JP2020145191A - High voltage electrical connector with cpa assembled on slider - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electrical connector including: a connector housing having a mating axis; and a mate assist device surrounding the connector housing.SOLUTION: A mate assist device is movable, along a mating axis in a mating direction, from a first position to a second position. A connector position assurance device is attached to the mate assist device, and is movable from a third position to a fourth position along the mating axis in the mating direction. The connector position assurance device is locked by first locking means in the third position when an electrical connector is not mated to an electrical counter connector, and the connector position assurance device is released by first unlocking means that is attached to the electrical counter connector when the electrical connector and the electrical counter connector are mated. The released connector position assurance device securely locks the electrical connector to the electrical counter connector by second locking means that is attached to the position assurance device when the connector position assurance device is moved to the fourth position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a high voltage electrical connector provided with a mating support system and a mating position guarantee device for locking the electrical connector to the mating electrical connector.

Electric vehicles in the near future, which are affordable to everyone, need to solve the technical challenges and cost savings associated with manufacturing this electric vehicle. In order to provide electrical energy to the electrical equipment of an electric vehicle, high voltage and even high current must be distributed by the electric wire harness. Wiring for electric vehicles requires wires with a large cross section and large electrical connectors. Electrical connectors must provide space for large electrical terminals and improved insulation performance. The result of all these requirements results in large and heavy wire harnesses, making it difficult to assemble them inside the vehicle body during the manufacture of electric vehicles. A mating support device is provided on the electrical connector for easier assembly. The fitting assist device includes integrated gears that assist manual work while mating the electrical connector to the mating electrical connector. Tyler's European patent document discloses such a connector with a mating support device. This type of mating assist device is technically used due to its smaller size, and the direction of operation is the same as the direction in which the electrical connector mates with the mating electrical connector. In addition, the electrical connector requires a connector position guarantee device, which ensures that the mated connector remains connected while operating in the electric vehicle. This connector position guarantee device causes problems if it is activated before the two electrical connectors are properly mated. When activated, the connector position guarantee device prevents accurate mating and requires the connector position guarantee device to be repaired or reset. This can be time consuming and costly, especially if the component is damaged.

Therefore, a high-voltage electrical connector technology is provided with a mating support device and a connector position guarantee device with improved handling performance when the electrical connector is frequently mated to the mating electrical connector during assembly of an electric vehicle. Need to be provided.

The purpose clarified by reading these and the following statements is solved by the electrical connector according to independent claim 1.

The present application relates to an electrical connector comprising a connector housing having a fitting shaft and a fitting support device attached to the connector housing and surrounding the connector housing. The fitting support device can move from the first position to the second position along the fitting axis in the fitting direction. The connector position guarantee device is attached to the fitting support device and can move from the third position to the fourth position along the fitting axis in the fitting direction. The connector position guarantee device is locked by the first locking means at the third position when the electric connector is not fitted to the other side electric connector, and the connector position guarantee device includes the electric connector and the other side electric connector. Is fitted, it is released by the first unlocking means attached to the mating electrical connector. When the connector position guarantee device is moved to the fourth position, the released connector position guarantee device firmly fixes the electric connector to the other side electric connector by the second locking means attached to the position guarantee device. ..

The disclosed invention uses a position guarantee device operated along the fitting axis of the electrical connector. This makes it much easier to handle, which allows the operator to activate the position guarantee device with his or her thumb after mating without taking his or her hand off the mating support device. Because there is. It is not possible to damage it during assembly because there are means to prevent accidental operation of the connector position guarantee device. Even if the operator pushes the connector position guarantee device while moving the fitting support device, the connector position guarantee device is not activated.

Preferably, the mating assist device is sleeve-shaped and surrounds the connector housing and mating shaft, and the mating assist device comprises a cavity adapted to hold the connector position guarantee device movably. There is. The cavity is integrated within the fitting assist device and the position assurance device can be pre-assembled within the cavity.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cavity comprises a cavity opening for inserting and operating the connector position guarantee device, which is a second end opposite to the first end of the fitting assist device. The first end is directed to the mating connector. The connector position guarantee device can be mounted when the mating assist device is already mounted in the connector housing and even just before the electrical connector is mated with the mating connector.

Preferably, the cavity is provided with a guiding means that guides the connector position guarantee device while being moved along the fitting axis from the third position to the fourth position.

Advantageously, the fitting support device comprises a flexible first arm protruding into the cavity, with the flexible first arm protruding in the opposite direction of the fitting direction.

Preferably, the flexible first arm comprises a first arm end and the first arm end comprises a rounded or wedge-shaped portion that points in the opposite direction of the mating direction.

Advantageously, the connector position guarantee device comprises a slider member with a flexible second arm projecting into the cavity, the second arm projecting in the mating direction.

Preferably, the second arm is provided with a second arm end and the second arm end is provided with a recessed surface facing the mating direction.

Preferably, the rounded or wedge-shaped portion of the end of the first arm cooperates with the recessed surface of the end of the second arm so that the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector are not fitted. In the meantime, it is adapted to prevent slippage orthogonal to the fitting axis when the end of the first arm is pressed against the end of the second arm. Since the shapes of the ends of the two arms are formed to fit each other, there is no risk of the ends slipping away when pressed against each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the end of the first arm is hemispherical and the target of the end of the second arm is hemispherical.

Advantageously, the end of the first arm has a rounded bar shape, and the target portion of the end of the second arm has a U-shaped groove corresponding to the rounded bar shape.

Preferably, the end of the first arm has a wedge shape, and the target portion of the end of the second arm has a V-shaped groove corresponding to the wedge shape.

Advantageously, the first locking means includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion protruding from the connector position guarantee device, and the fitting support device includes a support bar. The support bar is arranged between the first protrusion and the second protrusion to hold the connector position guarantee device in the third position. This is an easy design that does not require any additional parts.

Preferably, the unlocking means comprises a protrusion located on the shroud of the mating electrical connector, the protrusion engaging with the end of the flexible first arm and the end of the flexible second arm. Accordingly, the flexible second arm is flexibly deformed so as to be perpendicular to the fitting axis and to separate the first arm end from the second arm end, thereby guaranteeing the connector position. Unlock the device.

Advantageously, the second locking means comprises a locking bar located on the connector position guarantee device extending along the fitting shaft and is flexible when the connector position guarantee device is in the fourth position. The flexible deformation of the first arm is prevented.

In the following, the present invention is described exemplarily with reference to the attached figure.

It is a perspective view which showed the electric connector and the other side electric connector. It is a perspective view which showed the connector position guarantee device. It is a perspective view which showed the fitting support device. It is a perspective view which showed the electric connector which is not fitted. It is a detailed view which showed the cross section of the cavity containing the connector position guarantee device at a block position. It is an enlarged view which showed the cross section of the shape of the 1st arm end portion and the 2nd arm end portion. It is a perspective view which showed the electric connector in the mating position in the mating side connector. It is a detailed view which showed the cross section of the cavity and the connector position guarantee device in the operating position / release position. It is a perspective view which showed the electric connector in the mating position in the mating side connector. It is a detailed view which showed the cross section of the cavity and the connector position guarantee device at the fitted position. It is a perspective view which showed the electric connector in the mating position in the mating side connector. FIG. 5 is a detailed view showing a cross section of a cavity in a fitted position and a connector position guarantee device showing a locking bar.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electric connector 10 and a mating connector 100. The electric connector includes a connector housing 12 having a fitting shaft X, and a fitting support device 20 attached to the connector housing 12. The fitting support device 20 surrounds the connector housing 12. The fitting support device 20 can move from the first position P1 to the second position P2 in the fitting direction M along the fitting axis X. The connector position guarantee device 60 is attached to the fitting support device 20 and can move from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4 along the fitting axis X in the fitting direction M. When the electric connector 10 is not fitted to the mating connector 100, the connector position guarantee device 60 is locked at the third position P3 by the first locking means.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector position guarantee device. The connector position guarantee device 60 includes a slider member 62 having a flexible second arm 64. The second arm 64 projects in the fitting direction M. The second arm 64 includes a second arm end 66, and the second arm end 66 has a recessed surface oriented in the mating direction M.

In the electrical connector 10 according to claims 6 and 8, a rounded or wedge-shaped first arm end 28 is formed so as to cooperate with a recessed surface of the second arm end 66.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the fitting support device. The fitting support device 20 has a sleeve shape and surrounds the connector housing 12 and the fitting shaft X. The mating support device 20 includes a cavity 30 adapted to hold the connector position guarantee device 60 movably. The cavity 30 includes a cavity opening 34 for inserting and operating the connector position guarantee device 60. The cavity opening 34 is arranged at the second end 24 opposite the first end 22 of the fitting support device 20, and the first end 22 is directed to the mating connector 100. The cavity 30 includes a guide means for guiding the connector position guarantee device 60 while moving along the fitting axis X from the third position P3 to the fourth position P4.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an electrical connector that is not fitted. The fitting support device 20 is located at the first position P1, and the connector position guarantee device 60 is attached to the fitting support device 20 and held at the third position P3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing details of the electric connector 10 shown in FIG. The cavity 30 and the connector position guarantee device 60 are shown in a cross-sectional view. The fitting support device 20 includes a flexible first arm 26 projecting into the cavity 30. The flexible first arm 26 projects in the direction opposite to the fitting direction M. The flexible first arm 26 includes a first arm end 28. The first arm end 28 comprises a rounded or wedge-shaped portion that faces in the opposite direction of the mating direction M. The flexible second arm 64 of the connector position guarantee device 60 projects into the cavity 30 in the fitting direction M. The second arm 64 includes a second arm end 66, and the second arm end 66 has a recessed surface oriented in the mating direction M. The rounded or wedge-shaped portion of the first arm end 28, in cooperation with the recessed surface of the second arm end 66, is second while the electrical connector 10 is in an unfitted position. It is adapted to prevent slipping perpendicular to the fitting axis X when the arm end 66 is pressed against the first arm end 28. The first locking means includes a first protrusion 70 and a second protrusion 72 protruding from the connector position guarantee device 60, and the fitting support device 20 includes a support bar 21. The support bar 21 is arranged between the first protrusion 70 and the second protrusion 72, and holds the position guarantee device 60 at the third position P3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the first arm end 28 and the second arm end 66. The first arm end 28 has a wedge shape, and the target portion of the second arm end 66 has a V-shaped groove corresponding to the wedge-shaped bar.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the electric connector 10 and the mating connector 100 at the fitted positions.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the cavity 30 and the connector position guarantee device 60 at the release position. When the electric connector 10 and the mating side electric connector 100 are fitted, the connector position guarantee device 60 is released by the first unlocking means attached to the mating side electric connector 100. The locking release means includes a protrusion 115 arranged on the shroud 110 on the other side electric connection 100. The protrusion 115 engages the flexible first arm 26 and the flexible second arm 64, thereby flexibly deforming the second arm 64 perpendicular to the fitting axis and the end of the first arm. The portion 28 is separated from the second arm end portion 66, thereby unlocking the connector position guarantee device 60. The connector position guarantee device 60 can move to the fourth position P4 in the fitting direction along the fitting shaft X.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the electric connector 10 in the mating connector 100 at the fitted position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the cavity 30 and the connector position guarantee device 60 in the fitted position. The connector position guarantee device 60 is releasably held at the fourth position P4 by a second protrusion 72 that interacts with the support bar 21.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the electric connector 10 in the mating connector 100 at the fitted position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the cavity 30 and the connector position guarantee device 60 showing the locking bar in the fitted position. When the connector position guarantee device 60 is moved to the fourth position P4, the released connector position guarantee device 60 attaches the electric connector 10 to the other side electric connector 100 and the second locking means attached to the position guarantee device 60. More firmly locked. The second locking means includes a locking bar 68 arranged on the connector position guarantee device 60 extending along the fitting shaft X and is flexible when the connector position guarantee device 60 is at the fourth position P4. The flexible deformation of the first arm 26 of the above is prevented.

10 ・ ・ ・ Electrical connector 12 ・ ・ ・ Connector housing 20 ・ ・ ・ Fitting support device 21 ・ ・ ・ Support bar 22 ・ ・ ・ 1st end 24 ・ ・ ・ 2nd end 26 ・ ・ ・ 1st arm 28・ ・ ・ 1st arm end 30 ・ ・ ・ Cavity 34 ・ ・ ・ Cavity opening 60 ・ ・ ・ Connector position guarantee device 62 ・ ・ ・ Slider member 64 ・ ・ ・ 2nd arm 66 ・ ・ ・ 2nd arm end 68 ・ ・ ・ Locking bar 70 ・ ・ ・ 1st protrusion 72 ・ ・ ・ 2nd protrusion 100 ・ ・ ・ Mating connector 110 ・ ・ ・ Shroud 115 ・ ・ ・ Protrusion M ・ ・ ・ Fitting direction P1 ・ ・ ・ No. 1st position P2 ・ ・ ・ 2nd position P3 ・ ・ ・ 3rd position P4 ・ ・ ・ 4th position X ・ ・ ・ Fitting shaft

Claims (15)

An electrical connector (20) including a connector housing (12) having a fitting shaft (X), and a fitting support device (20) attached to the connector housing (12) and surrounding the connector housing (12). 10) And
The fitting support device (20) can be moved from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) along the fitting shaft (X) in the fitting direction (M), and the connector position is guaranteed. The device (60) is attached to the fitting support device (20), and the fitting direction (M) is attached from the third position (P3) to the fourth position (P4) along the fitting shaft (X). Can be moved to
The connector position guarantee device (60) is locked by the first locking means at the third position (P3) when the electric connector (10) is not fitted to the mating electric connector (100). The connector position guarantee device (60) is the first attached to the other side electric connector (100) when the electric connector (10) and the other side electric connector (100) are fitted. Released by unlocking means,
The released connector position guarantee device (60) has a second engagement attached to the position guarantee device (60) when the connector position guarantee device (60) is moved to the fourth position (P4). An electric connector (10) that firmly fixes the electric connector (10) to the other side electric connector (100) by a stopping means. The fitting support device (20) has a sleeve shape and surrounds the connector housing (12) and the fitting shaft (X), and the fitting support device (20) is the connector position guarantee device (20). The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, comprising a cavity (30) adapted to hold the 60) movably. The cavity (30) includes a cavity opening (34) for inserting and operating the connector position guarantee device (60), and the cavity opening (34) is a second of the fitting support device (20). The second aspect of claim 2, wherein the first end (22) is located at the second end (24) opposite the one end (22) and is directed at the mating connector (100). Electrical connector (10). The cavity (30) guides the connector position guarantee device (60) while being moved along the fitting shaft (X) from the third position (P3) to the fourth position (P4). The electrical connector (10) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a guiding means. The fitting support device (20) includes a flexible first arm (26) protruding into the cavity (30), and the flexible first arm (26) is in the fitting direction (26). The electric connector (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which protrudes in the opposite direction to the M). The flexible first arm (26) comprises a first arm end (28), the first arm end (28) being rolled in the opposite direction of the mating direction (M). The electrical connector (10) according to claim 5, further comprising a flat or wedge-shaped portion. The connector position guarantee device (60) includes a slider member (62) having a flexible second arm (64) protruding into the cavity (30), and the second arm (64) is fitted. The electric connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which protrudes in the direction (M). 7. The second arm (64) includes a second arm end (66), and the second arm end (66) has a recessed surface facing the mating direction (M). (10). The rounded or wedge-shaped portion of the first arm end (28) is fitted with the electrical connector (10) in cooperation with the recessed surface of the second arm end (66). To prevent slipping orthogonal to the fitting axis (X) when the first arm end (28) is pressed against the second arm end (66) while in a non-position. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 8, which is dependent on claim 6. The electrical connector according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first arm end (28) has a hemispherical shape, and the target portion of the second arm end (66) has a hemispherical shape. 10). The first arm end (28) has a rounded bar shape, and the target portion of the second arm end (66) has a U-shaped groove corresponding to the rounded bar shape. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 8, which is dependent on claim 6, or claim 9, which is dependent on claim 6. Depends on claim 6, the first arm end (28) has a wedge shape, and the target portion of the second arm end (66) has a V-shaped groove corresponding to the wedge shape. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 8 or claim 9, which is subordinate to claim 6. The first locking means includes a first protrusion (70) and a second protrusion (72) protruding from the connector position guarantee device (60), and the fitting support device (20) has a support bar (21). The support bar (21) is arranged between the first protrusion (70) and the second protrusion (72), and the connector position guarantee device (60) is placed at the third position (P3). The electrical connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is held. The unlocking means comprises a protrusion (115) disposed on the shroud (110) of the mating electrical connector (100), the protrusion (115) being a flexible first arm end (28). ) And the flexible second arm end (66), thereby causing the flexible second arm (64) to be perpendicular to the mating axis and the second arm. Any one of claims 1 to 13, which flexibly deforms the first arm end portion (28) from the end portion (66) so as to separate the first arm end portion (28), thereby unlocking the connector position guarantee device (60). The electrical connector (10) according to the item. The second locking means includes a locking bar (68) arranged on the connector position guarantee device (60) extending along the fitting shaft (X), and the connector position guarantee device (60) The electrical connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which prevents flexible deformation of the flexible first arm (26) when it is in the fourth position (P4). ..

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