Hands free air bag electrical connector assembly
US6036223A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/635
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical connector assembly is provided for an air bag module mounted to a steering wheel. The air bag module includes an inflator and an air bag mounted to a base plate. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and second connector for interconnecting the inflator to an actuation control circuit. The first connector is attached to the air bag module and the second connector is attached to the steering wheel. Each of the connectors include a channel and a throughbore extending longitudinally therethrough. An electrical terminal is disposed in each of the channels to provide an electrical connection between the connectors when mated together. The electrical connector assembly further includes a fastener, preferably a stud, extending through the throughbores for locking the first and second connectors together and attaching the air bag module to the steering wheel. The stud also guides and aligns the connectors of the connector assembly to permit hands free mating of the connector assembly during the assembly of the air bag module to the steering wheel. The first connector includes a plurality of legs that slidably engage the air bag module and a spring membe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.