US3267410A

US3267410A - Rectangular conductor harness means and attachments

Info

Publication number: US3267410A
Application number: US483758A
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald G Baer; Allan S Van Slyke; Robert C Woofter
Original assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
Current assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
Priority date: 1961-09-28
Filing date: 1965-08-30
Publication date: 1966-08-16
Anticipated expiration: 1983-08-16
Also published as: US3322882A

Description

Aug. 6, 1966 D. G. BAER ET AL 3,267,410

CTOR HARNESS MEANS AND ATTACHMENTS RECTANGULAR CONDU Original Filed Sept. 28, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS 00mm 6. BMW AHan S. Van filyim Robert C. Wooffw Aug. 16, 1966 D. G. BAER ET AL 3,267,410

RECTANGULAR CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS AND ATTACHMENTS Original Filed Sept, 28, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS Donald 6. Beer Allan $.Van Slyke Robert C. Wooffer Thlr Arney 3,257,4klh Ice Patented August 16, 1966 3,267,410 RECTANGULAR CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS AND ATTACHMENTS Donald G. Beer, Girard, Allan S. Van glyke, Southington,

and Robert C. Woofter, Cortland, ()hio, assignors to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Qriginal application ept. 28, 1961, Ser. No. 141,483.

Divided and this application Aug. 30, E65, Ser.

2 (Ilairns. (Cl. 339-434) This is a division of copending parent application S.N. 141,483, Baer et al., filed Sept. 28, 1961, now Patent 3,226,668, Baer et al., issued Dec. 28, 1965, and belonging to the assignee of the present invention.

This invention relates to wiring and electrical connections and, more particularly, to a rectangular conductor harness means and attachments for vehicle use.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved approach to automotive wiring to save space and reduce number and thickness of attachments and components including switches and terminal means for use therewith representing a transition from rounded conductors in vehicle wiring harness means to flattened generally rectangular-shaped conductors more efficient to use.

Another object of this invention is to provide rectangular-shaped conductors in parallel though separably insulated association as a unitary solid fiat configuration with predetermined surfacing exposable by stripping as well as window-like cutouts to gain proper electrical connection thereto directly free of any intermediate terminal means in predetermined locations of the insulated flat conductors which can also have single terminal contact an choring holes, dimples as well as tang-like pierced deformations integral therewith adjacent to ends thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide electrical energization by means including in part a flat conductor itself and in part a single terminal means adapted to fit in mating engagement directly therewith in sandwiched relation thereto and optionally having a wafer-like polarizing layer of insulation between predetermined flat conductors for terminal means engagement.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein preferred embodiments of the present invention are clearly shown.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of another rectangular conductor harness means and attachments also in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line -5 in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 3 is a side view of terminal means shown in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 4 is an end view of terminal means shown in FIGURES 5 and 6.

FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view of an insulated rectangular flat cable to a connector clip such as for a radio speaker connection in accordance with the present invention.

Motor vehicle manufacturers have produced bodies equipped with Wiring means utilizing rounded conductors which can be grouped as a harness provided with a tapelike covering and the like. Such rounded conductors as grouped into a harness can effect transfer of electric power to various electrical devices and switching means to which the wirin g harness and conductor means can be routed generally in concealed positions between inner and outer panels of doors as well as between supports such as door jambs and vehicle upholstery and metal body panels including fenders and the like. There is a continuing trend in body construction in modification of vehicle bodies to to increase strength thereof while reducing thickness or spacing between components. Future vehicles will also be provided with thinner door means that provide less space between inner and outer panels thus requiring new types of switch means and accessory devices due to limited space from a point of view of thickness between such mounting anels. In some instances a transition will be made by provision of both rounded as well as flattened insulated conductors and wiring means between which electrical interconnection must be established so that flattened conductor means or substantially rectangularshaped insulated wiring harness means can be used where space accommodations are narrower and cannot permit placement and fitting of round conductors in grouped relation as tape-covered harness means previously used.

FIGURE 1 illustrates another rectangular conductor harness means generally indicated by numeral. and including flattened or generally rectangular-shaped wires or

conductors

71, 72 and 73 having an extruded insulating cover 74 of thermoplastic material thereon. Each of these flattened conductors includes fiat-like or folded over

end portions

71E, 72E and 73E as well as

apertures

71A, 72A and 73A, respectively. For polarizing purposes there is a web-like portion or insert means 75 of plastic material which traverses space between the flattened wires or

conductors

72 and 73 and this web-like portion 75 is held in position between flattened conductors 72-73 as well as the bent back ends 72E-73E, respectively, as indicated in FIGURE 1. Between the flattened conductors '71 and 72 there is a longitudinally or axially extending slot 76 adapted to complement a partition or notch-ed wall 77 adjacent to an open end 78 of a body or housing of insulating material generally indicated by numeral 79.

A terminal means generally indicated by numeral 89 and illustrated in a cross sectional view of FIGURE 2 can be provided in each of several passages terminating in the open end 78 of the body or housing 79 of insulating material. Each single terminal means it includes a main body portion 81 having pairs of crimping

wings

82 and 83 adjacent to an end thereof for engaging an insulated conductor or wire W indicated in FIGURE 2. At an o posite end of each body portion 81 there can be a pair of laterally extending J-

shaped arm portions

84 and 85 each terminating in free ends spaced a small distance from each other. One of these arm portions such as 85 includes a tang or tab 86 struck therefrom and projecting into this space between the free ends and adapted to be engageable in an aperture or hole such as indicated by

reference numerals

71A, 72A as well as 73A of the bent over ends of the flattened conductors of the wiring harness means 70. The free ends of the

resilient arms

84 and 85 terminate adjacent to an edge 87 of the body portion 31 which can include a pair of projections such as a prong 88 and a flange 89 located integrally adjacent to ends of the

arm portions

84 and 85 where the latter join the body portion 81. The flattened wiring harness means 71] is adapted to fit into the open end 78 of the insulating housing such that the slot 76 between flattened conductors 71-72 is located substantially longitudinally in alignment with the notched wall 77 and the web-like portion 75 serves as an abstruction against sticking of the flattened wiring harness means 70 in a manner so as to have the web-like portion 75 longitudinally in alignment with the notched wall 77. The prong 88 of the terminal means 80 is adapted to have a free end thereof abut against a projection 79F and the flange 89 fits against a transverse wall or offset portion 79T as shown in FIGURE 2. The bent over ends of each of the

flattened conductors

71, 72 and 73 fit in sandwich-like relationship between the free ends of the resilient arms 84-85 of the terminal means 80 and the edge 87 along one side of the body portion 81 of each of the terminal means serves as a limit or stop for insertion of the blade-like

flattened conductors

71, 72 and 73. Views of FIGURES 3 and 4 show the terminal means 80 per se without any housing of insulating material such as 79.

In addition to use of a single type of terminal means in an insulating housing to establish interconnection between rounded and flattened conductors, there are instances in the wiring system of a motor vehicle wherein a pair of flattened wiring harness means must be interconnected. Reference is made to disclosure as to original views of FIGURES 8 and 9 in parent disclosure S.N. 141,483, filed Sept. 28, 1961, now Patent 3,226,628, Baer et al., issued Dec. 28, 1965, for such interconnection also.

In FIGURE there is a showing of a single conductor 166 of insulated rectangular cable 167 having a windowlike cutout 168 transversely adjacent to an end thereof provided with a bridge portion 169 of insulating material. A tab-like downwardly bent tang portion 166T can be provided in a location adjacent to a bridge portion 169 for insertion in a connector means generally indicated by numeral 170 having a body portion 171 and opposite wings 172 projecting laterally and inwardly therewith to define an entry space 173 generally rectangular in configuration to complement the insulated slot conductor means 167 such that the bridge portion 169 is slidably forced into sandwiched relation between the body portion 71 and an arcuate or curved rearwardly folded end portion 174 of the connector means 170. A tang-like projection 175 struck from the curved end portion 174 can fit in complementary engagement with the depression resulting from deformation of the flat conductor 166 at tang portion 166T thereof. The body portion 171 includes a laterally projecting flange or tab 176 having an aperture or hole 177 therein to receive a fastening means such as a rivet, screw and the like to mount the connector means 170 as a radio speaker connection, for example, adapted to receive a rectangular flat cable conductor such as 166 having insulation thereon.

Reference is made to disclosure of copending applications SN. 315,081 filed Oct. 9, 1963 and SN. 439,847 filed Mar. 15, 1965 as to other portions of the parent disclosure related to the present subject.

It is to be noted that differing cross sectional sizes of conductors flattened and insulated in accordance with the present invention can be provided for the purpose of carrying various electrical current loads. It is possible also to provide insulation of diflering colors around individual though parallel flat strip-like conductors adapted to be joined to each other and adapted to be interconnected with various electrical devices and switching means in proper relationship with each other.

While the embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted.

What is claimed is as follows:

' 1. Connector means for a conductor harness means to fit in narrow passages of a motor vehicle body and having a plurality of flattened rectangular-shaped conductors substantially co-planar and parallel with each other joined together by a thin covering of insulating material surrounding each of the flattened conductors longitudinally thereof as well as edge to edge therebetween, comprising, a housing means having a predetermined passage therein for conductor and terminal accessibility as well as having transverse abutment means integrally therewith, said passage on one end of said housing means having termination into at least one rectangular opening into which said conductor harness means per se fits substantially complementary directly to said housing means, predetermined terminal means having location at least adjacent to the opening of said housing means and having a substantially bow-shaped contact as well as at least one free-ended tang, and contact surfacing of said flattened rectangular-shaped harness means conductors per se laterally exposed at least on only one side thereof which is engaged'by said predetermined terminal means bowshaped contact directly, said housing and terminal means being integrally formed individually complementary to one of the conductors, said bow-shaped contact including a curved end portion having a tang-like projection struck inwardly therefrom, the one of the conductors also having a tang portion struck laterally complementary to said tang-like projection.

2. Connector means for a conductor harness means to fit in narrow passages of a motor vehicle body and having a plurality of flattened rectangular-shaped conductors substantially co-planar and parallel with each other joined by a thin covering of insulating material surrounding each of the flattened conductors longitudinally thereof as well as edge to edge therebetween, comprising, a housing means having a predetermined passage therein for conductor and terminal accessibility as Well as having transverse abutment means integrally therewith, said passage on one end of said housing means having termination into at least one rectangular opening into which said conductor harness means per se fits substantially complementary directly to said housing means predetermined terminal means having location at least adjacent to the opening of said housing means and having substantially bow-shaped contact means as well as at least one free-ended tang, and contact surfacing of said flattened rectangular-shaped harness means conductors per se laterally exposed at least on only one side thereof which is engaged by said predetermined terminal means bow-shaped contact means directly, said housing and terminal means being individually complementary collectively to one of the flattened conductors, said bowshaped contact means including a pair of opposite curved end portions each collectively having substantially face to face J-shaped arm formation included in extension integrally with said pair of opposite curved end portions which together in pairs engage said one of the flattened conductors longitudinally thereof which has laterally complementary interfit therebetween, said free-end tang being a prong bent laterally outwardly from one of said pair of opposite curved end portions and engageable against said housing means internally thereof to oppose movement therefrom in one direction, a flange bent laterally outwardly from said remaining opposite curved end portion in a direction opposite to that of said prong to oppose movement from said housing means in an opposite direction, each of said pair of opposite curved end portions having complementary fit in alignment with one of the flattened conductors that collectively are maintained parallel to each other by said thin covering of insulating material having a slot longitudinally therein between a pair of flattened conductors per se to complement a notched wall adjacent to an open end of said housing means into which laterally'exposed conductors per se fit in between said contact surfacing.

(References on following page) References Citefi by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Richards 339-205 X Jackson et a1. 339-17 X 5 Schultz 339-176 X Juris 339-17 X Kirk 339-176 X Braeutigan 339-17 X Leach 339-205 X Woofter et al. 229-91 X EDWARD C. ALLEN, Primary Examiner. W. DONALD MILLER, Examiner.

Claims

1. CONNECTOR MEANS FOR A CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS TO FIT IN A NARROW PASSAGES OF A MOTOR VEHICLE BODY AND HAVING A PLURALITY OF FLATTENED RECTANGULAR-SHAPED CONDUCTORS SUBSTANTIALLY CO-PLANAR AND PARALLEL WITH EACH OTHER JOINED TOGETHER BY A THIN COVERING OF INSULATING MATERIAL SURROUNDING EACH OF THE FLATTENED CONDUCTORS LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF AS WELL AS EDGE TO EDGE THEREBETWEEN, COMPRISING, A HOUSING MEANS HAVING A PREDETERMINED PASSAGE THEREIN FOR CONDUCTOR AND TERMINAL ACCESSIBILITY AS WELL AS HAVING TRANSVERSE ABUTMENT MEANS INTEGRALLY THEREWITH, SAID PASSAGE ON ONE END OF SAID HOUSING MEANS HAVING TERMINATION INTO AT LEAST ONE RECTANGULAR OPENING INTO WHICH SAID CONDUCTOR HARNESS MEANS PER SE FITS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLEMENTARY DIRECTLY TO SAID HOUSING MEANS, PREDETERMINED TERMINAL MEANS HAVING LOCATION AT LEAST ADJACENT TO THE OPENING OF SAID HOUSING MEANS AND HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY BOW-SHAPED CONTACT AS WELL AS AT LEAST ONE FREE-ENDED TANG, AND CONTACT SURFACING OF SAID FLATTENED RECTANGULAR-SHAPED HARNESS MEANS CONDUCTORS PER SE LAT-