Trap for a vehicle defroster system

Abstract

A trap (200) includes a housing (210) having a base (220) including a substrate (240). The housing has a wire passage (250), an inductor recess (260), and a terminal recess (280). The housing has a capacitor recess (270) that receives a capacitor (214). The trap includes a defroster wire (216) having a wire end (218) received in the wire passage. The defroster wire extends from the housing to connect to a vehicle defroster circuit (108). The trap includes an inductor (212) supported by the substrate. The inductor is received in the inductor recess. The inductor has a coil (264) extending between a first end (266) and a second end (268). The first end is coupled to the wire end of the defroster wire. The trap includes a ground terminal (282) supported by the substrate. The ground terminal is received in the terminal recess. The ground terminal is electrically connected to a ground circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article generally deals with notch filter systems used in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles such as automobiles include a rear window defroster system for defrosting the rear window. The rear window defroster system includes a heated grille spanning the rear window. The system includes a positive side connected to the vehicle's battery and a negative side connected to electrical ground. Some vehicles utilize the heated grille wires as antenna circuitry. Such vehicles use a notch filter system to electrically isolate the vehicle's defroster circuitry from the vehicle's battery or other electrical systems. The notch filter system includes a positive-side notch filter and a negative-side notch filter. The positive-side notch filter includes different components than the negative-side notch filter, leading to a design of two completely different components, which increases the overall cost of the notch filter system.

[0003] The problem to be solved is to provide a cost-effective and reliable notch filter system for vehicle defrosting systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The aforementioned problem is solved by a notch filter comprising a housing having a base including a substrate. The housing has a conductor channel, an inductor recess, and a terminal recess. The housing has a capacitor recess for receiving a capacitor. The notch filter includes a defrost wire having a wire end received in the conductor channel. The defrost wire extends from the housing to connect to a vehicle defrost circuit. The notch filter includes an inductor supported by the substrate. The inductor is received in the inductor recess. The inductor has a coil extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the wire end of the defrost wire. The notch filter includes a ground terminal supported by the substrate. The ground terminal is received in the terminal recess. The ground terminal is electrically connected to a grounding circuit. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 A vehicle with a vehicle defrosting system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a notch filter system for a vehicle defrost system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the notch filter in a notch filter system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5This is a partial exploded perspective view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a side view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the notch filter in a notch filter system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a notch filter according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1 A vehicle 100 having a vehicle defrost system 102 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The vehicle defrost system 102 is disposed at the rear window 104 of the vehicle 100. The vehicle defrost system 102 includes a plurality of heater elements 106 spanning the rear window 104. The heater elements 106 are electrically connected to a vehicle defrost circuit 108 of the vehicle defrost system 102. The vehicle defrost circuit 108 is activated to heat the heater elements 106, for example, by resistance heating, to defrost the rear window 104. The vehicle defrost circuit 108 includes a positive circuit 110 on a positive side 112 and a negative circuit 114 on a negative side 114. In various embodiments, the positive circuit 110 includes a busbar electrically connected to the heater elements 106 on the positive side 112, and the negative circuit 114 includes a busbar electrically connected to the heater elements 106 on the negative side 116.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle defroster circuit 108 is electrically connected to the battery 118 of the vehicle 100. The battery 118 supplies power to the vehicle defroster circuit 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a notch filter system 120 for electrically isolating the vehicle defroster circuit 108 (e.g., heater element 106) from the battery 118 or other electrical systems of the vehicle 100. The notch filter system 120 allows conductors of the vehicle defroster circuit 108 to be used for radio receiving purposes. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle defroster circuit 108 serves as an antenna for the vehicle 100, such as an FM antenna and / or an AM antenna. The notch filter system 120 reduces interference from the vehicle defroster circuit 108.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the notch filter system 120 includes a positive notch filter 200 electrically connected to the positive side 112 of a vehicle defrost circuit 108 and a negative notch filter 300 electrically connected to the negative side 116 of the vehicle defrost circuit 108. The positive notch filter 200 includes a housing 210 that holds components configured to be electrically connected to the positive circuit 110 of the vehicle defrost circuit 108 and configured to be electrically connected to a battery 118. The positive notch filter 200 can be connected to the battery 118 via a wire, a pluggable electrical connection, or other types of electrical connection. The negative notch filter 300 includes a housing 310 that holds components configured to be electrically connected to the negative circuit 114 of the vehicle defrost circuit 108. The negative notch filter 300 can be connected to the negative circuit 114 via a wire, a pluggable electrical connection, or other types of electrical connection.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a notch filter system 120 and a vehicle defroster system 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, a positive notch filter 200 is disposed at the power supply of the positive circuit 110 of the vehicle defroster circuit 108 on the positive side 112. A negative notch filter 300 is disposed at the power supply of the negative circuit 114 of the vehicle defroster circuit 108 on the negative side 116.

[0022] The positive notch filter 200 includes a defrost conductor 202 configured to be coupled to the positive circuit 110 of the vehicle defrost circuit 108. The positive notch filter 200 includes a ground conductor 204 configured to be electrically grounded. The positive notch filter 200 includes a battery conductor 206 configured to be electrically connected to the battery 118. In various embodiments, the defrost conductor 202 and / or the ground conductor 204 and / or the battery conductor 206 may include wires. In various embodiments, the defrost conductor 202 and / or the ground conductor 204 and / or the battery conductor 206 may include pluggable electrical connectors. In various embodiments, the defrost conductor 202 and / or the ground conductor 204 and / or the battery conductor 206 may include screw terminal connectors.

[0023] Housing 210 holds and / or receives defrost conductor 202, ground conductor 204, and battery conductor 206. Housing 210 holds inductor 212 configured to be electrically connected to defrost conductor 202 and battery conductor 206. Housing 210 holds at least one capacitor 214 configured to be electrically connected to ground conductor 204 and battery conductor 206. In an exemplary embodiment, housing 210 holds a high-frequency capacitor, such as for an FM antenna, and a low-frequency capacitor, such as for an AM antenna.

[0024] The negative notch filter 300 includes a defrost conductor 302 configured to connect to a negative circuit 114 of the vehicle defrost circuit 108. The negative notch filter 300 includes a ground conductor 304 configured to be electrically grounded. In various embodiments, the defrost conductor 302 and / or the ground conductor 304 may include electrical wires. In various embodiments, the defrost conductor 302 and / or the ground conductor 304 may include pluggable electrical connectors. In various embodiments, the defrost conductor 302 and / or the ground conductor 304 may include screw terminal connectors.

[0025] Housing 310 retains and / or receives defrost conductor 302 and ground conductor 304. Housing 310 retains inductor 312, which is configured to be electrically connected to defrost conductor 302 and ground conductor 304. In an exemplary embodiment, housing 310 is identical to housing 210, such that the same housing structure can be used for positive notch filter 200 or negative notch filter 300 to reduce the cost and complexity of notch filter system 120. Housing 310 can be manufactured using the same mold as housing 210. Housing 310 may include space for holding capacitors, even if negative notch filter housing 310 does not have any capacitors. Housings 210, 310 include positioning features to guide and position components of notch filter 200, 300 within housings 210, 310. In an exemplary embodiment, inductor 312 is identical to inductor 212, such that the same inductor structure can be used for positive notch filter 200 or negative notch filter 300 to reduce the cost and complexity of notch filter system 120. In an exemplary embodiment, other components of notch filters 200 and 300 may be identical, such as wires and terminals, so that the same components can be used for either the positive notch filter 200 or the negative notch filter 300, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the notch filter system 120. Using the same components throughout the notch filter system 120 reduces the number of parts and tooling costs in manufacturing the notch filter system 120.

[0026] Figure 3This is a partially exploded perspective view of a positive notch filter 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing an electrical connector 208 configured to connect to the positive notch filter 200. The notch filter 200 includes a housing 210 that holds various components of the notch filter system. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 210 is a multi-piece housing having a base 220 and a cover 222 configured to be coupled to the base 220. The base 220 holds the components of the notch filter 200. The cover 222 includes a cavity 224 that receives the components of the notch filter 200 when the cover 222 is coupled to the base 220. The base 220 is configured to be mounted to a mounting surface using a fastener 226 such as a threaded fastener; however, the base can be mounted to the mounting surface by other means, such as adhesives, clips, or other types of fasteners. In various embodiments, the base 220 includes a mounting clip 228 (shown in dashed lines, also...) Figure 7 (as shown in the figure) is used to position and / or secure the base 220 to the mounting surface.

[0027] Cover 222 includes a top 230 and sidewalls 232 extending from the top 230. Cavity 224 is defined by the top 230 and sidewalls 232. Cavity 224 opens at the bottom of cover 222. In an exemplary embodiment, sidewall 232 includes a latching feature 234 for latching cover 222 to base 220. In the illustrated embodiment, latching feature 234 includes a latch extending outward from sidewall 232, including a ramp surface and a latching surface for securing cover 222 to base 220. Other types of latching features may be used in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, cover 222 includes a connector port 236 for receiving electrical connector 208. Connector port 236 provides access to cavity 224. Connector port 236 provides access to components of notch filter 200. In the illustrated embodiment, connector port 236 is located near the front of cover 222. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 222 includes one or more wire ports 238 for receiving wires from the notch filter 200. For example, the wires may extend into or out of the cavity 224 through the wire ports 238. The wire ports 238 may be open at the bottom of the cover 222.

[0028] Base 220 includes substrate 240 having a top 242 and a bottom 244. In various embodiments, substrate 240 may be generally flat. Base 220 may include features extending from substrate 240, such as those for securing various components of notch filter 200 to substrate 240. Bottom 244 is configured for mounting to a mounting structure. Components of notch filter 200 are mounted to the top 242 of substrate 240. Substrate 240 positions and holds components of notch filter 200. In an exemplary embodiment, base 220 includes a latching feature 246 extending from substrate 240. Latching feature 246 abuts against latching feature 234 of cover 222 to secure cover 222 to base 220. In the illustrated embodiment, latching feature 246 is a deflectable latching protrusion or clip. Other types of latching features may be used in alternative embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, substrate 240 includes mating pads 248. The mating pad 248 is an extension configured to mate with another component, such as the electrical connector 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating pad 248 is aligned with the connector port 236 of the cover 222 to receive the electrical connector 208.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the notch filter 200 includes a defrost wire 216 extending into the housing 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the defrost wire 216 defines a defrost conductor 202 of the notch filter 200. The defrost wire 216 extends to a wire end 218. The wire end 218 terminates to an inductor 212. For example, the wire end 218 may be soldered, crimped, or otherwise electrically connected to the inductor 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 210 includes a wire channel 250 to receive the wire end 218 of the defrost wire 216. The wire channel 250 is formed by a support wall 252 extending from the top 242 of the substrate 240. The support wall 252 may form a U-shaped channel having two sidewalls and an end wall extending between the sidewalls. In alternative embodiments, the wire channel 250 may have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire channel 250 may be open at the front, allowing the defrost wire 216 to extend from the front of the wire channel 250. Optionally, the wire channel 250 may be open at the top of the support wall 252, for example, to receive the defrost wire 216 through the open top. The wire channel 250 positions the defrost wire 216 within the housing 210, for example, for terminating to the inductor 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire channel 250 is located near the front portion 254 of the substrate 240. The wire channel 250 may be located near a first side 256 of the substrate 240. Alternatively, the wire channel 250 may be located near a second side 258 of the substrate 240 or may be generally located between the first side 256 and the second side 258. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible, such as near the rear portion 255 of the substrate 240.

[0030] The housing 210 includes an inductor recess 260 along the top 242 of the substrate 240. The inductor recess 260 receives the inductor 212 of the notch filter 200. The inductor recess 260 may be defined by a wall 262 extending from the top 242, which engages and supports the inductor 212 to house the inductor 212 within the housing 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the inductor recess 260 is located near the front portion 254 of the substrate 240. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible. Optionally, the inductor recess 260 may extend between a first side 256 and a second side 258, such that the inductor 212 is arranged along an axis generally parallel to the front portion 254.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, inductor 212 includes a coil 264 extending between a first end 266 and a second end 268. The first end 266 of inductor 212 may extend into a conductor channel 250 to terminate a conductor end 218 to a defrost wire 216. The second end 268 of inductor 212 extends into another portion of housing 210 to electrically connect to another component of notch filter 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 266 directly engages the conductor end 218 of defrost wire 216 within the conductor channel 250. The first end 266 may be soldered to the conductor end 218. In various embodiments, the first end 266 and the conductor end 218 may be stacked within the conductor channel 250, for example, with the first end 266 positioned above the conductor end 218. In other various embodiments, the first end 266 and the conductor end 218 may be arranged side-by-side. The first end 266 may be supported in the conductor channel 250 by a support wall 252. The first end 266 can be received in the wire channel 250 through the open top or open front of the wire channel 250. The support wall 252 can hold the first end 266 and / or the wire end 218 by compression or interference fit.

[0032] The housing 210 includes a capacitor recess 270 along the top 242 of the substrate 240. The capacitor recess 270 receives the capacitor 214 of the notch filter 200. The capacitor recess 270 may be defined by a wall 272 extending from the top 242, which engages and supports the capacitor 214 to house the inductor 214 within the housing 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the capacitor recess 270 is located near the rear portion 255 of the substrate 240. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible. Optionally, the capacitor recess 270 may extend between a first side 256 and a second side 258, such that the capacitor 214 is arranged along an axis generally parallel to the rear portion 255. Optionally, a plurality of capacitors 214 may be arranged within the capacitor recess 270, such as high-frequency capacitors and low-frequency capacitors.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, capacitor 214 includes capacitor body 274 having a first lead 276 extending from capacitor body 274 and a second lead 278 extending from capacitor body 274. The first lead 276 and the second lead 278 are configured to be electrically connected to components of notch filter 200. Leads 276 and 278 may be solder wires.

[0034] The housing 210 includes a terminal recess 280 configured to receive one or more terminals of the notch filter 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the notch filter 200 includes a first terminal 282 and a second terminal 284. The first terminal 282 defines a ground conductor 204 and may be referred to hereinafter as ground terminal 282. The second terminal 284 defines a battery conductor 206 and may be referred to hereinafter as battery terminal 284. In an exemplary embodiment, the first terminal 282 is received in a first terminal recess region 280a of the terminal recess 280, and the second terminal 284 is received in a second terminal recess region 280b of the terminal recess 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal recess 280 is located between an inductor recess 260 and a capacitor recess 270. Thus, an inductor 212 can be electrically connected to the second terminal 284 in the terminal recess 280, and a capacitor 214 can be electrically connected to terminals 282 and 284 in the terminal recess 280. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the first terminal recess region 280a is located near the first side 256, and the second terminal recess region 280b is located near the second side 258. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible.

[0035] The housing 210 includes positioning features to position terminals 282, 284 within terminal recesses 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 210 includes a positioning wall 286 extending from the top 242 of the substrate 240 into the terminal recesses 280 to engage and position terminals 282, 284 within the terminal recesses 280. The positioning wall 286 may engage one or more edges of terminals 282, 284 to position terminals 282, 284 within the terminal recesses 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning wall 286 is L-shaped to engage two vertical edges of corresponding terminals 282, 284, for example, at corresponding corners of terminals 282, 284. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 210 includes positioning posts 288 extending from the top 242 of the substrate 240 into the terminal recesses 280 to engage and position terminals 282, 284 within the terminal recesses 280. In various embodiments, the positioning post 288 may have a circular cross-section; however, in alternative embodiments, the positioning post 288 may have other shapes, such as a rectangular shape. The positioning post 288 and the positioning wall 286 position the terminals 282, 284 within the terminal recess 280, for example for electrical connection to other components of the notch filter 200, such as inductor 212, capacitor 214, etc.

[0036] Grounding terminal 282 includes a positioning opening 290 for receiving a corresponding positioning post 288. Grounding terminal 282 includes a mounting opening 291 for receiving a fastener 226. In an exemplary embodiment, grounding terminal 282 is electrically connected to fastener 226 when fastener 226 is threaded onto a mounting surface and compressed against grounding terminal 282. Grounding terminal 282 includes an edge 292 configured to engage positioning wall 286 to position grounding terminal 282 within terminal recess 280. Edge 292 extends between the top and bottom of grounding terminal 282. In an exemplary embodiment, a first lead 276 of capacitor 214 is soldered to the top of grounding terminal 282. In an alternative embodiment, grounding terminal 282 may be electrically connected to capacitor 214 by other means.

[0037] Battery terminal 284 includes a positioning opening 294 for receiving a corresponding positioning post 288. Battery terminal 284 includes an edge 296 configured to engage a positioning wall 286 to position the battery terminal 284 within a terminal recess 280. The edge 296 extends between the top and bottom of the battery terminal 284. In an exemplary embodiment, a second lead 278 of capacitor 214 is soldered to the top of battery terminal 284. In an alternative embodiment, battery terminal 284 may be electrically connected to capacitor 214 by other means. In an exemplary embodiment, a second end 268 of inductor 212 is soldered to the top of battery terminal 284. In an alternative embodiment, battery terminal 284 may be electrically connected to inductor 212 by other means.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, battery terminal 284 includes a terminal protrusion 298 extending along mating pad 248. Terminal protrusion 298 is configured for electrical connection to electrical connector 208. For example, terminal protrusion 298 can be inserted into electrical connector 208 when received in connector port 236. Terminal protrusion 298 defines a separable mating interface for mating with electrical connector 208. In various other embodiments, terminal protrusion 298 can be electrically connected to another component, such as a wire-defined portion of battery conductor 206 extending from housing 210 to the battery. For example, wires can be soldered or welded to terminal protrusion 298, or terminal protrusion 298 can be formed as a crimping sleeve configured to crimp to wires.

[0039] During the assembly of the notch filter 200, the defrost wire 216 is received in the wire channel 250. The defrost wire 216 extends from the housing 210 to be electrically connected to the vehicle defrost circuit 108 (e.g., Figure 1(As shown). Battery terminal 284 and ground terminal 282 are received in terminal recess 280 and coupled to substrate 240, for example using positioning features including positioning wall 286 and positioning post 288. Fastener 226 is received in mounting opening 291 and secured to mounting surface. Ground terminal 282 is electrically grounded to mounting surface or another grounding circuit, for example using fastener 226. Capacitor 214 is received in capacitor recess 270. Capacitor 214 is electrically connected to ground terminal 282 and battery terminal 284. Inductor 212 is received in inductor recess 260. Inductor 212 is electrically connected in wire channel 250 to defrost wire 216 and electrically connected to battery terminal 284. Cover 222 is coupled to base 220 to cover components of notch filter 200. Electrical connector 208 can mate with notch filter 200, for example, by plugging into connector port 236. Electrical connector 208 electrically connects battery terminal 284 to battery 118 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0040] Figure 4 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a positive notch filter 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery lead 285 is terminated directly to the terminal protrusion 298 of the battery terminal 284 instead of terminating the electrical connector 208 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). Battery wire 285 electrically connects notch filter 200 to battery 118 (as shown). Figure 1 (As shown). The battery lead 285 can be soldered, welded, crimped, or otherwise electrically connected to the terminal protrusion 298. The terminal protrusion 298 is easily accessible at the front of the positive notch filter 200 to allow direct connection of the battery lead 285 to the terminal protrusion 298.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a positive notch filter 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 A grounding wire 283 terminated to a grounding terminal 282 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding wire 283 is used to replace the fastener 226 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown) The notch filter 200 is electrically grounded. The grounding wire 283 may extend through an opening in the cover 222. The grounding wire 283 may be soldered, welded, crimped, or otherwise electrically connected to the grounding terminal 282. Figure 5 An electrical connector 208 is shown, configured to engage with a terminal protrusion 298 of a battery terminal 284 to electrically connect the notch filter 200 to the battery 118 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0042] Figure 6 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a positive notch filter 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 The grounding wire 283 is shown terminated to the grounding terminal 282, instead of using fastener 226 (as shown). Figure 3(As shown) Power-on grounding notch filter 200. Figure 6 A battery wire 285 is shown terminating at a terminal protrusion 298 to battery terminal 284, instead of using an electrical connector 208 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown) to electrically connect notch filter 200 to battery 118 (e.g.) Figure 1 (As shown).

[0043] Figure 7 This is a side view of a positive notch filter 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 A cover 222 is shown ready to be fitted to the base 220. A fastener 226 is shown extending through the bottom of the substrate 240. A mounting clip 228 is shown extending from the bottom of the substrate 240.

[0044] Defrost wire 216 extends into housing 210 and is received in wire channel 250. A first end 266 of coil 264 of inductor 212 is received in wire channel 250 and electrically connected to defrost wire 216. In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 266 directly engages the wire end 218 of defrost wire 216 within wire channel 250. The first end 266 may be soldered to the wire end 218. In various embodiments, the first end 266 and the wire end 218 may be stacked within wire channel 250, for example, with the first end 266 positioned above the wire end 218. In other various embodiments, the first end 266 and the wire end 218 may be arranged side-by-side. The first end 266 may be supported in wire channel 250 by support wall 252. The first end 266 may be received in wire channel 250 through an open top or open front portion. Support wall 252 may hold the first end 266 and / or wire end 218 by compression or interference fit.

[0045] Inductor 212 is shown in inductor recess 260. Capacitor 214 is shown in capacitor recess 270. Fastener 226 is shown attached to ground terminal 282 and threaded to mounting surface 299. Mounting surface 299 may be the chassis of a vehicle or other electrically grounded component. Mounting clip 228 is attached to mounting surface 299 to position the base 220 of housing 210 relative to mounting surface 299 before fastener 226 is attached to mounting surface 299.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of a positive notch filter 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8The bottom of substrate 240 is shown. Fastener 226 is shown extending through the bottom of substrate 240. Mounting clip 228 is shown extending from the bottom of substrate 240. Defrost wire 216 of notch filter 200 is shown extending from the front 254 of housing 210; however, defrost wire 216 may extend from other areas of housing 210, such as sides 256, 258, rear 255, bottom, or top.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a negative notch filter 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. The negative notch filter 300 is similar to the positive notch filter 200 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown) and utilizes common parts and components with the notch filter 200. The notch filter 300 includes a housing 310 that holds various components of the notch filter system. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 310 is a multi-piece housing having a base 320 and a cover 322 configured to be coupled to the base 320. The cover 322 includes a cavity 324 that receives components of the notch filter 300 when the cover 322 is coupled to the base 320. The base 320 holds components of the notch filter 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 310 and the housing 210 ( Figure 3 The base 320 is identical to the base 220, and the cover 322 is identical to the cover 222. The base 320 is configured to be mounted to a mounting surface using a fastener 326, such as a threaded fastener; however, the base can be mounted to the mounting surface by other means, such as adhesives, clips, or other types of fasteners. In various embodiments, the base 320 includes a mounting clip 328 (shown in dashed lines) for positioning and / or securing the base 320 to the mounting surface.

[0048] The cover 322 includes a top 330 and sidewalls 332 extending from the top 330. A cavity 324 is defined by the top 330 and the sidewalls 332. The cavity 324 opens at the bottom of the cover 322. In an exemplary embodiment, the sidewalls 332 include latching features 334 for latching the cover 322 to the base 320. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 322 includes a connector port 336 at the front. In an exemplary embodiment, the cover 322 includes one or more wire ports 338 for receiving wires from the notch filter 300.

[0049] The base 320 includes a substrate 340 having a top 342 and a bottom 344. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 340 is connected to the substrate 240 (e.g., Figure 3(As shown) The substrate 340 positions and holds the components of the notch filter 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 320 includes a latching feature 346 extending from the substrate 340. The latching feature 346 abuts against a latching feature 334 of the cover 322 to secure the cover 322 to the base 320. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 340 includes a mating pad 348. The mating pad 348 is an extension extending from the front of the substrate 340.

[0050] Notch filter 300 includes a defrost wire 316 extending into housing 310. In an exemplary embodiment, defrost wire 316 is connected to defrost wire 216 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the defrost conductor 316 defines the defrost conductor 302 of the notch filter 300. The defrost conductor 316 extends to a conductor end 318. The conductor end 318 terminates to the inductor 312. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 310 includes a conductor channel 350 to receive the conductor end 318 of the defrost conductor 316. The conductor channel 350 is formed by a support wall 352 extending from the top 342 of the substrate 340. The support wall 352 may form a U-shaped channel having two sidewalls and an end wall extending between the sidewalls. In alternative embodiments, the conductor channel 350 may have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductor channel 350 may be open at the front, allowing the defrost conductor 316 to extend from the front of the conductor channel 350. Alternatively, the conductor channel 350 may be open at the top of the support wall 352, for example, to receive the defrost conductor 316 through the open top. The wire channel 350 positions the defrost wire 316 within the housing 310, for example, for terminating to the inductor 312.

[0051] The housing 310 includes an inductor recess 360 along the top 342 of the substrate 340. In an exemplary embodiment, the inductor recess 360 and the inductor recess 260 (as shown in the example) Figure 3 (As shown) The inductor recess 360 receives the inductor 312 of the notch filter 300. The inductor recess 360 may be defined by a wall 362 extending from the top 342, which engages and supports the inductor 312 to house the inductor 312 within the housing 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the inductor 312 is the same as the inductor 212 (as shown). Figure 3 (As shown) Same. Inductor 312 includes a coil 364 extending between a first end 366 and a second end 368. The first end 366 of inductor 312 may extend into a wire channel 350 to terminate wire end 318 to defrost wire 316. The second end 368 of inductor 312 extends into another part of housing 310 to be electrically connected to another component of notch filter 300.

[0052] The housing 310 includes a capacitor recess 370 along the top 342 of the substrate 340. In an exemplary embodiment, the capacitor recess 370 and the capacitor recess 270 (as shown in the example) Figure 3 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, notch filter 300 does not have a capacitor; instead, the capacitor is included as part of notch filter 200. However, since housing 310 is identical to housing 210, housing 310 includes a capacitor recess 370. The capacitor recess 370 can receive other components of notch filter 300.

[0053] The housing 310 includes a terminal recess 380 configured to receive one or more terminals of the notch filter 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal recess 380 and the terminal recess 280 (as shown in the example) Figure 3 (As shown) Same. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal recess 380 includes a first terminal recess region 380a and a second terminal recess region 380b, both of which are configured to receive the terminal 382 of the notch filter 300.

[0054] The housing 310 includes positioning features to position the terminal 382 within the terminal recess 380. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 310 includes a positioning wall 386 extending from the top 342 of the substrate 340 into the terminal recess 380 to engage and position the terminal 382 within the terminal recess 380. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 310 includes a positioning post 388 extending from the top 342 of the substrate 340 into the terminal recess 380 to engage and position the terminal 382 within the terminal recess 380. The positioning post 388 and the positioning wall 386 position the terminal 382 within the terminal recess 380 for electrical connection to other components of the notch filter 300, such as the inductor 312, grounding components, such as fastener 226, grounding wire, etc.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, terminal 382 defines a ground conductor 304 and may be referred to hereinafter as ground terminal 382. In various embodiments, terminal 382 may be connected to a first terminal 282 (such as...). Figure 3 The same as shown, or in other various embodiments (e.g., see...). Figure 11 Terminal 382 can be connected to the second terminal 284 (e.g., Figure 3 The terminal 382 is the same as the first terminal 282 or the second terminal 284, thus being the same throughout the notch filter system 120 (as shown). Figure 1 The same components are used in the production of the notch filter system 120, thereby reducing the number of parts and tooling costs.

[0056] The grounding terminal 382 includes a positioning opening 390 for receiving a positioning post 388. The grounding terminal 382 also includes a mounting opening 391 for receiving a fastener 326. In an exemplary embodiment, the grounding terminal 382 is electrically connected to and grounded through the fastener 326. The grounding terminal 382 includes an edge 392 configured to engage a positioning wall 386 to position the grounding terminal 382 within a terminal recess 380.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding terminal 382 is identical to the first terminal 282. However, the grounding terminal 382 is located within the recessed region 380b of the second terminal. (See back for reference) Figure 3 In contrast, the first terminal 282 is located in the first terminal recess region 280a. For example, the first terminal 282 is in the first terminal recess region 280a with a first orientation and the ground terminal 382 is in the second terminal recess region 380b with a second orientation (e.g., rotated 180° relative to the first orientation). The same terminal 382 is configured to be positioned in different regions of the terminal recess 380 using various positioning features (e.g., positioning walls 386 and positioning posts 388).

[0058] During the assembly of the notch filter 300, the defroster wire 316 is received in the wire channel 350. The defroster wire 316 extends from the housing 310 to be electrically connected to the vehicle defroster circuit 108 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). Grounding terminal 382 is received in terminal recess 380 and connected to substrate 340, for example using positioning features including positioning wall 386 and positioning post 388. Fastener 326 is received in mounting opening 391 of grounding terminal 382 and secured to mounting surface. Grounding terminal 382 is electrically grounded to mounting surface or another grounding circuit using fastener 326. Inductor 312 is received in inductor recess 360. Inductor 312 is electrically connected in conductor channel 350 to defrost wire 316 and electrically connected to grounding terminal 382. Inductor 312 terminates to grounding terminal 382. Cover 322 is connected to base 320 to cover components of notch filter 300.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a negative notch filter 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A grounding terminal 382 is shown receiving in the first terminal recess region 380a with a first orientation, which is the same as the orientation of the first terminal 282 in the first terminal recess region 280a of the housing 210 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown). Figure 10 A grounding wire 383 terminated to a grounding terminal 382 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the grounding wire 383 is used to replace the fastener 326 (e.g., Figure 9(As shown) The notch filter 300 is electrically grounded. A grounding wire 383 may extend through an opening in the cover 322. The grounding wire 383 may be soldered, welded, crimped, or otherwise electrically connected to the grounding terminal 382. The inductor 312 is terminated to the grounding terminal 382. The grounding wire 383 is electrically connected to the inductor 312 through the grounding terminal 382.

[0060] Figure 11 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a negative notch filter 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 A notch filter 300 with terminal 384 is shown. Terminal 384 defines a ground conductor 304 and may be referred to hereinafter as ground terminal 384. Terminal 384 can be connected to a second terminal 284 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (as shown) is the same, thus the entire notch filter system 120 (as shown) Figure 1 The same components are used in the production of the notch filter system 120, thereby reducing the number of parts and tooling costs.

[0061] Grounding terminal 384 includes a positioning opening 394 for receiving positioning post 388. Grounding terminal 384 includes an edge 396 configured to engage positioning wall 386 to position grounding terminal 384 within terminal recess 380. Grounding terminal 384 includes a terminal protrusion 398 extending along mating pad 348. Terminal protrusion 398 is electrically connected to a grounding component via a grounding wire 383 extending from housing 310. For example, the grounding wire may be soldered or welded to terminal protrusion 398, or terminal protrusion 398 may be formed as a crimping sleeve configured to crimp to grounding wire. Inductor 312 is terminated to grounding terminal 384. Grounding wire 383 is electrically connected to inductor 312 via grounding terminal 384. Fastener 326 is used to secure notch filter 300 to mounting surface but is not part of the grounding circuit.

[0062] Figure 12 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a negative notch filter 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 Grounding wire 383 is shown, which is directly terminated to the second end 368 of the coil 364 of inductor 312 using a grounding terminal, such as grounding terminal 382. Figure 9 ) or grounding terminal 384 ( Figure 11 Fastener 326 is used to secure notch filter 300 to the mounting surface but is not part of the grounding circuit.

Claims

1. A notch filter (200), comprising: A housing (210) having a base (220) including a substrate (240) having a top, the housing having a conductor channel (250) formed by a support wall above the top of the substrate, the housing having an inductor recess (260), the housing having a terminal recess (280) formed by a terminal recess wall above the top of the substrate, and the housing having a capacitor recess (270) configured to receive a capacitor (214) formed by a capacitor recess wall above the top of the substrate; A defrost wire (216) having a wire end (218) received in the wire channel and positioned in the wire channel through the support wall, the defrost wire being configured to extend from the housing to connect to the vehicle defrost circuit (108). An inductor (212) supported by the substrate, the inductor being received in the inductor recess and positioned therein by means of the inductor recess wall, the inductor having a coil (264) extending between a first end (266) and a second end (268), the first end being connected to the wire end of the defrost wire; as well as A grounding terminal (282) is supported by the substrate, the grounding terminal is received in the terminal recess and positioned in the terminal recess by means of the wall of the terminal recess, and the grounding terminal is electrically connected to a grounding circuit.

2. The notch filter (200) of claim 1, wherein the first end (266) of the inductor (212) extends into the wire channel (250) to terminate to the wire end (218) of the defrost wire (216).

3. The notch filter (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (268) of the coil (264) of the inductor (212) is terminated to the ground terminal (282).

4. The notch filter (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground terminal (282) is electrically connected to the grounding circuit by a screw fastener (226).

5. The notch filter (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground terminal (282) is electrically connected to the grounding circuit via a grounding wire (283) extending from the housing (210).

6. The notch filter (200) of claim 1, wherein the housing (210) includes a cover (222) coupled to the base (220), the cover having a cavity (224) receiving the defrost wire (216), the inductor (212) and the ground terminal (282).

7. The notch filter (200) of claim 1, wherein the base (220) includes a mounting clip (228) extending from the bottom (244) of the substrate (240) for mounting the substrate to a mounting surface.

8. The notch filter (200) of claim 1, wherein the housing (210) includes a second terminal recess (380), the ground terminal (282) is variably positioned within the housing between a first orientation and a second orientation, the ground terminal may be received in the terminal recess (280) in the first orientation and the ground terminal may be received in the second terminal recess in the second orientation, wherein when the ground terminal is in the second orientation and received in the second terminal recess, a second end (268) of the coil (264) of the inductor (212) is terminated to the ground terminal.

9. The notch filter (200) of claim 8, wherein the housing (210) includes a first positioning feature in the terminal recess (280) and a second positioning feature in the second terminal recess (380), wherein the ground terminal (282) engages the first positioning feature when in the first orientation and received in the terminal recess (280), and the ground terminal engages the second positioning feature when in the second orientation and received in the second terminal recess.

10. The notch filter (200) of claim 8 further includes a battery terminal (284) receivable in the second terminal recess (380), wherein when the battery terminal is received in the second terminal recess, a second end (268) of the coil (264) of the inductor (212) is terminated to the battery terminal, and the battery terminal is electrically connected to a battery circuit.

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