Direct method of terminating the ground coil terminal to coil housing

Abstract

The subject invention improves the electrical connection in a clutch assembly for engaging a compressor in a vehicle air conditioning system. In accordance with the subject invention, a tab extends from the mounting plate and the second end of the ground lead is frictionally retained between the tab and the core winding housing. This is accomplished by turning a tab out of the plane of a mounting plate, placing the second end of the ground lead under the tab and bending the tab downwardly to clamp the second end of the ground lead between the tab and the core winding housing to frictionally retain the second end of the ground lead between the tab and the core winding housing.

1 . A clutch assembly for engaging a compressor in an air conditioning system wherein said clutch assembly comprises; 
 a mounting plate being generally circular to define a circular periphery with at least one cutout portion,    a core winding housing supported on said mounting plate,    a power lead for supplying electrical power,    a core winding electrically connected to said power lead and disposed in said core winding housing for generation of magnetic field within said core winding in response to electrical power being supplied by said power lead,    a ground lead having a first end connected to said core winding and a second end connected to said mounting plate, and    said mounting plate having a tab integral with and extending therefrom in said cutout portion, and said second end of said ground lead being retained between said tab and said core winding.    
   
   
       2 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 1  including projections on said tab for engaging said ground lead.  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said tab extends to a distal end disposed within said circular periphery.  
   
   
       5 . (canceled)  
   
   
       6 . An assembly as set forth in  claim 1  including an armature plate, a drive housing surrounding said winding housing and comprising an armature housing connected to said armature plate through magnetic coupling, a drive plate, a plurality of leaf springs interconnecting said drive plate and said armature plate, and a drive hub supported by said drive plate.