ground terminal

Abstract

A ground terminal for a vehicle includes a plate having a surface extending in a first direction between a first side and a second side. The plate defines an aperture through the surface. A first tab extends from the first side of the plate in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first tab is configured to attach to a housing of a vehicle wiring system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a grounding terminal, and more particularly to a grounding terminal for a vehicle, the grounding terminal being configured to be attached to a housing of the vehicle's wiring system. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on electrical wiring and connections to transmit power within the vehicle and between its various components. Wires can be cut to predetermined lengths, terminated, bundled, laid, and secured in place beneath, above, between, or through conduits, channels, or other wiring aids, carpets, interior trim, metal panels, and / or other structural components within the vehicle. For example, adhesives and / or mechanical fasteners can be used to secure bundled wiring assemblies (e.g., wire harnesses) relative to the housing of the wiring system within the vehicle. The housing of the wiring system can also be a separate component, secured and / or attached to the vehicle substrate, such as the vehicle floor and / or adjacent metal vehicle structure, to allow for secure wiring assembly placement within the vehicle. For example, threaded fasteners can be used to secure the housing to the vehicle substrate. In some cases, the use of such threaded fasteners may also require compression-limiting inserts, which can be metal inserts mounted, molded, or assembled at the intended mounting location, to prevent the threaded fasteners from being overtightened. Overtightening can damage or destroy the housing or surrounding channels, which may be plastic. Threaded fasteners can also be used with electrical grounding terminals to establish an electrical connection. Current designs may use separate electrical grounding terminals, which are secured to the vehicle's base plate, such as a metal plate, using threaded fasteners.

[0003] While known wiring system housing fasteners and methods for attaching vehicle wiring systems to the vehicle substrate have proven effective in achieving their intended purpose, there remains a persistent need for improvement in the relevant art to address the challenges associated with the precise and efficient assembly of vehicle wiring systems. For example, in some implementations, securing the wiring system housing to the vehicle substrate using threaded fasteners, compression-limiting inserts, and separate electrical grounding terminals requires aligning and holding multiple components in place for fastening to be achieved.

[0004] The background art provided herein is intended to present the general context of this disclosure. The work of the currently named inventors described in this background section, and descriptions that may not be considered prior art at the time of application, are not expressly or impliedly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure provides a grounding terminal for a vehicle. The grounding terminal includes a plate having a surface extending in a first direction between a first side and a second side. The plate defines an aperture through the surface. A first tab extends from the first side of the plate in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first tab is configured to attach to a housing of a vehicle wiring system.

[0007] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, advantages, and further scope of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0008] This disclosure will be more fully understood through detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle incorporating an integrated cabling system, based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of an example of an integrated cabling system.

[0011] Figure 3 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 2 A perspective view of an example grounding terminal of this part of an integrated cabling system.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 This part of the integrated cabling system along Figure 2 A cross-sectional stereograph taken from line IV-IV.

[0013] Figure 5 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of another example part of the integrated cabling system.

[0014] Figure 6 It is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 5 A perspective view of another grounding terminal example of this part of the integrated cabling system.

[0015] Figure 7 It is in the assembly structure Figure 5 This part of the integrated cabling system along Figure 5 The sectional view taken from line VII-VII.

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0017] refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a vehicle 10 including an integrated vehicle wiring system 20. The wiring system 20 may include wiring sub-assemblies 30 and a substrate, illustrated herein as a housing 40, etc. As a non-limiting example, the wiring sub-assemblies 30 may include bundled wiring assemblies, wire harnesses, or any other suitable wiring arrangement. The housing 40 may be any suitable substrate for attaching the wiring sub-assemblies 30, non-limiting examples including conduits, channels, or any other suitable type of wire routing aid or guide. In the assembly configuration shown, the wiring sub-assemblies 30 are attached to the housing 40. In a non-limiting example, the wiring sub-assemblies 30 may be fixed in place relative to the housing 40, for example, by adhesives and / or mechanical fasteners. The integrated wiring system 20 may be installed as a single unit in the vehicle 10. The integrated wiring system 20 facilitates an automated, modular assembly process, which saves installation time, preserves quality, and reduces installation errors, routing errors, and / or variability.

[0018] Figure 2 An enlarged partial view of an example housing 40 for use in a wiring system 20 of vehicle 10 is shown. The housing 40 may include a bottom wall 42 and a pair of opposing side walls 44, 46, illustrated herein as a first side wall 44 and a second side wall 46, which are spaced apart from each other and extend upward from the bottom wall 42. The bottom wall 42, the first side wall 44, and the second side wall 46 together at least partially define the housing interior 48, where the wiring assembly 30 ( Figure 1 The housing 40 illustrated herein defines a top-open housing interior 48, but it should be understood that the housing 40 can have any suitable construction, non-limiting examples of which include: the housing 40 can completely enclose the housing interior 48, or the housing 40 can include only one of the sidewalls 44, 46. The housing 40 can be formed of any suitable material, non-limiting examples of which include plastics, resins, or composite materials.

[0019] The housing 40 may also include at least one mounting leg 50 configured to support the housing 40, and consequently the wiring system 20. Figure 1 ), attached to vehicle 10 ( Figure 1 The mounting foot 50 may include: a bottom mounting wall 52 defining a mounting opening 54 therethrough; and a peripheral sidewall 56 extending upward from the bottom mounting wall 52. The mounting opening 54 within the bottom mounting wall 52 is sized and positioned to accommodate mounting the housing 40 to the vehicle 10. Figure 1 The substrate inside () Figure 5 Fasteners ( Figure 5Although the peripheral sidewall 56 shown in this illustration is continuous around the perimeter of the bottom mounting wall 52, it should be understood that this is not limiting, and the peripheral sidewall 56 may be discontinuous or may only be provided at a portion of the perimeter of the bottom mounting wall 52.

[0020] In one example, the mounting leg 50, and in particular the bottom mounting wall 52, extends laterally outward from the first sidewall 44 of the housing 40 such that the bottom mounting wall 52 is substantially (e.g., + / - 10 degrees) parallel and coplanar with the bottom wall 42 of the housing 40. However, it should be understood that this relative position of the mounting leg 50 with respect to the housing 40 is not limiting; the bottom mounting wall 52 may be parallel to the bottom wall 42 of the housing 40 but vertically offset, and / or the bottom mounting wall 52 may be positioned at an angle relative to the bottom wall 42 of the housing 40.

[0021] The grounding terminal 100 may be configured to attach to the housing 40. In one example, the grounding terminal 100 is configured to attach to a mounting leg 50 of the housing 40. The grounding terminal 100 may include a plate 110 defining an aperture 118 therethrough. A collar 120 may surround the aperture 118 and project upward from the plate 110. The grounding terminal 100 may include at least one tab 130, illustrated herein as a first tab 130, which extends upward from the plate 110 and is configured to attach the grounding terminal 100 to the housing 40, and in particular to the mounting leg 50 of the housing 40. As shown, the grounding terminal 100 also includes a first tab 130 and a second tab 140 extending upward from the plate 110, both of which are configured to attach the grounding terminal 100 to the housing 40, and in particular to the mounting leg 50 of the housing 40. However, it should be understood that the number of tabs 130, 140 is not limited, and the grounding terminal 100 may include any suitable number of tabs 130, 140, including only one tab 130, or including two or more tabs 130, 140. The grounding terminal 100 may also include an arm 150 extending from the plate 110. The grounding terminal 100 may be formed of any suitable material, and non-limiting examples include metals or metal alloys.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 3The grounding terminal 100 has a plate 110 defining a surface 112 extending along a first direction between a first side 114 and a second side 116 of the plate 110. The second side 116 is opposite to the first side 114 of the plate 110, so the first side 114 and the second side 116 can be considered as opposite edges or opposite portions of the surface 112 of the plate 110. As the surface 112 of the plate 110 extends along the first direction, a first tab 130 and a second tab 140 can extend upward from the surface 112 of the plate 110 along a second direction transverse to the first direction. In the illustrated example, the first tab 130 extends from the first side 114 of the surface 112 of the plate 110, while the second tab 140 extends from the second side 116 of the surface 112 of the plate 110, both extending along the second direction, which can be substantially orthogonal to the first direction. In this example, the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 are substantially orthogonal to and extend from the surface 112, but it should be understood that this arrangement is not limiting, and the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 can be set at any suitable angle relative to the surface 112.

[0023] The orifice 118 is defined to pass through the surface 112 at a location between the first side 114 and the second side 116. As shown, the plate 110 may be annular, wherein the orifice 118 is a centrally located opening in the annular plate 110, and the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 extend from opposite sides 114, 116 of the outer periphery or outer peripheral edge of the surface 112 of the annular plate 110, but it should be understood that the plate 110 may also have a non-circular shape.

[0024] A collar 120 surrounds an opening 118 such that the collar 120 protrudes from the surface 112 of the plate 110 along the periphery or circumference of the opening 118 and extends upward from the surface 112 of the plate 110 along a third direction transverse to the first direction in which the surface 112 of the plate 110 extends. In one example, the third direction may be substantially orthogonal to the first direction, such that the collar 120 is substantially orthogonal to and extends from the surface 112, but it should be understood that the orthogonal arrangement is not limiting, and the collar 120 may also be arranged at any suitable angle relative to the surface 112. The collar 120 may define a collar sidewall 122 that terminates at the upper surface 124. The collar sidewall 122 defines a collar height 126, which is the height of the collar sidewall 122. The collar height 126 may also be considered as the vertical distance between the surface 112 of the plate 110 and the upper surface 124.

[0025] The first tab 130 and the second tab 140 define a first engagement opening 132 and a second engagement opening 142, respectively, and a first engagement surface 134 and a second engagement surface 144, respectively, configured to be connected to the housing 40. The first tab 130 and the second tab 140 may be spaced apart from each other around the surface 112 of the plate 110 and extend from opposite portions or sides 114, 116 of the surface 112 of the plate 110, such that the first tab 130 and the second tab 130, 140 are positioned directly opposite each other around the surface 112 of the plate 110, but it should be understood that the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 are not limited to being directly opposite each other, and may be positioned with rotational offset from each other around the surface 112 of the plate 110.

[0026] Arm 150 extends from a third side of plate 110 (illustrated herein as edge 119) along a fourth direction, which may be substantially parallel to a first direction of surface 112 of plate 110. Arm 150 includes an arm base wall 152, which may include a ramp or an angled portion 154. When the arm base wall 152 includes the angled portion 154, arm 150, particularly the arm base wall 152, may be vertically offset relative to surface 112 of plate 110, but remain substantially parallel to it. It should also be understood that including the angled portion 154 is not limiting; the arm base wall 152 may not be provided with the angled portion 154, such that arm 150, particularly the arm base wall 152, is not vertically offset from surface 112 of plate 110, but is coplanar with it. A first arm side wall 156 and a second arm side wall 158 extend upward from opposite sides of the arm base wall 152. In one example, a first substrate retainer 160 may extend inward from a first arm sidewall 156 toward a second arm sidewall 158, while a second substrate retainer 170 extends inward from a second arm sidewall 158 toward a first arm sidewall 156. Arm 150, more specifically arm bottom wall 152, and the first and second substrate retainers 160 can be considered to collectively at least partially define an arm channel 180, which may be configured to receive part of a wiring system 20 of the vehicle 10, such as part of a wiring subassembly 30. In one example, a plate 110 formed of a metallic material may be used as a solder pad surface to which wires, such as grounding wires, may be soldered, and holding these solder wires within the arm channel 180 by the first and second substrate retainers 160 may reduce or mitigate strain on these wires.

[0027] refer to Figure 4A cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 100 and mounting leg 50 in an assembled configuration better illustrates the features of the peripheral sidewall 56 of the mounting leg 50. The peripheral sidewall 56 may include a first engaging tab 60 and a second engaging tab 70. The first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 may define a first tab engaging surface 62 and a second tab engaging surface 72, respectively. The first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 may extend laterally outward from the peripheral sidewall 56 away from the bottom mounting wall 52. The first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 may be positioned directly opposite each other around the bottom mounting wall 52 and / or around the mounting opening 54, or the first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 may be positioned at any suitable location on the peripheral sidewall 56 such that the first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 are aligned with the first engaging aperture 132 and the second engaging aperture 142 of the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 of the grounding terminal 100.

[0028] When the grounding terminal 100 and the mounting leg 50 are in the assembled configuration, the first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 are respectively received within the first engaging aperture 132 and the second engaging aperture 142. Furthermore, the first engaging surface 62 and the second engaging surface 72 can respectively contact and support the first engaging surface 134 and the second engaging surface 144 of the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 abutting against the grounding terminal 100. In this manner, the first engaging aperture 132 and the second engaging aperture 142 of the first tab 130 and the second tab 140 are configured to receive the housing 40, particularly the first engaging tab 60 and the second engaging tab 70 of the peripheral sidewall 56 of the mounting leg 50, through a snap-fit ​​engagement and / or friction engagement. By receiving the first engagement tab 60 and the second engagement tab 70 in the first engagement opening 132 and the second engagement opening 142 respectively, the grounding terminal 100 is connected to the housing 40, further limiting and / or preventing side-to-side movement, sliding, or rotational movement of the grounding terminal 100 relative to the housing 40 in the assembled configuration. By ensuring that the grounding terminal 100 and the housing 40 remain properly aligned with each other for fastener application, this improves the ease of installation of the wiring system 20 into the vehicle 10.

[0029] Furthermore, when the grounding terminal 100 and the mounting leg 50 are in the assembled configuration, the collar 120 is configured to be at least partially received within the mounting opening 54 of the bottom mounting wall 52 of the mounting leg 50. With the collar 120 received within the mounting opening 54, proper alignment of the grounding terminal 100 and the housing 40 for secure fastening is further ensured. Additionally, the collar height 126 (… Figure 3The collar 120 can be equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the bottom mounting wall 52, so that the collar 120 can protrude slightly above the bottom mounting wall 52. When the bottom mounting wall 52 is made of plastic and the collar 120 is made of metal, the collar height 126 ensures that over-tightening of the threaded fastener will not damage or compress the plastic bottom mounting wall 52, because the collar 120 is thus configured to act as a compression-limiting insert for the bottom mounting wall 52.

[0030] Now for reference Figures 5 to 7 In various embodiments, the wiring system 20 of vehicle 10 may include another example of housing 240 and another example of grounding terminal 300. Figures 5 to 7 The housing 240 and grounding terminal 300 are similar to Figures 2 to 4 The housing 40 and grounding terminal 100 are included in the designation, therefore the housing 240 and grounding terminal 300 will be described using similar reference numerals as those used for the housing 40 and grounding terminal 100, but with the addition of 200. It should be understood that the description of similar components of housing 40 and grounding terminal 100 also applies to similar components of housing 240 and grounding terminal 300.

[0031] Figure 5 An exploded view shows the configuration for wiring system 20 ( Figure 1 ) Attached to vehicle 10 ( Figure 1 The housing 240, and more specifically, the base plate 12 portion for attachment to the vehicle 10. The base plate 12 can be any suitable part of the vehicle 10, with non-limiting examples including a vehicle frame and / or a portion of the vehicle 10 formed of a metallic material such as sheet metal. The base plate 12 may include at least one alignment aperture 14 and at least one threaded post 16 configured to engage with the housing 240 and the grounding terminal 300. The threaded post 16 is also configured to thread into a threaded nut 18.

[0032] The housing 240 includes a first sidewall 244. The first sidewall 244 may include at least one alignment tab 245 configured to properly align the housing 240 with the vehicle substrate 12 by receiving the at least one alignment tab 245 within at least one alignment aperture 14 of the substrate 12. The housing 240 also includes at least one mounting foot 250 configured to attach the housing 240 to the substrate 12. The mounting foot 250 extends laterally outward from the first sidewall 244 of the housing 240 and includes a peripheral sidewall 256. The peripheral sidewall 256 may also include a first tab receiving portion 264 and a second tab receiving portion 274, which define a first tab groove 266 and a second tab groove 276, respectively.

[0033] Grounding terminal 300 is similar to grounding terminal 100, but differs in that it may not include the collar 120 of grounding terminal 100. Grounding terminal 300 may include: a plate 310 defining an aperture 318 therethrough; at least one tab 330, illustrated herein as a first tab 330 and a second tab 340; and an arm 350 extending from the plate 310. Arm 350 may be identical to arm 150 of grounding terminal 100.

[0034] The first tab 330 and the second tab 340 are configured to attach the grounding terminal 300 to the housing 240. Specifically, the first tab 330 is configured to be at least partially received within the first tab groove 266 of the first tab receiving portion 264, while the second tab 340 is configured to be at least partially received within the second tab groove 276 of the second tab receiving portion 274. Furthermore, in the assembly configuration, the threaded post 16 of the substrate extends through the orifice 318 of the grounding terminal 300 and extends into the peripheral sidewall 256 of the mounting leg 250 to be fastened with the threaded nut 18.

[0035] Now for reference Figure 6 The plate 310 of the grounding terminal 300 defines a surface 312 extending along a first direction between a first side 314 and a second side 316 of the plate 310. An aperture 318 is defined to pass through the surface 312 at a location between the first side 314 and the second side 316. A first tab 330 extends from the first side 314 of the surface 312 and defines a first attachment aperture 332 and a first engagement surface 334, while a second tab 340 extends from the second side 316 of the surface 312 and defines a second attachment aperture 342 and a second engagement surface 344.

[0036] refer to Figure 7A cross-sectional view of the grounding terminal 300, which is assembled with the mounting leg 250, shows the bottom mounting wall 252 of the mounting leg 250, which defines a mounting opening 254 through the bottom mounting wall 252, and shows a peripheral sidewall 256 extending upward from the bottom mounting wall 252. The peripheral sidewall 256 includes a first engaging tab 260 and a second engaging tab 270, which define a first tab engaging surface 262 and a second tab engaging surface 272, respectively. In the assembled configuration, the first tab 330 can be received within a first tab groove 266 of the first tab receiving portion 264, such that the first engaging tab 260 is received within a first attachment opening 332 of the first tab 330, and the first tab engaging surface 262 can contact and bear against the first engaging surface 334 of the first tab 330 in a snap-fit ​​or friction-fit engagement manner. Similarly, the second tab 340 can be received in the second tab groove 276 of the second tab receiving portion 274, so that the second engaging tab 270 is received in the second attachment hole 342 of the second tab 340, and the second tab engaging surface 272 can contact and bear against the second engaging surface 344 of the second tab 340 in a snap-fit ​​or friction engagement manner.

[0037] Furthermore, when the grounding terminal 300 and mounting leg 250 are assembled with the substrate 12, the threaded post 16 extends from the substrate 12, passes through the aperture 318 of the plate 310, and passes through the mounting opening 254 in the bottom mounting wall 252 of the mounting leg 250. A threaded nut 18 is threadedly fastened to the threaded post 16, thereby configuring the mounting leg 250, and consequently the housing 240 and wiring system 20 ( Figure 1 ), and grounding terminal 300 is fastened to vehicle 10 ( Figure 1 The substrate 12 of the grounding terminal 300. This fastening ensures that the metal material of the plate 310 of the grounding terminal 300 is in contact with the vehicle 10. Figure 1 The substrate 12 is contacted to ensure proper electrical connection and grounding.

[0038] Although the illustration shows the base plate 12, threaded post 16, and threaded nut 18 used with the housing 240 and grounding terminal 300, the base plate 12, threaded post 16, and threaded nut 18 can be provided in the same manner for use with the housing 40 and grounding terminal 100. Furthermore, although the illustration shows the grounding terminal 100 used with the housing 40 and the grounding terminal 300 used with the housing 240, it should be understood that both the grounding terminal 100 including the collar 120 and the grounding terminal 300 excluding the collar 120 can be used with the housing 40 having mounting feet 50 or the housing 240 having mounting feet 250.

[0039] The foregoing description is illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although 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. In the drafted specification and claims, one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other designation of instructions or method steps is for convenience of reference and does not indicate a fixed order.

[0040] Furthermore, although each of the above embodiments is described as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations and combinations between one or more embodiments are still within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary constructions only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically indicated as an order of execution, the method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring performance in the specific order discussed or described. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0042] Spatial and functional relationships between components (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connected,” “joined,” “linked,” “adjacent,” “closely adjacent,” “next to,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly described as “direct,” when describing a relationship between a first component and a second component in the above description, the relationship covers a direct relationship where no other intervening component exists between the first and second components, as well as an indirect relationship where one or more intervening components exist between the first and second components. Other terms used to describe relationships between components should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0043] The term "set" does not necessarily exclude the empty set; in other words, in some cases, a "set" can have zero elements. The term "non-empty set" can be used to indicate the exclusion of the empty set; in other words, a non-empty set will always have one or more elements. The term "subset" does not necessarily require that it be a proper subset. In other words, a "subset" of the first set can be congruent to (equal to) the first set. Furthermore, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty set; in some cases, a "subset" can have zero elements.

[0044] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another region, layer, or section. For example, “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example construction, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second section.

[0045] The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as meaning logically (A or B or C), using the non-exclusive logical "OR", and should not be interpreted as meaning "at least one A, at least one B, and at least one C".

[0046] The following technical solutions provide an exemplary construction for a grounding terminal for a vehicle, as described above.

[0047] Technical Solution 1: A grounding terminal for a vehicle, the grounding terminal comprising: a plate having a surface extending in a first direction between a first side and a second side, the plate defining an orifice through the surface; and a first tab extending from the first side of the plate in a second direction transverse to the first direction and configured to be attached to a housing of a vehicle wiring system.

[0048] Technical Solution 2: The grounding terminal according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first protrusion defines an attachment hole configured to connect to the housing.

[0049] Technical solution 3: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 2, wherein the attachment orifice is configured to receive the housing by at least one of snap-fit ​​engagement or friction engagement.

[0050] Technical Solution 4: The grounding terminal according to Technical Solution 2 or Technical Solution 3, wherein the attachment orifice is connected to the housing to prevent the grounding terminal from rotating relative to the housing.

[0051] Technical solution 5: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 4 further includes a second protrusion that extends from a second side of the plate and is configured to be attached to the housing.

[0052] Technical solution 6: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 5, wherein the first side is opposite to the second side.

[0053] Technical solution 7: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 5 or technical solution 6, wherein the first tab and the second tab extend from opposite edges of the surface of the plate.

[0054] Technical solution 8: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 5 to 7, wherein the second protrusion extends from the second side of the plate along a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0055] Technical solution 9: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 8, wherein the plate includes an annular member that defines an opening through the surface.

[0056] Technical solution 10: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 9, wherein the first side is opposite to the second side, and further wherein the opposing first protrusion and second protrusion extend from the outer peripheral edge of the annular member along a second direction.

[0057] Technical solution 11: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 10 further includes a collar surrounding the orifice and protruding from the surface of the plate.

[0058] Technical solution 12: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 11, wherein the collar extends from the surface of the plate along a third direction transverse to the first direction.

[0059] Technical solution 13: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 12, wherein the second direction and the third direction are substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0060] Technical solution 14: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 13 further includes a second tab extending from a second side of the plate and configured to be attached to the housing.

[0061] Technical solution 15: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 14, wherein the first tab and the second tab are spaced apart from each other and extend from opposite portions of the surface of the plate.

[0062] Technical solution 16: The grounding terminal according to technical solution 15, wherein the collar protrudes from the surface of the plate along the periphery of the orifice, and the first tab and the second tab extend from opposite sides of the outer periphery of the surface of the plate.

[0063] Technical solution 17: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 16, wherein the collar is configured to be received at least partially within an opening defined by the housing.

[0064] Technical solution 18: The grounding terminal according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 17 further includes an arm extending from the third side of the plate in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0065] Technical Solution 19: The grounding terminal according to Technical Solution 18, wherein the arm includes: a first substrate retaining clip; and a second substrate retaining clip; wherein the arm, the first substrate retaining clip, and the second substrate retaining clip define a channel configured to receive part of a vehicle wiring system.

[0066] Technical Solution 20: An assembly comprising: a grounding terminal according to Technical Solution 1, wherein a first tab defines an attachment aperture configured to engage with a housing, the attachment aperture being configured to receive the housing in at least one of snap-fit ​​engagement or friction engagement, the grounding terminal further comprising: a second tab extending from a second side of a plate and configured to attach to the housing; a collar surrounding the aperture and projecting from a surface of the plate in a third direction transverse to the first direction, wherein the collar is configured to be received at least partially within an opening defined by the housing; and an arm extending from a third side of the plate in a fourth direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the arm comprising: a first substrate retaining clip; and a second substrate retaining clip; wherein the arm, the first substrate retaining clip, and the second substrate retaining clip define a channel configured to receive part of a vehicle wiring system.

Claims

1. A grounding terminal for a vehicle, the grounding terminal comprising: A plate having a surface extending in a first direction between a first side and a second side, the plate defining an opening through the surface; as well as A first tab extends from the first side of the plate along a second direction transverse to the first direction and is configured to attach to a housing of the vehicle wiring system.

2. The grounding terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first tab defines an attachment opening configured to connect to the housing.

3. The grounding terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The attachment port is configured to receive the housing by at least one of a snap-fit ​​engagement or a friction engagement.

4. The grounding terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, Connecting the attachment port to the housing prevents the grounding terminal from rotating relative to the housing.

5. The grounding terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second tab that extends from a second side of the plate and is configured to attach to the housing.

6. The grounding terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first side is opposite to the second side.

7. The grounding terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first tab and the second tab extend from opposite edges of the surface of the plate.

8. The grounding terminal according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second tab extends from the second side of the plate along the second direction.

9. The grounding terminal according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plate includes an annular element that defines the orifice passing through the surface.

10. The grounding terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first side is opposite to the second side, and further wherein the opposing first and second tabs extend from the outer peripheral edge of the annular member along the second direction.

11. The grounding terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a collar that surrounds the orifice and protrudes from the surface of the plate.

12. The grounding terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that, The collar extends from the surface of the plate in a third direction transverse to the first direction.

13. The grounding terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that, Both the second direction and the third direction are substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

14. The grounding terminal according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a second tab that extends from a second side of the plate and is configured to attach to the housing.

15. The grounding terminal according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first tab and the second tab are spaced apart from each other and extend from opposite portions of the surface of the plate.

16. The grounding terminal according to claim 15, characterized in that, The collar protrudes from the surface of the plate along the periphery of the orifice, and the first tab and the second tab extend from opposite sides of the outer periphery of the surface of the plate.

17. The grounding terminal according to claim 12, characterized in that, The collar is configured to be received at least partially within an opening defined by the housing.

18. The grounding terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an arm extending from the third side of the plate in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction.

19. The grounding terminal according to claim 18, characterized in that, The arm includes: First substrate holding clip; and Second substrate holding clip The arm, the first substrate retainer, and the second substrate retainer define a channel configured to receive a portion of the vehicle wiring system.

20. A component comprising: The grounding terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first tab defines an attachment aperture configured to connect to the housing, the attachment aperture being configured to receive the housing by at least one of snap-fit ​​engagement or friction engagement, the grounding terminal further comprising: A second tab extends from a second side of the plate and is configured to attach to the housing; A collar surrounding the orifice and projecting from the surface of the plate in a third direction transverse to the first direction, wherein the collar is configured to be received at least partially within the opening defined by the housing; and An arm, the wall extending from a third side of the plate along a fourth direction substantially parallel to the first direction, the arm comprising: First substrate holding clip; and Second substrate holding clip The arm, the first substrate retainer, and the second substrate retainer define a channel configured to receive a portion of the vehicle wiring system.

Images