Importance

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Abstract

An electrical grounding connector, electrical grounding connector assembly, and a method of attaching an electrical grounding connector and electrical grounding connector assembly to an electrically conductive panel is disclosed. The grounding connector assembly includes a grounding stud connector having a body portion disposed between, and integrally joining, a stud portion and a riveting portion. The body portion includes a flange extending generally radially from the body portion and the flange includes a panel engaging surface and a lug engaging surface. A protective nut is adapted to engage and substantially cover the stud portion of the grounding stud connector thereby protecting the stud portion from contaminants. Barbed elements are disclosed on various surfaces of the grounding connector thereby giving the grounding connector excellent electrically conductive properties when it is assembled to an electrically conductive panel. In a preferred embodiment, the grounding connector is preassembled with the protective nut, thereby allowing the assembly to be installed on an electrically conductive panel in one step. In another preferred embodiment, the opposed surfaces of the stud flange and nut converge to provide a line contact adjacent the radial outer edge of the flange, eliminating the requirement for barbs on the flange. This embodiment further includes a nut having an open end, such that the free end of the stud is exposed and providing a bearing surface on the nut which is not connected directly to the stud. While the grounding connector and connector assembly is particularly suited for self-piercing applications, it may be used equally well in prepierced applications.

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First Claim