WO1997029290A1

WO1997029290A1 - Cable connector

Info

Publication number: WO1997029290A1
Application number: PCT/AU1997/000064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Andrew Lance
Original assignee: Henderson's Industries Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1996-02-08
Filing date: 1997-02-07
Publication date: 1997-08-14
Also published as: AUPN795796A0

Abstract

A cable connector (1) for joining two lengths of cable (8, 9, 10, 11) of the kind having a tubular cover (16, 17, 18, 19) and a wire core (12, 13, 14, 15) slidable axially within that cover. The connector (1) includes two parts (2, 3) and the end portion of a respective one of two lengths of cable (8, 9, 10, 11) is attachable to each of those parts (2, 3). Each connector part (2, 3) includes a housing (4, 5) and a shuttle (6, 7) mounted on the housing (4, 5) for relative movement along a path extending generally in the same direction as the cable end portion attached to the respective connector part (2, 3). The housing (4, 5) and the shuttle (6, 7) of each part (2, 3) are connectable to the cover (16, 17, 18, 19) and the core (12, 13, 14, 15) respectively of a respective one of the two cable end portions. The two parts (2, 3) are movable into and out of an operative condition of the connector (1) at which the two parts (2, 3) are retained against separation and the two shuttles (6, 7) are interconnected to move in unison relative to the housings (4, 5). Interlocking means (28) functions to retain the two housings (4, 5) against separation and coupling means (22, 23) functions to retain the two shuttles (6, 7) against separation when the connector (1) is in the operative condition. The interlocking means (28) and the coupling means (22, 23) are automatically rendered operative as the connector parts (2, 3) are moved into the operative condition, and that movement involves two stages. During a first stage one part is moved towards the other in a direction transverse of the longitudinal axis of the connector when operative, and during a second stage the two parts are moved relative to one another about an axis of rotation extending transverse to the aforementioned longitudinal axis.

Description

CABLE CONNECTOR

This invention relates to cable connectors and is particularly concerned with means for connecting push-pull cables of the kind referred to as bowden cables. A connector according to the invention enables one length of cable to be connected to another so that the two cables can operate as a single unit.

The need for cable to cable connectors can arise where two parts of a cable controlled system are separately supplied to or are separately installed at the system site. An example situation of that kind exists in the vehicle manufacturing industry and in particular in relation to the installation of systems for adjusting the contour or position of seats and seat components such as head rests and back rests. In such situations it can be convenient to supply the relevant seat component with one part of the cable controlled system already installed. The other part of the system could be installed in the vehicle at any of a number of locations and for that purpose it may be convenient to supply that part separate from or not connected to the first part of the system. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with particular reference to control systems for vehicle seats, but it is to be understood that the invention has wider application.

In situations of the foregoing kind the part of the system which is installed in the seat component may comprise or include drive mechanism operable to cause adjustment of that component, and the other part of the system may comprise or include an actuator for that drive mechanism. Interconnection of the two parts may be facilitated if each part is supplied with a separate length of cable already attached so that it is only necessary to connect the two cable lengths in order to operatively connect the two parts of the system. Manufacturing programs require that connections of that kind be achieved rapidly and quality standards require the connection to be correct and secure.

A cable connector must be of a high standard to enable the competing demands of speedy execution and effective execution respectively for the connection task to be satisfied. Cable connectors as currently available are not entirely satisfactory. One conventional connector has the two cable ends enclosed in a two part cylindrical housing such that the cable ends cannot be seen when the two cable parts are clipped together. Care is required to properly interconnect the two cable ends and failure to exercise sufficient care can result in an incomplete connection which is not apparent until an attempt is made to operate the system.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable connector which enables rapid connection of two cable ends whilst minimising the possibility of the connection being incomplete or faulty. It is a further object of the invention to provide such a connector which enables simultaneous connection of more than one pair of cable ends, or which enables one cable end to be connected to a plurality of other cable ends in a single operation.

A cable connector in accordance with the invention is characterised in that it includes two housings each of which is connectable to the tubular cover of a respective one of two cable ends, and two shuttles each of which is connectable to the core of a respective one of the two cable ends and which is movably mounted on a respective one of the housings. The shuttles are releasably coupled together so that each moves relative to the housings in response to movement of the other. It is preferred that coupling of the shuttles is effected automatically as the two housings are moved into inter-locking engagement one with the other, and it is further preferred that such movement involves two stages. During the first stage an end portion of one housing is moved into engagement with an end portion of the other housing, and that movement is in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of that other housing. During the second stage the two housings are pivoted or otherwise moved relative to one another so as to adopt a condition of substantial longitudinal alignment, and the direction of that second stage movement is preferably different to the direction of the first stage movement.

The two stage interlocking movement substantially minimises the possibility of incomplete coupling between the two shuttles. In a preferred arrangement the coupling between the two shuttles is partially effected at completion of the first stage of the housing interlocking movement. It is also preferred that the various components of the connector are so arranged that the first stage of the housing movement cannot be completed unless there is at least partial coupling of the shuttles.

It is further preferred that the second stage of the housing interlocking movement cannot be commenced until the first stage is completed. Since failure of that first stage leaves one housing extending laterally relative to the other there is a clear visible indication that the coupling operation has not been successful.

The end portion of one housing may locate within the end portion of the other housing during the interlocking movement. For that purpose the last mentioned end portion (the female end portion) may be of substantially channel shape and the first stage of the interlocking movement may require the first mentioned end portion (the male end portion) to be inserted through the open side of the channel. The male end portion may have at least one locking lug which locates within a locking cavity of the female end portion when the first stage of the movement is completed. In a preferred arrangement failure to achieve that location will prevent execution of the second stage of the interlocking movement. It is further preferred that the two housings are retained in the final interlocked position by releasable retaining means such as snap engagable means. Embodiments of the invention are described in detail in the following passages of the specification which refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, however, are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect, so that the specific form and arrangement of the various features as shown is not to be understood as limiting on the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a semi-diagrammatic perspective view of one embodiment of the invention showing the two parts of the connector separated and being moved relative to one another to adopt the operative condition of the connector. Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing the two parts of the connector after a first stage of the movement towards the operative condition has been completed. Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the connector in the operative condition.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but showing another embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing yet another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of one part of still another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is concerned with the same embodiment as Figure 6 and shows the second part of the connector which is cooperable with the part shown by Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows the two parts of Figures 6 and 7 respectively joined to create the operative condition of the connector.

Figure 9 is a cross sectional view taken along line IX-IX of Figure 8. Figure 10 shows one part of the assembly shown by Figure 9 and in which the shuttle retainer is operative.

Figure 11 shows the second part of the assembly of Figure 9 ready to receive the part shown by Figure 10.

Figure 1 shows an example connector according to the invention which is adapted to connect two pair of cable ends. The general constructional features of that example embodiment could be adopted in a connector arranged to connect only one pair of cable ends.

The connector 1 of Figure 1 includes two interengageable parts 2 and 3 each of which includes a housing 4 and 5 respectively and a shuttle 6 and 7 respectively. The shuttle 6,7 of each part 2,3 is mounted on the respective housing 4,5 for relative movement as hereinafter explained.

Two lengths of cable 8 and 9 respectively are shown connected to the connector part 2 and another two lengths 10 and 11 are shown connected to the other part 3. Each cable length includes a tubular cover and a wire core slidable axially within that cover. The cores 12 and 13 of the cables 8 and 9 respectively each has an end portion secured to the shuttle 6, and the cores 14 and 15 of the cables 10 and 11 respectively each has an end portion secured to the shuttle 7. Any suitable means may be adopted for securing the cable cores to the shuttles. An end portion of each of the cable covers 16, 17, 18 and 19 is preferably located within a cylindrical passage of the respective housing 4 or 5 as shown and may be secured in place, but that is generally not necessary. It is usually sufficient if the end surface of each cover end portion abuts against an opposed surface of the respective housing.

In the example shown each housing 4 and 5 is elongate and the longitudinal axis of each extends generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the cable end portions connected to the respective housing. It is preferred, as shown, that each of the cable covers 16, 17, 18 and 19 is captured within the respective housing 4 or 5 so as to be retained against lateral movement or bending relative to the housing.

Each shuttle 6 and 7 is connected to the respective cable cores 12,13 or 14,15 so as to move those cores in the axial direction of their respective cable end portions. For that purpose it is preferred, as shown, that each shuttle 6 and 7 is mounted on its respective housing so as to be guided for movement along a particular path which extends substantially in the same direction as the cable end to which the shuttle is connected. In the particular arrangement shown each shuttle 6 and 7 is located within a channel 20 and 21 respectively formed within an end portion of the respective housing 4 or 5.

Any suitable coupling arrangement may be adopted for connecting the two shuttle 6 and 7 for movement as a single unit. In the example shown, the coupling includes a cavity 22 formed in the shuttle 7 and a head section 23 of the shuttle 6 which is receivable within the cavity 22. The head section 23 is joined to the body 24 of the shuttle 6 through a relatively narrow neck 25, and that neck is received in a slot 26 of the shuttle 7 when the coupling head 23 is being located within the coupling cavity 22. As will be apparent from Figure 1 the coupling arrangement is such that when the coupling is completed it is not possible to separate the shuttles 6 and 7 in the axial direction of the connected cable end portions. Indeed, the only way of disconnecting the coupling as shown is by moving the head 23 laterally out of the cavity 22 in one particular direction which is opposite to the direction of insertion. It will be apparent that coupling arrangements other than the particular arrangement shown and described could be utilised.

In the particular arrangement shown interlocking engagement of the two housings 4 and 5 requires the housing 4 to be moved relative to the housing 5 in the direction of arrow A (Figure 1) so that the end portion 27 of the housing 4 enters into the channel 21 of the housing 5 through the open side of that channel. Figure 2 shows the relative positions of the two housings 4 and 5 when that first stage of the interlocking movement is completed.

Completion of the first stage movement of the housings 4 and 5 is not possible unless each of the shuttles 6 and 7 is correctly located relative to its respective housing 4 or 5. Figure 1 shows the shuttles 6 and 7 correctly located for that purpose. As will be apparent from Figure 2 the coupling head 23 must be able to enter into the coupling cavity 22 in order for the first stage of the interlocking movement to be fully executed. Any suitable locking means may be utilised to achieve cooperable interlocking engagement between the two housings 4 and 5. In the example shown, that means includes a locking lug 28 at each side of the housing end portion 27 and a cooperable recess 29 for each lug 28 formed in the housing 5. The lugs 28 and recesses 29 are so arranged that each lug 28 is able to locate behind a step 30 formed in the base of the channel 21 and is also able to locate beneath a ledge 31 at the inner end of the channel 21. When the two housings 4 and 5 are in the interlocked position as shown in Figure 3 the back edge 32 of each lug 28 is opposed to and engageable with the adjacent step 30, and the upper edge 33 of each lug 28 is opposed to and engageable with the under surface of the adjacent ledge 31. The front surface 34 of each lug 28 is opposed to and engageable with a surface (not shown) of the housing 5. It is therefore not possible to separate the housings 4 and 5 in the longitudinal direction, nor is it possible to lift the housing end portion 27 out of the channel 21 without first rotating the housing 4 relative to the housing 5 so as to adopt the position shown in Figure 2.

The locking means is therefore rendered operative by a keying operation which involves partial rotation of the two housings 4 and 5. Relative rotation of the housings in one direction renders the locking means operative and relative rotation in an opposite direction releases the locking means.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the second stage of the interlocking movement involves moving the housing 4 relative to the housing 5 in the direction of arrow B (Figure 2). That movement is essentially a rotational movement. It will also be apparent that a single lug 28 and cooperable recess

29 could be used rather than two lugs and two recesses as shown.

Furthermore, locking means of a different configuration or different manner of operation could be adopted. Retaining means may be provided to releasably hold the two housings 4 and 5 against movement out of the interlocked position as shown by Figure 3. In the arrangement shown the retaining means is of the snap engageable kind and includes a detent 35 at each side of the channel 21 and positioned to locate over an upper surface 36 of the housing 4 as shown in Figure 3. Sloping camming surfaces 37 and 38 provided on the detent 35 and the housing 4 respectively are engageable to spread the detents 35 apart and thereby permit passage of the housing end portion 27 into the Figure 3 position. The housing 4 may be composed of a material such as a plastics material having sufficient flexibility to cause the detents 35 to return from the spread condition.

When the housings 4 and 5 are in the interlocked position as shown by Figure 3 the two channels 20 and 21 combine to form a passage within which the coupled shuttles 6 and 7 can move. The longitudinal extent of the passage will be determined according to the maximum expected travel of the coupled shuttles 6 and 7.

In the particular arrangement shown a button 39 (Figure 3) is connected to the shuttle 6 so as to be movable with that shuttle. The button 39 is exposed at a top surface 40 of the housing 4 and the connection between that button 39 and the shuttle 6 is slidable within a slot 41. The button 39 extends over and slidably engages the top surface 40 and thereby holds the shuttle 6 against downward movement out of the channel 20 when the housings 4 and 5 are disconnected as shown in Figure 1 for example. The button 39 also enables the shuttle 6 to be manually moved to and held in the correct position for effecting interlocking engagement of the housings 4 and 5 and provides a visible indication of the position of the shuttle 6.

Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 but shows a different embodiment of the invention in which a single cable is connected to one of the shuttles and two cables are connected to the other shuttle. Apart from that difference the Figure

4 embodiment is essentially the same as the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 is similar to Figure 1 but shows another embodiment of the invention in which four cables are interconnected through three pair of mating shuttles 6 and 7. In this embodiment a support bar 42 serves to hold the shuttles 6 against downward movement out of the channel 20, or the respective channel 20 within which the shuttle is located, and thereby substitutes for one function of the button 39 which may or may not be used in this embodiment. The bar 42 is formed integral with or otherwise fixed to the housing 4 and each shuttle 6 slidably bears on an upper surface of the bar 42. It will be appreciated that other means could be adopted to hold or support a shuttle 6 against downward movement out of the channel 20.

Figures 6 to 11 show yet another embodiment of the invention which includes means for retaining the shuttle 6 in a predetermined position preparatory to connecting the two housings 4 and 5. The predetermined position is a position in the range of movement through which the shuttle 6 can travel in the axial direction of the cable and is the position at which mating engagement with the shuttle 7 can be effected. It is preferred that the retaining means is automatically released as the two housings 4 and 5 are connected together so that the shuttle 6 can thereafter move in the required manner.

In the particular embodiment shown by Figures 6 to 11 the shuttle retainer is in the form of a clip 43 having a detent 44 adapted to engage with the shuttle 6. As best seen in Figure 10 that detent 44 locates within an opening 45 of the shuttle 6 when the clip 43 is operative and thereby prevents movement of the shuttle 6 in the direction of the arrow A. Figure 10 shows the shuttle 6 in the predetermined position for the particular embodiment of Figures 6 to 11. It will be appreciated that the clip 43 and the shuttle 6 can cooperate in a manner different to that described above.

Figures 6 and 7 respectively show a different one of the housings 4 and

5 before interconnection, and Figure 7 shows the clip 43 in its operative condition. When the housings 4 and 5 are interconnected as shown by Figure 8 the clip 43 is engaged with two ramps 46 which force the clip 43 upwards so that the detent 44 is removed from the opening 45. The shuttle 6 is thereby automatically freed of the influence of the clip 43 and can thereafter move as required for operation of the interconnected cables. It will be appreciated that other clip release means could be adopted. The embodiment of Figures 6 to 11 also differs from the previous embodiments in that a tongue 47 is provided on the shuttle 6 and is arranged to locate in the cavity 22 of the shuttle 7 as shown by Figure 9. Figures 10 and 11 show the two housings 4 and 5 separated and in diagrammatic cross- section as shown by Figure 9. It will be apparent from the foregoing that the present invention provides a relatively simple yet effective means for connecting cable ends in an efficient and positive manner.

Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable connector for connecting cables of the kind having a tubular cover and a wire core slidable axially within the cover, said connector including two parts each of which has a housing and at least one shuttle mounted on said housing for movement relative thereto along a path which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of a cable end to which the respective said part is connected when said connector is in use, said housing and said shuttle of each said part being connectable to the cover and the core respectively of a respective one of two cable ends, interlocking means which is operative to releasably retain said housings in cooperative engagement, and coupling means which is operative to connect the shuttle of one said part with the shuttle of the other said part so that each shuttle moves along the respective said path in response to corresponding movement of the other said shuttle, wherein said connector is caused to adopt either an operative condition or an inoperative condition in response to relative movement of said parts, said interlocking means and said coupling means each becomes operative in response to said connector adopting said operative condition, and the longitudinal axes of said cable ends are retained substantially parallel when said connector is in said operative condition.

2. A cable connector according to claim 1 , wherein said relative movement of said parts into or out of said operative condition includes relative movement about an axis of rotation which extends transverse to each said path.

3. A cable connector in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said relative movement of said parts includes two stages, and the nature of the relative movement of said parts is different in each of those stages.

4. A cable connector according to claim 3, wherein during a first said stage said two paths are angularly disposed relative to one another and relative movement of said parts is in the general direction of at least one of said paths, and during a second said stage said parts are moved relative to one another about an axis of rotation extending transverse to each said path.

5. A cable connector according to claim 4, wherein said first stage precedes said second stage when said connector is adopting said operative condition.

6. A cable connector according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said second stage cannot be completed unless said interlocking means is at least partially operative at the commencement of that stage.

7. A cable connector according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said coupling means is at least partially operative on completion of said first stage.

8. A cable connector according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said first stage cannot be completed unless said coupling means is at least partially operative.

9. A cable connector according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said second stage cannot be commenced until said first stage is completed.

10. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two said cable ends are substantially aligned when said connector is in said operative condition.

11. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said interlocking means is operative to prevent relative movement of said housings in the longitudinal direction of said cable ends and also in directions transverse to said longitudinal direction.

12. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said coupling means is operative to prevent relative movement of said shuttles in the longitudinal direction of said cable ends.

13. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein releasable retaining means is operative to prevent movement of said connector out of said operative condition.

14. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said interlocking means includes at least one locking lug provided on one said housing which locates within a cooperable recess of the other said housing when said connector is in said operative condition so as to prevent relative movement of said parts in the longitudinal direction of said cable ends.

15. A cable connector according to claim 14, wherein said lug is formed on an end portion of said one housing which overlies a base of an end portion of the other said housing, and at least part of said lug is located beneath a surface of said other housing which is spaced from and is opposed to said base, when the connector is in said operative condition.

16. A cable connector according to claim 15, wherein said base is the base of a channel formed in an end portion of said other housing, and said end portion of said one housing is located within that channel when said connector is in said operative condition.

17. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein a shuttle retainer is provided on the said housing of at least one said part and is operative to releasably retain the shuttle of that part in a predetermined position relative to the housing which is a position enabling proper operation of said coupling means when said connector is adopting said operative condition.

18. A cable connector according to claim 17, wherein retainer release means automatically renders said shuttle retainer inoperative in response to said connector adopting said operative condition.

19. A cable connector according to claim 18, wherein said shuttle retainer is provided on one said housing and said retainer release means is provided at least in part on the other said housing.

20. A cable connector substantially as herein particularly described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 22 April 1997 (21.04.97); original claims 1 and 5-9 amended; original claim 4 cancelled; remaining claims unchanged (2 pages)]

1. A cable connector for connecting cables of the kind having a tubular cover and a wire core slidable axially within the cover, said connector including two parts each of which has a housing and at least one shuttle mounted on said housing for movement relative thereto along a path which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of a cable end to which the respective said part is connected when said connector is in use, said housing and said shuttle of each said part being connectable to the cover and the core respectively of a respective one of two cable ends, interlocking means which is operative to releasably retain said housings in cooperative engagement, and coupling means which is operative to connect the shuttle of one said part with the shuttle of the other said part so that each shuttle moves along the respective said path in response to corresponding movement of the other said shuttle, wherein said connector is caused to adopt either an operative condition or an inoperative condition in response to relative movement of said parts which includes two stages of movement, said two paths are angularly disposed relative to one another and relative movement of said parts is in the general direction of at least one of said paths during a first said stage, said parts are moved relative to one another about an axis of rotation extending transverse to each said path during a second said stage, said interlocking means and said coupling means each becomes operative in response to said connector adopting said operative condition, and the longitudinal axes of said cable ends are retained substantially parallel when said connector is in said operative condition. 2. A cable connector according to claim 1 , wherein said relative movement of said parts into or out of said operative condition includes relative movement about an axis of rotation which extends transverse to each said path. 3. A cable connector in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said relative movement of said parts includes two stages, and the nature of the relative movement of said parts is different in each of those stages.

5 A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said first stage precedes said second stage when said connector is adopting said operative condition.

6. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said second stage cannot be completed unless said interlocking means is at least partially operative at the commencement of that stage. 7. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said coupling means is at least partially operative on completion of said first stage.

8. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said first stage cannot be completed unless said coupling means is at least partially operative. 9. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said second stage cannot be commenced until said first stage is completed.

10. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal axes of the two said cable ends are substantially aligned when said connector is in said operative condition. 11. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said interlocking means is operative to prevent relative movement of said housings in the longitudinal direction of said cable ends and also in directions transverse to said longitudinal direction.

13. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein releasable retaining means is operative to prevent movement of said connector out of said operative condition. 14. A cable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein said interlocking means includes at least one locking lug provided on one said housing which locates within a cooperable recess of the other said housing when said connector is in said operative condition so as to prevent relative movement of said parts in the longitudinal direction of said cable ends. 15. A cable connector according to claim 14, wherein said lug is formed on an end portion of said one housing which overlies a base of an end portion of the other said housing, and at least part of said lug is located beneath a