EP2846416B1 - Connector housing with a monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device - Google Patents
Connector housing with a monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2846416B1 EP2846416B1 EP14181927.6A EP14181927A EP2846416B1 EP 2846416 B1 EP2846416 B1 EP 2846416B1 EP 14181927 A EP14181927 A EP 14181927A EP 2846416 B1 EP2846416 B1 EP 2846416B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- terminal
- assurance device
- connector
- positioning assurance
- 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.)
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- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 45
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 45
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 43
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 29
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 20
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/422—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
- H01R13/4223—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means comprising integral flexible contact retaining fingers
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- 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
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
- H01R13/4361—Insertion of locking piece perpendicular to direction of contact insertion
Definitions
- the invention relates to a connector housing for an electrical connector, the housing comprising at least one terminal receptacle for an electric contact element, the terminal receptacle opening into a terminal insertion direction, forming a terminal insertion opening for insertion of the electric contact element, the housing further comprising at least one terminal positioning assurance device which is formed monolithically with the housing and which is accessible from an outside of the housing, the terminal positioning assurance device having an actuator head which, in an unlocked position, is spaced apart from the rest of the housing and, in a locked position, is positively engaged with and protrudes into a lateral opening of the housing, whereby, in the locked position, a terminal locking element, which is operatively coupled to the actuator head, protrudes into at least one terminal receptacle, wherein the terminal positioning assurance device further comprises between the terminal receptacle and the actuator head, a displaceable transmission member, which, in the locked position, is elastically deflected into the terminal receptacle, the displaceable transition member comprising the terminal locking
- Connector housings for electrical connectors are well known and widely used as electric components.
- the connector housings comprise at least one receptacle or cavity for the insertion of an electric contact element such as a terminal.
- an electric contact element such as a terminal.
- a locking member or primary lock is often used.
- the locking member is generally formed as an elastically deformable arm, which extends basically parallel to the terminal. During insertion of a terminal into the receptacle, the locking member is elastically deflected away from the terminal, and, when the terminal reaches its final position, protrudes at least partially into a recess of the terminal.
- the locking member may be bent away from the terminal and therefore fails in keeping the terminal in the desired position.
- a known connector housing is described.
- the connector housing comprises displaceable members which protrude into receiving shafts for terminals in order to secure their position against movement.
- a safety member is pressed on the displaceable members and latched to a side wall of the housing next to the displaceable members.
- EP 1 176 670 A1 another example of a known connector is described, wherein a safety member is adapted to protrude into a receiving shaft for a terminal in order to secure the position of said terminal and, at the same time, presses down a displaceable member for keeping said member in place.
- the safety member comprises a bar-like protrusion for pushing down the displaceable member.
- the free end of the safety member, which protrudes into the shaft is adapted for being latchable to the housing.
- the connector housing of DE 42 05 974 C1 comprises a lid-like structure for closing one side of a terminal receiving shaft and for securing the position of a displaceable member.
- two displaceable members are arranged in series and are adapted for protruding into a terminal receiving shaft for securing the position of a terminal. In a locked position, one displaceable member presses down the other displaceable member.
- the upper member comprises latching elements on its side faces for securing its position with respect to the housing.
- FR 2 784 510 A1 and US 2013/210268 A1 show examples of known types of connector housings with single terminal positioning assurance devices for securing the position of terminals in the housing.
- the connector housings of the mentioned documents may be practicable for keeping terminals in the connector housing but may either bear the risk that the displaceable members are easily removable from their locked positions in the housings or the designs are bulky and/or complicated.
- the contact assembly comprises an electrical connector which comprises a connector housing according to the invention, and in that at least one electric contact element is inserted in a terminal receptacle, the electric contact element being positively locked in the terminal receptacle by a terminal positioning assurance device which is formed monolithically with the housing, wherein the electric contact element is positively locked between a forward wall of the terminal receptacle and a displaceable transmission member, which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device, and being pushed against a side wall of the terminal receptacle by a pushing portion of the displaceable transmission member, and wherein the displaceable transmission member is locked against movement away from the contact element by an actuator head, which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device.
- the terminal positioning assurance device securely locks an inserted terminal in the terminal receptacle.
- the lateral opening allows an easy access for the actuator head into the housing.
- the terminal positioning assurance device is formed monolithically with the housing. This allows for a production of the housing and the terminal positioning assurance device in one single piece, which leads to a cost-effective production. Furthermore, the risk of losing an external terminal positioning assurance device during manufacturing, transport or usage is eliminated as long as the housing is not damaged.
- the displaceable transmission member may be adapted to be displaced by an electric contact element during insertion of the electric contact element into the terminal receptacle in order to allow an easy insertion of the electric contact element. In the locked position, the displaceable transmission member may securely lock an inserted electric contact element against a movement against the terminal insertion direction.
- the positive locking between the locking shoulder and the arresting portion which is formed by a rim of the lateral opening enable a secure position of the actuator head in the locked position.
- a simple design and easy manufacturing can be achieved, when the actuator head is formed as a widening of the terminal positioning assurance device.
- the displaceable transmission member may be formed monolithically with the housing as part of a side wall of the terminal receptacle.
- the terminal receptacle may be formed as a shaft, in particular with a shaft bottom arranged on a side of the terminal receptacle opposite to the opening of the terminal receptacle.
- the shaft may comprise an access opening, wherein a diameter of the opening is smaller than a diameter of the shaft.
- the wall of the shaft may positively lock an inserted electric contact element in a desired position and prevents a further movement along the terminal insertion direction.
- the access opening in the wall of the shaft may allow a contacting portion of an inserted electric contact element to extend at least partially outside the housing in order to establish an electric contact with a mating contact element or to allow a contacting portion of a mating contact element to protrude into the terminal receptacle to establish an electric contact with the inserted electric contact element.
- the terminal positioning assurance device comprises an elastically deformable pushing portion, adapted to push an inserted electric contact element against a side wall of the terminal receptacle, opposite to the pushing portion.
- An advantageous insertion of an electric contact element into the terminal receptacle may be achieved when the elastically deformable pushing portion is situated on the displaceable transmission member.
- the actuator head in the locked position, may press against the displaceable transmission member in a direction towards the terminal receptacle. The actuator head may then lock the displaceable transmission member against movement away from the electric contact element and therefore improve the seat of the electric contact element in the terminal receptacle.
- the terminal positioning assurance device may comprise a base and a free end and is separated from the rest of the housing by a straight side-pull shaft, which extends continuously from the outside of the housing between the free arm and the rest of the housing when the terminal positioning assurance device is in the unlocked position.
- the straight side-pull shaft may allow an easy and cost-effective manufacturing of the housing, especially when methods such as injection molding are used.
- At least one of the terminal positioning assurance device and the displaceable transmission member may be formed at least in part as a cantilever beam.
- a cantilever beam allows for a compact design, easy manufacturing, good moveability and also elastically deformation of the terminal positioning assurance device and/or the displaceable transmission member.
- a good moveability of the actuator head with respect to the rest of the housing can be achieved when the actuator head is situated at the free end of a cantilever beam which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device.
- a compact and robust cantilever beam can be achieved when the terminal positioning assurance device is formed as a cantilever beam which comprises a stiff first part and a more resilient second part.
- a solid and compact design of a connector housing can be achieved when the terminal positioning assurance device is formed as cantilever beam which has a base at a forward end of the housing.
- the terminal positioning assurance device may be formed as a cantilever beam which may comprise at least two spring sections which are perpendicular to each other, and wherein a longer spring section extends parallel to an insertion direction of the electrical connector, and wherein a shorter spring section extends in the direction of the lateral opening.
- the longer spring section may be adapted to press the actuator head in a direction towards the terminal receptacle, whereas the shorter spring section may be adapted to press the actuator head in a direction towards an arresting portion.
- the housing may comprise at least one guiding surface which is adapted to guide the actuator head in a direction with a component perpendicular to the shorter spring section to apply a spring force in the cantilever beam which pressurises the actuator head in a direction towards the arresting portion when the terminal positioning assurance device is situated in the locked position.
- the monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device as described before is not limited to be used with a single electric contact element.
- One monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device may extend perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction and can be used to assure the position of a plurality of electric contact elements at the same time.
- the electric contact elements may be aligned in a parallel row which, extends perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction.
- the terminal locking element will then protrude in the plurality of terminal receptacles, assuring the position of the electric contact elements.
- contact assembly further comprises a second connector housing for a mating electrical connector, wherein the second connector housing comprises at least one cover member, which is adapted to cover at least one terminal positioning assurance device of the first connector housing at least in parts when the electrical connectors are mated.
- the cover member may protect the terminal positioning assurance device of the first connector housing when both electrical connectors are mated.
- the terminal positioning assurance device is therefore protected against damage and against accidental removal of the terminal positioning assurance device from the locked position.
- At least one of the connector housings may comprise a sealing arrangement which is adapted to positively lock with a corresponding cover member of the connector housing of the mating electrical connector.
- At least one of the connector housings may comprise a terminal positioning assurance device which is formed as a cantilever beam, wherein an outer portion of the cantilever beam is aligned with an outer wall of the connector housing at least in parts, and wherein the outer portion of the cantilever beam forms a barrier-free guiding portion for the connector housing of a mating electrical connector upon mating of the electrical connectors.
- the guiding portion may allow a smooth mating of two electrical connectors and, at the same time, avoid forces on the terminal positioning assurance device, which may hold the risk of damaging the terminal positioning assurance device.
- the cantilever beam may be based at a forward end of the housing.
- a safe operation can also be achieved when the housing comprises at least one barrier which encircles the connector housing perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction at least in part.
- One of the at least one barriers can be situated adjacent to the guiding surfaces.
- the barrier may prevent objects from interfering with the terminal positioning assurance device, which could lead to malfunction.
- a sealing member such as a ring can be situated between two barriers, an inner barrier adjacent to the guiding surfaces and an outer barrier at a rearward end of the connector housing. The barriers may thus keep the sealing member in place, preventing a displacement of the sealing member during mating or unmating of the connector and a mating connector.
- Fig. 1 shows a connector housing 1 according to the invention in a schematic cut view parallel to a terminal insertion direction 3.
- the cut view cuts through two terminal receptacles 5 of the housing 1.
- the housing 1 may comprise more terminal receptacles 5 which are not shown.
- the elements of the connector housing 1 and the electrical connector 69 according to the invention are described exemplary for a single terminal receptacle 5 and it its related components even if the housing 1 may comprise a plurality of receptacles 5 which may be formed according to the invention.
- the terminal receptacles extend longitudinally in parallel with the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the terminal receptacles 5 may be basically formed as a shaft 7.
- the terminal receptacle 5 is opened into the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the open side of the terminal receptacle 5 forms a terminal insertion opening 9.
- the terminal receptacle 5 may comprise a shaft wall 11.
- the shaft wall 11 may comprise an access opening 13, wherein a diameter 15 of the access opening 13 is smaller than a shaft diameter 17 adjacent to the access opening 13.
- a terminal positioning assurance device 19 is formed monolithically with the housing 1.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is accessible from an outside 21 of the housing 1.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 has an actuator head 23.
- the actuator heads 23 in Fig. 1 are shown in the locked position.
- the actuator head 23 is positively engaged and protrudes into a lateral opening 25 of the housing 1.
- the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 has a terminal positioning assurance device 19 which comprises a displaceable transmission member 27.
- the displaceable transmission member 27 comprises a terminal locking element 29. In the locked position, the terminal locking element 29 protrudes into the terminal receptacle 5.
- the displaceable transmission member 27 is located between the actuator head 23 and the terminal receptacle 5. It is elastically deflected into the terminal receptacle 5.
- the terminal locking element 29 is adapted to positively lock an inserted electric contact element against movement against the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the displaceable transmission member 27 is formed monolithically with the housing 1 as part of a side wall 31 of the terminal receptacle 5.
- the displaceable transmission member 27 is formed as a cantilever beam, which extends basically in parallel with the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the displaceable transmission member 27 is based on the side of the housing 1 which comprises the terminal insertion opening 9 and extends towards a forward end 33 of the connector housing 1.
- the terminal locking element 29 is formed as an edge 35 at the free end 37 of the displaceable transmission member 27.
- the edge 35 of the displaceable transmission member 27 extends basically perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 comprises an elastically deformable pushing portion 39 which is situated at the free end 37 of the displaceable transmission member 27.
- the pushing portion 39 may be shaped as a finger and extends from the displaceable transmission member 27 towards the forward end 33 of the housing 1.
- the actuator head 23 presses against the displaceable transmission member 27 in a direction towards the terminal receptacle 5.
- the actuator head 23 comprises a locking shoulder 41.
- the locking shoulder 41 is positively locked with a corresponding arresting portion 43 of the housing 1.
- the arresting portion 43 is formed as a rim 45 in the lateral opening 25.
- the terminal positioning assurance 19 has a base 47 and a free end 49.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is separated from the rest of the housing 1 by a straight side pull shaft 51.
- the straight side pull shaft 51 extends continuously from the outside of the housing 21 between the free end 49 and the rest of the housing 1.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is partially formed as a cantilever beam 50.
- the base 47 of the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is situated at the forward end 33 of the housing 1 and is identical with the base 47 of the cantilever beam 50.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 which is formed as a cantilever beam, comprises a longer spring section 53, which extends basically in parallel to the terminal insertion direction 3 and a shorter spring section 55 which extends perpendicular to the longer spring section 53.
- the longer spring section 53 comprises a stiff first part 57 and, in order to improve the elasticity for the moving the actuator head 23, a more resilient second part 59.
- the actuator head 23 comprises a guiding surface 60 and the housing 1, at the lateral opening 25, comprises a complementary guiding surface 61.
- the guiding surface 61 of the housing 1 has a component along the terminal insertion direction 3 and a component perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the guiding surface 60 of the actuator head 23 is formed complementary to the guiding surface 61.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 Prior to insertion of an electric contact element 63, the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is in an unlocked position (not shown). In the unlocked position, the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is spaced apart from the rest of the housing 1 (not shown). In the unlocked position, the guiding surface of the actuator head 23 faces the guiding surface 61 of the housing 1. In the unlocked position, the displaceable transmission member 27 is not locked against elastic displacement in a direction away from the terminal receptacle 5.
- the electric contact element 63 comprises a recess 67 which is opened in a direction towards the displaceable transmission member 27. Since the displaceable transmission member 27 was elastically deformed by the head portion 65 of the electric contact element 63, it will now elastically move back into the terminal receptacle 5. The terminal locking element 29 of the displaceable transmission member 27 protrudes into the recess 67 and positively locks the electric contact element 63 against a movement against the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the actuator head 23 is now moved into the lateral opening 25 in a direction towards the terminal receptacle 5.
- a force can be applied onto the longer spring section 57 of the terminal positioning assurance device 19.
- the guiding surface 60 of the actuator head 23 slides along the guiding surface 61 of the housing 1. Thereby, upon insertion of the actuator head 23, the actuator head 23 is pressed into the direction towards the forward end 33 of the housing 1, whereby a spring force is loaded into the shorter spring section 55 of the cantilever beam.
- the actuator head 23 When the locking shoulder 41 of the actuator head 23 engages the arresting portion 43 of the housing 1, the actuator head 23 is pressed by the spring force which was loaded in the shorter spring section 55 in a direction towards the arresting portion 43. The locking shoulder 41 is then positively locked with the arresting portion 43. The terminal positioning assurance device 19 is then finally in the locked position as shown in Fig. 1 and the electric contact element 63 is securely locked inside the terminal receptacle 5.
- the locking element 29 can be formed as a portion of the actuator head 23 so that the terminal positioning assurance device 19 does not comprise a displaceable transmission member 27.
- Fig. 2 shows a cut view of a contact assembly 68 according to the invention with an electrical connector 69 which comprises a connector housing 1 as described above and shown in Fig. 1 .
- the housing 1 comprises an electric contact element 63 which is inserted in the terminal receptacle 5.
- the housing 1 according to the invention can comprise a plurality of electric contact elements 63 and is not limited to the two terminal receptacles 5 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 .
- the head portion 65 of the electric contact element 63 abuts the shaft wall 11 so that a movement into the terminal insertion direction 3 is prevented.
- a pushing portion 39 which is located at the free end 37 of the displaceable transmission member 27, is adapted to press the electric contact element 63 against a side wall 31 of the terminal receptacle 5 on a side opposite to the pushing portion 39.
- the displaceable transmission member 27 is secured against movement away from the electric contact element 63 by the actuator head 23.
- the actuator head 23 is positively locked between the displaceable transmission member 27 and the arresting portion 43 of the housing 1.
- the contact assembly 68 comprises a second housing 71 for a mating connector 73.
- a mating contact element 75 is inserted in the second housing 71.
- the mating contact element 75 may be adapted to protrude into the terminal receptacle 5 of the connector housing 1 through the access opening 13 to establish an electric contact with the electric contact element 63.
- the electric contact element 63 can be adapted to protrude through the access opening 13 to mate with the mating electric contact element 75 of a mating connector 73.
- the second housing 71 may comprise a cover member 77, which is adapted to cover the terminal positioning assurance device 19 of the housing 1.
- the cover member 77 can be formed as a portion of an outer wall 78 of the second housing 71.
- the housing 1 may comprise a sealing arrangement 79.
- the sealing arrangement 79 can be formed as a part of the second housing 71.
- the sealing arrangement 79 positively locks with the cover member 77 so that an enclosure 81 is formed, in which the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is located.
- the enclosure 81 may form a sealed environment to protect the inner parts of the connectors 69 and 73.
- the sealing arrangement 79 comprises a sealing member 87, made from a soft material.
- the sealing member 87 may be formed in a shape which fits around the connector housing 1, encircling the connector housing perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction 3.
- the sealing member 87 may be a ring. In parallel to the terminal insertion direction 3, the sealing member 87 is situated between an inner barrier 89 and an outer barrier 91 of the connector housing 1.
- the inner barrier 89 is situated adjacent to the guiding surfaces 61.
- the inner barrier 89 may prevent a movement of the sealing member 87 onto the terminal positioning assurance device 19 when the electrical connectors 69, 73 are mounted. If the sealing member 87 is moved against the terminal positioning assurance device 19, it may lead to a removal of the actuator head 23 from its position between the connecting portion 43 and the displaceable transmission member 27. Therefore, the inner barrier 89 may prevent malfunction of the terminal positioning assurance device 19.
- the inner barrier 89 may also be present when no sealing member 87 is used, The inner barrier 89 then protects the terminal positioning assurance device 19 from colliding with other elements such as the housing of a mating connector.
- the outer barrier 91 may be used without the need for a sealing member 87 as a stop means for a mating connector.
- the outer barrier 91 is located at a rearward end 93 of the connector housing 1. During mating of the connectors 69, 73, the outer barrier 91 may stop the movement of the connectors 69, 73 when the second housing 71 abuts on the outer barrier 91. The outer barrier 91 prevents a displacement of the sealing member 87 against the terminal insertion direction 3 during mating.
- the outer barrier 91 comprises a fixation opening 95.
- a fixation member 97 of the second housing 71 may protrude through the fixation opening 95 during mating and fixate the connectors 69, 73 by a fixation latch 99.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 is formed as a cantilever beam 50 and has a base 47 at the forward end 33 of the housing 1.
- the terminal positioning assurance device 19 extends basically in parallel with the terminal insertion direction 3.
- An outer portion 83 of the cantilever beam 50 forms a barrier-free guiding portion 85 for the second housing 71 upon mating of the two connectors.
- portions of the second housing 71 may slide along the outer portion 83 and are guided to simplify the mating of both connectors 69, 73 without risking damaging or unlocking of the terminal positioning assurance device 19.
Landscapes
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a connector housing for an electrical connector, the housing comprising at least one terminal receptacle for an electric contact element, the terminal receptacle opening into a terminal insertion direction, forming a terminal insertion opening for insertion of the electric contact element, the housing further comprising at least one terminal positioning assurance device which is formed monolithically with the housing and which is accessible from an outside of the housing, the terminal positioning assurance device having an actuator head which, in an unlocked position, is spaced apart from the rest of the housing and, in a locked position, is positively engaged with and protrudes into a lateral opening of the housing, whereby, in the locked position, a terminal locking element, which is operatively coupled to the actuator head, protrudes into at least one terminal receptacle, wherein the terminal positioning assurance device further comprises between the terminal receptacle and the actuator head, a displaceable transmission member, which, in the locked position, is elastically deflected into the terminal receptacle, the displaceable transition member comprising the terminal locking element, wherein the actuator head comprises a locking shoulder, which, in the locked position, is positively locked with a corresponding arresting portion of the housing, the arresting portion of the housing being formed by a rim of the lateral opening. The invention further relates to a contact assembly.
- Connector housings for electrical connectors are well known and widely used as electric components. In an often used design, the connector housings comprise at least one receptacle or cavity for the insertion of an electric contact element such as a terminal. In order to keep an inserted terminal in place and to avoid the terminal being pushed out of the housing upon mating of two electrical connectors, a locking member or primary lock is often used. The locking member is generally formed as an elastically deformable arm, which extends basically parallel to the terminal. During insertion of a terminal into the receptacle, the locking member is elastically deflected away from the terminal, and, when the terminal reaches its final position, protrudes at least partially into a recess of the terminal.
- If a connector as described above is used in a harsh environment, for example in vehicles, or if two electrical connectors are mated and unmated with the use of excessive forces, the locking member may be bent away from the terminal and therefore fails in keeping the terminal in the desired position.
- In
DE 10 2011 002135 A1 , for example, a known connector housing is described. The connector housing comprises displaceable members which protrude into receiving shafts for terminals in order to secure their position against movement. In order to secure the position of the displaceable member, a safety member is pressed on the displaceable members and latched to a side wall of the housing next to the displaceable members. InEP 1 176 670 A1DE 42 05 974 C1 comprises a lid-like structure for closing one side of a terminal receiving shaft and for securing the position of a displaceable member. InEP 0 933 835 A2 , two displaceable members are arranged in series and are adapted for protruding into a terminal receiving shaft for securing the position of a terminal. In a locked position, one displaceable member presses down the other displaceable member. The upper member comprises latching elements on its side faces for securing its position with respect to the housing.FR 2 784 510 A1 US 2013/210268 A1 show examples of known types of connector housings with single terminal positioning assurance devices for securing the position of terminals in the housing. - The connector housings of the mentioned documents may be practicable for keeping terminals in the connector housing but may either bear the risk that the displaceable members are easily removable from their locked positions in the housings or the designs are bulky and/or complicated.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention, to provide a connector housing, which securely locks an inserted contact element in the housing and which is fast and cost-effectively to produce.
- This object is reached according to the invention by a connector housing as defined in
independent claim 1. - For the above mentioned contact assembly, the object is reached in that the contact assembly comprises an electrical connector which comprises a connector housing according to the invention, and in that at least one electric contact element is inserted in a terminal receptacle, the electric contact element being positively locked in the terminal receptacle by a terminal positioning assurance device which is formed monolithically with the housing, wherein the electric contact element is positively locked between a forward wall of the terminal receptacle and a displaceable transmission member, which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device, and being pushed against a side wall of the terminal receptacle by a pushing portion of the displaceable transmission member, and wherein the displaceable transmission member is locked against movement away from the contact element by an actuator head, which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device.
- The terminal positioning assurance device securely locks an inserted terminal in the terminal receptacle. The lateral opening allows an easy access for the actuator head into the housing. The terminal positioning assurance device is formed monolithically with the housing. This allows for a production of the housing and the terminal positioning assurance device in one single piece, which leads to a cost-effective production. Furthermore, the risk of losing an external terminal positioning assurance device during manufacturing, transport or usage is eliminated as long as the housing is not damaged. The displaceable transmission member may be adapted to be displaced by an electric contact element during insertion of the electric contact element into the terminal receptacle in order to allow an easy insertion of the electric contact element. In the locked position, the displaceable transmission member may securely lock an inserted electric contact element against a movement against the terminal insertion direction. The positive locking between the locking shoulder and the arresting portion which is formed by a rim of the lateral opening enable a secure position of the actuator head in the locked position.
- In the following, further improvements of the connector housing and the contact assembly according to the invention are described. These additional improvements may be combined independently of each other, depending on whether a particular advantage of a particular improvement is needed in a specific application.
- A simple design and easy manufacturing can be achieved, when the actuator head is formed as a widening of the terminal positioning assurance device.
- To provide a compact design of the connector housing, the displaceable transmission member may be formed monolithically with the housing as part of a side wall of the terminal receptacle.
- The terminal receptacle may be formed as a shaft, in particular with a shaft bottom arranged on a side of the terminal receptacle opposite to the opening of the terminal receptacle. The shaft may comprise an access opening, wherein a diameter of the opening is smaller than a diameter of the shaft. The wall of the shaft may positively lock an inserted electric contact element in a desired position and prevents a further movement along the terminal insertion direction. The access opening in the wall of the shaft may allow a contacting portion of an inserted electric contact element to extend at least partially outside the housing in order to establish an electric contact with a mating contact element or to allow a contacting portion of a mating contact element to protrude into the terminal receptacle to establish an electric contact with the inserted electric contact element.
- An advantageous arresting of an inserted electric contact element can be achieved, when the terminal positioning assurance device comprises an elastically deformable pushing portion, adapted to push an inserted electric contact element against a side wall of the terminal receptacle, opposite to the pushing portion.
- An advantageous insertion of an electric contact element into the terminal receptacle may be achieved when the elastically deformable pushing portion is situated on the displaceable transmission member.
- According to another advantageous improvement, in the locked position, the actuator head may press against the displaceable transmission member in a direction towards the terminal receptacle. The actuator head may then lock the displaceable transmission member against movement away from the electric contact element and therefore improve the seat of the electric contact element in the terminal receptacle.
- According to another advantageous improvement, the terminal positioning assurance device may comprise a base and a free end and is separated from the rest of the housing by a straight side-pull shaft, which extends continuously from the outside of the housing between the free arm and the rest of the housing when the terminal positioning assurance device is in the unlocked position. The straight side-pull shaft may allow an easy and cost-effective manufacturing of the housing, especially when methods such as injection molding are used.
- According to another advantageous improvement, at least one of the terminal positioning assurance device and the displaceable transmission member may be formed at least in part as a cantilever beam. A cantilever beam allows for a compact design, easy manufacturing, good moveability and also elastically deformation of the terminal positioning assurance device and/or the displaceable transmission member.
- A good moveability of the actuator head with respect to the rest of the housing can be achieved when the actuator head is situated at the free end of a cantilever beam which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device.
- A compact and robust cantilever beam can be achieved when the terminal positioning assurance device is formed as a cantilever beam which comprises a stiff first part and a more resilient second part.
- A solid and compact design of a connector housing can be achieved when the terminal positioning assurance device is formed as cantilever beam which has a base at a forward end of the housing.
- According to another advantageous improvement, the terminal positioning assurance device may be formed as a cantilever beam which may comprise at least two spring sections which are perpendicular to each other, and wherein a longer spring section extends parallel to an insertion direction of the electrical connector, and wherein a shorter spring section extends in the direction of the lateral opening. The longer spring section may be adapted to press the actuator head in a direction towards the terminal receptacle, whereas the shorter spring section may be adapted to press the actuator head in a direction towards an arresting portion.
- To achieve a secure locking between the actuator head and the arresting portion, the housing may comprise at least one guiding surface which is adapted to guide the actuator head in a direction with a component perpendicular to the shorter spring section to apply a spring force in the cantilever beam which pressurises the actuator head in a direction towards the arresting portion when the terminal positioning assurance device is situated in the locked position.
- The monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device as described before is not limited to be used with a single electric contact element. One monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device may extend perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction and can be used to assure the position of a plurality of electric contact elements at the same time. In this case, the electric contact elements may be aligned in a parallel row which, extends perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction. The terminal locking element will then protrude in the plurality of terminal receptacles, assuring the position of the electric contact elements.
- An advantageous improvement of a contact assembly according to the invention may be achieved, when the contact assembly further comprises a second connector housing for a mating electrical connector, wherein the second connector housing comprises at least one cover member, which is adapted to cover at least one terminal positioning assurance device of the first connector housing at least in parts when the electrical connectors are mated.
- The cover member may protect the terminal positioning assurance device of the first connector housing when both electrical connectors are mated. The terminal positioning assurance device is therefore protected against damage and against accidental removal of the terminal positioning assurance device from the locked position.
- In order to form a sealed connection between a contact element and a mating contact element according to the invention, wherein also at least one of the terminal positioning assurance devices of at least one of two mating electrical connectors is located in a sealed environment, at least one of the connector housings may comprise a sealing arrangement which is adapted to positively lock with a corresponding cover member of the connector housing of the mating electrical connector.
- According to another advantageous improvement of an contact assembly according to the invention, at least one of the connector housings may comprise a terminal positioning assurance device which is formed as a cantilever beam, wherein an outer portion of the cantilever beam is aligned with an outer wall of the connector housing at least in parts, and wherein the outer portion of the cantilever beam forms a barrier-free guiding portion for the connector housing of a mating electrical connector upon mating of the electrical connectors. The guiding portion may allow a smooth mating of two electrical connectors and, at the same time, avoid forces on the terminal positioning assurance device, which may hold the risk of damaging the terminal positioning assurance device.
- To avoid damaging of the terminal positioning assurance device during mating of two electrical connectors, the cantilever beam may be based at a forward end of the housing.
- A safe operation can also be achieved when the housing comprises at least one barrier which encircles the connector housing perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction at least in part. One of the at least one barriers can be situated adjacent to the guiding surfaces. The barrier may prevent objects from interfering with the terminal positioning assurance device, which could lead to malfunction. Further, if a sealing arrangement is used, a sealing member such as a ring can be situated between two barriers, an inner barrier adjacent to the guiding surfaces and an outer barrier at a rearward end of the connector housing. The barriers may thus keep the sealing member in place, preventing a displacement of the sealing member during mating or unmating of the connector and a mating connector.
- In the following, the invention and its improvements are described in greater detail using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the figures. As described above, the various features shown in the embodiment may be used independently of each other in specific applications.
- In the following figures, elements having the same function and/or the same structure will be referenced by the same reference signs.
- In the figures:
- Fig. 1
- shows a schematic cut view of an embodiment of a connector housing according to the invention;
- Fig. 2
- shows a schematic cut view of an a contact assembly according to the invention in a mated position.
-
Fig. 1 shows aconnector housing 1 according to the invention in a schematic cut view parallel to aterminal insertion direction 3. The cut view cuts through twoterminal receptacles 5 of thehousing 1. Thehousing 1 may comprise moreterminal receptacles 5 which are not shown. - In the following, the elements of the
connector housing 1 and theelectrical connector 69 according to the invention are described exemplary for a singleterminal receptacle 5 and it its related components even if thehousing 1 may comprise a plurality ofreceptacles 5 which may be formed according to the invention. - The terminal receptacles extend longitudinally in parallel with the
terminal insertion direction 3. Theterminal receptacles 5 may be basically formed as a shaft 7. Theterminal receptacle 5 is opened into theterminal insertion direction 3. The open side of theterminal receptacle 5 forms aterminal insertion opening 9. On the opposite of theterminal insertion opening 9, theterminal receptacle 5 may comprise ashaft wall 11. Theshaft wall 11 may comprise anaccess opening 13, wherein adiameter 15 of the access opening 13 is smaller than ashaft diameter 17 adjacent to theaccess opening 13. - A terminal
positioning assurance device 19 is formed monolithically with thehousing 1. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is accessible from an outside 21 of thehousing 1. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 has anactuator head 23. The actuator heads 23 inFig. 1 are shown in the locked position. Theactuator head 23 is positively engaged and protrudes into alateral opening 25 of thehousing 1. - The embodiment shown in
Fig. 1 has a terminalpositioning assurance device 19 which comprises adisplaceable transmission member 27. Thedisplaceable transmission member 27 comprises aterminal locking element 29. In the locked position, theterminal locking element 29 protrudes into theterminal receptacle 5. Thedisplaceable transmission member 27 is located between theactuator head 23 and theterminal receptacle 5. It is elastically deflected into theterminal receptacle 5. Theterminal locking element 29 is adapted to positively lock an inserted electric contact element against movement against theterminal insertion direction 3. Thedisplaceable transmission member 27 is formed monolithically with thehousing 1 as part of aside wall 31 of theterminal receptacle 5. - The
displaceable transmission member 27 is formed as a cantilever beam, which extends basically in parallel with theterminal insertion direction 3. Thedisplaceable transmission member 27 is based on the side of thehousing 1 which comprises theterminal insertion opening 9 and extends towards aforward end 33 of theconnector housing 1. - The
terminal locking element 29 is formed as anedge 35 at thefree end 37 of thedisplaceable transmission member 27. Theedge 35 of thedisplaceable transmission member 27 extends basically perpendicular to theterminal insertion direction 3. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 comprises an elasticallydeformable pushing portion 39 which is situated at thefree end 37 of thedisplaceable transmission member 27. The pushingportion 39 may be shaped as a finger and extends from thedisplaceable transmission member 27 towards theforward end 33 of thehousing 1. - In the locked position, the
actuator head 23 presses against thedisplaceable transmission member 27 in a direction towards theterminal receptacle 5. Theactuator head 23 comprises a lockingshoulder 41. In the locked position, the lockingshoulder 41 is positively locked with a corresponding arrestingportion 43 of thehousing 1. The arrestingportion 43 is formed as a rim 45 in thelateral opening 25. - The
terminal positioning assurance 19 has abase 47 and a free end 49. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is separated from the rest of thehousing 1 by a straight side pullshaft 51. The straight side pullshaft 51 extends continuously from the outside of thehousing 21 between the free end 49 and the rest of thehousing 1. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is partially formed as a cantilever beam 50. Thebase 47 of the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is situated at theforward end 33 of thehousing 1 and is identical with thebase 47 of the cantilever beam 50. - The terminal
positioning assurance device 19, which is formed as a cantilever beam, comprises alonger spring section 53, which extends basically in parallel to theterminal insertion direction 3 and ashorter spring section 55 which extends perpendicular to thelonger spring section 53. For an improved stability of the terminalpositioning assurance device 19, thelonger spring section 53 comprises a stiff first part 57 and, in order to improve the elasticity for the moving theactuator head 23, a more resilient second part 59. Theactuator head 23 comprises a guidingsurface 60 and thehousing 1, at thelateral opening 25, comprises acomplementary guiding surface 61. The guidingsurface 61 of thehousing 1 has a component along theterminal insertion direction 3 and a component perpendicular to theterminal insertion direction 3. The guidingsurface 60 of theactuator head 23 is formed complementary to the guidingsurface 61. - In the following, the function of the terminal
positioning assurance device 19 is explained: Prior to insertion of anelectric contact element 63, the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is in an unlocked position (not shown). In the unlocked position, the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is spaced apart from the rest of the housing 1 (not shown). In the unlocked position, the guiding surface of theactuator head 23 faces the guidingsurface 61 of thehousing 1. In the unlocked position, thedisplaceable transmission member 27 is not locked against elastic displacement in a direction away from theterminal receptacle 5. - When an
electric contact element 63 is inserted through theterminal insertion opening 9 along theterminal insertion direction 3, ahead portion 65 of theelectric contact element 63 engages thedisplaceable transmission member 27 and presses it in a direction away from theterminal receptacle 5. When theelectric contact element 63 is fully inserted into theterminal receptacle 5, thehead portion 65 of theelectric contact element 63 abuts theshaft wall 11 of theterminal receptacle 5. - The
electric contact element 63 comprises arecess 67 which is opened in a direction towards thedisplaceable transmission member 27. Since thedisplaceable transmission member 27 was elastically deformed by thehead portion 65 of theelectric contact element 63, it will now elastically move back into theterminal receptacle 5. Theterminal locking element 29 of thedisplaceable transmission member 27 protrudes into therecess 67 and positively locks theelectric contact element 63 against a movement against theterminal insertion direction 3. - To assure the position of the
electric contact element 63, theactuator head 23 is now moved into thelateral opening 25 in a direction towards theterminal receptacle 5. In order to move theactuator head 23, a force can be applied onto the longer spring section 57 of the terminalpositioning assurance device 19. During insertion, the guidingsurface 60 of theactuator head 23 slides along the guidingsurface 61 of thehousing 1. Thereby, upon insertion of theactuator head 23, theactuator head 23 is pressed into the direction towards theforward end 33 of thehousing 1, whereby a spring force is loaded into theshorter spring section 55 of the cantilever beam. - When the locking
shoulder 41 of theactuator head 23 engages the arrestingportion 43 of thehousing 1, theactuator head 23 is pressed by the spring force which was loaded in theshorter spring section 55 in a direction towards the arrestingportion 43. The lockingshoulder 41 is then positively locked with the arrestingportion 43. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is then finally in the locked position as shown inFig. 1 and theelectric contact element 63 is securely locked inside theterminal receptacle 5. - As an alternative embodiment, the locking
element 29 can be formed as a portion of theactuator head 23 so that the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 does not comprise adisplaceable transmission member 27. -
Fig. 2 shows a cut view of a contact assembly 68 according to the invention with anelectrical connector 69 which comprises aconnector housing 1 as described above and shown inFig. 1 . Thehousing 1 comprises anelectric contact element 63 which is inserted in theterminal receptacle 5. Thehousing 1 according to the invention can comprise a plurality ofelectric contact elements 63 and is not limited to the twoterminal receptacles 5 as shown inFigs. 1 and2 . - The
head portion 65 of theelectric contact element 63 abuts theshaft wall 11 so that a movement into theterminal insertion direction 3 is prevented. Aterminal locking element 29, which is situated on adisplaceable transmission member 27, protrudes into therecess 67 of theelectric contact element 63 and positively locks the insertedelectric contact element 63 against movement in a direction opposite to theterminal insertion direction 3. - A pushing
portion 39, which is located at thefree end 37 of thedisplaceable transmission member 27, is adapted to press theelectric contact element 63 against aside wall 31 of theterminal receptacle 5 on a side opposite to the pushingportion 39. Thedisplaceable transmission member 27 is secured against movement away from theelectric contact element 63 by theactuator head 23. Theactuator head 23 is positively locked between thedisplaceable transmission member 27 and the arrestingportion 43 of thehousing 1. - The contact assembly 68 comprises a
second housing 71 for amating connector 73. In thesecond housing 71, amating contact element 75 is inserted. Themating contact element 75 may be adapted to protrude into theterminal receptacle 5 of theconnector housing 1 through the access opening 13 to establish an electric contact with theelectric contact element 63. In an alternative embodiment, theelectric contact element 63 can be adapted to protrude through the access opening 13 to mate with the matingelectric contact element 75 of amating connector 73. - The
second housing 71 may comprise a cover member 77, which is adapted to cover the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 of thehousing 1. The cover member 77 can be formed as a portion of an outer wall 78 of thesecond housing 71. - The
housing 1 may comprise a sealingarrangement 79. Alternatively, the sealingarrangement 79 can be formed as a part of thesecond housing 71. When the connectors are mated, the sealingarrangement 79 positively locks with the cover member 77 so that anenclosure 81 is formed, in which the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 is located. In an advantageous improvement, theenclosure 81 may form a sealed environment to protect the inner parts of theconnectors - The sealing
arrangement 79 comprises a sealingmember 87, made from a soft material. Depending on the shape of theconnector housing 1, the sealingmember 87 may be formed in a shape which fits around theconnector housing 1, encircling the connector housing perpendicular to theterminal insertion direction 3. The sealingmember 87 may be a ring. In parallel to theterminal insertion direction 3, the sealingmember 87 is situated between aninner barrier 89 and anouter barrier 91 of theconnector housing 1. - The
inner barrier 89 is situated adjacent to the guiding surfaces 61. Theinner barrier 89 may prevent a movement of the sealingmember 87 onto the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 when theelectrical connectors member 87 is moved against the terminalpositioning assurance device 19, it may lead to a removal of theactuator head 23 from its position between the connectingportion 43 and thedisplaceable transmission member 27. Therefore, theinner barrier 89 may prevent malfunction of the terminalpositioning assurance device 19. - The
inner barrier 89 may also be present when no sealingmember 87 is used, Theinner barrier 89 then protects the terminalpositioning assurance device 19 from colliding with other elements such as the housing of a mating connector. - Also, the
outer barrier 91 may be used without the need for a sealingmember 87 as a stop means for a mating connector. - The
outer barrier 91 is located at arearward end 93 of theconnector housing 1. During mating of theconnectors outer barrier 91 may stop the movement of theconnectors second housing 71 abuts on theouter barrier 91. Theouter barrier 91 prevents a displacement of the sealingmember 87 against theterminal insertion direction 3 during mating. - The
outer barrier 91 comprises afixation opening 95. Afixation member 97 of thesecond housing 71 may protrude through thefixation opening 95 during mating and fixate theconnectors fixation latch 99. - The terminal
positioning assurance device 19 is formed as a cantilever beam 50 and has a base 47 at theforward end 33 of thehousing 1. The terminalpositioning assurance device 19 extends basically in parallel with theterminal insertion direction 3. Anouter portion 83 of the cantilever beam 50 forms a barrier-free guiding portion 85 for thesecond housing 71 upon mating of the two connectors. Upon insertion of bothconnectors second housing 71 may slide along theouter portion 83 and are guided to simplify the mating of bothconnectors positioning assurance device 19.
Claims (12)
- Connector housing (1) for an electrical connector (69), the housing (1) comprising at least one terminal receptacle (5) for an electric contact element (63), the terminal receptacle (5) opening into a terminal insertion direction (3), forming a terminal insertion opening (9) for insertion of the electric contact element (63), the housing (1) further comprising at least one terminal positioning assurance device (19) which is formed monolithically with the housing (1) and which is accessible from an outside (21) of the housing (1), the terminal positioning assurance device (19) having an actuator head (23) which, in an unlocked position, is spaced apart from the rest of the housing (1) and, in a locked position, is positively engaged with and protrudes into a lateral opening (25) of the housing (1), whereby, in the locked position, a terminal locking element (29), which is operatively coupled to the actuator head (23), protrudes into at least one terminal receptacle (5), wherein the terminal positioning assurance device (19) further comprises between the terminal receptacle (5) and the actuator head (23), a displaceable transmission member (27), which, in the locked position, is elastically deflected into the terminal receptacle (5), the displaceable transition member (27) comprising the terminal locking element (29), wherein the actuator head (23) comprises a locking shoulder (41), which, in the locked position, is positively locked with a corresponding arresting portion (43) of the housing (1), the arresting portion (43) of the housing (1) being formed by a rim (45) of the lateral opening (25), characterized in that, in the locked position, the actuator head (23) presses against the displaceable transmission member (27) in a direction towards the terminal receptacle (5) and the actuator head (23) is positively locked between the displaceable transmission member (27) and the arresting portion (43) of the housing (1), wherein the displaceable transmission member (27) is formed as a cantilever beam, which extends basically in parallel with the terminal insertion direction (3) from a side of the housing (1) which comprises the terminal insertion opening (9) and extends towards a forward end (33) of the connector housing (1), and wherein the terminal positioning assurance device (19) has a base (47) and a free end (49), the base (47) being situated at the forward end (33) of the housing (1).
- Connector housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the displaceable transmission member (27) is formed monolithically with the housing (1) as part of a side wall (31) of the terminal receptacle 5.
- Connector housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the terminal positioning assurance device (19) comprises an elastically deformable pushing portion (39), adapted to push an inserted electric contact element (63) against a side wall (31) of the terminal receptacle (5), opposite the pushing portion (39).
- Connector housing according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the terminal positioning assurance device (19) comprises a base (47) and a free end (49) and is separated from the rest of the housing (1) by a straight side pull shaft (51), which extends continuously from the outside (21) of the housing (1) between the free end (49) and the rest of the housing (1) when the terminal positioning assurance device (19) is in the unlocked position.
- Connector housing (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the terminal positioning assurance device (19) and the displaceable transmission member (27) is at least in part formed as a cantilever beam (50).
- Connector housing (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the terminal positioning assurance device (19) is at least in part formed as a cantilever beam (50), which has a base at a forward end (33) of the housing (1).
- Connector housing (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the terminal positioning assurance device (19) is at least in part formed as a cantilever beam (50), which comprises at least two spring sections (53, 55) which are perpendicular to each other, and wherein a longer spring section (53) extends parallel to the insertion direction (3), and wherein a shorter spring section (55) extends in the direction of the lateral opening (25).
- Connector housing (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (1) comprises at least one guiding surface (60, 61) which is adapted to guide the actuator head (23) in a direction with a component perpendicular to the shorter spring section (55) to apply a spring force in the cantilever beam (50) which pressurizes the actuator head (23) in a direction towards the arresting portion (43) when the terminal positioning assurance device (19) is situated in the locking position.
- Connector assembly (68), comprising an electrical connector (69) which comprises a connector housing (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one electric contact element (63) is inserted in a terminal receptacle (5), the electric contact element (63) being positively locked in the terminal receptacle (5) by a terminal positioning assurance device (19) which is formed monolithically with the housing (1), wherein the electric contact element (63) is positively locked between a forward wall (33) of the terminal receptacle (5) and a displaceable transmission member (27), which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device (19), and being pushed against a side wall (31) of the terminal receptacle (5) by a pushing portion (39) of the displaceable transmission member (27), and wherein the displaceable transmission member (27) is locked against movement away from the contact element (63) by an actuator head (23), which is part of the terminal positioning assurance device (19).
- Connector assembly (68) according to claim 9, characterized in that the assembly (68) further comprises a second connector housing (71)for a mating electrical connector (73), wherein the second connector housing (71) comprises at least one cover member (77), which is adapted to cover at least one terminal positioning assurance device (19) of the first connector housing (1) at least in parts when the electrical connectors (69, 73) are mated.
- Connector assembly (68) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one of the connector housings (1,71) comprises a sealing arrangement (79) which is adapted to positively lock with a corresponding cover member (77) of the connector housing (71) of the mating electrical connector (73).
- Connector assembly (68) according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterized in that at least one of the connector housings (1,71) comprises a terminal positioning assurance device (19) which is at least in part formed as a cantilever beam (50), wherein an outer portion (83) of the cantilever beam (50) is aligned with an outer wall of the connector housing (1) at least in parts, and wherein the outer portion (83) of the cantilever beam (50) forms a barrier-free guiding portion (85) for the connector housing (71) of a mating electrical connector (73) upon mating of the electrical connectors (69, 73).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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IN3743CH2013 | 2013-08-23 |
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EP2846416B1 true EP2846416B1 (en) | 2020-02-12 |
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EP14181927.6A Active EP2846416B1 (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2014-08-22 | Connector housing with a monolithically integrated terminal positioning assurance device |
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JP6760147B2 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2020-09-23 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Shield terminal and shield connector |
JP7044813B2 (en) * | 2020-02-04 | 2022-03-30 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20120315797A1 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2012-12-13 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Socket housing |
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DE4205974C1 (en) * | 1992-02-27 | 1993-06-24 | Leopold Kostal Gmbh & Co Kg, 5880 Luedenscheid, De | Electrical plug connector with built-in latching for pins - provides section formed on housing that locates against pin flange and is held by latch stage |
EP0933835B1 (en) * | 1998-02-03 | 2003-09-10 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector |
FR2784510B1 (en) * | 1998-10-13 | 2000-11-10 | Cinch Connecteurs Sa | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR |
EP1176670B1 (en) * | 2000-07-29 | 2003-10-01 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical connector and housing for such a connector |
DE102007026582B3 (en) * | 2007-06-08 | 2008-12-04 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Connector housing with a fixation for an electrical contact element and an electrical line |
DE102010042826B3 (en) * | 2010-10-22 | 2012-03-15 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Electrical plug element with contact securing device and test stop |
DE102011002135B4 (en) * | 2011-04-18 | 2012-12-13 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Plug element with second contact fuse |
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2014
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US20120315797A1 (en) * | 2010-02-01 | 2012-12-13 | Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh | Socket housing |
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