EP0653804B1 - Connecteur électrique avec support de conducteurs - Google Patents

Connecteur électrique avec support de conducteurs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0653804B1
EP0653804B1 EP94308369A EP94308369A EP0653804B1 EP 0653804 B1 EP0653804 B1 EP 0653804B1 EP 94308369 A EP94308369 A EP 94308369A EP 94308369 A EP94308369 A EP 94308369A EP 0653804 B1 EP0653804 B1 EP 0653804B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
holding block
conductors
housing
conductor
connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94308369A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0653804A1 (fr
Inventor
Julio F. Rodrigues
Paul J. Bartholomew
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ABB Installation Products Inc
Original Assignee
Thomas and Betts Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/153,687 external-priority patent/US5538440A/en
Priority claimed from US08/330,988 external-priority patent/US5681180A/en
Application filed by Thomas and Betts Corp filed Critical Thomas and Betts Corp
Publication of EP0653804A1 publication Critical patent/EP0653804A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0653804B1 publication Critical patent/EP0653804B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/24—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands
    • H01R4/2416—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type
    • H01R4/242—Connections using contact members penetrating or cutting insulation or cable strands the contact members having insulation-cutting edges, e.g. of tuning fork type the contact members being plates having a single slot
    • H01R4/2425—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates
    • H01R4/2429—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base
    • H01R4/2433—Flat plates, e.g. multi-layered flat plates mounted in an insulating base one part of the base being movable to push the cable into the slot
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
    • H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
    • H01R13/65912—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members for shielded multiconductor cable

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to improvements in electrical data connectors. More particularly the present invention relates to a shielded compact data connector which permits reliable termination of a multi-conductor electrical cable.
  • connection technology is not without problems.
  • cross-talk between adjacent conductive components of the connector becomes a factor which must be addressed.
  • the individual connector components must be shielded from electro-magnetic interferences and radio-frequency interferences. These interferences can adversely affect the performance levels of the connectors especially at higher data rates.
  • connector components must be "user friendly”. That is, the components must be easy to assemble as well as easy to connect and disconnect. Further, the portability of many electronic components requires that these connections and disconnections be repeated many times. A connector must be able to withstand the rigors of repeated interconnection without degradation of mechanical or electrical performance. In addition, as these connectors are manufactured to be field installable, the connector must permit simple and reliable termination of a multi-conductor electrical cable by the installer.
  • DE-U-9310211 shows an electrical connector for terminating discrete insulated electrical conductors of a multi-conductor cable comprising:
  • DE-U-9310211 discusses in claim 2, but without any corresponding description of the embodiment shown, the desirability of the conductor block being capable of being latched to the housing in an intermediate latching position between the conductor receiving position and the termination position, in which clamping of the cable can be achieved. There is no indication of how this is achieved, the specific embodiment disclosing just two latched positions, one for receiving conductors and the other for termination.
  • an electrical connector for terminating discrete insulated electrical conductors of a multi-conductor cable comprising:
  • Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the compact data connector of the present invention and a shielded multi-conductor electrical cable positioned for termination therewith.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective showing of the internal shield of the connector of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a sub-assembly of the connector of Figure 1.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show in front plan and perspective views respectively, a conductor holding block used in the connector sub-assembly of Figure 3.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view a strain relief device used to secure the multi-conductor cable to the connector shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective showing of a ground clip employed in the connector shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view the connector of Figure 1 including a latch for attachment to a mating connector.
  • Figure 9 shows the connector of Figure 8 in connected position with the mating connector.
  • Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the sub-assembly of Figure 1.
  • Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the conductor holding block of Figure 10.
  • Figure 12 is a schematic representation of the interengagement of the conductor holding block and connector housing of Figure 10.
  • Connector 10 may be employed to terminate electrical cable 12 having an insulative outer jacket 14, an inner conductive cable shield 16 and a plurality of individually insulated electrical conductors 18 extending therethrough.
  • jacket 14 is cut away exposing a portion of cable shield 16 and a length of conductors 18 suitable for termination.
  • cable 12 is an eight conductor cable. However, it may be appreciated that the invention may be employed with cables having greater or fewer conductors. Also, cable shield 16 is shown to be a metallic foil shield, however cables having other types of conductive shields, such as metallic braiding, may also be employed in accordance with the present invention.
  • Connector 10 includes an outer connector housing 20 formed in two parts, a housing base 22 and a housing cover 24. Housing cover 24 includes a plurality of depending deflectable locking arms 26 which engage protrusions 28 on base 22 to provide for snap fit engagement of cover 24 on base 22. Other similar snap fitting elements may also be employed to secure cover 24 to base 22. Housing 20 may be formed of a suitably electrically insulative plastic such as polyester.
  • both base 22 and cover 24 may be internally and externally electrolessly plated with a metallic plating such as nickel/copper.
  • a metallic plating such as nickel/copper. The process of metallically plating a plastic member may be accomplished in a manner which is conventional in the art.
  • Housing 20 is generally an elongate rectangular member having a connection end 30 and an opposed cable receiving end 32.
  • Housing 20 shown in Figure 1 is a plug type electrical connector where connection end 30 is insertable into a jack type electrical connector for mating engagement therewith (Fig. 8). While a plug connector 10 is shown, the concepts of the present invention may also be employed in a jack connector configuration.
  • Cable receiving end 32 of connector 10 defines a rearwardly opening circular passage 34, more clearly shown in Figures 8 and 9, which permits entry of cable 12 into connector 10.
  • Termination sub-assembly 40 includes a termination support member 42 formed of a suitably insulative plastic such as polyester, which supports a plurality of electrical contacts 44.
  • Each of contacts 44 are elongate electrically conductive metallic members formed of beryllium-copper having a connection end 46 and a termination end 48.
  • Connection end 46 includes a cantilevered element 50 for making mating resilient electrical engagement with similar contacts in the mating jack connector.
  • Termination end 48 includes blade type insulation displacing contact (IDC) portions 52 which, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow, are constructed for insulation displacing termination with conductors 18 of cable 12.
  • IDC insulation displacing contact
  • contacts 44 are positioned in two longitudinally aligned transversely spaced rows. Insulation displacing contact portions 52 of the lower row extend in a direction opposite of the insulation displacing contact portions 52 of the upper row. Contacts 44 further include a matable shunting mechanism 54 along a central extent 56 thereof. Shunting mechanism 54 permits the shunting engagement of the upper row of contacts 44 to the lower row of contacts 44.
  • the operation of a shunting mechanism 54 of this type is shown and described in copending patent application Serial No. 08/013,452 filed on February 4, 1993 entitled "Vertically Aligned Electrical Connector components" which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
  • Support member 42 of termination sub-assembly 40 includes a forward interconnection end 58 and a rear termination support end 60.
  • Support member 42 supports contacts 44 in individual electrical isolation providing upper and lower forward platforms 62 and 64 which support the connection end 46 of contacts 44.
  • Shield 66 is a die cast metallic member formed of zinc which is insertable over support member 42 from the interconnector end 58 thereof.
  • Contact shield 66 serves to shield pairs of contacts 44 from one another both laterally and vertically.
  • Contact shield 66 includes upper and lower shield platforms 68 and 70 which provide effective vertical shielding as between the connection ends 46 of contacts 44.
  • contact shield 66 includes a transverse wall 72 separating lateral pairs of contacts 44. Transverse wall 72 is especially effective in shielding the central portion 56 of contacts 44 including shunting mechanism 54 which extends to shunt vertically spaced contacts 44.
  • Contact shield 66 further includes a plurality of extending contact bumps 74. As will be described in further detail hereinbelow, contact bumps 74 extend for engagement with metallically plated housing 20 of connector 10. This establishes electrical path continuity between housing 20 and contact shield 66. Contact shield 66 further includes an extending ground element 76 which extends for grounding electrical engagement with cable shield 16, as will be described in further detail hereinbelow, to maintain electrical ground continuity between cable shield 16 and contact shield 66.
  • Cable 12 is terminated to termination sub-assembly 40 prior to the insertion of termination sub-assembly 40 into base 22 of housing 20.
  • Extending insulated conductors 18 of cable 12 are positioned for insulation displacing connection with IDC portions 52 of contacts 44.
  • the present invention provides a pair of polycarbonate conductor holding blocks 80 which are removably positionable with respect to support member 42.
  • Each holding block 80 is sized to be accommodated within a recess 61 and 63 at the termination end 60 of support member 42. Further each holding block 80 is designed for positionable receipt over the upper and lower rows of contacts 44.
  • each holding block 80 includes plural elongate contact slots 82 which are designed for accommodating insulation displacing contact portions 52 of contacts 44 upon attachment of holding block 80 to support member 42.
  • Each holding block 80 includes individual slots 82 for uniquely accommodating each insulation displacing contact portion 52.
  • Holding block 80 further includes plural elongate conductor passageways 84 which are in individual communication with slots 82.
  • Each passageway 84 accommodates one conductor 18 of cable 12.
  • holding block 80 includes plural alignment fingers 86 extending into passageway 84. Fingers 86 help support conductors 18 adjacent an upper extent of passageway 84.
  • the walls of holding block 80 defining passageway 84 include an upper V-shaped flattened surface 88.
  • Fingers 86 extend toward the apex 88a of V-shaped surface 88 so as to permit the location of conductor 18 within the apex 88a of V-shaped surface 88.
  • the arrangement of fingers 86 and V-shaped surface 88 serves to locate conductor 18 at a position off-centered with respect to passageway 84.
  • the fingers 86 engage the insulation of conductor 18.
  • the fingers 86 hold conductor 18 securely in passageway 84.
  • Fingers 86 may also be resiliently deformable to further frictionally secure the conductor 18 in position for electrical termination with IDC portions 52 of contacts 44. The interaction between fingers 86 and conductor 18 permits proper location of conductor 18 and also accommodates various sizes of conductors.
  • Funnel entry surface 85 is generally oval and tapers inwardly toward passageway 84 to provide a smooth inwardly directed surface against which conductors 18 may be inserted. Funnel entry surface 85 serves to lead conductors 18 into proper position within passageway 84.
  • Holding block 80 includes a projecting detent element 90 on each longitudinal side thereof.
  • Support member 42 includes inwardly directed ladder-type detent receiving elements 92.
  • Detent receiving elements 92 are positioned on opposed internal side surfaces 42a of support member 42 within recesses 61 and 63.
  • Each detent receiving element 92 includes a tapered lead-in surface 94 and plural positioning elements 96 which permit the holding block 80 to be supported in multiple positions within support member 42.
  • holding block 80 is supported below lead-in surface 94. In this position, conductors 18 may be inserted into passageways 84 to align the conductors over insulation displacing contact portions 52.
  • the holding block 80 may be snapped down to either of the next two positions to secure the conductors 18 against, but not in electrical connection with, IDC portions 52. Two intermediate positions are provided so as to properly position various sizes of conductors which are contemplated to be terminated by the connector of the present invention. Holding block 80 may be snapped down to a final position forcing IDC portions 52 fully through slots 82 and past passageway 84 to make insulation displacing connection with conductors 18. In this final position holding block 80 securely supports conductors 18 in insulation displacing electrical connection with contacts 44.
  • both holding blocks 80 may be simultaneously moved from an initial position to a final terminated position under the actuation of a suitable tool such as pliers (not shown). Movement in this manner will provide for the mass termination of all eight conductors 18 with the associated insulation displacing contact portions 52.
  • Holding block 80' is substantially similar to holding block 80 shown and described above.
  • One holding block 80' is designed for slidable receipt over upper and lower rows of contacts 44.
  • Each holding block 80' (one of which is shown in Figure 10) includes plural elongate contact slots 82' which are designed for accommodating insulation displacing contact portions 52 of contacts 44.
  • Each holding block 80' includes plural elongate conductor passageways 84' which are in individual communication with slots 82'.
  • Each end 83' of holding block 80' includes a longitudinal vertically disposed channel 85' having a projecting detent element 90' at the lower end thereof.
  • channel 85' and detent element 90' cooperate with inwardly directed ladder-type detent receiving elements 92 of support member 42 so as to permit support of holding block 80' at multiple discrete positions within support member 42.
  • this permits two intermediate positions to be provided so that holding block 80' may temporarily accommodate two sizes of cable adjacent to the insulation displacing portions 52 of contact 44 prior to final termination.
  • FIG. 10-12 contemplates providing cooperating frictional attachment between holding block 80' and support member 42 continuously between a position where the conductors 18 (Fig. 1) may be inserted in passageways 84' in an unimpeded manner and a final position where the conductors are terminated on IDC portions 52 of contacts 44.
  • the terms "continuously supported” or “continuously positioned” refer to the fact that holding block 80' may be supported within recess 61 of support member 42 at any position therealong.
  • each detent receiving element 92 provides plural finite distinct support positions for holding block 80 with respect to support member 42
  • the present invention provides for "infinite adjustment" of the holding block 80' with respect to support member 42.
  • holding block 80' has been modified to include a pair of opposed inwardly directed ribs 99' extending along either side of each of channels 85'.
  • ribs 99' are generally wedge-shaped each having a facing apex 97'. While channel 85' has a width extent which is wider than the width of ladder-type detent receiving elements 92 (Fig. 10) ribs 99' extend inwardly therefrom so as to provide an interference fit between ribs 99' and the sidewalls 92a of detent receiving element 92. As shown particularly in Figure 12, upon insertion of holding block 80' into support member 42, the apices 97' of ribs 99' contact and engage the sidewalls 92a of detent receiving element 92. This frictional engagement is sufficient to hold holding block 80' at a fixed position with respect to support member 42.
  • detent element 90' still cooperates with detent receiving element 92 to permit the discrete multiple positioning of holding block 80' with respect to support member 42
  • the continuous frictional engagement between ribs 99' and the sidewalls 92a allows continuous positioning of holding block 80' with respect to support member 42.
  • the position of holding block 80' with respect to support member 42 may be fixed at any location within recess 61.
  • Holding block 80' is initially supported at an upper location within recess 61 of support member 42 so that each detent element 90' engages lead-in surface 94 of support member 42.
  • the lower end 95' of each channel 85' is outwardly tapered.
  • conductors 18 (Fig. 1) may be inserted in an unimpeded manner into passageways 84' to align the conductors over the insulation displacing contact portions 52 of contacts 44.
  • the holding block 80' may then be urged down under manual finger pressure until the conductors 18 inserted therein engage the upper extents of IDC portions 52.
  • This engagement is sufficient to frictionally retain the conductors against the IDC portions 52 without piercing the insulation and placing the conductors in electrical connection with the IDC portions 52.
  • This intermediate position temporarily holds and secures the conductors within passageway 84' enabling the installer to likewise terminate the conductors at the opposite end of support member 42.
  • This intermediate position where conductors 18 are supported against, but not in electrical connection with, IDC portions 52 is variable depending upon the size of conductors 18.
  • the particular intermediate position for any conductor may or may not coincide with the discrete positions defined by the spaced apart positioning elements 96 in a manner described above.
  • the frictional engagement between ribs 99' and sidewalls 92a permit the continuous positioning of holding block 80' at any position within support element 42 without regard to engagement of detent element 90' with plural positioning elements 96.
  • holding block 80' may be further inserted into recess 61 and may be snapped down to a final position forcing IDC portions 52 fully through slots 82' past passageways 84' to make insulation displacing connection with conductors 18.
  • a pair of holding blocks 80' supported at either opposed side of support element 42 may be simultaneously terminated over oppositely directed contacts 44 by actuation of a suitable tool.
  • holding block 80 includes plural fingers 86 extending into passageways 84 to help support conductors therein
  • the present invention permits support of the conductors against the upper extent of IDC portions 52 at any continuous position therealong and therefore the embodiments shown in Figure 10, need not include fingers extending into the passageways 84'. Elimination of the fingers permits easier insertion of conductors 18 into passageways 84' and also results in manufacturing expediency.
  • termination sub-assembly 40 and cable 12 may be inserted into base 22 of housing 20.
  • Termination sub-assembly 40 is inserted into base 22 adjacent connection end 30 thereof.
  • cable 12 is inserted into cable receiving end 32 of housing 20 and extends through passage 34 at the rear end thereof.
  • the cable receiving end 32 of housing 20 includes a two-component strain relief device 100 which helps secure cable 12 in housing 20.
  • Strain relief device 100 which is shown in more detail in Figure 6 includes a pair of mating generally hermaphroditic strain relief components 102 and 104.
  • Strain relief component 102 is referred to as a stationary component and is fixedly positioned in a channel 106 (Fig. 8) in base 22 adjacent cable receiving end 32.
  • Strain relief component 104 is movably positioned within a similarly disposed slot in cover 24.
  • Strain relief components 102 and 104 are generally U-shaped members having a bottom wall 102a and 104a respectively and upwardly extending sidewalls or legs 102b, 102c and 104b, 104c.
  • Legs 102c, 104c are deflectable and include inwardly directed ratchet teeth 102d and 104d respectively. Legs 102c and 104c include outwardly directed ratchet teeth 102e, 104e respectively.
  • the hermaphroditic strain relief components 102 and 104 are positioned so that leg 102b of component 102 engages leg 104c of component 104 and similarly leg 102c of component 102 engages leg 104b of component 104.
  • the positioning of ratchet teeth 102d, 104d and 102e, 104e permit the movable one-way ratchet engagement of component 102 with respect to component 104.
  • legs 102c and 104c permit such ratchet movement of components 102 and 104.
  • the internal surfaces of legs 102c, 104c as well as the internal surfaces of bottom walls 102a and 104a are generally curved so as to form a circular opening 108 which is generally concentric with passage 34 of housing 20.
  • opening 108 defined therebetween will be reduced in size in order to frictionally secure jacket 14 of cable 12 therebetween.
  • ribs 110 are provided on the internal surface of each bottom wall 102a and 104a. These ribs provide increased localized friction against the cable jacket 14.
  • Component 104 may also include a frangibly removable cap 112 which is attached to component 104 by a flexible web 114.
  • Cap 112 includes inwardly directed protrusions 116 which are insertable into recesses 118 adjacent bottom wall 104a of component 104 for snap fit engagement therewithin.
  • Strain relief device 100 operates in the following manner. Strain relief component 102 is fixedly positioned within base 22 of housing 20. Strain relief component 104 is inserted into the slot in cover 24. Cover 24 is then positioned over and snap fitted on to base 22. In this position legs 102b, 104b and 102c and 104c are only in initial engagement. In order to provide strain relief for cable 12 within connector 10, strain relief component 104 is manually pushed down into housing 10 through cover 24 to provide for ratchet engagement of the respective teeth of legs 102b, 104b and 102c, 104c. Component 104 is pushed downward toward component 102 until the cable is secured within opening 108 which is continually decreasing in size by the movement of component 104 with respect to component 102.
  • cap 112 may be attached to component 104 and be used as a pressing surface. With such relatively small cables, cap 112 will also function as a stop preventing over-insertion of component 104 and the possible of crushing of cable 12. In terminating larger cables, cap 112 may extend above the surface of cover 24 as component 104 need not be inserted as deeply into base 20. In this situation in order to maintain a flat profile of cover 24, cap 112 may be frangibly removed from component 104 and discarded.
  • cable shield 16 Prior to installation of cable 12, cable shield 16 is folded back over an extent of jacket 14. Thus the cable shield will also be secured between strain relief components 102 and 104. As the connector 10 is metallized, conductive continuity may be established between cable shield 16 and housing 20. Additionally, as contact shield 66 is in electrical engagement with metallized housing 20 through extending bumps 74 thereon, conductive continuity is maintained between cable shield 16 and contact shield 66 through metallized housing 20. However, in order to provide further redundant direct conductive continuity between cable shield 16 and contact shield 66, a ground clip 120 is employed.
  • Ground clip 120 which is shown in more detail in Figure 7 is positioned adjacent strain relief device 100 for engagement with cable shield 16 upon strain relief termination of cable 12 in housing 20.
  • Ground clip 120 is an elongate member formed of conductive metal such as plated copper.
  • Ground clip 120 includes a cable engagement extent 122, an opposed contact shield engaging extent 124 and a central mounting surface 126.
  • Cable engagement extent 122 includes a transversely arcuate cable engaging surface 128 for positioning of cable 12 thereon.
  • Shield engagement extent 124 includes a deflectable cantilevered arm 130 for engagement with extending ground element 76 of contact shield 66.
  • Ground clip 120 is positioned within housing base 22 so that cable engagement extent 122 overlies fixed strain relief component 102.
  • Ground clip 120 is secured within base 22 employing a pair of inwardly directed deflectable locking barbs 132 at central mounting surface 126.
  • An appropriate post (not shown) extends from a wall of base 22 to be received between locking barbs 132 to secure ground clip 120 thereat.
  • Shield engagement extent 124 extends toward connection end 30 of housing 20 for engagement with ground element 76 of contact shield 66 upon insertion of contact shield 66 into base 22.
  • Cantilevered arm 130 is deflectable so as to resiliently engage an end 76a (Fig. 2) of contact shield 66 upon termination of cable 12 in housing 20.
  • Ground clip 120 establishes electrical continuity between cable shield 16 and contact shield 66 directly without need to employ the metallic plating of housing 20 to establish such continuity.
  • Connector 10 which as above mentioned is a plug connector, may be mechanically and electrically mated with a complementary jack connector shown schematically as jack connector 150.
  • Connector 10 is designed for repeated connection and disconnection with jack connector 150.
  • connector 10 includes a deflectable latch 140 extending therefrom.
  • Connector 10 which is shown in a position rotated 180° from that shown in Figure 1, includes latch 140 extending from a side wall of housing base 22.
  • Latch 140 is generally a deflectable cantilevered member having a distal latching surface 142, a proximal manual actuating surface 144 and a central transition surface 146.
  • Latching surface 142 and manual actuating surface 144 extend generally longitudinal to connector housing 20. Latching surface 142 and manual actuation surface 144 are vertically spaced apart being connected by transversely extending transition surface 146.
  • the particular shape of latch 140 provides for a low profile configuration of the latch.
  • Connector 10 generally has a rectangular body profile defined by base 22 and cover 24. Employing an extending simple cantilevered arm which would extend from housing 20, would require the distal end of the latch to be substantially outward of the rectangular body profile of connector 10. This would result in the presentation of a wider body profile which would be generally unacceptable for use with compact components. Also in order to appropriately latch such an extending arm a greater degree of deflection would be required, The latch 140 of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a latching surface 142 which is within the body profile of housing 20 upon latching engagement with connector 150.
  • Connector 10 is connected to jack connector 150 in the following manner.
  • the connection end 30 of connector 10 is inserted into jack connector 150, latch 140 which is designed to downwardly deflect upon insertion into connector 150, engages a downwardly ramped latch element 152 of connector 150.
  • This engagement forces latching surface 142 under ramped latch element 152.
  • An opening 148 in latching surface 142 rides over ramped latch element 152 and into locked position therewith.
  • FIG. 9 the latched position of connector 10 with respect to connector 150 is shown.
  • Latching surface 142 is secured within connector 150 with opening 148 in latching surface 142 surrounding latch element 152 to secure connectors 10 and 150 in latching engagement.
  • manual actuation surface 144 is depressed. Since manual actuation surface 144 is positioned in the plane above the plane of latching surface 142, the manual actuation surface 144 may be easily manipulated by the user. By depressing manual actuation surface 144 latching surface 142 is moved away from ramped latch element 152 permitting disconnection of connector 10 from connector 150.
  • the present invention thus provides a low profile latch almost entirely within the body profile of connector 10 with only manual actuation surface 144 slightly extending above the body profile of connector 10 to facilitate manual actuation and release of connector 10 from connector 150.

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Connections By Means Of Piercing Elements, Nuts, Or Screws (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Connecteur électrique (10) destiné à former l'extrémité de conducteurs électriques discrets isolés (18) d'un câble multi-conducteurs (12) comprenant:
    un boítier de connecteur électriquement isolant (20);
    plusieurs contacts électriques (44) supportés dans ledit boítier, lesdits contacts comportant des parties de contact à déplacement d'isolant (52) destinés à réaliser une connexion électrique par déplacement d'isolant avec lesdits conducteurs;
    un bloc support de conducteur (80; 80') comprenant plusieurs passages de réception de conducteur (84; 84') afin de prendre en compte de manière individuelle lesdits conducteurs et plusieurs fentes de contact (82; 82') en communication individuelle avec lesdits passages de réception de conducteur afin de prendre en compte lesdites parties de contact à déplacement d'isolant;
    ledit bloc support (80; 80') étant supporté de manière mobile par ledit boítier (20) afin de se déplacer d'une position de réception de conducteur permettant l'introduction sans contraintes desdits conducteurs (18) dans lesdits passages (84; 84') vers une position extrême dans laquelle ladite connexion électrique à déplacement d'isolant est réalisée; et
    ledit bloc support (80; 80') et ledit boítier (20) comprenant des éléments de fixation coopérants (90, 92; 90, 92', 99) afin de supporter ledit bloc support par rapport audit boítier (20) dans une pluralité de position intermédiaires entre ladite position de réception de conducteur et ladite position extrême, chaque position intermédiaire définissant une position de support temporaire de conducteur afin de supporter en les retenant lesdits conducteurs d'une taille correspondante contre lesdites parties de contact à déplacement d'isolant (52) sans réaliser ladite connexion à déplacement d'isolant.
  2. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits éléments de fixation coopérants (90, 92; 90', 92) définissent des positions discrètes multiples auxquelles ledit bloc support (80; 80') est supporté par rapport audit boítier, comprenant ladite position de réception de conducteur et ladite position extrême.
  3. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 2, dans lequel lesdits éléments de fixation coopérants (90, 92; 90', 92') supportent, en outre, ledit bloc support (80; 80') par rapport audit boítier suivant plusieurs positions intermédiaires comprenant:
    une première position intermédiaire afin de prendre en compte des conducteurs d'une taille donnée; et
    une seconde position intermédiaire afin de prendre en compte des conducteurs d'une taille différente de ladite taille donnée.
  4. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 3, dans lequel lesdits éléments de fixation coopérants (90, 92; 90', 92') comprennent:
    ledit bloc support (80; 80') comportant un élément formant butée (90; 90') s'étendant par rapport à celui-ci; et
    ledit boítier comprenant plusieurs éléments de réception de butée espacés (92; 92') chacun pouvant être emmanché dans ledit élément formant butée dudit bloc support afin de supporter de manière captive ledit bloc support dans ladite pluralité de positions discrètes.
  5. Connecteur électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel lesdits éléments de fixation coopérants (92', 99') supportent par frottement ledit bloc support (80') par rapport audit boítier à des positions continues entre ladite position de réception de conducteur et ladite position extrême, lesdites positions continues définissant lesdites positions de support temporaires de conducteur.
  6. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 5, dans lequel lesdits éléments de fixation coopérants (92', 99') comprennent:
    ledit boítier de connecteur comportant un élément en extension (92') et ledit bloc support comportant un canal (85') destiné à recevoir avec frottement ledit élément en extension.
  7. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 6, dans lequel ledit élément en extension (92') comprend des parois latérales opposées (92a) et dans lequel ledit canal (85') comprend des parois de canal présentant des nervures orientées opposées vers l'intérieur (99'), lesdites nervures étant dimensionnées pour être emmanchées avec frottement sur lesdites parois latérales (92a) dudit élément en extension.
  8. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit emmanchement avec frottement entre lesdites nervures (99') et lesdites parois latérales (92a) permet le positionnement dudit bloc support (80') à une position quelconque entre ladite position de réception de conducteur et ladite position extrême.
  9. Connecteur électrique selon la revendication 7, dans lequel chacun desdits canaux (85') comprend une extrémité inclinée vers l'extérieur afin de faciliter l'introduction desdits éléments en extension à l'intérieur.
  10. Connecteur électrique selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel ledit bloc support (80; 80') comprend, en outre, un ou plusieurs doigts d'emmanchement de conducteur (86; 86') s'étendant dans chacun desdits passages (84; 84') afin de supporter par frottement lesdits supports isolés avec une disposition immobile à l'intérieur desdits passages.
EP94308369A 1993-11-17 1994-11-14 Connecteur électrique avec support de conducteurs Expired - Lifetime EP0653804B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/153,687 US5538440A (en) 1993-11-17 1993-11-17 Electrical connector having a conductor holding block
US330988 1994-11-02
US153687 1994-11-02
US08/330,988 US5681180A (en) 1994-11-02 1994-11-02 Conductor holding block for an electrical connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0653804A1 EP0653804A1 (fr) 1995-05-17
EP0653804B1 true EP0653804B1 (fr) 1998-12-30

Family

ID=26850760

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94308369A Expired - Lifetime EP0653804B1 (fr) 1993-11-17 1994-11-14 Connecteur électrique avec support de conducteurs

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0653804B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP3009831B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR9404491A (fr)
CA (1) CA2135578A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69415645T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2126716T3 (fr)
IL (1) IL111677A (fr)
SG (1) SG48313A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE69820857T2 (de) * 1997-10-30 2004-12-16 Thomas & Betts International Inc., Sparks Steckverbinder mit verbesserter abschirmung und mehrzwecke zugentlastung
DE10216483C1 (de) * 2002-04-13 2003-11-20 Harting Electric Gmbh & Co Kg Rundsteckverbinder für abgeschirmte elektrische Kabel
DE102005012370B3 (de) 2005-03-09 2006-06-01 Adc Gmbh Druckmodul
DE102005012369A1 (de) * 2005-03-09 2006-09-14 Adc Gmbh Anschlussdose für ein Datennetz
DE102008026470A1 (de) * 2008-06-03 2010-02-04 Bticino S.P.A. Druckstück für eine Anschlussklemme
DE102011051951A1 (de) * 2011-07-19 2013-01-24 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Steckverbinder mit Zugentlastung
JP6011032B2 (ja) 2012-05-31 2016-10-19 オムロン株式会社 圧接端子
EP2782200A1 (fr) 2013-03-19 2014-09-24 Wieland Electric GmbH Collier de fixation
DE102018127231B3 (de) * 2018-10-31 2020-03-26 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Steckverbindereinrichtung mit zumindest einem Fixierteil zum Bereitstellen einer Zugentlastung oder Mantelfixierung

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3804971A (en) * 1971-06-28 1974-04-16 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Solderless wire connector
JPS603743B2 (ja) * 1980-07-05 1985-01-30 モレックス・インコ−ポレ−テッド リボンケ−ブル用電気コネクタ−
JPS6258090U (fr) * 1985-09-27 1987-04-10
JPS62131368U (fr) * 1986-02-14 1987-08-19
JPH0724782Y2 (ja) * 1990-11-02 1995-06-05 日本航空電子工業株式会社 電線接続用コネクタ
DE9310211U1 (de) * 1993-07-09 1993-09-23 Leonhardy Gmbh, 91244 Reichenschwand Anschlussleiste
JP3044866U (ja) * 1997-06-27 1998-01-16 日本酸素株式会社 断熱二重容器

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IL111677A0 (en) 1995-01-24
ES2126716T3 (es) 1999-04-01
EP0653804A1 (fr) 1995-05-17
DE69415645T2 (de) 1999-05-27
CA2135578A1 (fr) 1995-05-18
IL111677A (en) 1998-04-05
JP3009831B2 (ja) 2000-02-14
BR9404491A (pt) 1995-07-11
JPH07230833A (ja) 1995-08-29
DE69415645D1 (de) 1999-02-11
SG48313A1 (en) 1998-04-17

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