wherein the first notch (206-1) is facing upward and the second notch (206-2) is facing downward, on the first inner wall surface of the base frame (202).

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least two pocket members (210-1, 210-2) comprise a first pocket member (210-1) and a second pocket member (210-2) having a channel, wherein the first notch (206-1) and the second notch (206-2) slidably engage with the channel of the corresponding pocket members (210-1, 210-2) to fit the cassette into the base frame (202).
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first notch (206-1) engages and locks with the first pocket member (210-1) of the base frame (202) to restrict the movement of the cassette (204) in an upward direction.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second notch (206-2) engages and locks with the second pocket member (210-2) of the base frame (202) to restrict the movement of the cassette (204) in a downward direction.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) are configured at bottom of the first outer surface of the cassette (204), and the at least two pocket members (210-1, 210-2) are configured at top of the first inner wall surface of the base frame (202).

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cassette comprises a first rib member (214-1) protruding from a second outer surface of the cassette (204), the first rib member (214-1) adapted to align with a second rib member (214-2) configured at a second inner wall surface of the base frame (202) to facilitate the at least two notches (206-1, 206-2) of the cassette (204) to align, engage, and lock with the corresponding pocket members (210-1, 210-2) of the base frame (202).

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cassette (204) is adapted to receive and accommodate one or more micro-relays (208) thereon, wherein a set of terminals associated with the one or more micro-relays (208) are configured to supply electrical power to one or more electronic devices.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cassette (204) is provided with grooves (220) on the upper surface of the cassette (204), the grooves (220) adapted to accommodate the corresponding micro-relays (208) thereon.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the set of terminals extends from the bottom of the one or more micro-relays and extends through bottom of the base frame (202), the set of terminals configured to be electrically coupled to electric contacts of a fuse box mounted on a vehicle to supply electrical power to the one or more electronic devices, wherein the one or more electronic devices is selected from headlamp, motor, and any combination thereof.