JPH0660937A - Electric connector provided with active latch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an electric connector with active latches for providing an improved disengaging means and for realizing active latching actions between a pair of connectors in a completely connected condition. CONSTITUTION: A first connector 10 has a latch arm 50, which is elastically deformable with respect to deformation axes x, y oriented in at least two angular directions. A second connector has a cam that is placed so as to deform the latch arm 50 of the first connector 10, with respect to the first deformation axes x, y out of the deformation axes x, y, under a complete interfitting condition in combination with the latch, when the two connectors are engaged together. The second connector is provided with a housing, which covers and contains a latch arm in a completely interfitted condition. For an accessing measure, the latch arm 50 of a first connector 10 is deformed, with respect to the second deformation axes out to the two deformation axes x, y.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to electrical connector technology and, more particularly, to an electrical connector device that allows active latching in a fully mated condition of the connector device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electrical connector comprises a non-conductive housing to which one or more conductive terminals are fixed. The terminals are mechanically and electrically connected to conductive leads such as wires, cables or conductive areas on the circuit board. The electrical connector device is composed of a pair of connectors that can be joined to each other, and the respective housings and terminals can be joined to each other in pairs. Thus, for example, a pair of electrical connectors allows for electrical connection between the conductors of the cable and the printed circuit on the board. The matable terminals in a pair of electrical connectors are designed to achieve a large mating force against one another, especially in the fully mated condition. The joining force required for this joining results in a larger fitting force required for joining as the number of terminals in the connector increases.

As a result of requiring a large fitting force for fitting between the connectors, there is a risk of a defective insertion when joining the two electric connectors. If the mating force of the connector is insufficient, the joining between the joining terminals is generally incomplete.
In particular, in a use environment in which strong vibrations occur, such as in an automobile, there is a possibility that electrical performance may be deteriorated or the joined connector may be accidentally dropped.

Many electrical connector housings are provided with interengaging locks to ensure mating between the connectors and to prevent inadvertent removal of the mating connectors. In particular, a structure is generally adopted in which one of a pair of matable connectors facing each other is provided with a locking structure for engagement by a latch, and the other connector is provided with a flexible latch. Many connectors with flexible latches and corresponding locking structures restrict the relative displacement of the connectors in their mated state to retain the mating between the connectors in their mated state, but the mating and engagement A complicated operation is required to cancel the combination. The manipulations required to engage and disengage the locking means and the high mating forces required for a perfect fit between the connectors make joining or disengaging the connectors particularly difficult.

The prior art has included locking structures with beveled surfaces to assist in the complete mating of the connector. In particular, in the prior art, the flexible latch of one connector and the corresponding locking structure of the other connector that can be joined to it, the resilience of the latch and the angular alignment of the sloping surfaces ensure that the connector is fully joined. Connectors that are assembled to help each other are described. An example of a connector with this type of construction is US Pat. No. 4, granted to Boag on May 31, 1977.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,2,026,624 and Cairns on June 15, 1981.
73, 403. In these and other similar connectors, uncoupling of the connector is difficult because it is necessary to overcome the mating force of the terminals and the tilting force of the housing latch. Thus, even though these connectors facilitate mating between the connectors, they require substantially greater force to unmate.

The operation of these connectors is made even more difficult by the complex bending deformations at the multiple bending points required in the latch structure during joining and unjoining. In particular, this type of connector has a gradual, on multiple axes, such as a bend to the adjacent face of the connector housing or a bend in the opposite direction and a bend parallel to the plane when mated or unmated. It requires a latch structure that transforms into. The excessive force required to bond or unbond such is sufficient to damage adjacent portions of the connector, such as the fragile electrical connector between the terminals and leads. An improvement over the prior art was granted to Manasero et al. On February 13, 1990, and is owned by Applicant in US Pat. No. 4,900,26.
No. 3 is described. This patent provides an active latch structure for an electrical connector that assists in mating between connectors during the final stages of mating and ensures a fully mated active latch engagement. Debonding is accomplished without having to overcome the tilting elasticity of the flexible latch member. Generally, a flexible latch achieves an active lock in the fully mated condition, but only folds on one axis when mated and on a different axis when unmated. The latch, generally in the form of a one-piece latch arm, is shown in various embodiments.
The latch arm is provided on the outer surface of the connector housing to facilitate disengagement. For example, one embodiment shows a latch arm that can be folded using a disengagement tool such as a screwdriver. In another embodiment, the latch arms are connected to corresponding housings at fulcrums or bases. The latch arm is
The latch arm part on the opposite side of the base extends to the opposite side of the base so that the part located on one side of the base performs a locking function, and the part on the opposite side of the base moves the arm from the other connector. Conveniently configured to deform the latch arm for disengagement.

[0007]

In some cases, it is desirable to incorporate the active latching means of the connector device into or within the connector housing. In such a case, the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 4,900,2
In contrast to the easily moved latch arm of the '63 embodiment, it is necessary to provide access means to the latch means. Therefore, US Patent 4,90
No. 0,263 proposes a technique which is a significant improvement over the prior art, but the present invention allows the latching means to be built into the connector device to facilitate bending to disengage the latching means. Therefore, we propose an improvement. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved electrical connector arrangement which includes improved disengagement means and which is configured to achieve active latching of a pair of connectors in the fully mated condition. Especially.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention primarily provides an electrical connector device comprising first and second matable connectors, the first connector having at least two angular orientations. Has one latch arm elastically deformable with respect to the deformation axis aligned with each other. The second connector mates with the latch when the connector is mated, and deforms the latch arm of the first connector with respect to the first deformation axis of the deformation axes in the fully fitted state of the connector. Has a cam arranged so. The second connector has a housing that covers and houses the latch arm within the housing when the connector is fully mated. The connector device according to the invention further comprises means for accessing the latch arm of the first connector from the outside of the housing of the second connector and disengagement of the latch arm from a cam to facilitate disengagement of the connector. In order to make it possible, a latch arm of the first connector is provided with means for deforming with respect to a second of said two deformation axes.

In the present invention, the means for accessing the latch arm and for deforming the latch arm with respect to the second axis of deformation is constituted by flexible means in the housing of the second connector. In one embodiment of the invention,
The flexible means is in the form of a lever integrally molded with the housing. The lever is a cantilever and moves engagement with the latch arm to move the latch arm from engagement with the cam.

Further in the present invention, the means for accessing the latch arm and deforming the latch arm with respect to the second axis is inserted through the access opening in the housing for moving the latch arm from its engagement with the cam. It is composed of a deforming tool that abuts the latch arm. The access opening is provided at the mating end of the housing.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first connector having at least one latch arm elastically deformable with respect to the deformation axes aligned in the two angular directions, and the connector during the joining operation of the connector. A cam arranged so as to engage with the latch arm and deform the latch arm with respect to the first axis x of the two deformation axes to be in the latched state when the connector is in a completely joined state. And in the completely joined state of the connector,
And a second connector having a housing that completely covers the latch arm, the second connector accessing the latch arm of the first connector from the outside of the housing of the second connector to secure the latch arm. A connector characterized by having means for disengaging the latch arm and the cam for facilitating the disengagement of the connector by deforming with respect to the second axis of the two deformation axes. An electrical connector device is provided that actively latches in a fully mated condition.

In the above structure, the means for accessing and deforming the latch arm with respect to the second axis can be constituted by the means for deforming the housing of the second connector. Further, the deforming means is preferably formed integrally with the housing, and more preferably, the housing has a molding structure, and the deforming means is integrally molded with the housing. Furthermore, the deforming means may be constituted by a lever formed in a cantilever shape on the housing and abutting against the latch arm to displace the latch arm so as to release the engagement with the cam.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the means for accessing and deforming the latch arm with respect to the second axis is insertable into the access opening of the housing and abuts the latch arm. It can be configured by a deforming tool that disengages the latch arm from the cam.
In this case, it is preferable that the housing has a joint end portion and a terminal end portion for accommodating the first connector, and the access opening is provided at the joint end portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a first connector having at least one latch arm elastically deformable about two deformation axes aligned in two angular directions;
The latch arm is engaged during the joining operation of the connector, and when the connector is in the completely joined state, the latch arm is deformed with respect to the first axis of the two deformation axes to be in the latched state. Has a cam installed,
And a second connector having a housing that completely covers the latch arm in the completely joined state of the connector, the second connector including the latch arm in the hood portion of the housing of the second connector. A connector characterized by having a deforming means for disengaging the latch arm and the cam so as to facilitate the disengagement of the connector by deforming with respect to the second axis of the two deforming axes. An electrical connector device is provided that actively latches in a fully mated condition.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a first connector having at least one latch arm elastically deformable with respect to two angularly aligned deformation axes.
The latch arm is engaged during the joining operation of the connector, and when the connector is in the completely joined state, the latch arm is deformed with respect to the first axis of the two deformation axes to be in the latched state. Has a cam installed,
And a second connector having a housing that completely covers the latch arm in a completely joined state of the connector, the second connector having a housing having a terminal end and a joining end. , The housing has an opening for receiving the first connector at a joint end and covers the latch arm in a completely joined state,
The housing has a built-in hood portion, the housing has an access opening, and the deformation tool is inserted from the outside of the housing through the access opening to abut against the latch arm. An electrical connector device for active latching in the complete mating state of the connector, characterized in that the latch arm and the cam are disengaged in order to facilitate the disengagement of the connector by deforming with respect to the second axis. Will be provided.

In the above structure, the access opening can be arranged at the joint end of the second connector. Further, the access opening has an inclined wall disposed at an opening portion of the hood, and the hood abuts on the latch arm for displacing the deformation tool so as to disengage the engagement between the cam and the latch arm. It can be configured.

Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the size and shape are used in combination with the electrical connector device according to the third aspect of the present invention, inserted through the access opening, and engaged with the latch arm. A deformation tool formed in the is provided. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 and FIG.
1 shows a configuration of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention,
3 to 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention.
In both examples, a connector member having a similar structure is used. Therefore, in both embodiments, the same or similar elements to each other are designated by the same reference numerals. The electrical connector device according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes a first connector indicated by reference numeral 10,
It has a second connector, which is made up of two parts indicated by the reference numeral 12. The first connector 10 is configured as a female connector and has a number of through holes 14 formed therein for receiving a plurality of female terminals 16 (only one shown) that are crimped to the electrical wires 20 at 18. There is.

The second connector 12 has a header indicated by the reference numeral 22. A plurality of male terminal pins are attached to the header 22 so as to project from one side surface thereof, and a pin terminal of a solder tail portion for coupling with a printed circuit board is exposed on the other side surface. . The second connector 12 has a second portion, shown at 28, that forms a hood or housing 30 that defines an interior space 32. The housing and space 32 define an end 34 so that the plug portion 36 of the header 22 is located inside and a mating end 37 so that the plug portion 38 of the first connector 10 is located inside. When the header 22 is installed in the housing 30,
The peripheral flange 40 of the header 22 engages with the peripheral flange 42 of the housing 30 and a suitable stop 44 is provided on the flange 42 and is inserted through the locking port 46 of the flange 40.

The first and second connectors 10 and 12 are
The plug portion 38 of the connector 10 is moved in the direction of the arrow A, and is moved into the cavity 32 of the housing 30 at the position of the connecting end 36 to be joined. When fully mated, the latching means (described below) actively lock the connector in its fully mated condition. In the joined state, the hood or housing 30 covers the latching means,
Built-in.

Although the first and second connectors 10 and 12 are shown as the preferred embodiment, the construction of the connectors can be varied. For example, the header 22 and the housing 30 can be formed as a single unit for receiving and positioning the male terminal pins. This is why the two-part connector is referred to as the second connector 12. Other obvious geometrical changes in construction are also contemplated by the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first connector 10 is shown in FIG. 2 with the position of the connector shown in FIG. 1 reversed to facilitate the illustration of the novel latch means of the present invention.
Is shown in. More specifically, the pair of latch arms 5
0 is integrally molded with the plug portion 38 of the connector via the portion 52, and the latch arm is flexible at the two angularly aligned axes of the bend. In particular, both latch arms 50 are flexible in the direction of the double-headed arrow B on the first respective axis X. The latch arms are also flexible in the direction of the double-headed arrow C on the second axes Y of each other. At the end of the latch arm 50, a hook portion 54 having a lead cam surface 56 and protruding on the surface is provided.

The housing 30 of the second connector has a hood 50 with a side wall 60 between which the latch arm 50 of the first connector 10 can be located when the connectors are mated. At the time of joining, the hood portion 58 covers the latch arm 50. The cam ramp 62 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) is the same as the latch arm lead cam surface 56.
Project inwardly from the side wall 60 for engagement by. The base of hood 58 (shown in FIG. 1) is integrally molded with the housing at 66 to allow the lever to displace in the direction of double-headed arrow D to act as a hinge or pivot. , End 6 at the opposite end of the lever
It has a lever or lip 64 with 4a. In operation of the latching means described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the latch portion 50 of the plug portion 38 of the first connector 10 fits into the hood portions 58, 60 of the housing.
Is plugged into the housing 30 of the second connector 12 at its front end. Before electrical contact is made between the pin terminal 24 and the female terminal 16, the lead cam surface 5 of the latch arm 50
6 abuts on the cam 62. The latch arms are pressed inwardly toward each other in the next connector joining operation. With the first and second connectors fully mated, the rear end surface 66 of the hook portion 54 of the latch arm 50 engages the abutment shoulder portion 68 of the cam 62 to latch the connector in the fully mated condition. Engage on the rear side. To this end, the rear end surface 66 of the latch arm and the abutment shoulder 68 on the cam surface are
It is formed with a steep slope to provide an active locking function between the mated connectors to prevent unmating.

To disengage the connector shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and to disengage the latching means, the lever 64 (FIG. 1) is provided with a latch arm 50 (shown in FIG. 2). Of the latch arm (upper end) and is moved upward as is apparent in the figure. The next movement of the lever causes the latch arm to fold until it is far enough from the cam 64. Thereby, the first connector 10 is detached or unbonded from the second connector 12. Despite the fact that the latch arm 50 is completely contained within the second connector 12, the lever 64 effectively folds the latch arm out of the cam 62 to facilitate uncoupling the connector. It serves as a means to access from outside the connector that allows the latch arm to be disengaged.

With respect to the second embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 3-5, as described above, the same or similar members as those previously described with respect to the connector arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2 have the same reference numerals. It is shown using. In the embodiment of the latching means of FIGS. 3-5, again a pair of latch arms 70
(FIG. 4) is integrally molded with the first connector 10 at 72. The latch arm has two-way arrow E and two-way arrow F.
With the two angularly aligned axes of the bend, the latch arm is flexible to move in the direction of. Each latch arm 70 has a front cam edge 7
6 and an inwardly facing hook 74 having a trailing latch edge 78. The housing 30 of the second connector 12 is
It has a hood portion, which is formed by the base wall 82 and the opposite wall 84 and is designated by the reference numeral 80. At the time of joining, the hood covers and incorporates the latch arm. The cam boss, shown as 86, is integrally molded and projects upward or inward from the base wall 82. The cam 86 has a lower lead cam inclined surface 88 along the upper end portion 94, a horizontal step surface 90, and an outer deformed cam surface 92. Hood 8
0 base wall 82 is not flat and is not parallel to the base of the housing 30 and the base wall is a hood 8 near the cam 86.
Inclined upward to limit the opening larger than the zero crossing to the mating end of the connector. This is evident in FIG. 3 by the narrowed or tapered sidewalls 84.

In operation of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first connector 10 has an arrow A
The connector plug portion 38 is inserted into the space 32 of the housing 30. Latch arm 70
The tip of (Fig. 4) or the end provided with the hook is the hood 8.
Enter into 0. When the joining operation further progresses from this state, the latch arm collides with the inclined surface 88 of the cam 86 and presses it upward, and is positioned at a position aligned with the outer deformed cam surface of the cam. The horizontal step 90 holds the latch arm bent upward while the latch arm moves from the inclined surface 88 to the cam surface 92. The front end cam surface of the latch arm engages the cam surface 92 of the cam 86 and the latch arms fold outward in opposite directions to pass through the cam. The rear side 96 of the cam 86 causes the arm 70 to deform outward when a force is applied to any part of the connector in the direction to release the joint. This deformation is limited by the side wall 84 and is configured so that the latch 78 does not deform beyond the rear side 96 of the cam 86. When an even larger force in the separating direction is applied, the latch 78 may be damaged. When the connector is fully mated, the latching edge 78 of the latch 70 latches on the back side of the cam 86 to hold the connector in a fully mated condition. Here, the rear side of the cam 86 has a smaller radius than the angle of the cam surface 92, and latches the connector against the force in the detaching direction that acts on the connector. Latch arm 70 and cam 8
6 and the side wall 84 is the distance between the latch arm 7 where the upper end of the arm is displaced over the surface 104 at the hook 74.
0 defines the dimension that is completely outwardly deformed. The displacement of hook portion 74 beyond surface 104 continues until latch edge 78 passes cam 86.

When uncoupling the connectors shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a deforming tool 98 is used, which is inserted in the hood 80 below the latch arm 70. The deforming tool has a cross-sectional dimension slightly smaller than the opening at the mating end of the hood. The tool has a notch wide enough for the cam 86 to pass through. As the front end 102 of the tool 98 is pushed into the hood 80, the tool rises along the hood's beveled base wall 82 to move the latch arm to arrow G.
Direction (FIG. 3), the latch arm is deformed upwards until it passes the upper surface of the cam 86. When the latch arm disengages from the cam, the connector can be easily disengaged.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, at least two angular directions are aligned with the first connector of the electrical connector device constituted by the first and second matable connectors. One latch arm elastically deformable with respect to the deformation axis is provided, the second connector is joined to the latch when the connector is joined, and the latch arm of the first connector is connected to the latch axis when the connector is completely fitted. A cam arranged so as to be deformed with respect to the first deformation axis of the housing is provided, and when the connector is completely fitted to the second connector, the latch arm is covered in the housing, and the housing to be incorporated is provided. Provided and configured,
A means for accessing the latch arm of the first connector from the outside of the housing of the second connector and a first arm to allow disengagement of the latch arm from a cam to facilitate disengagement of the connector. Latch arm of connector By providing means for deforming with respect to the second deformation axis of the two deformation axes, it is possible to easily hold and join the pair of connectors while reliably holding the joined state. Becomes

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of members of an electrical connector device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of the first or female connector, showing the base latch arm, which is the opposite of the position of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical connector device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first or outlet connector, showing the base latch arm, opposite the connector position shown in FIG. 3;

5 is a perspective view of a tool used in disengaging the latch arm of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 1st connector 12 2nd connector 30 Housing 50 Latch arm 58,60 Access opening 62 Cam 64 Latch arm access means

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A first connector (10) having at least one latch arm (50) elastically deformable with respect to two angularly aligned deformation axes (x, y), and the latch arm (50) during engagement of the connector. And a cam 62 arranged to engage and latch the latch arm about the first axis x of the two deformation axes when the connector is fully joined, and , A second connector 12 having a housing 30 that completely covers the latch arm in a completely joined state of the connectors, the second connector being first from the outside of the housing 30 of the second connector 12. Access the latch arm of the connector 10 and deform the latch arm about a second of the two deformation axes to uncouple the connector. Means 64 for enabling disengagement of the latch arm 50 and the cam 62 to facilitate removal.
An electrical connector device that actively latches in a completely joined state of the connector. 2. A means for accessing and deforming said latch arm about a second axis is a second connector 12.
2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the housing 30 is deformed.
The electrical connector device according to. 3. The electrical connector device according to claim 2, wherein the deforming means 64 is configured integrally with the housing 30. 4. The electrical connector device according to claim 3, wherein the housing 30 is a molded structure, and the deforming means is integrally molded with the housing. 5. The deforming means is formed by a cantilevered beam on the housing 30, and is constituted by a lever that abuts against the latch arm 50 and displaces the latch arm 50 so as to release the engagement with the cam 62. The electrical connector according to claim 4. 6. The means for accessing and deforming the latch arm with respect to the second axis y is insertable into the access openings 58, 60 of the housing 30 and abuts the latch arm 50 to engage the latch arm 50. The electrical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a deforming tool for separating the cam from the cam 62. 7. The housing 30 comprises a first connector 1
7. The access opening 58, 60 has a mating end 37 and a terminating end 34 for accommodating zero, and the access openings 58, 60 are provided at the mating end.
The electrical connector device according to. 8. A first connector (10) having at least one latch arm (50) elastically deformable with respect to two angularly aligned deformation axes (x, y), and said latch arm (50) during the mating operation of the connector. And a cam 62 arranged to engage and latch the latch arm about the first axis x of the two deformation axes when the connector is fully joined, and , A second connector 12 having a housing 30 that completely covers the latch arm in a completely joined state of the connector, said second connector being latched in the hood portion of the housing 30 of the second connector 12. Latch arm 50 and cam 62 to deform the arm about a second of the two deformation axes to facilitate uncoupling the connector. An electrical connector device for active latching in a completely joined state of the connector, characterized in that it has a deforming means 64 capable of releasing the engagement of the connector. 9. The electrical connector device according to claim 8, wherein the deforming means 64 is configured integrally with the housing 30. 10. The electrical connector device according to claim 9, wherein the housing 30 is a molded structure, and the deforming means is integrally molded with the housing. 11. The deforming means is a cantilever-shaped member formed in the housing 30, and is constituted by a lever that abuts against the latch arm 50 and displaces the latch arm 50 so as to release the engagement with the cam 62. The electrical connector according to claim 10. 12. A first connector 10 having at least one latch arm 50 elastically deformable with respect to two angularly aligned deformation axes x, y, and said latch arm 50 during engagement of the connector. And a cam 62 arranged to engage and latch the latch arm about the first axis x of the two deformation axes when the connector is fully joined, and , A second connector 12 having a housing 30 that completely covers the latch arm in the fully mated state of the connector, said second connector comprising a housing 30 having a terminal end 34 and a mating end 37. The housing has an opening 32 at the mating end for receiving the first connector and has a latch arm in the fully mated condition. The housing has a hood portion 80 which is covered and built in, the housing has access openings 82 and 84, and a deformation tool 98 is inserted from the outside of the housing 30 through the access openings to abut against the latch arm 70, and the latch arm The connector is characterized in that the latch arm 50 and the cam 62 can be disengaged in order to facilitate the disengagement of the connector by deforming 70 about the second axis of the two deformation axes. An electrical connector device that actively latches in the fully mated state. 13. The access openings 82, 84 are located at the mating end 37 of the second connector 12.
2. The electrical connector device according to item 2. 14. The access openings 82, 84 are disposed in the mouth of the hood 80 and the hood displaces the deforming tool 98 to disengage the cam from the latch arm. The electrical connector device according to claim 12, wherein the electrical connector device has a slanted wall 82 that abuts against. 15. Used in combination with the electrical connector device of claim 12, said access openings 82,84.
A deforming tool sized and shaped to be inserted through and engage a latch arm.