EP3288123B1

EP3288123B1 - A connector apparatus having male and female connector assemblies and a method for assembling the connector apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3288123B1
Application number: EP17187152.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Franklin A. Holub; Vikas Azad; Darrell George
Original assignee: JST Corp
Current assignee: JST Corp
Priority date: 2016-08-22
Filing date: 2017-08-21
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-21
Also published as: EP3288123A1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a connector apparatus having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. In US 2012/0282791 A1 an electrical connector having a connector position assurance is described. US 5,759,058 A and US 5,628,649 A show further connectors with position assurance mechanisms. The connector position assurance (CPA) device is inserted into one of the connector assemblies to lock the male connector assembly and female connector assembly together as an additional locking assurance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention is a connector apparatus, comprising male and female connector assemblies as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1. In another aspect, the invention is a method of assembling a connector apparatus as it is defined by the features of independent claim 3. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.
To ensure that the connector position assurance (CPA) device is available to connect to the female connector assembly, the CPA device can be engaged, in a pre-lock position, to the female connector assembly prior to transport of the female connector assembly.
The male connector assembly and female connector assembly are engaged together, and the engagement thereof is assured when the CPA device is placed at a full-lock position.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention are set forth or are apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector apparatus of the present invention having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3, of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.
FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7, of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.
FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the CPA device.
FIG. 12 is a rear end elevational view of the CPA device.
FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the CPA device.
FIG. 14 is a side end elevational view of the CPA device.
FIG. 15 is a front end elevational view of the CPA device.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 11, of the CPA device.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the CPA device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector apparatus of the present invention having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. FIG. 1 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, the connector apparatus, generally referred to by reference number 1, which includes male connector assembly 100, female connector assembly 200, and CPA device 300.
The male connector assembly 100 has an opening 102 for accommodating the female connector assembly 200. The opening 102 can be referred to as the male connector opening 102. The female connector assembly 200 has an opening 202 for accommodating the CPA device 300. The opening 202 can be referred to as the female connector opening 202. The female connector assembly 200 includes a locking component 204. An aperture 220 is formed by the locking component 204, as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. In FIG. 2, a tooth of the CPA device 300 is referred to by reference numeral 312, and a first curved upper region of the CPA device 300 is referred to by reference numeral 302.
On the female connector assembly 200, the locking component 204 includes at least a front portion 216 and two side portions 218, as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the first curved upper region 302 of the CPA device 300 is shown to be penetrating the aperture 220 of the locking component 204.
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. The female connector assembly 200 has at least a first end 208 and a second end 210, at least one terminal aperture 212, and a top side 214. The female connector opening 202 is formed at the second end 210 of the female connector assembly 200. The first end 208 is to be inserted into the male connector opening 102 of the male connector assembly 100.
As shown in FIG. 3, the locking component 204 of the female connector assembly 200 is located at the top side 214.
FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. FIG. 4 shows multiple terminal apertures 212 of the female connector assembly 200, for receiving terminals (not shown). FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3, of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. As shown in FIG. 6, the female connector assembly 200 includes the locking component 204 having a front portion 216. The front portion 216 has a front edge denoted with reference numeral 216A and a rear edge denoted with reference numeral 216B, as shown in FIG. 6.
As shown in FIG. 6, the CPA device 300 has been partially inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200, and this can be referred to as the pre-lock position. FIG. 6 demonstrates that, for the pre-lock position, the teeth 312 have gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the teeth 312 have passed beyond the front portion 216. The teeth 312 are abutting and directly contacting the front edge 216A of the front portion 216, for the arrangement as shown in FIG. 6. Only one tooth 312 is shown in FIG. 6, because FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, but it can be understood that the CPA device 300 has two teeth 312 abutting and directly contacting the front edge 216A of the front portion 216, for the arrangement as shown in FIG. 6.
Also, FIG. 6 shows that, for the pre-lock position, the first curved upper region 302 has gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the first curved upper region 302 has not passed beyond the front portion 216. The first curved upper region 302 is abutting and directly contacting the rear edge 216B of the front portion 216, as shown in FIG. 6.
In the pre-lock position shown in FIG. 6, the teeth 312 have already passed under the front portion 216, but the first curved upper region 302 has not passed under the front portion 216.
The arrangement shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the pre-lock position, can be utilized during transport of the female connector assembly and at other times.
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position. FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position. FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7, of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position.
As shown in FIG. 10, the female connector assembly 200 includes the locking component 204 having a front portion 216. Front edge 216A of the front portion 216 is shown in FIG. 10. Also, rear edge 216B of the front portion 216 is shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 10 also shows that male connector assembly 100 has at least one latch 104. The male connector assembly 100 may also have additional latches. As shown in FIG. 10, the latch 104 will be at the rear edge 216B of the front portion 216 when the male connector assembly 100 is connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 is connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position. As shown in FIG. 10, the latch 104 is located between the rear edge 216B and the second end 210 of the female connector assembly 200. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the latch 104 is located between the rear edge 216B and the back 322 of the CPA device 300.
The latch 104 engages the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200. In particular, the latch 104 engages the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200. The male connector assembly 100 has a housing 122. The housing 122 forms the male connector opening 102. The latch 104 is on the interior of the housing 122, inside the male connector opening 102. The female connector assembly 200 has a housing 222. The housing 222 forms the female connector opening 202.
The teeth 312 engage the locking component 204 in order to hold the CPA device 300 to the female connector assembly 200 in the pre-lock position. In particular, the teeth 312 engage the front edge 216A of the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 in order to hold the CPA device 300 to the female connector assembly 200 in the pre-lock position.
The first curved upper region 302 engages the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200 in the full-lock position. In particular, the first curved upper region 302 engages the front edge 216A of the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200 in the full-lock position.
As shown in FIG. 10, the CPA device 300 has been fully inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200, and the female connector assembly 200 has been fully inserted into the male connector opening 102 of the male connector assembly 100. This can be referred to as the full-lock position. FIG. 10 demonstrates that the teeth 312 have gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the teeth 312 have passed beyond the front portion 216. FIG. 10 shows that first curved upper region 302 has gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the first curved upper region 302 has also passed beyond the front portion 216.
In the full-lock position as shown in FIG. 10, the first curved upper region 302 of the CPA device 300 is abutting and directly contacting the front edge 216A of the front portion 216. In the full-lock position shown in FIG. 10, the teeth 312 have passed under the front portion 216, and first curved upper region 302 has also passed under the front portion 216.
FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 12 is a rear end elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 14 is a side end elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 15 is a front end elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 11, of the CPA device 300. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the CPA device 300.
The CPA device 300 includes first curved upper region 302, second curved upper region 304, a pair of teeth 312, and other components as described herein. Although FIG. 17 shows an embodiment wherein the CPA device 300 has two teeth 312, it can be understood that, according to an alternative embodiment, the CPA device 300 can be modified to have only one tooth 312.
FIG. 11 shows that the CPA device 300 has a pair of arms 306. FIG. 17 shows an exterior surface 306A of one of the arms 306, and also shows an interior surface 306B of one of the arms 306. The exterior surfaces 306A of arms 306 have flat and smooth surfaces. The exterior surfaces 306A do not have protrusions extending outward away from the CPA device 300. Thus, the arms 306 can slide into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200.
The CPA device 300 includes a two-component locking system having an upper component 308 and a lower component 320.
The upper component 308 can also be referred to as a flexible beam. The upper component 308 is able to flex downward toward the lower component 320, for example. The upper component 308 extends forward from the second curved upper region 304 toward the front 316 of the CPA device 300. The upper component 308 has a front end 310 and side edges 324.
The lower component 320 extends forward from the back 322 toward the front 316 of the CPA device 300. The lower component 320 forms an aperture 314. Edges of the lower component 320 are curved upward. The edges of the lower component 320 are referred to by reference numeral 318.
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the side edges 324 are flat and smooth, and do not have protrusions extending outward toward edges 318 of the lower component 320. FIG. 17 also shows side edge 324 to be flat and smooth.
When the CPA device 300 is being moved from the pre-lock position to the full-lock position, the front portion 204 forces the first curved upper region 302 to move downward towards aperture 314 or into aperture 314.
The front end 310 of the upper component 308 has a surface that has rounded, smooth edges, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. The front end 310 of the upper component 308 is not split into multiple different sections.
The CPA device 300, with the above-described features and structural arrangements, allows the CPA device 300 to be in the pre-lock position and the full-lock position when inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200. The full-lock position of the CPA device 300 assures the full engagement, and subsequent locking, of the female connector assembly 200 to the male connector assembly 100.
A method for assembling the connector apparatus 1 shall now be described. With reference to FIG. 1, the CPA device 300 is inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200. The teeth 312 will travel under the front portion 216 of the female connector assembly 200. When the teeth 312 travel beyond the front portion 216 of the female connector assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 6, and the first curved upper region 302 has not yet passed under the front portion 216, this can be referred to as the pre-lock position. In the pre-lock position, the first curved upper region 302 is directly contacting the rear edge 216B, and the teeth 312 are directly contacting the front edge 216A, as shown in FIG. 6.
Next, the male connector assembly 100 is connected to the female connector assembly 200, by inserting the female connector assembly 200 into the male connector opening 102 of the male connector assembly 100.
Last, the CPA device 300 is moved from the pre-lock position to the full-lock position as described herein. The first curved upper region 302 will travel under the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 of the female connector assembly 200. When the first curved upper region 302 travels beyond the front portion 216 of the locking component 204, as shown in FIG. 10, this is the full-lock position. In the full-lock position, the first curved upper region 302 is directly contacting the front edge 216A, and the latch 104 is at the rear edge 216B, as shown in FIG. 10.
Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the the scope of the invention as dislosed in the appended claims. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

A connector apparatus (1), comprising a male connector assembly (100), a female connector assembly (200) and a connector position assurance (CPA) device (300), wherein
the female connector assembly (200) comprises a housing (222) having a first end (208), a second end (210) and a top side (214), wherein a female connector opening (202) configured to accommodate the CPA device (300) and at least one terminal aperture (212) are formed at the second end (210), and the top side (214) has a locking component (204) forming a front portion (216) and an aperture (220),
the male connector assembly (100) comprises a housing (122) forming a male connector opening (102) configured to accommodate the first end (208) of the female connector assembly (200), and a latch (104) formed on an interior of the housing (122) to hold the male connector assembly (100) to the female connector assembly (200) having the locking component (204), and
the CPA device (300) is configured to lock the male connector assembly (100) to the female connector assembly (200), wherein the CPA device (300) has a first curved upper region (302) and a second curved upper region (304), wherein the first curved upper region (302) is configured to penetrate
the aperture (220) of the locking component (204) of the female connector assembly (200), characterized in that
the front portion (216) of the locking component (204) of the female connector assembly (200) has a front edge (216A) towards the first end (208) of the housing (222) and a rear edge (216B) towards the second end (210) of the housing (222), and
the CPA device (300) has at least one tooth (312) configured to engage with the locking component (204), wherein
in a pre-lock position the CPA device (300) is partially inserted into the female connector opening (202), such that the locking component (204) engages with the CPA device (300) to hold the CPA device (300) to the female connector assembly (200) in that the at least one tooth (312) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216), and
in a full-lock position the CPA device (300) is fully inserted into the female connector opening (202), such that the locking component (204) engages with the CPA device (300) to hold the female connector assembly (200) to the male connector assembly (100) in that the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the latch (104) of the male connector assembly (100) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216), while the at least one tooth (312) is passed beyond the front portion (216).
The connector apparatus (1) as in claim 1, wherein the CPA device (300) includes a two-component locking system having an upper component (308) and a lower component (320), wherein the upper component (308) extends forward from the second curved upper region (304) towards a front (316) of the CPA device (300) and comprises the first curved upper region (302), and the lower component (320) extends forward from a back (322) of the CPA device (300) towards the front (316) of the CPA and comprises the at least one tooth (312).
A method of assembling a connector apparatus (1), comprising the steps of:
providing a female connector assembly (200) comprising a housing (222) having a first end (208), a second end (210) and a top side (214), wherein a female connector opening (202) configured to accommodate a connector position assurance (CPA) device (300) and at least one terminal aperture (212) are formed at the second end (210), and the top side (214) has a locking component (204) forming a front portion (216) and an aperture (220), wherein the front portion (216) has a front edge (216A) towards the first end (208) of the housing (222) and a rear edge (216B) towards the second end (210) of the housing (222);
providing a male connector assembly (100) comprising a housing (122) forming a male connector opening (102) configured to accommodate the first end (208) of the female connector assembly (200), and a latch (104) formed on an interior of the housing (122) to hold the male connector assembly (100) to the female connector assembly (200) having the locking component (204);
providing the (CPA) device (300) comprising a first curved upper region (302), a second curved upper region (304) and at least one tooth (312) configured to engage with the locking component (204),
accommodating the CPA device (300) in the female connector assembly (200) by partially inserting the CPA device (300) into the female connector opening (202) into a pre-locked position, wherein the first curved upper region (302) and the at least one tooth (312) penetrate the aperture (220) of the locking component (204) of the female connector assembly (200) and the at least one tooth (312) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216) to hold the CPA device (300) to the female connector assembly (200); and
accommodating the female connector assembly (200) into the male connector opening (102) of the male connector assembly (100) and fully inserting the CPA device (300) into the female connector opening (202) into a full-locked position, wherein the locking component (204) engages with the CPA device (300) such that the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the latch (104) of the male connector assembly (100) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216), to hold the female connector assembly (200) to the male connector assembly (100) while the at least one tooth (312) is passed beyond the front portion (216).
The method of assembling the connector apparatus (1) as in claim 3,
wherein the step of accommodating the CPA device (300) in the female connector opening (202) of the female connector assembly (200) further comprises a step of sliding a pair of arms (306) of the CPA device (300) into the female connector opening (202) of the female connector assembly (200).