CN108110513B - Spring locking connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connector (10100), in particular a squib connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, which can be coupled with a mating electrical connector (10200) along a coupling direction (10300), the electrical connector comprising: A locking spring (10125), which is relaxed in the release position, the loaded state of the spring (10125) acting in opposition to the coupling of the connector (10100) with the mating connector (10200); the first position assurance element of the connector ( 10135), when the connector (10100) is coupled to the mating connector (10200), the first position ensures that the element can move from the release position to the release state in the mating direction (10300, 10301), so that as long as the connector (10100) and mating The connector (10200) is not properly coupled, which brings the loading of the spring (10125); the second position of the connector ensures the element (10150), the second position ensures that the element can be in a direction different from the coupling direction (10300, 10301) (10302) from the release position to the release state.

Description

spring lock connector

This application is a divisional application for an invention patent with an application number of 201480050858.7, an application date of September 16, 2014, and an invention name of "spring lock connector".

technical field

The present invention relates to an electrical connector, in particular a squib connector, capable of automatically preventing incorrect connection with a mating connector. The invention also relates to an electrical connector for a plug-in connection, in particular a detonating connector, a safety restraint system for a motor vehicle, comprising a connection guarantee device capable of, together with the action of the locking spring, automatically ground to prevent incorrect connections relative to mating connectors.

Background technique

It is known that in the field of electrical connections for the automotive industry, connectors comprising a spring locking system are used, wherein in an attempt to couple a connector to a mating connector, as long as it is applied to the connector and/or the mating connector If the force on them is not sufficient to couple them correctly, at least one conventional helical type spring arranged in the connector makes it possible to push the mating connector back. In such systems, it is known that, in the released position of the locking spring, it is slack in the connector, ie, before attempting to connect it to the mating connector, and before attempting to couple with the mating connector During the process, the locking spring is compressed along its axial direction, and the compression of the spring blocks the coupling direction of the mating connector. Thus, as long as the force applied to couple the two mating connectors is not sufficient to complete said coupling, ie, to allow the two mating connectors to lock with each other, the tension created by the compression of the locking spring is able to force the mating connectors in the opposite direction of coupling push back in the direction of the switch, thus avoiding the possibility of incorrect connections.

In the spring locking connectors known from the prior art, the compression of the locking spring must thus be high enough to allow good ejection of the mating connectors when the mating connectors are not fully locked to each other. In order to obtain the desired function, it is known that spring locks use at least one spring, the size and number of coils of which is relatively large. Alternatively, it is also known to use a plurality of springs with small dimensions, but also with a large number of coils. Therefore, it is also known that the dimensions of a spring-locked connector housing are larger than that of a connector housing that does not include a spring-lock, due to the space required for the travel of the locking spring.

It is also known from the prior art to use a connector position assurance (CPA) device that enables monitoring and assurance of the proper coupling of the connector with the mating connector. In the automotive industry, the use of CPA devices is particularly known, on the one hand to ensure that the two mating connectors are correctly coupled and locked, and on the other hand to strengthen the locking of the mating connectors by means of additional locking, one purpose being to avoid mating connectors of undesired disengagement, for example due to the large amount of shocks and strong vibrations to which the connecting elements of motor vehicles are often subjected.

It is known that safety restraint systems used in particular in seat belts or airbags of motor vehicles include pyrotechnic devices which can activate the locking or safety of the seat belts based on shock or vibration information received by the vehicle's sensors. inflation of the air bag. It is also known to connect the control unit of the sensor to the corresponding pyrotechnic device, or the detonation cable, terminated in an electrical connector, which is usually connected to a mating connector socket, or detonation carrier.

It is also known from the prior art that detonating connectors, which can be integrated with a secondary locking system or connector position assurance (CPA) device, enable the occurrence) to monitor and ensure the maintenance of proper coupling with the detonating carrier. In the squib connector, its secondary locking may use a spring, enabling the secondary locking element to be moved from one predetermined position to another predetermined position.

It is further known that safety detonation systems for motor vehicles use standardized detonation connectors, the standards of which require a high degree of compactness and thus small dimensions relative to connectors for other systems or electrical components of the vehicle. The standard specifically employs dimensions that are not compatible with the space required for travel of locking springs similar to those used in spring locking connectors known from the prior art. In particular, the standardized dimensions of the squib connector are not compatible with large dimensions and/or lengths, in other words, with the large number of coil springs known in the prior art for realizing the spring locking function required Circles are incompatible.

Therefore, while manual CPA devices can be used to ensure proper locking of the standardized squib connector to the mating connector, there is no solution that makes it possible to avoid incorrect connection of the squib connector to the mating connector.

Document WO 2012/055719 A1 discloses in particular a squib connector comprising a secondary locking system with a U-shaped elastic rod, wherein the transverse part of the "U" is fastened in the connector, and the two parts of the "U" are fastened in the connector. The ends of each projection are in contact with the secondary locking element. In this system, the projection of the spring, ie its end portion, is movable in the direction of insertion of the connector, and the locking element includes a direction-changing surface, enabling movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the connector ( That is, the direction of the ends of the protrusions of the spring is changed in a direction that separates the protrusions of the spring from each other). However, during each connection and disconnection of the connector, the tendency to separate the projections of the spring from each other during the transition between the two predetermined positions of the secondary locking element can lead to deformation and thus weakening.

Furthermore, in squib connectors known in the art and using a spring-type locking system, it is known that, once the connector is properly installed in the receptacle, the secondary locking element can be used to allow the connector to be inserted into the mating receptacle. move between the position in and the position where the secondary lock is guaranteed. In particular, it is known from WO 2012/055719 A1 that the position of the connector ensures that the movement of the element is effected in substantially the same direction as the coupling of the connector. Thus, the movement is in exactly the direction in which stress due to vibration and shock may bring about inadvertent disengagement between the connector and its mating socket. In this way, shock or vibration can thereby weaken the secondary lock itself, and thereby lead to inadvertent disengagement if the vibration and shock are sufficiently strong.

Thus, there is still a need to improve the secondary locking system of the detonation connector so that it is more stable and reliable to shock and vibration, especially in the coupling direction, than the connectors known from the prior art.

It is further known that the trend of car manufacturers is to standardize their connector technology components and thus require electrical connector suppliers to provide solutions adapted to their standardized components. Therefore, in the case of safety restraint systems, there is a need to provide suitable detonation connectors due to standardization by car manufacturers of detonation carriers or detonation opposing connectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the existing needs in the automotive industry to provide a solution that automatically ensures that a mating connector cannot be erroneously connected to a squib connector, while overcoming the above-mentioned difficulties and The industry conforms to standards adopted for the size and compactness of squib connectors.

It is therefore also an object of the present invention to provide a solution for detonating connectors, taking into account the above-mentioned needs. In particular, it is an object to provide a squib connector which is improved in reliability with respect to secondary locking relative to squib connectors known from the prior art, while at the same time complying with automatic ejection if the connector is not installed correctly Limitations and limitations due to standardization of tipping carrier sockets or opposing connectors.

The present invention is realized by such an electrical connector, in particular a connector for an airbag detonation system of a motor vehicle, capable of being coupled with a mating electrical connector, said electrical connector comprising: a locking spring, on delivery is substantially relaxed in position, and moves elastically during coupling with a mating connector, wherein the tension of the spring blocks coupling of the connector with the mating connector, so that as long as the connector and the mating connector are coupled If the mating connectors are not properly locked together, the connector and the mating connector are separated from each other, characterized in that the locking spring is a formed wire spring.

The present invention is of general interest to spring lock connectors as it can reduce the bulk of conventional spring lock connectors known from the prior art due to the use of springs made of shaped steel wire rather than traditional coil springs , wherein the spring made of formed steel wire is also called as worked steel wire spring or formed steel wire spring. In fact, the travel required for the tensioning of the shaped wire spring is lower than in the case of the coil spring, which has the advantage of being able to reduce the size of the connector housing in which the locking spring is to be accommodated and thus obtain a better compact sex.

Furthermore, given that a single formed wire spring can replace multiple coil springs, the present invention can also advantageously reduce the cost of known spring locking connector systems.

The present invention is also concerned and advantageous in the case of connectors used in airbag deployment systems of motor vehicles, as it allows the integration of spring locking systems, which was not possible in the prior art. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned advantages relative to cost and volume of formed wire springs relative to conventional coil springs used in known spring locking connector systems, formed wire springs provide the ability to mate whenever the system is not properly locked The repulsion force required for the connector to pop out.

Alternatives according to this aspect of the invention, and are not limiting:

In a preferred embodiment, the locking spring may comprise a substantially bowed portion folded at its ends to form two projections or hooks preferably capable of being substantially perpendicular to the bowed portion. It has been observed that a shaped wire spring with an arcuate geometry or U-shape is advantageous as it allows for deployment in a reduced space and can thus be arranged in a compact connector housing with small dimensions, Such as in the connector housing of an airbag deployment system of a motor vehicle.

Depending on the level of strength required for the torsion and tensioning stress of the spring, a locking spring formed from a circular wire, or a flat wire, or a wire with a rectangular cross section, or a wire with a square cross section may be preferred .

In preferred embodiments, it may also be advantageous for the spring to include coils that act as "torsion springs". In particular, the roll may be arranged to serve as a connection between the arcuate portion of the spring and the projection. A shaped wire spring having the geometry used for the spring in the carriage spring may thus be advantageous in some embodiments.

The connector may further comprise a connection assurance element enabling additional locking of the connector to the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are properly locked together. The present invention thus enables the CPA device to be adapted into a connector, advantageously enabling it to secure the "primary" of the connector to its mating connector by "secondary" locking done by the CPA device Maintenance of the lock.

In a preferred alternative to the embodiment comprising the connection guarantee element, the connection guarantee element is contactable with the locking spring. The present invention thus has the advantage over the prior art that it is possible to combine the functions of a CPA device and a locking spring, one of which, for example, enables the activation of the other.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection assurance element may comprise at least one locking element, which is deflectable from an undeflected position to a deflected position, such that, in the undeflected position of the at least one locking element, at the start of the coupling During contact with the mating connector, the at least one locking element acts as a stop against the mating connector. Thus, for example a CPA device that uses one or more locking spears to achieve secondary locking may prove advantageous because the locking element can be used to transmit the thrust applied by the mating connector during coupling towards the locking spring.

In the alternative comprising at least one locking element, the deflected position of the at least one locking element can only be reached when the connector and the mating connector are properly locked during coupling. This is advantageous so that secondary locking can only be accomplished when the mating connectors are locked to each other. For example, in embodiments where the locking element is a locking lance, it is advantageous that the locking lance is not deflected until the primary locking is complete. However, it is advantageous that the locking lance can be deflected when the mating connector performs this primary locking to allow the CPA device to move to its secondary locking position.

During the coupling process, the mating connector moves the connection assurance element, which thereby performs the elastic movement of the spring. An alternative to an embodiment of the invention is thus advantageously able to use the CPA device function to activate the spring lock function.

During the coupling process, as long as the coupling and the mating connector are not properly locked, the urging force of the tensioned spring towards its release position can push the connection securing element back, which can thus be in a direction opposite to the coupling direction Instead, the mating connector is pushed. An alternative to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that the CPA device operates by means of a locking spring for blocking the coupling as long as the mating connector does not perform a primary or primary locking of the system.

When the connector and the mating connector are properly locked, the pressure exerted by the spring on the connection assurance element may allow the connection assurance element to be in the secondary lock receiving portion of the mating connector Sliding for additional locking, wherein the at least one locking element is in a deflected position. This alternative is advantageous especially if the CPA device is of the "plunger" type. Thus, if the CPA device includes at least one locking lance, when the mating connector performs primary locking, the locking lance can be deflected, allowing the CPA device to "plunge" from the connector into the receiving area of the mating connector, thereby releasing the locking lance , which, upon returning to its natural/undeflected position, enables secondary locking of the system.

When the connector and the mating connector are correctly locked and the connection securing element performs additional locking, the spring may be in its release position, in particular it may be substantially relaxed. In spring locking systems known from the prior art, it occurs that, once the system is locked, the locking spring does not return fully to its released position and remains partially loaded, then applies a continuous force against the coupling movement of the mating connector Pressure, including when mating connectors lock to each other. The invention advantageously enables the spring to return to its initial position, and in the event that this position corresponds to the relaxed state of the spring, the locking spring can be relaxed in the final locking position of the system, which has the advantage that when the mating connection When the coupling is properly coupled, the generation of sustained forces that block coupling movement is prevented.

Furthermore, the at least one locking element may be in its undeflected position when the connector and the mating connector are properly locked and the connection securing element achieves an additional locking. This is also advantageous in that it enables the CPA element to be unstressed in the final, properly coupled and locked state of the mating connector. This is advantageous over the prior art in particular when combined with the alternative of the locking spring in its released position once both the primary and secondary locks are in place.

The object of the invention is also achieved by an assembly comprising any of the alternatives according to the above and a mating connector, in particular for a motor vehicle airbag deployment system.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connector may be a squib connector, in particular a motor vehicle airbag system squib connector. The present invention thus has the advantage over the spring locking connector systems known from the prior art that it provides a solution to the above-mentioned problems, namely being able to automatically provide the correct coupling of the squib connector assembly, while being compact standard. The use of such shaped wire springs advantageously provides the repulsive force required for the ejection of the mating connector portion of the assembly when the system is unlocked, while at the same time allowing the connector housing to remain a size compatible with standards for squib connectors . Furthermore, more compact spring lock connector assemblies compared to the prior art can also be used, which advantageously opens the door to new applications for assemblies of this type. Finally, it is also possible to provide a solution to the above problem that combines a spring locking and a CPA device (eg "plunger" type), which represents a significant improvement over the squib connectors known from the prior art.

The invention is also realized by an electrical connector, in particular a squib connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, which can be coupled with a mating electrical connector in the coupling direction, comprising: a locking spring, which is slack in a released position , the loaded state of the spring acts opposite to the coupling of the connector with the mating connector; and a first position ensuring element of the connector, when the connector is coupled to the mating connector, The first position ensures that the element can be moved from the delivery position to the delivery state, thereby bringing the loading of the spring as long as the connector and the mating connector are not properly coupled . According to the invention, the electrical connector further comprises a second position securing element of the connector, the second position securing element being movable from the release position to the release state in a direction different from the coupling direction.

The connector according to the invention may thus comprise a first position-assuring element of the connector, which, in the case of contact with the opposite connector, is movable in the coupling direction, bringing about the loading of the locking spring . The slack of the locking spring resists the first position securing element of the connector, and thus ultimately the connector relative to the mating connector, which slack can thereby automatically connect the connector if the connector is not properly or partially installed in the opposite connector ejector, preventing incorrect connections. The first position securing element of the connector ensures that the connection is maintained in the coupling direction when the connector is correctly installed in its opposite connector.

Furthermore, since the main locking is usually achieved in the coupling direction, the present invention enables the main locking to be reinforced by a second position guarantee element, which is however movable in a direction different from the coupling direction. The second position assurance element is thus less susceptible than the first position assurance element or the primary locking system, ie less prone to unintentional unlocking due to vibrations, since it can move in a direction different from the coupling direction. That is, vibrations and/or shocks that may weaken the secondary lock formed by the first position securing element of the connector and the primary lock between the connector and its mating connector, and which may thereby lead to inadvertent disengagement, do not. The secondary complementary locking action formed by the second position securing element of the connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector may be a squib connector for a safety restraint system. It can thus be installed in a motor vehicle manufacturer's standard detonation carrier socket. The present invention thus provides a solution which complements the first CPA device (movable in the coupling direction) and which together with the locking spring realizes both automatic ejection and secondary locking functions. The integration of the second CPA device makes it possible to prevent the weakening of the first CPA device and thus enables the connection between the detonation connector and detonation carrier socket to be maintained in a more efficient manner than connectors known from the prior art, wherein the The second CPA device moves in a direction different from the coupling direction.

The released state of the connector may be a state in which the spring, the first CPA device and the second CPA device are in their respective released positions, in the parked position. In the released state, the spring may thus be substantially relaxed or in any event have minimal tension relative to any loaded state caused by the coupling movement; the first position of the connector ensures that the element moves during the coupling operation to connect with the opposite Before the contact surface of the device comes into contact, especially before it comes into contact with the locking spring but does not apply substantially any pressure to the locking spring, and vice versa, that is, the spring in such a way that no pressure is applied to the first CPA device, this first position ensures The element can be in the initial position (default position) of the parked state; and the second position of the connector ensures that the element is also in its parked state position.

In the same way, the loaded state of the connector may be a state in which the spring is loaded due to movement of the first position securing element of the connector and/or the second position securing element of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, the loaded state may be a state in which the first CPA device of the connector according to the invention pushes against the contact surface of the opposing connector during the coupling phase. Since the connected position assurance element is movable, the thrust of the connector against the surface of the opposite connector and thus the push force of the position assurance element moves the position assurance element of the connector during the coupling operation, bringing about a spring loading.

Preferably, the second position securing element of the connector is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to said coupling direction. It has been found that this variant is advantageous for protecting the correct locking of the squib connector, which is frequently subjected to significant vibrations or shocks.

Advantageously, the spring loading brings about the movement of the second position securing element of the connector. It is thus also possible to combine the advantageous effects of the second CPA device with the automatic ejection function of the first CPA device and the locking spring. In this way, movement of the first CPA device can be spring loaded, which can bring about movement of the second CPA device.

In a preferred variant of an advantageous embodiment, during the coupling operation, as long as the connector and the mating connector are not coupled correctly, in the loaded state, the first position ensuring element of the connector can be configured as The mating connector is resisted under the pressure exerted by the spring. This variant is advantageous, for example, for detonating connectors, the standard opposing connector of which enables the use of a "plunger" type CPA device, which serves as the first position assurance element of the connector.

In yet another preferred variant, the electrical connector may further comprise at least one primary locking element, which in the released state is in a released position and which can be redirected to allow coupling, wherein the at least one primary locking element has a The release position achieves a first locking action of the connector relative to the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are properly coupled. In the case of a squib connector, it is thus possible to provide one or more locking lances that can be locked to a standard squib carrier socket, as standard sockets typically include locking areas that allow the lugs of the locking lances to be received.

Advantageously, the release position of the second position securing element of the connector prevents a reversal of the at least one primary locking element. In the case of, but not limited to, detonating connectors, which typically comprise locking spears, the second CPA device of the connector according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that, when it is not moved, the available In this case, when the spring is not loaded, the primary locking action is maintained when the connector is properly seated in the detonation carrier socket.

In a preferred variant of an advantageous embodiment, the loaded state of the spring can move the second position securing element of the connector to allow a change of direction of said at least one primary locking element (10142, 10143). In this way, in the released state, the second CPA device can be used to ensure that the primary locking action is maintained, while at the same time, in the loaded state, during which the connector is in the process of being installed to the opposing connector, The second CPA device can be moved to release the element securing the primary lock and thereby allow the continuation of the coupling. In the case of a squib connector, the lug of the locking lance typically moves into abutment against the squib carrier socket and must be redirected to allow proper insertion. The loading state may thus allow this change of direction.

Furthermore, in an advantageous variant, when the connector and the mating connector are correctly coupled, the connector can be returned to its released state, in particular to allow the spring to relax, and the first position of the connector ensures that the element and the second position of the connector The position ensures that the element is in its released position. Where available, at least one primary locking element may also be in its release position. In this way, when the connector has been properly installed and locked to the opposing connector, the loading of the spring can be used to resist disengagement because the released state of the spring and thus the relaxation of the spring is directly linked to the first and second CPA The corresponding release state of the device. The combined effect of the two CPA devices can thus prevent inadvertent disengagement in a more advantageous manner than the squib connectors known from the prior art. Furthermore, when the connector is correctly mounted and locked to the opposing connector, the locking spring, in particular the spring, the two CPA devices, and the locking element (if available) are in their resting positions.

Advantageously, when the connector and the mating connector are correctly coupled, the first position securing element of the connector may form a second locking action of the connector relative to the mating connector. This variant, which has been found to be advantageous in the case of standard detonation carrier sockets, enables the use at the detonation connector of a CPA device of the plunger type which, under the action of a locking spring, can automatically Resist the connector as long as it is not properly seated and "sinks" into the retaining element of the standard detonation carrier socket to create additional locking.

In a variant of the preferred embodiment, the electrical connector may further comprise a main housing to which the spring, the first position ensuring element of the connector and the second position ensuring element of the connector may be arranged a body including at least one surface limiting movement of a second position ensuring element of the connector; and a cover, which can be secured to the main housing, including a receiving area that holds the spring in its loaded state can be accommodated in and restricts the movement of the first position securing element of the connector. The present invention may thus provide a solution suitable for the standards of motor vehicle manufacturers in terms of the compactness of the detonation carrier socket of the safety retention system.

Description of drawings

The invention will be described in more detail using advantageous embodiments and on the basis of the following figures, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention;

Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate two views of the assembled connector shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate, through two cross-sectional views, the connector example shown in Figures 1 and 2A-2B prior to coupling to a mating connector;

Figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate one stage of the coupling sequence of the connector shown in Figures 1-3B with a mating connector, wherein the mating connector can be pushed back by a tensioned locking spring;

Figures 5A and 5B schematically illustrate another stage in the coupling sequence, wherein the connector and the mating connector are coupled and the locking spring is re-tensioned;

Figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate the coupled and fully locked state of the connector to the mating connector, with the locking spring returning to its relaxed, released state;

Figure 7 is a schematic exploded view of an example of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention;

8A-8B are schematic diagrams of one stage of a sequence for coupling the connector shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a released state with an opposing connector;

9A-9B are schematic views of another stage of the coupling sequence, respectively, wherein the connector of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is in a loaded state;

Figures 10A-10B are schematic views, respectively, of another stage of the coupling sequence, wherein the connector of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is in a loaded state; and

Figures 11A-11B are schematic views of the connector of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, respectively, properly inserted and locked in the opposing connector.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical connector 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, connector 100 is a connector of a motor vehicle airbag deployment system (not shown) that can be coupled to a standardized mating connector. However, in other embodiments, the connector 100 may be another type of connector. For example, in other embodiments, the connector 100 may be used in any other system that also requires a guarantee that an incorrect connector of the connector 100 to a mating connector cannot, but its arrangement in a limited space would require Connector 100 is smaller in size relative to connectors with spring locks known in the art.

The connector 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may include a main housing 101 having a main portion 102 open on one side, the main portion having a substantially parallelepiped geometry, which may be substantially trapezoidal in cross-section , and has a rounded edge and has a generally cylindrical connecting portion 103 that protrudes substantially perpendicular to the main portion 102 to allow coupling with a mating connector 200 in a space of limited size. The connector 100 may also include a cover 104 designed to close the main portion 102 of the main housing 101 .

FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B show the connector 100 assembled in its released position, ie, when it can be released for coupling with a mating connector 200 . In particular, FIG. 2A shows the connector 100 in a deflected view from below, while FIG. 2B shows the connector 100 in a deflected view from above, ie, generally on the side of the cover 104 . 3A shows a cross-sectional side view of the assembled connector 100, and FIG. 3B shows a deflected view from above similar to FIG. 2B, but without the cover 104 to make the internal arrangement of the components of the connector 100 clearer .

As can be seen in Figure 1, the main part 102 of the housing 101 may include, at one end, grooves 105, 106 suitable for passage of electrical conductors (also seen in Figures 2A-2B and 3B), and suitable for In the ferrite receiving cavity 107 receiving the filtering ferrite 108, the electrical conductors 109, 110 passing through the ferrite receiving cavity are then bent at substantially right angles so that at the ends of the conductors 109, 110 The terminals 111 , 112 at the portion may be received in the terminal receiving elements 113 , 114 of the connecting portion 103 . FIGS. 3A-3B show the assembled connector 100 with the ferrite 108 housed in the cavity 107 and the terminals 111 , 112 of the conductors 109 , 110 housed in the terminal receiving elements 113 , 114 of the connection portion 103 . FIG. 3A also shows that when the cover 104 closes the housing 101 of the connector 100 , the ferrite 108 can be held in place in the cavity 107 by the retention tongue 133 of the cover 104 .

According to an alternative to an aspect of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, the connector 100 may include a connection assurance element 115 (which may be of the "plunger" type) or hereinafter The CPA plunger 115, that is, is substantially cylindrical, longitudinal and includes at least one retractable locking element 116, 118 or can only be deflected when the connector 100 and its mating connector 200 are locked together. In the exemplary embodiment, the CPA plunger 115 includes two locking lances 116, 118 on both sides, each of which is terminated with a locking tab 117, 119, particularly shown in Figures 1 and 2A. 2A also shows that the CPA plunger 115 is partially hollow in the longitudinal direction to allow the locking lances 116, 119 when pressure is applied to the tabs 117, 119 in an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the CPA plunger 115. 118 , more particularly allowing the locking tabs 117 , 119 to be retracted towards the interior of the CPA plunger 115 .

As can be seen from the sectional views of Figures 1 and 3A, the main part 102 of the housing 101 includes a hole 120 for receiving a connection assurance element extending in a receiving part 128 of the connection part 103 for the connection assurance element , thereby allowing the CPA plunger to bulge in the connecting portion 103, as also shown in the views in Figures 2A and 2B. The CPA plunger 115 includes a neck ring 121 , as can be seen in FIG. 3A , which prevents the CPA plunger from fully exiting and falling out through the connecting portion 103 .

In the case of an airbag detonation connector, the connecting portion 103 is a portion designed to be rigidly coupled with the mating connector 200 , the geometry and dimensions of which are thus defined by the standardization of the mating connector 200 . An exemplary embodiment of a standardized mating connector 200 is shown in Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, showing the coupling of the connector 100 shown in Figures 1, 2A-2B, and 3A-3B order. The connecting portion 103 may thus be the portion that achieves primary or primary locking with the mating connector 200 . To this end, the connecting part 103 may comprise at least one main locking element 122, 124, here two locking lances 122, 124 arranged on both sides of the connecting part 103 and each terminated with a corresponding locking tab 123, 125 , and can do so when it is forced back into the corresponding holes 126 , 127 of the connecting portion 103 , for example during the coupling phase with the mating connector 200 .

The two mating parts 100, 200 have standardized dimensions for use in motor vehicle airbag systems, the connection being realized in a limited space. The main part 102 of the main housing 101 is thus limited in thickness, with the result that integration of the spring locking connectors known from the prior art using helical springs is not possible due to the lack of space for the travel of such springs.

In accordance with the present invention, the connector 100 includes a shaped wire locking spring 129 which allows the integration of the spring locking function and thereby achieves, with respect to detonating connectors known in the prior art, by being able to provide this function in a reduced space, At the same time an improvement over the spring locking connectors known from the prior art. According to an advantageous alternative of the invention, shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 3B , the shaped wire spring 129 may be shaped to have a generally arcuate geometry or a U-shape or a horseshoe shape so that it can follow the direction of the main portion 102 . The generally trapezoidal portion is arranged, in particular in the inner contour 132 of the main portion 102 . Additionally, as seen in FIG. 1 , each end 13 , 131 of the shaped wire spring 129 may be formed to create a projection or hook that is substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the substantially arcuate geometry of the spring 129 .

Furthermore, in an equally advantageous embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the shaped wire spring 129 may be of the "slide spring" type, that is, in addition to its arcuate geometry, it may also include rolls on each side of the arc, The roll joins the arc to the ends 130, 131 to act as a "torsion spring".

Figures 2A-2B and 3A-3B show the connector 100 assembled and in its release position, ie the spring 129 in its release position, particularly in the relaxed state, inside the main part 102 of the housing 101 The profile 132 is substantially flat. In the released state of the connector 100, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 3A, the CPA plunger 115 is in the released state, wherein the CPA plunger is held by its neck ring 121 in the main part 102 at a height, And generally extends in the connecting portion 103, as shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 3A.

Furthermore, in the released state of the connector 100, the housing 101 is closed by the cover 104, as shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 2A-2B and Figure 3A. To this end, the main housing 101 , in particular the main part 102 , and the cover 104 may comprise locking elements 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 , 141 . For example, the main portion may include locking tabs 134 at the ends opposite the grooves 105, 106 for the passages of the conductors 109, 110 of the main portion 102 to allow locking with appropriate locking apertures 141 of the cover 104, And include lateral side locking regions 135 , 136 to allow locking of the longitudinal sides of the main portion 102 with the corresponding locking tabs 138 , 140 of the appropriate side locking spears 137 , 139 of the cover 104 .

1 and 2B and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A further illustrate that the cover 104 may include a slight protrusion 142 that is generally in the shape of a beveled arc and that is actually formed by a hollow receiving area 143 that receives The area is suitable for when the locking spring 129 changes from the stage for coupling the connector 100 to the mating connector 200 (eg, the stages shown by FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B, which stages will be described below). The locking spring 129 is received in the cover 104 from its relaxed state to a tensioned or loaded state. However, in the released state of the connector 100, and thus in the relaxed released state of the locking spring 129, the spring 129 is not received in the region 143 and is substantially flat in the inner contour 132 with the projections 130, 131 facing The bottom of the main part 102 is oriented, in particular in the same direction as the protrusion formed by the connecting part 103, ie the direction facing the mating connector 200 during coupling, so that the movement of the locking spring 129 by the CPA plunger 115 is elastic and tension spring 129, as shown in Figures 4A and 5A.

The motor vehicle airbag detonation connector 100, shown in FIGS. 1 , 2A-2B, and 3A-3B, in its released position, is particularly shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and 3A-3B, and can thus be coupled with the mating connector 200 to The coupling engages sequentially and simultaneously meets the constraints imposed by the standard for airbag deployment systems. An exemplary sequence is described below with reference to Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, which show cross-sections of mating connector 200 and connecting portion 103 of connector 100 during possible stages of coupling. For clearer illustration, the cover 104 is only shown in Figures 6A-6B.

FIGS. 4A-4B particularly illustrate a stage in which coupling has begun between connector 100 and mating connector 200 . At this stage, the force applied to couple the two mating connectors 100 , 200 is not sufficient to achieve the primary locking, and the connector 100 is thus not locked to the mating connector 200 . The connection assurance element 115 is pushed back into the main part 102 of the housing 101 by means of a stop on the mating connector 200, with the result that it elastically moves the spring 129 into the area 143 of the cover 104 so that the spring 129 is tensioned, or Load and then apply a force to the CPA 115 in the opposite direction to the coupling. The coupling movement is thus not continued, and the mating connector 200 will thus be automatically ejected by the CPA 115 under the tension of the spring 129 .

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a coupling stage in which the force applied to couple the two mating connectors 100 , 200 is sufficient to achieve primary locking of the connector 100 with its mating connector 200 . The connection assurance element 115 has been pushed back as far as possible into the main part 102 of the housing 101 by the mating connector 200 , moving the spring 129 for the maximum travel defined by the size of the area 143 of the cover 104 . The loaded spring 129 still exerts pressure on the CPA plunger 115 in the direction opposite to the coupling, however, given that primary locking has been achieved, the CPA plunger 115 is in a state where the locking lances 116, 118 are retracted because the tabs 117, 119 has been deflected by the outer circumference of the hole 120 , which enables the CPA plunger 115 to automatically advance into the CPA receiving area 208 of the mating connector 200 under the urging force of the spring 129 .

Finally, Figures 6A-6B show the coupling stage that automatically follows that shown in Figures 5A-5B, ie the stage in which the connector 100 and its mating connector 200 are locked together by their primary locking, and in which the CPA post The plug 115 has been pushed back into the CPA receiving area 208 of the mating connector 200 by the spring 129 , with the result that it achieves a secondary locking of the assembly, in particular by abutting against the mating secondary locking areas 209 , 210 of the mating connector 200 . achieved by the locking tabs 117, 119. According to an advantageous alternative to an embodiment of the invention, the CPA device 115 is thus in its released position. Similarly, according to another advantageous alternative, the locking spring 129 is also in its release position, in particular the spring 129 is relaxed.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, a mating connector 200 that meets the criteria for an airbag detonation system may include a mating main housing 201 having a generally cylindrical geometry suitable for for coupling with the connecting portion 102 of the connector 100 . In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4A-4B, 5A-5B, 6A-6B, the diameter of the mating main housing 201 is larger than the diameter of the connecting portion 102 to receive the connecting portion 102 during coupling. These figures also show that the end of the mating connector 200 facing the connector 100 may further comprise mating locking regions 202 , 203 suitable for effecting primary locking of the locking lances 122 , 124 of the connecting portion 102 of the assembly to the connector 100 . locking. For this purpose, the mating locking regions 202, 203 may terminate in the direction of the connector 100 with corresponding mating locking tabs 204, 205, where the corresponding locking tabs 123, 125 of the connecting portion 103 are in contact with the mating locking tabs 204, 205 Slide up to deflect towards retraction holes 126 , 127 during advancement of mating connectors 100 , 200 . This deflection may be such that, if the force applied to couple the two mating connectors is greater than the ejection force applied by the spring 129 and the CPA plunger 115, when the tabs 123, 125 have advanced enough to exceed the mating tabs 204, 204 When the locking lances 122, 124 are returned to their original undeflected positions and the tabs 123, 125 abut against the mating tabs 204, 205, as shown in particular in Figures 5A-5B and 6A-6B, primary locking of the assembly can be achieved .

Figures 4B, 5B, 6B further illustrate that the mating connector 200 may comprise two electrical terminals 206, 207 adapted to be received in the receiving elements 113, 114 of the connection portion 103 to achieve connection with the terminals 111, 112 ( In particular the electrical connection to the conductors 109, 110).

FIGS. 4A , 5A and 6A finally show that the mating connector 200 may include a CPA plunger receiving area 208 having a smaller diameter than when the CPA plunger 115 is in its released position to form a gap for the CPA plunger 115 during coupling movement. The stopping of the locking tabs 117, 119 against the edges 211, 212 presented to the CPA receiving area 208 of the connector 100 causes retraction of the CPA plunger 115 towards the main portion 102 and thus elastic movement of the spring 129 (Fig. 4A). shown), while the master lock is not completed. Figures 4A, 5A, 6A also show that the CPA receiving area 208 of the mating connector 200 extends a wider portion, the edges 209, 210 of which are mated secondary locking areas 209, 210 to achieve secondary locking with the locking tabs 117, 119 Stage locking, when once the primary locking is complete, the clearance of the locking lances 116, 118 towards the inside of the CPA plunger 115 will allow the CPA plunger 115 to "sink" into the CPA receiving area 208 under the thrust applied by the tensioned spring 129 , until the locking tabs 117, 119 reach the mating secondary locking areas 209, 210, the wider diameter of which will cause the locking lances 116, 118 to return to their released/undeflected positions against the tabs 117, 210 of the areas 209, 210, Deactivation of 119 will achieve secondary lockout, as shown in Figure 6A.

7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an electrical connector 10100 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, connector 10100 is a squib connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, which can be coupled to a standard mating connector, ie, squib carrier receptacle. Such a motor vehicle manufacturer's standardized detonation carrier socket 10200 is shown in Figure 8A and the lower figures.

8A-8B, 9A-9B, 10A-10B, and 11A-11B illustrate the sequence for coupling the connector 10100 to the standard detonation carrier receptacle 10200. 8A-8B illustrate the establishment of physical contact between the connector 10100 and the receptacle 10200, with the connector 10100 in a released state. 9A-9B and 10A-10B show connector 10100 moving forward into receptacle 10200 with connector 10100 in a loaded state. Finally, Figures 11A-11B show the connector 10100 in a state where it is properly mated and locked into the receptacle 10200 and returned to its released state.

As can be seen from FIG. 7 , the squib connector 10100 may include a main housing 10101 and a cover 10102 . The main housing 10100 may then include a conductor receiving portion 10103 and a connecting portion 10104, wherein the connecting portion 10104 is configured to couple to a motor vehicle manufacturer's standard detonation carrier socket 10200, particularly one that can receive a "plunger" type CPA device in a standard manner. A detonation carrier socket 200, eg a "plunger" type CPA device shown in Fig. 7, capable of ensuring the maintenance of the connection in the coupling direction indicated by arrow 10300, which can be seen in more detail in particular from Fig. 8B Shows. Figure 7 further shows that conductor receiving portion 10300 may include two openings for receiving conductors 10105, 10106 and a portion 10107 for receiving filter ferrite, which portion may receive first conductor 1018, second conductor 10109 and associated filter ferrite. At the outlet of the filter ferrite 10110, the conductors 10108, 10109 extend through the terminals 10111, 10112, which are bent in a substantially vertical state to make contacts with the projections 10115, 10116 received in the connection part 10104 The terminals 10113 , 10114 are terminated, wherein the contact terminals 10113 , 10114 are complementary to the contact pins of the detonation socket 10200 .

Figure 7 further shows that the cover 10102 of the connector 10101 may include locking means, in this example the locking projections 10117, 10118 and/or the locking region (in this example the locking region 10119), which are in contact with the main housing The locking regions 10120, 10112 of the body 10101 and/or the locking means (in this example the projections 10122) are complementary to secure the connector 10100 to the main housing when the connector 10100 is assembled. The cover 10102 can further include a tongue 10123, which can be seen in FIG. 7, and can be directed toward the inside of the connector 10100 and configured to hold the ferrite 10100 in place in the region 10107. 7 also shows that the cap 10102 may include a receiving area 10124 that allows a locking spring 10125 loaded by the thrust of the plunger-type CPA device 10135 in the loaded state of the connector 10100 to be received. It should be appreciated, however, that in order to make the drawings clearer, which is also apparent to those skilled in the art, the cover 10102 will be shown in FIGS. becomes transparent.

The connector 10100 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7 may also include a spring 10125, particularly a shaped wire elastic rod, combined with a plunger-type CPA device 10135 to function as a locking spring, ie for use in the event of a poor connection Automatic ejection of connector 10100. The spring 10125 may thus be of the "mouse trap" type, and thus generally U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. In this manner, the spring 10125 may comprise a transverse rod 10126 which is received in the upper portion of the connecting portion 10104 in the released state shown in particular in Figures 8A-8B, ie when the spring 10125 is relaxed. Whether the connector 10100 is in the released state or in the loaded state, the transverse rod 10126 rests on the head 10139 of the first CPA device 10135, in particular it may rest on the ramp 10140 in the loaded state. At each of its ends, rods 10126 may extend through lateral rods 10127, 10128, which terminate to helices 10129, 10130 and finally to projections 10131, 10132, wherein the projections are opposite to those formed by rods 10126, 10130, The planes defined by 10127, 10128 form a predetermined angle. In the connector 10100, the components of which are shown in Figures 8A-8B, 9A-9B, 10A-10B and 11A-11B, the spirals 10129, 10130 may be arranged around the elements forming the axes 10133, 10134 of the conductor receiving portion 10103 .

According to the invention, the connector 10100 comprises a first CPA device, in this example a CPA device 10135 of the plunger type, movable in the coupling directions 10300 , 10301 , in this example along a housing 10141 provided in the connection part 10104 . In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the first CPA 10135 may include a head 10139 provided with a ramp 10141 that allows to facilitate the return from the loaded state of the connector 10100 to the released position, particularly Figures 10A-10B shown. The first CPA 10135 may also include two locking lances 10137, 10138, on one side of the main housing 10136 and on the other side at the continuation of the head 10139, configured to move into contact with the retaining element 10202 of the detonation carrier socket 10200 The surfaces 10206 are in contact, as shown in Figures 8A-8B and 9A-9B, and the force applied to couple the connector 10100 and the receptacle 10200 is insufficient to ensure the primary lock. If the force is large enough to change the connector 10100 to the loaded state, as shown in Figures 10A-10B, the spears 10137, 10138 can be redirected and thereby allow the first CPA 10135 to "sink" into the receiving area 10207, which is a standard is provided in the retaining element 10202, which will allow transitions to the connected and locked state (which also corresponds to the released state) of the connector 10100, and will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11A-11B. Regardless of the state of the connector 10100, the first CPA 10135 is configured such that the head 10139 and, if applicable, the ramp 10140 are always in contact with the spring 10125, particularly in Figures 8A-8B, 9A-9B, 10A-10B and 11A-11B, these figures depict the coupling sequence of the exemplary embodiment.

Still in accordance with the invention, the connector 10100 includes primary locking means, in this example two locking spears 10142, 10143, which are particularly shown in Figure 7 and which can be redirected to move the connector 10100 The primary locking action with respect to the socket 10200 is achieved. In particular, the main locking action can be ensured by the respective locking lugs 10144, 10145 of each lance 10142, 10143, wherein the respective locking lugs are received in the sockets of the detonation carrier socket 10200 when the force to effect the coupling is sufficiently high in the corresponding locking areas 10203, 10204 of the section 10201. The primary locking action is particularly shown in FIGS. 11A-11B and thus can only occur when the locking spears 10142 , 10143 can already be redirected into the corresponding redirecting spaces 10148 , 10149 of the connecting portion 10104 . However, in the released state, the locking spears 10148, 10149 are blocked and cannot be redirected into these spaces 10148, 10149. According to a preferred variant of the embodiment of the invention, the locking lances 10148, 10149 may comprise corresponding projections 10146, 10147 at this end. The protrusions 10146 , 10147 can be blocked in the released state of the connector 10100 to prevent the redirection of the spears 10142 , 10143 , in particular, the protrusions 10146 , 10147 can pass through the second CPA device 10150 provided in the connector 10100 Corresponding position securing elements 10151, 10152 of the second CPA 10150 are able to move relative to the plunger-type CPA device 10135 in a direction different from the coupling direction 10300, 10301. Furthermore, in the loaded state, due to the movement of the second CPA 10150, the protrusions 10146, 10147 can be disengaged in the disengagement spaces 10155, 10156 of the second CPA 10150.

According to the invention, the connector 10100 thus comprises a second CPA device 10150, which may also be provided in the main housing 10101, eg in the part of the connection between the connection part 10104 and the receiving part 10103 of the conductors 10108, 10109. According to the invention, the second CPA device 10150 can be moved in a direction different from the coupling directions 10300 , 10301 , in particular in a lateral direction relative to the coupling directions 10300 , 10301 , more particularly in the main direction corresponding to the connector 10100 in the direction in the longitudinal direction of the conductor receiving portion 10103 of the housing 10101 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9B, the second CPA device 10150 can be taken from the released position shown in FIGS. 8A-8B in a direction substantially perpendicular to the coupling directions 10300, 10301 movement in the direction 10302 where it prevents the reversing of the locking lances 10142, 10143 to a position that allows reversing of the locking lances 10142, 10143 shown in Figures 9A-9B, 10A-10B as shown in Figures 11A-11B , after the primary lock has been in place, the second CPA device 150 can be returned to its release position, ensuring that the primary lock action is maintained between the connector 10100 and the receptacle 10200 .

Furthermore, according to an advantageous variant of the embodiment of the invention also shown in FIG. 7 , the projections 10131 , 10132 of the locking spring 10125 can be received in the blocking holes 10153 , 10154 of the second CPA device 10150 . Thus, according to an advantageous variant of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the loading of the spring 10125 can bring about a movement of the second CPA device 10150 . In particular, the thrust of inserting the connector 10100 into the receptacle 10200 will first effect the movement of the first CPA device 10135 in the eject direction 10301, moving the connector 10100 from a released state such as shown in Figures 8A-8B to a state such as In the loaded state shown in Figures 9A-9B, this may thereby bring about the loading of the spring 10125 and thus the movement of the second CPA device 10150 in the direction 10302 relative to the directions 10300, 10301 which releases the locking lances 10142, 10143 , as shown in Figures 10A-10B. In the same way, when a plunger-type CPA device 10135 "sinks" into the socket 10200 under the pressure exerted by the spring 10125, which attempts to relax from its loaded state, the relaxation of the spring 10125 can also bring about Movement of the second CPA device 10150 in a direction opposite direction 10302, thereby also causing it to return to its released state, prevents reversal of the locking spears 10142, 10143, particularly as shown in Figures 11A-11B. FIG. 7 also shows that the second CPA 10150 may be approximately in the shape of an "H" with each of the two lateral protrusions of the "H" including two blocking holes provided in one of the two securing elements 10151 , 10152 One of the two breakaway spaces 10155, 10156 between one of the parts 10153, 10154.

The coupling and locking sequence of the connector 10100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 with a motor vehicle manufacturer's standard detonation carrier receptacle 10200 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8A-8B, 9A-9B, 10A-10B, 11A-11B. Figures 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A show the coupling sequence in a three-dimensional perspective view from above. Figures 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B correspond to the same stages of Figures 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, respectively, but include views of sections along directions 10300, 10301 and 10302, 10303. Figures 8A-8B, 9A-9B, 10A-10B, 11A-11B show the connector 10100 assembled with all the elements described with reference to Figure 7, except for the cover 10102, which is made transparent for illustration, which It will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The filter ferrite 10100 also becomes transparent in Figure 5B.

8A-8B illustrate the released state of the connector 10100, which has just been in contact with the receptacle 10200. FIG. This is thus essentially the stage of the first contact between the connector 10100 and the receptacle 10200 . Connector 10100 abuts receptacle 10200, but is not plugged into it. In particular, the locking lances 10137, 10138 of the first CPA 10135 abut the contact surface 10206 of the retaining element 10202 of the detonation socket 10200, but the first CPA 10135 or plunger type CPA 10135 is in its lowest position in the housing 10141. In the released state, the spring 10125 is relaxed, its transverse rod 10126 rests on the head 10139 of the plunger-type CPA 10135, and the second CPA 10150 is also in its initial position with the retaining elements 10151, 10152 wedging the locking lances 10142, 10143 behind the projections 10146, 10147 to prevent them from being redirected into the disengagement or redirection spaces 10148, 10149 of the connecting portion 10104.

If the coupling movement of the connector 10100 and the receptacle 10200 continues in the insertion direction 10300, the force applied to insert the connector 10100 into the receptacle 10200 will move the connector 10100 into a loaded state, such as in Figures 9A-9B shown. The connector 10100 is partially plugged into the receptacle 10200, but the locking lances 10142, 10143 have not been redirected so that their projections 10144, 10145 move into abutment against the crown 10205 of the receptacle 10200. The coupling movement or insertion movement can be seen from where the pressure of the plunger type CPA 10135 on the contact surface 10206 causes the plunger type CPA 10135 to lift along the housing 10141 in the direction 10301 and the head of the plunger type CPA 10135 The portion 10139 will exert pressure on the transverse rod 10126 of the spring 10125, loading it relative to its released state. The loading of the spring 10125 can be seen from the pivoting action of the lugs 10131, 10133 about the axes 10133, 10134, resulting in forward movement of the second CPA 10150 in the direction 10302, which in this embodiment is generally relative to the direction 10300, 10301 vertical. The elements 10151 , 10152 will thus move forward in the direction 10302 and gradually create space for the disengagement spaces 10155 , 10156 .

In the stage shown in Figures 9A-9B, if the force applied to make the coupling is insufficient, or if the operator stops the coupling action, the loading of the spring 10125 acts against the continuation of the coupling, the plunger type CPA 10135 will thereby pass The spring trying to relax is resisted towards its initial position so that the connector 10100 will be ejected from the socket in the ejection direction 10301 . If feasible, the connector 10100 will change back to its released state, ie the first CPA 10135, second CPA 10150 and spring 10125 will be in their initial positions and the locking spears 10142, 10143 will thereby be blocked by the second CPA 10150.

However, if the coupling movement continues, since the locking lances 10137, 10138 abut against the contact surface 10206 of the retaining element 10202 of the socket 10200, the plunger-type CPA 10135 will continue its upward movement in the housing 10141 in the direction 10301, locking the connector 10100 moves to the loaded state as shown in Figures 10A-10B. Movement of the plunger-type CPA 10135 will thereby further load the spring 10125 until the maximum loading of the spring 10125 (corresponding to the uppermost position of the plunger-type CPA 10135 shown in FIGS. 10A-10B ) brings the second CPA 10150 Sufficient movement in direction 10302 allows the retaining elements 10151 , 10152 to completely make room for the disengagement spaces 10155 , 10156 behind the projections 10146 , 10147 of the locking spears 10142 , 10143 . Following this coupling movement, the projections 10144, 10145 of the locking lances 10142, 10143 will thus be able to be redirected from the crown 10205, and the locking lances 10142, 10143 will thereby be redirected to the direction 10304 and the direction 10303 towards the inside of the connecting portion 10104, respectively , in particular in its spaces 10148 , 10149 , and thus in the disengagement areas 10210 , 10211 of the socket 10200 .

FIG. 10B particularly shows the upper position of the plunger-type CPA 10135 in the housing 10141 . In this position, whether or not when the spring 10125 is in its maximum loaded opposite state, in particular its transverse rod 10126 abuts the ramp 10140 of the head 10129 of the first CPA 10135, and the second CPA 10150 allows the locking spears 10142, 10143 to change direction, The locking lances 10137 , 10138 of the plunger type CPA 10135 and move into contact with the neck 10157 of the housing 10141 . Contact with the neck 10157 can cause the spears 10137, 10138 to be redirected to the direction of the body 10136 of the plunger-type CPA 10135, which is thereby free to "sink" into the retaining element 10202 of the socket 10200. The cover 10102 of the connector 10100 may include a region 10124 configured to receive a plunger-type CPA device 10135 and a spring 10125 in a maximum loaded state.

The type of spring 10125, the maximum relative loading of the spring 10125 and thus the maximum lift allowed by the CPA 10135 of the plunger type and the size of the cover 10102 as well as the size of the main housing 10101 and the movement of the second CPA 10150 are available according to the technical elements available for connection parameters to be adjusted according to the space and in particular the environment in which the standard socket 10200 is integrated.

At this stage, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B , the locking spears 10142 , 10143 are received in the locking areas 10203 , 10204 and thereby ensure the primary locking of the connector 10100 to the receptacle 10200 . Connector 10100 can no longer be ejected from receptacle 10200. In particular, the connector 10100 can no longer be erroneously inserted or erroneously inserted into the receptacle 10200 . This is because the CPA 10135 of the plunger type (whose locking lances 10137, 10138 are redirected) will automatically sink into the receiving area 10207 of the retaining element 10202 in the insertion direction 10300 under the action of the relaxation of the spring 10125, in particular Under the action of the pressure exerted by the rod 10126 on the head 10139 and the ramp 10140 of the CPA 10135 of the plunger type, the ramp 10140 facilitates the action of the spring 10125 on the CPA 10136 of the plunger type. The relaxation of the spring 10125 will also automatically bring about the first The movement of the two CPAs 10150 in a direction opposite to the direction 10302.

In this phase, given that the primary locking action of the locking lances 10142, 10143 relative to the locking areas 10203, 10204 is achieved, the connector 10100 will automatically move back to its released state, as shown in Figures 11A-11B. In particular, the spring 10125 will automatically move back to its released state and thereby substantially relax. The plunger-type CPA 10135 will also automatically move back to its lowermost position, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B , but this time in the receiving area 10207 of the retaining element 10202 of the detonation carrier socket 10200 . The surfaces 10208, 10209 of the receiving area 10207 will be able to prevent the lift of the CPA 10135 of the plunger type in the ejection direction 10301 by forming a stop for locking the lances 10137, 10138. Ultimately, the relaxation of the spring 10125 will automatically bring about the movement of the second CPA 10150 to its initial release position, ie the position where the retaining elements 10151, 10152 block the projections 10146, 10147 and thus prevent the reversal of the locking spears 10142, 10143, as in 11A-11B.

In this way, vibrations that would tend to move the first CPA device 10135 away from its release position (where a secondary lock is achieved between the connector 10100 and the receptacle 10200) will not affect the second CPA device 10150 because it Cannot move in different directions. In particular, vibrations that would tend to affect the connector 10100 plugged into the receptacle 10200 in the coupling directions 10300, 10301 would not affect the second CPA device 10150 to the same extent. Conversely, vibrations affecting the second CPA device 10150 will have less effect on the first CPA device 10135. Thanks to the locking spring 10125, the movements of the two CPA devices 10135, 10150 will be linked and can thereby compensate each other in case of vibration or shock, thus ensuring a good retention of the connection.

As can be seen from the exemplary embodiments described using FIGS. 1-11B , the present invention has the particular advantage of being able to reduce the size of the spring lock connector so that it can be used in a reduced or confined space . Furthermore, the use of a single-piece formed wire spring is advantageous as it enables cost reduction relative to prior art systems comprising multiple coil springs.

The invention is also of particular interest for motor vehicle airbag detonation systems, as it allows the integration of locking springs, as well as the combination with CPA devices, which is not possible in detonation connector systems known from the prior art. Furthermore, in an advantageous alternative to the preferred embodiment, the present invention has the advantage that a so-called "plunger" type CPA device can detect whether a connector is properly coupled. Furthermore, in an advantageous alternative, in the coupling sequence, the CPA device may pop out of the mating connector. In a preferred alternative, at the end of the coupling sequence, the connector is locked with the mating connector and the CPA device can be returned to its released position and the locking spring can be relaxed.

Due to the different advantageous aspects and embodiments thereof, the present invention thus provides a connector that can be automatically ejected in the event of incorrect insertion into the mating connector, while at the same time ensuring that the connector is properly inserted into the mating connection once In the device, the correct locking action can be maintained. The present invention in particular allows to provide a connector comprising a CPA device movable in a direction different from the insertion direction of the connector, and which is thus resistant to vibration and shock relative to connectors known from the prior art Implement a more efficient lock retention mechanism. An advantageous application of the present invention is in the automotive industry, and in particular in squib connectors for safety restraint systems. The present invention allows the specific requirements of the manufacturer of the motor vehicle to be matched with a standard detonation carrier socket in terms of connection safety.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the various alternative embodiments described above can be combined with each other to form further alternatives according to the invention.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the different advantages associated with embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to connection techniques for safety restraint systems of motor vehicles, but may be used with any type of connection technique employed in environments that are frequently subjected to shock and/or vibration.

reference number

100 Electrical Connectors

101 Main housing

102 Main Section

103 Connection part

104 cover

105 Conductor channel groove

106 Conductor channel groove

107 Ferrite receiving cavity

108 Filter Ferrite

109 Electrical conductors

110 Electrical conductors

111 Terminals

112 Terminals

113 Terminal receiving element

114 Terminal receiving element

115 CPA plunger

116 Locking Spear

117 Locking tab

118 Locking Spear

119 Locking tab

120 CPA Component Receiving Holes

121 Neck Ring

122 Locking Spear

123 Locking tab

124 Locking Spear

125 Locking Tabs

126 Spear retraction hole

127 Spear retraction hole

128 CPA Component Receiver Section

129 Locking spring

130 Spring protrusion

131 Spring protrusion

132 Internal Profile

133 Ferrite maintains the tongue

134 Locking tab

135 Lateral locking area

136 Lateral locking area

137 Side Locking Spear

138 Locking Tabs

139 Side Locking Spear

140 Locking Tabs

141 Locking orifice

142 Raised

143 Spring receiving area

200 Mating Electrical Connectors

201 with the main shell

202 Mate Lock Area

203 Mate Lock Area

204 Mating locking tab

205 Mating Locking Tabs

206 Mating electrical terminals

207 Mating electrical terminals

208 CPA plunger receiving area

209 Mating Secondary Lockout Zones

210 with secondary lockout area

211 CPA Stop Area

212 CPA Stop Area

10100 Electrical Connector

10101 Main housing

10102 Cover

10103 Conductor receiving part

10104 Connection part

10105 Conductor receiving opening

10106 Conductor receiving opening

10107 Filtered ferrite receiving part

10108 Electrical conductors

10109 Electrical conductors

10110 Filter Ferrite

10111 Terminal

10112 Terminal

10113 Contact terminal

10114 Contact Terminal

10115 Contact protrusion

10116 Contact protrusion

10117 Locking projection

10118 Locking projection

10119 Locked area

10120 Locked area

10121 Locked area

10122 Locking boss

10123 Ferrite retainer tongue

10124 Reception area

10125 Spring

10126 Transverse rod

10127 Lateral rod

10128 Lateral rod

10129 Spiral

10130 Spiral

10131 spring protrusion

10132 spring protrusion

10133 Spring axis

10134 Spring axis

10135 Plunger Type CPA Device

10136 Body

10137 Locking Spear

10138 Locking Spear

10139 Head

10140 Bevel

10141 Housing for plunger type CPA

10142 Master Locking Spear

10143 Master Locking Spear

10144 Locking boss

10145 Locking boss

10146 Protrusion

10147 Projection

10148 Spear redirection space

10149 Spear Reversing Space

10150 Lateral CPA Unit

10151 Spear position guarantee element

10152 Spear position guarantee element

10153 Spring protrusion blocking hole

10154 Spring protrusion blocking hole

10155 Break away space

10156 Break away space

10157 Neck

10200 Detonation Carrier Socket

10201 Socket part

10202 Connection holding element

10203 Lock area

10204 Locked area

10205 Crown

10206 Contact surface

10207 plunger type CPA receiving area

10208 Secondary Locked Area

10209 Secondary Locked Area

10210 Disengagement area

10211 Disengagement area

10300 Connection direction, insertion direction

10301 Connection direction, ejection direction

10302 The moving direction of the second CPA device

10303 Direction of change, direction of change of spear 10143

10304 Direction of change, direction of change of spear 10142

Claims (12)

1. An electrical connector (10100) capable of being coupled with a mating connector (10200) in a coupling direction (10300), the electrical connector comprising: Locking spring (10125) comprising transverse rods (10126) extending at each end of lateral rods (10127, 10128) which terminate to helixes (10129, 10130) and most Terminations are made to projections (10131, 10132); the locking spring (10125) is relaxed in the release position, the locking spring (10125) being in a loaded state opposite to the electrical connector (10100) and the to cooperate with the coupling of the connector (10200); and The first position securing element (10135) of the electrical connector includes a head (10139) that is always in contact with the locking spring (10125) when the electrical connector (10100) is coupled to the When mating the connector (10200), the first position ensuring element can move from the release position to the release state along the mating direction (10300, 10301), and as long as the electrical connector (10100) and the mating connector (10200) ) is not properly coupled, the head (10139) of the first position guarantee element (10135) exerts pressure on the transverse rod (10126) of the locking spring (10125), loading it relative to its released state; The electrical connector (10100) further comprises a second position guarantee element (10150) of the electrical connector, the second position guarantee element (10150) comprises blocking holes (10153, 10154), and the second position guarantee element (10150) The element is configured such that the projections (10131, 10132) of the locking spring (10125) can be received in the blocking holes (10153, 10154) of the second position assurance element (10150) such that the second position assurance element (10150) ) can be moved from the release position to the release state in a direction (10302) different from the coupling direction (10300, 10301) by the loading of the locking spring (10125). 2. The electrical connector (10100) according to claim 1, wherein the second position ensuring element (10150) of the electrical connector is capable of being in a direction (10302) substantially perpendicular to the coupling direction (10300, 10301) ) to move up. 3. The electrical connector (10100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first position assurance element (10135) further comprises two locking lances (10137, 10138), during a coupling operation, as long as the electrical connection is If the connector (10100) and the mating connector (10200) are not properly coupled, in the loaded state, the contact surfaces of the retaining element (10202) abut against the mating connector (10200) by the locking lances (10137, 10138) (10206), the first position securing element (10135) of the electrical connector resists the mating connector (10200) under the pressure exerted by the locking spring (10125). 4. The electrical connector (10100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one primary locking element (10142, 10143) comprising respective locking projections (10144, 10145) and respective projections ( 10146, 10147) in the released position in the released state and which can be redirected to allow coupling, wherein the released position of the at least one primary locking element (10142, 10143) is achieved when the electrical connector and The first locking action of the electrical connector (10100) relative to the mating connector (10200) when the mating connector is correctly coupled causes the locking projections of the at least one primary locking element (10142, 10143) (10144, 10145) are received in corresponding locking regions (10203, 10204) of the socket portion (10201) of the mating connector (10200). 5. The electrical connector (10100) according to claim 4, wherein the electrical connection is blocked by the projections (10146, 10147) by corresponding retaining elements (10151, 10152) of the second position assurance element (10150) The release position of the second position securing element (10150) of the connector prevents reorientation of the at least one primary locking element (10142, 10143). 6. The electrical connector (10100) of claim 5, wherein the loaded state of the locking spring (10125) moves the second position assurance element (10150) of the electrical connector, thereby allowing the at least one main Reversal of locking elements (10142, 10143). 7. The electrical connector (10100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the electrical connector (10100) and the mating connector (10200) are properly coupled, the electrical connector (10100) ) returns to its released state, and the first position assurance element (10135) of the electrical connector and the second position assurance element (10150) of the electrical connector are in their released positions. 8. The electrical connector (10100) of claim 3, wherein when the electrical connector (10100) and the mating connector (10200) are properly coupled, the first position of the electrical connector The locking lances (10137, 10138) of the securing element (10142, 10143) are deflected under the action of the relaxation of the locking spring and automatically sink into the receiving area (10207) of the retaining element (10202) of the mating connector, forming the electrical A second locking action of the connector (10100) relative to the mating connector (10200). 9. The electrical connector (10100) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a main housing (10101) in which the locking spring (10125), the first position assurance element (10135) of the electrical connector and the second position assurance element (10150) of the electrical connector are provided, and A cover (10102), which can be secured to the main housing (10101), includes a receiving area (10124) that enables the locking spring (10125) to be received in its loaded state, and the The receiving area limits the movement of the first position securing element (10135) of the electrical connector. 10. The electrical connector (10100) according to claim 1 or 2, the electrical connector (10100) being a squib connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle. 11. The electrical connector (10100) of claim 7, when the electrical connector (10100) and the mating connector (10200) are properly coupled, the electrical connector (10100) returns to its The release state allows the locking spring (10125) to relax. 12. The electrical connector (10100) of claim 5, wherein when the electrical connector (10100) and the mating connector (10200) are properly coupled, the electrical connector (10100) returns to its released state, and the first position assurance element (10135) of the electrical connector and the second position assurance element (10150) of the electrical connector are in their released positions, and the at least one primary locking element ( 10142, 10143) in their release positions.

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