WO2012007343A1

WO2012007343A1 - Connection with connection position assurance (cpa) device on locking element

Info

Publication number: WO2012007343A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/061501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Chatelus
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics France Sas
Priority date: 2010-07-16
Filing date: 2011-07-07
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Also published as: FR2962857B1; FR2962857A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (1), comprising a first housing (2) adapted to receive connecting terminals for an electrical connection, and configured to be joined to a second housing (3a) of a second connector (3); a locking element (4) being pivotally supported by the first housing (2), movable between at least one unlocked position and at least one locked position, and being adapted to engage with the second housing (3a) at the locked position; and a CPA device (6) having an assuring element (6a), which in the locked position of the locking element is released to be movable from an indication position to a confirmation position. To decrease the mounting effort, according to the invention the assuring element (6a) is arranged on the locking element (4).

Description

CONNECTION WITH CONNECTION POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) DEVICE ON LOCKING ELEMENT

The invention relates to a connector, comprising a first housing adapted to receive connecting terminals for an electrical connection, and configured to be joined to a second housing of a second connector; a locking element being pivotably supported by the first housing, moveable between at least one unlocked position and at least one locked position, and being adapted to engage with the second housing at the locked position; and a CPA device having an assuring element, which in the locked position of the locking element is released to be movable from an indication position to a confirmation position.

In certain applications, in particular in automotive applications, electrical connectors must be securely mated to one another to prevent a disconnection of the electrical contacts due to vibration or impacts. Such connectors may be used in safety equipment such as airbag deployment systems. To make sure that the connector and the second connector are mated completely, connection position assurance (CPA) devices are used, which indicate that the connector and the second connector are at a completely mated state and/or lock the locking element at the locked position.

A problem which arises in the known connectors is the large space requirement. Space is required for arranging and for operating the locking element and the CPA device. Furthermore, known connectors with CPA devices require a high mounting effort, as after mating the connectors and operating the locking element, the CPA device has to be activated.

These problems are solved by the invention, for the connector mentioned at the outset, in that the assuring element is arranged on the locking element.

By arranging the assuring element on the locking element, the assuring element can be operated single-handedly together with the locking element. Furthermore, the assuring element may form a functional part of the locking element, allowing for downsizing the locking element.

The solution according to the invention may be combined in any way with the following further advantageous embodiments respectively and further improved. According to a first advantageous embodiment, the locking element may comprise a lever for pivoting the locking element from an unlocked to a locked position. The assuring element, at the indication position, may increase the lever length. Thus, the required forces for operating the locking element can be reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a connector according to the invention, the first housing can comprise a pivot which supports the locking element, wherein the assuring element, in the indication position, protrudes from the locking element in a radial direction away from the pivot. The pivot may define an axis around which the locking element is pivotable. The assuring element, at least at the indication position, may constitute a lever for operating the locking element or increase the length of a lever at the locking element. At the indication position, the assuring element can constitute an ergonomic locking element handle which, at least in the unlocked position of the locking element, is arranged fixedly with respect to the locking element. In particular, the assuring element, in the unlocked position, may be arranged fixedly in and/or against a locking direction of the locking element.

To allow for a movement of the assuring element in the locked position, the assuring element can be blocked by a locking mechanism, which engages with the assuring element in the unlocked position and which is automatically disengaged from the assuring element in the locked position of the locking element.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connector, the assuring element, in the confirmation position, can be received by the locking element. The assuring element can be retracted into the locking element when it is moved to the confirmation position. The locking element may be provided with a receptacle for receiving the assuring element. The assuring element can be adapted to slide into the receptacle of the locking element when the assuring element is moved into the confirmation position. Retracting the assuring element or arranging the assuring element within the locking element reduces the required space. Furthermore, as the assuring element does not protrude from the locking element in the confirmation position, objects disposed adjacent to the connector such as cables, cannot release the assuring element or be caught on the assuring element. In a further advantageous embodiment, in the confirmation position at least one overall dimension of the connector can be reduced. For example, the overall height of the connector or of a connector assembly comprising the connector according to the invention can be reduced to further decrease the required space.

To improve the ergonomic characteristics of the connector, the assuring element, at least in the indication position, may comprise or constitute a locking element handle which, at least in the unlocked position of the locking element and at least in a locking direction, is arranged fixedly with respect to the locking element. The size and the shape of the assuring element can be optimized to serve as grip. The assuring element can be provided with at least one recessed grip for picking the assuring element and for operating the locking element.

To allow for moving the assuring element from the indication position to the confirmation position, the assuring element can be arranged slidably or pivotably on the locking element. In particular, the assuring element can be arranged slidably in a radial direction or pivotably in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction. The radial direction points from a centre of rotation of the locking element to the assuring element.

To fix or to block the assuring element at the unlocked position of the lever, the first housing may be provided with at least one stop which, at the unlocked position of the locking element, locks a movement of the assuring element to the confirmation position.

The stop can be formed or constituted by a web which extends in parallel with a trajectory of the assuring element between at least two unlocked positions of the locking element. When the locking element is pivoted between an unlocked and a locked position, the assuring element on the locking element is moved along a trajectory. The stop may extend along the whole length of the trajectory. Thus, the stop can act as guidance to prevent the assuring element from being moved into the confirmation position.

According to a further possible advantageous embodiment of the connector, the assuring element in the confirmation position may engage behind the stop or abut the stop in locking direction. The engagement between the stop and the assuring element may serve to secure the locking element in the locked position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of a connector according to the invention, the assuring element can comprise at least one latching means which, at the at least one unlocked position of the locking element, engages with a catching means at the locking element, blocking a movement of the assuring element in the direction of the validation. The latching means can be constituted by an elastically deflectable protrusion. The catching means can be an opening or a recess in the locking element. The latching means can be adapted to be disengaged from the catching means by moving the locking element into the locked position.

To disengage the latching means from the catching means, the first housing can be provided with at least one protrusion, which at the locked position of the locking element, interferes with the latching means to release the latching means from the catching means.

The protrusion can be formed wedge-like. It can taper in and/or against the locking direction to facilitate sliding of the latching means onto the protrusion. When arranged on the protrusion, the latching means may be pivoted relatively to the lever in such a manner that an end of the latching means, which in the indication position is arranged within the catching means of the locking element, is moved out of the catching means.

The locking element may provide a counter bearing for the latching means. The counter bearing may be formed by an edge of the catching means. The latching means may have a protrusion or bulge to allow for pivoting on an abutting face of the locking element.

To decrease the overall dimensions of the connector in the locked position of the locking element and/or in the confirmation position of the assuring element, at least one peripheral surface of the assuring element can be aligned with at least one peripheral surface of the locking element. Thus, the peripheral surface of the connector in a mated state is flattened.

The invention will be described hereinafter in greater detail and in an exemplary manner using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The described embodiments are only possible configurations in which, however, the individual features as described above, can be provided independently of one another or can be omitted. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly configured according to the invention showing a first embodiment of the connector assembly in an unmated state;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first housing of a connector according to the embodiment of Fig. 1, the locking element being arranged at an unmated position;

Fig. 3 is a further perspective view of the housing of Fig. 2, wherein the locking element is positioned at an intermediate locked or unlocked position;

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the housing of Figures 2 and 3, wherein the locking element is positioned at a locked position;

Fig. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the housing of Figures 2-4, the lever being at the locked position and the assuring element being moved to a confirmation position;

Fig. 5B is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly configured according to the first embodiment of the connector assembly in a mated state;

Fig. 5C is a further schematic perspective view of the housing of Figures 2-4, wherein the locking element is positioned at a locked position;

Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector according to the invention in a mated state, the assuring element being moved to the indication position;

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly according to Fig. 6 in a mated state, the assuring element being moved to the confirmation position; Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a first housing of a connector assembly according to Figures 6 and 7;

Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective partial view of the housing of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a schematic sectional view of the second embodiment of a connector assembly according to Figures 6-9;

Fig. 11 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention.

First of all, the construction of a connector assembly configured according to the invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1, which shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly at an unmated state.

The connector assembly C comprises a connector 1 having a first housing 2 and a second connector 3 having a second housing 3 a, the first housing 2 being configured to be inserted into the second housing 3 a. Both the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 a are adapted to receive connecting terminals for an electrical connection, in particular for automotive applications.

The connector assembly C comprises a locking element 4 which is pivotally supported by a pivot 5 on the first housing and moveable between at least one unlocked position, which is shown in Fig. 1, and a locked position, which is shown in Fig. 5 A. At the unlocked position shown in Fig. 1, the locking element 4 can be secured by a catch 4b (see Fig. 2) at the inner side of the locking element 4, which engages with a latch 2a (see Fig. 2) on the housing 2. This securing can be disconnected by pushing the locking element in a locking direction L.

The locking element 4 is provided with a lever 4i for operating the locking element. The first housing 2 can be moved into the second housing 3a by pivoting the lever 4i. The locking element 4 is provided with tooth-like protrusions 4a having retaining surfaces for engaging retaining surfaces of recesses (not shown) within the second housing 3a. For mating the connector assembly, the first housing 2 is moved in a mating direction M into the second housing 3a up to a position at which the protrusions 4a engage with complementary shaped recesses of the second housing 3 a. The locking element 4 can now be pivoted in a locking direction L to leverage or to pull the first housing 2 via the protrusions 4a of the second housing 3a.

The connector assembly C comprises a connector position assurance (CPA) device having an assuring element 6a which is positioned at an indication position. At the indication position, the assuring element protrudes from the locking element 4 in a radial direction R pointing from the pivot to the end of the locking element 4. At the indication position, the assuring element 6a constitutes a locking element handle and thereby improves the ergonomic characteristics of the locking element 4. In particular, the connector assurance device 6 at its indication position increases the effective length E of the lever 4i. The position of the assuring element 6a with respect to the locking element 4 is locked at unlocked positions of the locking element 4. Thus, the assuring element 6a is fixedly arranged.

For securing the lever 4i in a locked position, the housing 2 has an opening 2e, which serves to receive a splint. The opening 2e penetrates the housing 2 and, at the locked position of the lever 4i, is arranged adjacent to the lever.

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first housing 2 of the connector assembly of Fig. 1. The locking element 4 and the assuring element 6a are shown in a sectional view. At the unlocked position of Fig. 2, a catch 4b of the locking element 4 is engaged with a latch 2a of the housing 2. The latch 2a retains the locking element 4 in the unlocked position, which corresponds to an end position of the locking element 4, to facilitate mating of the first housing 2 with the second housing 3a shown in Fig. 1. At this position of the locking element 4, the protrusions 4a can be inserted into the corresponding recesses in the second housing 3 a.

In the locked position of the lever 4, which is shown in Figures 4 and 5, the assuring element 6a is arranged slidably in and against the radial direction R. To lock the assuring element 6a in the unlocked position of lever 4 against a movement against the radial direction R, the first housing 2 is provided with a stop 2b. The stop 2b, at the unlocked position of the locking element 4, abuts the assuring element 6a in radial direction R and thereby blocks a movement of the assuring ele- ment 6a against the radial direction R. The stop 2b is constituted by an elongated web. The stop 2b extends circularly around the pivot 5 and along a trajectory T of the assuring element 6a.

As best shown in Fig. 3, the locking 2b keeps the assuring element 6a in the indication position, also when the locking element 4 is moved in the direction of the locked position shown in Figures 4 and 5. To reinforce the assuring element 6a at the indication position for the actuation of the lever 4i, the assuring element 6a may be provided with protrusions 6g, which protrude into recesses 4j (Fig. 2) of the locking element 4.

At the locked position of the locking element 4, the assuring element 6a can be moved against the radial direction R up to a position at which the assuring element 6a engages behind the stop 2b. A passing means 6b of the assuring element 6a, which is guided slidingly by a guiding means 4c of the locking element 4, abuts the stop 2b at the unlocked positions of the locking element 4. In the locked position of the locking element 4, the passing means 6b can pass the stop 2b and engage behind the stop 2b.

The assuring element 6a comprises a handle 6c and a passing means 6b. The passing means 6b protrudes from the handle 6c against the radial direction R. As the passing means 6b is guided by a guiding means 4c of the locking element 4, the assuring element 6a can be slid in or against the radial direction R, but is rigidly connected to the locking element 4 perpendicularly to the radial direction R.

At the locked position of the locking element 4, the locking element 4 engages with the first housing 2. An elastically deflectable tongue 2c of the housing 2 is deflected by a retaining portion 4d of the locking element 4 while the locking element 4 is moved into the locking direction L. When the locking element 4 has reached the locked position, the tongue 2c of the housing 2 engages behind the retaining portion 4d of the locking element 4 and locks the locking element 4 in the locked position.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the first housing 2, wherein the locking element 4 is positioned at the locked position. At this position of the locking element, the assuring element 6a is no longer blocked by the stop 2b and can be moved against the radial direction R into the confirmation position shown in Fig. 5A.

The locking element 4 is provided with a receptacle 4e for receiving the handle 6c or the assuring element 6a. The receptacle 4e is formed as a recess which can be shaped channel-like.

As best shown in Fig. 5A, at the confirmation position of the assuring element 6c, the outer or peripheral surface 6d of the assuring element is substantially aligned with the peripheral surface 4f of the locking element 4 and, in particular, with the sections of the peripheral surface 4f surrounding the receptacle 4e. Thus, the overall height HI of the first housing 2 is decreased when the assuring element is moved into the confirmation position. Furthermore, at the confirmation position of the assuring element 6a, the peripheral surface of the locking element 4 is flattened and thereby prevents any adjacent objects or passing cables from getting caught.

Fig. 5B shows a connector assembly configured according to the first embodiment of the connector in a mated state. For securing or locking the locking element 4 and the lever 4i at the locked position, a splint 8 is inserted into the opening 2e (see Fig. 5A) of the first housing 2. The splint 8 penetrates the first housing 2 and engages behind the lever 4i against the locking direction L.

Fig. 5C is a further schematic sectional view of the housing of Figures 2-4, wherein the locking element 4 is positioned at the locked position. Fig. 5C illustrates a retaining means for limiting the course of the connection position assurance device 6 and a retaining latch for maintaining the open or closed position of the connection position assurance device 6.

The course of the connection position assurance device 6 in the direction R can be limited by a hook-like shaped retaining means facing outwards at the end of at least one protrusion 6gi which in open position can connect to a counter hook 41 of the locking element 4.

Furthermore, a protrusion 6g₂ may be provided with a retaining latch 6j for maintaining the connection position assurance device 6 in open or closed position. The transition from the open position to the closed position is done by bending the latch 6j. Figures 6-11 show a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same reference numerals have been used. Since most of the details illustrated therein are identical to the first embodiment, only the differences thereto will be described in more detail.

Fig. 6 shows the second embodiment of the connector assembly C in a locked position of the locking element 4. The assuring element 6a, which is arranged pivotably on the locking element 4 or the lever 4i, is arranged at the confirmation position, at which the assuring element 6a protrudes from the locking element in a radial direction R. The assuring element 6a is connected to a pivot 4k on the locking element 4 or the lever 4i by a snap fit connection.

As can be seen in Fig. 6, the erected assuring element 6a constitutes a locking element handle 6c for operating the locking element 4. The locking element handle 6c increases the effective length of the locking element 4, thereby decreasing the forces for operating the locking element 4 and facilitating mating of the first housing with the second housing 3 a. As a surface 6a of the assuring element 6a, which at the indication position of the assuring element 6a points in a locking direction L, abuts an inner surface of the receptacle 4e, the assuring element 6a will not move with respect to the locking element 4 when pushed in the locking direction L.

At the mated state of the connector assembly C, the assuring element can be moved into the confirmation position shown in Fig. 7, at which the overall height H2 and the required space of the connector assembly C are reduced. The assuring element 6a can be flapped down up to the confirmation position. In the confirmation position, the assuring element 6a is received at least partially by the receptacle 4e. Furthermore, the assuring element 7 extends substantially perpendicular to the locking element 4. Thus, the overall height H2 of the connector assembly C is decreased.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the first housing 2. In the locked position of the locking element, protrusions 2d on opposing outer sides of the housing 2 serve to release the latching means 7 of the assuring element 6a, which are shown in Fig. 9. The protrusions 2d are formed wedge-like. From a section of maximal height they taper in and against the locking direction L. When the latching means 7 slide over the protrusions 2d, the latching means 7 are pivoted in a rotation direction S around an axis of rotation A and deflected perpendicularly to the axis of rotation A. The axis of rotation A extends in a radial direction R and perpendicularly to the locking direction L.

To facilitate releasing of the latching means 7, the latching means 7 comprise a lever portion 7a which is adapted to slide on the protrusion 2d. As the lever portion 7a is elongated in the locking direction L, the lever portion 7a transmits a moment of torsion onto the latching means 7 when being moved onto the protrusion 2d. The moment of torsion, which is directed around the axis of rotation A, causes a torsion of a torsion portion 7b of the latching means 7. To facilitate the rotation of the hammer-like shaped lever portion 7a, the torsion portion 7b has a reduced cross section.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of a connector assembly according to the invention. The locking element 4 is arranged in the locked position, at which the latching means 7 are released to be moved from an indication position to a confirmation position. The latching means 7 slide over the protrusions 2d and thereby are pivoted in rotation directions S 1 , S2 in the direction of the confirmation position, in which edges 6f of the latching means 7 are moved out of openings or catches 4g of the locking element 4. Thus, at the locking position of locking element 4, the assuring element can be moved into the confirmation position.

Fig. 11 shows section 11 of Fig. 10 in more detail. A counter-bearing 4h at the locking element 4, which may be formed from an edge of an opening or a catching means 4g, serves to support the latching means 7 rotatably. When the assuring element 6a is positioned at the indication position, the lever portion 7a of the latching means 7 is arranged within the opening or catching means 4g of the locking element 4, as shown by dashed lines. In the locked position of the locking element 4, which is shown in Fig. 11, the lever portion 7a is pivoted elastically up to the position of the sectional view shown in Fig. 11 and disengaged from the catching means 4g. At this position of the lever portion 7a, the lever portion 7a can pass the catching means 4g and the assuring element 6a can be moved into the confirmation position.

Claims

1. Connector (1), comprising:

a first housing (2) adapted to receive connecting terminals for an electrical connection, and configured to be joined to a second housing (3a) of a second connector (3), a locking element (4) being pivotally supported by the first housing (2), movable between at least one unlocked position and at least one locked position, and being adapted to engage with the second housing (3 a) at the locked position,

and a CPA device (6) having an assuring element (6a), which in the locked position of the locking element is released to be movable from an indication position to a confirmation position,

characterized in that the assuring element (6a) is arranged on the locking element (4).

2. Connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (4) comprises a lever (4i) for pivoting the locking element (4) from the unlocked to the locked position, the assuring element (6a) in the indication position increasing the lever length (E).

3. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the indication position, the assuring element (6a) constitutes a locking element handle (6c) which, at least in the unlocked position of the locking element (4) and in a locking direction (L), is arranged fixedly with respect to the locking element (4).

4. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first housing (2) comprises a pivot (5) which supports the locking element (4), wherein the assuring element (6a) in the indication position protrudes from the locking element (4) in a radial direction (R) away from the pivot (5).

5. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the confirmation position, the assuring element (6a) is received by the locking element (4).

6. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the confirmation position, at least one overall dimension (HI) of the connector (1) is reduced.

7. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the assuring element (6a) is arranged slidably or pivotably on the locking element (4).

8. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the assuring element (6a) is arranged slidably in radial direction (R) or pivotably in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction (R).

9. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first housing (2) is provided with at least one stop (2b) which, at the unlocked position of the locking element (4), blocks a movement of the assuring element (6a) to the confirmation position.

10. Connector according to claim 9, characterized in that the stop (2b) is constituted by a web (2b') which extends in parallel with a trajectory (T) of the assuring element (6a) between at least two unlocked positions of the locking element (4).

11. Connector according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the assuring element (6a) in the confirmation position engages behind the stop (2b) in locking direction (L).

12. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the assuring element (6a) comprises at least one latching means (7) which, at the at least one unlocked position of the locking element (4), engages with a catching means (4g) at the locking element (4), blocking a movement of the assuring element (6a) to the confirmation position.

13. Connector according to claim 12, characterized in that the first housing (2) is provided with at least one protrusion (2d) which, at the locked position of the locking element (4), interferes with the latching means (7) to release the latching means (7) from the catching means (4g).

14. Connector according to claim 13, characterized in that the assuring element (6a), in the locked position, engages with the protrusion (2d).

15. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that in the confirmation position, at least one peripheral surface (6d) of the assuring element (6a) is aligned with at least one peripheral surface (4f) of the locking element (4).