DE60115344T2 - Movable guard for the contact pins of an electrical connector and connector provided with such a guard - Google Patents

Abstract

The contact pin protection method has a moving grid (24) associated with an electrical connector (12). There is a lower fixed grid (16) section. The moving grid has a tonguelet (42) which is moved by a mechanical connection piece allowing connection , and returning to a protection position when the connection piece is removed.

Description

The The present invention relates to a movable grid apparatus to protect pin contacts in an electrical connector. It also concerns the connector provided with this grid.

The Connectors, especially in automobiles, need to be increasingly lighter take less and less space and have multiple / many pins. This is particularly due to the fact that the necessary number electrical connections in the vehicles increases very significantly.

Therefore the contacts are small in size, and their diameters are usually smaller as a millimeter, a common one Pen contact size is 0.64 mm.

It Therefore, there is a problem in coupling connector housings, which caused by the mechanical fragility of these contacts becomes. The slightest misalignment leads to a non-connection. In all ways, when inserting under the insertion force a bulge, if the length of these contacts into consideration is pulled.

It It is also necessary to protect these pin contacts from any accessibility while the handling of the housing protect to be able to.

A advantageous solution There is a movable protective grille in the pin contacts provide supporting connector, which grid a projecting Position to protect the contact pins before nesting the two parts of the case can take, and a withdrawn Position that releases the contact pins to their coupling with to enable the female contacts which from a complementary one Connector housing be worn simultaneously with this coupling.

In This area is known the patent US-A-4 797 116, which a Connecting housing describes wherein the studded male connector is a protective grid includes. This grid can equally a projecting position and a recessed one To take position. This grid has two arms, each one are provided with a knob, which are intended to, with the associated female connector to cooperate.

In As a first step, these arms make the connection and immobilization of the Guard Grid of the female connector for sure. These include the arms in front Pimples which are suitable for catching in recordings, which in the complementary Are incorporated connectors.

In this position is the male Contact in his cell locked by grid, which with corners / angles / wedges which is behind elastic locking arms of the Contacts for toasting come.

As well are the female contacts in their cell by means of suitable nubs immobilized and held in place.

Subsequently, during the complete domes, will face the grid the female connector immobilized, and the contacts of the male Connectors penetrate the female contacts of the female connector one while they pass through the grid.

At the Uncoupling the two connectors, the male connector is withdrawn, wherein the respect the grid of the female connector immovable with respect to the male Connector is put into translation, bringing it into its original position is returned.

A such arrangement poses several problems.

At the Uncoupling becomes the secondary one Locking the male Disabled contacts, and if the train in whole or in part on the wires exercised will, can one or more male contacts be pulled out of their respective cells.

Furthermore The arms and burls take up a lot of space in the connector, and enlarge the Space requirements. Furthermore, the illustrated example shows a connection housing two pins.

Now However, the purpose of the present invention is also an application on connection housing with several ten pin contacts.

It US Pat. No. 5,558,526 is also known from the prior art. which describes a connector with a movable grid, which is held in place by means of elastic arms which pressed apart Need to become, to allow the movements of the grid. They are also locking means intended.

The document JP 04 209479 A , which is considered to be the closest prior art, in turn relates to a connection device which includes a device for protecting Comprises pin contacts by means of a movable grid for a connecting element, which is provided with pin contacts, wherein the movable grid comprises an elastic arm, which between two stops of the pin contacts provided with the connector element in position for the protection of the contacts which is set in coupling position by means of an element of the female contact-carrying connector which is intended to couple with the pin-contacts-carrying connector in coupling the latter, and by means of one of the female contacts carrying Connector worn stop in the protective position of the contacts is returned.

These Device needed the realizations of attacks inside a serving of the pin contact element and of attacks on the side walls of the female contact-carrying connector.

The The present invention aims to provide a device for protection of pin contacts with movable protection grille and fixed To propose gratings, which are independent of the locks the contact is / are, the movable grid means for locking and to handle, which are not very space consuming and completely in which the volume of the connector is integrated, which between the casing the connector and the grid itself is / are divided, wherein they are mounted by means of simple nesting and snapping without the need for a step to assemble specific locking organs, and which cast directly is.

To this end, the present invention relates to a movable grid apparatus for protecting pins of a pin-carrying electrical connector which is adapted to cooperate by mating with a female connector-carrying electrical connector comprising: a movable grid for protecting pins; which are associated with the pin-carrying electrical connector, and which can assume two positions, one above for protecting the pins, and the other for releasing the pins, characterized in that it comprises:
a fixed grid associated with the female contact-carrying connector,
the grille comprising a movable pawl intended to cooperate with a first stop of the peg-carrying electrical connector in a protruding position, and retracting to release this movable grate, which may assume a recessed position,
wherein the fixed grid comprises an extracting pawl adapted to cooperate with the movable pawl during movements from the recessed position of the grid to the projecting position.

Furthermore The fixed grid equally includes a control rod, which in addition is suitable, the separation of the movable latch from the first stop sure.

The movable pawl comprises a head, which with a first lateral Nubs are provided with triangular cross-section to form a ramp.

According to one special feature, the extracting pawl comprises at its upper end an extraction head, whose cross-section is triangular, and which in connection sense forming a ramp.

According to one special embodiment the tax bar a cam which is suitable with a fixed second Stop cooperating, which of the pins carrying connector is worn, and an actuating device, which is suitable for uncoupling the movable latch of the first stop, from the protruding position to the reset Position to ensure.

According to one Advantageous device, the actuating device and the cam in height relative to the wing added.

The Invention also covers the electrical connector, which is a includes such movable protective grating.

In Preferably, the positioning means comprise three identical ones Systems, two lateral and one frontal.

The The present invention will now be described in detail in accordance with at least one particular Embodiment below Reference to the attached Drawings are described, of which the different figures represent:

1 Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector housing comprising a pin-bearing connector and a female-contact connector with a movable protective grid in accordance with the present invention;

2A FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of the pin-carrying connector provided with its movable grid in the protruding position for protecting the pins. FIG.

2 B FIG. 4 is a view of the means for positioning the grid, shown in the protruding position for protecting the pins, FIG.

3A FIG. 2 is a perspective detail view of the female contact-carrying connector. FIG.

3B in: a perspective view of control means and means for extracting the grid according to a first embodiment;

3C in: a perspective view of control means and means for retrieving the grid, according to a second embodiment,

4 : A perspective view of retrieval means according to another embodiment.

5A to 5F FIG. 4 is an overview showing the various steps and the interaction of the various means for positioning, controlling and extracting when moving the grid from the projected position to the recessed position, FIG.

6A to 6D Fig. 11 is an overview showing the various steps of the interaction of the various means for positioning, controlling and extracting when displacing the grid from the reset position to the protruding position.

In the 1 is a female contacts connector 10 which is intended to be connected to a pin-carrying connector 12 interlocking to come together. devices 14 to enable clamp-like locking, after interlocking to make this connection secure.

The female connector carries a fixed grid 16 on, which is realized independently for practical reasons of production and in particular the simplification of the casting. This grid will then, thanks to the latching means 18 , brought back by snap into the connector.

A seal connection 20 , along the circumference, is received in a recess for receiving, which is incorporated in this female contacts-carrying connector, such that a tightness of the connection of the pins-carrying connector is ensured with the female contacts-carrying connector.

It is a pencil-carrying module 22 provided which is adapted to be inserted into this pin-carrying connector.

According to the present invention, the ensemble represented is represented by a movable grid 24 to protect the pins of the pin-bearing connector completed.

The various constituent and functional organs of this ensemble of two connectors are now in detail with reference to the different ones attached Figures described.

In 2A was the case with 26 referred to, more precisely with the ramps 28 the means 14 to clamp-lock.

In this case, the pins carrying module 22 introduced, which is connected by snap it. Elastic straps / claws 30 , what a 1 are visible, are cast for this purpose, and cooperate with the housing.

On the same figure is the movable protective grid 24 shown in detail.

This grid 24 includes passages 32 , which are intended to the pins 34 to let the pins carrying module pass, as shown in detail in the 2 B is shown.

There are also, also cast, elastic tabs / claws 36 with retention catches 38 incorporated, which are intended to cooperate with the contact-carrier module.

In this 2A , as in 2 B be the presence of devices 40 noted for positioning the grid, which in the above position to protect the pins 34 are shown.

These means are initially from a movable latch 42 with a head 44 composed. More specifically, for the preferred embodiment of retention, it should be noted that the means 40 To position three identical systems, two lateral and one frontal.

Each pawl is connected to the grid at the foot. More specifically, in the retention embodiment, the head comprises 44 a first side pimple 46 of substantially triangular cross-section forming a ramp for insertion, and a second lateral nub 48 ,

In the above position of the movable grid, that of the 2A and 2 B , one notes that the first pimples 46 against / to the wall of the housing 26 the pin-bearing connector is plated, whereas the second nub 48 from this same wall has a distance, creating a passage 50 is released.

These funds 40 for positioning further comprise a first stop and a second stop 52 and 54 , which are fixed, and which with the wall of the housing 26 the pin-carrying connector 12 are connected.

The first stop 52 also has a triangular cross-section which is substantially the same as that of the first nub 46 is identical, but this first stop is oriented in the opposite sense, thus forming a stop for insertion. The ensemble of the two elements, the first dimple and the first stop, forms a double ramp in the prominent position of the guard grille, as in the 2A and 2 B shown.

The female contacts carrying connector 10 takes the fixed grid 16 and the assembled ensemble, including the seal connection 20 , like in the 3A shown.

This grid 16 equally includes receptacles for receiving the female contacts and for passing the male pins in the connection of the two connectors.

devices 56 for handling and extraction are made of this same fixed grid 16 carried. These handling means equally include two lateral systems and a frontal system to interface with the positioning systems 40 to cooperate, which each have a tax bar 58 and an extract latch 60 include. A side system is described, but the covers worn for the frontal system are identical for the same organs.

The tax bar 58 has a deformable body 62 and a head 64 on, which with a cam 65 and an actuating device 66 is provided. The body is deformable but in a single plane which is substantially parallel to that of the sidewall of the grid into which it is embedded.

The extract latch 60 is composed of a yielding body 68 which is flexible in a plane substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the grid in which it is inserted / embedded. The latch carries a head at its upper end 70 for extraction, whose cross-section is triangular, and which forms a ramp in the connecting sense, and which represents a deport / fall, which forms a wing 72 forms.

It was on a vertical displacement between this wing 72 and the ensemble of Nocke 65 and actuating device 66 pointed.

As far as the frontal system is concerned, the only difference is that the deformable body 62 works in a plane which to that of the extracting jack 60 is parallel, as more space is provided.

The operation (s) and movements of the various organs of this arrangement will now be described with reference to FIGS 5A to 5F described.

On 5A the position shown is the originating position in which the movable protective grid 24 in the case 26 the pin-carrying connector 12 is engaged. This grid is then immobilized in the protruding position in which the pins are protected. The first pimple 46 this movable latch 42 this grille bumps against the first fixed stop 52 which is connected to the wall of the housing 26 the pin-carrying connector 12 connected is. The grid can not be retracted because the elastic tabs / claws 36 with their retention catches 38 with the contact-carrying housing 22 interact.

When coupling the two connectors, it follows that the fixed grid 16 of the female contact-carrying connector 10 certain organs of the movable protective grille actuated.

According to 5B in this way picks the extract latch 60 with her head 70 , and especially with her wing 72 , at the ramp, which from the first pimple 46 the movable pawl is formed, whereby the lifting of the latter with bending of the body 68 is ensured. It should be noted that at the same time the tax staff 58 not yet with the case 26 has come into contact.

As the docking progresses, the cam comes 65 of the control staff 58 with the second fixed stop 54 in contact with the wall of the housing 26 the pin-carrying connector is connected. This is the step in which 5C is shown.

Parallel to this, the head slides 70 the extraction latch on the ramp, which from the first stop 52 is formed.

According to 5D slides the actuator device 66 of the control staff in the place 50 which is between the second nubs 48 Lateral from the head of the movable pawl has remained free when the cam, while pushing him against the second stop 54 pushes, which ensures bending of the control bar. This calls for the separation of the first pimple 46 from the first stop 52 out. Simultaneously, the head is running 70 the extraction latch on the Double-ramp 46 / 52 over, and the body 68 this latch resumes its original position.

The fixed grid 16 is then in contact with the movable protective grid 24 , and therefore released for a translational movement.

When translation for coupling has progressed further, as in 5E to 5F shown, becomes the fixed grid 16 moved together with the protection grid in translation. The pins penetrate into the female contacts, which has not been shown because it is well known from all electrical couplings. In 5F is the movable protective grid 24 in the fully retracted position, and the coupling is terminated.

As for uncoupling, the steps are different, which is a detailed description with reference to FIGS 6A to 6D requires.

The female contacts carrying connector 10 is opposite the pins carrying connector 12 translated into translation, and the fixed grid 16 shares with the female contacts connector 10 ,

According to 6A the first step is to return / retract the fixed grid in such a way that the wing 72 the extraction pawl with the first pimple 46 comes into contact, and the cam 65 at the second stop 59 of the housing 26 comes to initiate.

When the translation has progressed, as on 6B stated, the control wand flexes 58 but the height offset is such that the actuating device 66 not on the movable latch 42 to attack.

In contrast, the head poses 70 by means of his wing 72 the in-translation displacement of the movable guard grate 24 sure of the above position. The first pimple 46 and this wing 72 attack the ramp, which from the first, fixed, stop 52 is formed without uncoupling the pair of "wings 72 / first pimples 46 " cause.

Once the first pimple 46 at the first, fixed, stop 52 Runs past, calls the elasticity of the movable latch 42 the back / rear wedging of this same stop, which again forms a double ramp on which the wings 72 the extract latch slides. The movable protection grid 24 is immobilized again in the advanced position.

The control rod remains inactive in this decoupling phase. The last phase is moving the grand piano 72 the movable latch 42 at the first pimple 46 , which is now blocked.

On 4 a variant is shown in which the extracting pawl abuts against a stop 54-1, whereby the direct lifting of the head of the movable pawl in a plane perpendicular to the housing 26 the pin-carrying connector 12 is caused.

On this way, the protective grid can automatically be a protruding one Position for protection, and a reset position for release the pins during of coupling the two connectors.

The return the grid in protection position when uncoupling is for the user transparent, and requires no additional special handling.

Claims (12)

Device with movable grid ( 24 ) for protecting pens ( 34 ) of a pin-carrying electrical connector ( 12 ) which cooperate by mating with a female connector-carrying electrical connector (10). 10 ), comprising: a movable grid ( 24 ) for protecting pens ( 34 ) which supports the pin-carrying electrical connector ( 12 ), and which can assume two positions, one above, for the protection of the pins, and the other reset, for releasing the pins, characterized in that it comprises: a fixed grid ( 16 ) associated with the female contact-carrying connector, the movable grid comprising a movable pawl ( 42 ), which is intended, with a first stop ( 52 ) of the pin-carrying electrical connector in a protruding position, and retract to release the movable grid, which can assume a recessed position, wherein the fixed grid ( 16 ) an extractor latch ( 60 ) which is adapted to cooperate with the movable pawl during movements from the recessed position of the movable grid to the protruding position. Device with movable protective grid according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed grid ( 16 ) equally comprises: a control rod ( 58 ), which is suitable for uncoupling the movable latch ( 42 ) from the first stop. Device with movable protective grid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable pawl ( 42 ) a head ( 44 ), which with a first lateral knobs ( 46 ) is provided with triangular cross section for forming a ramp. Device with movable protective grid according to claim 1 and 3, characterized in that the first stop ( 52 ) has a triangular cross section, and with the first lateral knobs ( 46 ) forms a double ramp. Device with movable protective grid according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the movable latch ( 42 ) a head ( 44 ), which with a second lateral pimples ( 48 ) which cooperates with the control rod ( 58 ) is provided. Device with movable protective grid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extracting pawl ( 60 ) at its upper end an extraction head ( 70 ), whose cross-section is triangular, and which forms a ramp in the connecting sense. Device with movable protective grid according to claim 6, characterized in that the extraction head ( 70 ) has an offset which a wing ( 72 ), which is suitable, with the first pimples ( 46 ) of the movable pawl, from the recessed position toward the protruding position, to cooperate. Device with movable protective grid according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the control rod ( 58 ) comprises: a cam ( 65 ) which is suitable for use with a pin-carrying connector ( 12 ) second fixed stop ( 54 ) and an actuation device ( 66 ), which is suitable, the uncoupling of the movable pawl ( 42 ) from the first stop ( 52 ), from the protruding position to the recessed position. Device with movable protective grid according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the actuating device ( 66 ) and the cam ( 65 ) at a height relative to the wing ( 72 ) are offset. An electrical connector comprising: a pin-carrying connector part ( 12 ) and a female contact-carrying connector part ( 10 ), characterized in that it comprises a device with movable protective grid according to one of the preceding claims. Electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the positioning means ( 40 ) comprise three identical systems, two lateral and one frontal. Electrical connector according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the pins ( 34 ) from a contact-carrying module ( 22 ), which in the housing ( 26 ) of the pin-carrying connector, are carried, and in that the movable protective grid ( 24 ) with elastic straps / claws ( 36 ) with retaining catches ( 38 ) provided for cooperation with the module.