WO2000007850A1 - Panneau de garnissage muni de connecteurs electriques - Google Patents

Panneau de garnissage muni de connecteurs electriques Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000007850A1
WO2000007850A1 PCT/US1999/017684 US9917684W WO0007850A1 WO 2000007850 A1 WO2000007850 A1 WO 2000007850A1 US 9917684 W US9917684 W US 9917684W WO 0007850 A1 WO0007850 A1 WO 0007850A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical
trim panel
assembly
electrical connector
set forth
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/017684
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Albert Wojewnik
Ronald K. Reich
Original Assignee
Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. filed Critical Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Publication of WO2000007850A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000007850A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/0207—Wire harnesses

Definitions

  • the subject invention relates to a vehicle trim panel assembly having an integrally molded electrical circuit and separately connectable electrical connectors.
  • Vehicles have trim panels mounted to interior surfaces of the body to present a pleasing appearance.
  • door trim panels are mounted to the interior surface of a door assembly.
  • vehicle door assemblies include spaced apart inner and outer panels defining a cavity for mounting a window, window regulator, speakers and other mechanical and electrical devices. These devices are installed inside the door cavity through a plurality of access openings provided in the door inner panel.
  • a door trim panel conceals this interior surface of the door, and is conventionally formed of a rigid panel, such as molded plastic or pressed hardboard.
  • the exterior of the trim panel which faces the vehicle occupant, is covered with a flexible decorative trim material such as cloth, vinyl, leather and/or carpeting, thereby creating a pleasing appearance to the occupant.
  • the door trim panel is secured to the door by suitable fasteners.
  • the door trim panel also often supports a number of electrical components.
  • the components include lights, window controls, rear view mirror controls, door lock controls, seat adjustment controls, and speakers.
  • Each of these electrical components requires an individual wiring connector power supply lead wires and perhaps control wires.
  • the wires are typically bundled together to create what is commonly called a wire harness.
  • the wire harness is fixed to the trim panel or to the door to hold the wire harness.
  • the wire harness is connected to a main wire harness that enters the door cavity near the hinged end of the door.
  • the mounting and wiring of these electrical components is labor intensive and requires a number of connectors and other electrical parts. Solutions to this problem have been contemplated by the prior art.
  • the wires be mounted, molded, etched, printed, or otherwise affixed to a separate rigid board material.
  • the rigid board is in turn mounted to either the trim panel or the door or both.
  • the door assembly includes the door itself, a rigid board, and the trim panel.
  • the present invention provides a vehicle trim panel assembly that includes a trim panel of electrically non-conductive material that has an interior and an exterior surface.
  • the exterior surface includes decorative trim mounted on it such as vinyl, leather, or cloth, for example, which makes that exposed surface visually appealing.
  • An electrical circuit is deposited upon and adhered to the interior surface using a thermal spray process.
  • the trim panel further includes recessed cavities proximate to the electrical circuit. Electrical connectors are fixedly secured in the recessed cavities so as to achieve an electrical connection with the electrical circuit. In this way, any number of first or second electrical connectors may be created. Electrical components then may be attached to the first and second connectors.
  • a vehicle wire harness is attached to the first connector while components such as a window regulator and rear view mirror control are attached to any number of second connectors.
  • the invention thus provides a vehicle trim panel having an integrally molded electrical circuit for interconnecting any number of electrical devices and a electrical connector for transferring electrical current from the circuit to an electrical component.
  • the trim panel of the subject invention can be efficiently manufactured and simply requires the user to press fit the electrical connector into the panel itself.
  • all of the parts necessary to electrically connect an electrically operated component to an electrical supply are included within the trim panel itself. These parts include the connectors and the electrical circuit that is integrally molded into the trim panel.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trim panel assembly in spaced relationship to a vehicle door assembly
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view from area 2 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrical connector;
  • Figure 3B is a view of one feature of the Figure 3 A connector;
  • Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an electrical connector;
  • Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrical connector in spaced relationship from the trim panel
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an electrical connector
  • Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an electrical connector wherein the connector is ultrasonically welded to a trace; and
  • Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an electrical connector in spaced relationship from the trim panel in which the connector is being spin welded to a trace.
  • trim panel assembly 10 as shown in Figure 1 includes trim panel 12 constructed of electrically non-conductive material having an exterior surface 14 and an interior surface 16.
  • Trim panel 12 is shown as an automotive door trim panel which mounts to a vehicle door assembly, generally shown at 18.
  • the trim panel of the subject invention may be any type of trim panel associated with a vehicle without deviating from the scope of the subject invention.
  • Other types of trim panels include trunk panels, quarter panels, rear package trays, headliners, instrument panels, garnish moldings, console panels, etc.
  • the vehicle door assembly 18 includes spaced apart inner 20 and outer 22 metal panels defining a cavity 24 for receiving a window, window regulator, speakers, and other electrical devices (not shown).
  • a plurality of access openings 26 are provided in the inner panel 20 to allow access into the cavity 24 of the door assembly 18.
  • the door trim panel 12 is utilized to conceal this interior surface 20 of the vehicle door 18.
  • Door trim panel 12 is preferably formed of a molded plastic such as polypropylene.
  • the trim panel 12 may alternatively be fabricated of wood fibers, polyurethane, solid molded vinyl, expanded polyurethane foam, any combination thereof or any other suitable rigid electrically non-conductive material.
  • the exterior surface 14 of the trim panel 12 may include a decorative surface.
  • the trim panel 12 may be covered with a flexible decorative trim material such as cloth, vinyl, leather, and/or carpeting.
  • the trim panel 12 is attached to the vehicle door 18 by suitable fasteners as are well known in the art.
  • the interior surface 16 of the trim panel 12 includes a first electrical connector 30 and a second electrical connector 40, as best shown in Figure 2.
  • the first electrical connector 30 is adapted to receive the wire harness 32 extending into the cavity 24 near the hinged end of the door.
  • second electrical connectors 40 there are a number of second electrical connectors 40.
  • the interior surface of the trim panel also supports a number of electrical components. These components can include window controls 42, rear view mirror controls 44, door lock controls 46, speakers 48, etc. Each of these electrical components 42,44,46,48 has an associated set of second electrical connectors 40.
  • An electrical circuit, generally shown at 50, is integrally deposited on and adhered to the interior surface 16 of the trim panel 12 for electrically connecting the first electrical connector 30 to the plurality of second electrical connectors 40.
  • the method of depositing the electrical circuit 50 may be accomplished by flame spraying molten metal particles or any other suitable means as disclosed in copending applications serial number 09/053,395 entitled “Trim Panel with Integrally Formed Electrical Circuits” and filed April 1, 1998, and serial number 09/085,986 entitled “Trim Panel Having Grooves with Integrally Formed Electrical Circuits” and filed May 27, 1998, which are herein incorporated by reference.
  • the electrical circuit 50 formed within the trim panel 12 comprises a plurality of spaced apart circuit traces 52 or strips of conductive material.
  • the electrical circuit 50 will depend on the number and type of electrical components used. Each individual trace 52 can vary in width and thickness to accommodate varied gauges and to customize resistivity.
  • the trim panel 12 is mounted to the inner panel 20 of the vehicle door assembly 18.
  • the electrical circuit 50 of the trim panel 12 is preferably spaced some distance from the door assembly 18.
  • an insulative coating (not shown) or similar material may be applied over the electrical circuit 50 to create a protective moisture barrier between the door assembly 18 and the trim panel 12.
  • At least one recessed cavity 54 is disposed within the interior surface 16 of the trim panel 12.
  • the trace 52 is proximate to the recessed cavity 54.
  • An electrical connector 40 is received and fixedly secured within the recessed cavity 54 and is in contact with the trace 52 thereby providing electrical conductivity between the trace 52 and the electrical connector 40.
  • the trace 52 extends at least partially, and most preferably entirely around the recessed cavity 54 to better achieve an electrical connection.
  • the embodiment of the electrical connector 40A, 40B, shown in Figures 3A and 4 includes a flange 60 and a shank 62.
  • the flange 60 engages the circuit traces 52.
  • teeth 64 may project from the flange 60 for piercing the circuit traces 52 and further enhancing the electrical connection.
  • the flange 60 and the teeth' 64 are welded to the circuit trace.
  • the electrical connector 40 is entirely formed of an electrically conductive material so that any portion of the electrical connector 40 that contacts the trace 52 is able to conduct electricity.
  • the shank 62 extends within the cavity 54 to fixedly secure the electrical connector 40 to the trim panel 12.
  • the shank 62 may further incorporate barbs 66 that project outwardly from the shank 62 to assist in retaining the shank 62 within the cavity 54.
  • a male or female connector may be used. Referring specifically to Figures 3 A and 5, a bore 70 extends through the shank 62 thereby forming a female connector 40A.
  • the female connector is adapted to coact with a portion of an electrical component that is complementary in configuration to the bore 70. That is, the female connector is intended to engage a male connector 74 from an electrical component 44 so that the electrical component 44 is in electrical communication with the electrical connector 40.
  • a projecting finger 72 extends outwardly from the flange 60 opposite the shank 62 thereby forming a male connector.
  • the male connector 40B is adapted to coact with a portion of an electrical component that is complementary in configuration to the finger 72. That is the male connector is intended to engage a female connector 76 from an electrical component 44, so that the electrical component 44 is in electrical communication with the electrical connector 40.
  • an electrical connector 40C is riveted to the trim panel 12 at the recessed cavity 54, as shown in Figure 6.
  • the flange 60 engages the trace 52, hence making electrical eontact with the trace 52.
  • An annular lip 80 opposite the flange 60 and adjacent to the exterior surface 14 is deformed thereby compressing the trim panel 12 and securely attaching the connector 40 thereto.
  • Figures 7 and 8 depict embodiments in which the electrical connector 40 is welded, in some fashion, to the trace 52.
  • An electrical connector 40 having a shank 62 that includes a tapered annular ring 90 is shown seated in cavity 54 in Figure 7.
  • the electrical connector 40 is ultrasonically welded to the trace 52.
  • the electrical connector 40 can be inserted into the cavity 54 and spin welded thereby achieving an electrical connection between the flange 60 and the trace 52.
  • the shank 62 is securely retained therein.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Interior And Exterior Ornaments, Soundproofing, And Insulation (AREA)

Abstract

On décrit un ensemble panneau de garnissage qui inclut un panneau de garnissage fabriqué avec un matériau non conducteur d'électricité et présentant une face interne et une face externe. La face externe est décorée d'une garniture en vinyle, en cuir ou en tissu, par exemple, qui lui confère un bel attrait visuel. Un circuit électrique disposé sur la face interne y est fixé par pulvérisation thermique. Le panneau de garnissage inclut des cavités encastrées situées à proximité du circuit électrique. Des connecteurs électriques sont solidement fixés dans les cavités encastrées de manière à assurer un raccordement électrique avec le circuit électrique. Il est ainsi possible d'établir un quelconque nombre d'une première et d'une deuxième séries de connecteurs auxquelles des composants électriques peuvent ensuite être raccordés. Un faisceau de câbles de véhicule est fixé au premier connecteur tandis que des composants, tels qu'une commande de lève-vitre ou de rétroviseur, sont fixés à un quelconque nombre de deuxième séries de connecteurs.
PCT/US1999/017684 1998-08-05 1999-08-04 Panneau de garnissage muni de connecteurs electriques WO2000007850A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12956198A 1998-08-05 1998-08-05
US09/129,561 1998-08-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000007850A1 true WO2000007850A1 (fr) 2000-02-17

Family

ID=22440589

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/017684 WO2000007850A1 (fr) 1998-08-05 1999-08-04 Panneau de garnissage muni de connecteurs electriques

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2000007850A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003070524A1 (fr) * 2002-02-22 2003-08-28 Leoni Ag Procede pour produire une piste conductrice sur un composant support et composant support
FR2878069A1 (fr) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-19 Plastic Omnium Cie Panneau en matiere plastique d'un vehicule automobile
US7964825B2 (en) 2003-11-25 2011-06-21 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company Method for the attachment of an electrical lead wire on a surface element, as well as a heating element, especially for a plastic-spraying device
KR20120100067A (ko) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-12 현대자동차주식회사 전기동력부품 고정 및 전류 경로 형성용 플레이트
CN104067030A (zh) * 2012-01-24 2014-09-24 罗伯特·博世有限公司 具有抗油的印制导线的变速器控制模块
US9029742B2 (en) 2001-12-19 2015-05-12 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company Method for the production of an electrically conductive resistive layer and heating and/or cooling device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997021563A1 (fr) * 1995-12-08 1997-06-19 United Technologies Automotive, Inc. Ensemble integre de garniture interieure et d'equipement electrique pour vehicule automobile
US5712764A (en) * 1996-05-03 1998-01-27 Ford Motor Company Apparatus and method of assembling vehicle instrument panel structural and electronic components
WO1998003373A1 (fr) * 1996-07-24 1998-01-29 Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc. Ensemble a faisceau de cables sur panneau de garnissage

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997021563A1 (fr) * 1995-12-08 1997-06-19 United Technologies Automotive, Inc. Ensemble integre de garniture interieure et d'equipement electrique pour vehicule automobile
US5712764A (en) * 1996-05-03 1998-01-27 Ford Motor Company Apparatus and method of assembling vehicle instrument panel structural and electronic components
WO1998003373A1 (fr) * 1996-07-24 1998-01-29 Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc. Ensemble a faisceau de cables sur panneau de garnissage

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9029742B2 (en) 2001-12-19 2015-05-12 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company Method for the production of an electrically conductive resistive layer and heating and/or cooling device
WO2003070524A1 (fr) * 2002-02-22 2003-08-28 Leoni Ag Procede pour produire une piste conductrice sur un composant support et composant support
US7964825B2 (en) 2003-11-25 2011-06-21 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company Method for the attachment of an electrical lead wire on a surface element, as well as a heating element, especially for a plastic-spraying device
FR2878069A1 (fr) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-19 Plastic Omnium Cie Panneau en matiere plastique d'un vehicule automobile
KR20120100067A (ko) * 2011-03-03 2012-09-12 현대자동차주식회사 전기동력부품 고정 및 전류 경로 형성용 플레이트
KR101724719B1 (ko) * 2011-03-03 2017-04-07 현대자동차주식회사 전기동력부품 고정 및 전류 경로 형성용 플레이트
CN104067030A (zh) * 2012-01-24 2014-09-24 罗伯特·博世有限公司 具有抗油的印制导线的变速器控制模块

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