Patent Publication Number: US-6699067-B1

Title: Bussed electrical center incorporating modularized components and sectionable conductor grid for establishing preferred high current flow applications

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to bussed electrical centers for converting a high current input to specified and stepped-down current outputs for use in such as vehicle power output applications. More particularly, the present invention discloses a bussed electrical center incorporating pluralities of female/male terminals, bussed high current female terminals, modular main bus bars and a stackable sandwiching grid assembly which is capable of being mechanically sectioned (reconfigured) to determine a selective direction of current flow through the electrical center and to the various output components. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art is well documented with various types of powered electrical distribution centers, such as which are particularly employed in vehicle applications for subdividing and rerouting an input power source (vehicle battery or the like) to a variety of output applications. Such power distribution centers typically further employ conventional electrical output components, these further including relays, switches, diodes, etc., to assist in the routing and necessary step-down of the input current into the desired output current components. 
     Additional features associated with prior art junction boxes include the provision of fairly low current female terminals (receptors). Additionally, existing bussed terminal and associated fret designs usually need to be customized (such further including the provision of wiring for electrically connecting the different devices) for each vehicle platform application, resulting in increased cost and time and due to the extensive (low current) customizing processes which are required. Additional examples of bussed electrical center assemblies, conventionally known in the prior art, include U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,458, issued to Gregory, II et al., U.S. Patent Application Publications U.S. 2001/0049211 A1, to Sumida et al., and U.S. 2002/0009907 A1, to Kasai et al. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a bussed electrical center for providing customizable and high current flow to a plurality of electrical output components. In particular, the present invention discloses a bussed electrical center, providing higher current flow than preceding assemblies and which incorporates pluralities of female/male terminals, bussed high current female terminals, modular main bus bars and a stackable sandwiching grid assembly. As further previously described, the electrical center of the present invention is capable of being mechanically sectioned (reconfigured) to determine a selective direction of current flow through the electrical center and to the various output components. In this manner, a standard electrical center assembly can be easily modified (reconfigured) without the requirement of specialized tooling, and such as has been previously necessary for creating the bus bar for the electrical center assembly. 
     The electrical center includes an upper insulating layer having a first face and a second face and exhibiting a plurality of apertures through which are engaged a plurality of stamped terminals. The terminals each include both a female receptor and an oppositely extending and integrally defined male inserting pin and are formed of a conductive and stamped metal. A stem supports and interconnects the oppositely extending and associated female receptor and male inserting pin portions and such that a plurality of such stamped terminals can be provided upon a reel. 
     In the above manner, a sub-plurality of stamped terminals can be sectioned from the reel and installed in a given application. The terminals are further in operative communication with various electrical output components associated with the electrical distribution assembly, these typically including fuses, relays, switches and the like. 
     A main bus bar secures upon the first face of the upper insulating layer, the bus bar typically including an elongated and stamped configuration with pluralities of upwardly extending terminal blades arranged in first, second and third rows, the blades being engaged by suitable electrical components. A high current power source communicates with an input location of the main bus bar. 
     A plurality of high current bussed female terminals are provided, in certain instances in operative communication with the main bus bar, each including a plurality of individual female receptors extending therefrom. The bussed female terminal further comprises an elongated carrier strip and upon which are mounted the plurality of receptors (configured similarly to those associated with the stamped terminals), the bussed female terminals again electrically interconnecting at least one of the main bus bar with other and specified electrical output components, as well as capable of being disposed in electrical communication with other such components inter-communicated by the stamped terminals. 
     A lower insulating layer is also provided having a first face and a second face and exhibiting an apertured pattern according to a first specified configuration. A conductive grid overlays the first face of the lower insulating layer and defines a further apertured pattern according to a second specified configuration. A plurality of interconnecting web portions are associated with the conductive grid pattern and further includes bent tabs extending from specified locations along the web portions, and further such that certain locations of the web portions are exposed by the apertured pattern defined in the lower insulating layer so that the bent tabs project therethrough. 
     Upon assembly of the upper and lower insulating layers with the grid sandwiched therebetween, exposed web portions of the conductive grid are capable of being sectioned by an appropriate cutting tool which accesses the web portions exposed by the apertured pattern in the lower insulating layer. In this fashion a selected current flow, either established or prohibited in given directions across the grid, is established in cooperation with the electrical distribution provided through the associated male terminal pins insertably engaged through the assembled upper and lower insulating layers. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Reference will be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a high current carrying dual female/male stamped terminal forming a part of the bussed electrical center according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of terminals such as illustrated in FIG.  1  and which are illustrated interconnected by a stem portion such that a plurality of such terminals can be provided in reel form; 
     FIG. 3 is an underside perspective view of an upper half of an insulating layer, forming a portion of the electrical center, and illustrating such as the male portions of the dual stamped terminals in insertingly engaged fashion, along with a bussed high current female terminal and a main bus bar secured to the insulating layer and forming portions of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a further perspective and partially rotated view of the upper insulating layer illustrated in FIG.  3  and according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a three dimensional perspective view of a bussed high current female terminal, which provides electrical communication from such as the high current bus bars and/or between individual output devices; 
     FIG. 6 is a further rotated view of the upper insulator layer, also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and illustrating a staking application of a first female terminal to a main bus bar, as well as a second application of a female terminal in communication with a pair of dual female/male stamped terminals; 
     FIG. 7 is a view of a main bus bar having a three-blade row configuration, as well as a plurality of apertures formed therethrough; 
     FIG. 8 is a further perspective view of the upper insulating layer and illustrating a plurality of plastic (insulating) staking portions for securing the main bus bar upon the insulating layer; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged illustration of FIG.  8  and showing the staking of the bussed female terminals to the main bus, such as by welding or other suitable mechanical joining; 
     FIG. 10 is an underside view illustration of the manner of engagement of the main bus bar to the upper insulating layer and also illustrating, again from an underside perspective, an upper housing portion of the bussed electrical center with a series of slots allowing a tool to section the main bus, if needed; 
     FIG. 11 is a side exploded view, again illustrating the upper insulating layer with assembled components, and in spatially arrayed fashion relative to a lower insulating layer with sandwiching conductive grid according to the bussed electrical center of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a sectional view of conductive grid, also illustrated in FIG. 11 according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial view of the aperture pattern defined in the conductive grid of FIG.  12  and which allows for passage therethrough of insulating portions from the lower insulating layer; 
     FIG. 14 is a view of the lower insulating layer according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial view of the lower insulating layer and further illustrating its associated apertured pattern and which makes possible access of a cutting tool to the sandwiching grid portion for sectioning therefrom specified trace portions of the grid and to define a specified current flow direction; 
     FIG. 16 is a further rotated illustration of the sandwiching arrangement shown in FIG. 11 between the lower insulating layer and the conductive grid; 
     FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial view of the sandwiching arrangement shown in FIG.  16  and illustrating the mating relationship defined between the patterns respectively defined on the conductive grid and lower insulating layer; 
     FIG. 18 is a further and rotated view of the sandwiching arrangement between the conductive grid and lower insulating layer (reversed from that shown in FIG. 17) and illustrating, in particular, the manner in which the holes defined in the grid allow the user to manipulate the tool to separate a specified current flow path; 
     FIG. 19 is a partial view, from an underside direction, of assembled upper and lower insulating layers and illustrating the electrical communication established between the sandwiched conductive grid and the output bus bar, female/male stamped terminals, etc.; 
     FIG. 20 is an assembled side view of the bussed electrical center and illustrating, by example, the manner in which a male terminal portion engages an associated contact spring portion of the conductive grid; 
     FIG. 21 is an assembled illustration of the bussed electrical center as substantially shown previously in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 22 is a further exploded view of the assembled electrical center in arrayed fashion between upper and lower housing portions; and 
     FIG. 23 is a yet further exploded view illustrating the assembled electrical center, with various electrical output components such as fuses, relays, switches and the like, in inter-disposed fashion between an upper covering portion and a lower base portion incorporating output modules and harnesses. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the various drawing illustrations, and in particular to FIGS. 11,  21  and  22 , an improved bussed electrical center assembly is illustrated at  10  according to the present invention. As previously explained, the present invention is directed particularly to an improved and sandwiching arrangement of a conductive grid pattern, established between upper and lower insulating layers, and which enables a user to quickly and effectively section trace portions of the grid pattern that are exposed by an overlaying and associated apertured pattern defined in the lower insulating layer. In this manner, the configuration of the conductive grid may be quickly customized, with the requirement of specialized tooling, and in order to alter the direction of current flow across the conductive grid and to output pins and terminals located upon the upper insulating layer. Referring to the various drawing illustrations, an upper insulating layer  12 , lower insulating layer  14  and sandwiched conductive grid  16  are provided, these making up the platform upon which the electrical center  10  of the present invention is provided. 
     Referring in particular to FIGS. 3,  4 ,  6 ,  8  and  11 , the upper insulating layer  12  is constructed of a suitable plasticized or other electrically insulating material, having a generally rectangular configuration in the embodiment illustrated, and which includes a first face  18  and a second opposite face  20 . Pluralities of apertures are defined in the upper layer  12 , between the first  18  and second  20  faces and, referring specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, include a first plurality of apertures  22  (associated with various terminal pins), a second plurality of apertures  24  (corresponding to a main power input bus bar and which will be further explained as receiving a tool to section the main bus into different trace depending current flow), and a third plurality of aperture  26 , these being generally circular in configuration and providing access for mounting structure for interengaging with the lower insulating layer  14  and intermediate (sandwiched) conductive grid  16 . The apertures  22  are further illustrated only in partially covering fashion over the surface area of the upper insulating layer  12  and it is understood that, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, they extend across substantially the entire area of the upper layer  12 . 
     The lower insulating layer  14 , as best shown in FIGS.  11  and  14 - 16 , includes a first face  28  and a second face  30  and is constructed both of a similar electrically insulating material and in a similar shape as with respect to the first insulating layer  12 . An apertured pattern, see as best illustrated in FIG. 16, is defined through the first and second faces of the lower insulating layer  14  and is defined, in the particular variant illustrated, by a plurality of “X” shaped apertures  32  and, symmetrically arrayed with respect to the “X” shaped apertures, additional window shaped (rectangular) apertures  34 . Portions of the material of the lower insulating layer  14  (see at  35 ), which define the window shaped apertures  34  extend in a reverse facing direction towards the first (or upper) face  28 . As best shown in FIG. 14, only a portion of the surface area of the lower layer  14  is illustrated as including the apertured pattern, it being further understood to extend across the substantially entire surface area of the lower layer  14 . 
     The apertured pattern  32  and  34  extends across the width and length of the lower insulating layer  14 , the insulating layer  14  further including a plurality of button shaped projections  36  (see again FIG. 15) as well as slot shaped apertures  38  which extend along the peripheral extending edges of the layer  14 . Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second (bottom) face  20  of the upper insulating layer  12  includes a plurality of peripherally located and downwardly projecting pegs  40 , these seating within selected apertures  36  and  38  located in the lower insulating layer  14 . Additional circular shaped apertures  42  (see in particular FIGS. 11 and 14) correspond in shape and placement with those illustrated at  26  with respect to the upper insulating layer  12 . 
     The lower insulating layer  14  is further configured so that the conductive grid  16  sets thereupon in the manner best illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 16. The grid  16  is constructed of an electrically conductive material, such as copper or the like, and exhibits a similar overall shape as that of the upper  12  and lower  14  insulating layers. A plurality of circular shaped apertures  44  (typically three such apertures) are arranged in a given pattern through the grid  16  and so that, upon placement in the manner again illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 16, the apertures  42  and  44  align. 
     Referring again in particular to FIGS. 12 and 13, the conductive grid  16  further includes an apertured pattern defined by a further plurality of window shaped apertures  46  (see in particular FIG. 13) arranged in a further symmetrical pattern along with pluralities of circular apertures  48  and  50 . The apertured pattern defined in the grid  16  is further defined by a plurality of interconnecting web portions  52  (these defining the window shaped apertures  46 ) as well as a plurality of bent tabs  54  which correspond with each of the window shaped apertures  46  and which extend in a curled and downwardly angled fashion from an associated edge thereof. Referring again to FIG. 12, a carrier strip portion  56  is illustrated along each extending edge of the conductive grid  16  and defines axially extending slots  58  proximate the peripheral extending edges, and such that the grid can be produced from a blank shape utilizing a progressive stamping operation best shown in FIG.  12 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, an upper facing view of the sandwiching engagement of the conductive grid  16  upon the first  28  (or upper) face of the lower insulating layer  14  is shown and by which the extending portions  35  of the insulating layer  14  (these again surrounding and defining the window shaped apertures  34 ) seat within the like window shaped apertures  46  defined within the conductive grid  16 . Concurrently, the button shaped projections  36  of the lower insulating layer  14  (again projecting from its upper or first face  28 ) seat within the apertures  48  defined through the conductive grid  16 . The plastic projections  36  are then staked and the conductive grid  16  is retained within the lower insulating layer  14 . Finally, the angled or bent tabs  54 , associated with the conductive grid web portions  52 , extend through the windowed apertures  34  in the lower insulating layer  14  and in a direction towards the second (bottom) face  30  thereof. 
     Referring to FIG. 18, a rotated and sandwiching view is illustrated, from the bottom or underside facing side  30  of the lower insulating layer  14 , and which illustrates exposed portions of the interconnecting conductive grid web  52  which are revealed by the “X” shaped apertures  32  associated with the apertured pattern of the lower insulating layer  14 . In this manner, the trace network of web portions  52  defined by the conductive grid  16  is substantially revealed from the underlying face  30  of the lower insulating layer  14 . 
     As will be subsequently described in additional and further detail with reference to the components assembleable upon the upper insulating layer, it is desirous to define given circuit pathways (or traces) in given directions across the conductive grid  16 . By virtue of the design of the overlapping apertured patterns of the conductive grid and lower insulating layer, the web portions  52  (of conductive grid  16 ) are substantially revealed through the “X” shaped apertures  32  (in lower insulating layer  14 ) and further so that the associated plurality of apertures  50  in the grid  16  are likewise evident through the “X” shaped apertures. Again referencing FIG. 19, only a portion of the apertured patterns  32  and  34  are shown, it being understood that they extend across substantially the entire surface area of the lower insulating layer  14 . 
     A conventional cutting tool, such as a sharp edged knife or the like (not shown) can be inserted through selected “X” shaped apertures  32  (from the second or bottom facing side  30  of the lower insulating layer  14 ). In this manner, portions of the interconnecting grid web  52  (such as extending between the associated circular apertures  50  can be cut or sectioned by the tool and without first having to disassemble or otherwise take apart the retaining arrangement established between the lower insulating layers and the grid. The hole  50  and “X” shape  52  arrangement disallows current flowing from one, two, three or four directions (see  50  in FIG. 13) by cutting section along each V branch of associated “X” shape (total four V branches) in FIG.  18 . In this manner, an advantage of the ability to quickly section or remove portions of the conductive grid web  52 , from the underlaying/bottom facing side  30  of the lower insulating layer  14  is to enable current pathways (or traces) to be quickly defined in the grid  16  and without the requirement of specialized tooling or customizing procedures endemic with prior art electrical center designs. 
     Upon sectioning or removing portions of the conductive grid web  52  from the underlying/bottom facing side  30  of the lower insulating layer  14 , current pathways (or traces) are thus defined. The upper insulating layer  12  is then assembled with the assembly of the conductive grid  16  and lower layer  14 . The four projections  40  at the two ends of upper insulator  20  in FIGS. 4 and 5 are seated through holes  38  in FIG.  16 . An additional four projections in the middle of the upper insulator  20  will be seated through hole  50  in the conductive grid  16  in FIG.  13 . All eight projections are then staked and, therefore, the conductive grid  16  is sandwiched by the upper insulator  14  and lower insulator  12  shown in FIG.  21 . 
     Having adequately described the construction, configuration and sectioning ability of the conductive grid  16 , relative to the sandwiching insulating layers  12  and  14 , reference and description will now be made to the additional components associated with the present invention and reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 which illustrate stamped terminal pins  60 ,  62 , et seq. Each of the terminal pins, referencing again in particular pin  60  in FIG. 1, is constructed of an electrically conductive material (such as again a copper or suitable spring steel) and includes an upper female receptor portion (see generally at  64 ), an interconnecting stem portion  66  (with central aperture  68  defined therethrough) and a lower and opposite/downward extending male terminal pin  70 . 
     Referring again to the given female receptor portion, referenced generally at  64  for first terminal  60 , the female receptor is further defined by a first configured and biasing finger  72  extending upwardly from the associated stem portion  66 . A second configured and biasing finger  74  extends upwardly from a further location of the associated stem portion  66  in angularly offsetting and disposed fashion and so that the fingers  72  and  74 , therebetween, define a seating location for engaging a mini-fuse or relay (see at  76  in assembled view of FIG.  23 ). In the preferred mounting application, the configured and biasing fingers  72  and  74  are bent and angled, from an initial blank shape to the assembled shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     As further illustrated in reference again to FIG. 2, the interconnecting stem portions (see again at  66  as well as further at  74  between terminals  60  and  62 ) permit any plurality of terminals to be mounted in reel form. By the configuration of the contact beams  72  and  74 , the terminals  70  and  78  are in same pitch of a mini fuse and carry more current than other terminals in similar applications. Accordingly, a sub-plurality of two, three or more such terminals  60 ,  62 , et seq., can be sectioned from the reel by cutting an associated succeeding stem portion and then mounted to assembled insulating layers and such as by inserting the corresponding male inserting pins (again at  70  and as shown in FIG. 3) through corresponding apertures  22  defined in the first or upper insulating layer  12 . 
     The male pins  70 , see again FIG. 20, extend through the sandwiching insulating layers and grid and project beyond the bottom facing side  30  of the lower insulating layer  14 , through associated and aligning windowed apertures  34  and  46 , and so that the male pin  70  is biasingly engaged with an associated bent tab  54  of the grid  16  to electrically connect the pin  70  with the grid  16 . The apertures defined through the stem portions, see again at  69  in FIGS. 1 and 2, bite through the insulating portion for securing the terminals  60 ,  62 , et seq., upon the upper insulating layer  12  and so that their associated and downwardly extending pins, again at  70  as well as at  78  in FIG. 2, extend through the sandwichingly engaged insulating layers and grid. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a high current bussed female terminal is illustrated at  80  and includes a plurality of individual female receptors, see such as at  82  and  84  generally, the bussed female terminal further comprising an elongated carrier strip  86  upon which are mounted the plurality of receptors. As with the associated female housing portions of the stamped terminals, each of the female receptors further comprising a first configured and biasing finger, see at  88  and  90 , extending upwardly from the associated stem or carrier strip portion  86 . After the terminal is shipped in reel form and ready to be assembled, second configured and biasing fingers,  92  and  93 , respectively, are bent upwardly from the associated stem portion in angularly disposed fashion relative to the first biasing fingers  88  and  90 , and is again configured to engage a mini fuse or relay (such as previously identified at  76  in FIG.  23 ). Again, by this configuration of contact beams  93  and  90 , the terminals  82  and  84  are in the same pitch of a mini fuse and such that they carry more current than other terminals in similar applications. 
     Apertures  95  are defined in the carrier strip  86  for staking the bussed female terminal  80  upon the first face  18  of the upper insulating layer  12  (see also at  91  in FIG.  9 ). The bussed female terminal  80  electrically interconnects at least one of a main bus bar  94  (see FIGS.  4  and  6 - 9  and such as by welding or other mechanical joinings) with specified electrical output components and between specified terminals, see stampings  60  and  62  in FIGS. 4,  6  and  8 . 
     In the instance of either bussed female terminal  80 , the female receptor portions are typically again reconfigured or bent from a blank shape and in order to define the desired configuration. 
     Referring again to FIGS.  4  and  6 - 9 , the bus bar  94  secures upon the first, or upper, face  18  of the upper insulating layer  12 , a high current power source (see at  96  in FIG. 23) communicating with an inlet end  98  of the bus bar  94 . The bus bar  94  is typically constructed of copper material and has an elongated and stamped configuration exhibiting a plurality of upwardly extending terminal blades arranged in first  100 , second  102  and third  104  rows, these in turn being engaged by suitable electrical components and as are further referenced by J-case fuses  106  and  108  in the assembled view of FIG.  23 . 
     Apertures, such as at  110 ,  112  and  113  in FIG. 7, are further defined through the elongated and stamped configuration of the bus bar  94  at specified locations. These apertures align with suitable additional apertures defined through the upper insulating layer  12  and through which are inserted insulating portions, see further at  114  and  115  for staking the bus bar  94  upon the upper insulating layer  12 . After having staked together, the web containing holes  113  can be sectioned into different traces to vary the current flow by applying a cutting tool through apertures  24  in FIGS. 3,  4  and  10 . 
     Accordingly, the bussed center operates on the delivery to the main bus bar  94  of current from the input power source  96  (again FIG. 23) which is delivery via the inlet end  98  extending laterally from the side of the upper insulating layer  12  upon staking the bus bar  94  thereupon. The high current input is then either stepped down or rerouted through the bussed female terminal  86  and then via the relays, switches or the like  106  and  108 , engageable upon the plurality of pin rows  100 ,  102  and  104 , or is delivered to the various output terminals  60 ,  62 , et seq. and to additional electrical components, referenced by example at  116 ,  118 ,  120 , et seq. in FIG. 23, which are secured upon the terminals  60 ,  62 , et seq., via the bussed female terminals  80 , female-male terminals  70 , as well as the interconnecting and dedicated trace patterns defined within the sandwiched grid  16 . 
     Referring again to FIG. 20, an assembled side view is shown of the bussed electrical center and illustrating, by example, the manner in which the male terminal pin portion  70  engages an associated contact spring portion  54  of the conductive grid  16  which has extended below the bottom or second lower face  30  of the insulating layer  14 . Portions of the bussed female terminal  80 , female receptor  82  and associated and interengaging stamping  60  and female receptor  64  are also illustrated in FIG.  20 . 
     Referring to FIG. 22, an assembled illustration of the bussed electrical center as substantially shown previously in FIGS. 11 and 21, and includes upper  122  and lower  124  housing portions assembleable about the sandwiching insulating layers  12  and  14  and conductive grid  16 . The housing portions  122  and  124  are also preferably constructed of an insulating material, a plurality of mounting holes  126  and  128 , respectively, are defined through each of the upper housing portion  122 , the lower housing portion  124  and the assembled insulating layers  12  and  14  and grid  16  and which, upon assembly, align for receiving in inserting fashion therethrough mounting fasteners  130 , see again FIG.  23 . 
     The upper housing portion  122  exhibits pluralities of apertures aligning with those defined through said upper insulating layer, see at  128  and  130 , and in order to seatingly receive the J-case fuses, etc.,  106  and  108 . The lower housing portion  124  exhibits further pluralities of apertures  132  and  134 , aligning with those defined through the upper and lower insulating layers  12  and  14 . Similarly, the upper housing portion  122  exhibits pluralities of apertures aligning with those defined through said upper insulating layer, see at  129 , and in order to seatingly receive switches, diodes, mini fuses, relays, etc.,  76 ,  116  and  118  in FIG.  23 . The lower housing portion  124  exhibits further pluralities of apertures  133 , aligning with those at  129  defined through the upper and lower insulating layers  12  and  14 . 
     Referring finally to FIG. 23, three dimensionally configured upper cover  136  and lower base  138  portions are provided, the cover  136  and base  138  assemble over a subassembly defined by the assembled housing portions  122  and  124 , insulating layers  12  and  14  and conductive grid  16  and further defining a first high current input and a plurality of distributed current outputs. The lower base portion  138  further includes a plurality of molded female connector blocks  140 ,  142 ,  144 , et seq., supported thereupon and which are engageable with the terminal pins inserting through the insulating layers and conductive grid. Electrical output harnesses  146 ,  148 ,  150 , et seq., extending from each of the female connector blocks and to various external locations in the vehicle. 
     Having described our invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.