Annular terminal with integrated anti-rotation third handset

Abstract

A vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a passenger cabin. The vehicle body includes a substrate having an attachment opening and an alignment feature. A wire harness including a plurality of electrical conductors is supported on the substrate. A loop terminal system connects one of the plurality of electrical conductors to the substrate. The loop terminal system includes a loop terminal having a loop terminal body including a conductor end and a connector portion. The conductor end includes a surface electrically connected to one of the plurality of electrical conductors. The connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to receive a temporary fastener that penetrates into the alignment feature to align the second opening with the attachment opening on the substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors and aspects that may not otherwise be described as prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered as prior art to this disclosure.

[0002] This disclosure relates to ring terminals, and more particularly to ring terminals having an integrated third-hand mechanism that facilitates attaching the conductors of a wire harness to another component. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicles include multiple wiring harnesses that carry current to various vehicle systems. Most wiring harnesses include a ground conductor. In a vehicle, the ground conductor is connected to metal components such as the body panels, chassis, etc. The ground conductor is typically terminated with a ring terminal that includes an opening. The ring terminal is electrically connected to the ground conductor and is designed to receive fasteners through the opening. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The vehicle according to this disclosure includes a body defining a passenger compartment. The body includes a base plate having attachment openings and alignment features. A wiring harness including a plurality of electrical conductors is supported on the base plate. A ring terminal system connects one of the plurality of electrical conductors to the base plate. The ring terminal system includes a ring terminal having a ring terminal body including conductor ends and a connector portion. The conductor ends include a surface electrically connected to one of the plurality of electrical conductors. The connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to receive a temporary fastener that passes through the alignment features to align the second opening with the attachment opening on the base plate.

[0005] Among other features, the temporary fastener includes a pusher that extends through the first opening into an alignment feature formed in the substrate.

[0006] Among the other features, the selling point is the cedar twig.

[0007] Among the other features, the first opening is a slot opening.

[0008] Among the other features, the second opening is a basically circular opening.

[0009] Among other features, the ring terminal body is formed of a first material and coated with a second material.

[0010] Among the other features, the first material is stamped metal, and the second material is copper.

[0011] The annular terminal system for connecting a conductor to a substrate according to this disclosure includes an annular terminal having an annular terminal body including a conductor end and a connector portion. The conductor end includes a surface configured for electrical connection with the conductor. The connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is configured to receive a temporary fastener to align the second opening with an attachment opening on the substrate.

[0012] Among other features, the product is configured to pass through the first opening into the alignment feature formed in the substrate.

[0013] Among the other features, the selling point is the cedar twig.

[0014] Among the other features, the first opening is a slot opening.

[0015] Among the other features, the second opening is a basically circular opening.

[0016] Among other features, the ring terminal body is formed of a first material and coated with a second material.

[0017] Among the other features, the first material is stamped metal, and the second material is copper.

[0018] The method of fixing a conductor to a substrate in a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes positioning an annular terminal against the substrate, aligning a first opening in the annular terminal with an alignment feature formed on the substrate, installing a temporary fastener into the alignment feature through the first opening, and aligning a second opening in the annular terminal with an attachment opening formed on the substrate by aligning the first opening with the alignment feature.

[0019] Among other features, installing a temporary fastener through the first opening includes installing a pusher into the first opening.

[0020] Among other features, installing the sales pitch into the alignment feature includes installing the cedar clip through the first opening into the alignment feature.

[0021] Among other features, the annular terminal is secured to the substrate by passing a fastener through a second opening into the attachment opening.

[0022] Among other features, passing a fastener through a second opening includes passing a threaded fastener through a substantially circular opening.

[0023] Among other features, securing the annular terminal to the substrate includes engaging threaded fasteners with multiple threads in the attachment opening.

[0024] Option 1. A vehicle comprising:

[0025] The vehicle body defines a passenger compartment and includes a base plate having attachment openings and alignment features;

[0026] A wire harness comprising multiple electrical conductors is supported on a substrate; and

[0027] A ring terminal system, which connects one of the plurality of electrical conductors to a substrate, includes:

[0028] A ring terminal having a body including a conductor end and a connector portion, the conductor end including a surface electrically connected to one of the plurality of electrical conductors, wherein the connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being configured to receive a temporary fastener inserted into an alignment feature to align the second opening with an attachment opening on a substrate.

[0029] Option 2. The vehicle according to Option 1, wherein the temporary fastener includes a pusher that extends through a first opening into an alignment feature formed in a substrate.

[0030] Option 3. The vehicle described in Option 2, wherein the sales agent is a cedar clip.

[0031] Option 4. The vehicle according to Option 2, wherein the first opening is a slot opening.

[0032] Option 5. The vehicle according to Option 1, wherein the second opening is a substantially circular opening.

[0033] Option 6. The vehicle according to Option 1, wherein the main body is formed of a first material and coated with a second material.

[0034] Option 7. The vehicle according to Option 6, wherein the first material is stamped metal and the second material is copper.

[0035] Option 8. A ring terminal system for connecting a conductor to a substrate, the ring terminal system comprising:

[0036] A ring terminal having a body including a conductor end and a connector portion, the conductor end including a surface configured for electrical connection with a conductor, wherein the connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being configured to receive a temporary fastener to align the second opening with an attachment opening on a substrate.

[0037] Option 9. The annular terminal system according to Option 8 further includes a pusher configured to pass through a first opening into an alignment feature formed in the substrate.

[0038] Option 10. The ring terminal system according to Option 9, wherein the sales agent is a cedar clip.

[0039] Option 11. The annular terminal system according to Option 9, wherein the first opening is a slot opening.

[0040] Option 12. The annular terminal system according to Option 8, wherein the second opening is a substantially circular opening.

[0041] Option 13. The ring terminal system according to Option 8, wherein the body is formed of a first material and coated with a second material.

[0042] Option 14. The ring terminal system according to Option 13, wherein the first material is stamped metal and the second material is copper.

[0043] Option 15. A method for fixing a conductor to a substrate in a vehicle, the method comprising:

[0044] Position the annular terminal against the substrate;

[0045] Align the first opening in the annular terminal with the alignment feature formed in the substrate;

[0046] Install the temporary fastener into the alignment feature through the first opening; and

[0047] The second opening in the annular terminal is aligned with the attachment opening formed in the substrate by aligning the first opening with the alignment feature.

[0048] Option 16. The method according to Option 15, wherein installing the temporary fastener through the first opening includes installing the pusher into the first opening.

[0049] Option 17. The method according to Option 16, wherein installing the pusher into the alignment feature includes installing the cedar clip through the first opening into the alignment feature.

[0050] Option 18. The method according to Option 15 further includes securing the annular terminal to the substrate by passing a fastener through the second opening into the attachment feature.

[0051] Option 19. The method according to Option 18, wherein passing the fastener through the second opening includes passing the threaded fastener through the substantially circular opening.

[0052] Option 20. The method according to Option 19, wherein securing the annular terminal to the substrate includes engaging a threaded fastener with a plurality of threads in the attachment opening.

[0053] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0054] This disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 The left front perspective view of the vehicle according to this disclosure includes an annular terminal with an integrated anti-rotation third-hand mechanism;

[0056] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the annular terminal according to the present disclosure; and

[0057] Figure 3 Based on this disclosure Figure 2 Disassembly diagram of the ring terminal.

[0058] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Although the ring terminal is described below in the context of connecting a wiring harness to vehicle components, the ring terminal can be used to provide a reliable electrical connection in other mobile or stationary applications.

[0060] Connecting the grounding conductor, and more specifically the ring terminal, to the vehicle can be quite difficult. Secure the fasteners (connecting the grounding conductor to the vehicle component through the ring terminal) typically requires what is commonly known as a "third-hand" device. The need for a "third-hand" device is even greater during production. The ring terminal must be aligned with an opening on the vehicle component, the fastener inserted, and tools manipulated to secure it. Often, the wiring harness is stiff. Therefore, maintaining alignment between the ring terminal and the opening on the vehicle component while retrieving the fastener can be challenging. Thus, systems for temporarily securing ring terminals to the vehicle while maintaining alignment between the opening in the ring terminal and the opening in the vehicle component will be welcomed by the industry.

[0061] According to this disclosure, the vehicle is in Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is generally designated as 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 having a hatch 30, shown as a hood 34. Depending on the vehicle model, the hatch 34 may also be used to cover the front frunk. When the hood 34 is open, a vehicle surface 36 is exposed. The vehicle surface 36 may define an engine compartment 38 having a base plate 40. The base plate 40 may define a firewall (not separately labeled). The base plate 40 is formed of a conductive material such as metal and may be grounded. It should be understood here that although the vehicle 10 is shown to include an internal combustion engine, other powertrains, including electric and hybrid electric systems, may also be employed.

[0062] The wiring harness 42 is supported on the substrate 40. The wiring harness 42 includes a plurality of conductors 44, one of which includes a ring terminal system 46. The ring terminal system 46 includes a ring terminal 50 electrically connected to the substrate 40 to provide electrical ground to the wiring harness 42.

[0063] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The annular terminal 50 includes a body 54 formed of a conductive material (such as, for example, stamped metal). The stamped metal may be clad in a copper alloy. It should be understood that the body 54 may be formed or clad in various materials, including alloys of gold, silver, and tin, or other conductive materials. The body 54 includes a conductor end 58 and a connector portion 62. The conductor end 58 includes a tab 68 having a surface 70, which may be electrically connected to one of the plurality of conductors 44, for example, by mechanical bonding, crimping, or chemical bonding (such as a welded joint). The connector portion 62 includes a first opening 78 and a second opening 82. Figure 3 The first opening 78 is shown in the form of a slot opening 84, and the second opening 82 is shown in the form of a substantially circular opening 88.

[0064] The substrate 40 includes an alignment feature 95 and an attachment opening 100. The alignment feature 95 takes the form of an elongated opening 103, while the attachment opening 100 takes the form of a substantially circular threaded opening 106. With this arrangement, the annular terminal 50 can be positioned on the substrate 40, wherein the slot opening 84 is aligned with the elongated opening 103. A technician can then insert a pusher 108 through the slot opening 84 into the elongated opening 103, the pusher forming a temporary fastener 110.

[0065] The pusher 108 takes the form of a cedar clip 111 and includes multiple flexible ribs 112 that engage with the substrate 40 to temporarily hold the annular terminal 50 in place. Here, a technician can release the annular terminal 50. Here, because both hands are available, a technician can insert a fastener 114, comprising multiple threads 116, through a circular opening 88 into a threaded opening 106. Once inserted, the technician can use a tool (such as a ratchet) to tighten the fastener 114 and secure the annular terminal 50 to the substrate 40. The shape of the slot opening 84 and the use of the pusher 108 allow the technician to temporarily fasten the annular terminal 50 to the substrate 40 with desired alignment, then free both hands to ensure proper grounding connection.

[0066] The terms “approximately” and “substantially” are intended to include the degree of error associated with a measurement based on a specific quantity of equipment available at the time of application submission. For example, “approximately” and “substantially” can include a range of ±8% of a given value.

[0067] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims.

[0068] It should be understood that one or more steps within the method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each of the embodiments described above is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any of other embodiments, even if such combinations are not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and substitutions of one or more embodiments for each other remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] Various terms are used to describe spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “next to,” “on top,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing the relationship between first and second elements in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first and second elements (spatially or functionally). As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as meaning logic using the non-exclusive logic “OR” (A or B or C) and should not be interpreted as meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body defines a passenger compartment and includes a base plate having attachment openings and alignment features; A wire harness containing multiple electrical conductors is supported on a substrate; as well as A ring terminal system, which connects one of the plurality of electrical conductors to a substrate, includes: A ring terminal having a body including a conductor end and a connector portion, the conductor end including a surface electrically connected to one of the plurality of electrical conductors, wherein the connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being configured to receive a temporary fastener inserted into an alignment feature to align the second opening with an attachment opening on a substrate.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The temporary fastener includes a pusher that extends through the first opening into an alignment feature formed in the substrate.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The product being sold is cedar twigs.

4. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The first opening is a slot opening.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The second opening is basically a circular opening.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The main body is formed of a first material and coated with a second material.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein, The first material is stamped metal, and the second material is copper.

8. A ring terminal system for connecting a conductor to a substrate, the ring terminal system comprising: A ring terminal having a body including a conductor end and a connector portion, the conductor end including a surface configured for electrical connection with a conductor, wherein the connector portion includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being configured to receive a temporary fastener to align the second opening with an attachment opening on a substrate.

9. The annular terminal system of claim 8, further comprising a pusher configured to pass through a first opening into an alignment feature formed in a substrate.

10. The ring terminal system according to claim 9, wherein, The product being sold is cedar twigs.

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