Electrical connector with connector position assurance device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connector having a connector position assurance device. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing and an auxiliary lever attached to the housing for relative rotational movement. The electrical connector assembly includes a latch that holds the auxiliary lever in a final position relative to the housing. The electrical connector assembly also includes a connector position assurance device attached to the housing for relative movement between a pre-locking position and a locked position. When the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, it extends into a recess in the auxiliary lever and prevents the auxiliary lever from rotating relative to the housing.

Description

Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lever-assisted electrical connector with a connector position assurance device.

[0002] Electrical connectors are commonly used to hold multiple electrical terminals in selected positions. The electrical connector can be mated with a corresponding connector to mate each of the electrical terminals with its corresponding terminal. This allows an operator to make multiple electrical connections at once by inserting the electrical connector into the corresponding connector.

[0003] Conventional vehicles include an increasing number of electronic components, which in turn require an increasing number of electrical connections. Consequently, electrical connectors in conventional vehicles include an increasing number of electrical terminals. This increase in the number of terminals increases the amount of force required to mate an electrical connector with a corresponding connector. To make it easier for operators to mate connectors, it is known to provide electrical connectors with auxiliary levers, such as that shown in U.S. Patent 9,281,614, to provide the operator with a mechanical advantage when mating the connectors.

[0004] It is also known to provide a connector position assurance device that enables an operator to ensure that an electrical connector is correctly mated with a corresponding connector. The connector position assurance device is typically attached to the electrical connector or the corresponding connector and is initially held in place by a lock. When the electrical connector is mated with the corresponding connector, the lock is released so that the connector position assurance device can be moved. When the electrical connector is correctly mated with the corresponding connector, the connector position assurance device can be moved to the final position. However, if the two connectors are not fully mated, the connector position assurance device is prevented from moving to the final position. When the operator mates the connectors and moves the connector position assurance device to the final position, it is confirmed that the connectors and all electrical terminals are correctly mated. It would be advantageous to have an improved electrical connector with a connector position assurance device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing. An auxiliary rod is attached to the housing for relative rotational movement. The electrical connector assembly includes a latch. The latch holds the auxiliary rod in a final position relative to the housing. The electrical connector assembly also includes a connector position assurance device. The connector position assurance device is attached to the housing for relative movement between a pre-locking position and a locking position. When the connector position assurance device is in the locking position, the connector position assurance device extends into a recess in the auxiliary rod and prevents the auxiliary rod from rotating relative to the housing.

[0006] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly and a header shown in a pre-locked position.

[0008] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 , showing the electrical connector assembly and header shown in a mated position.

[0009] Figure 3 Is from Figure 1 An enlarged, top plan view of a portion of an electrical connector assembly of FIG. 1 is shown with a cover and an auxiliary handle attached to the cover in an initial position.

[0010] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 , showing the connector position assurance device attached to the cover in a pre-locking position.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connector position assurance device.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a front view of the connector position assurance device.

[0013] Figure 7 It is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the auxiliary rod.

[0014] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 4 , showing the auxiliary lever in its final position.

[0015] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8 , showing the connector position assurance device in the locked position.

[0016] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10.

[0017] Figure 11 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11.

[0018] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0019] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1, a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly, generally indicated at 10, and a header, generally indicated at 12, is illustrated. The electrical connector assembly 10 is shown in a pre-mated position relative to the header 12. The electrical connector assembly 10 includes a housing 14 and a cover 16 attached to the housing 14. The cover 16 serves as a wire guide and includes a wire outlet, generally indicated at 18, adapted to receive wiring (not shown) that is connected to terminals (not shown) held in the housing 14. The electrical connector assembly 10 also includes an auxiliary lever 20, shown in an initial position.

[0020] The auxiliary lever 20 comprises two plates 22 connected by a handle 24. Each plate 22 is supported on the cover 16 for relative rotation about a handle axis 26. Each plate 22 comprises a cam channel 28 (one at Figure 1 The cam channel 28 is adapted to receive a respective cam follower (not shown) on the headstock 12. The auxiliary rod 20 is adapted to be moved from Figure 1 The initial position shown in the figure is moved to Figure 2 When the auxiliary lever 20 moves from the initial position to the final position, the electrical connector assembly 10 moves from the pre-mated position to the mated position. In the mated position, the terminals in the electrical connector assembly 10 mate with respective corresponding electrical terminals (not shown) in the header.

[0021] The electrical connector assembly 10 also includes a connector position assurance device, generally indicated at 30. The illustrated connector position assurance device 30 is attached to the cover 16, but may be attached to any desired portion of the electrical connector assembly 10. The connector position assurance device 30 is in a pre-locked position ( Figure 1 ) and locked position ( Figure 2 ). As will be described below, the connector position assurance device 30 is locked in the pre-locking position and released from the pre-locking position when the auxiliary lever 20 moves to the final position. In addition, the connector position assurance device 30 engages the auxiliary lever 20 to maintain the auxiliary lever 20 in the final position.

[0022] The electrical connector assembly 10 includes a latch 32 that holds the auxiliary lever 20 in its final position. The latch 32 includes a cantilever 34 that includes a pressing end 36. The latch 32 is normally in a closed position. When a force is applied in a release direction 38 ( Figure 1 ) is applied to the pressing end 36, the latch 32 is deflected to the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the release direction 38 is toward the header 12, but can be any desired direction.

[0023] When the accessory lever 20 is moved from the initial position to the final position, the accessory lever 20 engages the pressing end 36 of the latch 32 and pushes it in the release direction 38 to the open position. This allows the accessory lever 20 to be moved past the latch 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 24 of the accessory lever 20 engages the latch 32, but any desired portion of the accessory lever 20 may engage the latch 32. When the accessory lever 20 is moved to the final position, the latch 32 rebounds to the closed position and engages the accessory lever 20 to prevent the accessory lever 20 from moving from the final position.

[0024] refer to Figure 3 , illustrates an enlarged, top plan view of a portion of the electrical connector assembly 10, showing the cover 16 and a portion of the attached auxiliary rod 20 in an initial position. The electrical connector assembly 10 includes a connector position assurance device mount, generally indicated at 40. The connector position assurance device mount 40 is defined in the cover 16 and supports the connector position assurance device 30 in the pre-locked position and the locked position. The connector position assurance device mount 40 includes two guide channels 42 located on opposite sides of the connector position assurance device mount 40. The latch 32 is located within the connector position assurance device mount 40, and the guide channels 42 are located on opposite sides of the latch 32. Each illustrated guide channel 42 is longer than the cantilever 34 and the pressing end 36 of the latch 32, but the guide channels 42 can have any desired length. Each guide channel 42 includes a position assurance lock 44 extending through its respective guide channel 42. The purpose of the position assurance lock 44 will be described below.

[0025] The cover 16 also includes an optional handle seat 46. When the auxiliary lever 20 is in the final position, a portion of the handle 24 is located in the handle seat 46. The handle seat 46 is located from the latch 32 in the securing direction 48, and each guide channel 42 extends into the handle seat 46.

[0026] refer to Figure 4 , which illustrates something similar to Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a view of the connector position assurance device 30 attached to the cover 16 in a pre-locked position. Figure 5 , which illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the connector position assurance device 30, and Figure 6is a front view of the connector position assurance device 30. The connector position assurance device 30 is shown molded from plastic, but may be made from any desired material and by any desired process. The connector position assurance device 30 includes a body 50. Two guide members 52 extend from the body 50 on a mounting side 54 of the body 50. The mounting side 54 is the side of the connector position assurance device 30 that faces the cover 16 when the connector position assurance device 30 is attached to the cover 16. When the connector position assurance device 30 is attached to the connector position assurance device mount 40, each of the guide members 52 is positioned in one of the guide channels 42. In addition, each guide member 52 includes a catch 56 (at Figure 6 ), and each catch 56 engages the cover 16 to retain the connector position assurance device 30 on the connector position assurance device mount 40.

[0027] The connector position assurance device 30 also includes two locking arms 58 extending from the mounting side 54 of the body 50. Each locking arm 58 further extends in the assurance direction 48. When the connector position assurance device 30 is attached to the connector position assurance device mounting base 40, each locking arm 58 is located in one of the guide channels 42. Each locking arm 58 includes a locking tab 60 extending from the locking arm 58 opposite to the release direction 38. Each locking arm 58 also includes a release tab 62 extending from the locking arm 58 opposite to the release direction 38. As shown Figure 4 , when the connector position assurance device 30 is in the pre-locking position, each locking projection 60 engages the position assurance lock 44 in the corresponding guide channel 42 to prevent the locking projection 60 from moving in the assurance direction 48 relative to the connector position assurance device mounting base 40. This prevents the connector position assurance device 30 from moving in the assurance direction 48 relative to the connector position assurance device mounting base 40. In addition, each release projection 62 extends out of its respective guide channel 42 and is located in the handle base 46.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 7 , illustrates a perspective view of a portion of accessory lever 20 showing handle 24. As previously described, when accessory lever 20 is in the final position, a portion of handle 24 is located within handle receptacle 46. Handle 24 includes two protrusions 64 that are positioned within handle receptacle 46 when accessory lever 20 is in the final position. Furthermore, handle 24 includes two notches 66 that are oriented opposite to securing direction 48 when accessory lever 20 is in the final position. The purpose of protrusions 64 and notches 66 will be described below.

[0029] Now refer to Figure 8 , which illustrates something similar to Figure 4, wherein the auxiliary lever 20 is shown moved to the final position. Figure 8 4 and 5. It is not visible in the figure, but each of the protrusions 64 on the handle 24 engages one of the release protrusions 62, and both release protrusions 62 are pushed out of the handle seat 46 in the release direction 38. Each of the resilient locking arms 58 is also urged in the release direction 38, which moves the locking protrusion 60 in the release direction 38 so that the locking protrusion 60 does not engage the position assurance lock 44. Alternatively, when the auxiliary lever 20 is in the final position, the auxiliary lever 20 can engage any desired portion of the connector position assurance device 30. For example, each of the protrusions 64 can engage one of the locking protrusions 60 to move the locking protrusion 60 in the release direction 38. When the auxiliary lever 20 is in the final position, the connector position assurance device 30 can be moved in the assurance direction 48 relative to the connector position assurance device mounting seat 40.

[0030] Now refer to Figure 9 , which illustrates something similar to Figure 8 , showing the connector position assurance device 30 moved to the locked position. Figure 10 , the diagram shows that along Figure 9 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along one of the guide channels 42, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 10. As shown, when the connector position assurance device 30 is in the locked position, the release projection 62 is located in the assurance direction 48 of the protrusion 64, and the locking arm 58 is able to rebound opposite to the release direction 38. This relieves any stress on the locking arm 58. Additionally, the locking projection 60 is located in the assurance direction 48 of the position assurance lock 44 and will engage the position assurance lock 44 to prevent the connector position assurance device 30 from moving opposite to the assurance direction 48.

[0031] refer to Figure 11 , the diagram shows that along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 through one of the notches 66 on the handle 24. The connector position assurance device 30 includes a rod holder 68 extending from the body 50 in the assurance direction 48. Figure 8 As best shown in FIG, the connector position assurance device 30 includes two rod retainers 68. When the connector position assurance device 30 is in the locked position, each rod retainer 68 is located in one of the recesses 66 in the handle 24. Return to Reference Figure 11 , the rod retainer 68 engages the handle 24 to prevent movement of the handle 24 relative to the connector position assurance device mount 40. It should be understood that the connector position assurance device 30 will prevent movement of the handle 24 and the accessory rod 20 in the direction toward the initial position or in the opposite direction.

[0032] Return Reference Figure 9The connector position assurance device 30 further includes a latch shield 70. The illustrated latch shield 70 extends from the main body 50 in the assurance direction 48 and extends between the two rod holders 68. Figure 9 As shown, when the connector position assurance device 30 is in the locked position, the latch shield 70 is located opposite to the release direction 38 of the pressing end 36 of the latch 32. Therefore, when the connector position assurance device 30 is in the locked position, the latch shield 70 prevents the operator from pressing the latch 32. Return to Reference Figure 2 When the connector position assurance device 30 is in the locked position, the latch 32 is surrounded by the connector position assurance device 30 so as to prevent the latch 32 from being actuated to the open position.

[0033] The electrical connector assembly 10 can be removed from the header 12 by reversing the aforementioned process. The connector position assurance device 30 is removed from the locked position ( Figure 3 and Figure 9 ) moves to the pre-lock position ( Figure 8 ). This moves the latch shroud 70 away from the latch 32. The latch 32 is then depressed and the auxiliary lever 20 moves from the final position to the initial position, which moves the electrical connector assembly 10 relative to the header 12 to the pre-mated position.

[0034] The principle and mode of operation of the present invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that the invention can be implemented in ways different from those specifically explained and illustrated without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: case; an auxiliary lever attached to the housing for relative rotational movement and including a notch; a latch that holds the auxiliary lever in a final position relative to the housing; a connector position assurance device attached to the housing for relative movement between a pre-locking position and a locked position, wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the connector position assurance device extends into the recess in the auxiliary lever and prevents rotation of the auxiliary lever relative to the housing, The electrical connector assembly further comprises a latch shroud on the connector position assurance device, wherein the latch is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in a release direction, and wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the latch shroud is located in a position opposite to the release direction of the latch.

2. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: case; an auxiliary lever attached to the housing for relative rotational movement and including a notch; a latch that holds the auxiliary lever in a final position relative to the housing; a connector position assurance device attached to the housing for relative movement between a pre-locking position and a locked position, wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the connector position assurance device extends into the recess in the auxiliary lever and prevents rotation of the auxiliary lever relative to the housing, The connector position assurance device further comprises a main body and two rod retainers extending from the main body, wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the two rod retainers extend into respective recesses in the auxiliary rod.

3. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2 further includes a latch shield on the connector position assurance device, the latch shield extending from the main body, wherein the latch is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in a release direction, and wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the latch shield is located at a position opposite to the release direction of the latch.

4. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2 further includes a latch shield on the connector position assurance device, the latch shield extending between the two rod holders, wherein the latch is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in a release direction, and wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the latch shield is located in a position opposite to the release direction of the latch.

5. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 2 further includes a latch shield on the connector position assurance device, the latch shield extending from the main body and between the two rod holders, wherein the latch is adapted to move from a closed position to an open position in a release direction, and wherein when the connector position assurance device is in the locked position, the latch shield is located in a position opposite to the release direction of the latch.

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