CONNECTOR

The present invention relates to a connector for use with a vehicle glazing, in particular, a connector for making a mechanical and/or electrical connection to a vehicle glazing.

Increasingly, vehicle glazings are provided with functionality that requires making a mechanical and/or and electrical connection to the glazing. Mechanical connections are required for items such as mirror bosses or locating pins. Mechanical connections are typically made using primer and primer-less adhesives such as polyurethane. Electrical connections are required for circuitry which may be provided on the glazing, such as antennae or heating circuits on backlights or sidelights. In general, electrical connections are soldered, preferably using a lead-free solder.

However, an example of using non- soldered conductors to provide an electrical connection is disclosed in DE 101 52 517. A high-frequency antenna is provided on the surface of a vehicle glazing, which requires electrical connection to the wiring harness of the vehicle when fitted. Rather than a soldered connection, DE 101 52 517 employs a connector having magnetic contacts. Magnetic contact regions are provided at the end of the antenna lines on the glazing. A connector module having permanent magnets corresponding to the contact regions is placed onto the glazing, such that the attractive magnetic field between the magnetic contacts and the contact regions forces them to remain in physical contact, and ensures the module remains on the surface of the glazing. The magnetic contacts also serve as electrical contacts, enabling connection between the antenna and the wiring harness of the vehicle.

The use of magnetic contacts is advantageous, as it provides a simple locating device for the electrical connection. In addition, the action of the magnetic field aids in locating the magnetic contacts onto the contact region. This enables the "blind" (where an operative positioning the connector onto the glazing cannot see or reach easily the portion of the glazing receiving the connector) electrical connection of the antenna lines on the glazing to external wiring. The magnetic field attraction is also able to withstand a relatively high force applied perpendicular to the glazing. One disadvantage is that very little force

applied parallel to the surface of the glazing is required to knock the magnetic contacts out of position, or to remove the module from the contact regions completely.

Devices such as sensors, lights, cameras, satellite navigation equipment, electrochromic mirrors and high mount stop lights require both mechanical and electrical connection to the glazing. This may be provided by adhering the housing of the device to the surface of the glass, and providing a soldered galvanic contact, or merely relying upon a physical contact between conductors. One known alternative manner in which devices requiring electrical connection may be mounted on a glazing is using a retaining socket such as that disclosed in WO2006/077149. The base of a universal retaining socket comprising two accommodation spaces is adhered on the surface of a glazing. A gap may be provided in the base to allow electrical conductors positioned on the surface of the glass to form a contact with conductors on the device to be retained in the socket. The accommodation spaces in the retaining socket allow for a device to be inserted either a direction perpendicular to the surface of the glass (push in) or in a direction parallel to the surface of the glass (slide in). Retaining lugs are provided to ensure a firm mechanical locking of the device into the accommodation space. Magnetic guidance means may be provided to aid in positioning and/or fixing the part into the socket.

Whilst the use of such retaining sockets provides good mechanical and electrical connections for various devices, one disadvantage is that locating the device in the socket is difficult in a "blind" situation. For example, lighting units are often fixed to the glazing once the glazing has been installed in a vehicle. This requires an operative to position themselves in the vehicle looking upwards at the glazing, or to reach towards the glazing from a difficult angle. In these positions it may be difficult to position a device into the retaining socket. Although the use of magnetic guidance means helps, it is still difficult to be sure that a successful connection has been made.

There is therefore a need for a connector that provides secure mounting and/or electrical connection of devices provided on the surface of a vehicle glazing, which allows easy location of the device within the connector in "blind" situations.

The present invention aims to address these problems by providing a vehicle glazing having a connector mounted thereon, the connector comprising: a socket portion having an external frame defining a cavity; a plug portion having a main body dimensioned to fit within the cavity formed by the socket portion external frame; wherein at least one of the socket portion and the plug portion comprises magnetic locating means for locating the other portion and locking means for engaging with the other portion.

By providing both locking means and locating means, a secure connection to a vehicle glazing may be made in a "blind" situation.

Preferably, both the socket portion and the plug portion comprise magnetic locating means.

The socket portion may be mounted on the glazing. Alternatively, the plug portion may be mounted on the glazing. The socket portion may comprise retaining lugs, and the plug portion comprises locking means for engaging with the socket portion retaining lugs. Alternatively, the plug portion may comprise retaining lugs for engaging with the engaging means provided on the socket portion, and the socket portion is mounted on the glazing.

Preferably, electrical contacts are provided on the glazing, and the socket portion is mounted on the glazing such that the electrical contact are positioned within the cavity, and the plug portion also comprises electrical contacts which are held in contact with the electrical contacts on the glazing when the locking means are engaged with the retaining lugs.

Alternatively, electrical contacts are provided on the glazing, and the socket portion is mounted on the glazing such that the contacts are positioned on the glass outside of the external frame of the socket portion, and the plug portion also comprises electrical contacts which are held in contact with the electrical contacts on the glazing when the locking means are engaged with the retaining lugs.

Preferably, the locking means are releasable.

Preferably, the plug portion locking means comprise at least one leg and foot, the leg and the main body of the plug portion defining a recess into which the external frame of the socket portion fits, and the foot engages with the socket portion retaining lugs.

More preferably, the locking means comprise a pair of opposing legs and feet.

The leg may be flexible. Alternatively, the leg may be rigid, and mounted on the plug portion by means of a flexible joint. The leg may further comprise a protrusion, facing towards the main body of the plug portion,

The plug portion may be connected to the wiring harness of a vehicle. In this case, the plug portion may form an electrical connection to an antenna, a crack detection circuit, a heating circuit, a light sensor, a moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, a rains sensor, an amplifier or a tuner.

Alternatively, a device may be mounted on the plug portion, or the plug portion may be part of a device. Preferably, the device is one of: interior lighting devices, exterior light devices, rain sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, moisture sensors, electrochromic mirrors, mirrors, visible light and IR light cameras, stop lights, indicators, toll collection devices, transponders, telephone and internet connection devices, satellite navigation equipment, radar sensors, busbar connectors, choke coils, antenna amplifiers, car-to-car communication devices or car-to-everywhere communication devices.

The electrical contacts on the plug portion and/or the socket portion may be spring contacts. The spring contact may urge the plug portion towards the socket portion such that the locking means engage.

Preferably, the socket portion and the plug portion are formed from a thermoplastic material.

The magnetic locating means may comprise a ferromagnetic filler material within the thermoplastic material.

Preferably, the magnetic locating means comprise at least two magnets in each of the socket portion and the plug portion. The magnets may be arranged to provide location for a specific orientation of the plug portion within the socket portion.

Preferably, when the locking means engage with the retaining lugs, an audible click is heard.

The plug portion and socket portion may comprise conductors that form a short circuit when the locking means have engaged with the retaining lugs

Preferably, at least one of the plug portion or the socket portion comprises a radio- frequency identification device.

The invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of a first connector device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section showing the connector of Figure 1 in a locked position;

Figure 3 is a split schematic cross-section showing a second connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position and a release position;

Figure 4 is a split schematic cross-section showing a third connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position and a release position;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section showing a fourth connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section showing a fifth connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position; and

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-section showing a sixth connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position.

The present invention utilises both a self-locating function and a mechanical locking function to provide mechanical and/or electrical connection for a device or circuitry on the surface of a vehicle glazing.

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of a first connector device in accordance with the present invention. The connector 1 comprises a cylindrical plug portion 2 that forms a mating fit with a cylindrical socket portion 3, which is mounted on the surface of a vehicle glazing 4. The socket portion 3 is in the form of a ring, having an external frame 5 and central cavity 6. The base of the external frame 5 is adhered to the surface of the glazing 4 using a polyurethane adhesive. Electrical contacts 7 are provided on the surface of the glazing 4, and the socket portion 3 is positioned such that the contacts 7 are placed within the central cavity 6.

The plug portion 2 is provided with two recesses 8, dimensioned to allow the external frame 5 of the socket portion 3 to fit within. Each recess portion 8 is formed by the central body 9 of the plug portion 2 and a flexible leg 10. Each flexible leg 10 is provided with a foot 11, partially closing each recess 8. The flexible legs 10 and feet 11 form locking means, and are used in conjunction with retaining lugs 12 provided on the external frame 5 of the socket portion 3 to form a locking mechanical connection between the plug portion 2 and the socket portion 3.

The retaining lugs 12 are shaped to allow easy sliding passage of the feet 11 along the side of the external frame 5 as the plug portion 2 is pushed into the socket portion 3. Each lug 12 comprises an angled sliding surface 13 and a lower surface 14, which is parallel with the surface of the glazing 4. As the plug portion 2 is pushed into the socket portion 3, the flexible legs 10 flex outwards from the plug portion 2 until the feet 11 reach the end of the retaining lugs 12. At this point, the flexible legs 10 force the feet 11 under the lower surface 14 of the retaining lugs, such that they engage with the lugs 12, locking the plug portion 2 into place with a snapping action. The action of the retaining lugs 12

and feet 11 prevent the plug from being removed inadvertently by pulling upwards from the surface of the glass. This forms the connector locked position, as shown in Figure 2.

The plug portion 2 is also provided with electrical contacts 15, which contact the electrical contacts 7 on the surface of the vehicle glazing 4. When the connector 1 is in the locked position, the electrical contacts 15, 7 are maintained in a position in physical contact, allowing current flow between them. Alternatively, low-impedance, radio- frequency non-galvanic connections may be used.

In order to provide a locating function, magnetic locating means in the form of magnets 16, 17, 18, 19 are provided within both the plug portion 2 and the socket portion 3. In the plug portion 2, magnets 16, 17 are provided adjacent each recess 8, and in the socket portion 3, magnets 18, 19 are provided in the external frame 5. The orientation of the poles of each magnet is such that the magnets 16, 17 in the plug portion 2 experience an attractive force from the magnets 18, 19 in the socket portion 3 when correctly aligned, and a repulsive force if incorrectly aligned. The plug portion 2 is therefore self-locating in the socket portion 3. The attractive force between the magnets 16, 17, 18, 19 also contributes to the mechanical connection between the plug portion 2 and the socket portion 3, but this connection is provided primarily by the feet 11 and retaining lugs 12.

The connector 1 therefore provides a self-locating electrical connector which is locked mechanically into position. The plug portion 2 is secured against lateral, rotational and perpendicular movement within the socket portion 3. When the locking means engage, an audible click is produced, indicating to the operative fixing the connector that the connector is fully engaged and locked. This is particularly useful in a "blind" situation.

In addition, by providing a cylindrical plug portion and socket portion, there is no particular orientation in which the connector must be used. Such connectors are therefore particularly useful for 9V power connectors. However, rather than utilising magnets in both the socket portion and the plug portion, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the magnetic locating means need only be placed in one of the portions. If magnets are placed in the plug portion, corresponding metallic plates may be positioned in the socket portion, and

vice versa. Such metallic plates are formed of a metallic material that is attracted by magnetic fields. This allows the cost of one of the connector portions to be minimised. The geometry of the metallic plates may be used to ensure that the magnetic locating means orients the plug portion correctly in the socket portion.

Figure 3 is a split schematic cross section showing a second connector in accordance with the present invention. The connector 20 is generally similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2 (other than in shape), but has one important difference in that the plug portion 21 is re leasable from the socket portion 22.

As in Figure 1, the connector 20 comprises a rectangular plug portion 21 that forms a mating fit with a rectangular socket portion 22, which is mounted on the surface of a vehicle glazing 23. The socket portion 22 is in the form of a rectangular ring, having an external frame 24 and central cavity 25. The base of the external frame 24 is adhered to the surface of the glazing 23 using a polyurethane adhesive. Electrical contacts 26 are provided on the surface of the glazing 23, and the socket portion 22 is positioned such that the contacts 26 are placed within the central cavity 25. Retaining lugs 27, provided on the outer edge of the external frame 24, comprise an angled sliding surface 28 and a lower surface 29, which is parallel with the surface of the glazing 23.

The plug portion 21 is provided with two recesses 30, dimensioned to allow the external frame 24 of the socket portion 22 to fit within. However, rather than the recesses 28, 30 being bounded on one side by a flexible leg, they are bounded by a leg 31 attached to the main body 32 of the plug portion 21 by a flexible joint 33, located approximately halfway along each leg 31. Each leg 31 has a notch 35 located towards a lower free end, which together form locking means such that each notch 35 engages with a retaining lug 27 on the socket portion 22 when the plug portion 21 is pushed into the socket portion 22. This forms a mechanical connection, which is able to withstand lateral, perpendicular and rotation movement. Also, an audible click is heard when the locking means engage.

The plug portion 21 is also provided with electrical contacts 34, which contact the electrical contacts 26 on the surface of the vehicle glazing 23. When the connector 20 is

in the locked position, the electrical contacts 34, 26 are maintained in a position in physical contact, allowing current flow between them.

Again, in order to provide a locating function, magnetic locating means in the form of magnets 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b are provided within both the plug portion 21 and the socket portion 22. In the plug portion 21, magnets 36a, 36b are provided adjacent each recess 30, and in the socket portion 22, magnets 37a, 37b are provided in the external frame 24.

By providing a flexible joint 30 the plug 21 may be released from the locked position. If pressure is applied to the upper free end of each leg 31 (in the direction marked by arrow A), such that the flexible joint 30 flexes and the upper free end of the leg 31 is moved towards the main body 32 of the plug portion 21, the lower free end moves outwards and the notches 34 are released from the retaining lugs 27, allowing the plug portion 21 to be removed from the socket portion 22. Although some initial resistance will be felt, due to the attractive force between the magnets 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b, this is overcome easily. In order to aid in the removal of the plug portion 21, steps 38 having a sliding surface are provided on the external frame 24 of the socket portion 22, such that when the lower free end of each leg 31 moves outwards away from the plug portion and along the sliding surfaces, an additional pushing force is created to overcome the attractive force between the magnets 35, 36, 37, 38. However, as described above, the magnetic locating means need only be placed in one of the portions.

Figure 4 is a split schematic cross section showing a third connector in accordance with the present invention. The connector is generally similar to that shown in Figure 3, but is additionally provided with means to help overcome the attractive force between the magnets when the plug portion is removed from the socket portion.

The connector 40 comprises a rectangular plug portion 41 that forms a mating fit with a rectangular socket portion 42, which is mounted on the surface of a vehicle glazing 43. The socket portion 42 is in the form of a rectangular ring, having an external frame 44 and central cavity 45. The base of the external frame 44 is adhered to the surface of the glazing 43 using a polyurethane adhesive. Electrical contacts 46 are provided on the

surface of the glazing 43, and the socket portion 42 is positioned such that the contacts 46 are placed within the central cavity 45. Retaining lugs 47, each having a lower surface parallel to and facing the surface of the vehicle glazing 43, are provided on the outer edge of the external frame 44.

The plug portion 41 is provided with two recesses 48, dimensioned to allow the external frame 44 of the socket portion 42 to fit within. Each recess 48 is partially bounded by a flexible leg 49 having a foot 50 facing outwards from the plug portion 41. Each leg 49 and foot 50 combination forms locking means for engaging with the retaining lugs 47. Part- way along each flexible leg 49, a protrusion 51 , which faces inwards towards to the plug portion 41, is provided. The protrusion 51 is provided with two angled sliding surfaces, to help with separation of the plug portion 41 and the socket portion 42, as described below.

When the plug portion 41 is pushed into the socket portion 42, each foot 50 slides along the retaining lugs 47 until the plug portion 41 is in position, and the feet 50 snap underneath the retaining lugs 47 and remain in contact with their lower surfaces. This locks the plug portion into position, such that the connector is able to resist lateral, perpendicular and rotational movement. Also, when the locking means engage, an audible click is heard.

The plug portion 41 is also provided with electrical contacts 52, which contact the electrical contacts 46 on the surface of the vehicle glazing 43. When the connector 40 is in the locked position, the electrical contacts 52, 46 are maintained in a position in physical contact, allowing current flow between them.

Again, in order to provide a locating function, magnetic locating means in the form of magnets 53, 54, 55, 56 are provided within both the plug portion 41 and the socket portion 42. In the plug portion 41, magnets 53, 54 are provided adjacent each recess 48, and in the socket portion 42, magnets 55, 56 are provided in the external frame 44. However, as described above the magnetic locating means need only be placed in one of the portions.

In order to release the plug portion 41, pressure is applied to each flexible leg 49 (in the direction marked by arrow B), forcing it towards the plug portion 41. This causes two events to happen: each foot 50 is displaced from the lower surface of the retaining lug 47 it was in contact with; and the protrusion 51 contacts the joint between the plug portion 41 and the socket portion 42. Continued pressure forces the two angled sliding surfaces of each protrusion 51 into the join between the plug portion 41 and the socket portion 42, overcoming the attractive force between the magnets and separating the plug portion 41 from the socket portion 42.

In the examples above, the contacts on the surface of the glass are positioned within the cavity formed by the external frame of the socket portion. However, connectors in accordance with the present invention are not limited to this configuration. Contacts may be provided on the surface of the glass outside of the external frame of the socket portion, and corresponding contact regions placed externally of the recesses of the plug portion. In this situation, the main body of the plug portion is merely used to help form the mechanical interlock between the plug portion and the socket portion.

Although electrical contacts are shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 it is of course possible to use the connector for a mechanical connection only, for example, as a mirror boss or sunshade, where a current supply is not necessary. Two further examples of connector configurations in accordance with the present invention, particularly suited to such applications, are shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of a fourth connector device in accordance with the present invention, in a locked position. The connector 60 comprises a cylindrical plug portion 61 that forms a mating fit with a cylindrical socket portion 62, which is mounted on the surface of a vehicle glazing 63. The socket portion 62 is in the form of a ring, having an external frame 64 and central cavity 65. The base of the external frame 64 is adhered to the surface of the glazing 63 using a polyurethane adhesive.

The plug portion 61 is provided with two recesses 66, dimensioned to allow the external frame 64 of the socket portion 62 to fit within. Each recess 66 is formed in the central body 67 of the plug portion 61. The recesses 66 form locking means, and are used in conjunction with retaining lugs 68 provided on the external frame 64 of the socket portion 62 to form a locking mechanical connection between the plug portion 61 and the socket portion 62. The action of the retaining lugs 68 and recesses 66 prevent the plug portion 61 from being removed inadvertently by pulling upwards from the surface of the glass.

In order to provide a locating function, magnetic locating means in the form of magnets 69, 70, 71, 72 are provided within both the plug portion 61 and the socket portion 62. In the plug portion 61, magnets 69, 70 are provided on the surface contacting the base of the socket portion 62 parallel with the glazing 63, and in the socket portion 62, corresponding magnets 71, 72 are provided in the external frame 64. The orientation of the poles of each magnet is such that the magnets 69, 70 in the plug portion 61 experience an attractive force from the magnets 71, 72 in the socket portion 62 when correctly aligned, and a repulsive force if incorrectly aligned. The plug portion 61 is therefore self- locating in the socket portion 3. The attractive force between the magnets 69, 70, 71, 72 also contributes to the mechanical connection between the plug portion 61 and the socket portion 62.

The plug portion 61 may also be provided with electrical contacts 73, which contact electrical contacts 74 provided in the frame 64 of the socket portion 62. A separate electrical supply may be connected to the socket portion 62, or a low-impedance, radio- frequency non-galvanic connections may be used. When the connector 61 is in the locked position, the electrical contacts 73, 74 are maintained in a position in physical contact, allowing current flow between them.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section showing a fifth connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position. This example differs from that shown in Figure 5 in that recesses 75 are formed in the frame 64 of the socket portion 62, and retaining lugs 76 provided in the main body of the plug portion 61. All other features are the same as those described in connection with Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-section showing a sixth connector device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position. In this example, the connector 80 comprises a plug portion 81 mounted on the surface of a glazing 82, and a socket portion 83 dimensioned to fit around the plug portion 81. The plug portion 81 may be bonded to the glazing 82 by an adhesive, or, if the plug portion 81 is formed of an electrically conductive material, it may be soldered directly to an electrical connection 84 provided on the surface of the glazing 82. In this example, magnets 85 need only be provided in the socket portion 83. The plug portion 81 is provided with two recesses 86 formed in the central body 87 of the plug portion 81. The recesses 86 form locking means, and are used in conjunction with retaining lugs 88 provided on the external frame 89 of the socket portion 83 to form a locking mechanical connection between the plug portion 81 and the socket portion 83. The action of the retaining lugs 88 and recesses 86 prevent the socket portion 83 from being removed inadvertently by pulling upwards from the surface of the glass.

The connector is also suitable for various devices requiring both electrical and mechanical connection to the surface of a glazing, such as: interior lighting devices (IR or visible light devices mounted within the vehicle to direct light into or out of the vehicle) and exterior light devices (IR or visible light devices mounted external to the glazing to direct light into or out of the vehicle), rain sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, moisture sensors, electro-chromic mirrors, mirrors, visible light and IR light cameras, stop lights, indicators, toll collection devices, transponders, telephone and internet connection devices, satellite navigation equipment, radar sensors, busbar connectors, choke coils, antenna amplifiers, car-to-car communication devices or car-to-everywhere communication devices (for example, devices interfacing with a central radio control station). In this situation, either the plug portion or the socket portion is formed as part of the device, or is affixed to the device, for example, using an adhesive. Alternatively, it is possible to use the connectors to provide connection between antennae, crack detection and heating circuits, sensors, such as moisture, light, temperature and rain sensors, amplifiers and tuners, and the wiring harness of a vehicle in place of conventional flat cable connectors. The socket portion and/or the plug may also contain an RFID (radio- frequency identification) device for wireless identification purposes. This may be used to

aid in identifying the correct socket portion for a particular device during automated production.

Preferably, the plug portion and socket portion are made of a thermoplastic material, with permanent magnets or magnetic plates embedded therein. Alternatively, plastic having magnetic properties, for example, a plastic loaded with a ferromagnetic or other suitable magnetic filler material, may be used instead. Additional magnets may be used to ensure a specific orientation of the plug portion within the socket portion. Where only one of the plug portion and socket portion is provided with magnetic locating means the portion having metallic plates may be fully metallic rather than a thermoplastic material containing metallic plates. The magnets themselves may be formed of any suitable magnetic material. Of particular use are those materials known as supermagnets. Such materials have improved magnetic properties, enabling even small amounts of material to exert a strong magnetic force. For example, a 5mm cube of neodymium- iron-boron (NdFeB) is able to hold a weight of 1.1kg. Such materials are available from Webcraft GmbH, Winterthurerstr. 18b, 8610 Uster, Switzerland.

Either the plug portion or the socket portion may be affixed to the surface of the glazing. Although in the above examples, a polyurethane adhesive is used, other suitable adhesives include 1- and 2-component polyurethane adhesives; tapes, such as those sold under the codes 9214 and 9270 by the 3M Corporation, of Corporate Headquarters, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, USA; or adhesive sheets or films, such as strips of polyvinyl butyral or other plastics materials traditionally used as interlayers in laminated glazings. The adhesive should be able to withstand a force of 3 to 5N per mm ² , which is more than sufficient to hold a device such as a sensor (having a typical weight in the range 30g to 10Og), a mirror (having a typical weight up to 90Og) or a camera (having a typical weight in the range 15Og to 25Og).

As an alternative to providing electrical contacts on the surface of the glazing, the socket portion may be adhered to the glazing using an electrically conductive adhesive. It may be desirable to include the socket portion within an encapsulated or extruded frame

around the periphery of the glazing, rather than bonding the socket portion to the surface of the glazing using a separate adhesive.

The contacts within the plug portion may be conductive plates, wires or spring contacts. If spring contacts are used, the spring itself may be used to urge the plug portion into mechanical contact with the socket portion. The spring may be formed of a resilient metallic material, or using an electrically conductive elastic plastic material. The material used may show uniaxial electrical conductivity.

In addition to providing an audible click when the plug portion is successfully placed in the locked position, means to enable a simple electrical test to determine whether an electrical connection has also been made may be provided. The means may comprise additional electrical contacts within the socket portion and the plug portion which when connected, form a short circuit. The contacts are positioned such that the short circuit is only formed if the electrical contacts on the plug portion and the glazing are in physical contact and current is able to flow between them. The short circuit conductors may also be provided if radio -frequency non-galvanic connections are used.

The connector may be used to connect and/or mount a single device on the surface of a glazing, or to connector and/or mount a plurality of independent or linked devices. To do this, the connector is provided with a socket portion which is able to receive two or more plug portions. For example, a first plug portion may be used to take a 12V external power supply to the glazing, and a second plug portion to connect that power supply to a stop lamp module. Several devices may therefore be connected via a single socket portion to the 12V supply. Alternatively, connectors having a socket portion capable of receiving three plug portions may be used to link such stop light modules in a staggered fashion across the surface of the glazing. A first plug portion carries the 12V supply to the connector. A second plug portion is used to plug in the stop lamp module to the socket portion. A third plug portion is used to carry the 12V supply to a second connector, and so on.

The connector (1, 20, 40, 60, 80) is suitable for use with both single-ply and laminated (comprising two plies of annealed silicate glass bonded together by a ply of an interlayer material) vehicle glazings, such as windscreens, backlights, sidelights and rooflights. Single-ply glazings may comprise fully toughened or semi-toughened plies of silicate glass, or a ply of a plastic material, such as polycarbonate. Such single-ply glazings may also comprise a coating or a film adhered to one surface.