CA2108386A1 - Low insertion force electrical connector - Google Patents
Low insertion force electrical connectorInfo
- Publication number
- CA2108386A1 CA2108386A1 CA002108386A CA2108386A CA2108386A1 CA 2108386 A1 CA2108386 A1 CA 2108386A1 CA 002108386 A CA002108386 A CA 002108386A CA 2108386 A CA2108386 A CA 2108386A CA 2108386 A1 CA2108386 A1 CA 2108386A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housings
- pivotal piece
- connector according
- housing
- pivotal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
Abstract
LOW INSERTION FORCE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
Abstract of the Disclosure A connector is provided that can be coupled with a low inserting force and that will not terminate coupling operation while it is in an incomplete coupling state. The connector comprises a pair of housings coupled to each other, a pivotal piece pivotally provide on one of the two housings, a spring interposed between one housing and the pivotal piece, and a latch means for locking the two housings that are coupled to each other. When the two housings are coupled, and after the two housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, the pivotal piece is pivoted by the spring, thereby completing coupling of the two housings.
Abstract of the Disclosure A connector is provided that can be coupled with a low inserting force and that will not terminate coupling operation while it is in an incomplete coupling state. The connector comprises a pair of housings coupled to each other, a pivotal piece pivotally provide on one of the two housings, a spring interposed between one housing and the pivotal piece, and a latch means for locking the two housings that are coupled to each other. When the two housings are coupled, and after the two housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, the pivotal piece is pivoted by the spring, thereby completing coupling of the two housings.
Description
2~ ~3~.~
AE 394 PAT~NT
LOW IN~RTI~ ~QRCE E~CTRICA~ CO~NECTOR
1 Fiel d of the I~ventio~
The present invention relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to a connector having low insertion force.
Backaround of the Invention Conventionally, in order to prevent a connector from being semi-fitted, i.e., a method of facilitating the coupling operation itself of the connector by, e.g., decreasing an inserting force required for inserting one connector in the other connector or by providing a mechanism for multiplying a force to be applied to the connector during insertion, a method of visually checking a semi-fitted state, and a method of electrically detecting the conductive states of the contacts are known.
However, when the inserting force for the connector is decreased, the coupled connectors tend to be easily disconnected. The method of multiplying the force to be applied during insertion or detecting the conductive states of the contacts complicates the entire structure or requires a special device or measuring tool.
Summa v of the Invention The present invention has been developed to address the above conventional drawbacks, and provides a connector comprising first and ~econd housings that are coupled to each other, a pivotal piece pivotally provided on one of the two housings, a spring interposed between one housing and the pivotal piece, and a latch means for loc~ing the two coupled housings.
In the connector according to the present invention, ~hen the two housings are coupled, after the two housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, the pivotal piece i8 pivoted by the operation of the spring, thereby completing coupling of the two housings.
.
.
. . -: . - .. , . :
. ~ ~ . . .
- . ~ . , . :
. .
, . .
. ~ , .
- . : -2 ~1~83~
1Brief Description Of ~hÇL~9YiL&~
Figure 1 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a female connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5Figure 2 is a perspective view of the female connector of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partially cutaway plan view of a male connector according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the male connector of 10Figure 3.
Figures 5 - 10 are partially cutaway views showing a series of coupling steps of the connectors according to the first embodiment.
Figure 11 is a partially cutaway plan view of a female 15connector according to the second embodiment of the present $nvention.
Figure 12 is a partially cutaway plan view of a male connector according to the second embodiment.
Pigure 13 is a perspective view of the male connector 20of Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a partially cutaway view showing a couplinq step of the connectors to the second embodinent.
Figure 15 is a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 14.
25Figure 16 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling step of the connectors according to the 6econd embodiment.
Figure 17 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling step of the connectors according to the second 30embodiment.
Figure 18 i8 a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 17.
Figure 19 i~ a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors according to the second 35embodiment.
:, ! . '' ' ' , ~ . ' :' . ' . .,.... . '. '` , . ' ': . ' - ' , ' , `. ' ' ' '. ' - ~ ' ' ' ' ~
.. ` ' . . :' ' ` .~ `
,' ' . " ' : ., : . .
.. ' ' ' '~. ... ~ -: , ' : ' . ' '' . , .: , . .. ' 3 ~g38;~
1 Figure 20 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 21 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors accordi~g to the second embodiment.
Figure 22 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 23 is a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 22.
Figure 24 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
lS Figure 25 is a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 27 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 28 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 29 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 30 i~ a graph showing the relationship between the distance of the connector according to the present invention from a reference position and an inserting force o~ the connector.
Detailed ~escription of tbe Preferred Embodiments Figure~ 1 to 10 show the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 show a harness-side connector, and Figures'~3 and 4 show a board-side conn~ctor.
:-. : . . - : : . -.
:............. . . .
AE 394 PAT~NT
LOW IN~RTI~ ~QRCE E~CTRICA~ CO~NECTOR
1 Fiel d of the I~ventio~
The present invention relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to a connector having low insertion force.
Backaround of the Invention Conventionally, in order to prevent a connector from being semi-fitted, i.e., a method of facilitating the coupling operation itself of the connector by, e.g., decreasing an inserting force required for inserting one connector in the other connector or by providing a mechanism for multiplying a force to be applied to the connector during insertion, a method of visually checking a semi-fitted state, and a method of electrically detecting the conductive states of the contacts are known.
However, when the inserting force for the connector is decreased, the coupled connectors tend to be easily disconnected. The method of multiplying the force to be applied during insertion or detecting the conductive states of the contacts complicates the entire structure or requires a special device or measuring tool.
Summa v of the Invention The present invention has been developed to address the above conventional drawbacks, and provides a connector comprising first and ~econd housings that are coupled to each other, a pivotal piece pivotally provided on one of the two housings, a spring interposed between one housing and the pivotal piece, and a latch means for loc~ing the two coupled housings.
In the connector according to the present invention, ~hen the two housings are coupled, after the two housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, the pivotal piece i8 pivoted by the operation of the spring, thereby completing coupling of the two housings.
.
.
. . -: . - .. , . :
. ~ ~ . . .
- . ~ . , . :
. .
, . .
. ~ , .
- . : -2 ~1~83~
1Brief Description Of ~hÇL~9YiL&~
Figure 1 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a female connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5Figure 2 is a perspective view of the female connector of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a partially cutaway plan view of a male connector according to a first embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the male connector of 10Figure 3.
Figures 5 - 10 are partially cutaway views showing a series of coupling steps of the connectors according to the first embodiment.
Figure 11 is a partially cutaway plan view of a female 15connector according to the second embodiment of the present $nvention.
Figure 12 is a partially cutaway plan view of a male connector according to the second embodiment.
Pigure 13 is a perspective view of the male connector 20of Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a partially cutaway view showing a couplinq step of the connectors to the second embodinent.
Figure 15 is a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 14.
25Figure 16 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling step of the connectors according to the 6econd embodiment.
Figure 17 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling step of the connectors according to the second 30embodiment.
Figure 18 i8 a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 17.
Figure 19 i~ a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors according to the second 35embodiment.
:, ! . '' ' ' , ~ . ' :' . ' . .,.... . '. '` , . ' ': . ' - ' , ' , `. ' ' ' '. ' - ~ ' ' ' ' ~
.. ` ' . . :' ' ` .~ `
,' ' . " ' : ., : . .
.. ' ' ' '~. ... ~ -: , ' : ' . ' '' . , .: , . .. ' 3 ~g38;~
1 Figure 20 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 21 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors accordi~g to the second embodiment.
Figure 22 is a partially cutaway view showing a coupling state of the connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 23 is a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 22.
Figure 24 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
lS Figure 25 is a side sectional view of the connectors in the state of Figure 24.
Figure 26 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 27 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 28 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 29 is a partially cutaway view showing a step of separating the coupled connectors according to the second embodiment.
Figure 30 i~ a graph showing the relationship between the distance of the connector according to the present invention from a reference position and an inserting force o~ the connector.
Detailed ~escription of tbe Preferred Embodiments Figure~ 1 to 10 show the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 show a harness-side connector, and Figures'~3 and 4 show a board-side conn~ctor.
:-. : . . - : : . -.
:............. . . .
4 ~ f~ 3 '~ ~i l Figures 5 through 9 show the coupling steps of the two connectors (housings), and Figure 10 shows connectors that are completely coupled to each other.
Referring to Figure l, in a male housing 10, female s oonta ts ll terminating wire members 60 extend through it~
front surface and are mounted in multi-stage storing grooves formed in the housing at a predetermined pitch.
Referring to the drawings, a latch groove 12 is engaged with an engaging pin 31 of a female housing (to be described below). The latch groove 12 is described in detail hereinbelow.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in a female housing 20, a hollow portion 22 for storing the male housing is formed, and a large number of male contacts 21 extend through the rear surface of this female housing to project into the hollow portion. When the female and male housings are coupled to each other, the male contacts are connected to the female contacts of the male housing in the hollow portion. Note that the other end of each male contact i8 connected to the new board.
Referring to the drawings, a pivotal piece 30 is pivotally provided on the female housing. A sprinq 40 is interposed between the pivotal piece and the female housing.
More specifically, the pivotal piece is axially supported on the top surface of the female housing. One end of the spring is fixed to the top surface of the housing, and the other end thereof i8 fixed to the pivotal piece.
~he engaging pin 31 stands downward from the bottom surface of the pivotal piece to pro~ect into the hollow portion through a window hole 23 formed in the upper surface (the wall surface defining the hollow portion) of the female housing.
In this embodiment, when the two housings are not coupled, since the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece is located above the spring, as is apparent from Figure 3, the pivotal piece receives a force to pivot it clockwise.
However, since the pivotal movement of the enga~ing pin is , . . , . ~ . .
~ .: ..
- ~ , . .
- . : ..
3 ~ ~
1 limited by the window hole, the pivotal piece is set still in the state shown in Fig~re 3.
The female and male housings have a latch means for locking so that their connecting static is held after they S are finally connected to each other. In this embodiment, the latch means comprises the engaging pin 31 provided on the pivotal piece of the female housing and the latch groove 12 formed in the male housing.
The coupling steps of the two connectors (housings) of this embodiment is described with reference to Figures 5 through lO.
Figure 5 shows the first coupling step of the two housings. In this step, the engaging pin of the pivotal piece is merely engaged with the latch groove of the male housing, and the pivotal piece is not pivoted yet.
As the male housing is inserted in the female housing, the state shown in Figure 6 is obtained. In this state, the spring and the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece are aligned on the same line. Starting from this state as a boundary, the spring contracts, and the pivotal piece receives a force from the spring to pivot counterclockwise.
Accordingly, in states from the state of Figure 7, the pivotal piece is pivoted counterclockwise without applying an external force to the housing.
When the pivotal piece is pivoted to reach the state shown in Fiqure 7, the engaging pin is engaqed with the bent portion of the latch groove, thereby connecting the female and male contacts with each other and latching the two housings. This state corresponds also to a time point when the female and male contacts contact each other to start connection.
In the state of Figure 10, connection of the female and male contacts and coupling of the two housings are completed through the states shown in Figures 8 and 9.
If the pivotal piece is located at a position corresponding to the coupling state (set state) of the two housings despite that the two housings are separated from ., ., . , : :
- .. .
- . , ' : :. `
6 2~38~
1 each other (in the reset state) (if the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted to the s~ate shown in Figure lo despite that the two housings are in the reset state), in this embodiment, the engaging pin and the latch groove have a non-engaging positional relationship. This prohibits the two connectors from being coupled to each other when the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted before the two conn~ctors are coupled, so that the connector is prevented from being erroneously inserted.
Figures 11 through 29 show the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows a female connector (having female contacts), and Figures 12 and 13 show a male connector (having male contacts). Figures 14 through 21 show the coupling steps of the two connectors (housings), and Figures 22 and 23 show connectors that are completely coupled to each other. Figures 24 to 29 show steps of disconnecting the coupled connectors.
Referring to Figu~e 11, in a male housing 10, female contacts 11 terminating wire members 60 ex~end through its front surface and are mounted in multi-stage storing grooves formed in the housing at a predetermined pitch.
Referring to the drawings, a latch qroove 12 i8 engaqed with an engaging pin 31 of a female housing (to be described below).
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in a female housing 20, a hollow portion 22 for storing the male housing iB formed, and a large number of male contacts 21 extend through the rear surface of this female housing to pro~ect into the hollow portion. When the female and male housings are coupled to each other, the male contacts are connected to the female contacts of the male housing in the hollow portion. Note that the other end of each male contact i8 connect~d to the board.
Referring to the drawings, a pivotal piece 30 i8 pivotally provided to the female housing. A spring 40 i8 interposed between the pivotal piece and the female housing.
:-: :-- - . , . . .
. .... ~ . :: ..
.. . : :: . . . . . .
. .. ~ , . . , - :
-; . , 7 2~ ~'3~1~
1 More specifically, the pivotal piece is axially supported on the top surface of the female housing. One end of the spring is fixed to the top surface of the housing, and the other end thereof is fixed to the pivotal piece.
The engaging pin 31 stands downward from ~he bottom surface of the pivotal piece to project into the hollow portion through a window hole 23 formed in the upper surface (the wall surface defining the hollow portion) of the female housing.
The pivotal piece 30 also has a guide pin 32 projecting into the hollow portion through a guide groove 24 formed in the wall surface defining the hollow portion. When the male housing is inserted in the hollow portion, the upper portion of the front surface of the male housing pushes the guide pin projecting into the hollow portion. Then, the guide pin slides in the guide groove, thereby pivoting the pivotal piece.
In this embodiment, when the two housings are not coupled, since the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece is located above the spring, as is apparent from Figure 12, the pivotal piece receives a force to pivot it clockwise.
However, since the engaging pin is limited by the window hole and the pivotal movements of the guide pin is limited by the guide groove, the pivotal piece is set still in the state shown in Figure 12.
The female and male housings have a latch means for locking so that their connecting state is held after they are finally connected to each other. In this embodiment, the latch means comprises the engaging pin 31 provided to the pivotal piece of the female housing and the latch groove 12 formed in the male housing.
The coupling steps cf the two connectors (housings) of this embodiment are described with reference to Figures 14 through 21.
Figures 14 and 15 show the first coupling step of the two housings. In this step, the engaging pin of the pivotal . - . ~ - - ~ ~ . .
. . ... .. . . . . . . .
.
' . ':
.. , . , - -, - - : .
-: ~ , 3 ~ u 1 piece is merely engaged with the latch groove of the male housing, and the pivotal piece is not pivoted yet.
The male housing is inserted in the female housing. At this time, since the spring 40 extends in accordance with s the pivotal movement of the pivotal piece, the pivotal piece is pivoted against the force applied by the spring. Hence, the state shown Figures 17 and 18 is obtained through the state shown in Figure 16. In this state, the spring and the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece are aligned on the same line (predetermined intermediate coupling state). Starting from this state as a boundary, the spring contracts, and the pivotal piece receives a force from the spring to pivot counterclockwise. Accordingly, in states from that of Figure 19, the pivotal piece is pivoted counterclockwise without applying an external force to the housing. Note that the state shown in Figures 17 and 1~ corresponds also to a time point when the female and male contacts contact each other to start connection.
When the pivotal piece i8 pivoted to reach the state shown in Figure 20 through the state shown in Figure 19, the engaging pin is engaged with the bent portion of the latch groove, thereby connecting the female and male contacts with each other and latching the two housings.
In the state of Figures 22 and 23, connection of the female and male contacts and coupling of the two housings are completed through the state shown in Figure 21.
When compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the spring is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connector, as is apparent from comparison of, e.q., Figures 3 and 12 showing the states of the female housing before coupling. ln order to set the pivotal piece to a state similar to that of Figure 3, the pivotal piece is pivoted by an amount required accordingly. For this purpose, in the second embodiment, the guide pin is provided to the pivotal piece and engaged with the guide groove of the housing. Nore specifically, when the male housing is inserted in the female housing, the male housing is abutted .: ~, .
: . --:
, , 9 2~3~
1 first against the guide pin in the hollow portion. Thus, an external force is applied against the force of the spring, so that the guide pin is slid in the guide groove, thereby pivoting the pivotal piece. The necessity of applying an s external force in the initial state of coupling ~ignifies that the pivotal piece will not be moved accidentally.
Therefore, the second embodiment is more stable than the first embodiment.
If the pivotal piece is located at a position correspondinq to the coupling state (set state) of the two housings despite that the two housings are separated from each other (in their reset state) (if the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted to the state shown in Figure 10 despite that the two housings are in the reset state), in this embodiment, the engaging pin and the latch groove have a non-engaging positional relationship. This prohibits the two connectors from being coupled to each other when the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted before the two connectors are coupled, so that the connector is prevented from being erroneously inserted.
Figures 24 through 29 show steps of engaging an externally operable operational member with a projection 33 provided on part of the pivotal piece, and pivoting the pivotal piece in an opposite direction to that required for fitting the two housings, 80 that the two connectors coupled to each other are separated. At this time, the guide pin slides in the guide groove of the housing, thereby pivoting the pivotal piece.
Figure 30 shows the relationship among the distance of the connector from a fitting point (reference position of the connector when coupling i8 completed), an inserting rorce Or the connector, and a force acting on the female connector (male housing) in the coupling step of the two connectors of the second embodiment. Referring to Figure 30, points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 correspond to Figures 14 and 15, Figure 16, Figures 17 and 18, Figure 19, Figure 20, Figure 21, and Pigures 22 and 23, respectively.
,, . - , - ::
- ~
- - .
- . . :
, . ... : , ~ :
3~ ~i 1 As is apparent from Figure 30, the inserting force of the connector is zero at the point 3, and before the point 3, an external force for inserting the connector is required. After the point 3, the inserting force of the - 5 connector is negative. That is, insertion of the connector and connection of the contacts are completed with only the force of the spring without requiring an external force.
According to the connector of the present invention, when th~e two housings are coupled to each other, after the two housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, the pivotal piece is pivoted by the operation of the spring, thereby completing coupling of the two housings and reliably latching the two housings. Therefore, a so-called semi-filled state can be prevented.
It suffices if the coupling operation of the connector is performed only once in one direction, and a special jig is not needed, leading to excellent operability.
The contacts can be set not to contact each other until the two housings reach the predetermined intermediate coupling state (until the force drawing the housing acts).
Thus, an inconvenience such that the contacts contact each other in the semi-fitte~ state can be eliminated.
Since the inserting force required for inserting one connector in the other can be obtained only by applying a force until the predetermined intermediate coupling state i8 reached, it can be a low inserting force (a force required for connecting the contacts with each other need not be externally applied).
Having described the preferred embodiments herein, it should be appreciated that variations may be made thereto without departing from the contemplated scope of the invention. The true 8cope of the invention i8 set forth in thQ claims appended hereto.
- .
', :-' - - ' .: ~
''. - . - . ' ,. - ' ; . . .: ' .,, . . - ~ .
. .
'~
- , , . .' ' , .' ~ -...................... ; -:
- - . - ' ~
Referring to Figure l, in a male housing 10, female s oonta ts ll terminating wire members 60 extend through it~
front surface and are mounted in multi-stage storing grooves formed in the housing at a predetermined pitch.
Referring to the drawings, a latch groove 12 is engaged with an engaging pin 31 of a female housing (to be described below). The latch groove 12 is described in detail hereinbelow.
Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in a female housing 20, a hollow portion 22 for storing the male housing is formed, and a large number of male contacts 21 extend through the rear surface of this female housing to project into the hollow portion. When the female and male housings are coupled to each other, the male contacts are connected to the female contacts of the male housing in the hollow portion. Note that the other end of each male contact i8 connected to the new board.
Referring to the drawings, a pivotal piece 30 is pivotally provided on the female housing. A sprinq 40 is interposed between the pivotal piece and the female housing.
More specifically, the pivotal piece is axially supported on the top surface of the female housing. One end of the spring is fixed to the top surface of the housing, and the other end thereof i8 fixed to the pivotal piece.
~he engaging pin 31 stands downward from the bottom surface of the pivotal piece to pro~ect into the hollow portion through a window hole 23 formed in the upper surface (the wall surface defining the hollow portion) of the female housing.
In this embodiment, when the two housings are not coupled, since the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece is located above the spring, as is apparent from Figure 3, the pivotal piece receives a force to pivot it clockwise.
However, since the pivotal movement of the enga~ing pin is , . . , . ~ . .
~ .: ..
- ~ , . .
- . : ..
3 ~ ~
1 limited by the window hole, the pivotal piece is set still in the state shown in Fig~re 3.
The female and male housings have a latch means for locking so that their connecting static is held after they S are finally connected to each other. In this embodiment, the latch means comprises the engaging pin 31 provided on the pivotal piece of the female housing and the latch groove 12 formed in the male housing.
The coupling steps of the two connectors (housings) of this embodiment is described with reference to Figures 5 through lO.
Figure 5 shows the first coupling step of the two housings. In this step, the engaging pin of the pivotal piece is merely engaged with the latch groove of the male housing, and the pivotal piece is not pivoted yet.
As the male housing is inserted in the female housing, the state shown in Figure 6 is obtained. In this state, the spring and the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece are aligned on the same line. Starting from this state as a boundary, the spring contracts, and the pivotal piece receives a force from the spring to pivot counterclockwise.
Accordingly, in states from the state of Figure 7, the pivotal piece is pivoted counterclockwise without applying an external force to the housing.
When the pivotal piece is pivoted to reach the state shown in Fiqure 7, the engaging pin is engaqed with the bent portion of the latch groove, thereby connecting the female and male contacts with each other and latching the two housings. This state corresponds also to a time point when the female and male contacts contact each other to start connection.
In the state of Figure 10, connection of the female and male contacts and coupling of the two housings are completed through the states shown in Figures 8 and 9.
If the pivotal piece is located at a position corresponding to the coupling state (set state) of the two housings despite that the two housings are separated from ., ., . , : :
- .. .
- . , ' : :. `
6 2~38~
1 each other (in the reset state) (if the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted to the s~ate shown in Figure lo despite that the two housings are in the reset state), in this embodiment, the engaging pin and the latch groove have a non-engaging positional relationship. This prohibits the two connectors from being coupled to each other when the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted before the two conn~ctors are coupled, so that the connector is prevented from being erroneously inserted.
Figures 11 through 29 show the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows a female connector (having female contacts), and Figures 12 and 13 show a male connector (having male contacts). Figures 14 through 21 show the coupling steps of the two connectors (housings), and Figures 22 and 23 show connectors that are completely coupled to each other. Figures 24 to 29 show steps of disconnecting the coupled connectors.
Referring to Figu~e 11, in a male housing 10, female contacts 11 terminating wire members 60 ex~end through its front surface and are mounted in multi-stage storing grooves formed in the housing at a predetermined pitch.
Referring to the drawings, a latch qroove 12 i8 engaqed with an engaging pin 31 of a female housing (to be described below).
Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in a female housing 20, a hollow portion 22 for storing the male housing iB formed, and a large number of male contacts 21 extend through the rear surface of this female housing to pro~ect into the hollow portion. When the female and male housings are coupled to each other, the male contacts are connected to the female contacts of the male housing in the hollow portion. Note that the other end of each male contact i8 connect~d to the board.
Referring to the drawings, a pivotal piece 30 i8 pivotally provided to the female housing. A spring 40 i8 interposed between the pivotal piece and the female housing.
:-: :-- - . , . . .
. .... ~ . :: ..
.. . : :: . . . . . .
. .. ~ , . . , - :
-; . , 7 2~ ~'3~1~
1 More specifically, the pivotal piece is axially supported on the top surface of the female housing. One end of the spring is fixed to the top surface of the housing, and the other end thereof is fixed to the pivotal piece.
The engaging pin 31 stands downward from ~he bottom surface of the pivotal piece to project into the hollow portion through a window hole 23 formed in the upper surface (the wall surface defining the hollow portion) of the female housing.
The pivotal piece 30 also has a guide pin 32 projecting into the hollow portion through a guide groove 24 formed in the wall surface defining the hollow portion. When the male housing is inserted in the hollow portion, the upper portion of the front surface of the male housing pushes the guide pin projecting into the hollow portion. Then, the guide pin slides in the guide groove, thereby pivoting the pivotal piece.
In this embodiment, when the two housings are not coupled, since the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece is located above the spring, as is apparent from Figure 12, the pivotal piece receives a force to pivot it clockwise.
However, since the engaging pin is limited by the window hole and the pivotal movements of the guide pin is limited by the guide groove, the pivotal piece is set still in the state shown in Figure 12.
The female and male housings have a latch means for locking so that their connecting state is held after they are finally connected to each other. In this embodiment, the latch means comprises the engaging pin 31 provided to the pivotal piece of the female housing and the latch groove 12 formed in the male housing.
The coupling steps cf the two connectors (housings) of this embodiment are described with reference to Figures 14 through 21.
Figures 14 and 15 show the first coupling step of the two housings. In this step, the engaging pin of the pivotal . - . ~ - - ~ ~ . .
. . ... .. . . . . . . .
.
' . ':
.. , . , - -, - - : .
-: ~ , 3 ~ u 1 piece is merely engaged with the latch groove of the male housing, and the pivotal piece is not pivoted yet.
The male housing is inserted in the female housing. At this time, since the spring 40 extends in accordance with s the pivotal movement of the pivotal piece, the pivotal piece is pivoted against the force applied by the spring. Hence, the state shown Figures 17 and 18 is obtained through the state shown in Figure 16. In this state, the spring and the rotating shaft of the pivotal piece are aligned on the same line (predetermined intermediate coupling state). Starting from this state as a boundary, the spring contracts, and the pivotal piece receives a force from the spring to pivot counterclockwise. Accordingly, in states from that of Figure 19, the pivotal piece is pivoted counterclockwise without applying an external force to the housing. Note that the state shown in Figures 17 and 1~ corresponds also to a time point when the female and male contacts contact each other to start connection.
When the pivotal piece i8 pivoted to reach the state shown in Figure 20 through the state shown in Figure 19, the engaging pin is engaged with the bent portion of the latch groove, thereby connecting the female and male contacts with each other and latching the two housings.
In the state of Figures 22 and 23, connection of the female and male contacts and coupling of the two housings are completed through the state shown in Figure 21.
When compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the spring is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the connector, as is apparent from comparison of, e.q., Figures 3 and 12 showing the states of the female housing before coupling. ln order to set the pivotal piece to a state similar to that of Figure 3, the pivotal piece is pivoted by an amount required accordingly. For this purpose, in the second embodiment, the guide pin is provided to the pivotal piece and engaged with the guide groove of the housing. Nore specifically, when the male housing is inserted in the female housing, the male housing is abutted .: ~, .
: . --:
, , 9 2~3~
1 first against the guide pin in the hollow portion. Thus, an external force is applied against the force of the spring, so that the guide pin is slid in the guide groove, thereby pivoting the pivotal piece. The necessity of applying an s external force in the initial state of coupling ~ignifies that the pivotal piece will not be moved accidentally.
Therefore, the second embodiment is more stable than the first embodiment.
If the pivotal piece is located at a position correspondinq to the coupling state (set state) of the two housings despite that the two housings are separated from each other (in their reset state) (if the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted to the state shown in Figure 10 despite that the two housings are in the reset state), in this embodiment, the engaging pin and the latch groove have a non-engaging positional relationship. This prohibits the two connectors from being coupled to each other when the pivotal piece is erroneously pivoted before the two connectors are coupled, so that the connector is prevented from being erroneously inserted.
Figures 24 through 29 show steps of engaging an externally operable operational member with a projection 33 provided on part of the pivotal piece, and pivoting the pivotal piece in an opposite direction to that required for fitting the two housings, 80 that the two connectors coupled to each other are separated. At this time, the guide pin slides in the guide groove of the housing, thereby pivoting the pivotal piece.
Figure 30 shows the relationship among the distance of the connector from a fitting point (reference position of the connector when coupling i8 completed), an inserting rorce Or the connector, and a force acting on the female connector (male housing) in the coupling step of the two connectors of the second embodiment. Referring to Figure 30, points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 correspond to Figures 14 and 15, Figure 16, Figures 17 and 18, Figure 19, Figure 20, Figure 21, and Pigures 22 and 23, respectively.
,, . - , - ::
- ~
- - .
- . . :
, . ... : , ~ :
3~ ~i 1 As is apparent from Figure 30, the inserting force of the connector is zero at the point 3, and before the point 3, an external force for inserting the connector is required. After the point 3, the inserting force of the - 5 connector is negative. That is, insertion of the connector and connection of the contacts are completed with only the force of the spring without requiring an external force.
According to the connector of the present invention, when th~e two housings are coupled to each other, after the two housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, the pivotal piece is pivoted by the operation of the spring, thereby completing coupling of the two housings and reliably latching the two housings. Therefore, a so-called semi-filled state can be prevented.
It suffices if the coupling operation of the connector is performed only once in one direction, and a special jig is not needed, leading to excellent operability.
The contacts can be set not to contact each other until the two housings reach the predetermined intermediate coupling state (until the force drawing the housing acts).
Thus, an inconvenience such that the contacts contact each other in the semi-fitte~ state can be eliminated.
Since the inserting force required for inserting one connector in the other can be obtained only by applying a force until the predetermined intermediate coupling state i8 reached, it can be a low inserting force (a force required for connecting the contacts with each other need not be externally applied).
Having described the preferred embodiments herein, it should be appreciated that variations may be made thereto without departing from the contemplated scope of the invention. The true 8cope of the invention i8 set forth in thQ claims appended hereto.
- .
', :-' - - ' .: ~
''. - . - . ' ,. - ' ; . . .: ' .,, . . - ~ .
. .
'~
- , , . .' ' , .' ~ -...................... ; -:
- - . - ' ~
Claims (15)
1. A connector comprising first and second housings (10) and (20) coupled to each other, a pivotal piece (30) pivotally provided on one of said two housings, a spring (40) interposed between one housing and said pivotal piece, and latch means (12) for locking said two housings that are coupled to each other, wherein when said two housings are coupled, said pivotal piece is pivoted by said spring, thereby completing coupling of said two housings.
2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein said latch means comprises an engaging pin (31) provided on said pivotal piece, and wherein a latch groove (12) is formed in the other housing.
3. A connector according to claim 2 wherein said latch means is provided on either said pivotal piece of the other housing.
4. A connector according to claim 1 wherein said pivotal piece is pivoted by an external force against a force of said spring before said first and second housings reach a predetermined intermediate coupling state, and after said two housings reach the predetermined intermediate coupling state, said pivotal piece being pivoted to complete mutual coupling of said two housings.
5. A connector according to claim 1 wherein said first housing (10) is a male housing and has a plurality of female contacts (11) of a predetermined type, and said second housing is a female housing and has a hollow portion (22) for storing said male housing and a plurality of contacts (21) of a predetermined type that contact contacts of said male housing in the hollow portion.
6. A connector according to claim 5, wherein said contacts of said two housings contact each other after said two housings pass the predetermined intermediate coupling state.
7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein said engaging pin (31) projects into the hollow portion through a window hole (23) formed in a wall surface defining the hollow portion, and said latch groove (12) is formed in said male housing.
8. A connector according to claim 7, characterized in that said pivotal piece (30) further has a guide pin (32) projecting into the hollow portion through a guide groove (24) formed in said wall surface defining the hollow portion, and said guide pin slides in said guide groove upon insertion of said male housing in the hollow portion, thereby pivoting said pivotal piece.
9. A connector according to claim 1, wherein said spring (40) expands in accordance with a pivotal movement of said pivotal piece before said two housings reach the predetermined intermediate coupling stage, and contracts when said two housings pass the predetermined coupling state.
10. A connector according to claim 1, wherein said pivotal piece has release means that can be externally operated in order to release a locking state of said two housings.
11. A connector according to claim 10, characterized in that said release means is a projection (33) provided to part of said pivotal piece and is operated by an external operational member (50) to pivot said pivotal piece in a direction opposite to that required when said two housings are coupled with other.
12. A connector according to claim 2, wherein when said pivotal piece is at the position of the set state and said two housings are in the reset state, said latch means interferes with coupling of said two housings.
13. A connector according to claim 12, wherein when said pivotal piece is at the position of the set state and said two housings are in the reset state, said engaging pin (31) and said latch (12) of claim 2 will not engage with each other.
14. A connector according to claim 1 comprising an operational member (50), pivoted in a direction opposite to that required for fitting said two housings when said two housings are fitted with each other, for releasing a locked state of said latch means.
15. A connector according to claim 14, wherein said operational member (50) is engaged with a projection 33 provided on part of said pivotal piece.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04276207 | 1992-10-14 | ||
| JP276207/1992 | 1992-10-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2108386A1 true CA2108386A1 (en) | 1994-04-15 |
Family
ID=17566182
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002108386A Abandoned CA2108386A1 (en) | 1992-10-14 | 1993-10-14 | Low insertion force electrical connector |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5569041A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2108386A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4334978C2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19756028C1 (en) * | 1997-12-17 | 1999-08-26 | Keiper Gmbh & Co | Self-locking connector for car seat electrical equipment including e.g. side air bags and automatic belt tensioners |
| JP3555103B2 (en) * | 1998-08-10 | 2004-08-18 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
| DE10204180C1 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2003-08-28 | Audi Ag | Electrical plug-in connector e.g. for automobile electrics, has pivot lever moved into engagement with spring-loaded stop element upon assembly of connector halves |
| DE20214928U1 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-02-19 | Ghw Grote & Hartmann Gmbh | Electrical connector |
| US7053496B2 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2006-05-30 | Intel Corporation | Hybrid package with non-insertable and insertable conductive features, complementary receptacle, and methods of fabrication, assembly, and operation therefor |
| US9312636B2 (en) | 2013-07-23 | 2016-04-12 | Aees, Inc. | Power distribution assembly having a mechanical advantage system |
| DE102017119896A1 (en) * | 2017-08-30 | 2019-02-28 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Connector for automated coupling of at least two electrical lines |
| US10903612B1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2021-01-26 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Dock device with integrated clamp |
| CN210224457U (en) * | 2019-09-11 | 2020-03-31 | 昆山纬绩资通有限公司 | Module connector |
Family Cites Families (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US625639A (en) * | 1899-05-23 | The norris peterj co | ||
| US1302730A (en) * | 1918-05-08 | 1919-05-06 | Splitdorf Electrical Co | Electrical switch. |
| GB658628A (en) * | 1947-11-05 | 1951-10-10 | Aero Mecaniques S E A M Soc Et | Improvements in devices including two elements adapted to engage each other, in particular electric plug and socket devices |
| DE1151580B (en) * | 1960-10-17 | 1963-07-18 | Harting Elektro W | Multipole electrical connector with U-shaped locking bracket |
| GB952652A (en) * | 1961-09-08 | 1964-03-18 | Belling & Lee Ltd | Improvements in two-part connectors |
| GB952651A (en) * | 1961-09-08 | 1964-03-18 | Belling & Lee Ltd | Improvements in two part connectors |
| DE2240450C2 (en) * | 1972-08-17 | 1983-01-05 | Contact Gmbh Elektrische Bauelemente, 7000 Stuttgart | Locking device for two=part electrical connector - has forked arms, each with roller travelling over pin on one part |
| GB1448002A (en) * | 1973-01-24 | 1976-09-02 | G & H Technology | Electrical connectors |
| GB2085671A (en) * | 1980-10-13 | 1982-04-28 | Plessey Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to separating means for separating two connected components |
| JPS6022475B2 (en) * | 1980-12-29 | 1985-06-01 | 富士通株式会社 | Rubbed structure of electrical connection body |
| DE3235683A1 (en) * | 1982-09-27 | 1984-03-29 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Press-on connector for an electrical assembly |
| US4718858A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1988-01-12 | Western Digital Corporation | Mechanical interconnect system for electronic units enclosed in stackable housings |
| GB9012060D0 (en) * | 1990-05-30 | 1990-07-18 | Amp Great Britain | Electrical connector housings |
| JP2525502B2 (en) * | 1990-05-30 | 1996-08-21 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Electrical connector |
| US5174785A (en) * | 1990-07-17 | 1992-12-29 | Yazaki Corporation | Low insertion-withdrawal force electric connector |
| US5238417A (en) * | 1990-12-15 | 1993-08-24 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector with a lever |
| US5230635A (en) * | 1991-06-25 | 1993-07-27 | Yazaki Corporation | Connector with lever |
| JP2598090Y2 (en) * | 1992-04-28 | 1999-07-26 | 住友電装株式会社 | Lever connector |
-
1993
- 1993-10-14 CA CA002108386A patent/CA2108386A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-10-14 DE DE4334978A patent/DE4334978C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-14 US US08/136,800 patent/US5569041A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4334978A1 (en) | 1994-06-23 |
| US5569041A (en) | 1996-10-29 |
| DE4334978C2 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP3145271B2 (en) | Low insertion force connector | |
| JP3285307B2 (en) | Half mating prevention connector | |
| US5490798A (en) | Connector examining device | |
| JP3468451B2 (en) | Connector mating structure | |
| US6048229A (en) | Environmentally resistant EMI rectangular connector having modular and bayonet coupling property | |
| US6276964B1 (en) | Joint connector | |
| US5718596A (en) | Connector engaging structure | |
| US5429527A (en) | Connector | |
| US5104330A (en) | Electric connector | |
| JP2934821B2 (en) | Electrical connector with terminal position assurance mechanism | |
| US5512833A (en) | Connector checking device | |
| JP3301329B2 (en) | connector | |
| JP2921721B2 (en) | Connector terminal inspection tool | |
| JP3066588B2 (en) | Connector device having terminal holding device | |
| CA1290041C (en) | Connector assembly | |
| CA2108386A1 (en) | Low insertion force electrical connector | |
| JP3120730B2 (en) | connector | |
| JP3112237B2 (en) | Connector with terminal retaining means | |
| US6250945B1 (en) | Half-fitting prevention connector | |
| JP3038130B2 (en) | Lever connection type connector | |
| JP3035813B2 (en) | Electrical connector with terminal position assurance device | |
| JP2894591B2 (en) | Terminal structure | |
| JP3106282B2 (en) | connector | |
| US5718603A (en) | Inspection device for connectors and connector | |
| JP2003036941A (en) | Automatic insertion method of connection terminal to half-coupling preventing connector |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |