Electrical interconnection module for vehicle instrument panel
First Claim
1. An electrical interconnection module for electrically connecting first and second electrical components comprising:
- an instrument panel adapted to mount the first and second electrical components at least one of which is adapted to be an instrument on the panel, and further adapted to be mounted as a panel in a vehicle interior for electrical connection with a vehicle electrical system;
first and second means disposed on the panel for making electrical connection with electrical connectors disposed on the first and second electrical components;
an elongated groove formed in a surface of the panel and extending from a point adjacent the first electrical connection means to a second point adjacent the second electrical connection means;
a wire disposed in and extending along the groove and having a first end in electrical connection with the first electrical connection means and a second end in electrical connection with the second electrical connection means to electrically connect the first and second electrical components;
at least one bus bar electrically connected with the wire and projecting from a surface of the panel; and
an electrical junction block disposed on the panel such that the at least one bus bar extends into electrical connection with the junction block.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical interconnection module forms part of the structure of an automotive vehicle instrument panel and connects electrical components disposed thereon with a bulkhead connector on the forward fire wall of the vehicle. The interconnection module has electrical connectors disposed thereon at various locations for making connection with the electrical components. A plurality of bus bars are disposed in a group on the surface of the module and form part of an electrical junction block integrated with the module. Narrow grooves extend along the surfaces of the module and have wires embedded therein to provide electrical interconnection between the connectors and the bus bars. The bus bars and the terminals of the electrical connectors comprise insulation displacement connectors for making connection with the wires.
70 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An electrical interconnection module for electrically connecting first and second electrical components comprising:
-
an instrument panel adapted to mount the first and second electrical components at least one of which is adapted to be an instrument on the panel, and further adapted to be mounted as a panel in a vehicle interior for electrical connection with a vehicle electrical system; first and second means disposed on the panel for making electrical connection with electrical connectors disposed on the first and second electrical components; an elongated groove formed in a surface of the panel and extending from a point adjacent the first electrical connection means to a second point adjacent the second electrical connection means; a wire disposed in and extending along the groove and having a first end in electrical connection with the first electrical connection means and a second end in electrical connection with the second electrical connection means to electrically connect the first and second electrical components; at least one bus bar electrically connected with the wire and projecting from a surface of the panel; and an electrical junction block disposed on the panel such that the at least one bus bar extends into electrical connection with the junction block. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. An instrument panel assembly for installation in a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle having a bulkhead and a bulkhead electrical connector disposed thereon, the instrument panel assembly comprising:
-
an instrument panel housing; an electrical component; an electrical interconnection module secured to the instrument panel housing and having means for receiving and making electrical connection with the electrical component and means for making electrical connection with the bulkhead connector; at least one elongated groove formed in a surface of the electrical interconnection module and extending from a point adjacent the means for making electrical connection with the electrical component to a second point adjacent the means for making electrical connection with the bulkhead connector; and a wire disposed in and extending along the groove and having a first end in electrical connection with the means for making electrical connection with the electrical component and a second end in electrical connection with the means for making electrical connection with the bulkhead connection. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification