Databus multiplexing connection system

• US 6,257,938 B1
• Filed: 11/10/1999
• Issued: 07/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stoneridge, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Stoneridge Incorporated
• Inventors: Day, Chia P., Norris, John S. Jr., Basinger, Terry L., Cross, William E., Spano, Frank J. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen, Gary F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GUSHI, ROSS N
• Application Number:
  US09/437,367
• Time in Patent Office: 608 Days
• Field of Search: 439/723, 439/189, 439/721, 439/724, 439/283, 439/654, 439/620
• US Class Current: 439/723
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/5219 Sealing means between coupling parts, e.g. interfacial seal
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6272 comprising a single latching arm

Abstract

A databus multiplexing connection system is disclosed including an electrical connector for multiplexing data including in-line CAN-bus splice connector. The connector includes a 4-way connector body and a secondary lock/bussing assembly. The secondary lock/bussing assembly includes a main body, buss-bars, and one or more optional resistors. The secondary lock/bussing assembly secures terminals inside the connector body, provides an interface for connection of a 2-way mating connector thereto, verifies that the terminals are properly installed (i.e. proper orientation) in the connector body.

Claims

1. An electrical connector having at least one signal input, and including a respective plurality of signal outputs, comprising:

a connector body for engaging a plug connector at the at least one signal input;

a bussing assembly, received and retained within the connector body, and wherein the bussing assembly further comprises;

only one pair of buss-bars, electronically engagable with the plug connector for splicing the at least one signal input into the respective plurality of signal outputs, wherein each one buss-bar has only one respective primary tab for engaging a respective plug connector receptacle, and a respective plurality of secondary tabs for connecting to respective signal output structures, wherein each buss-bar is formed so that the plane of the primary tab is displaced from the plane of the second tabs such that in the bussing assembly the pair of primary tabs lie substantially within the same plane, for engagement with respective plug connector receptacles; and

a main body section for supporting and securing the pair of buss-bars within the connector body.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the respective signal output structures comprise respective connector member receptacles.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2 wherein the connector member receptacles are connected to respective signal-carrying wires to form respective wire assemblies.

4. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein at least one buss-bar is stamped from tin-plated brass.

5. The electrical connector of claim 4 wherein at least one buss-bar includes a gold-plated contact area.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the main body section is formed of plastic, and supports the at least a pair of buss-bars by one of heat stacking and holding.

7. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the connector body includes at least one mechanical locking feature for mechanically engaging a respective locking feature on the plug connector.

8. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the connector body includes an open end for receiving the plug connector.

9. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the signal output structures comprise respective wire assemblies and wherein the connector body includes a respective number of barrels for retaining the wire assemblies.

10. The electrical connector of claim 9 wherein the wire assemblies include respective wire seals for sealing inside the barrels.

11. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the main body section includes channels that receive and electrically isolate portions of the primary tabs.

12. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the main body section includes a plurality of elongated sections that electronically isolate the secondary tabs and also guide the connector member receptacles.

13. The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the at least a pair of buss-bars receive two respective signal inputs corresponding to CAN-H and CAN-L signal pathways, and wherein the respective plurality of signal outputs correspond to first and second CAN-H and CAN-L signals, for use in a multiplexed data-carrying system.

14. The electrical connector of claim 13 wherein one of the first and second CAN-H and CAN-L signals connects to an electronic control unit, and the respective other connects to a data bus.

15. The electrical connector of claim 13 wherein the bussing assembly includes a resistance connecting the CAN-H and CAN-L signal pathways.

16. The electrical connector of claim 15 wherein the resistance comprises two 240 Ohm resistors connected in parallel, to provide effective power dissipation.