Combined four way and seven way connector assembly for use with a vehicle and for accommodating a trailer tow package and which in particular incorporates circuit protection and power switching capability

摘要

A connector assembly for use with either a four or seven way vehicle input harness. A housing is secured to a rear end location of the vehicle. A circuit board is secured within the housing. A first plurality of terminals defines the four way connector and a second plurality of terminals defines the seven way connector. Each of the terminals communicates with selected circuits and further defines input plugs accessible through the housing by the towed vehicle input harness. An electrical supply of the vehicle is engaged through the housing in order to electrically communicate the towing vehicle's electrical supply. A magnetically switching transistor operates, in combination with a magnet, to enable or disable power to each of the connectors based upon the positioning of an access cover associated with the connectors and indicative of the presence of a wire engaging harness.