Bussed electrical center assembly with connector pre-set
US6126458A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/6215
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A bussed electrical center (BEC) assembly includes a BEC having a BEC connector on its lower surface, and a lower housing adapted to be secured in position within an automobile engine compartment. Flexible retaining arms extend upwardly from the housing and engage a connector and secure it in a pre-set position in the housing. When the BEC is later mounted to the housing, the connector is automatically aligned with the BEC connector and a shroud extending downwardly from the BEC contacts the retaining arms and deflects them outwardly so that the connector is released from the pre-set position and is free to slide upwardly toward the BEC connector. A bolt passes through the BEC connector and engages a captive nut in the connector so that rotation of the bolt draws the connector upwardly into engagement with the BEC connector. The apparatus permits the BEC to be installed in an automotive vehicle without requiring that the connector be mated with the lower side of the BEC before attaching the BEC to the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.