GB2341982A

GB2341982A - Connector with rotating shutter

Info

Publication number: GB2341982A
Application number: GB9820515A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher John Shakespeare
Original assignee: MG Rover Group Ltd
Current assignee: MG Rover Group Ltd
Priority date: 1998-09-22
Filing date: 1998-09-22
Publication date: 2000-03-29
Also published as: GB9820515D0

Abstract

A connector arrangement comprising a first connector (1) and a second connector (2) arranged to have an electrically insulating shutter member (7) therebetween and relatively rotatable until apertures (12) within the shutter member (7) are aligned with respective couplings (8 to 11) within the connectors (1, 2). These couplings (8 to 11) penetrate through the apertures (12) to provide electrical coupling between wiring (3 to 6). The first connector (1) engages the shutter member (7) to rotate it until such alignment is achieved. Typically, engagement between the first connector (1) and the shutter member (7) will be through a screw thread. The engagement between the first connector (1) and the shutter member (7) may be released in order to facilitate subsequent connection between the couplings (8 to 11).

Description

2341982 A CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT The present invention relates to a

connector arrangement and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a connector arrangement for use within a motor vehicle.

It will be appreciated that the increasing sophistication and range of equipment installed within a modern motor vehicle requires greater electrical power distribution. In order to achieve such electrical power distribution within a motor vehicle, it is necessary to provide a wiring harness and this wiring harness will typically include connector arrangements.

As with most manufacturing processes, it is necessary to modularise and simplify installation of an electrical harness within a motor vehicle to reduce costs and complexity. However, it is also necessary to ensure that the electrical harness has sufficient resilience to withstand the general vibration along with wear and tear over a considerable period of time associated with a motor vehicle's life. Furthermore, space is at a premium within a motor vehicle and thus it is necessary on occasion to locate connector arrangements within a vehicle at relatively inaccessible or difficult locations.

Previously, slide type connector arrangements have been used. However, location and manipulation may be difficult. Furthermore, there is normally no electrical insulation between the connector couplings of the connector arrangement prior to connection such that where it is critical to ensure isolation of electrical circuit, both electrical and environmental, it is normally necessary to additionally include a manually removable cover between the two connector halves. It will be appreciated that removal of this cover can additionally provide problems within relatively inaccessible locations within a motor vehicle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector arrangement which substantially relieves the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a connector arrangement comprising a first connector and a second connector along with a shutter member, said first connector including engagement means to engage said shutter member and having first connector coupling means, said shutter member including aperture means and said second connector member including second connector coupling means, said first connector being arranged to engage the shutter member to rotate that shutter member to alignment between said aperture means with said first coupling means and said second coupling means for subsequent connection therebetween said first connector coupling means and said second connector coupling means through said aperture means.

The shutter member will normally be electricaRy insulating and so made from an appropriate material or otherwise configured to provide such 5 insulation.

The engagement means may be a'screw thread or friction bond or an interference bond or a bayonet-type engagement or adhesive or a magnetic engagement.

Typically, a first couphng means and the second coupling means win 10 respectively be reciprocal male and female elements. Normally, the couphng means will comprise a plurahty of respective couplings.

Tactile detent pips may be appropriately located between the first and/or the second connector and/or the shutter member in order to indicate ahgnment between the first coupling means and the second coupling means 15 along with the aperture means.

It will be appreciated that once aligned, penetration of the first coupling means and/or the second coupling means through the aperture means may prevent further shutter member rotation but allow the engagement means to bring the coupling means into further engagement therebetween. Furthermore, guide sleeves may be provided to facilitate additional alignment between the first connector and the second connector.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way 5 of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a pictorial cross-section of a connector arrangement just prior to full assembly or connection; Figure 2 is a pictorial cross-section of the connector arrangement depicted in Figure 1 when fully assembled or connected; and Figure 3 is a front perspective of a base connector associated with a shutter member.

In Figures 1 and 2, a connector arrangement in accordance with the present invention is depicted in pictorial cross-section. In Figure 1, the connector arrangement is illustrated just prior to mating of a first connector 151 and a second connector 2, whilst Figure 2 illustrates those connectors 1, 2 fully assembled and mated to form a resilient coupling between respective pairs of electrical wires 3, 4, 5, 6. Between the connectors 1, 2 is located a shutter member 7. Essentially, the connectors 1, 2 along with the shutter members 7 are all arranged to rotate about a central axis indicated by broken line F-R It can be seen that respective connectors 1, 2 each incorporate appropriate coupling members 8, 9, 10, 11 which are mutually engageable in pairs 8, 9 and 10, 11 in order to provide electrical connection between wires 3, 4 and 5, 6.

In accordance with the present invention, the shutter member 7 includes apertures 12 through which the coupling members 9, 11 penetrate to engage reciprocal coupling members 8, 10. In order to align these apertures 12 with the couplings 8 to 11 in accordance with the present invention, an engagement member 13 engages the shutter member 7 in order to rotate it about the axis of the connector arrangement indicated by F-R Typically, the engagement member 13 engages an engagement aperture 14 in the shutter member 7. Thus, the member 13 may include a screw thread to bite into the central aperture 14 until the apertures 12 are aligned with the couplings 8 to 11, whereupon this configuration is retained and the engagement member either pushed through or otherwise falls in the direction of arrow heads A to provide full engagement between the couplings 208 to 11. Alternatively, the engagement member 13 may engage shutter member 7 through a friction or interference engagement or a bayonet connection or an adhesive coupling to facilitate rotation of the shutter member 2 but allow through penetration in the direction of arrow heads A. Finally, the engagement member 13 may be magnetically coupled to the shutter member 2 to allow rotation and then subsequently pushed through in the direction of arrow heads A.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that the couplings 8 to 11 are typically of a reciprocal male and female type. Thus, the male elements 9, 11 are received by the female couplings 8, 10 and resiliently retained therein. Furthermore, it will be understood that normally within a connector arrangement in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of coupling pairs will be included in order to provide a multiplicity of electrical wire connections.

In order to initially align the male and female couplings, it will be appreciated that a key combination may be formed between reciprocal elements in each coupling. Thus, a detent key in accordance with such a regime must enter a reciprocal recess to initially align the couplings. Furthermore, distinct key combinations may be provided so that dissimilar electrical couplings, and more particularly electrical connection, cannot be made.

The purpose of the shutter member 2 is to ensure prior to full assembly as illustrated in Figure 2 that there is a significant electrical insulation barrier between the respective coupling pairs 8, 9 and 10, 11. In accordance with the present invention, this shutter member 2 including the apertures 5 12 is retained within the assembly upon full coupling as depicted in Figure 2 and so does not require a specific manual or otherwise removal from the assembly. In such circumstances, it will be appreciated that a less complicated connection between the connectors 1, 2 is achieved which will have great effect upon reducing assembly difficulty within the confines of a motor vehicle, etc.

Figure 3 illustrates in pictorial front perspective, the second (base) connector 2 with the shutter arrangement 7 located in alignment therewith. Thus, apertures 12 of the shutter member 7 are located directly above connectors 8, 10 such that respective couplings (not shown) from a first (upper) connector may enter these connectors 8, 10 as described above. The shutter member 7 is rotated through engagement with the engagement aperture 14 (not shown) in the direction of arrow heads B until this alignment is achieved. However, it will be noted, prior to "mating" connector 8, 10 there is no alignment to ensure the electrical contact elements are protected and isolated.

Once aligned, it will be appreciated that the manner with which downward insertion into the connectors 8, 10 is achieved is to a large extent a design choice. It is essentially the manner with which engagement between the engagement member 13 and the shutter member 2 is either continued or broken off after alignment, that is a design choice. Thus, as indicated in Figures 1 and 2, the engagement member 13 may substantially penetrate a deep well 15 within the second connector 2. Thus, the engagement member 13 in association with guide sleeves 16 of the first connector 1 about the second connector 2 facilitates additional guiding in the direction of arrow heads A. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that once alignment of the apertures 12 in the shutter member 2 with the couplings 8 to 11 is achieved further involvement of the engagement means between the first connector 1 and the shutter member 2 may no longer have any functional effect. Thus, the arrangement depends upon other factors, ie.

guide sleeves 16 to facilitate guiding for full engagement between the couplings 8 to 11. Furthermore, as indicated previously, a key combination could be used to provide initial alignment and distinct connector arrangement assembly.

In order to indicate when alignment is achieved, it will be appreciated 20 that detent pits can be provided between respective first connector 1, second connector 2 and the shutter member 2. Thus, upon achievement of alignment the pips are relieved into reciprocal depressions such that upon alignment in a tactile feel or an audible click is noted. In such circumstances, upon determination of alignment it will be appreciated that an overpressure, rather than further rotation, may be applied to force the connectors 1, 2 into full assembly as indicated in Figure 2 and with respective coupling pairs 8, 9 and 10, 11 providing an electrical coupling between respective wires 3, 4 and 5, 6.

It will be appreciated that once a proportion of a coupling 8 to 11 has penetrated the aperture 12 that further rotation of the shutter member 2 is prevented. Thus, the engagement member 13 engaging the aperture 14 of the shutter member will indulge in a slide rotation thereabout until the coupling pairs 8, 9 and 10, 11 are fully engaged. Such further engagement is precipitated by downward rotation normally about a screw thread in the direction of arrow head A. Thus, the engagement between the aperture 14 and the engagement member 13 will be at least capable of such slide rotation and so be of a frangible nature or the engagement member 13 could have an inward taper releasing contact between the aperture 14 and the engagement member 13 upon further movement in the direction of arrow head A. Alternatively, where adhesive or magnetic means are used to provide engagement between the member 13 and the aperture 14, it will be appreciated that such engagement may be localised such that upon achievement of alignment and thus further depression of the member 13 into the well 15 such localised engagement is released to facilitate downward movement in the direction of arrow head A. Finally, with a bayonet engagement between engagement member 13 and the shutter member 2, it will be appreciated that in order to release such engagement it may be possible to simply marginally reverse rotation in order to allow downward movement in the direction of arrow head A once alignment is achieved. In such circumstances, to ensure downward pressure is not presented when the couplings 8 to 11 is not aligned it will be necessary to prevent either bayonet disengagement or prevent downward movement through a frangible barrier in a guide channel for the bayonet detent.

Typically, the connectors 1, 2 along with the couplings 8 to 11 with wires 3 to 6 are all manufactured through a single moulding process. Substantially, the connectors 1 are made from a plastics material whilst the couplings 8 to 11 are metal inserts therein.

As indicated above, the shutter member 2 essentially prior to full 15 assembly of the connector arrangement ensures electrical isolation between the respective pairs of couplings 8 to 11. Thus, the shutter member 7 will normally be formed from a non-electrically conductive material appropriately stamped or be a plastic moulding to provide the apertures 12, 14 and the appropriate shape. However, it will also be understood that the shutter member may be impregnated or formed from a material which achieves a degree of gasket or potting or other adhesion between the connectors 1, 2 in order to resist disassembly.

It will be appreciated that the engagement member 13 could be formed from a material with a sufficient coefficient of expansion such that either it compressively engages the sides of the well 15 to facilitate resilient retention of the arrangement between connectors 1, 2 or to act as a selfdisconnection mechanism upon overheating of the connector arrangement, that is to say expansion of the engagement member lifts the first connector 1 in the opposite direction to the arrow head A and so withdraws the 10respective coupling 9, 11 from its paired connector 8, 10. Similarly, the shutter member 2 could augment such over temperature release or provide such protection itself.

Claims

-12CLAIMS

1. A connector arrangement comprising a first connector and a second connector along with a shutter member, said first connector including engagement means to engage said shutter member and having first connector coupling means, said shutter member including aperture means and said second connector including second connector coupling means, said first connector being arranged to engage the shutter member to rotate that shutter member to alignment between said aperture means with said first coupling means and said second coupling means for subsequent connection therebetween said first coupling means and said second coupling means through said aperture means.

2. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the shutter member provides electrical insulation between said first connector coupling means and said second connector coupling means prior to connection therebetween.

3. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein engagement means comprises a screw thread between the first connector and the shutter member releasable upon alignment of the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupling means with the aperture means.- 4. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the engagement means comprises a friction or interference engagement between the first connector and the shutter member releasable upon alignment of the first coupling means and the second coupling means with the aperture means.

5. A connector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the engagement means comprises a bayonet type coupling between the first connector and the shutter member releasable upon alignment of the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupling means with the aperture means.

6. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the engagement means comprises an adhesive bond between the first connector and the shutter member releasable upon alignment of the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupler means with the aperture means.

7. An arrangement as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the engagement means comprises a magnetic engagement between the first connector and the shutter member releasable upon alignment of the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupling means with the aperture means.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupling means comprises reciprocal male and female elements arranged to enter one another in order to provide connection therebetween.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupling means define a plurality of respective coupling pairs between the first connector and the second connector.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is provided between the first connector and/or the second connector and/or the shutter member, detent pips and depressions in order to indicate alignment between the aperture means and the first connector coupling means and the second connector coupling means by tactile feel and/or audible click.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein once alignment between the aperture means and the first connector coupling means and the second -connector coupling means is achieved, penetration of either said first connector coupling means and/or said second connector coupling means through said aperture means prevents further shutter member rotation but dpon such relative rotation between the first connector and the second connector, the engagement means brings said first connector Coupling means and said second connector coupling means into further engagement therebetween.

12. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first connector or said second connector includes guide sleeves to facilitate additional alignment between the first connector and the second connector.

13. An arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the engagement means includes an elongate engagement member to engage a well within said first connector or said second connector and said elongate engagement member being susceptible to thermal expansion in order to release said connection between said first connector coupling means and said second connector coupling means when a predetermined temperature is achieved.

15. A connector arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A connector arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim connected within an electrical harness of a motor vehicle.