US5328388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular electrical connector
Assignee: Yazaki Corp
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Filing: 1993-05-28
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Granted: 1994-07-12
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Expires: 2013-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A modular connector for establishing multiple electrical connections through an opening in a vehicle body panel. A frame member, having opposite sides and mountable to the panel opening, has a means for sealing the body panel opening. The frame member has a plurality of connector module apertures. A cover, which is securable to one side of the frame member, has a plurality of connector module receptacles which correspond to and align with the connector module apertures. One or more female connector modules, each providing multiple terminals, mount in a receptacle in the cover and align with a frame opening. One or more male connector modules, each providing multiple terminals, aligns with a frame opening and mating to a corresponding female connector module. A means is provided for securing the female connector module to the male connector module.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E. Fust
- 👤 Seiji Kozono
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 06:42
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/73; H01R13/74; H01R13/46; H01R13/514; H01R13/516; H01R13/518
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A modular connector for establishing multiple electrical circuit connections through an opening in a vehicle body panel comprising: a frame member having opposite sides and mountable to the panel in surrounding and sealing relationship to said opening; said frame providing a plurality of connector module apertures; a cover means securable to one side of said frame; said cover means providing a plurality of connector module receptacles corresponding to and registrable with said connector module apertures; at least one female connector module providing multiple electrical circuit terminals therethrough and mountable in a receptacle of said cover to register with a frame opening; at least one male connector module providing multiple electrical circuit terminals therethrough and registrable with a frame opening on the opposite side thereof from said female connector module; and a means for securing said female connector module to said male connector module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A modular connector for establishing multiple electrical circuit connections through an opening in a vehicle body panel comprising: a frame member having opposite sides and mountable to the panel in surrounding and sealing relationship to said opening; said frame providing a plurality of connector module apertures; a cover means securable to one side of said frame; said cover means providing a plurality of connector module receptacles corresponding to and registrable with said connector module apertures; at least one female connector module providing multiple electrical circuit terminals therethrough and mountable in a receptacle of said cover to register with a frame opening; at least one male connector module providing multiple electrical circuit terminals therethrough and registrable with a frame opening on the opposite side thereof from said female connector module; and a means for securing said female connector module to said male connector module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, further including means for sealing the connector module apertures that do not receive a connector module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the securing means is a bolt in a connector module on one side of said frame which interacts with a nut in a connector module on the opposite side of said frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 3, in which the nut is molded into the connector module.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, in which said cover means includes a locking means which prevents the frame member from being mounted to the panel when said cover means is not properly mounted to the panel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the cover means includes at its inner walls a first keying means which interacts with said female connector module to ensure proper insertion of said female connector module into the cover means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 6, in which the first keying means is comprised of projections on said female connector module which interact with corresponding indentations in the cover means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, in which said female and male connector modules contain a second keying means which ensures proper orientation of said female connector module with said male connector module.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 8, in which the second keying means comprises projections on the male connector module which interact with corresponding indentations in the female connector module.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the connector modules contain a detent means for temporarily securing the female and male connector modules together until the connector modules are permanently connected.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 10, in which the detent means is comprised of protrusions on each of the connector modules; the protrusion on the male connector module slidably interacting with the protrusion on the female connector module.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the connector modules contain a spacing means which locks connector terminals in their proper location.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The modular connector as claimed in claim 12, in which the spacing means displaces a bendable member in the connector module to lock a terminal into the connector module.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
78 words
A covering assembly for use with electrical connector modules to secure the assembly to a vehicle body panel opening comprising: a cover means mountable to the body panel opening; said cover providing a plurality of connector module receptacles; at least one connector module mountable in a receptacle of said cover; said cover further comprising engageable members for securing said cover to said body panel opening; and said cover having a means for easily grasping and manipulating said cover.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
78 words
A covering assembly for use with electrical connector modules to secure the assembly to a vehicle body panel opening comprising: a cover means mountable to the body panel opening; said cover providing a plurality of connector module receptacles; at least one connector module mountable in a receptacle of said cover; said cover further comprising engageable members for securing said cover to said body panel opening; and said cover having a means for easily grasping and manipulating said cover.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The covering assembly as claimed in claim 14, in which the means for easily grasping and manipulating said cover comprises a handle integrally molded into said cover.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The covering assembly as claimed in claim 15, in which said handle extends substantially transversely to the fitting direction of said cover into the panel opening.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The covering assembly as claimed in claim 15, in which said handle is molded into said cover with one end free.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The covering assembly as claimed in claim 15, in which said handle further comprises integrally molded finger grips.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The covering assembly as claimed in claim 14, in which the means for easily grasping and manipulating said cover comprises an unobstructed surface to grasp and push against.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The covering assembly as claimed in claim 14, in which said cover means has at least one opening through which a wiring harness is routed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-07-11 | 1998-01-10 | 1998-07-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-07-11 | 2002-01-10 | 2002-07-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-07-11 | 2006-01-10 | 2006-07-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |