EP0907223A2 - Sich selbst ausrichtendes elektrisches Verbindungsstück - Google Patents

Sich selbst ausrichtendes elektrisches Verbindungsstück Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0907223A2
EP0907223A2 EP98307992A EP98307992A EP0907223A2 EP 0907223 A2 EP0907223 A2 EP 0907223A2 EP 98307992 A EP98307992 A EP 98307992A EP 98307992 A EP98307992 A EP 98307992A EP 0907223 A2 EP0907223 A2 EP 0907223A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
spring members
electrical connector
recited
electrical
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98307992A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0907223A3 (de
Inventor
Dhirendra C. Roy
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.)
Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc
Original Assignee
Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc
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
Application filed by Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc filed Critical Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc
Publication of EP0907223A2 publication Critical patent/EP0907223A2/de
Publication of EP0907223A3 publication Critical patent/EP0907223A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
    • H01R13/6315—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to self aligning electrical connector assemblies having spring members that allow for relative adjustment of the connector halves.
  • electrical connector halves In vehicle assembly applications, electrical connector halves must be connected to complete the electrical connection. Often the electrical connector halves provide electrical connections between two component surfaces, and are inserted into the component surfaces after the component surfaces have been manufactured, but before the component surfaces are attached. Frequently, one or both halves of the electrical connector assembly are either inaccessible or not visible when the two component surfaces have been attached. As an example, one half of an electrical connector assembly may be located in the surface of a door panel and must be connected to the other half of the electrical connector assembly in a trim panel, without visual alignment assistance. Other applications include connecting a switch cover to a switch.
  • connectors are snapped into openings and held by spring fingers.
  • the springs have free ends abutting the periphery of the openings.
  • These connector halves have not always provided acceptable control over the position of the halves. It is desirable to provide a connector assembly which can be rapidly and reliably aligned on a component surface even when that surface is not visible.
  • the present invention provides a connector assembly that has connector halves biased to a desired location after they are connected.
  • the connector halves are received in openings and mount portions secure the halves in the openings in some embodiments.
  • Spring members integrally connect the mount portions to the connectors. That is, the springs do not have free ends and thus are more accurately received at a desired location.
  • the spring members permit independent movement of the connector halves within their respective components and allow the connector halves to move into alignment with each other as the first and the second components are being brought together.
  • the spring members assist in biasing the halves toward a desired position even after the connection.
  • At least one connector half includes a first piece and a second piece.
  • the first piece includes a lockplate portion having a pair of juxtaposed spring members and a first component having an access hole located between the spring members.
  • the second piece has a connector portion having electrical connections and a pair of projections extending from opposite sides of the connector portion. An upwardly projecting tab is mounted on the free end of each projection. The second piece is adapted to be slidably received between the spring members and the first component to thereby hold the second piece against the first piece and to align the electrical connections of the connector portion with the access hole.
  • the second half of the electrical connector assembly includes a first housing having a set of electrical connections compatible with the electrical connections in the connector portion. After the first piece and the second piece of the first half are assembled together the electrical connections of the second half may be inserted through the access hole into the electrical connections to provide an electrical connection between the first and second halves of the electrical connector assembly. The spring members again hold the first half connector portion and the second half, at a desired position.
  • a first embodiment electrical connector assembly has a first half 12 and a second half 14 mounted within a first component 16 and a second component 18, respectively.
  • Mount portions 19 mount the halves within the components 16 and 18.
  • the second housing 14 is sized to fit into the first housing 12.
  • a plurality of spring members 20 connect a connector portion 23 of first half 12 to the mount portion 19.
  • Spring members 20 are integrally formed between portions 19 and 23 of first half 12.
  • a plurality of spring members 21 connect the connector portion 23 of second half 14 to mount portion 19. Again spring members 21 are integrally formed with the mount and connector portions 19 and 23.
  • Electrical connectors 22, shown schematically, are located in the connector portions 23. Wires 26 extend to controls, etc.
  • the first half 12 also includes an outwardly flared rim 28 on its connector portion 23.
  • Spring members 20 and 21 permit independent movement of the first and second halves 12 and 14 in several directions. These directions include movements perpendicular to the plane of the first and second components 16 and 18 respectively and movements parallel to the plane of the first and second components 16 and 18 respectively.
  • the resiliency of the material, size, and shape of spring members 20 and 21 determine the distance of the desired movement of the first and second halves 12 and 14.
  • the first and second spring members 20 and 21 are substantially U-shaped to facilitate movement in several directions.
  • first and second components 16 and 18 are preassembled, and connector halves 12 and 14 are mounted to the components.
  • components 16 and 18 are brought together in general alignment during an assembly operation the rim 28 of the first half 12 connector portion 23 contacts the exterior of the second half 14 connector portion and the first and second halves 12 and 14 are guided into alignment with each other.
  • Spring members 20 and 21 allow the adjustment, but still bias and hold the connector portions at a desired position.
  • Connectors 22 are brought into alignment and engagement with each other.
  • Rim 28 can be discontinuous as shown in Figure 1 or it could be continuous.
  • the components could be any type component. Examples, include door frames and trim panels, an electrical switch and associated cover, or other possible component combinations. If the component itself is relatively small, than the mount portion could be eliminated and the spring could merge integrally into the entire component. In such systems, for purposes of interpreting the claims of this application, the term "mount portion" is the area where the spring is connected to the remainder of the component.
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment, having a cylindrical first half 30 and a cylindrical second half 32.
  • First half 30 and second half 32 are mounted in a first component 34 and a second component 36 respectively similar to the first embodiment.
  • Spring members also connect portions of the first and second halves 30 as in the first embodiment.
  • First half 30 includes a continuous outwardly flared rim 38 and the second half 32 includes an inwardly flared rim 40.
  • the first and second halves 30 and 32 each also include mating electrical connectors (not shown) The electrical connectors within the first and second halves 30 and 32 are electrically connected to wires 42 and 43.
  • Figure 3A is a top plan view of one half of a third embodiment electrical connector assembly.
  • a connector portion 44 is connected to a mount portion 46, which is mounted to component 47.
  • Figure 3B shows another view of this embodiment.
  • portions 44, 46 and spring members 48 are integrally molded.
  • Connectors 50 are located in portion 44, and connected to wires 52.
  • the spring members 48 are both tapered in this view, and U-shaped in a view similar to the Figure 1 view.
  • the housing of the other half of the connector assembly (not shown) would preferably be of the same shape as the portion 44 except that it would have external dimensions to interfit with this half.
  • Figures 4-6 show another embodiment.
  • Figure 4A is a cross-sectional embodiment view of a first piece of a first half 59 of a self aligning electrical connector 60.
  • Spring member 58 is connected to a component 61 at a connection portion 64.
  • An access hole 68 will receive a connection portion 70 of the first half, as explained below.
  • a connector seat 72 is located between a pair of spring members 58 and surrounds access hole 68.
  • One end of spring members 58 is integral with connection portion 64 and the spring members 58 project to an opposed end.
  • Figure 4B is a top view of the first half 59. As shown, there are two spaced spring members 58.
  • FIG. 5A a top plan view of a second piece 86, of the first half 59.
  • Second piece 86 includes a connection portion housing 88 with connectors 94. Wires 96 communicate to connector 94. Projections 90 entered from opposite sides of housing 88. A tab 92 projects upwardly from the unattached end of each projection 90.
  • Figure 5B is a side elevation view of second piece 86.
  • Figure 5C is another side elevation view of the second piece 86.
  • projections 90 include a tapered shoulder 102.
  • Figure 6 is a cross sectional side view of the assembled self aligning electrical connector assembly.
  • Spring members 58 each have a ramped portion 104 and a retention shoulder 106.
  • the second piece 88 is placed with the tapered shoulders 102 of the projections 90 facing the ramped portion 104 of the spring members 58. Then the second piece 88 is moved from right to left as shown by line 108. Initially, this movement forces the spring members 58 away as the ramped portion 104 moves up the tapered shoulder 102. As the movement continues a side 100 of the second piece 88 enters the connector seat 72.
  • the retention shoulder 106 passes the projection 90 allowing the spring members 58 to spring toward opening 68.
  • the retention shoulders 106 and tabs 92 bias the connector portion of the second piece 88.
  • a second half 110 is connected to a component 112.
  • the second half 110 is brought into alignment with the first half second piece 88 and the electrical connections are made. This will occur as the components 61 and 112 are being brought together.
  • the spring members 58 hold the second piece or the connector portion 88 into a desired position as it is brought in connection with the second half 110.
  • the springs 58 are integrally formed with the connection portion 64.
  • Connectors 80 of the second half 110 of the connector assembly are inserted through the mating access hole 68 and into the connectors 94 of portion 88 to complete the electrical connection between wires 82 and 96.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
EP98307992A 1997-10-03 1998-09-30 Sich selbst ausrichtendes elektrisches Verbindungsstück Withdrawn EP0907223A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US94297097A 1997-10-03 1997-10-03
US942970 1997-10-03

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0907223A2 true EP0907223A2 (de) 1999-04-07
EP0907223A3 EP0907223A3 (de) 2001-02-07

Family

ID=25478898

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98307992A Withdrawn EP0907223A3 (de) 1997-10-03 1998-09-30 Sich selbst ausrichtendes elektrisches Verbindungsstück

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0907223A3 (de)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10140153A1 (de) * 2001-08-16 2003-03-13 Agilent Technologies Inc Steckverbindung zum gleichzeitigen Verbinden mehrerer Koaxialkabel
EP1445840A1 (de) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-11 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Elektrischer Steckverbinder
EP1870969A1 (de) * 2006-06-22 2007-12-26 Omron Corporation Elektronische Geräte und Verfahren zur Herstellung der elektronischen Geräte
EP1930990A1 (de) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-11 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Elektrische Steckverbindung
EP2219271A1 (de) * 2009-02-11 2010-08-18 KNORR-BREMSE Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Steckverbindungsvorrichtung für eine elektronische Baugruppe
CN102931533A (zh) * 2012-09-11 2013-02-13 张华斌 多向游动式连接器座

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2882510A (en) * 1953-10-08 1959-04-14 Western Electric Co Self-aligning electrical connector structure
US4865558A (en) * 1988-11-23 1989-09-12 Amp Incorporated Stabilizing bushing for electrical connector
US4909748A (en) * 1988-02-09 1990-03-20 Yazaki Corporation Movable connector
US5480328A (en) * 1992-06-29 1996-01-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Filter plug connector having a shield housing
EP0717470A2 (de) * 1994-12-14 1996-06-19 Molex Incorporated Anordnung zur schwimmenden Montage eines elektrischen Verbinders an einer Platte

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2882510A (en) * 1953-10-08 1959-04-14 Western Electric Co Self-aligning electrical connector structure
US4909748A (en) * 1988-02-09 1990-03-20 Yazaki Corporation Movable connector
US4865558A (en) * 1988-11-23 1989-09-12 Amp Incorporated Stabilizing bushing for electrical connector
US5480328A (en) * 1992-06-29 1996-01-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Filter plug connector having a shield housing
EP0717470A2 (de) * 1994-12-14 1996-06-19 Molex Incorporated Anordnung zur schwimmenden Montage eines elektrischen Verbinders an einer Platte

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10140153A1 (de) * 2001-08-16 2003-03-13 Agilent Technologies Inc Steckverbindung zum gleichzeitigen Verbinden mehrerer Koaxialkabel
US6695650B2 (en) 2001-08-16 2004-02-24 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Plug-type connector for simultaneously connecting several coaxial cables
DE10140153B4 (de) * 2001-08-16 2004-05-06 Agilent Technologies, Inc. (n.d.Ges.d.Staates Delaware), Palo Alto Steckverbindung zum gleichzeitigen Verbinden mehrerer Koaxialkabel
EP1445840A1 (de) * 2003-02-10 2004-08-11 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Elektrischer Steckverbinder
EP1870969A1 (de) * 2006-06-22 2007-12-26 Omron Corporation Elektronische Geräte und Verfahren zur Herstellung der elektronischen Geräte
US7488184B2 (en) 2006-06-22 2009-02-10 Omron Corporation Electronic equipment and method of manufacturing the electronic equipment
EP1930990A1 (de) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-11 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Elektrische Steckverbindung
EP2219271A1 (de) * 2009-02-11 2010-08-18 KNORR-BREMSE Systeme für Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH Steckverbindungsvorrichtung für eine elektronische Baugruppe
CN102931533A (zh) * 2012-09-11 2013-02-13 张华斌 多向游动式连接器座
CN102931533B (zh) * 2012-09-11 2015-07-22 张华斌 多向游动式连接器座

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0907223A3 (de) 2001-02-07

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