Connector assembly and household appliance including the same

Abstract

The connector assembly includes a cap-shaped shell, a plug and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member, wherein the cap-shaped shell includes a first terminal, the plug has a first end portion including a second terminal and a second end portion capable of being inserted into the cap-shaped shell, the terminal position assurance (TPA) member is arranged at the first end portion of the cap-shaped shell connected to the electric wire and at the first end portion of the plug, and the TPA member includes a first blocking piece and a second blocking piece spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the electric wire.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0005146 filed on January 15, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a connector assembly and a home appliance including the connector assembly. Background Art

[0004] As in a refrigerator, a connector assembly may be disposed in a space filled with a foaming member for thermal insulation. Typically, the foaming member hardens after being injected in liquid form. Therefore, when the space is filled with the foaming member, the foaming member may penetrate into the connector assembly disposed in the space. Here, even when a sealing structure is adopted to prevent the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly, it is impossible to achieve sufficient sealing of the connector assembly due to the characteristics of the foaming member and the filling pressure. For example, in the case of a waterproof connector, the foaming member may penetrate into the waterproof connector through the gap between the sealing members, such as wire seals, peripheral seals, O-ring seals, washers and gaskets. In addition, in the case of a non-waterproof connector, even when the connector assembly is sealed with tape, sponge or glue, the foaming member may penetrate into the connector assembly through the bonding portion.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to develop a connector assembly for preventing a foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly.

[0006] The above description has been possessed or obtained by the inventor in the process of conceiving the present invention and is not necessarily known technology before filing the present application. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aspect provides a connector assembly and a home appliance including the same, the connector assembly being capable of preventing a foaming member from penetrating therein.

[0008] The technical tasks that can be obtained according to the present disclosure are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above. Moreover, ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs can clearly understand other unmentioned technical tasks according to the following description.

[0009] According to one aspect, a connector assembly is provided that can prevent a foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly.

[0010] A connector assembly may include a cap-shaped shell, a plug and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member, wherein the cap-shaped shell includes a first terminal, the plug has a first end portion including a second terminal and a second end portion capable of being inserted into the cap-shaped shell, the terminal position assurance (TPA) member is arranged at the first end portion of the cap-shaped shell connected to the wire and at the first end portion of the plug, and the TPA member includes a first blocking piece and a second blocking piece separated in the circumferential direction of the wire.

[0011] The cap-shaped shell and the plug can constitute a coupling target, wherein the first blocking piece may include a first frame, a first wire guide portion and a first latch, the first frame is coupled to block the first end portion of the coupling target, the first wire guide portion is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the wire, and the first latch is fastened to the coupling target; and the second blocking piece may include a second frame, a second wire guide portion and a second latch, the second frame is coupled to block the first end portion of the coupling target, the second wire guide portion corresponds to the first wire guide portion and is coupled to the remaining outer peripheral surface of the wire, and the second latch is fastened to the coupling target.

[0012] When the TPA member is coupled to the coupling target, the first frame and the second frame may be coupled to be located on the same plane. The coupling target may include a protruding wall formed at a first end portion thereof along an edge contacting the TPA member, the protruding wall protruding toward the TPA member, and the first frame and the second frame may each include a groove into which the protruding wall is inserted. For example, the protruding wall may be provided in the shape of a closed curve extending continuously along the entire periphery of the first end portion of the coupling target.

[0013] In order to seal the TPA member with the coupling target, the first wire guide and the second wire guide may be respectively formed to extend from the first frame and the second frame toward the direction in which the first wire guide and the second wire guide are coupled to the coupling target, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first wire guide and the second wire guide may seal the portion of the coupling target in which the first terminal and the second terminal are respectively inserted. The first wire guide and the second wire guide may be configured to, when inserted into the coupling target, push the terminal into the coupling target by contacting and pushing the end portion of the terminal provided in the wire, and prevent the terminal from being separated in front relative to the direction in which the terminal is separated from the coupling target when the wire is pulled by an external force. The first wire guide and the second wire guide may include a plurality of wire connection grooves, which are formed to be parallel in the longitudinal direction of the wire so as to be independently coupled to a plurality of wires.

[0014] The connector assembly may also include a connector configured to connect the first blocking member with the second blocking member, wherein the connector may be cut and removed after one of the first blocking member and the second blocking member is coupled to a coupling target. For example, the first blocking member and the second blocking member may be arranged so that the first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion may face opposite directions, and the connector may be arranged in the form of a hinge connecting the first blocking member with the second blocking member. In another example, the first blocking member and the second blocking member may be arranged so that the first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion face each other, and the connector may be arranged in the form of a ring connecting the first blocking member with the second blocking member.

[0015] The coupling target may include a protruding portion capable of being locked with a first latch. A pair of first latches may be arranged to be locked with both sides of the coupling target. The coupling target may include a protrusion capable of being locked with an end portion of a second latch. The second latch may be formed at a position other than a position of the first latch on the periphery of the coupling target. The second latch may be formed on a bottom surface of the periphery of the coupling target. A plurality of second latches may be formed on one surface of the periphery of the coupling target.

[0016] The plug may include a first locking portion formed on its outer side, and the cap-shaped housing may include a second locking portion to be fastened to the first locking portion. The first locking portion may be arranged in the shape of a cantilever so as to extend toward the direction in which the first locking portion is coupled to the cap-shaped housing and have elasticity. The first locking portion may include a latch frame and a movable portion, the latch frame being arranged in the shape of a cantilever formed to extend toward the cap-shaped housing, the movable portion being formed to be parallel to the latch frames on both sides of the latch frame and being elastically deformable. The second locking portion may include a stopper and a fixed protrusion, the stopper being formed to protrude from the surface of the cap-shaped housing and contacting the end portion of the latch frame, the fixed protrusion being able to be coupled to the movable portion. The fixed protrusion may be formed on the inner side of a partition wall formed outside the stopper, and the movable portion may include a hook protruding outward from its end portion. One or more first locking portions may be formed at one or more positions on the outer side surface of the plug, and one or more second locking portions may be formed to respectively correspond to the one or more first locking portions.

[0017] The connector assembly may further include an anti-interference guide portion, the anti-interference guide portion being formed on an inner side surface of the first end portion of the plug and an inner side surface of the first end portion of the cap-shaped housing, respectively, wherein the anti-interference guide portion may be formed to protrude in a direction in which the first blocking member and the second blocking member are coupled. A guide portion corresponding to the anti-interference guide portion may be formed in the first blocking member and the second blocking member.

[0018] According to another aspect, there is provided a household appliance comprising the connector assembly described above.

[0019] Additional aspects of the exemplary embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and / or other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a connector assembly;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a connector assembly;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of a connector assembly;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a partial enlarged view of a portion of a connector assembly of wherein a terminal position assurance (TPA) member and a plug are coupled;

[0026] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view illustrating a method of assembling a first blocking member, a second blocking member, and a plug according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0027] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a method of assembling a first blocking member, a second blocking member, and a plug according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative drawings. When indicating the reference numerals of the constituent elements of the corresponding drawings, it should be noted that the same constituent elements will be designated by the same reference numerals (if possible) even if the constituent elements are illustrated in different drawings. In addition, in the following description of the present embodiment, when it is determined that the detailed description makes the subject of the present embodiment not prominent, the detailed description of the well-known configuration or function contained in this document will be omitted.

[0029] In addition, the terms first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe the constituent elements of the embodiments. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element, and the attributes, sequence or order of the constituent elements are not limited by the terms. When a constituent element is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "attached" to another constituent element, it should be understood that a constituent element can be directly connected or attached to another constituent element, and an intermediate constituent element can also be "connected", "coupled" or "attached" to a constituent element.

[0030] When the constituent elements included in any embodiment have the same common function, the constituent elements will be described in other embodiments with the same name. Unless disclosed to the contrary, the configuration disclosed in any embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, and the specific description of the repeated configuration will be omitted.

[0031] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 5 A connector assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is described.

[0032] For reference purposes, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly 10 viewed from one direction according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the connector assembly 10 viewed from the opposite direction. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector assembly 10 . Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 10, and Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of a portion of the connector assembly 10 in which a terminal position assurance (TPA) member 15 and the plug 11 are coupled.

[0033] about Figures 1 to 5 , the connector assembly 10 may include a plug 11 , a cap-shaped housing 13 , and a TPA member 15 coupled to end portions of the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 .

[0034] Hereinafter, the end portion of the plug 11 into which the first terminal (hereinafter, referred to as the socket terminal T1) is inserted will be referred to as the first end portion 111, and the portion of the plug 11 on the opposite side of the first end portion 111 and coupled to the cap-shaped housing 13 will be referred to as the second end portion 112. Similarly, the end portion of the cap-shaped housing 13 into which the second terminal (hereinafter, referred to as the tap terminal T2) is inserted will be referred to as the first end portion 131, and the portion of the cap-shaped housing 13 on the opposite side of the first end portion 131 and coupled to the plug 11 will be referred to as the second end portion 132. In addition, for the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13, the following description will be based on Figure 1 The top surfaces 113 and 133, the side surfaces 114 and 134, and the bottom surfaces 115 and 135 are described based on the state shown in FIG. Figure 1 The up-down direction / left-right direction / front-back direction of the connector assembly 10 are described with reference to the state shown in FIG.

[0035] A plurality of socket terminals T1 and wires W1 may be provided at the first end portion 111 of the plug 11, and a TPA member 15 may be provided. The second end portion 112 of the plug 11 may be inserted into and coupled to the cap housing 13, and a portion of the first end portion 111 may be exposed to the outside.

[0036] A plurality of tap terminals T2 and electric wires W2 may be provided at the first end portion 131 of the cap-shaped housing 13 , and a TPA member 15 may be provided.

[0037] When the plug 11 is coupled to the cap-shaped housing 13 , the plurality of socket terminals T1 and the plurality of tap terminals T2 may be electrically connected in the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 , respectively.

[0038] Meanwhile, the foaming member can penetrate into the connector assembly 10 due to the characteristics of being injected in the form of liquid and the filling pressure. For example, the foaming member can penetrate into the connector assembly 10 through the portion in which the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 are coupled. Since the plug 11 is inserted into the cap-shaped housing 13 in the longitudinal direction, the length of the portion in which the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 are coupled can be increased. Therefore, the length of the path along which the foaming member penetrates can be increased, thereby making it possible to prevent the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly 10.

[0039] In order to more stably couple the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 and maintain the coupled state, the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 may respectively include a first locking portion 116 and a second locking portion 136. In detail, the first locking portion 116 may be formed on the top surface 113 of the plug 11, and the second locking portion 136 corresponding to the first locking portion 116 may be formed on the top surface 133 of the cap-shaped housing 13.

[0040] The first locking portion 116 may be an external latch having elasticity and generally provided in the form of a cantilever extending toward a direction in which the plug 11 is coupled to the cap-shaped housing 13. The first locking portion 116 may include a latch frame 611 and a movable portion 612.

[0041] One end of the latch frame 611 may be fixed to the top surface 113 of the plug 11 , and the other end of the latch frame 611 may be provided in the shape of a cantilever extending toward the cap-shaped housing 13 and having a predetermined width.

[0042] The movable portion 612 may be formed to be separated from and parallel to the latch frame 611, and include a hook 613 at an end portion thereof. In addition, the movable portion 612 may be spaced apart from the latch frame 611 by a predetermined distance in a direction in which the latch frame 611 extends. By forming the movable portion 612 as described above, when the first locking portion 116 is pushed into the second locking portion 136, the movable portion 612 may be elastically deformed and the first locking portion 116 may be fastened to the second locking portion 136.

[0043] Here, forming the movable portion 612 in parallel with the latch frame 611 may indicate forming the movable portion 612 and the latch frame 611 to extend in substantially the same direction toward the cap-shaped housing 13 , and may indicate not being completely parallel.

[0044] The second locking portion 136 may protrude from the top surface 133 of the cap-shaped housing 13 and lock with the first locking portion 116. The second locking portion 136 may include a stopper 631 and a partition wall 632 including a fixing protrusion 633 that can be coupled to the movable portion 612.

[0045] A stopper 631 may be formed at a position contacted by an end portion 611a of the latch frame 611 when the first locking portion 116 is coupled to the second locking portion 136, such that the stopper 631 may limit the first locking portion 116 from being further inserted in a direction in which the first locking portion 116 is coupled to the second locking portion 136.

[0046] The partition wall 632 may be a flange that stands substantially perpendicular to the top surface 133 of the cap-shaped housing 13, and may be formed at a position further outside than the movable portion 612. That is, the first locking portion 116 may be inserted into the internal space formed by the pair of partition walls 632 and fastened to the second locking portion 136.

[0047] A fixing protrusion 633 protruding a predetermined height may be formed inside the partition wall 632 so that the hook 613 of the movable part 612 may be caught by the fixing protrusion 633. The movable part 612 may include a hook 613 formed outward to be caught by the fixing protrusion 633.

[0048] However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The first locking portion 116 and the second locking portion 136 may be provided in various shapes to be fastened to each other, thereby maintaining the coupling state of the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 when the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 are coupled. In addition, although the first locking portion 116 and the second locking portion 136 are each formed at a single location in the present exemplary embodiment, the first locking portion 116 and the second locking portion 136 may be formed at two or more locations, for example, on the bottom surfaces 115 and 135 or on the side surfaces 114 and 134, as well as on the top surfaces 113 and 133 of the connector assembly 10.

[0049] The TPA member 15 may be provided in each of the first end portion 111 of the plug 11 and the first end portion 131 of the cap-shaped housing 13. The TPA member 15 may be inserted into the plug 11 along the electric wire W1 from the first end portion 111 of the plug 11, thereby blocking the first end portion 111 and simultaneously fixing the electric wire W1 to the plug 11. Similarly, the TPA member 15 may be inserted into the cap-shaped housing 13 along the electric wire W2 from the first end portion 131 of the cap-shaped housing 13, thereby blocking the first end portion 131 of the cap-shaped housing 13 and simultaneously fixing the electric wire W2 to the cap-shaped housing 13.

[0050] Hereinafter, since the TPA member 15 provided in the plug 11 and the TPA member 15 provided in the cap-shaped housing 13 are substantially the same, the TPA member 15 will be collectively referred to as "TPA member 15" without being described separately. In addition, an example in which a coupling target that can be coupled with the TPA member 15 is only the plug 11 will be described below. However, the cap-shaped housing 13 and the TPA member 15 have substantially the same coupling piece, and therefore repeated description will be omitted.

[0051] The TPA member 15 may be divided into two blocking pieces, in detail, a first blocking piece 510 and a second blocking piece 520. The second blocking piece 520 may be formed symmetrically with the first blocking piece 510 with respect to the circumferential direction of the electric wire W1. The first blocking piece 510 and the second blocking piece 520 may have a structure engaged with each other in the plug 11, and the electric wire W1 is between the first blocking piece 510 and the second blocking piece 520.

[0052] The first blocking member 510 may include a first frame 511 , a first wire guide 512 including a substantially semi-cylindrical wire connecting groove 512 a capable of being coupled to the wire W1 , and a first latch 513 capable of being coupled to the plug 11 .

[0053] The first frame 511 may be provided in a substantially plate form and coupled to block the first end portion 111 of the plug 11 .

[0054] The first wire guide 512 may extend a predetermined length from the first frame 511 toward the plug 11, and include a wire connection groove 512a to match the outer periphery of the wire W1 on the surface of the wire connection groove 512a. For example, two first wire guides 512 and two wire connection grooves 512a may be formed to be parallel in the longitudinal direction of the wire W1 to independently connect the wire W1.

[0055] A pair of first latches 513 may extend from both end portions of the first frame 511 toward the plug 11 and lock with both side surfaces 114 of the plug 11. For example, protruding portions 114a and 134a protruding to a predetermined height may be formed on the side surface 114 of the plug 11 (and the cap-shaped housing 13), and the first latches 513 may be provided in a ring shape to lock and fasten with the protruding portions 114a and 134a.

[0056] By forming the first latch 513 as described above, when the first blocking piece 510 is inserted into the plug 11, the first wire guide portion 512 can be inserted into the plug 11 and fasten the upper portion of the outer periphery of the wire W1, and the first latch 513 can be fastened to the two side surfaces 114 of the plug 11, thereby elastically supporting the coupling state of the first blocking piece 510 and the plug 11.

[0057] The second blocking member 520 may include a second frame 521 , a second wire guide 522 corresponding to the first wire guide 512 and capable of being coupled to the remaining outer circumference of the wire W1 , and a second latch 523 capable of being coupled to the plug 11 .

[0058] The second frame 521 may be provided in a substantially plate form, and coupled to block the first end portion 111 when the second stopper 520 is coupled to the plug 11. The first frame 511 and the second frame 521 may be coupled to be located on the same plane.

[0059] The second wire guide 522 may extend a predetermined length from the second frame 521 toward the plug 11 and include a second wire connection groove 522 a so that the wires W1 may be fitted between the second wire guide 522 and the first wire guide 512 .

[0060] The second latch 523 may extend from the second frame 521 toward the plug 11. The second latch 523 may be formed to be fastened to the bottom surface 115 (and the bottom surface 135) outside the plug 11. For example, protrusions 115a and 135a protruding a predetermined height may be formed on the bottom surface 115 of the plug 11, and the second latch 523 may be provided in a ring shape to lock and fasten with the protrusions 115a and 135a. In addition, a plurality of second latches 523 may be provided on the bottom surface 115 of the plug 11.

[0061] Although two second latches 523 are formed in the present exemplary embodiment, three or more second latches 523 may be formed or only a single second latch 523 may be formed. In addition, the position of the second latch 523 is not limited to the bottom surface 115 of the plug 11. The second latch 523 may also be coupled to the side surface 114 of the plug 11 if interference with the first latch 513 can be prevented.

[0062] By forming the second latch 523 as described above, when the second blocking piece 520 is inserted into the plug 11, the second wire guide portion 522 can be inserted into the plug 11 and fasten the lower portion of the outer periphery of the wire W1, and the second latch 523 can be fastened to the bottom surface 115 of the plug 11, thereby elastically supporting the coupling state of the second blocking piece 520 and the plug 11.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, when the TPA member 15 is coupled to the plug 11, by contacting and pushing the socket terminal T1 (or the tap terminal T2), the end portions of the first wire guide 512 and the second wire guide 522 can push the socket terminal T1 (or the tap terminal T2) into the plug 11. In doing so, during the coupling of the TPA member 15, the socket terminal T1 (and the tap terminal T2) can be pushed to the correct position, and it can be checked whether the socket terminal T1 (and the tap terminal T2) is coupled at the correct position.

[0064] In addition, the first wire guide 512 and the second wire guide 522 can prevent the socket terminal T1 from being separated from the plug 11 and the tap terminal T2 from being separated from the cap-shaped housing 13, respectively. That is, the first wire guide 512 and the second wire guide 522 can be positioned forward relative to the direction in which the socket terminal T1 is coupled to the plug 11, and the tap terminal T2 coupled to the cap-shaped housing 13 can be separated. Therefore, when the wires W1 and W2 are pulled by external force, the first wire guide 512 and the second wire guide 522 can prevent the separation of the socket terminal T1 and the tap terminal T2, respectively, and improve the holding force of the terminals T1 and T2.

[0065] In such Figure 5In the illustrated TPA member 15 , the first wire guide 512 and the second wire guide 522 may be formed to fill the portion in which the socket terminal T1 and the tap terminal T2 are inserted. Therefore, the first wire guide 512 and the second wire guide 522 may seal the plug 11 with the cap-shaped housing 13 .

[0066] The radius of the wire connection grooves 512a and 522a may be substantially smaller than the radius of the wires W1 and W2. That is, the inner diameter of the hole formed by the wire connection grooves 512a and 522a when the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 are engaged may be smaller than the outer diameter of the wires W1 and W2. In doing so, when the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 are coupled to the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13), the wires W1 and W2 may be pressed into the wire connection grooves 512a and 522a, thereby preventing the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly 10 through the wires W1 and W2.

[0067] Meanwhile, a structure for preventing the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly 10 may be formed at a portion where the TPA member 15 is coupled to the plug 11 (and the cap-shaped housing 13 ).

[0068] In detail, a protruding wall 111a (and a protruding wall 131a) protruding to a predetermined height may be formed on the first end portion 111 (and the first end portion 131) of the plug 11 (and the cap-shaped housing 13), and grooves 511a and 521a into which the protruding wall 111a can be inserted may be formed inside the first frame 511 and the second frame 521 in the TPA member 15. For example, the protruding wall 111a may be provided in the shape of a closed curve that protrudes toward the TPA member 15 along the outer circumference of the first end portion 111 (and the first end portion 131) of the plug 11 (and the cap-shaped housing 13) and extends along the entire outer circumference of the first end portion 111 (and the first end portion 131).

[0069] When the TPA member 15 is coupled to the plug 11, the protruding wall 111a can be inserted into the groove 511a, whereby the sealing between the TPA member 15 and the plug 11 can be increased. That is, when the protruding walls 111a and 131a of the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13 are inserted into the grooves 511a and 521a formed in the TPA member 15, the TPA member 15 is coupled to the plug 11 (and the cap-shaped housing 13), and such a structure can have a sealing effect of preventing the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly 10.

[0070] In the following, reference will be made to FIG. 6A to FIG. 7 A method of assembling the TPA member 15 is described.

[0071] The TPA member 15 may be formed as an integral body in which the first stopper 510 and the second stopper 520 are connected, so as to be easily manufactured and easily assembled with the plug 11 (and the cap-shaped housing 13 ).

[0072] For example, Fig. 6A The first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 may be formed as an integral body connected by a hinge-type connector 530. Figure 7 As shown, the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 may be formed as an integral body connected by a ring-type connector 530 .

[0073] Here, the TPA member 15 is assembled in such a manner that one of the first and second stoppers 510 and 520 is first inserted into the plug 11 and then the other is inserted into the plug 11 regardless of the order of coupling the first and second stoppers 510 and 520 .

[0074] First, refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , the connector 530 may be in the shape of a hinge connecting the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520. The first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 may be flipped and disposed up and down, wherein the corresponding wire connection grooves 512a and 522a face opposite directions, and the hinge-type connector 530 may be formed between the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520.

[0075] The connector 530 can connect the first blocking member 510 with the second blocking member 520, thereby enabling simultaneous manufacturing of the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 and preventing the blocking members 510 and 520 from being lost during the process of assembling the blocking members 510 and 520 with the plug 11 or the cap-shaped housing 13 corresponding to the coupling target. In addition, the connector 530 can be easily cut and enables predetermined elastic deformation between the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520.

[0076] The process of assembling the TPA member 15 will be described.

[0077] First, if Fig. 6A As shown, in a state where the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 are connected by the connector 530, one of the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 is inserted into the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13) and coupled to the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13). Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown, the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 may be separated by cutting the connector 530, and the separated other one may be coupled to the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13).

[0078] Here, the anti-interference guide portion 111b may be formed on the inner side surface of the first end portion 111 of the plug 11. For example, the anti-interference guide portion 111b may be formed at a position corresponding to a boundary portion where the first blocking piece 510 and the second blocking piece 520 face each other, formed to a length corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the wire guide portions 512 and 522 of the first blocking piece 510 and the second blocking piece 520, and formed to protrude by a predetermined height. In addition, the first blocking piece 510 and the second blocking piece 520 may include guide portions 514 and 524 provided in the form of a protruding portion or a stepped portion to be guided by engaging with the anti-interference guide portion 111b.

[0079] By forming an anti-interference guide portion 111 in the plug 11 and the cap-shaped shell 13, the anti-interference guide portion 111 can maintain the position of the first coupled blocking member when the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 are coupled to the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped shell 13), and prevent the subsequently coupled blocking member from interfering with the first coupled blocking member.

[0080] At the same time, although Fig. 6A It is illustrated that the interference prevention guide 111 b is provided only on the first end portion 111 of the plug 11 , but an interference prevention guide (not shown) may also be formed on the first end portion 113 of the cap-shaped housing 13 as well.

[0081] refer to Figure 7 , the connector 540 may be substantially provided in the shape of an elastically deformable ring connecting the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520. In a state where the wire connection grooves 512a and 522a are provided to face each other, the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 may be connected by the connector 540 formed in the shape of a ring or a band on the outer sides of the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520.

[0082] Figure 7 The connector 540 can also realize simultaneous manufacturing of the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 by connecting the first blocking member 510 with the second blocking member 520, and simplify the assembly process by enabling the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520 to be coupled simultaneously during the process of assembling the blocking members 510 and 520 with the plug 11 or the cap-shaped housing 13 corresponding to the coupling target. In addition, the connector 540 can be easily cut and can realize elastic deformation between the first blocking member 510 and the second blocking member 520.

[0083] The TPA member 15 may be assembled in such a manner that one of the first blocking piece 510 and the second blocking piece 520 connected by the connector 540 is first inserted into the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13) and coupled to the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13). Then, the other may be coupled to the plug 11 (or the cap-shaped housing 13), and the connector 540 may be cut on the outside of the plug 11.

[0084] By coupling the TPA member 15 to the plug 11 and the cap-shaped housing 13, it is possible to prevent the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly 10 through the first end portion 111 of the plug 11 and the first end portion 131 of the cap-shaped housing 13. In addition, it is possible to prevent the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly 10 by the coupling structure of the constituent elements rather than by a separate sealing member.

[0085] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, the shape of the portion in which the plug and the cap-shaped housing are coupled can prevent the foaming member from penetrating into the connector assembly.

[0086] In addition, the TPA member can be provided at the corresponding end portions of the plug and the cap-shaped housing, thereby achieving a sealing effect. Therefore, even if a separate sealing member is not provided, the foaming member can be prevented from penetrating into the connector assembly.

[0087] The effects of the connector assembly and the home appliance including the connector assembly are not limited to the above-mentioned effects. Moreover, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can clearly understand other unmentioned effects according to the above description.

[0088] Many exemplary embodiments have been described above. However, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these exemplary embodiments. For example, if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and / or if components in the described systems, structures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents, appropriate results may be achieved. Therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: A cap-shaped housing, the cap-shaped housing comprising a first terminal; a plug having a first end portion and a second end portion insertable into the cap-shaped housing, the first end portion including a second terminal; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member disposed at a first end portion of the connection wire of the cap-shaped housing and at a first end portion of the plug, the terminal position assurance member including a first stopper and a second stopper spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the wire, wherein the cap-shaped housing and the plug constitute a coupling target, and after one of the first blocking member and the second blocking member is inserted into and attached to the coupling target, the other of the first blocking member and the second blocking member can be inserted into and attached to the coupling target; and The connector assembly further comprises a connector configured to connect the first blocking member with the second blocking member. wherein, after one of the first blocking member and the second blocking member is coupled to the coupling target, the connector is cut or elastically deformed, wherein the first blocking member includes a first frame, a first wire guide, and a first latch, the first frame being coupleable to block a first end portion of the coupling target, the first wire guide being coupleable to an outer peripheral surface of the wire, the first latch being fastened to the coupling target, and The second blocking member includes a second frame, a second wire guide portion, and a second latch, the second frame being coupleable to block the first end portion of the coupling target, the second wire guide portion corresponding to the first wire guide portion and being coupleable to the remaining outer peripheral surface of the wire, and the second latch being fastened to the coupling target. wherein the first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion are respectively formed to extend from the first frame and the second frame toward a direction along which the first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion are coupled to the coupling target, and The outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second wire guide portions seal portions of the coupling target into which the first and second terminals are respectively inserted.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: When the terminal position assurance member is coupled to the coupling target, the first frame and the second frame are coupled to be located on the same plane.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The coupling target includes a protruding wall formed at a first end portion of the coupling target along an edge in contact with the terminal position assurance member, the protruding wall protruding toward the terminal position assurance member, and The first frame and the second frame each include a groove into which the protruding wall is inserted.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The protruding wall is provided in the shape of a closed curve which continuously extends along the entire circumference of the first end portion of the coupling target.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion are configured to push the terminal provided in the wire into the coupling target by contacting and pressing the end portion of the terminal provided in the wire when inserted into the coupling target, and The first electric wire guide portion and the second electric wire guide portion are provided to prevent the terminal from being separated forwardly with respect to a direction in which the terminal is separated from the coupling target when the electric wire is pulled by an external force.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second electric wire guide portions include a plurality of electric wire connection grooves formed in parallel in a longitudinal direction of the electric wires to be independently coupled to the plurality of electric wires.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first blocking member and the second blocking member are arranged so that the first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion face in opposite directions, and The connector is configured in the form of a hinge connecting the first blocking member to the second blocking member.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first blocking piece and the second blocking piece are arranged so that the first wire guide portion and the second wire guide portion face each other, and The connector is provided in the form of a ring connecting the first blocking member with the second blocking member.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling target includes a protruding portion that can be locked by the first latch.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein: A pair of first latches are provided to be lockable by both sides of the coupling target.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling target includes a protrusion that can be locked by an end portion of the second latch.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The second latch is formed at a position different from a position of the first latch on the outer periphery of the coupling target.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The second latch is formed on a bottom surface of an outer circumference of the coupling target.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein: A plurality of second latches are formed on one surface of the outer circumference of the coupling target.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plug includes a first locking portion formed on an outer side surface of the plug, and The cap-shaped housing includes a second locking portion that can be fastened to the first locking portion.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The first locking portion is provided in a cantilever shape so as to extend toward a direction in which the first locking portion is coupled to the cap-shaped housing and has elasticity.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The first locking portion comprises: a latch frame configured to be shaped as a cantilever extending toward the cap-shaped housing; and A movable portion is formed on both sides of the latch frame to be parallel to the latch frame and to be elastically deformable.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 17, wherein: The second locking portion comprises: a stopper formed to protrude from a surface of the cap-shaped housing and to contact an end portion of the latch frame; and A fixing protrusion is coupleable to the movable portion.

19. The connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein: The fixing protrusion is formed on the inner side of a partition wall formed on the outer side of the stopper, and The movable portion includes a hook protruding outward from an end portion of the movable portion.

20. The connector assembly of claim 15, wherein: One or more first locking portions are formed at one or more locations on the outer side of the plug, and One or more second locking portions are formed to correspond to the one or more first locking portions, respectively.

21. The connector assembly of claim 1, further comprising: an anti-interference guide portion, the anti-interference guide portion being located on an inner side surface of the first end portion of the plug and on an inner side surface of the first end portion of the cap-shaped housing, respectively, wherein the interference prevention guide portion is formed to protrude in a direction along which the first stopper and the second stopper are coupled.

22. The connector assembly of claim 21, wherein: Guide portions corresponding to the interference prevention guide portions are formed in the first stopper and the second stopper.

23. A household appliance comprising the connector assembly according to claim 1.

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