CN113557641B

CN113557641B - Connector position assurance member

Info

Publication number: CN113557641B
Application number: CN202080020341.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: N.L.埃文斯
Original assignee: TE Connectivity Services GmbH
Current assignee: TE Connectivity Services GmbH
Priority date: 2019-03-13
Filing date: 2020-02-05
Publication date: 2024-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-05
Also published as: EP3939127A1; CN113557641A; KR20210150412A; JP2022527722A; JP7427603B2; WO2020183255A1

Abstract

A connector position assurance device has an elastically deformable beam having a free end spaced from a base. The cam member is disposed proximate the free end of the beam. The beam has a latching projection engagement member disposed proximate the free end of the beam and in line with the cam member. The engagement surface extends at a first angle such that the engagement surface proximate the outer sidewall is closer to the free end than the engagement surface proximate the surface of the cam member. The engagement surface extends at a second angle such that the engagement surface proximate the top surface of the latch protrusion engagement member is closer to the free end than the engagement surface proximate the top side of the beam.

Description

Connector position assurance member

The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.15/933,953, filed 3/23 at 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector position assurance device, an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly that provide correct connector position assurance to ensure that mating connectors mate correctly. In particular, the connector position assurance device, the electrical connector and the electrical connector assembly provide a correct connector position assurance for a small-sized connector assembly.

Background

In certain applications, the electronic component requires an electrical connector assembly that joins first and second housings containing electrical contacts. One housing includes male electrical contacts and the other housing includes female electrical contacts. The first housing is configured to be received within the second housing such that the male and female electrical contacts are electrically connected. To ensure that the first and second housings are properly connected with the electrical contacts, the first and second housings are provided with a latch assembly commonly referred to as a position assurance feature. In a known application, the latch assembly includes a base plate, a hanging nib on a first housing, and a ramp on a second housing. The base plate is slidably held beside the prongs. When the first housing is inserted around the second housing, the prongs snap onto the ramp and then the substrate slides over the ramp and prongs into an engaged position. In many applications, an audible click is typically used to detect if the connectors are fully mated, but assembly plant noise can negate this.

In addition, electrical connectors have been proposed that utilize a latch or retention assembly in conjunction with a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device to retain the connector halves in a fully mated position. When the connector halves mate and the latch or retention assembly is positioned to maintain contact between the connector halves, the connector position assurance device will move to a position that indicates that the connector halves are properly connected. The connector position assurance device thus provides a means of ensuring complete mating of the connector halves.

The known connector position assurance device requires a large amount of space compared to the first and second housings. Thus, the known connector position assurance devices are not practical for small connectors because the connector size limits how the connector position assurance can interact with the housing. In addition, even when using known connector position assurance, there are a large number of connectors that cannot be properly mated. For example, the greatest warranty problem with automotive connectors is that the connectors are not fully mated, resulting in system failure after the automobile leaves the assembly plant. This is due to the fact that: in a vehicle assembly plant, the mating of some connectors is sufficient to make initial electrical contact but the latches of the connectors are not fully engaged, thereby causing the connectors to fail to lock or secure together. As the vehicle travels over rough roads and the like, these connectors are then separated in the field, resulting in loss of system function. Even if the known connector position assurance is incorporated into the connector, it cannot be guaranteed that the connector is properly mated and secured because in many cases the operator cannot properly activate the connector position assurance.

Disclosure of Invention

The problem to be solved is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and to provide a correct connector position assurance for small-sized connector assemblies. Another problem to be solved is to prevent or block the connector position from ensuring entry into its fully engaged position if the connector parts mate or do not mate at all.

This problem is solved by a connector position assurance device having a base and an elastically deformable beam. The base includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a base front end, and a base rear end. An elastically deformable beam extends from the front end of the base in a direction away from the rear end of the base. The beam has a free end spaced from the base. The cam member is disposed proximate the free end of the beam. The beam has a latching projection engagement member disposed proximate the free end of the beam and in line with the cam member. The latch protrusion engaging member has an engaging surface. The engagement surface extends from the surface of the cam member to the outer side wall of the beam. The engagement surface extends at a first angle such that the engagement surface proximate the outer sidewall is closer to the free end than the engagement surface proximate the surface of the cam member. The engagement surface extends from the top side of the beam to the top surface of the latch protrusion engagement member. The engagement surface extends at a second angle such that the engagement surface proximate the top surface of the latch protrusion engagement member is closer to the free end than the engagement surface proximate the top side of the beam.

Drawings

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

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary plug connector mated with an illustrative header or mating connector.

Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the plug connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the plug or mating connector of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of an illustrative connector position assurance member housed in a plug connector.

Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the connector position assurance member of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged top view of the latch protrusion engaging member of the connector position assurance member of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged side view of a corresponding latch protrusion engaging member of the connector position assurance member of fig. 4.

Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view through Liang Jiequ of the connector position assurance member, which shows the plug connector initially engaged with the header or mating connector, with the connector position assurance member in an initial position.

Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken through the locating arm of the plug connector, showing the connector position assurance member in an initial position.

Fig. 8C is an enlarged view of the interlocking engagement of the plug or mating connector and the connector position assurance member as shown in fig. 8A.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view through Liang Jiequ of the connector position assurance member, which shows the plug connector partially mated to the header or mating connector, with the connector position assurance member in an initial position.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view through Liang Jiequ of the connector position assurance member, showing the plug connector fully mated to the header or mating connector, with the connector position assurance member between an initial position and a final or locked position.

Fig. 11A is a cross-sectional view through Liang Jiequ of the connector position assurance member, which shows the plug connector fully mated to the header or mating connector with the connector position assurance member in a final or locked position.

Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken through the locating arm of the plug connector showing the plug connector fully mated to the header or mating connector with the connector position assurance member in a final or locked position.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector or plug 10 mated with a mating connector or header 100, the mating connector or header 100 and the electrical connector or plug 10 together forming a connector assembly 50. The electrical connector 10 and the mating connector 100 are shown as alternatives and may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention. The connectors 10 and 100 will have many other features, such as contacts and contact latches, which are not shown in the figures.

Referring to fig. 2, the electrical connector 10 has a housing body 12, the housing body 12 having contact receiving passages 14 (fig. 8A) for receiving contacts 13 therein. The electrical connector 10 has a front mating end 16 and a rear end 18. A conductor or wire 15 that is in electrical engagement with the contact 13 inserted into the channel 14 extends from the rear end 18. A first side surface 19 and an opposing second side surface 20 extend between the mating end 16 and the rear end 18.

A latch or latch arm 22 having an engagement protrusion 24 extends from the side surfaces 19, 20. In the illustrated embodiment, each latch 22 is connected to a respective side surface 19, 20 proximate the front mating end 16 and extends toward the rear end 18. The latch 22 is used to latch and secure the mating connector 100 to the connector 10, as will be described more fully below. As shown in fig. 8-11, a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) receiving recess 30 is positioned immediately adjacent latch arm 22. The locking projection 40 is provided close to the latch 22 and extends into the connector position assurance receiving recess 30 to mate with the connector position assurance device 200. The locking projections 40 are disposed on either side of the latch 22.

As best shown in fig. 3, the mating connector 100 has a complementary latch engagement section 110 positioned to engage the latch arm 22 when the connector 10 and the mating connector are moved from the unmated position to the mated position. The latch receiving opening 114 is positioned proximate to the latch engagement or activation section 110 and is sized to receive the engagement projection 24 when the connector 10 is fully mated to the mating connector 100. The latch engagement or activation section 110 also serves as a connector position assurance engagement rib.

When properly mated together, the engagement protrusions 24 of the latch arms 22 mate with the latch receiving openings 114 and are positioned in the latch receiving openings 114 to secure the mating connector 100 with the electrical connector 10. In the mated position, the connector 10 is received within the shroud 120 of the mating connector 100. The electrical contacts 130 (fig. 8A and 8B) of the mating connector 100 mate with the electrical contacts 13 in the electrical connector 10.

As shown in fig. 8-11, the connector position assurance device 200 is positioned proximate to and movable relative to the latch arms 22 of the connector 10. The connector position assurance device 200 is retained in the connector position assurance receiving opening 30 and is movable between a first or open position as shown in fig. 8 and a second or fully inserted position as shown in fig. 11.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, the connector position assurance device 200 has a base 202 and two elastically deformable beams 204, 205 extending from the base 202. The longitudinal axis of beam 204 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of beam 205. The base 202 has a top surface 206, a bottom surface 208, a base front end 210, and a base rear end 212. The beam 204 extends from the front end 210 in a direction away from the rear end 212. The back end 212 is configured to allow an operator to manually engage or activate the connector position assurance device 200. The front end 210 of the base 212 has a latch engagement portion extending from the top surface 206 and configured to interact with the latch 22 when the connector 10 is not fully mated with the mating connector 100, as will be more fully described. A latch receiving cavity 228 is provided in the top surface.

Each elastically deformable beam 204, 205 has a top side 220, a bottom side 222, a beam front end 224, a beam rear end 226, an inner side wall 225, and an outer side wall 227. The inner side wall 225 of beam 204 faces the inner side wall 225 of beam 205. The rear end 226 of each beam 204, 205 is attached to the front end 210 of the base 202 or is integral with the front end 210 of the base 202.

A latching projection engagement member 230 extends from the top side 220 of each beam 204, 205. The cam member 250 is disposed adjacent to the latching protrusion engaging member 230 and in line with the latching protrusion engaging member 230. A cam member 250 extends from the top side 220 of each beam 204, 205. The cam member 250 is disposed proximate the free ends of the beams 204, 205 and proximate the inner side walls 225 of the beams 204, 205. The latch protrusion engaging member 230 is disposed proximate the free end of the first beam and the first cam member and proximate the outer side walls of the beams 204, 205. The cam member 250 has an inclined surface 252 to better mate with the activation section 110 of the mating connector 100, as will be more fully described.

As best shown in fig. 6 and 7, each latch protrusion engaging member 230 has an engagement surface 231 configured to mate with the mating engagement surface 41 of the latch protrusion 40 of the connector 10.

Referring to fig. 6, in the illustrative embodiment, the engagement surface 231 extends from the surface 233 of the cam member 250 to the outer side wall 227 of the deformable beams 204, 205. The engagement surface 231 is angled such that the engagement surface 231 proximate the outer sidewall 227 is closer to the beam front end 224 than the engagement surface 231 proximate the surface 233 of the cam member 250. In this configuration of fig. 6, engagement surface 231 forms an angle 237. Although the size of angle 237 may vary, the angle may be, but is not limited to being, in the range of 60 degrees to 85 degrees.

Referring to fig. 7, in an illustrative embodiment, the engagement surface 231 extends from the top side 220 of the beams 204, 205 to the top surface 241 of the latch protrusion engagement member 230. The engagement surface 231 is angled such that the engagement surface 231 proximate the top surface 241 of the latch protrusion engagement member 230 is closer to the beam front end 224 than the engagement surface 231 proximate the top side 220 of the beams 204, 205. In this configuration of fig. 7, engagement surface 231 forms angle 243. Although the size of angle 243 may vary, the angle may be, but is not limited to, in the range of 60 degrees to 85 degrees.

As best shown in fig. 4 and 5, a positioning rail 260 extends from the base 202. The positioning rail 260 has a latch protrusion 262. The locating rails 260 mate with mating recesses in the connector 10 to provide proper location and stability of the connector position assurance device 200 relative to the housing body 12 of the connector 10. The latching projections 262 cooperate with the connector 10 to prevent the connector position assurance device 200 from being removed from the connector 10 and to retain the connector position assurance device 200 in the first position on the connector 10 prior to mating with the mating connector 100. The longitudinal axis of the positioning rail 260 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beams 204, 205.

Referring to fig. 8-11, a process or method of inserting the plug or connector 10 into the header or mating connector 100 is shown. In fig. 8A and 8B, the connector 10 is shown loosely positioned in the plug connector 100. In this position, the engagement protrusion 24 of the latch 22 has not yet engaged with the latch engagement section 110 of the connector 100. The connector position assurance device 200 is held in a pre-mated, open or first position. In this position, the latch 22 is in a normal or undeflected position. As best shown in fig. 8B, the connector position assurance device 100 is maintained in a pre-mated, open or first position by the engagement of the latch projections 262 with the projections 33 extending into the connector position assurance latch arm receiving openings 32.

In addition, as best shown in fig. 8A and 8C, the latching protrusion 40 of the connector 10 engages with the latching protrusion engaging member 230 to prevent the connector position assurance device 200 from being undesirably inserted into the mating, second or inserted position. The mating engagement surface 41 of the latching protrusion 40 is configured to have an opposite inclination to the engagement surface 231 of the latching protrusion engagement member 230, thereby allowing the engagement surface 231 and the mating engagement surface 41 to form an interlocking engagement, as shown in fig. 8C, wherein the angles of the surfaces cooperate to form a positive lock that is difficult to inadvertently overcome, thereby preventing the connector position assurance device 200 from being undesirably advanced into the mating connector 100 without being fully inserted into the connector 10.

When the connector 10 is partially inserted into the shroud 120 of the mating connector 100, the engagement protrusion 24 of the latch 22 moves into engagement with the latch engagement section 110 of the mating connector 100. As insertion continues, the latch engagement section 110 causes the engagement protrusion 24 and latch 22 to be resiliently activated or deflected away from either side surface 19, 20 of the connector 10, as shown in fig. 9. If the connector 10 cannot be properly mated with the mating connector 100, for example, due to improper alignment of the contacts 13, 130, continued insertion of the connector 10 into the mating connector 100 may be prevented. If this occurs, the latch 22 will remain in the deflected position shown in FIG. 9. In this position, the connector position assurance device 200 cannot be moved to the second or insertion position because the latch 22 will engage the front end 242 of the latch mating member 240 of the connector position assurance device 200 to prevent the connector movement position assurance device 200 from moving to the mated, second or insertion position.

As insertion continues, as shown in fig. 10, the engagement portion 24 of the latch 22 moves past the latch engagement section 110, allowing the latch 22 to return to its original or unstressed position. In this position, the engagement portion 24 is positioned and retained in the latch-receiving opening 114. With the engagement portion 24 properly positioned in the latch-receiving opening 114, the connector position assurance device 200 is movable from a pre-mated, open or first position toward a mated, second or insertion position. As this occurs, the angled surface 252 of the cam member 250 engages the connector position assurance activation region 140 of the mating connector 100, forcing the cam member 250 and the elastically deformable beams 204, 205 to move toward the bottom surface 20 of the connector 10. As this occurs, the engagement surface 231 of the latching protrusion engagement member 230 moves slightly rearward and downward below the mating engagement surface 41 of the latching protrusion 40 of the connector 10, thereby allowing continued insertion of the connector position assurance device 200 into the connector position assurance receiving recess 30 of the connector 10 to continue. However, if the connector 10 and the counterpart connector 100 are not completely mated, the cam member 250 will not engage the connector position assurance active area 140, thereby preventing movement of the elastically deformable beams 204, 205 and the latching protrusion engagement members 230. Accordingly, continued insertion of the connector position assurance device 200 will be prevented by the engagement of the latching protrusion engagement members 230 with the latching protrusions 40.

In case the elastically deformable beams 204, 205 deflect correctly, the connector position ensures that the insertion of the device 200 can continue. As insertion continues, the connector position assurance device 200 moves to the mated, second or inserted position, as shown in fig. 11A and 11B. In this position, movement of the cam member 250 beyond the connector position of the mating connector 100 ensures that the activation region 140 enters the latch receiving opening 114, allowing the cam member 250 and the elastically deformable beams 204, 205 to return to the unstressed position. In this position, the latch protrusion engaging member 230 moves past the latch protrusion 40 of the connector to the mated, closed, or second position.

The connector position assurance device 200 is maintained in the mated, closed or second position by the engagement of the cam member 250 with the latch receiving opening 114.

In this fully inserted position, the connector position ensures that the latch receiving cavity 228 of the device 200 is located below the latch 22. In the fully inserted position, the latch mating member 240 of the connector position assurance device 200 is positioned below the latch 22 to prevent activation or movement of the latch 22, thereby preventing accidental or unintended disengagement of the connector 10 from the mating connector 100.

If the connector 10 is to be disconnected from the counterpart connector 100, the connector position assurance device 200 is returned to the original position. The force applied to the connector position assurance device 200 in the opposite direction of insertion forces the cam member 250 out of the latch receiving opening 114, allowing the connector position assurance device 200 to move toward the pre-mated, open or first position. As the movement continues, the top surface 206 of the connector position assurance device 200 moves away from the latch 22, allowing the latch 22 to be depressed, which in turn disengages the connector 10 from the mating connector 100.

Claims

1. A connector position assurance device (10), comprising:

a base (202) having a top surface (206), a bottom surface (208), a base front end (210), and a base rear end (212);

an elastically deformable beam (204) extending from a front end (210) of the base (202) in a direction away from a rear end (212) of the base (202), the beam (204) having a free end (224) spaced from the base (202);

a cam member (250) disposed proximate the free end (224) of the beam (204);

the beam (204) has a latch protrusion engaging member (230) disposed proximate to the free end (224) of the beam (204) and in line with the cam member (250), the latch protrusion engaging member (230) having an engaging surface (231), the engaging surface (231) extending from a surface of the cam member (250) to an outer side wall (227) of the beam (204), the engaging surface (231) extending at a first angle (237) such that the engaging surface (231) proximate to the outer side wall (227) is closer to the free end (224) than the engaging surface (231) proximate to the surface (233) of the cam member (250), the engaging surface (231) extending from a top side (220) of the beam (204) to a top surface (206) of the latch protrusion engaging member (230), the engaging surface (231) extending at a second angle (243) such that the engaging surface (231) proximate to the top surface (206) of the latch protrusion engaging member (230) is closer to the free end (224) than the engaging surface (231) proximate to the top side (220) of the beam (204).

2. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the latch engagement portion is disposed on a front end (210) of the base (202) and extends from a top surface (206) of the base (202).

3. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the cam member (250) has an inclined surface (252).

4. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the locating rail (260) extends from the base (202), the locating rail (260) being configured to mate with the connector to provide proper location and stability to the connector position assurance device (10) relative to the connector.

5. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 4, wherein the locating rail (260) has a latch protrusion (262), the latch protrusion (262) being configured to mate with a connector to prevent removal of the connector position assurance device (10) from the connector.

6. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 4, wherein a longitudinal axis of the locating rail (260) is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the beams (204, 205).

7. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first angle (237) is an angle in a range of 60 degrees to 85 degrees.

8. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the second angle (243) is an angle in the range of 60 degrees to 85 degrees.

9. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first angle (237) is an angle in the range of 60 degrees to 85 degrees and the second angle (243) is an angle in the range of 60 degrees to 85 degrees.

10. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 1, wherein the elastically deformable second beam (205) is spaced apart from the elastically deformable beam (204), the elastically deformable second beam (205) extending from the front end (210) of the base (202) in a direction away from the rear end (212) of the base (202), the second beam (205) having a free end (224) spaced apart from the base (202).

11. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 10, wherein the second cam member (250) is disposed proximate the free end (224) of the second beam (205); the second beam (205) has a second latching protrusion engaging member (230) disposed proximate to the free end (224) of the second beam (205) and in line with the second cam member (250), the second latching protrusion engaging member (230) having a second engaging surface (231), the second engaging surface (231) extending from a surface of the second cam member (250) to an outer sidewall (227) of the second beam (205), the second engaging surface (231) extending at a third angle (237) such that the second engaging surface (231) proximate to the outer sidewall (227) of the second beam (205) is closer to the free end (224) of the second beam (205) than the second engaging surface (231) proximate to the surface (231) of the second cam member (250), the second engaging surface (231) extending from the top side (220) of the second beam (205) to the top surface (206) of the second latching protrusion engaging member (230), the second engaging surface (231) extending at a fourth angle (243) such that the second engaging surface (231) proximate to the top surface (206) of the second latching protrusion engaging surface (205) is closer to the free end (204) of the second beam (205) than the second beam (220).

12. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 11, wherein the first angle (237) is equal to the third angle (237).

13. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 12, wherein the second angle (243) is equal to the fourth angle (243).

14. The connector position assurance device (10) of claim 13, wherein a longitudinal axis of the beam (204) is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second beam (205).