Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6739889
-
Patent Number
6,739,889
-
Date Filed
Friday, May 30, 200321 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 25, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 439 157
- 439 152
- 439 153
- 439 342
- 439 372
- 439 376
- 439 159
- 439 160
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The present invention provides an electrical distribution center assembly and a method of constructing the same. The electrical distribution center assembly includes an electrical distribution center member, an electrical connector, a support member which retains the electrical connector and includes at least one cam follower projection, at least one cam lever rotatably mounted to the electrical distribution center member, and a driver member for abutting the cam lever arm. An engagement movement of the driver member causes the cam lever to rotate and engage the cam follower projection thereby multiplying an engagement force to draw together the electrical distribution center member and the electrical connector against a resistance. The cam lever also leverages a disengagement force applied to the driver member to separate the electrical distribution center from the electrical connector.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to electrical distribution center assemblies, and more particularly to electrical distribution center assemblies including electrical distribution center member/electrical connector/support combinations having mechanisms for multiplying engagement and disengagement forces.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,529 to Borzi, et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, is hereby incorporated by reference herein in order that electrical distribution centers need not be described in detail herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical distribution centers are widely used. The electrical distribution center is a central junction box or block system designed as a stand-alone assembly. This junction block can package various fuses, relays and other electrical devices in a central location. Electrical distribution centers not only reduce costs by consolidating various functions into one block, but the centers also reduce the number of cut and spliced leads which helps to increase reliability. Such electrical distribution centers include provisions for electrically connecting a power source and electrical devices housed in the junction block to electrical wiring harness connectors for supplying power and control signals to various electrical systems.
In many applications, such as where electrical distribution centers are used in an underhood engine compartment of a vehicle, the electrical distribution center assemblies are oriented so that devices such as fuses and relays are accessible from the top and mating connectors protrude from a bottom side. Due to this orientation, access to the connectors is often difficult for mating and unmating. In many cases, the electrical distribution center has to be flipped upside down, the connectors assembled, and the entire assembly with protruding wire harnesses flipped again into a final position.
The previously cited '529 patent to Borzi, et al. describes an electrical distribution center assembly which includes an electrical distribution center, a wire harness connector, and a connector retainer carried by a vehicle for temporarily holding the wire harness in position while the wire harness connector is bolted to the electrical distribution center.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides alternatives and advantages over the prior art. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a mechanism for multiplying forces for connecting and disconnecting an electrical distribution center member and at least one electrical connector without requiring the use of a bolt or assembly tooling and without requiring the electrical distribution center member to be flipped over.
The preferred embodiment of the electrical distribution center assembly includes an electrical distribution center member, a driver member, a connector support member, electrical connectors attached to the support member, and cam levers rotatably attached to side walls of the electrical distribution center member.
In the preferred embodiment, the cam levers enable an 11:1 mechanical advantage. This mechanical advantage generated by the cam levers causes a force applied to the driver member to be significantly multiplied, thereby generating a much greater force urging the electrical distribution center member toward the electrical connectors. As a result, an assembly operator can assemble the electrical distribution center member to the electrical connectors without the use of any special tooling.
The preferred embodiment provides a cam lever which includes a cam track having two track portions. One portion enables an upward movement of the driver member to draw the electrical distribution center member toward the electrical connectors. The second portion enables a downward movement of the driver member to further draw the electrical distribution center member toward the electrical connectors until they are mated.
The preferred embodiment includes guidance and alignment features which facilitate assembly of the electrical distribution center member to the electrical connectors in a controlled manner along a connection axis.
In the preferred embodiment, an upward force applied to the driver member causes each of the cam levers to rotate creating a multiplied force urging the electrical distribution center member and mated electrical connectors apart.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, detailed description, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is an exploded perspective view of an electrical distribution center assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of an electrical distribution center member of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of one aspect of the present invention;
FIG. 4
is a plan view of a cam lever of the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of a driver member of the present invention;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of a support member of the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a perspective, cut-away view showing a second aspect of the present invention in a pre-stage position;
FIG. 8
is a perspective, cut-away view showing an electrical distribution center assembly of the present invention in another pre-stage position;
FIG. 9
is a perspective, cut-away view showing an electrical distribution center assembly of the present invention in yet another pre-stage position;
FIG. 10
is a perspective, cut-away view showing an assembled electrical distribution center assembly of the present invention;
FIG. 11
is a perspective view showing an assembled electrical distribution center assembly of the present invention; and
FIG. 12
is a fractional cross-section view illustrating a third aspect of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the figures wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views,
FIG. 1
illustrates a preferred embodiment of an electrical distribution center assembly
10
of the present invention including an electrical distribution center member
12
, a driver member
14
, a connector support member
16
, electrical connector assemblies
18
(three shown), and four spaced apart cam levers
20
. Each electrical connector assembly
18
includes an electrical connector
22
and a wire dressing cover
24
. The driver member
14
includes an upper housing
26
, an electrical distribution center cover
28
, and a cover
30
for a stud terminal (not shown).
The electrical distribution center member
12
electrically connects to each electrical connector assembly
18
along a connection axis CA. Each cam lever
20
is rotatably attached to the electrical distribution center member
12
along a respective rotation axis RA. Each rotation axis RA extends orthogonally relative to the connection axis CA.
As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, the electrical distribution center member
12
includes an insulative housing
32
. Fuses, relays, or other electrical components (not shown) can be plugged into cavities
34
formed in the housing
32
. A plurality of male blades
36
extend downwardly through slots
38
formed in housing
32
. The housing
32
defines connector shrouds
42
(three shown) each forming a socket for receiving a respective one of the electrical connectors
22
. Each of the connector shrouds
42
functions to maintain the electrical connectors
22
in alignment along the connection axis CA with the electrical distribution center member
12
during mating. An opening to each of the connector shrouds
42
is defined by a chamfered rim
40
which functions to bring the connector shrouds
42
into alignment with the electrical connectors
22
during mating.
Interior portions of the electrical distribution center member
12
and the support member
16
are not described in detail herein. These may be designed as necessary by those skilled in the art to meet the requirements of a particular application. The previously cited '529 patent to Borzi, et al. provides a description of an interior portion of an electrical distribution center member and a support member. Many other configurations may be used.
Each cam lever
20
is rotatably attached to a respective mounting platform
43
formed in each of four side walls
44
a
,
44
b
,
44
c
,
44
d
of the electrical distribution center member
12
housing
32
. Each cam lever
20
is attached to the respective mounting platform
43
at a rotational center
45
of the cam lever
20
. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the cam lever
20
includes an arm
46
. A slot or cam track
48
is formed in the cam lever
20
. The cam track
48
includes a cam track end surface
49
, a first track portion
50
, a second track portion
52
in communication with the first track portion
50
, a second track portion end surface
54
, and an opening
56
. The second track portion
52
generally forms a partial revolution of a spiral which gradually approaches the rotational center
45
as it curves from the opening
56
toward the second track portion end surface
54
. The first track portion
50
generally forms a partial revolution of a spiral which gradually approaches the rotational center
45
as it curves from the second track portion
52
to the cam track end surface
49
. The second track portion
52
is partially defined by a hook portion
57
of the cam lever
20
. A slot
59
(shown on
FIG. 3
) is formed in the cam lever
20
along the second track portion
52
. The lever arm
46
includes a boss
58
for engagement with the driver member
14
. Each boss
58
includes a body
58
a
and an enlarged head
58
b
having an increased diameter relative to the body
58
a.
As shown in
FIG. 3
, a top surface
60
of the electrical distribution center member
12
includes first pre-stage lock receiving sockets
62
. Second pre-stage lock arms
64
extend downwardly from a bottom surface
66
of the electrical distribution center member
12
. Each second pre-stage lock arm
64
includes a shoulder
68
at a free end.
As shown in
FIG. 5
, side portions
70
of the upper housing
26
include downward extending alignment projections
72
. Horizontally extending slots
74
are formed in each alignment projection
72
for engagement with the boss
58
formed in the cam lever
20
. Each slot
74
extends orthogonally relative to the connection axis CA and the rotation axis RA of the corresponding cam lever
20
. Each slot
74
has an enlarged opening
75
for receiving the enlarged head
58
b
of the boss
58
. The slot
74
has a width which is narrower than the enlarged head
58
b
to prevent the boss
58
from disengaging from the slot
74
during operation. The electrical distribution center cover
28
is releasably latched to the upper housing
26
. The upper housing
26
includes downward extending first pre-stage lock arms
76
, each with a shoulder
78
at a free end, for releasably engaging the first pre-stage lock receiving sockets
62
. Latch nibs
80
extend outwardly from the side portions
70
of the upper housing
26
. The driver member
14
is engageable with the support member
16
and functions as a cover.
Referring now to
FIG. 6
, the support member
16
supports the connector assemblies
18
and also functions as a splash shield. The support member
16
includes side walls
82
with guide slots
84
for receiving the downward extending alignment projections
72
of the upper housing
26
. Cam guide projections
86
extend inwardly from each of the side walls
82
. Each cam guide projection
86
includes a body
86
a
and an enlarged head
86
b
having an increased diameter relative to the body
86
a
. A bottom wall
88
of the support member
16
includes three connector retainers or bays (not shown) formed therein. Each bay (not shown) retains one of the electrical connector assemblies
18
. The support member
16
is dimensioned such that a gap
90
(shown on
FIG. 9
) exists between the support member
16
and the electrical distribution center member
12
. Second pre-stage lock receiving sockets
92
are formed in the bottom wall
88
for releasably engaging the shoulder
68
of each of the second pre-stage lock arms
64
. The length of each of the second pre-stage lock arms
64
is established to assure that the hook
57
formed in each of the cam levers
20
captures the corresponding cam guide projection
86
during a connecting step when the second pre-stage lock arms
64
engage the second pre-stage lock receiving sockets
92
during a connecting step as further described hereinbelow and illustrated in FIG.
8
. The support member
16
includes an upward extending flexible lock arm
94
having a shoulder
96
for releasably engaging the latch nibs
80
. The support member
16
also includes outward extending mounting brackets
98
.
Each wire dressing cover
24
is secured to a respective one of the connectors
22
. Each connector
22
is constructed to receive a bundle of wires (not shown) including a terminal
100
(shown on
FIG. 12
) at an end of each wire. Each terminal
100
is received in a connector cavity
104
. The terminal
100
is preferably a female terminal constructed and arranged for receiving the male blade
36
or other mateable component extending from the electrical distribution center member
12
.
A preferred method of assembling the electrical distribution center assembly
10
will now be described. A brief description of the embodiment after each assembly step is also provided.
With the electrical distribution center member
12
, the driver member
14
, the support member
16
, and each of the electrical connector assemblies
18
already constructed, an assembler performs a first pre-stage assembly step. This step includes pivotally attaching each of the cam levers
20
to a respective one of the mounting platforms
43
. This step further includes aligning the electrical distribution center member
12
with the driver member
14
then inserting the boss
58
formed on each of the lever arms
46
into the opening
75
of a respective one of the slots
74
formed in the driver member
14
. Then, the electrical distribution center member
12
along with the cam levers
20
and the driver member
14
are pushed together engaging the shoulders
78
of the first pre-stage lock arms
76
with the first pre-stage lock receiving sockets
62
forming a first pre-stage combination
102
.
FIG. 7
illustrates the electrical distribution center member
12
, driver member
14
, and the cam levers
20
assembled in the first pre-stage combination
102
. In this position, the electrical distribution center member
12
is attached to the driver member
14
by the shoulders
78
(not shown on
FIG. 7
) of the first prestage lock arms
76
engaging with the first pre-stage lock receiving sockets
62
. The first pre-stage combination
102
is suitable for shipping.
In a separate step, an assembler places the connector assemblies
18
which are connected to an associated wiring harness (not shown) in the support member
16
so that each of the connector assemblies
18
is received in a respective bay (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, each of the connector assemblies
18
snap fit into the support member
16
.
A second pre-stage assembly step includes an assembler aligning the first pre-stage combination
102
with the support member
16
, then pushing them together, engaging the shoulders
68
of the second pre-stage lock arms
64
with the second pre-stage lock receiving sockets
92
. The guide slots
84
in the support member
16
receive the downward extending alignment projections
72
of the upper housing
26
.
FIG. 8
illustrates the electrical distribution center assembly
10
in a second pre-stage position. The first pre-stage combination
102
is positioned above the connector assemblies
18
and support member
16
. The boss
58
formed on each of the lever arms
46
extends into a respective one of the slots
74
formed in the driver member
14
. Each of the second pre-stage lock arms
64
is engaged with a respective one of the second pre-stage lock receiving sockets
92
on the support member
16
. The downward extending alignment projections
72
of the upper housing
26
are received in the guide slots
84
formed in the support member
16
.
In a first connecting step, an assembler applies an upward engagement force pulling the driver member
14
away from the support member
16
, thereby causing the electrical distribution center member
12
to draw closer to the electrical connectors
22
. The upward engagement force applied to the driver member
14
causes a first engagement movement of the driver member
14
relative to the support member
16
. As the driver member
14
moves away from the support member
16
, the alignment projections
72
slide through the guide slots
84
to guide the driver member
16
along the connection axis CA. The driver member
14
abuts against the boss
58
on each of the lever arms
46
rotating each of the cam levers
20
in a first direction and also causing the shoulders
78
of the first pre-stage lock arms
76
to disengage from the first pre-stage lock receiving sockets
62
. The engagement of the shoulders
68
of the second pre-stage lock arms
64
with the second pre-stage lock receiving sockets
92
prevents the electrical distribution center member
12
from moving away from the support member
16
and maintains the electrical distribution center member
12
at a position relative to the support member
16
such that the hook portion
57
of each of the cam levers
20
can capture the corresponding cam guide projection
86
as described below. As the cam levers
20
rotate, each boss
58
slides within the corresponding slots
74
formed in the driver member
14
. As the cam levers
20
continue to rotate, each of the cam guide projections
86
engages the hook portion
57
of the corresponding cam lever
20
and is received in a respective opening
56
of a corresponding one of the cam tracks
48
. As the cam guide projection
86
slides through the second track portion
52
the enlarged head
86
b
of the cam guide projection
86
abuts the hook portion
57
of the cam lever
20
enabling each of the cam levers
20
to function as a hook and assist with the retention and alignment of the electrical distribution center member
12
with the support member
16
as the driver member
14
is pulled away. The slot
59
formed in the cam lever
20
provides clearance for the enlarged head
86
b
as it slides through the second track portion
52
. The second track portion
52
also functions as a cam. As the cam guide projection
86
slides through the second track portion
52
the cam guide projection
86
moves closer to the rotational center
45
of the cam lever
20
, thereby drawing the electrical distribution center member
12
toward the electrical connectors
22
attached to the support member
16
. The cam levers
20
multiply the upward engagement force drawing the electrical distribution center member
12
toward the electrical connectors
22
. The positioning of the cam levers
20
on first and second sets of opposing walls
44
a
,
44
c
;
44
b
,
44
d
functions to distribute the engagement forces and minimize torquing of the electrical distribution center member
12
as it encounters resistance during its movement. Once the movement of the electrical distribution center member
12
begins, the second pre-stage lock arms
64
correspondingly move, thereby disengaging each of the shoulders
68
from the respective second pre-stage lock receiving sockets
92
on the support member
16
. The second track portion
52
also serves an alignment function as the driver member
14
is pulled away from the electrical distribution center member
12
in that the second track portion
52
aligns the cam guide projections
86
with the respective first track portions
50
. During this step, the electrical connectors
22
enter the connector shrouds
42
and may abut the chamfered rim
40
defining the opening of the shrouds
42
. The gap
90
between the electrical distribution center member
12
and the support member
16
provides space to enable the electrical distribution center member
12
to move into alignment with the electrical connectors
22
. The assembler pulls the driver member
14
away from the support member
16
until the interference occurs that signals the assembler to stop pulling the driver member
14
. In this embodiment, the interference is a tactile, sensed interference caused by the cam guide projection
86
abutting the end surface
54
of the second track portion
52
.
FIG. 9
illustrates the electrical distribution center assembly
10
in an intermediate engagement position following the first connecting step. The electrical distribution center member
12
is in a pre-mating position substantially aligned with the electrical connectors
22
. The shoulder
68
of each of the second pre-stage lock arms
64
extends through, but is no longer engaged with, the corresponding second pre-stage lock receiving socket
92
on the support member
16
. The boss
58
formed on each of the lever arms
46
extends into a respective one of the slots
74
formed in the driver member
14
. The cam lever
20
is rotated from the second pre-stage position. The cam guide projections
86
project into the second track portion
52
of the cam lever
20
. At least one of the alignment projections
72
is engaged with a corresponding guide slot
84
.
In a second connecting step, an assembler applies a downward engagement force pressing the driver member
14
toward the support member
16
, thereby causing the electrical distribution center member
12
to draw toward the electrical connectors
22
until they are fully mated. The downward engagement force applied to the driver member
14
causes a second engagement movement of the driver member
14
relative to the support member
16
. This causes the driver member
14
to abut against the boss
58
formed on each of the lever arms
46
causing the cam levers
20
to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction with each boss
58
sliding within a respective slot
74
formed in the driver member
14
. Rotational movement of the cam lever
20
causes each of the cam guide projections
86
to project into the first track portion
50
of the cam lever
20
with the body
86
a
of each of the cam guide projections
86
abutting the cam lever
20
. Continued engagement movement of the driver member
14
causes each of the respective cam guide projections
86
to slide within the first track portion
50
. As the cam guide projection
86
slides through the first track portion
50
toward the cam track end surface
49
, the cam guide projection
86
moves closer to the rotational center
45
of the cam lever
20
thereby drawing the electrical distribution center member
12
toward the electrical connectors
22
until the electrical distribution center member
12
fully mates with the electrical connectors
22
. As the driver member
14
moves toward the support member
16
, the alignment projections
72
slide through the guide slots
84
to guide the driver member
16
along the connection axis CA. The cam levers
20
multiply the downward engagement force drawing together the electrical distribution center member
12
and the electrical connectors
22
against a mechanical resistance such as the resistance caused by the frictional engagement of the male blades
36
with the terminals
100
mounted in each of the connectors
22
. The shoulder
96
of each flexible lock arm
94
latches onto the respective latch nib
80
releasably locking the driver member
14
to the support member
16
. The assembler may then perform other steps such as attaching a power source (not shown) to the electrical distribution center member
12
.
FIGS. 10 through 12
illustrate the electrical distribution center assembly
10
in an engaged state. The boss
58
formed on each of the lever arms
46
extends into a respective one of the slots
74
formed in the driver member
14
. The cam guide projections
86
extend into the first track portion
50
of the cam lever
20
. Each male blade
36
extends into a respective one of the terminals
100
mounted in the connector cavities
104
. The shoulder
96
of each lock arm
94
engages a respective lock nib
80
.
The electrical distribution center member
12
may be electrically disconnected from each of the electrical connectors
22
by disengaging the shoulder
96
of each flexible lock arm
94
from the respective latch nib
80
. An operator may then apply a disengagement force by pulling upward on the driver member
14
thereby causing disengagement movement of the driver member
14
relative to the support member
16
. Continued disengagement movement of the driver member
14
causes the driver member
14
to abut against the boss
58
on each of the cam levers
20
causing the cam levers
20
to rotate in the first direction with each of the cam guide projections
86
sliding within the respective first track portion
50
of each cam lever
20
. The cam levers
20
multiply the disengagement force separating the electrical distribution center member
12
and the connectors
22
against a mechanical resistance such as the resistance caused by the frictional disengagement of the male blades
36
from the terminals
100
mounted in the connectors
22
.
This invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the invention. For example, the preferred embodiment of the invention includes cam levers
20
which have first and second track portions
50
,
52
. However, other cam track designs including cam tracks which have more or less than two track portions may occur to one skilled in the art without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
- 1. An electrical distribution center assembly comprising:at least one electrical connector; an electrical distribution center member mateable with said at least one electrical connector in a direction parallel with respect to a connection axis; a support member supporting said at least one electrical connector in a position and orientation to enable said at least one electrical connector to mate with said electrical distribution center member, said support member comprising side walls and a plurality of internal cam guide projections, each extending from a respective one on an inside of said side walls; a plurality of cam levers, each of said cam levers rotatably attached to a respective side of said electrical distribution center member, each of said cam levers being rotatable around a respective rotation axis, each rotation axis extending generally orthogonally with respect to said connection axis, each of said cam levers including an arm and a cam track, said cam track having a first portion shaped to gradually approach said respective rotation axis to urge said cam guide projection toward said corresponding rotation axis as said cam lever rotates in a first rotational direction; and a driver member positioned on a top portion of said electrical distribution center member to abut each of said arms, said driver member linearly movably engaged with said support member, wherein said driver member being movable along a path generally parallel with respect to said connection axis, whereby movement in a first axial direction causes said driver to abut said arms to cause said cam levers to rotate in said first rotational direction, wherein when said electrical distribution center member is positioned in a pre-mating position, whereby said cam guide projections are each projected into said first portion of a respective one of said cam tracks, said plurality of cam levers support said electrical distribution center member in substantial alignment with said at least one electrical connector with respect to said connection axis, an engagement force applied to said driver member in said first axial direction moves said driver member to cause said cam levers to rotate in said first rotational direction and multiply said engagement force to overcome a resistance and cause said electrical distribution center member and said at least one electrical connector to be engaged.
- 2. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrical distribution center member comprises at least one connector shroud for guidably receiving said at least one electrical connector.
- 3. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 2, wherein said support member comprises at least one guide slot formed in said side walls.
- 4. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 3, wherein said driver member includes at least one projection for engaging said at least one guide slot.
- 5. The electrical distribution center of claim 1, wherein said support member comprises a splash shield for said electrical distribution center member.
- 6. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 1, wherein said driver member comprises a cover for said electrical distribution center member.
- 7. An electrical distribution center assembly comprising:at least one electrical connector; an electrical distribution center member mateable with said at least one electrical connector, said electrical distribution center member including at least one connector shroud for guidably receiving said electrical connector in a direction parallel with respect to a connection axis; a support member supporting said at least one electrical connector in a position and orientation to enable said at least one electrical connector to mate with said electrical distribution center member, said support member including at least one cam guide projection extending from an inside of a wall thereof and a first guide member; at least one cam lever rotatably attached to said electrical distribution center member, said at least one cam lever being rotatable around a respective rotation axis, each of said at least one rotation axis extending generally orthogonally with respect to said connection axis, each of said at least one cam lever including an arm and a cam track, said cam track having a first portion shaped to gradually approach said respective rotation axis to urge said cam guide projection toward said rotation axis as said cam lever rotates in a first rotational direction; and a driver member positioned on a top portion of said electrical distribution center member and engageable with said first guide member to guide a movement of said driver member along a path aligned generally parallel with respect to said connection axis, said driver member being formed to abut said at least one arm such that a movement of said driver member in a first axial direction along said path causes said at least one cam lever to rotate in said first rotational direction, wherein when said at least one cam guide projection is projected into said first portion of said cam track, said first guide member is engaged with said driver member, said electrical connector is received in said connector shroud, and said driver member abuts said at least one arm, an engagement force applied to said driver member causes said driver member to move along said path in said first axial direction, whereby said driver member causes said at least one cam lever to rotate and multiply said engagement force to overcome a resistance and cause said electrical distribution center member and said at least one electrical connector to be engaged.
- 8. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 7, wherein each of said at least one arm includes a boss, said driver member includes at least one slot, wherein each of said at least one boss projects into a respective one of said at least one slot enabling said driver member to abut each of said at lea one arm to cause said first rotational movement.
- 9. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one slot extends generally orthogonally with respect to said connection axis and a corresponding one of said at least one rotation axis.
- 10. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 9, wherein said at least one socket has an opening defined by a chamfered rim to facilitate alignment of said electrical connector with said socket.
- 11. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 8, wherein said electrical distribution center member includes two opposing walls, said at least one cam lever includes at least two cam levers, each rotatably attached to a respective one of said opposing walls, said at least one cam guide projection comprises at least two cam guide projections, each engageable with a respective one of said at least two cam levers.
- 12. An electrical distribution center assembly comprising:at least one electrical connector; an electrical distribution center member mateable along a connection axis with said at least one electrical connector; a support member supporting said at least one electrical connector in a position extending from inside of walls thereof and orientation to enable said at least one electrical connector to mate with said electrical distribution center member, said support member including a plurality of cam guide projections and a first guide member; a plurality of spaced apart cam levers rotatably attached to said electrical distribution center member, each of said cam levers being rotatable around a respective rotation axis, each said rotation axis extending generally orthogonally with respect to said connection axis, each of said cam levers including an arm and a cam track, said arm including a boss, said cam track having a first portion shaped to gradually approach said respective rotation axis to urge said cam guide projection toward said rotation axis as said cam lever rotates in a first rotational direction; and a driver member engageable with said first guide member to guide movement of said driver member positioned on a top portion of said electrical distribution center member and along a path aligned generally parallel with respect to said connection axis, said driver member including a plurality of slots, each for receiving a respective one of said at least one boss, wherein movement of said driver member in a first direction along said path axially away from said support member causes said cam levers to rotate in said first rotational direction, wherein during a first connecting step, each of said cam guide projections being projected into said first portion of said respective cam track, whereby said cam levers support said electrical distribution center member, said first guide member being engaged with said driver member, and each of said bosses being engaged with a respective one of said slots, a first engagement force applied to said driver member sufficient to pull said driver member away from said support member to an intermediate connection position causes said driver member to move along said path in said first direction, wherein said driver member causes said cam levers to rotate in said first rotational direction and multiply said first engagement force to overcome a resistance and draw said electrical distribution center member axially toward an engage with said at least one electrical connector.
- 13. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 12, wherein each said cam track further includes a second portion shaped to gradually approach said respective rotation axis to urge said cam guide projection toward said rotation axis as said cam lever rotates in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction, said second portion being in communication with said first portion, wherein during a second connecting step, a second engagement force applied to said driver member sufficient to push said driver member along said path toward said support member to a final position causes each of said cam follower projections to engage a respective one of said second track portions and thereby cause said cam levers to rotate in said second rotational direction multiplying said second engagement force to overcome a resistance and mate said electrical distribution center member and said at least one electrical connector.
- 14. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 13, wherein said driver member includes a projection and said first guide member comprises a guide slot for engaging said projection.
- 15. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 13, wherein said electrical distribution center member includes at least one connector socket for guidably receiving said electrical connector.
- 16. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 15, wherein said at least one connector socket has an opening defined by a chamfered rim to facilitate alignment of said electrical connector with said socket.
- 17. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 13, wherein said driver member includes a first lock arm, said electrical distribution center member includes a first lock arm socket, said first lock arm and said first lock arm socket being capable of cooperating to releasably affix said driver member to said electrical distribution center member in a first pre-stage position.
- 18. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 14, wherein said electrical distribution center member includes a second lock arm, said support member includes a second lock arm socket, said second lock arm and said second lock arm socket being capable of cooperating to releasably affix said electrical distribution center member to said support member in a second prestage position.
- 19. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 12, wherein said support member comprises a splash shield which receives said electrical distribution center member.
- 20. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 12, wherein said driver member comprises a cover for said electrical distribution center member.
- 21. An electrical distribution center assembly comprising:an electrical connector; a support member having vertical walls supporting said electrical connector, said support member comprising a structure in which a plurality of cam guide projections are formed on inside walls of the support member; an actuating driver member having downward extending alignment projections linearly movably engaged with said support member in a direction substantially parallel with said vertical walls; an electrical distribution center member mateable with said electrical connector, said electrical distribution center member comprising a housing; and a plurality of cam levers rotatably attached to said housing, each cam lever including an arm formed for abutment with said driver member, each cam lever further including a cam track formed therein engaged with a respective one of said cam guide projections, said cam levers supporting said electrical distribution center member when said electrical distribution center member is in a pre-mating position, wherein when said electrical distribution center member is in said pre-mating position an engagement movement of said driver member toward said electrical connector causes said driver member to abut said arms causing said cam levers to rotate thereby mating said electrical distribution center member with said electrical connector.
- 22. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 21, wherein said cam track having a first portion shaped to gradually approach a rotation axis of said cam lever.
- 23. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 22, wherein said electrical distribution center member comprises a connector shroud for guidably receiving said electrical connector.
- 24. The electrical distribution center assembly of claim 23, wherein a plurality of slots are formed in said driver member, each of said arms include a boss, each said boss is slidably mounted in a respective one of said slots.
- 25. A method for mating an electrical distribution center member with an electrical connector comprising:providing a support member having at least one cam guide projection, extending from an inside wall thereof an electrical connector attached to said support member, an electrical distribution center member mateable with said electrical connector, at least one cam lever rotatably attached on said electrical distribution center member, each of said at least one cam lever including an arm and a cam track, said at least one cam guide projection being capable of projecting into a respective one of said at least one cam track for drawing together said electrical distribution center member and said at least one connector in response to a rotational movement of said cam lever, and a driver member having at least one downward extending alignment projection capable of abutting said at least one arm such that an engagement movement of said at least one downward extending alignment projection of said driver member relative to said at least one arm causes said rotational movement, said cam lever being operable to increase an engagement force by leverage; projecting said at least one cam guide projection into said cam track; abutting said downward extending alignment projection against said arm; and applying said engagement force to said driver member to cause said engagement movement until said electrical distribution center member and said electrical connector are mated.
US Referenced Citations (16)