Electrical connector comprising a connector position assurance element

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a housing (12) comprising an insertion portion (22) insertable in a mating direction (D) into a mating electrical connector, the insertion portion (22) having at least one receptacle (26) to receive at least one electrical contact of an electrically conductive terminal, and a compression member (18) arranged within the housing (12) such that the compression member (18) is compressible in the mating direction (D). According to the invention, a central axis (C3) of the compression member (18) is substantially aligned with a central axis (C1) of the insertion portion (22) of the housing (12) in the mating direction (D).

Description

Electrical connectors including connector position guarantee elements Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, particularly an initiation connector, comprising a connector position guarantee element (CPA) that enables automatic prevention of erroneous connection with the mating electrical connector in conjunction with the action of a compression member. Background Technology

[0002] Particularly in the field of electrical connections in the automotive industry, it is known that during an attempt to connect an electrical connector to a mating electrical connector, the use of connectors including a compression member (wherein the compression member is typically a conventional helical spring arranged within the connector) allows the mating electrical connector to be pushed back if the force applied to the electrical connector and / or the mating electrical connector is insufficient to properly connect them. In such a system, it is known that the compression member is relaxed in the electrical connector when it is in its transport position (i.e., prior to any attempt to connect it to the mating connector) and is compressed in the axial direction during the connection attempt with the mating electrical connector, with the compression of the compression member opposite to the connection direction of the mating electrical connector. Therefore, as long as the force applied to connect the two mating electrical connectors is insufficient to complete the connection, i.e., to allow the two mating electrical connectors to lock together, the tension generated by the compression of the compression member allows the mating electrical connector to be pushed back in the opposite direction to the connection direction, thereby avoiding the possibility of incorrect connection.

[0003] In connectors known from the prior art, the compression of the compression member must therefore be high enough to allow the mating electrical connectors to pop out properly without being fully locked together. To achieve the desired function, the compression member is known to use at least one spring.

[0004] It is also known from the prior art that the use of connector position assurance (CPA) elements makes it possible to monitor and ensure the proper connection between electrical connectors and mating connectors. In the automotive industry, the use of CPA elements is particularly known to ensure, on the one hand, the proper connection and locking of two mating electrical connectors, and on the other hand, to reinforce the locking of the mating electrical connectors by additional locking, one of the purposes of which is to prevent the mating electrical connectors from accidentally disconnecting, for example, due to the many shocks and strong vibrations that the connecting elements of motor vehicles often experience.

[0005] Safety restraint systems commonly used in motor vehicle seat belts or airbags include pyrotechnic devices that can activate the locking of the seat belt or the inflation of the airbag based on impact or vibration information received by vehicle sensors. It is also known to connect a sensor control unit to the corresponding pyrotechnic device or detonation cable terminating at an electrical connector, which is typically connected to a mating electrical connector housing or detonation carrier.

[0006] It is also known that airbag deployment systems for motor vehicles use standardized detonation connectors. The standard for these connectors requires a highly compact design, resulting in a smaller size compared to connectors used in other vehicle systems or electrical components. This standard specifically specifies dimensions incompatible with the space required for the travel of the locking springs used in known spring-locking connectors of the prior art.

[0007] Document WO 2015 / 088636 A1 specifically discloses a self-ejecting automotive wiring harness connector, which includes a helical compression spring arranged within the connector housing between a cover and a connector position guarantee (CPA) element. However, the arrangement of the helical compression spring as known from WO 2015 / 088636 A1 does not allow for a uniform distribution of compressive force relative to the housing. Furthermore, it does not effectively prevent involuntary contact between the helical compression spring and the conductive terminals. The design according to WO 2015 / 088636 A1 also requires the helical compression spring to include a sufficient amount of helix to withstand the mechanical stresses generated by mating operations. Therefore, the helical compression spring known from WO 2015 / 088636 A1 must be provided with a minimum length, which does not allow for further reduction in the housing size. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to improve detonating electrical connectors so that they are more durable and reliable than connectors known in the prior art.

[0009] The object of this invention is achieved by an electrical connector, particularly a detonation connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, for connection in a mating direction to a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises: a housing including an insertion portion insertable in the mating direction, the insertion portion having at least one receptacle for receiving at least one electrical contact of a conductive terminal; a compression member disposed within the housing such that the compression member can be compressed in the mating direction; and a connector position guarantee element (CPA) slidable in the mating direction from an unlocked position to a locked position, the locked position of the CPA allowing the electrical connector to lock onto the mating connector when the electrical connector is connected. According to the invention, in the mating direction, the central axis of the compression member is substantially aligned with the central axis of the insertion portion of the housing.

[0010] Alignment of the central axis of the compression member with the central axis of the insertion portion of the housing in the mating direction allows for improved force distribution applied to the housing during mating operations.

[0011] In practice, during the compression of the compression member occurring along the mating direction, the force applied by the compression member within the electrical connector according to the invention is uniformly distributed relative to the insertion portion of the housing. Therefore, compared to prior art electrical connectors (where the central axis of the compression spring is not aligned with the central axis of the insertion portion of the housing), a uniform strain is applied to the insertion portion of the housing.

[0012] Therefore, the electrical connector according to the invention becomes more stable, especially during mating operations. Thus, a more durable and reliable electrical connector is provided than connectors known in the prior art.

[0013] The electrical connector can be further improved according to various advantageous embodiments.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the compression member can be configured to apply a reaction force along its central axis.

[0015] Therefore, the compression member can deform in a direction parallel to the mating direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the CPA may include a head from which at least one latching arm extends, the at least one latching arm being configured to prevent relative movement between the CPA and the housing in a locked position, with a compression member partially disposed on the head of the CPA.

[0017] Because the compression member is located on the head of the CPA, it can directly apply force to the CPA. Under the force applied by the compression member, the CPA can slide along the mating direction. In particular, the CPA can slide from the unlocked position to the locked position, thus providing the electrical connector with the function of a CPA.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the compression member may be partially arranged within a recess or around a protrusion of the CPA head.

[0019] It allows for better compression member retention force for CPAs. Good compression member retention force is particularly needed in automotive applications, where electrical connectors may face blockage and vibration.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the head of the CPA can be configured to integrally cover at least one housing for receiving at least one electrical contact of a conductive terminal.

[0021] CPAs are made of electrically insulating materials, especially plastics.

[0022] Therefore, the CPA according to the invention is arranged to provide an electrical insulation barrier between the compression member and the electrical contacts of the conductive terminal. Thus, the risk of contact between the electrical contacts and the compression member can be prevented through the design and arrangement of the CPA. Consequently, the risk of short circuits between the electrical contacts and the compression member can be reduced.

[0023] Furthermore, since the CPA integrally covers at least one housing, the CPA also acts as a cover for the housing, thereby preventing any direct access to the housing and the electrical contacts arranged therein.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the housing may further include a portion for receiving at least one conductive terminal extending from at least one electrical contact.

[0025] Therefore, the housing is adapted to include electrical contacts and conductive terminals extending therefrom.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the electrical connector may further include a cover that can be attached to the housing, the cover being configured to at least close the compression member and partially close the CPA.

[0027] Therefore, the cover prevents the loss of the compression components.

[0028] The CPA is at least partially enclosed by a cover, thus preventing its loss. However, a portion of the CPA can protrude from the housing formed by the cover and the casing to provide the operator with a visual indicator of the handling section and / or the location of the CPA.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the compression member may be partially arranged in the recess or around the protrusion of the cover.

[0030] The compression member can therefore be compressed by applying force to the cover.

[0031] It also allows for better retention of the compression member on the cover. Good retention of the compression member is particularly needed in automotive applications, where electrical connectors may face blockage and vibration.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the compression member may be a cylindrical compression spring, a conical compression spring, a multi-wave compression spring, or an elastomeric spring.

[0033] Cylindrical compression springs are widely available and cost-effective.

[0034] Conical compression springs offer a compact and space-saving compression component because the spring coils fit together during compression.

[0035] Multi-wave compression springs offer a more compact and space-saving compression member. In particular, for the same compressive force, the height of this compression member can be reduced compared to cylindrical or conical compression springs.

[0036] Elastomer springs allow for the provision of electrically insulated compression components.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the electrical connector may include at least two compression members arranged such that the respective central axis of each compression member is substantially aligned with the central axis of the insertion portion of the housing in the mating direction.

[0038] Therefore, alternative arrangements can be obtained, resulting in a more robust and therefore more reliable electrical connector due to the multiple compression members. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The invention will now be explained in more detail using advantageous embodiments and based on the following drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 is a side sectional view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 is a partial three-dimensional view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 is a top view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 is a side sectional view of an electrical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, showing preferred and alternative examples of how to manufacture and use the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the embodiments shown and described only. Furthermore, several aspects of the embodiments may be considered individually or in different combinations to form a solution according to the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described below can be considered individually or in any combination thereof. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electrical connector 10 and a mating electrical connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The electrical connector 10 is configured to mate with the mating electrical connector 100 along the mating direction D.

[0047] The electrical connector 10 corresponds to an assembly of the following elements: housing 12, at least one conductive terminal 14, connector position guarantee element 16 (hereinafter referred to as "CPA 16"), compression member 18, and cover 20.

[0048] The housing 12 of the electrical connector 10 includes two main parts 22 and 24: an insertion portion 22 and a receiving portion 24. The housing 12 is integrally formed, particularly by injection molding.

[0049] The insertion portion 22 is the part of the housing 12 that can be inserted into the mating electrical connector 100 along the mating direction D. The insertion portion 22 therefore has a geometry suitable for insertion into the mating electrical connector 100. In the example shown in FIG1, the insertion portion 22 is generally cylindrical with a diameter L1 (the diameter L1 is visible in FIG2).

[0050] The insertion portion 22 has a central axis C1. The central axis C1 passes through the center of gravity of the insertion portion 22 (not visible in Figure 1). The central axis C1 is parallel to the mating direction D. In the case where the insertion portion 22 is generally cylindrical, as shown in Figure 1, the central axis C1 also corresponds to the axis of rotation and the central longitudinal axis of the insertion portion 22. All these axes (represented by C1 in Figure 1) pass through the center of gravity of the insertion portion 22 (not visible in Figure 1). Furthermore, all these axes (represented by C1 in Figure 1) are parallel to the mating direction D.

[0051] The insertion portion 22 includes two receptacles 26 configured to receive electrical contacts 28 of conductive terminals 14. The number of receptacles 26 is adapted to the number of electrical contacts 28. The receptacles 26 have a geometry suitable for accommodating the electrical contacts 28. Specifically, each receptacle 26 forms a tunnel 30 within the insertion portion 22. The central longitudinal axis C2 of each tunnel 30 (i.e., each receptacle 26) is parallel to the central axis C1 of the insertion portion 22. The tunnel 30 is a hollow cylindrical opening 30 with dimensions (particularly diameter and length) complementary to those of the electrical contacts 28.

[0052] The insertion portion 22 is provided at the outer circumference 32 of the insertion portion 22, which includes two locking spear-shaped portions 34 (only one is visible in the view of FIG1), which are capable of deflecting inward, i.e. toward the interior of the insertion portion 22 in a corresponding deflection space (not visible in the view of FIG1, but shown by reference numeral 33 in FIG3) so as to allow the insertion portion 22 to be inserted into the mating electrical connector 100.

[0053] As described above, the housing 12 also includes a receiving portion 24.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 1, the receiving portion 24 has a substantially parallelepiped geometry.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 1, the receiving portion 14 includes a first region 36 configured to slidably receive a CPA16 therein and a second region 38 configured to receive a conductive terminal 14 and a ferrite bead 40.

[0056] In a variant (not shown), the conductive terminal 14 is not provided with ferrite beads 40.

[0057] Conductive terminal 14 is terminated by electrical contact 28. Conductive terminal 14 passes through ferrite bead 40. In ferrite bead 40, as shown in FIG2, conductive terminal 14 is pressed onto electrical conductor 42. Electrical conductor 42 exits receiving portion 24 through opening 46 of receiving portion 24 via cable 44. In the example shown in FIG2, conductive terminal 14 is bent at three locations. In variations (not shown), conductive terminal 14 may be bent at only one location, or at only two locations, or at four or more locations.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the first bend of the conductive terminal 14 (visible only in Figure 2, see the section of the conductive terminal 14 indicated by reference numeral 14A) forms a right angle A1 relative to the electrical conductor 42. The first bend (i.e., right angle A1) is located at the connection 37 between the first region 36 and the second region 38.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the second bend of the conductive terminal 14 forms a right angle A2 between the two segments 14B and 14C of the conductive terminal 14 in the first region 36.

[0060] The third bend of the conductive terminal 14 forms a right angle A3 at the connection between the first region 36 and the insertion portion 22, between the section 14C of the conductive terminal 14 and the electrical contact 28, as shown in FIG2.

[0061] Therefore, the second bend forming right angle A2 is positioned between the first bend (A1) and the third bend (A3).

[0062] The conductive terminal 14 therefore includes three bent segments 14A, 14B, and 14C. The first segment 14A is perpendicular to the second segment 14B, and the second segment 14B itself is perpendicular to the third segment 14C. The first segment 14A is parallel to the third segment 14C. As explained further below, the bent design of the conductive terminal 14 allows for a shorter electrical contact 28. Therefore, the manufacture of the conductive terminal 14 used in the electrical connector 10 according to the invention can save raw materials.

[0063] The insertion portion 22 extends substantially perpendicularly from the receiving portion 24 at the first region 36. The receiving seat 28 of the insertion portion 22 thus corresponds to the tunnel 30 leading to the first region 36 of the receiving portion 24. Therefore, the electrical contact 28 can be received in the receiving seat 38 of the insertion portion 22 along the mating direction D via the first region 36 of the receiving portion 24, as shown in the exploded view of FIG1.

[0064] CPA 16 is also configured to be received in insertion portion 22 along the mating direction D via a first region 36 of receiving portion 24. For this purpose, insertion portion 22 includes longitudinal openings 48, 50 (visible only in FIG2) extending in a direction parallel to the mating direction D for receiving portions of CPA 16 in the mating direction D (described in detail below).

[0065] CPA 16 can slide from the unlocked position to the locked position along the mating direction D. When connectors 10 and 100 are properly mated together, the locked position of CPA 16 allows electrical connector 10 to lock onto mating connector 100.

[0066] The CPA16 according to the invention includes a generally flat head 52 from which two latching arms 54 extend perpendicularly along the mating direction D. Each latching arm 54 terminates with a hook-shaped portion 56.

[0067] The latch arm 54 and its corresponding hook portion 56 are configured to prevent relative movement between the CPA 16 and the housing 12 in the locked position. The latch arm 54 is configured to be received in the longitudinal opening 48 of the insertion portion 22 (visible in FIG. 2).

[0068] As shown in Figure 1, an additional tab 58 extends vertically from the head 52 of the CPA 16 in the same direction as the latch arm 54. The tab 58 is configured to be received in the longitudinal opening 50 of the insertion portion 22 (visible in Figure 2). The tab 58 provides further mechanical support for the CPA 16 in the locked position, and thus provides stability.

[0069] As described above, the head 52 of CPA 16 is substantially flat. This allows for the provision of a flat surface 61A on which the compression member 18 can be compressed, thus facilitating a uniform distribution of compressive force due to the flat geometry of the CPA head 52. Consequently, CPA 16 is more robust and stable.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the head 52 of CPA 16 includes a circular recess 60 on a surface 61A (or side 61A) opposite to side 61B, from which latch arms 54 and tabs 58 extend. The circular recess 60 has a diameter L2. The diameter L2 of the circular recess 60 is adapted to the diameter L3 of the compression member 18.

[0071] In a variant not shown, instead of the circular recess 60, the head 52 is provided with a protrusion having a basic cylindrical or conical shape, the protrusion having a base with a diameter L2.

[0072] When the compression member 18, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG1, is a cylindrical compression spring 62, the diameter L3 of the compression member 18 corresponds to the diameter L3 of each coil. Note that the diameters of each coil of the cylindrical compression spring are the same.

[0073] When the compression member 18, as in the second embodiment of the invention (as shown in FIG. 5), is a conical compression spring, the diameter L3 corresponds to the diameter of the larger coil of the conical compression spring. This aspect will be further described hereafter with reference to FIG. 5.

[0074] The circular recess 60 (or protrusion) of CPA 16 provides a retaining means for holding and stabilizing the compression member 18. In fact, the circular recess 60 forms a circular boundary that can surround the portion of the compression member 18 located in the circular recess 60.

[0075] The head 52 of CPA 16 also includes two opposing end portions 64, which, unlike the circular recess 60, provide the operator with a visual indicator for gripping the handling portion of CPA 16 and / or for the position of CPA 16. As shown in FIG1, the two opposing end portions 64 are formed by surfaces 61A, 61B of the head 52 of CPA 16.

[0076] The compression member 18 has a central axis C3. As described above, in the first embodiment shown in FIG1, the compression member 18 is a cylindrical compression spring 62. The central axis C3 of the cylindrical compression spring 62 corresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical compression spring 62. During compression, especially during compression in the mating direction D, the compressive force applied to the compression member 18 acts along the central axis C3. Therefore, the central axis C3 of the compression member 18 also corresponds to the compression axis of the compression member 18. The central axis C3 of the compression member 18 is parallel to the mating direction D.

[0077] The electrical connector 10 also includes a cover 20. The cover 20 has a shape substantially complementary to the housing 12 and can be engaged with the housing 12 by a snap-fit ​​connection. Thus, a rigid and integral connector 10 is achieved by enclosing the conductive terminals 14. The electrical contacts 28, the conductive terminals 14, and the ferrite beads 40 are thus enclosed within the electrical connector 10 by the cover 20.

[0078] The cover 20 includes two openings 66 (only one is visible in Figure 1), which are U-shaped and positioned on the side walls 68 of the cover 20. The side walls 68 extend vertically from the main face 69 of the cover 20. The openings 66 provide channels 70 for the end portions 64 of the head 52 of the CPA 16. Thus, the end portions 64 of the CPA 16 remain accessible to the operator, even when the cover 20 is snapped into the housing 12.

[0079] The main surface 69 is substantially flat. As shown in Figure 2, the first surface 69A of the main surface 69 is exposed to the external environment. The second surface 69B, opposite to the first surface 69A, corresponds to the inner surface of the cover 20, i.e., the surface 69B located inside the electrical connector 10 and therefore not exposed to the external environment.

[0080] Referring again to Figure 2, the surface 69B of the cover 20 is provided with a protrusion 74 having a basic cylindrical shape. The free end 76 of the protrusion 74 may be a chamfered end.

[0081] The protrusion 74 has a diameter L4 suitable for the diameter L3 of the compression member 18. Therefore, as shown in FIG2, the compression member 18 can be inserted into and held thereon around the protrusion 74. In particular, the compression member 18 can be held to the protrusion 74 by friction fit, i.e., by interference fit.

[0082] In the variant, protrusion 74 can be a basic cone shape with a base having a diameter of L4.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, wall 78 extends vertically from surface 69B of cover 20. Wall 78 has a height H2, which is slightly less than the height H1 of the first region 36 at the connection 37 (H1 is shown in Figure 1). The difference H3 between heights H1 and H2 (as shown in Figure 2) is adapted to pass through conductive terminal 14, particularly at right angle A2.

[0084] As shown in Figure 2, and compared to Figure 3 where the cover 20 is not shown, the wall 78 of the cover 20 allows for an electrical insulation barrier between the compression member 18 and the conductive terminals 14, particularly an electrical insulation barrier with respect to the segment 14B of each conductive terminal 14. Therefore, the risk of a short circuit between the compression member 18 and the conductive terminals 14 can be reduced.

[0085] As shown in Figure 2, which illustrates the assembled state of the electrical connector 10, the compression member 18 is held between the CPA 16 and the cover 20. More precisely, the compression member 18 is held, for example, between the circular recess 60 of the CPA 16 and the protrusion 74 of the cover 20 by friction fit and press fit.

[0086] According to the invention, the compression member 18 is arranged within the first region 36 of the receiving portion 24 of the housing 12 such that the central axis C3 of the compression member 18 is substantially aligned with the central axis C1 of the insertion portion 22. The top view of FIG4 further illustrates the alignment of axes C1 and C3.

[0087] The aligned axes C1 and C3 are parallel to the mating direction D.

[0088] Axis axes C1 and C3 pass through the center of the circular recess 60 of the head 52 of CPA 16.

[0089] The alignment of axes C1 and C3 allows for improved force distribution on housing 12 during mating operations along mating direction D.

[0090] In practice, during the compression of the compression member 18, the compression member 18 applies a reaction force along its central axis C3, parallel to the mating direction D. According to the invention, the compression member 18, in its specific arrangement within the electrical connector 10, uniformly distributes the applied pressure relative to the insertion portion 22 of the housing 12. Therefore, a uniform strain is applied to the insertion portion 22 of the housing 12. Consequently, the electrical connector 10 according to the invention becomes more stable, especially during mating operation.

[0091] Furthermore, the design and arrangement of the CPA 16 according to the invention helps prevent contact (and thus short circuit) between the conductive terminals 14 and the compression member 18. This is because the substantially flat head 52 of the CPA 16 is sized to cover the insertion portion 22, thereby completely covering the housing 26 in which the electrical contact 28 is inserted. In particular, the substantially flat head 52 of the CPA 16 has a width H4 substantially equal to the diameter L1 of the insertion portion 22. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the head 52 of the CPA 16 provides an electrical insulation barrier between the compression member 18 and the electrical contact 28, and with respect to the segments 14C of each conductive terminal 14. In fact, as shown in Figure 2, the segments 14C of the conductive terminals 14 are physically separated from the compression member 18 by the presence of the housing 12, the wall 78 of the cover 20, and the head 52 of the CPA 16. Segment 14B is actually covered by the wall 78 of the cover 20, while segment 14C is covered by the head 52 of the CPA 16. Cover 20 and CPA 16 are made of plastic and are therefore electrically insulated.

[0092] Furthermore, since the dimensions of the head 52 of the CPA 16 according to the invention allow for a large surface 61A for the CPA 16, i.e., substantially the same size as the diameter L1 of the insertion portion 22, a compression member 18 with a larger diameter L3 than that in the prior art can be used. Therefore, it allows for the use of a compression member 18 that is larger than those used in the prior art and has a smaller height (i.e., length along the compression axis) than those used in the prior art, to achieve equal compressive force. As a result, since the height of the compression member 18 can be reduced, the height H1 of the receiving portion 24 can be reduced, thereby advantageously providing a more compact housing 12.

[0093] Furthermore, compared to existing technologies, the multiple bends 14A, 14B, and 14C at right angles A1, A2, and A3 allow for shorter electrical contacts 28 for the conductive terminals 14. Therefore, it allows for the use of less raw material for the conductive terminals 14 and their electrical contacts 28.

[0094] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG5, the compression member 18 may be a conical compression spring 80.

[0095] Elements that have been described and shown in Figures 1 to 4 with the same reference numerals will not be described in detail again, but will refer to the description of them above.

[0096] The conical compression spring 80 has a first free end 82 and a second free end 84. The coil at the first free end 82 of the conical compression spring 80 has a diameter L5. The coil at the second free end 84 of the conical compression spring 80 has a diameter L6. Because the compression spring 80 is conical, the diameter L6 is larger than the diameter L5. The first free end 82 is arranged around the protrusion 74 and thus held to the cover 20. In particular, the first free end 82 can be held to the cover 20 by frictional engagement. The second free end 84 is arranged within the circular recess 60 of the head 52 of the CPA 16.

[0097] The diameter of the continuous coil of the conical compression spring 80 therefore increases in the mating direction D.

[0098] In a variant (not shown), the diameter of the continuous coil of the conical compression spring 80 can be increased in the direction opposite to the mating direction D.

[0099] The conical compression spring 80 provides a compact and space-saving compression member 18 because the spring coils fit into each other during compression in the mating direction D.

[0100] In another embodiment not shown, the compression member 18 is a multi-wave compression spring or an elastomeric spring.

[0101] In another embodiment not shown, the housing 12 includes at least two compression members 18 arranged such that the respective central axis C3 of each compression member 18 is substantially aligned with the central axis C1 of the insertion portion 22 of the housing 12 in the mating direction D.

[0102] Although embodiments have been described in conjunction with specific examples, the invention is not limited and various changes can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Various embodiments and examples include features that can be freely combined with each other to obtain further embodiments or examples according to the invention.

[0103] List of reference numerals

[0104] 10: Electrical connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention

[0105] 100: Matching electrical connector

[0106] 12: Shell

[0107] 14: Conductive terminals

[0108] 14A, 14B, 14C: Sections of conductive terminal 14

[0109] 16: Connector Position Guarantee Element 16 (CPA 16)

[0110] 18: Compression component

[0111] 20: Cover

[0112] 22: Insertion section

[0113] 24: Accommodation section

[0114] 26: Seat

[0115] 28: Electrical contact of conductive terminal 14

[0116] 30: Tunnel

[0117] 32: Outer circumference of the inserted portion 22

[0118] 33: Deflection Space

[0119] 34: Locking the spear-shaped part

[0120] 36: First Area

[0121] 37: The connection between the first and second regions

[0122] 38: Second Area

[0123] 40: Ferrite magnetic beads

[0124] 42: Electrical conductor

[0125] 44: Cable

[0126] 46: Opening of the accommodating part 24

[0127] 48, 50: Longitudinal openings of the insertion portion 22

[0128] 52: CPA 16 Head

[0129] 54: Latch arm

[0130] 56: Hook-shaped part

[0131] 58: Lug

[0132] 60: Circular concave part

[0133] 61A, 61B: Relative surfaces of CPA

[0134] 62: Cylindrical compression spring

[0135] 64: End portion

[0136] 66: Opening

[0137] 68: Side walls of cover 20

[0138] 69: Main side

[0139] 69A, 69B: Opposite surfaces

[0140] 70: Channel

[0141] 74: Protrusion

[0142] 76: Free End

[0143] 78: wall

[0144] 80: Conical compression spring

[0145] 82, 84: The free end of a conical compression spring

[0146] A1, A2, A3: Right angle

[0147] C1: Central axis of the insertion part 22

[0148] C2: Central axis of tunnel 30

[0149] C3: Central axis of compression member 18

[0150] D: Coordination direction

[0151] H1, H2: Height

[0152] H3: Height difference

[0153] H4: Width of CPA 16

[0154] L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6: Diameter

[0155] X, Y, Z: Cartesian coordinates.

Claims

1. An electrical connector for connection with a mating connector in a mating direction, the electrical connector comprising: A housing (12) comprising an insertion portion (22) capable of being inserted into the mating connector in a mating direction (D), the insertion portion (22) having at least one receptacle (26) for receiving at least one electrical contact of a conductive terminal, a compression member (18) disposed within the housing (12) such that the compression member (18) can be compressed in the mating direction (D), and a connector position guaranteeing element (CPA 16) capable of sliding from an unlocked position to a locked position in the mating direction (D), the locked position of the CPA (16) allowing the electrical connector to lock onto the mating connector when the electrical connector is connected to the mating connector, characterized in that the central axis (C3) of the compression member (18) is substantially aligned in the mating direction (D) with the central axis (C1) of the insertion portion (22) of the housing (12), wherein a flat bottom surface of the connector position guaranteeing element opposite to the compression member abuts against a planar portion of the terminal in the mating direction.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The compression member (18) is configured to apply a reaction force along the central axis (C3) of the compression member.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The CPA (16) includes a head (52), at least one latch arm (54) extending from the head (52), the at least one latch arm (54) being configured to prevent relative movement between the CPA (16) and the housing (12) in the locked position, and the compression member (18) being partially disposed on the head (52) of the CPA (16).

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein, The compression member (18) is partially arranged within the recess (60) or around the protrusion of the head (52) of the CPA (16).

5. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The head (52) of the CPA (16) is configured to integrally cover the at least one housing (26) for receiving at least one electrical contact of a conductive terminal.

6. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing (12) further includes a portion (24) for receiving at least one conductive terminal extending from the at least one electrical contact.

7. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a cover (20) that can be attached to the housing (12), the cover (20) being configured to at least close the compression member (18) and partially close the CPA (16).

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein, The compression member (18) is partially arranged in the recess of the cover (20) or around the protrusion (74).

9. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The compression component (18) is a cylindrical compression spring (62), a conical compression spring (80), a multi-wave compression spring, or an elastic body spring.

10. The electrical connector according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two compression members (18) arranged such that the respective central axis (C3) of each compression member (18) is substantially aligned in the mating direction (D) with the central axis (C1) of the insertion portion (22) of the housing (12).

Images