Connector assembly with dual position assurance device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device, which can accurately confirm not only whether the female connector and the male connector are fully fastened to each other in the proper position by means of the control rod, but also confirm the fastening state and position of the control rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device, and more specifically, to a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device capable of confirming the tightening state of the female and male connectors via a control lever, as well as the tightening state of the control lever itself. Background Technology

[0002] Connector assemblies used for electrical connections are typically used in the electrical and electronic components of a vehicle.

[0003] Connector assemblies according to examples of the prior art include female connectors, male connectors, connector position assurance (CPA) devices for verifying that the female and male connectors are fully secured to each other, etc.

[0004] Therefore, when the female connector and male connector of the connector assembly according to the example of the prior art are fastened to each other, the fastening status and position of the female connector and male connector can be confirmed by the connector position guarantee device.

[0005] Another example of the connector assembly according to the prior art includes a female connector, a male connector, a control lever that rotates along an operating path for fastening the female and male connectors, and a control lever position retention device that secures the control lever to the control lever after rotation.

[0006] Therefore, by rotating the control lever along the operating path to secure the female and male connectors to each other, and by securing the control lever position guarantee device to the rotated control lever, it can be confirmed that the control lever is in the position where the control lever secures the female and male connectors.

[0007] However, even if it can be confirmed that the control lever is in the position where the control lever secures the female connector and the male connector to each other, it is difficult to accurately confirm whether the female connector and the male connector are completely secured to each other.

[0008] The foregoing is intended only to help understand the background of this disclosure and is not intended to imply that this disclosure falls within the scope of prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the problems of the prior art described above, the object of this disclosure is to provide a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device. The disclosed connector assembly, utilizing the dual position confirmation device, can accurately confirm not only whether the female connector and the male connector are fully secured to each other in the appropriate position via the control lever, but also confirm the securing status and position of the control lever.

[0010] To achieve these objectives, this disclosure provides a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device. The connector assembly includes: a male connector having a position confirmation protrusion formed at a front end of the top of the male connector and guide pins protruding from both sides of the male connector; a female connector having a first guide hole on the top of the female connector, into which the position confirmation protrusion is inserted for linear or linear movement, and having second guide holes on both sides of the female connector, into which the guide pins are inserted for linear or linear movement; a dual position confirmation device fastened to a guide rail formed behind the first guide hole for tilting and linear or linear movement; and a control lever configured to move the guide pins forward and backward in the second guide holes. The control lever has a rotary control lever and a handle control lever, the rotary control lever being fastened to both sides of the female connector, and the handle control lever having a locking groove for fastening with the dual position confirmation device and integrally formed with the rotary control lever.

[0011] The dual position confirmation device may include: a body configured to be pushed and move linearly; a hook formed on the bottom of the front portion of the body and configured to be locked to the rear wall of the first guide hole of the female connector to be able to move upward; and a locking lever formed on the bottom of the rear portion of the body and configured to be detachably inserted into the locking groove of the control lever.

[0012] Empty spaces for cushioning pushing pressure can be formed in the body.

[0013] Stepped folds can be formed from the top of the body forward and backward to facilitate linear movement.

[0014] The end of the control lever cap, which is configured to move above and cover the front end of the handle control lever, can be formed at the rear of the main body.

[0015] A groove can be formed on the rotary control lever. A guide pin protruding through a second guide hole is received in the groove, and the groove can be bent to allow the guide pin to move linearly within the second guide hole as the rotary control lever rotates.

[0016] With the hook of the dual position confirmation device locked to the rear wall of the first guide hole of the female connector, when the position confirmation protrusion of the male connector is inserted into the rear wall of the first guide hole and the hook is pressed, the hook can move upward and unlock.

[0017] After the hook moves upward and unlocks, when the body of the dual position confirmation device is pushed toward the control lever, the locking lever can be inserted into the locking groove of the control lever and locked in the locking groove of the control lever.

[0018] When the locking lever is inserted into the locking slot of the control lever, the end of the control lever cover of the dual position confirmation device can move above and cover the front end of the handle control lever.

[0019] The insertion force when the locking lever is inserted into the locking slot of the control lever can be set to less than 2.0 kgf.

[0020] For the purposes described above, this disclosure provides the following effects.

[0021] First, when the female and male connectors are secured together by operating the control lever, the user can confirm that the female and male connectors are fully secured by observing the upward movement of the hook of the dual position confirmation device.

[0022] Secondly, after the female connector and the male connector are fully secured to each other, by moving the dual position confirmation device linearly toward the control lever, the user can confirm that the locking lever of the dual position confirmation device has been inserted into the locking groove of the control lever and that the control lever has been firmly fixed in the rotated position by observing the state in which the end of the control lever cover of the dual position confirmation device moves above the front end of the control lever and covers the front end of the control lever.

[0023] Therefore, the fastening status and position of the female and male connectors, as well as the control lever, can be double-checked using a dual position confirmation device. This improves the stability and quality of the connector assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure;

[0029] Figures 5 to 7 This is a perspective view showing the fastening process of the connector assembly with dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 8 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA is shown;

[0031] Figure 9 It is along Figure 6The cross-sectional view taken by line BB is shown;

[0032] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of line CC shown; and

[0033] Figures 11 to 13 These are cross-sectional views showing the release process of the dual position confirmation device according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] When a component, apparatus, element, etc., of this disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, the component, apparatus, or element shall be regarded herein as being "constructed" to satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0036] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing a connector assembly with a dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure. Figures 2 to 4 A dual position confirmation device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the connector assembly includes a male connector 100, a female connector 200, and a control lever 300 for inserting the male connector 100 into the female connector 200 to electrically connect electrical and electronic components.

[0038] The male connector 100 has a position confirmation protrusion 102 formed at the front end of the top of the male connector 100 and guide pins 104 protruding from both sides.

[0039] The female connector 200 has a first guide hole 202 on its top, into which a position confirmation protrusion 102 is inserted to enable linear or linear movement. The female connector 200 also has second guide holes 204 on both sides, into which guide pins 104 are inserted to enable linear or linear movement.

[0040] The control lever 300 has a rotary control lever 310 that is rotatably fastened to both sides of the female connector 200 and a handle control lever 320 that is integrally formed with the rotary control lever 310 and disposed in the width direction of the female connector 200.

[0041] The rotation control lever 310 of the control lever 300 is configured to move the guide pin 104 of the male connector 100 forward and backward in the second guide hole 204 of the female connector 200.

[0042] More specifically, a groove 312 is formed on the rotary control lever 310 to allow the guide pin 104 to move forward and backward in the second guide hole 204. The guide pin 104 is inserted into the second guide hole 204 and protrudes on both sides to be inserted into or received in the groove. The groove 312 is curved to allow the guide pin 104 to move linearly or linearly in the second guide hole 204 when the rotary control lever 310 is rotated.

[0043] When the control lever 310 rotates, the guide pin 104 is pushed or pulled by the curved groove 312. Therefore, the guide pin 104 can easily move forward or backward in a straight line within the second guide hole 204.

[0044] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300 has a locking groove 322 at the front for fastening with the dual position confirmation device 400, and the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300 serves as a handle for rotating the rotary control lever 310.

[0045] Specifically, the dual position confirmation device 400 is fastened to a guide rail 206 formed behind the first guide hole 202 so that it can tilt and move linearly.

[0046] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the dual position confirmation device 400 includes a body 410 that is pushed and moved linearly by a user. The device 400 has a hook 420 integrally formed on the bottom of the front portion of the body 410 and locked to the rear wall of the first guide hole 202 of the female connector 200 to allow upward movement. The device 400 also has a locking lever 430 integrally formed on the bottom of the rear portion of the body 410 and detachably inserted into a locking groove 322 formed on the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300.

[0047] An empty space 412 for cushioning the pressure pushed by the user is formed in the main body 410.

[0048] Stepped folds 414 are formed from the top of the main body 410 forward and backward, allowing the user to easily move the device in a straight line without slipping when operating the device.

[0049] When the dual position confirmation device 400 moves forward to the control lever, the control lever cover end 440 moves above and covers the front end portion of the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300. The control lever cover end 440 is formed at the rear of the main body 410.

[0050] The control lever cover end 440 and the locking lever 430 are parallel to each other and spaced vertically.

[0051] Reference Figures 5 to 10The fastening process of the connector assembly of the dual position confirmation device having the above-described structure is described.

[0052] First, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the male connector 100 is inserted into the female connector 200, the guide pin 104 of the male connector 100 moves forward a predetermined distance through the second guide hole 204 of the female connector 200 and is inserted into the groove 312 formed on the rotation control rod 310 of the control rod 300.

[0053] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the male connector 100 is inserted into the female connector 200, the position confirmation protrusion 102 of the male connector 100 moves forward a predetermined distance through the first guide hole 202 of the female connector 200 and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the hook 420 of the dual position confirmation device 400.

[0054] In this state, the hook 420 of the dual position confirmation device 400 has been locked to the rear wall of the first guide hole 202.

[0055] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, when the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300 is rotated backward beyond the dual position confirmation device 400, the rotation control lever 310 also rotates backward.

[0056] When the control lever 310 is rotated, the guide pin 104 of the male connector 100 inserted into the slot 312 is pulled into the female connector, so the guide pin 104 moves forward to the innermost position of the second guide hole 204.

[0057] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 As shown, the position confirmation protrusion 102 of the male connector 100 moves to the innermost position of the first guide hole 202 of the female connector 200 and pushes the hook 420 of the dual position confirmation device 400 upward, thereby tilting the dual position confirmation device 400.

[0058] Therefore, the user can confirm that the female connector and the male connector are fully connected by moving the hook 420 of the dual position confirmation device 400 upward.

[0059] Next, the user holds the main body 410 and pushes the dual position confirmation device 400 toward the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300.

[0060] Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 is inserted into the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320, thereby fixing the control lever 300.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figures 7 to 10As shown, the control lever cover end 440 of the dual position confirmation device 400 moves above the front end portion of the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300 and covers the front end portion of the handle control lever 320 of the control lever 300.

[0062] Therefore, the user can confirm that the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 has been inserted into the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320 and that the control lever 300 has been fixed by covering the front part of the handle control lever 320 with the end of the control lever cover 440.

[0063] In other words, the user can confirm that the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 has been inserted into the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320 and that the control lever has been rotated and securely fixed by the state of the control lever cover end 440 of the dual position confirmation device 400 covering the front end of the handle control lever 320.

[0064] As described above, the fastening status and position of the male connector 100 and female connector 200, as well as the fastening status and position of the control lever 300, can be dually confirmed by the dual position confirmation device 400. Therefore, the stability and quality of the connector assembly can be improved.

[0065] Reference Figures 11 to 13 Describe the process of unlocking the control lever and releasing the female and male connectors.

[0066] First, such as Figure 11 As shown, when the user holds the dual position confirmation device 400 and moves it backward to release it, the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 is pulled out from the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320.

[0067] Furthermore, the hook 420 of the dual position confirmation device 400 moves onto the position confirmation protrusion 102 of the male connector 100. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the front end of the dual position confirmation device 400 is tilted upwards.

[0068] Next, the user pulls the male connector 100 out of the female connector 200, thus separating the female connector and the male connector.

[0069] Therefore, as Figure 13 As shown, the hook 420 of the dual position confirmation device 400 moves downward and locks into the rear wall of the first guide hole 202 of the female connector 200. The user rotates the control lever 300 forward to the initial position.

[0070] If the dual position confirmation device 400 does not move even when the user applies a predetermined level or greater force to it, then the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 cannot be fully inserted into the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320 and cannot be pulled out of the locking groove 322.

[0071] Therefore, the force used to insert the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 into the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320 and the force used to separate the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 from the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320 should be set to 2.0 kgf or less.

[0072] Therefore, the user can easily insert the locking lever 430 of the dual position confirmation device 400 into the locking groove 322 of the handle control lever 320 and can easily pull the locking lever 430 out of the locking groove 322.

[0073] As described above, the fastening status and position of the female connector and the male connector, as well as the fastening status and position of the control lever 300, can be dually confirmed by the dual position confirmation device 400. Therefore, the stability and quality of the connector assembly can be improved.

Claims

1. A connector assembly having a dual position confirmation device, the connector assembly comprising: A male connector having a position confirmation protrusion formed at the front end of the top of the male connector and guide pins protruding from both sides of the male connector; A female connector has a first guide hole on its top, into which a position confirmation protrusion is inserted to enable linear movement, and a second guide hole on each side of the female connector, into which a guide pin is inserted to enable linear movement. A dual position confirmation device is fastened to a guide rail formed behind the first guide hole to enable tilting and linear movement; as well as The control lever moves the guide pin forward and backward in the second guide hole, and the control lever has a rotary control lever and a handle control lever, the rotary control lever being fastened to both sides of the female connector, and the handle control lever having a locking groove for fastening with the dual position confirmation device and being integrally formed with the rotary control lever.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The dual position confirmation device includes: The main body is pushed and moves in a straight line; A hook, formed on the bottom of the front portion of the body, is locked to the rear wall of the first guide hole of the female connector to allow upward movement; and A locking lever is formed on the bottom of the rear part of the main body and can be detachably inserted into the locking groove of the control lever.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, An empty space for buffering the pushing pressure is formed in the main body.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, Stepped folds are formed from the top of the body forward and backward to facilitate linear movement.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The end of the control lever cover moves above and covers the front end of the handle control lever, and is formed at the rear of the body.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A groove is formed on the rotary control lever of the control lever, and the guide pin, protruding through the second guide hole, is received by the groove. The groove is bent to allow the guide pin to move linearly in the second guide hole as the rotary control rod rotates.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein, When the hook of the dual position confirmation device is locked to the rear wall of the first guide hole of the female connector, when the position confirmation protrusion of the male connector is inserted into the rear wall of the first guide hole and the hook is pressed, the hook moves upward and unlocks.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein, After the hook moves upward and unlocks, when the body of the dual position confirmation device is pushed toward the control lever, the locking lever is inserted into the locking groove of the control lever and locked in the locking groove of the control lever.

9. The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein, When the locking lever is inserted into the locking slot of the control lever, the end of the control lever cover of the dual position confirmation device moves above the front end portion of the handle control lever and covers the front end portion of the handle control lever.

10. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, The insertion force when the locking lever is inserted into the locking slot of the control lever is set to less than 2.0 kgf.

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