Signal transmission device for towing vehicle

• US 7,744,375 B2
• Filed: 07/17/2008
• Issued: 06/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/2008
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Liao, Ming-Kuan, Huang, Shiao-Hwa, Tsai, Yu-Chang
• Primary Examiner(s): Duverne; Jean F
• Application Number:
  US12/175,031
• Publication Number:
  US 20090170347A1
• Time in Patent Office: 712 Days
• Field of Search: 439/35, 439 38- 40, 439/289, 439/142
• US Class Current: 439/35
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6205 Two-part coupling devices held in engagement by a magnet
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/73 Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/26 for vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94

Abstract

A signal transmission device is used for connection between a first electrical connector at a truck-tractor of a towing vehicle and a second electrical connector at a trailer of the towing vehicle. The signal transmission device includes first and second magnetic holders, third and fourth electrical connectors mounted to the first and second magnetic holders respectively, a stretchable coil tube, and a cable. The first magnetic holder is adapted to be attached to the truck-tractor and the second magnetic holder is adapted to be attached to the trailer. The third electrical connector is adapted for connecting the first electrical connector at the truck-tractor and the fourth electrical connector is adapted for connecting the second electrical connector at the trailer. The cable is spirally inserted through the stretchable coil tube and provided with two ends electrically connected with the third and fourth electrical connectors.

Claims

1. A signal transmission device for connection between a first electrical connector disposed at a truck-tractor of a towing vehicle and a second electrical connector disposed at a trailer of the towing vehicle for transmission of electric signals, the signal transmission device comprising:

first and second magnetic holders for attaching the truck-tractor and the trailer respectively;

a third electrical connector mounted to the first magnetic holder for connecting the first electrical connector;

a fourth electrical connector mounted to the second magnetic holder for connecting the second electrical connector;

a stretchable coil tube; and

a cable spirally inserted through the stretchable coil tube and provided with two ends electrically connected with the third and fourth electrical connectors respectively,

wherein each of the magnetic holders comprises a magnetic base for attaching one of the truck-tractor and the trailer of the towing vehicle, and a bracket mounted on the magnetic base to support one of the third and fourth electrical connectors,

wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of connection members pivoted to one another;

at least one of the members is pivoted or fastened to the magnetic base and another one of the connection members holds one of the third and fourth electrical connectors.

2. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the magnetic base comprises a cover that supports the bracket and a magnet mounted inside the cover.

3. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the magnetic base further comprises a pad covered on one side of the cover.

4. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection members include:

a first connection member pivoted to the magnetic base;

a second connection member pivoted to the first connection member; and

a third connection member pivoted to the second connection member and holding one of the third and fourth electrical connectors.

5. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the third and fourth electrical connectors is a male electrical connector.

6. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the third and fourth electrical connectors is a female electrical connector.

7. A signal transmission device for connection between a first electrical connector disposed at a truck-tractor of a towing vehicle and a second electrical connector disposed at a trailer of the towing vehicle for transmission of electric signals, the signal transmission device comprising:

first and second magnetic holders for attaching the truck-tractor and the trailer respectively;

a third electrical connector mounted to the first magnetic holder for connecting the first electrical connector;

a fourth electrical connector mounted to the second magnetic holder for connecting the second electrical connector;

a stretchable coil tube; and

a cable spirally inserted through the stretchable coil tube and provided with two ends electrically connected with the third and fourth electrical connectors respectively,

wherein each of the third and fourth electrical connectors comprises a connecting head connected to one of the two ends of the cable, and an adapter having an end connected to the connecting head, and an opposite end for connecting one of the first and second electrical connectors.

8. A signal transmission device for use in a towing vehicle, comprising:

a magnetic holder;

an electrical connector mounted to the magnetic holder;

a stretchable coil tube; and

a cable spirally inserted through the stretchable coil tube and provided with an end electrically connected with the electrical connector,

wherein the magnetic holder comprises magnetic base and a bracket mounted on the magnetic base to support the electrical connector,

wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of connection members pivoted to one another;

at least one of the connection members is pivoted or fastened to the magnetic base and another one of the connection members holds the electrical connector.

9. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the magnetic base comprises a cover that supports the bracket and a magnet mounted inside the cover.

10. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the magnetic base further comprises a pad covered on one side of the cover.

11. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the connection members include:

a first connection member pivoted to the magnetic base;

a second connection member pivoted to the first connection member; and

a third connection member pivoted to the second connection member and holding the electrical connector.

12. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrical connector is a male electrical connector.

13. The signal transmission device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrical connector is a female electrical connector.

14. A signal transmission device for use in a towing vehicle, comprising:

a magnetic holder;

an electrical connector mounted to the magnetic holder;

a stretchable coil tube; and

a cable spirally inserted through the stretchable coil tube and provided with an end electrically connected with the electrical connecter,

wherein the electrical connector comprises a connecting head connected to the end of the cable, and an adapter having an end connected to the connecting head, and an opposite end adapted for connecting an external electrical connector.