초록 ▼

The present invention involves a self-aligning connector assembly adapted for connecting first and second electrical conductors. The invention may be incorporated within a door panel assembly of a vehicle. The self-aligning connector assembly provides for self-aligning assembly techniques of vehicle

The present invention involves a self-aligning connector assembly adapted for connecting first and second electrical conductors. The invention may be incorporated within a door panel assembly of a vehicle. The self-aligning connector assembly provides for self-aligning assembly techniques of vehicle panels to sheet metal structures. The connector assembly comprises a male connector, a female connector receiving the male connector, and a conductive member disposed on the female connector. The male connector has a base portion and a head portion. Head portion tapers from the base portion to form an arcuate top. The base portion has a conductive area disposed thereon and adapted to connect to the first electrical conductor, such as electrical wires. The female connector has a body portion defining an opening and has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the female connector receives the male connector and is formed to complement the shape of the male connector and is cooperable with the arcuate top of the male connector to facilitate the self-alignment of the male and female connectors. The outer surface of the female connector has a slot formed thereon. The conductive member is accessible by way of the slot of the female connector wherein the conductive member has a contact area and a wire area. The wire area is adapted to connect the second electrical conductor, such as electrical wires. The contact area engages the conductive area of the male connector when the male and female connectors are self-aligned and the male connector is received in the female connector.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A self-aligning connector assembly adapted for connecting first and second electrical conductors, the assembly comprising:a male connector having a base portion and a head portion, the head portion tapering from the base portion to form an arcuate top, the base portion

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A self-aligning connector assembly adapted for connecting first and second electrical conductors, the assembly comprising:a male connector having a base portion and a head portion, the head portion tapering from the base portion to form an arcuate top, the base portion having a plurality of conductive areas spaced circumferentially apart on the base portion and adapted to connect to the first electrical conductor;a female connector having a body portion defining an opening and having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface of the female connector receiving the male connector, the inner surface formed to complement the shape of the male connector and cooperable with the arcuate top of the male connector to facilitate the self-alignment of the male and female connectors, the outer surface having a plurality of slots spaced circumferentially apart on the outer surface, the plurality of slots being in radial alignment with the plurality of conductive areas of the base portion when the male and female connectors are self-aligned and the male connector is received in the female connector; anda conductive member accessible by way of one of the slots of the female connector, the conductive member having a contact area and a wire area, the wire area adapted to connect the second electrical conductor, the contact area engaging one of the conductive areas of the male connector when the male and female connectors are self-aligned and the male connector is received in the female connector.