Connector mating assurance.

(54) Title: CONNECTOR COUPLING GUARANTEE.

(54) Title: CONNECTOR MATING ASSURANCE.

(57) Summary

An electrical connector (10) for mating with a mating electrical connector (100) is described. The electrical connector has a surface having a first reference member (17) and a latch (22) having a second reference member (27). The first reference member (17) and the second reference member (27) are positioned to indicate when the electrical connector is fully engaged with the mating electrical connector.

(57) Abstract

An electrical connector (10) for mating with a mating electrical connector (100). The electrical connector has a surface having a first reference member (17) and a latch (22) having a second reference member (27). The first reference member (17) and the second reference member (27) are positioned to indicate when the electrical connector is fully mated to the mating electrical connector.

<img file="MX348709B_D0001.tif" />

PATENT TITLE No. 348709

Owner (s): TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

Address: 1050 Westlakes Drive, Berwyn, Pennsylvania, 19312, USA

Name: GUARANTEE OF CONNECTOR COUPLING.

Classification: CIP: H01R13 / 641; H01R13 / 46; H04R13 / 627; H01R107 / 00

CPC: H01R13 / 641; H01R13 / 465; H01R13 / 6272; H01R2107 / 00

Inventor (s): JOHN MARK MYER T ......... i

REQUEST

Number: International Presentation Date:

MX / a / 2015/008989 January 3, 2014

PRIORITY

Country: Date: Number:

US January 18, 2013 13 / 745,182

Validity: Twenty years ...... .....

Maturity Date January 3, 2034

Issue Date: June 26, 2017 ...... .......

The reference patent is granted based on articles 1^or 2^or fraction V, 6th fraction llt, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law,

In accordance with article 23 of the 1st Industrial Property Law, I present you a patent for a term of twenty years, non-extendable, counted from the filing date of the international application and will be subject to the payment of the fee to keep the rights in force. .

Whoever subscribes to this title does so based on the provisions of articles 6 ° sections III and 7®bis 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Official Gazette of the Federation (DQF) 06/27/1991, amended on 08/02 / 1994, 10/25/1996, 12/26/1997, 05/17/1999, 01/26/2004, 06/16/2005, 01/25/2006, 05/06/2009, 06/01/2010 , 06/18 / 2010,28 / 06 / 2010,27 / 01/2012 and 04/09/2012); items 1^or, 3® fraction V part a), 4^or and 12 »sections I and III of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DO.F. 12/14/1999, amended on 07/01/2002, 07/18/2004, 07/28/2004 and 09/07 / 2007); Articles 1 », 3 °, 4», 5® fraction V subsection a), Tfd fractions ^ and IH and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1®, 3® and 5 "subsection attached to the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy General Directors, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, mules of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 15 / 12/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

This document is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 section III, 2 section V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Payment and Electronic Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

<td colspan="3">THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS</td>

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CONNECTC COUPLING WARRANTY ^^

Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical connector having reference members to ensure that the mating connectors are properly engaged.

In certain applications, electronic components require an electrical connector assembly joining the first and second housings that contain the electrical contacts. One housing includes the male electrical contacts, while the other housing includes the female electrical contacts. The first housing is configured to be received within the second housing such that the male and female electrical contacts are electrically connected. In a traditional electrical connector assembly, the first housing is connected to the second housing manually. In order to ensure that the first and second housings are properly connected with the electrically coupled electrical contacts, the first and second housings are provided with a latch assembly more generally referred to as a placement assurance feature. The latch assembly includes a base plate and pin suspended in the first housing and a ramp in the second housing. The motherboard is slidably retained next to the plug. When the first housing is inserted over the second housing, the pin snaps onto the ramp and the base shoe then slides over the ramp. .,. ...... . * .....

a docking position. An audible click is often used to detect if the connector is fully mated, however noise in the assembly plant can render this ineffective.

In addition, electrical connectors that use a latch or retaining assembly to hold the connector halves in a fully engaged position have been proposed, along with a connector placement assurance (CPA) device. When the connector halves are engaged and the latch or retainer assembly is positioned to maintain contact between the connector halves, the CPA device moves to a position that indicates that the connector halves are properly connected. Therefore, the CPA device provides a means of ensuring that the connector halves are fully engaged.

However, even with these latches and CPAs, the biggest warranty issue with automotive connectors is that the connectors are not fully engaged, causing the system to fail after the car has left the assembly plant. This is due to the fact that in the vehicle assembly plant, some connectors are engaged enough to make initial electrical contact, but the connector latches are not fully engaged which causes the connectors to be out of position.

<img file="MX348709B_D0002.tif" />

locked or secured together. These connectors separate in the field, while the vehicle is driven on bumpy roads, etc., causing loss of function of the system. Currently, as described above, an audible click type locking system is commonly used to detect if the connector is fully engaged. However, due to noise levels in the assembly plant, the operator cannot hear the click, rendering the locking system ineffective. Incorporating the CPAs into the connectors does not guarantee that the connectors are properly attached and secured, as in many cases the operator does not properly activate the CPAs.

The problems identified above are overcome by mating connectors as described herein that provide a visual means to ensure that the connectors are properly mated before leaving the assembly plant. The electrical connector has a surface that has a first reference member and a latch that has a second reference member. The first reference member and the second reference member are positioned to provide an indication when the electrical connector is fully engaged with the mating electrical connector.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description.

<img file="MX348709B_D0003.tif" />

INSTIT 'ΙΤ ·. MEXICAN of the preferred embodiment, considered in comb'lh'áSL ^ Úi c &lt;xt9C3 ^ attached drawings that illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector prior to mating with a mating connector.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector and mating connector of Figure 1 shown in a partially engaged position.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connector and mating connector of Figure 2, showing the position of the latch.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connector and mating connector of Figure 1 shown in a fully engaged position.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector and mating connector of Figure 4, showing the position of the latch.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternate connector and mating connector shown in a partially mated position.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connector and mating connector of Figure 6, showing the position of the latch.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the connector and mating connector of Figure 6 shown in a fully engaged position.

. . · . · . ____ . .

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling connector of Figure 8, showing ..... the position of the latch.

The description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be considered as part of the entire written description. In describing embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as lower, upper, horizontal, vertical, "above," below, "above, below," high and "low, as well as derivatives thereof (for example, horizontally, down, up, etc.) should be interpreted to refer to orientation as described below or as shown in the drawing in question. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly stated as such. The terms "attached, fixed", connected, coupled, interconnected, and the like refer to a relationship where structures are secured or joined together, either directly or indirectly through the structures

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as rigid, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention should be expressly limited to such preferred embodiments which illustrate some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist individually or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended thereto.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector or plug 10 mated with a connector or mating bracket 100 that together form a connector assembly. Electrical connector 10 and mating connector 100 are shown as representations. Connectors 40 and 100 will have many other features, such as contacts and contact latches, not shown in figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, electrical connector 10 has a housing body 12 with contact receiving passages 14 for receiving contacts therein, which are not shown. Electrical connector 10 has a front mating end 16 and a rear end 18.

The conductors or cables 15, which are in electrical coupling with the contacts (not shown) are inserted into the passages

14, extended from the end behind river 18. A first surface or

<img file="MX348709B_D0004.tif" />

<img file="MX348709B_D0005.tif" />

upper surface 19 and a second surfacef ^ '£' ¿/ &amp; V

OPPOSITE-ORIENTED LOWER INDUSTRIAL 21 extend between I coupling end 16 and rear end 18.

As best shown in Figure 1, reference areas or members 17 are marked or provided on the rear end 18 of connector 10. In the embodiment shown, reference members 17 are two surfaces with reference lines that are spaced equal or approximately equal distance from top surface 19 of connector 10. Although two reference members are shown, other reference member numbers 17 may be used. In addition, reference members 17 may be, but are not limited to, textured areas or raised areas that extend beyond rear end 18.

Referring to Figures 3 and 5, a latch or latch arm 22 having an engaging surface 23 and latch opening 24 extends from the upper surface 19. In the embodiment shown, latch 22 engages with the surface upper 19 next to the front coupling end 16 and extends towards the rear end 18. Latch 22 is used to engage and secure mating connector 100 to connector 10, as will be described in greater detail below. The mating connector 100 has a complementary latching projection 110 that engages with the latch opening 24 to secure the mating connector 100 with the electrical connector 10.

<img file="MX348709B_D0006.tif" />

Hitch extends from a 12 ft. deck surface of mating connector 100.

A reference member 27 is marked or provided at the ends of latches 22. In the embodiment shown, reference member 27 is a surface with a reference line. Although a line is shown, other reference member numbers 27 may be used. In addition, reference member 27 may be, but is not limited to, a textured area or an embossed area that extends beyond the rear end 18 of the connector 1 0.

When the electrical connector 10 mates with the mating connector 100, the connector 10 is received within the cover 120 of the mating connector 100. The mating connector 100 will have a series of electrical contacts 130 (FIG. 1) attached thereto. to mate with electrical contacts on electrical connector 10.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of electrical connector 10 before it is inserted into cover 120 of mating connector 100. Latch 22 is shown in the pre-latched position. In this position, latch 22 is in a normal or undeviated position. With the latch 22 in an undeviated position, the reference member 27 of the latch 22 is aligned in a straight line with the reference members 17 of the rear end 8.

í'C THE FMOHtPAn

When connector 10 is partially inserted ^ ·¹ erecSa cover 120 of the mating connector TOO; —such — Mimo — demonstrates in Figures 2 and 3, the mating surface 23 of the latch 22 engages the engaging projection 110 of the mating connector 100, causing the mating surface 23 and latch 22 elastically deform away from upper surface 19 of connector 10 toward lower surface 21 of connector 10. As this occurs, reference member 27 of latch 22 moves toward bottom surface 21, causing reference member 27 to move out of alignment with reference members 17. This provides a visual indication that connector 100 and the mating connector 10 are not fully mated together.

Upon complete insertion of the connector 10 into the mating connector 100, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the mating surface 23 will move past the latch pin 110. In this position, latch lug 110 aligns with aperture 24 of latch 22, allowing latch 22 to retract to its normal, undisturbed position, thereby engaging latch latch 22 over latch lug 110 to secure connector 10 to mating connector 100. In this position, reference member 27 returns to a position in which reference member 27 and reference member 17 are in alignment, providing a visual indication that connector 100 and mating connector 10 are fully engaged.

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In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, the latch 22 is deflected in the partially displaced position. The deviation of the reference member 27 from the reference elements 17 is more than 2 mm. This deviation allows the operator to visually determine whether connectors 10, 100 are fully engaged, or only partially engaged. Alternatively, a scanner or the like can be used to determine if the reference members 17, 27 are correctly aligned and the connectors 10, 100 are correctly engaged or if the reference members 17, 27 are not correctly aligned and the connectors 10, 100 are not. are properly attached. Although the embodiment shown refers to a distance of 2mm between the fully engaged and partially engaged positions, other dimensions may be used.

During assembly, if connector 10 is not fully inserted or is incorrectly inserted into mating connector 100, latch 22 will continue to deviate from its normal, undisturbed position, thereby providing an indication to the operator that connector 10 it is not properly inserted into mating connector 00 and this should be corrected.

Once the position of connector 10 has been corrected, relative to mating connector 100, latch 22 will be returned to its normal position ensuring connector 10 and mating connector 100 are fully engaged and secured.

As previously noted, the difference in reference element 27 and reference members 17 in the partially engaged versus "fully engaged position is measurable." This allows the reference members 17, 27 to be easily detected by either the human eye, a barcode-type reader, a UV scanner or other device, thereby allowing a positive indication to ensure that the connector 10 is fully attached to mating connector 100. For example, if ink of a contrasting color, laser marking, and / or a UV indicator is used for the reference members, a portable scanner can be used to determine if connectors 10, 100 are fully engaged even in hidden mating areas. under the dashboard. Since the reference members are at the rear face of the rear end 18 of the connector 10, the reference members will always be accessible, since the rear end 18 and conductors 15 must be accessible for service and the like. Alternatively, a scanner could be connected electronically to the assembly plant inspection system to document that each operator has fully engaged the connectors.

For less critical connections or those more easily detected by visual inspection, an al ak^z4r or to tv

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DI LA W-'l £ «O expensive to print the highlighted lines cori^HÍírila so &amp; r ^ Tos reference members or to mark the ~ TfnS'᧠~ c ^ un íás' n would be the texture of the highlighted lines in the mold or to highlight the surfaces of the highlighted members to extend beyond the back of the housing for easy visual detection, as shown in Figures 6 to 9.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, when the connector 200 is partially inserted into the cover 320 of the mating connector 300, the mating surface 223 of the latch or latch arm 222 engages with the latch 310 of the connector. engagement 300, causing engagement surface 223 and latch 222 to elastically deform away from a side surface 219 of connector 10 toward an opposite surface 221 of connector 200. As this occurs, the reference member 227 of the latch 222 moves toward the opposite side surface 221, causing the reference member 227 to move out of alignment with the reference members 217. Since the reference members 217, 227 molded to extend beyond a rear surface of connector 200, a visual indication is provided that connector 200 and mating connector 300 are not fully engaged together.

Upon complete insertion of connector 200 into mating connector 300, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the

<img file="MX348709B_D0007.tif" />

<img file="MX348709B_D0008.tif" />

mating surface 223 will move further to engagement 11 310, allowing latch 222 to return to its normal, undisturbed position, thereby engaging latch 222 on latch stud 310 to secure connector 200 to mating connector 300 . In this position, reference member 227 returns to a position in which reference member 227 and reference member 217 are in alignment, providing a visual indication that connector 200 and mating connector 300 are completely coupled.

The use of the reference members can be applied to existing connector designs. Ink reference lines or laser applied reference lines can be applied to existing designs to provide the desired visual reference to ensure proper fit. Alternatively, with minimal changes to existing molds, current connector designs can be modified to include raised or textured areas on the connector body and latch to act as reference members.

The use of the reference members is not limited to the connector mating guarantee members with the latches. For example, the reference members can also be used with Connector Placement Assurance (CPA) devices, mechanical assist levers, or such similar ^ to-ft ™ devices described above, when used with a CPA, the reference members are provided on the CPA and on the surface of the connector body where the CPA is placed. The alignment of the reference members provides an indication that the CPA is positioned correctly.

Although the reference members have been described above, other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. As an example, other visual elements can be used to indicate that the connectors are mated together. Although providing the reference members in alignment facilitates visual inspection, another configuration can be used as long as the placement of the reference members is properly controlled.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and that equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the essence and scope of the invention as stated. defined in the appended claims. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be incorporated in other specific shapes, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the essence or essential characteristics of the invention. the same. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can

Asircon iSTiTurv ^ iO »¹', ₍&lt;• 'w-rt · pt LA PRC ^ Í / Ai.' · Modifications of the structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and &lt;aw ^ «* κ ·. - ww * »» ^&gt; · '· ·· * · “*** w * components and on the other hand, can be used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted for specific environments and operational requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently described embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and is not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.