MXPA98002792A - Orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag assemblies - Google Patents

Orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag assemblies

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Publication number
MXPA98002792A
MXPA98002792A MXPA/A/1998/002792A MX9802792A MXPA98002792A MX PA98002792 A MXPA98002792 A MX PA98002792A MX 9802792 A MX9802792 A MX 9802792A MX PA98002792 A MXPA98002792 A MX PA98002792A
Authority
MX
Mexico
Prior art keywords
connector
detonator
receptacle
electrically conductive
terminal
Prior art date
Application number
MXPA/A/1998/002792A
Other languages
Spanish (es)
Other versions
MX9802792A (en
Inventor
K Gauker Bradford
J Rhein David
J Lapraik Scott
Original Assignee
Thomas & Betts International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thomas & Betts International Inc filed Critical Thomas & Betts International Inc
Publication of MX9802792A publication Critical patent/MX9802792A/en
Publication of MXPA98002792A publication Critical patent/MXPA98002792A/en

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Abstract

An orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag assemblies is disclosed. A single initiator pin is provided axially aligned within a squib socket. An annular ground plate surrounds the initiator pin near the base of the socket. An associated connector includes a first, axially located terminal for electrical contact with the initiator pin and a second terminal comprising a depending beam radially aligned with the first terminal for electrically contacting the ground plate at any rotational orientation of the connector with respect to the socket. Eliminating a required rotational orientation of the connector simplifies its manufacture and assembly and its incorporation into a vehicle. Preferably, the entering wires are also axially aligned with the first and second terminals.

Description

ASSEMBLY NON-ORIENTED DETONER CONNECTOR FOR AUTOMOTIVE AIR BAG ASSEMBLIES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS This application claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 (e) of the provisional application of E.U.A. No. 60 / 024,017, filed on August 12, 1996, provisional application for E.U.A. No. 60 / 029,063, filed on the 1st. November 1996, and the provisional request for E.U.A. No. 60 / 035,680, filed January 24, 1997, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.
DECLARATION REGARDING THE GENERALLY SPONSORED SEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Any.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Supplementary inflatable fixings or air bag assemblies are becoming very common as a safety device in vehicles around the world. The assembly comprises an inflatable receptacle located in the steering tube, the dashboard beside the passenger, the side door panel, or seat. After a sufficiently large deceleration, the receptacle is inflated through an explosive device known as a detonator, which contains a material based on gun powder. The detonator is turned on electronically after sending a signal through wires from a deceleration or other sensor in the vehicle. The cables are attached to the detonator through a detonator connector, which plugs into the detonator receptacle. A common form of the detonator assembly has two pins, which extend into the receptacle, and an associated connector has two terminals, which are in electrical contact with the pins when the pin is connected to the receptacle. When the connector is removed from the receptacle, typically to service the inflation receptacle, a short circuit clamp or bypass is deflected to make electrical contact with the two pins to form an electrical connection between them to reduce the risk of ignition failure. example, through static electricity. The connector pushes the short circuit clamp out of electrical contact with the pins when the connector is plugged into the receptacle. During the manufacture of a two-pin detonator assembly, two aspects of rotational orientation must be addressed. The pins must be located in the correct locking position in relation to the connector and the detonator. Also, the pins must be parallel to each other perpendicular to the floor of the receptacle, or the entire assembly must be discarded. Also, during the assembly of the vehicle, the vehicle manufacturer must be aware of the direction of the cables. A key aspect must be provided to ensure proper orientation of the assembly. Other air bag connectors of the prior art are shown in US Patents Nos. 5,334,025 and 5,401,180.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a single-pin detonator connector assembly, which does not require rotational guidance. In the preferred embodiment, the connector assembly is axial, wherein the pair of wires entering the connector assembly are parallel to the longitudinal orientation of a single pin in the detonator receptacle. This type of connector is suitable for applications where space is limited, such as driver, passenger, side door, or knee support air bags, or seat belt pretensioners. More particularly, the connector assembly includes a connector and a cylindrical receptacle for receiving the connector. In the receptacle, a first terminal is provided through a single axial pin that extends along the central axis of the cylindrical receptacle and is anchored to the initiator cup of the detonator. A second terminal comprises a flat radially extended ground plate annularly surrounding the pin and fixed to the initiator cup within the receptacle. The ground plate includes a contact or short circuit member in the form of an inner ring, which surrounds the pin and is offset outward to contact the pin along an inner edge of the ring. In this way, a shunt is provided between the pin and the ground plate, when the connector is removed from the receptacle. The connector includes a first terminal or female comprising a pair of beams or doors, which contact the pin in the receptacle when the connector is inserted into the receptacle. A cover surrounds the beams to protect them from damage by the initiating pin during insertion of the connector into the receptacle. The connector also includes a second terminal in the form of a radially deflected dependent beam from the pair of beams connecting the pin. A contact ring is formed at the end of the dependent beam to encircle the female terminal and the center pin in the receptacle. During the insertion of the connector into the receptacle, the ring makes contact with the contact beam of the short circuit member; moving it down out of contact with the center pin. The contact member is capable of making contact with the ground plate in any rotational orientation with respect to the receptacle. The terminals include cable clamping sections, which hold associated cables that enter the connector either along the axis of the individual pin in the detonator receptacle or perpendicular to the pin axis. The connector includes a connector or housing body, a cover, and a connector position safety or CPA member. The cable clamping portions of the first and second terminals and the associated input cables are sandwiched between the housing and the cover, which are held together by a suitable closing mechanism, such as locking tabs, which preferably They are internal to avoid forcing or easy disassembly. The CPA includes a shell, which is slidable between an open position and a closed position on the cover. The connector body includes a closing arm, which is fixed on and closes an external slot in the receptacle. When the connector is engaged in the receptacle, the CPA slides to the closed position, where it is closed over a retainer key in the housing and, in this position, ensures proper placement of the connector in the receptacle and blocks the removal of the connector. Closing arm of the slot, so that the connector assembly can not be removed from the receptacle. To remove the connector assembly, the CPA is pulled up to uncouple from the housing retention key and unlock the locking arm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be fully understood from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view of a detonator connector assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the connector of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 1; Figures 4, 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views along the line BB of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 1, illustrating in connector in various positions with respect to the detonator assembly: Figure 7 is a cutaway view of the connector cover of Figure 1; Figure 8 is an isometric view of the connector housing of the connector of the Figure 1; Figure 9 is a side view of the connector housing of the connector of the Figure 1; Figures 10 and 11 are side views of the CPA of Figure 1; Figure 12 is an isometric view of the female terminal of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 1; Figure 13 is an isometric view of a cover attached to the female terminal; Figure 14 is an isometric view of the ground terminal of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 1; Figure 15 is a side view of a housing of the detonator assembly of the Figure 1; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C- of Figure 15; Figure 17 is a side view of a receptacle liner of the detonator assembly of Figure 1; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line D-D of Figure 17; Figure 19 is an isometric view partly cut away of a further embodiment of a detonator connector assembly according to the present invention; Figure 20 is an exploded view of the detonator connector assembly of the Figure 19; Figure 21 is a top plan view of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 19; Figure 22 is a side view of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 19; Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 19; Figure 24 is an isometric view of the connector cover of Figure 19; Figure 25 is a top plan view of the cover of Figure 14; Figure 26 is a side view of the cover of Figure 24; Figure 27 is a bottom view of the cover of Figure 24; Figure 28 is an end view of the cover of Figure 24; Figure 29 is a further end view of the cover of Figure 24; Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view along the line E-E of Figure 25; Figure 31 is an isometric view of the connector housing of the connector of the Figure 19; Figure 32 is a top plan view of the housing of Figure 31; Figure 33 is a side view of the housing of Figure 31; Figure 34 is a bottom view of the housing of Figure 31; Figure 35 is an end view of the housing of Figure 31; Figure 36 is a further end view of the housing of Figure 31; Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view along the line F-F of Figure 32; Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view along the line G-G of Figure 32; Figure 39 is an end view of a female terminal of the connector of Figure 19; Figure 40 is a side view of the female terminal of Figure 39; Figures 41 and 42 are partially cut away side views of a cover for use in a female terminal of Figure 39; Figure 43 is a top plan view of the female terminal of Figure 39; Figure 44 is an isometric view of the female terminal of Figure 39 with the cover and a cable attached; Figure 45 is a side view of a ground terminal of the connector of Figure 19; Figure 46 is a plan view of the ground terminal of Figure 45; Figure 47 is a further side view of the ground terminal of Figure 45; Figure 48 is an isometric view of the ground terminal of Figure 45 with a cable attached; Figure 49 is an isometric view of a CPA of the connector of Figure 19; Figure 50 is a plan view of the CPA of Figure 49; Figures 51 and 52 are side views of the CPA of Figure 49; Figure 53 is an end view of the CPA of Figure 49; Figure 54 is an isometric view of a ground terminal in the detonator assembly of Figures 1 and 19; Figure 55 is a partially cut isometric view of a further embodiment of a detonator connector assembly according to the present invention; Figure 56 is a top plan view of the connector housing of the Figure 55; Figure 57 is a side view of the connector housing of Figure 56; Figure 58 is a top plan view of the connector housing of the Figure 56; Figure 59 is an end view of the connector housing of Figure 56; Figure 60 is a further end view of the connector housing of Figure 56; Figure 61 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H of Figure 56; Figure 62 is a cross-sectional view taken along line l-l of Figure 56; Figure 63 is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of Figure 56; Figure 64 is an isometric view of the connector cover of Figure 55; Figure 65 is a top plan view of the cover of Figure 64; Figure 66 is a bottom plan view of the cover of Figure 64; Figure 67 is a side view of the cover of Figure 64; Figure 68 is an end view of the cover of Figure 64; Figure 69 is a somatic view of the CPA of the connector of Figure 55; Figure 70 is a top plan view of the CPA of Figure 69; Figure 71 is a bottom plan view of the CPA of Figure 69; Figure 72 is a side view of the CPA of Figure 69; Figure 73 is a top plan view of the female terminal of the detonator assembly of Figure 55; Figure 74 is a front view of the female terminal of Figure 73; Figure 75 is a side view of the female terminal of Figure 73; Figure 76 is a front view of the male terminal of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 55; Figure 77 is a side view of the male terminal of Figure 76; Figure 78 is a further embodiment of a ground plate for use with a detonator assembly of Figure 55; Figure 79 is a front view of a further embodiment of a male terminal of the detonator connector assembly of Figure 55; Figure 80 is a side view of the male terminal of Figure 79; Figure 81 is a further embodiment of a ground plate for use with the detonator assembly of Figure 55; Figure 82 is an isometric view of one more embodiment of a detonator connector in accordance with the present invention; Figure 83 is a further isometric view of the detonator connector of Figure 82; Figure 84 is a further isometric view of the detonator connector of Figure 82; Figure 85 is an isometric view of the connector body of the connector of the Figure 82; Figure 86 is an additional isometric view of the connector body of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 87 is a top plan view of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 88 is a bottom plan view of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 89 is a cross-sectional view along the line K-K of Figure 87; Figure 90 is an isometric view of the connector cover of Figure 82; Figure 91 is an isometric view of the CPA of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 92 is an additional isometric view of the CPA of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 93 is an isometric view of a female terminal of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 94 is an isometric view of a ground terminal of the connector of Figure 82; Figure 95 is an isometric view of one more mode of a ground plate according to the present invention; and Figure 96 is a side view of the ground plate of Figure 95.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1, the detonator connector assembly 10 of the present invention comprises a cavity or receptacle 12 of a detonator assembly 14 and a connector 16 sized to fit within the receptacle. As shown particularly in Figures 3 and 15-18, the receptacle includes a cylindrical housing 18 and a receptacle liner 20, which are fastened in a coiled form on an igniter or detonator ignition cup 22. A first terminal in the The shape of an individual initiator or ignition pin 24 is anchored to the initiator cup to extend along the central axis 26 of the receptacle 12. A second terminal or ground plate 28 is also anchored to the initiator cup 22. The plate to ground, shown particularly in Figure 54, includes a base plate 30 and an upwardly deflected contact or shorting member 32 formed as a beam connected to the base plate through a flexible hinge element 34. The beam of contact 32 includes a central elliptical opening 36 formed therein, through which the initiating pin 24 extends. The contact beam also includes a tip 38 for contacting an associated ground terminal on the connector, discussed below . The ground plate can be stamped and formed from a single piece of an electrically conductive, elastic material. The contact beam 36 provides an electrical bypass to the initiating pin 24, when the connector 16 is not present in the receptacle 12. The inner edge 40 of the opening 36 in the contact beam is positioned to make contact with the initiating pin. 24 when no force is applied to bend the contact beam down against the upward branch. The inner edge 40 is preferably laminated with an electrically conductive material to ensure good electrical contact between the contact beam and the pin. In this way, the terminals of the detonator are shorted when the connector is removed, minimizing the possibility of accidental ignition of the airbag due, for example, to static electricity. When the connector, discussed below, is inserted into the receptacle, it makes contact with the contact beam and pushes the contact beam down against the upward branch and out of electrical contact with the initiating pin. The ground plate 30 includes a number of downwardly dependent anchor members 42, which are welded to the initiator cup 22 through a suitable welding procedure. Two anchor tips are suitable, although any desired number can be used. The ground plate can be attached to the starter cup in other suitable ways. Preferably, if a welding process is used to join the plate to ground to the initiator cup, the ground plate is formed of the same material as the starter cup. A conductive material can be laminated on the upwardly facing surface of the tip 38 of the plate to ground, wherein a terminal of the connector 16 makes contact with the ground plate, as discussed below. The starter cup and the electrical circuit system contained therein are all other conventional aspects and known to those skilled in the art. The receptacle liner 20 in the receptacle housing 18 provides a dielectric insulation between the connector 16 and the receptacle housing 18, and between the initiator cup 22 and the receptacle housing 18. The dielectric insulation ensures that the positive and negative electrical elements / to ground are contained within the signal circuit and do not short circuit the chassis to ground. The liner is preferably formed of an injection molded plastic. The receptacle housing 18 is a mild steel or aluminum roll formed in a circular configuration, with an external depression 46 to provide a lip 48 for closing the connector 16, as discussed below. The internal diametral area includes a passage 50 to provide a positive location for the receptacle liner 20 and the initiator cup 22 when it is installed in the bottom of the receptacle housing. The thickness of the wall at the bottom 52 of the housing is reduced to allow attachment of the housing roller around the receptacle liner and the initiator cup to create a non-separable assembly, as shown in Figures 19 and 55. Referring to Figures 2-14, the connector 16 includes a connector body or housing 60 having a cylindrical dependent portion 62 that can be received within the cylindrical receptacle housing 18. A pair of terminals 64, 66 are mounted on the connector body for contacting the initiating pin 24 and grounding the plate 28 for electrical communication therewith when the connector 16 is inserted into the receptacle 12. A closing arm 68 is located on one side of the connector body for closing the receptacle, described later. The detonator connector also includes a cover 70 and a connector position safety fastener or CPA 72 surrounding the body and cover, also described below. The connector body 60, the cover 70, and the CPA 72 are formed from a suitable non-conductive material capable of meeting the structural requirements of the detonator connector. The connector body, the cover and the CPA can be adequately colored for easy visual recognition. The terminals are formed from a suitable conductive material. The materials are preferably laminated with a suitable conductive material. A pair of cables 74 from a signal source, such as a deceleration sensor, enter the conductor in a cable entry area 76 between the cover and the body. The edges of the cover and the body in the cable entry area can be surrounded for proportional cable tension relief. A cable fastening device 78, associated with each terminal and cable, comprising an insulation fastener 80 and a cable fastener 82 fixes each cable within the body. Each cable holding device is preferably formed with a single piece with its associated terminal through a suitable connec member to provide a good electrical communication path between the wires and the initia pin and the ground plate of the detonator. The cable holding devices and terminals are formed from a suitable conductive material. The cable holding devices are preferably laminated with a suitable conductive material. A ferrite block 84 for EMI / RFI protection is provided around the cables in a suitably sized cavity in the housing. The cable clamping devices and the ferrite block lie within appropriately configured depressions 86, 88, respectively, formed within the connector body 60. The depressions are generally aligned parallel to the axis 26 of the initia pin 24 in the receptacle. In this way, the wires that enter the connector assembly are aligned parallel to the initiator pin shaft, too. The first terminal or female terminal 64 in the connector body comprises two opposite beams 90, 92 (see Figure 12), which are dimensioned and stopped to make contact with the initia pin 24 of the detonator on its opposite sides. The beams are integrally formed with and depend on a generally box-shaped portion 94. A connec member 96 between the box-shaped portion 94 and the associated cable holding device 78 includes a deflection 97 configured to center the portion with box form 94 and the opposite contact beams 90, 92 within the cylindrical dependent portion 62 of connector body aligned along the axis 26. In this manner, the opposite contact beams are aligned with the initia pin, which is aligned with the central axis 26 of the detonator receptacle. Each beam is flexed in a convex manner inwardly between itself and the pin. The beams are sufficiently elastic to retain a deviation from each other, so that after the insertion of the connector into the receptacle, the pin is fixed between and pushes the opposite beams away from each other. In this way, each beam makes contact with the pin at least at one point, and the terminal as a whole makes at least two points of contact with the pin, as seen in Figure 3. A conductive material is laminated on Each beam in the area where the beam makes contact with the initia pin. Typically, the pin is also laminated with a compatible conductive material. A cover 102 (Figures 3 and 13) surrounds the opposing contact beams 90, 92 to protect them from damage during the insertion of the initia pin. The cover generally has a rectangular configuration and is attached to the upper end of the box-shaped portion of the female terminal at one end. The other end includes an opening 104 therein disposed below the ends of the opposite contact beams 92, 94.
If the connector is inserted at an angle in the receptacle or the initiating pin is flexed, the tip of the initiating pin strikes the end of the cover, instead of making opposite contact with the beams. The cover opening redirects to the connector on the pin. The cover, which is usually conductive, is preferably formed from a metal that can be fastened to the female terminal. The cover is formed in a rectangular box configuration. The dependent cylindrical portion 62 of the connector body includes a bottom face 106 having a central opening 108 (see Figure 9) located below the free ends of the opposite contact beams and the cover of the female terminal. During insertion, the central opening is fixed around and on the trigger pin of the detonator.
A chamfer can be provided around the edge of the central opening. The second terminal or ground terminal 66 in the connector body comprises a dependent end 110 having an annular contact ring 112 at its end (see Figures 4-6 and 14). The limb extends downward in a groove 114 (see Figure 8) formed on the surface of the cylindrical dependent portion 62 of the connector body, and the contact ring fits against the bottom face 106 of the cylindrical portion. The length of the beam is preselected so that the contact ring abuts and makes electrical contact with the contact beam tip 38 and the ground plate 28, when the connector is fully inserted into the detonator receptacle. The bottom face of the contact ring is preferably laminated with a suitable conductive material to ensure good electrical contact with the ground plate. Since the connector is inserted into the receptacle, the contact ring makes contact with the tip 38 of the contact beam of the ground plate, achieving a ground-circuit signal and pushing it down against its upward and out-of-contact derivation. with the initiating pin, releasing the electric bypass and retaining the contact force between the electrical elements. The tip is preferably laminated with a suitable conductive material to ensure good electrical contact with the ground terminal. With this configuration, the ground terminal 66 can make contact with the contact beam 32 in any rotational orientation. In this way, there is no preferred rotational orientation for inserting the connector body into the receptacle. This aspect simplifies the assembly of the detonator and connector, a problem with the detonator connectors of the prior art. Also, the incorporation of the detonator assembly in the vehicle is simplified, since the vehicle manufacturer does not have to be aware of the orientation of the detonator assembly to determine the direction of the cables in the body position of the vehicle. The closing arm 68 extends from one side of the connector body. The closure arm is integrally connected to the body through two flexible members 116 that function as a hinge and include a downwardly extending portion 118 and an upwardly extending portion 120. The downwardly extending portion fits on the outside of the receptacle. An inwardly extending lip 122 is provided on the downwardly extending portion. The lip 122 of the closing arm engages below the lip 48 of the receptacle housing to lock the body in the receptacle. To unlatch the receptacle connector, the upwardly extending portion 120 is compressed toward the center, thus pivoting the closure arm about the hinge axis and moving the downwardly extending portion 118 outward, and the lip 122 outwardly. of the slot 46 on the receptacle housing. With the lip uncoupled from the slot, the connector can be removed from the receptacle. In typical prior art receptacles, the connector is locked inside an internal slot or retainer, which can be machined in the receptacle. The external groove on the receptacle of the present invention can be manufactured in a plastic winding or plastic molding process, which is more economical and reduces the formation of undesirable round-ups and splinters, which accompany the machining procedures of the receptacles of the prior art. The cover 70 is fixed along one side of the connector body. A number of closure projections 126 with tab 128 on the ends, extend from the inner side of the cover to be fixed in complementary depressions 130 in the connector body. When the cover is placed with the fingers in the depressions, the tabs are adjusted by jumping under complementary shoulders 132 located within each depression, thus firmly retaining the cover to the body. The cover does not intend to be removed from the connector body once it has been locked in place. The CPA 72 (see Figures 2, 10 and 11) includes a ring-shaped shell 140, which circumferentially surrounds the housing and the cover when fixed together. A U-shaped slider 142 extends from the shell and slides between the open and closed positions along the longitudinal axis of the connector in a depression 144 formed on one side of the shell. In the closed position, the slide comes into contact with a wall 146 of the depression of the cover to limit its path in the direction of the closed position. In the open position, the slide rests against a projecting block 148 to limit its trajectory in the open position direction. A lower or closed position retainer 150 is formed in the cover near the edge, and an upper or open position retainer 152 is formed near the boss block. The U-shaped slider includes a tab 154, which fits within the upper detent 152 in the open position and within the lower retainer 150 in the closed position. During the assembly of the connector, the CPA slides along the depression 144 in the cover until the slide slides to a ramp portion 156 of the projecting block 148 and is fixed by jump in the projecting block. Once assembled, the CPA can not be moved back onto the projecting block, due to the very strong angle of the support wall 158 of the block.
With additional reference to Figures 4-6, the CPA also includes a closing beam 160, which is fixed within a slot or notch in the body 60. A 164 is provided in the body at the end of the slot. The upper side of the lip provides a closing surface, and an angled or ramp surface is provided below the lip. The end of the closing beam includes a latch 166 separated inward from the end of the latch.
The latch has a closing shoulder 168 on one side and a ramp surface 170 o the other side, generally corresponding to the ramp surface on the ab part of the lip 164. In the open position, shown in Figure 4, the closing shoulder 168 or the latch 66 rests against the closing surface on the lip 164, preventing the C from being slid into the closed position between the closing arm 68 and the connecting body The end of the closing beam 160 of the CPA 72 below the latch 166 is inclined inwardly and outward to provide two angled surfaces 172, 174. When the connector is inserted into the receptacle, the lower angled surface 174 abuts against the lip 48 of the The receptacle, thus deflecting the locking beam 150 outwardly and displacing the closing shoulder 168 of the latch 166 of the bearing with the closing surface of the lip 1 as seen in Figure 5. In the displaced position, the CPA is capable of moving towards the same position. closed position. Once the connector is seated within the receptacle, the CPA slides down to the closed position, shown in Figure 6. The upper angled surface 1 bears against the underside of the lip 48 of the receptacle. The CPA is held in closed position through tab 154 on the U-shaped slider 142 within the lower retainer 150 on the cover 70. Furthermore, when the CPA is in the closed position, the shell 140 of the CPA is fixed between the upwardly extending portion 120 closing arm 68 of the connecting body, preventing the upwardly extending portion from being pivoted toward the center of the body to unlock the closing arm. In this way, the CPA in the closed position prevents the connector body from being removed from the receptacle. To remove the connector body from the receptacle, the CPA is slid up into the open position, which allows the closing arm 68 to be flexed. A firm upward pull on the CPA is sufficient to move the U-shaped slider out of the lower retainer of the cover. In the assembly, two cables are fastened on the female terminal with the cover and on the ground terminal. The terminal-dependent beam grounded arches outward to spring-assemble the connector body. The free ends of the cables are fed through holes in the ferrite block. The female terminal, the cover end, is installed in the central rectangular hole of the connector body. The ground terminal cable clamping device is installed in the associated clamping depression of the body and pivoted downwardly with the beam dependent on the groove of the body, and the contact ring is fixed by jumping on the body bottom. The dependent beam can also be attached to the connector body. The ferrite block is located in its associated depression of the body. The cover is fixed by jumping on the body. The CPA slides on the body and covered and by jump is placed in place on the ledge. The finished assembly is verified for electrical continuity. A further embodiment of a ground terminal 418 within the connector body is illustrated in Figure 94. In this embodiment, the annular contact ring 404 at the end of the dependent end 406 of the ground terminal includes a number of burrs 408. .
Preferably, the lower face of the dependent cylindrical portion 414 of the connector body 412 includes corresponding depressions 424 for receiving the burrs (see Figures 84, 85 and 88). In the assembly, the annular ring is flexed at approximately 90 ° towards the limb, and the burrs are pushed into the depressions in the body using a suitable tool to retain the grounded material in the connecting body.
An additional embodiment of the detonator connector assembly without orientation is illustrated in Figures 19-53. In this embodiment, the detonator assembly 14 with the initiating pin and the ground plate are similar to that of the previous embodiment and are therefore designated with the same reference numbers used previously. The connector assembly is also a connector 202 having a connector body or housing 204 with a dependent cylindrical portion 206 and a pair of terminals 280, 282 therein. The wires 212 enter the connector at approximately 90 ° toward the initiating pin in the detonator assembly. A locking arm 214 extends from one end of the connector body opposite the cable entry area 216. The closure arm is integrally connected to the body through a flexible member 218, which functions as a hinge and includes a portion that extends downwards 220 and an upwardly extending portion 222. The downwardly extending portion fits over the outer part of the receptacle. An inwardly extending lip 224 is provided on the downwardly extending portion 220. The lip 224 of the closure arm engages under the lip 48 of the receptacle housing 18 to lock the connector in the receptacle. To unlatch the receptacle connector, the upwardly extending portion 222 is compressed towards the cable entry area 216, thereby pivoting the locking arm about the hinge axis and moving the downwardly extending portion 220 outwards and the lip outside the slot 46 in the receptacle housing. With the lip uncoupled from the slot, the connector can be removed from the receptacle. A cover 228 is fixed on the upper part of the upper body 204. A number of closing projections 230 with tongue 232 on the ends depend on the underside of the cover to be fixed on the complementary depressions 234 of the connector body. When the cover is placed with the projections in the depressions, the tabs are fixed by jumping under the complementary shoulders 236 located within each depression, thus firmly retaining the cover on the body. The cover does not intend to be removed from the connector body once it has been locked in place. A flexible beam 238 is formed by a slot 240 positioned on the rearward edge of the cover 228, composed of the cable entry area 216. A downward latch 242 is formed on the end of the flexible beam. A pole extending down is provided 244 on the bottom of the flexible beam. The connector body includes a depression 246 in a rear region opposite the cable entry area. When the cover is unlocked from the body, the post extending down over the cover is fixed within this depression. Referring to Figure 22, when the connector is inserted into the receptacle, a bottom of the post rests against the upper edge of the receptacle, thereby pivoting the flexible beam upwards for the purpose discussed below. A CPA 250 is slidable between the open and closed positions with respect to the cover and the connector body. The CPA includes a shell 252 and an arm 254 that extend outwardly from the shell to fit between the closure arm 214 and the connector body side above the hinge member 218. The CPA also includes a pair of sliders 256, 258, which slide into the respective slots 260, 262 in the upper part of the cover. A slide includes a projection 264 extending therefrom to an intermediate position, which fits into an opening 266 formed adjacent the slot in the cover. The projection rests against stops 268, 270 (see Figures 21 and 25) at the ends of the opening to limit the CPA path between the open and closed positions and prevent the CPA, once installed., be removed from the cover. One face 272 of the projection is angled to facilitate the installation of the CPA on the cover. The other slide 258 also includes a projection 274 extending from one end. Two detents 276, 278 are provided in the associated slot of the cover to receive the projection when the CPA is in the closed or open positions. A rounded configuration of the projection and ramp faces or curves of the detents facilitate the sliding of the projection inside and outside the seals. The moderate jump fixation of the projection on the closed position retainer 276 provides a tactile signal indicating that the CPA is in the closed position. The projection can be removed from the closed position retainer 276 by pulling firmly on the CPA and out of the open position detent 278 pushing firmly on the CPA. When the connector 202 is not inserted in the receptacle, the latch 242 of the flexible beam 238 on the cover 228 prevents the CPA 250 from being pulled all the way into the closed position. When the connector is inserted into the receptacle, the dependent post 244 on the flexible beam abuts the receptacle, thus pivoting the beam 238 upwardly and moving the latch 242 out of the path of the CPA 250 and allowing the CPA to slide toward in to the closed position. In this way, the CPA can not slide into the closed position unless the flexible beam is pivoted upward, and the flexible beam can not be pivoted upward unless the connector is properly accepted in the receptacle with the pole bumping into the upper edge of the receptacle.
In this way, the CPA in the closed position provides assurance that the connector has been properly inserted into the receptacle. Further, when the CPA 250 is in the closed position, the arm 254 of the CPA is fixed between the upwardly extending portion 222 of the locking arm 214 of the connector body 204, preventing the upwardly extending portion 222 from being pivoted. to the cable entry area 216 to unlock the closing arm. In this way, the CPA in the closed position prevents the connector body from being removed from the receptacle. A female terminal 230 with a cover 284 and a ground terminal 282 are provided, which are similar to the terminals 64, 66 respectively, described above. Each terminal has a cable holding portion 286, 288. A connecting portion 290 with a deflection 292 is provided between the female terminal 280 and its cable holding portion 286. In the assembly, the connecting portion is flexed approximately 90 down. The ground terminal 286 includes a dependent end 294, which is also connected to the cable holding portion 288 at an approximate 90 ° angle through a connecting portion 296. In the assembly, the two cables 212 are clamped on the cable holding portions of the female terminal 280 with the cover and on the ground terminal 282. The female terminal is inclined approximately 90 ° inward at the junction with the connection portion. The end 294 of the ground terminal is bent outwardly for the assembly of the spring in the connector body. The free ends of the cables are fed through holes in the ferrite block 295. The female terminal with the cover is installed in the central opening 298 of the connector body and its cable holding device is installed over an associated holding depression. 301 of the body. The ground terminal cable clamping device is installed in an associated clamping depression 302 and pivoted downwards with the limb dependent on the groove 304 of the body and the contact ring is placed by spring on the bottom of the body. Alternatively, burrs 418 that penetrate the lower face of the connector body can be provided on the ground terminal, as discussed above with reference to Figure 94. Other ways of fastening the terminal can be used, such as sonic welding. The ferrite block 295 is located in its associated depression 306 of the body. The cover is held by jump over the housing. The CPA is set by jumping in the horizontal slot of the deck. The finished assembly is verified for electrical continuity. A further embodiment of the detonator connector assembly of the present invention is shown in Figures 55-78. In this embodiment, the receptacle 324 includes a starter pin 326 and a ground plate 328 anchored to the cup 330. The ground plate includes an annular base plate, and the contact beam comprises an inner ring 334 formed within the plate of annular base and attached to the base plate through a flexible hinge element 336. The inner ring is flexed to be deflected slightly upwardly from the plane of the annular base plate to provide a bypass to the initiating pin when the connector is not present in the receptacle. The assembly comprises a connector 312 having a female terminal 314 and a ground terminal 316. The connector includes a connector body 318, a cover 320, and a CPA 322. The female terminal 314 in the connector body comprises two opposing beams 315, which are configured and separated to connect the initiating pin, as discussed above. The ground terminal 316 comprises a series of dependent beams 320, which contact the ground plate at the tip 322. The beams are formed with a serpentine configuration to give the beam elasticity and ensure good contact between the beam and the plate to ground with a minimum of downward contact force being applied to the beam. In a further alternative embodiment shown in Figures 79 and 80, the dependent beam may be a solid member 324 with a hook 326 at the tip, to provide elasticity at least at that site. In any embodiment, the bottom contact surface of the beam is preferably laminated with a suitable construction material to ensure good contact with the ground plate. The connecting member 328 between the ground material 316 and its associated cable fastening device 330, includes a deflection 332 that connects to the dependent beam. The connecting member and the bias are configured to align the dependent beam 320 generally along a radial line with the opposite contact beams 315 of the female terminal 314. Primary and secondary terminal locks are provided to ensure that the terminals in the Connector can not be accidentally pulled out of the connector. The primary closure is provided through a first tongue angled outwards, and extending upwards 334 over the box-shaped portion 336 of the first terminal 314, which abuts against the first downwardly facing shoulder formed within the connector body. In the connector assembly, the first terminal is compressed in the dependent cylindrical portion until the first tab is trapped under the first shoulder, thereby retaining the first terminal within the connector body. The second terminal similarly includes a second upwardly extending tongue that is angled outwardly 338, which abuts against a corresponding second downwardly facing shoulder formed within the body connector. In the assembly, the second terminal is also compressed in the dependent cylindrical portion until the second tab is trapped under the second shoulder, and thus firmly placing the second terminal inside the connector body. The secondary terminal closure is provided through a first member 342 dependent on the underside of the cover to come up against the upper part of the box terminal. Similarly, a second member 344 depends on the underside of the cover to bump against the second terminal at a slightly forward position of the cable grip of the cable fastening device. Additional security is provided through the rectangular members 346 formed in the underside of the cover, which come up against the cable clamping devices. The dependent cylindrical portion 350 of the connector body includes a central opening 352 aligned with the opposing contact beams of the female terminal and a second radially deflected opening 354, through which the tip of the ground terminal 316 extends. The opening central 352 fits around and over the starter pin 326. A chamfer can be provided around the edge of the central opening.
The connector housing includes two locking arms 360, which extend from each side of the connector body and include lips 362 engaged with the lip 48 in the receptacle housing. Each locking arm is similar to the locking arm discussed above. To remove the connector from the receptacle, the upwardly extending portions of both locking arms are compressed inwardly to each other to pivot about hinges 380. Cover 320, which is fixedly retained on the connector body, as discussed above, it includes a flexible beam 364 formed through two parallel slots 366 positioned at the rear edge of the cover, opposite the cable entry area. As with the cover discussed above, a downward latch 368 is formed on the end of the flexible beam, and a downwardly extending post 370 is provided on the underside of the flexible beam to be fixed within a depression 372 in the beam. connector body. When the connector is inserted into the receptacle, the bottom of the post abuts against the upper edge of the receptacle, thus pivoting the flexible beam upwards. The CPA 322 includes a shell portion 374, which is fixed around the rear edge of the cover and the rear region of the connector body. Two arms 376 having projections 478 on their ends extend outward from the shell and are secured between the closing arms 360 and the connecting body sides above the hinges 380. The CPA can be slid between the open and closed positions. . The stops 382 on the connector body abut the projections when they are in the open position to prevent removal of the CPA from the connector body and the cover. During assembly, the projections slide over the stops. Seals 384 are also provided on the connector body to receive the projections when the CPA slides into the closed position. As discussed above, the CPA can not be moved to the closed position unless the connecting body is properly inserted in the receptacle, and thus pivoting the flexible beam upwardly. Further, when the CPA is in the closed position, the CPA shell is fixed between the upwardly extending portions of the closing arms of the connector body preventing the upwardly extending portions from being pivoted inwardly with each other. In this way, the CPA in the closed position prevents the connector body from being removed from the receptacle. Figure 81 shows an additional mode of the ground plate in the receptacle. The ground plate 396 includes an annular base plate 397 and a contact beam, which is an elastic beam 398 that extends radially inwardly to contact the initiating pin. The tip or free end 340 of the contact beam flexes slightly downwards. A conductive band can be laminated on the tip 397 of the beam, where it makes contact with the initiating pin to ensure good electrical contact. The cylindrical portion of the connector body is formed such that when it is fully inserted, it extends slightly below the plane of the base plate to urge the elastic beam out of contact with the pin. In a further alternative embodiment, the ferrite body or other inductor body is molded onto the positive wire at the selected site just outside the connector to avoid scattered EMI / RFI signals from affecting the detonator. By placing the ferrite body out of the connector on the cable, the ferrite body can be placed in an optimal location. This location can be determined through the EMI / RFI test in a suitable installation. An additional advantage of placing the ferrite body outside the connector is that the size of the connector can be further minimized. Figures 82-94 illustrate one more mode of the connector, where the wires enter the connector at approximately 90 ° towards the terminals. As with the embodiments discussed above, the connector assembly 410 includes a housing connector body 412 with a cylindrical dependent portion 414 and a pair of terminals 416, 418 therein, a connector position safety member or CPA 420, a cover 422. The female terminal 416 includes a spring member 426 having the hairpin shape (see Figure 93) biased to contact a tab 428 on the ground terminal 418, when the CPA 420 is not fully engaged in the closed position in connector body 412 (see Figures 82 and 87). The CPA 420 includes an arm 430, which pushes the spring member 426 away from the tab 428 when the CPA is in the closed position in the connector body (see Figure 83). In this way, when the CPA is in the open position (see Figures 82 and 87) the terminals 416, 418 are shorted through the electrical contact between the spring member 426 and the tab 428. In this way, the You can perform the electronic diagnostic test during assembly to determine if a short circuit exists, instead of relying on a visual inspection to see if the CPA is fully engaged in the closed position. In this embodiment, the CPA also includes a cam arm 434 having a projection 436, which abuts against a stop 438 on the connector body 412 when the connector is not inserted in the detonator receptacle, preventing the CPA from being pushed towards the closed position with respect to the connector. The cam arm also includes a cam portion 440 depending on the arm 434. When the connector body is inserted into the detonator receptacle, the upper edge 245 of the receptacle (see Figure 22) is brought into contact with the cam portion 440 of the cam. cam arm, pushing the cam arm upwards and moving the projection 436 out of abutment with the stop 438 on the housing. Once the projection is no longer bumping against the stop, the CPA can be pushed to the closed position in the connector body. The CPA 420 includes an arm 444 which is secured between the upwardly extending portion 446 of the locking arm 448 of the connector body, preventing the upwardly extending portion from being pivoted toward the cable entry area 450 for unlocking the closing arm, as indicated by reference to the modalities discussed above. In this way, the CPA in the closed position prevents the connector body from being removed from the receptacle. Also the CPA includes a pair of slides 452, 454, which slide into respective slots 456, 458, within the connector body. The projections 462, 464 on the slides bump against the faces on the connector body to limit the CPA path between the open and closed positions and prevent the CPA, once installed, from being completely removed from the cover. A further embodiment of the ground plate 470 within the receptacle is shown with reference to Figures 95-96. In this embodiment, the ground plate 470 includes a base plate 472 having flat anchor tabs 474 for joining to the starter cup through a suitable welding procedure. Protrusions 476 may be formed on the anchoring tabs to assist the welding process. The ground plate also includes an upward deflecting contact or short circuit member 478 formed as a beam connected to the base plate through a flexible hinge element 480. The contact beam includes a central opening 482 formed in the same, through which the initiating pin 24 extends. A pair of downwardly dependent alignment tabs 484 extend from opposite sides of the contact beam 478 and corresponding pair of alignment tabs extending upwardly 486. they rise from the base plate 472. The upwardly extending tabs 486 are spaced apart to be fixed within and between the dependent tabs downwardly 484. In this way, when the contact beam 478 is pushed down out of contact with the initiating pin 24, the upwardly extending tabs 486 are able to bump against the downwardly depending tabs 484 to limit the lateral movement of the contact beam and the resulting inadvertent contact between the initiating pin and the opening 482 inside the beam

Claims (59)

contact. The invention is not limited to what has been particularly described illustrated, except as indicated in the appended claims. CLAIMS
1. - A detonator connector assembly without orientation for an automobile air bag assembly, the detonator connector assembly comprising: a receptacle comprising a cylindrical internal wall, defining a central axis, and a bottom surface, a first terminal electrically conductive extending axially along the central axis, and a second electrically conductive terminal comprising a short circuit member extending radially within the receptacle with respect to the center axis and deflected electrically contacting the first electrically conductive terminal when none is applied force external to the short circuit member; and a connector comprising a connector body having a cylindrical portion sized to engage in mating engagement within the cylindrical inner wall of the receptacle, a third electrically conductive terminal centrally located within the cylindrical portion and configured to make electrical contact with the first electrically conductive terminal when the connector is inserted in the receptacle, and a fourth electrically conductive terminal having a dependent member located within the cylindrical portion radially displaced from the third electrically conductive terminal and having a contact surface arranged to contact the second electrically conductive terminal and moving the short circuit member of the electrical contact with the first electrically conductive terminal in any angular orientation about the central axis of the connector with respect to the receptacle where the connector it is inserted in the receptacle.
2. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle further comprises a cylindrical outer wall having a circumferential groove formed therein, and the connector includes a locking mechanism comprising a configured lip. to be fixed within the slot at any radial location around the circumference of the receptacle.
3. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 2, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a closing arm connected in a hinge to the connecting body, the closing arm including a portion extending downwards, the lip extending down from a free end thereof.
4. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 3, wherein the closing arm further includes an upwardly extending portion, the hinge comprising a pivot point so that the movement of the portion that is extending upward and inward causes the downwardly extending portion to move outwardly uncoupling the lip of the slot in the receptacle.
5. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 4, further comprising a connector position safety member that moves between a closed position between the upwardly extending portion and the connector body, wherein the inward movement of the upwardly extending portion is avoided, and an open position in which the inward movement of the upwardly extending portion is possible.
6. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, wherein: the receptacle further comprises an upper edge; and the connector further comprises a flexible cantilever beam having a latch on its free end, and a post depending on the flexible beam, the post sized and configured to abut the upper edge of the receptacle when the connector is inserted into the receptacle for move the flexible beam and the latch upwards.
7. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 6, further comprising a connector position safety member mounted on the connector body for movement between the open position and a closed position, the connector position safety member is arranged to bump against the latch of the flexible beam when it is in position. the open position and to derive the latch of the flexible beam to move to the closed position when the flexible beam and the latch move upwards.
8. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, wherein the second electrically conductive terminal comprises a ground plate and a short circuit member comprises a beam including a ring portion surrounding the first terminal. electrically conductive and is connected to the ground plate through a flexible member, the flexible member is bent upwardly enough, so that an inner edge of the ring portion contacts the first electrically conductive terminal when it is not applied no force external to the short circuit member.
9. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 8, wherein the beam includes a tip extending from the ring portion and arranged to make contact with the fourth electrically conductive terminal, and wherein the surface of the The contact of the fourth electrically conductive terminal comprises an annular member disposed to abut against the tip of the beam when the connector is inserted into the receptacle.
10. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 8, wherein the ground plate includes an annular contact area and wherein the flexible member of the beam connects the beam to the plate to ground at a location within of the annular contact area, and wherein the contact surface of the fourth electrically conductive terminal comprises a tip of the dependent member.
11. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, wherein the second electrically conductive terminal comprises a plate to ground, and the short circuit member comprises a beam that extends radially inward from the plate to ground to make contact with the first electrically conductive terminal at its free end, when no external force is applied to the short circuit member.
12. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 11, wherein the cylindrical portion of the connector body includes a face disposed downward having an opening therein, the aperture sized to be fixed on the first electrically conductive terminal in the receptacle, the face arranged to contact and move down the short circuit member out of the electrical contact with the first electrically conductive terminal.
13. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, further comprising cable fasteners electrically connected to the third and fourth electrically conductive terminals and axially aligned with respect to the central axis.
14. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, further comprising cables connected to the third and fourth electrically conductive terminals in the connector, and an inductor body disposed around the cable connected to the third terminal in a location. outside the predetermined connector to minimize the effects of scattered signals on the detonator connector assembly.
15.- A detonator connector receptacle without orientation for an automobile air bag assembly, the detonator connector receptacle comprising: a cylindrical internal wall, defining a central axis, and a bottom surface; a first conducting terminal extending from the bottom surface axially along the central axis into the cylindrical inner wall; and a second conducting terminal comprising a short circuit member extending radially within the cylindrical inner wall with respect to the central axis and deflected making electrical contact with the first cylindrically conductive terminal when no external force is applied to the short circuit member .
16. The detonator connector socket without orientation according to claim 15, wherein the first conductor terminal comprises an electrically conductive pin.
17.- The detonator connector receptacle without orientation according to claim 15, wherein the second electrically conductive terminal comprises a ground plate and the short circuit member comprises a beam that includes a ring portion surrounding the first terminal. electrically conductive and is connected to the ground plate through a flexible member, the flexible member is flexed inwardly enough so that the inner edge of the ring portion contacts the first conductive terminal when no force is applied external to the short circuit member.
18. - The detonator connector socket without orientation according to claim 17, wherein the beam includes a tip extending from the ring portion.
19. - The detonator connector socket without orientation according to claim 17, wherein the ground plate includes an annular contact area, and wherein the flexible member of the beam connects the beam to the ground plate in an interior location of the ring contact area.
20.- The detonator connector receptacle without orientation according to claim 17, wherein the second conductor terminal further comprises a plurality of anchoring ends that depend on the plate to ground, the anchoring ends attached to the bottom surface of the receptacle.
21. The detonator connector socket without orientation according to claim 20, wherein the anchoring ends are welded to the bottom surface of the receptacle.
22. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 15, wherein the second electrically conductive terminal comprises a plate to ground and the short circuit member comprises a beam that extends radially inward from the plate to ground to making contact with the first electrically conductive terminal at its free end when no external force is applied to the short circuit member.
23.- The detonator connector receptacle without orientation according to claim 22, wherein the free end of the short circuit beam is flexed downwardly.
24. The detonator connector receptacle without orientation according to claim 15, further comprising a cylindrical outer wall, a circumferential retainer provided on the outer wall for receiving a closing mechanism in any radial orientation around the circumference of the wall external cylindrical
25. The detonator connector receptacle without orientation according to claim 15, wherein the cylindrical wall terminates at an upper edge providing an annular surface facing upwards.
26.- A detonator connector without orientation for an automobile air bag assembly, the detonator connector comprising: a connector body having a cylindrical portion, defining a central axis, configured to fit in matching engagement with the detonator receptacle; a first electrically conductive terminal, symmetrically located about the central axis within the cylindrical portion; and a second electrically conductive terminal located within the cylindrical portion radially deflected from the first electrically conductive terminal with respect to the central axis, and comprising a dependent beam having a contact surface at its free end.
27.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 26, wherein the first conductive terminal comprises a pair of opposed, elastic beams, the beams deviated from each other.
28.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 27, where the beams are convexly curved towards each other.
29. The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, wherein the first includes a box-shaped portion disposed within the connector body, the opposite beams depending on the box-shaped portion.
30.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 26, wherein the first terminal further comprises a cable clamping portion and an interconnection portion integrally formed between the opposing beams and the cable clamping portion, the interconnecting portion including a deflection arm, the opposing beams depending on the arm of deviation symmetrically around the central axis of the connector body.
31.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with claim 26, wherein the first terminal includes an outwardly extending member arranged to bump against an integrally formed shoulder within the connector body to retain the first terminal within the connector body.
32 - The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, wherein the contact surface of the second terminal comprises an annular member surrounding the first terminal.
33. The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, wherein the arm dependent on the second terminal further comprises an elastic portion.
34. The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 33, wherein the elastic portion comprises a serpentine configuration.
35.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 33, wherein the elastic portion comprises a hook configuration at the free end of the dependent beam.
36.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, wherein the second end includes an outwardly extending member disposed to bump against an integrally formed shoulder within the connector body to retain the second terminal within the connector body .
37.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 26, wherein the second terminal further comprises a cable clamping portion and an interconnection portion integrally formed between the dependent beam and the cable clamping portion, the interconnecting portion including a deflection arm, the dependent beam being dependent on the arm of deviation in a radially displaced site of the central axis of the connector body.
38.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, further comprising a cover fixed to the connector body, the cover including a flexible cantilever beam having a latch on its free end, a post depending on the flexible beam, the pole dimensioned and configured to abut an upper edge of the detonator receptacle, when the connector is inserted into the detonator receptacle, whereby the flexible beam and the latch move upwards.
39.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 38, further comprising a connector position safety member mounted on a connector body to move between an open position and a closed position, the position safety member of connector arranged to bump against the latch of the flexible beam when in the open position and to deflect the latch of the flexible beam to move to the closed position when the flexible beam and the latch move upwards.
40 - The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 38, wherein the cover includes a round edge adjacent to the cable entry area and the connector body includes an additional round edge opposite the round edge of the cover to provide cable resistance relief.
41. The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 38, wherein the cover includes dependent members located to cover the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal.
42.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, further comprising: a closure mechanism extending outwardly from the connector body for externally fixing around the detonator receptacle and includes a closure member that matches a corresponding retainer externally provided in the detonator receptacle.
43.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 42, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a closing arm connected in a hinge to the connecting body, the closing arm including a downwardly extending portion having a tongue disposed at its end, the tongue configured to be fixed with the retainer corresponding in the detonator receptacle.
44.- The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 43, wherein the portion extending downward is curved to conform to an external curved configuration of the receptacle.
45.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 43, wherein the closing arm further includes an upwardly extending portion, the hinge comprising a pivot point so that the movement of the extending portion upwardly inward causes the downwardly extending portion to move outwards, thereby uncoupling the tab of the detent in the detonator receptacle.
46. - The detonator connector without orientation in accordance with the claim 45, further comprising a connector position safety member that moves between a closed position between the upwardly extending portion and the connector body where inward movement of the upwardly extending portion is avoided, and an open position in which inward movement of the portion extending upward is possible.
47.- The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, wherein the cylindrical portion of the connector body includes a face disposed downwardly having an opening therein, the aperture sized to be fixed on an initiating pin in the detonator receptacle, the face arranged to make contact and move downwardly to a short circuit member out of electrical contact with the initiating pin.
48. The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 26, wherein the first terminal includes a cable clamping portion, the cable clamping portion axially aligned with respect to the central axis to receive a cable substantially parallel to the axis. central.
49.- A ground plate for use in a car-oriented detonator assembly having an individual, centrally and axially extended initiating pin, the ground plate comprising: an electrically conductive plate having an aperture centrally located therein, the plate sized and configured to be fixed within a cylindrical receptacle of the detonator assembly with the opening centrally located coaxially disposed about and separate from the initiating pin; and a short circuit member connected to the plate through a flexible hinge member and extending radially inwardly to contact the initiating pin when no external force is applied to the short circuit member.
50. The ground plate according to claim 49, wherein the short circuit member comprises a ring arranged to surround the initiating pin.
51. The ground plate according to claim 50, wherein the short circuit member further comprises a tip extending from the ring at an opposite end from the hinge member.
52. The ground plate according to claim 50, wherein the inner edge of the ring has a surface with an electrically conductive material.
53. The ground plate according to claim 49, wherein the short circuit member comprises a short circuit beam extending radially inward from the plate and having a free end located to make contact with the initiating pin. when the ground plate is disposed in the receptacle of the detonator assembly and no external force acts on the ring.
54. The ground plate according to claim 53, wherein the free end is flexed out of the plane of the annular plate.
55. The ground plate according to claim 49, further comprising a plurality of plate-dependent anchoring ends.
56. The ground plate according to claim 49, wherein the plate includes an electrically conductive portion disposed in a ring coaxially disposed about the initiating pin.
57. The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 5, wherein; the receptacle further comprises an upper edge; the connector comprises a stop face on its bottom surface; and a connector position safety member includes a cam arm having a cam surface thereon, the cam arm arranged to abut against the abutment surface in an open position, the cam surface arranged to contact the upper edge of the receptacle for moving the cam arm from the stop with the face of the stop after the insertion of the connector into the receptacle.
58.- The detonator connector assembly without orientation according to claim 1, further comprising a deviated short circuit member makes electrical contact between the third electrically conductive terminal and the fourth electrically conductive terminal, and a member arranged for movement between an open position and a closed position on the connector, the member disposed in the closed position to move the short circuit member of the electrical contact between the third electrically conductive member and the fourth electrically conductive member.
59. - The detonator connector receptacle without orientation according to claim 17, wherein the beam includes a first pair of collateral alignment tabs and the ground plate includes a second pair of collateral alignment tabs arranged to surround the outer faces of the first pair of collateral alignment tabs to minimize the collateral movement of the beam. 60 - The detonator connector without orientation according to claim 32, wherein the annular member includes burr elements for attaching to a lower face of the cylindrical portion of the connector body.
MXPA/A/1998/002792A 1996-08-12 1998-04-08 Orientationless squib connector assembly for automotive air bag assemblies MXPA98002792A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2401796P 1996-08-12 1996-08-12
US60/024,017 1996-08-12
US2986396P 1996-11-01 1996-11-01
US60/029,863 1996-11-01
US3568097P 1997-01-24 1997-01-24
US60/035,680 1997-01-24

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
MX9802792A MX9802792A (en) 1998-10-31
MXPA98002792A true MXPA98002792A (en) 1999-01-11

Family

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