WO1999007037A1

WO1999007037A1 - Lateral insertion connector

Info

Publication number: WO1999007037A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/014631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduardo Rodriguez Buetas
Original assignee: Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Priority date: 1997-07-30
Filing date: 1998-07-16
Publication date: 1999-02-11
Also published as: TW427041B; ES1037977U; ES1037977Y; EP0896392A1

Abstract

A connector having a body (11) formed on a base, a first wall (26) divided at regular intervals by walls (12) which are perpendicular to the first wall (26). The walls (12, 26) define spaces (27) for receiving and retaining male and/or female terminals. The walls include retaining appendices (13). The base (14) of the connector (10) also includes a hinge (23) having lateral covers (15) and wings (17) affixed to the base (14) having a body portion (18) and a latch (19a).

Description

LATERAL INSERTION CONNECTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lateral insertion connector. Specifically, the invention is directed to the manufacture of connectors specifically designed for the automotive industry of the type in which male and female terminals are inserted sideways instead of from the upper or the lower base of the connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Among the technical rules of this field, it is of paramount importance not only to introduce the terminals inside the connector but also to avoid errors. Also, it is important that the terminals are completely inserted and, if that is correctly done, that the terminals remain in that position with no possibility that outside events or forces on the terminals will dislodge them.

In the Utility Model No. 9700255(0) (PCT/US98/01068) to same assignee, a system of lateral terminal insertion was disclosed and claimed which is a part of the present invention only in the way of introducing the terminals into the connector but not with regard to the specific and manufacturing form of the present invention which concept and versatility are set forth below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The concept and design of the connector of the present invention is a function of the system of lateral insertion described above which includes a disposition of cavities for housing the terminals in a fully open position. That is, the cavities are defined by an assembly of small walls parallel between them and aligned in the longitudinal direction of the connector. From the small walls emerge side tabs at different heights which insure the placement of the terminals inside the connector. It is also necessary to protect the connection with the provision of lateral covers which, because of reasons of economy and technical adaptation, have fasteners on the inside face of the covers insuring the vertical immobilization of the terminals disposed inside the connector.

Taking into account that the connector must work within further complex systems, the connector incorporates lateral wings for the fixation to holding elements characterized in having deformation means joining the connector body to the wings.

The wings, in turn, have a lateral stiffness insuring that once the connector is introduced into an assembly, that the connector remains fixed in position.

The combination of the lateral insertion of the terminals combined with the arrangement of lateral covers and means for the fixation to a connector holder gives the following advantages: speed in the insertion of the terminals inside of the connector, eliminates errors when placing the terminals since the terminals can enter only in a single position, cancels lagging behind positions of the terminals, simultaneously protects contacts and terminal locking without need for spacers, and allows easy integration of the connector into connector holding system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other details and characteristics of the present invention will be manifest through the reading of the description given herebelow, in which reference is made to the Figures attached to this description where the above details are depicted. These details are given as an example, referring to a case of a possible practical embodiment, but is not limited to the details outlined. Therefore, this description must be considered from an illustrative point of view and with no limitations whatsoever.

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a connector (10) with its lateral covers in an open position; and

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the connector (10) showing the interior arrangement specifically designed for the lateral insertion of the terminals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the connector (10) includes a body (11) disposed on a base (14) of an assembly of small vertical walls (12) which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base (14). The walls (12) are arranged in a longitudinal disposition at equal distances and are joined by a center wall defining spaces (27) between walls (12) and the base (14) in which are lodged the corresponding male or female terminals (not shown in the Figures). As per the arrangement known from Utility Model No. 9700255(0),

(PCT/US98/01068) incorporated herein by reference, from the small walls (12), appendices (13) extend upwardly which allow the insertion of the terminals but not their exit from the space (27).

From the base (14) of the body (11), wings (17) extend upwardly. Referring specifically to Figure 2, the wings (17) have a rest position with an angle less than 90°. The wings (17) include a body (18), a fastener (21), an upper part or end (19) thereof, and a latch (19a) is disposed near the end (19). The latch (19a) is separated from the body (11) by a deformation zone (20) or biasing element which provides an outwardly directed force on the wings (17). In order to preserve the contact among the terminals and the inaccessibility of the spaces (27) of the base (14) of the body (11), hinges (23) which are formed from a simple plate of continuous material and continue as flat surfaces or covers (15) which have at their lateral corners a safety catch (24) formed by a "U" shaped protuberance (22) defining a hollow space or void (25) into which the protuberance (22) is introduced thereby insuring the secure closing of the lateral covers (15) on the body (11).

The operation of the connector (10) begins with the placement of the terminals inside the spaces (27) where the terminals are retained inside the spaces (27) by the appendixes (13) which prevent the undesired exit at the terminals. Fixation and immobilization of the terminals is achieved by stops (28) which cooperate with fasteners (16) which emerge from the lower part of the covers (15). The covers (15) are closed over the connectors (10) and connector body (11) which simultaneously closes all the spaces (27). The connector (10) is then ready for incorporation into a connector holder (not illustrated) or other assembly. Only the latch (19a) and the deformation zones (20) are retained inside the corresponding connector holder by the wings (17) and the fasteners (21).

The present connector design has as a further advantage of being manufactured with a single mold by which the adjustment and tolerances between the various elements can be obtained. Combining the lateral terminal insertion with the configuration of the connector (10) ensures that the connectors can only enter in one position, and that the connectors cannot be held in a behind position.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, where reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced, otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A connector comprising: a body supported on a base; a first wall extending from said base; a plurality of walls which are perpendicular to said first wall, said walls defining spaces for receiving and retaining terminals therein, said walls including retaining appendices; a hinge supported on said base; lateral covers supported on said hinge; and wings affixed to said base and including a body portion and a latch.

2. A connector as set forth in Claim 1 further including fasteners disposed on an inner surface of said cover and adjacent to said hinge.

3. A connector as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said cover includes a "U" shaped safety catch defining an opening for receiving and retaining a protuberance.

4. A connector as set forth in Claim 1 , wherein an upper portion of each said wing is operatively joined to said connector body by a resilient member.