Modular housing assembly with stabilization features

Abstract

An assembly having an electrical connector (10) and a modular housing (100). The mating of positioning protrusions of the modular housing (100) with stabilizing sections (54) of the electrical connector (10) provides a stable and precise mating between the electrical connector (10) and the modular housing (100) in four directions perpendicular to the plane of insertion of the electrical connector (10) into the modular housing (100). The mating of latches of the electrical connector (10) with latch-receiving recesses of the modular housing (100) provides a stable and precise mating between the electrical connector (10) and the modular housing (100) in two directions coincident with the plane of insertion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to modular housings and modular housing assemblies having stabilizing features that prevent electrical connectors from moving within the modular housing, thereby eliminating the need for overmolded modules. Background Technology

[0002] When assembling electrical connectors to mating connectors or panels, the positioning of the male prongs of the connector terminals must be controlled to ensure proper mating between the connector terminals and the mating terminals of the connector or panel. Properly controlling the positioning of the male prongs minimizes the possibility of misalignment between the terminals and mating terminals during mating. This is especially important for connectors with a large number of terminals.

[0003] When components of an electrical connector mate, the locating and latching portions of one component engage with the locating and latching portions of other components to achieve proper assembly. Known locating and latching portions are manufactured to allow for some movement or clearance between components, thus facilitating assembly. While movement between components is harmless in many cases, it is unacceptable in others, such as when tolerances are very tight.

[0004] To more precisely control the position of terminals and components, assembled electrical connectors can be overmolded into overmolded modules. This allows for precise control of the terminal and component positions. Furthermore, in vibrating environments, overmolded modules prevent unwanted movement of terminals or components during use.

[0005] The problem to be solved is to provide a modular housing and modular housing assembly with stabilization features that prevent electrical connectors from moving within the modular housing without overmolding. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This problem is solved by a modular housing for receiving at least one electrical connector assembly therein. The modular housing has a front wall, an opposing rear wall, and side walls extending between the front and rear walls. A bottom wall extends between the front, rear, and side walls. A connector receiving opening is disposed in the front wall. A connector receiving area is disposed near the front wall, and the connector receiving area is sized to receive the electrical connector assembly therein. A positioning protrusion extends into the connector receiving area, extending from the bottom wall and positioned near the front wall. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary assembled electrical connector.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a top perspective view of an exemplary module housing of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 Top perspective view of the electrical connector partially inserted into the module housing.

[0011] Figure 4 Top perspective view of the electrical connector fully inserted into the module housing.

[0012] Figure 5 for Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion shows the positioning protrusion of the modular housing located in the protruding receiving slot of the electrical connector.

[0013] Figure 6 for Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion of the image shows the latch located in the latch receiving recess. Detailed Implementation

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrical connector assembly 10 has a housing 12, with terminals 14 positioned in terminal receiving cavities 16. The specific construction and number of terminals 14 and terminal receiving cavities 16 may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. The housing 12 has a first wall or mating surface 18, a circuit board receiving surface 20, a second wall or rear wall 22, a bottom wall 24, and side walls 26.

[0015] exist Figure 1 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the latch 28 extends from near the first wall 18 of the housing 12 to near the second wall 22. As... Figure 1 and 6 As shown, the latch 28 has an attachment section 30 for attaching the latch 28 to the side wall 26 of the housing 12. The latch 28 has a latching region or end 32 and an opposing offset region or end 34.

[0016] The latching region or end 32 has a resilient latching arm 38 with a free end, near which a latching protrusion 42 is provided. The latching protrusion 42 has an introduction surface 44 and a locking or reference surface 46. Although the locking or reference surface 46 is located on the latching protrusion 42, it can be located at other positions on the latch 28. The latching protrusion 42 may be... Figure 1 Elastic deformation in the direction of arrow 43 shown.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector assembly 10 has a pin plate retainer 50. Figure 1 ) and needle block retainer 52 ( Figure 1The two components, together, form the housing 12 of the electrical connector assembly 10. The pin plate retainer 50 and the pin block retainer 52 are described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application 16 / 872732, entitled "Electrical Connector Header With Stabilizing Features," filed on the same day as this application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The illustrated and described electrical connector assembly 10 is an illustrative embodiment of a type of electrical connector assembly 10 that can be used.

[0018] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the illustrated needle plate holder 50 has a stabilizing section 54 located near the longitudinal center of the needle plate holder 50. However, the stabilizing section 54 can be located at other positions on the needle plate holder 50 that are aligned with the stabilizing section 30 of the needle block holder 12. Furthermore, more than one stabilizing section 54 can be provided at different positions on the needle plate holder 50.

[0019] The stabilizing section 54 has a rib receiving section 56 that extends from the bottom wall 24 of the connector assembly 10 toward the circuit board receiving surface 20 of the connector assembly 10. The rib receiving section 56 has a protruding receiving groove 62 that opens toward the mating surface 18 of the connector assembly 10. Figure 5 As shown, the protruding receiving groove 62 has a vertical section 64 extending from the bottom wall 24 of the connector assembly 10. The protruding receiving groove 62 may have an enlarged base section 66. A fixing member receiving section 68 extends from the vertical section 64. The fixing member receiving section 68 extends from the vertical section 64 at an angle. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fixing member receiving section 68 extends substantially at a right angle to the vertical section 64, such that the fixing member receiving section 68 extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 24. However, other configurations of the vertical section 64 and the fixing member receiving section 68 may be used.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, stabilizing ribs 70 are located near the bottom wall 24 and side wall 26. The spacing and positioning of the stabilizing ribs 70 can be varied. The stabilizing ribs 70 extend outward from the bottom wall 24 and side wall 26. The stabilizing ribs 70 are also located in the rib receiving section 56 of the stabilizing section 54. The stabilizing ribs 70 mate with the modular housing 100 to facilitate a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100.

[0021] like Figure 2As shown, a modular housing 100 is configured to receive an electrical connector assembly 10 therein. The modular housing 100 has a front wall 102, an opposing rear wall 104, and a side wall 106 extending between the front wall 102 and the rear wall 104. A bottom wall 108 extends between the front wall 102, the rear wall 104, and the side wall 106. A cover (not shown) may be provided on the top surface 109 of the modular housing 100.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the front wall 102 has two connector receiving openings 110 disposed therein. A mating connector receiving cover 112 extends from the front wall 102 in a direction away from the rear wall 104. The mating connector receiving cover 112 extends around the periphery of the connector receiving openings 110. The connector receiving openings 110 are spaced apart from each other by ribs 114 that are part of the front wall 102. Although two connector receiving openings 110 and one rib 114 are shown, different numbers of connector receiving openings and ribs may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] A connector receiving area 116 is provided near the front wall 102. The connector receiving area 116 is sized to receive the connector assembly 10 therein. Positioning walls 118 are located on each side of the connector receiving area 116. Positioning walls 118 extend from near the front wall 102 toward the rear wall 104. Positioning walls 118 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 102. Positioning walls 118 extend from the bottom wall 108 toward the top surface 109. The height of positioning walls 118, measured from the bottom wall 108, is less than the height of the front wall 102. Positioning walls 118 are located on opposite sides of the connector receiving opening 110. The length or space L1 between the positioning walls 118 is approximately equal to the length L2 of the connector assembly 10.

[0024] A latch receiving recess 120 is located on each side of the connector receiving area 116. The latch receiving recess 120 extends from near the front wall 102 toward the rear wall 104. The latch receiving recess 120 extends from the positioning wall 118 toward the top surface 109. The latch receiving recess 120 is located on the opposite side of the connector receiving opening 110.

[0025] The latch receiving recess 120 has a latching region or latching wall 122 spaced apart from the front wall 102. The latching wall 122 has a mating locking or reference surface 121. The front wall 102 has a biasing surface 123. The mating locking or reference surface 121 is configured to face the biasing surface 123. The mating locking or reference surface 121 and the biasing surface 123 are the two walls defining the latch receiving recess 120.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the positioning protrusion 124 extends to the connector receiving area 116. The positioning protrusion 124 extends from the bottom wall 108 and is positioned near the front wall 102. The positioning protrusion 124 may be integrally formed with the bottom wall 108 and the front wall 102. The positioning protrusion 124 is located near the rib 114 of the front wall 102. However, the positioning protrusion 124 may be located at other locations near the front wall 102.

[0027] The positioning protrusion 124 has a vertical member 126 extending from the bottom wall 108. The positioning protrusion 124 may have an enlarged base section 127 to provide sufficient strength to the positioning rib 124 to prevent breakage during use. A connector assembly retaining member 128 extends from the free end of the vertical member 126. The fastening member 128 extends from the vertical member 126 at an angle. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the retaining member 128 extends approximately at a right angle to the vertical member 126, such that the retaining member 128 extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 108. However, other configurations of the vertical member 126 and the retaining member 128 may be used.

[0028] During the assembly of the electrical connector 10 into the modular housing 100, the electrical connector 10 initially moves into the modular housing 100 via the top surface 109 until the bottom wall 24 of the electrical connector 10 engages or approaches the bottom wall 104 of the modular housing 100. As the electrical connector 10 is positioned within the modular housing 100, the connector assembly 10 then moves toward the front wall 102 of the modular housing 100. When this occurs, the stabilizing ribs 70 of the sidewalls 26 of the connector assembly 10 engage the positioning walls 118 of the modular housing 100 to properly align the connector assembly 10 with the front wall 102 of the modular housing 100. The stabilizing ribs 70 also engage the bottom wall 108 of the modular housing 100 to properly position the connector assembly 10 with the connector receiving opening 110. As insertion continues, the terminals 14 are inserted into the connector receiving opening 110 of the modular housing 100.

[0029] During insertion, latch 28 moves into latch receiving recess 120. When this occurs, latch arm 38 engages latch wall 122. Continued insertion causes the lead surface 44 of latch protrusion 42 of latch arm 38 to engage latch wall 122, resulting in elastic deformation of latch protrusion 42 and latch arm 38 toward sidewall 26 of housing 12 of connector 10. As insertion continues, latch protrusion 42 moves past latch wall 122, reaching... Figure 6 The position shown allows the latch arms 38 to return to their stress-free position. In this position, the locking or reference surface 46 is positioned close to and facing the mating locking or reference surface 121.

[0030] The insertion force applied to connector 10 and latch 28 is then removed. As the insertion force is removed, the biasing end 34 attempts to elastically return to a stress-free or unbent position, thereby applying force to the biasing surface 123. Latch 28, biasing end 34, and their operation are described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application 16 / 686,817, filed November 18, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When the biasing surface 123 is fixed, the return movement of the biasing end 34 toward its stress-free position (e.g.) Figure 6 (As indicated by the middle arrow 35) causes the latch 28 and connector 10 to move toward the mating lock of the modular housing 100 or the return motion of the reference surface 121 (as shown by the middle arrow 35). Figure 6 (As indicated by arrow 37). Movement in the direction of arrow 37 continues until the locking or reference surface 46 abuts against the mating locking or reference surface 121, thereby eliminating the gap between the locking or reference surface 46 and the mating locking or reference surface 121. As the locking or reference surface 46 engages with the mating locking or reference surface 121, and the bias end 34 engages with the bias surface 123, the locking or reference surface 46 remains engaged with the mating locking or reference surface 146, thereby ensuring that the latch 28 is accurately and precisely held in the proper position in the latch receiving recess 120, and thus the connector 10 is accurately and precisely held in a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom surface 108 in the modular housing 100.

[0031] Furthermore, as the connector assembly 10 moves toward the front wall 102 of the modular housing 100, the protruding receiving groove 68 of the connector assembly 10 engages with the positioning protrusion 124 of the modular housing 100 to properly and accurately position the connector assembly 10 within the modular housing 100. When fully inserted: the vertical member 126 of the positioning protrusion 124 is located in the vertical section 64 of the protruding receiving groove 62; the enlarged base section 127 of the positioning protrusion 124 is located in the enlarged base section 66 of the protruding receiving groove 62; and the connector assembly fixing member 128 of the positioning protrusion 124 is positioned in the fixing member receiving section 68 of the protruding receiving groove 62.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, stabilizing ribs 70 are located around the bottom wall 24 and side wall 26. The spacing and positioning of the stabilizing ribs 70 can be varied. The stabilizing ribs 70 extend outward from the bottom wall 24 and side wall 26. The stabilizing ribs 70 are also located in the rib receiving section 56 of the stabilizing section 54. The stabilizing ribs 70 mate with the modular housing 100 to facilitate a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100.

[0033] The following collaborations provide a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 in four directions perpendicular to the insertion plane, thereby minimizing movement of the electrical connector 10 and terminal 14 relative to the modular housing 100 during assembly: i) collaboration between the stabilizing rib 70 of the sidewall 26 of the connector assembly 10 and the positioning wall 118 of the modular housing 100; ii) collaboration between the stabilizing rib 70 of the bottom wall 24 and the bottom wall 108 of the modular housing 100; iii) collaboration between the stabilizing rib 70 of the rib receiving section 56 of the stabilizing segment 54 and the positioning protrusion 124; and iv) collaboration between the positioning protrusion 124 and the protrusion receiving groove 62. In other words, the electrical connector 10 is precisely positioned within the modular housing 100 and is prevented from unwanted movement in any direction toward or away from the sidewall 108, the bottom wall 108, or the direction away from the bottom wall 108. This allows the electrical connector assembly 10 to be properly positioned relative to the modular housing 100 and the mating connector (not shown), thereby eliminating the need for overmolding of parts or components.

[0034] Furthermore, the cooperation and interaction between the latch 28 and the latch receiving recess 120 provide a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 in two directions aligned with the insertion plane, thereby minimizing movement of the electrical connector 10 and terminal 14 relative to the modular housing 100 during assembly. In other words, the electrical connector 10 is precisely positioned within the modular housing 100 and is prevented from unwanted movement in the direction toward the front wall 102 or toward the rear wall 104.

[0035] Therefore, the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 are fixed and precisely aligned in six directions (two directions as previously described, four directions as previously described), thereby minimizing the movement of the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 relative to each other during assembly, thus allowing the terminal 14 to be precisely positioned relative to the mating connector without the need for overmolding of parts or components.

Claims

1. A modular housing (100) for receiving at least one electrical connector assembly (10) within the modular housing, the modular housing (100) comprising: A front wall (102), an opposite rear wall (104), a side wall (106) extending between the front wall (102) and the rear wall (104), and a bottom wall (108) extending between the front wall (102), the rear wall (104) and the side wall (106). Two connector receiving openings (110) are provided in the front wall (102); A connector receiving area (116) is disposed near the front wall (102), the connector receiving area (116) being sized to receive an electrical connector assembly (10) therein. A positioning protrusion (124) extends from the bottom wall (108) and is positioned near the front wall (102); The two connector receiving openings (110) are spaced apart from each other by ribs (114), which are part of the front wall (102); and in: (i) The positioning protrusion (124) extends into the connector receiving area (116); (ii) The positioning protrusion (124) is disposed near the rib (114) on the front wall (102); and (iii) The positioning protrusion (124) has a vertical member (126) extending from the bottom wall (108), and the connector assembly fixing member (128) extends from the free end of the vertical member (126).

2. The modular housing (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The mating connector receiving cover (112) extends from the front wall (102) in a direction away from the rear wall (104) and extends around the periphery of the connector receiving opening (110).

3. The modular housing (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, Positioning walls (118) are located on each side of the connector receiving area (116), the positioning walls (118) extending from near the front wall (102) toward the rear wall (104), the positioning walls (118) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall (102).

4. The modular housing (100) as described in claim 3, wherein, The positioning wall (118) extends from the bottom wall (108) toward the top surface (109) of the modular housing (100), and the height of the positioning wall (118) measured from the bottom wall (108) is less than the height of the front wall (102).

5. The modular housing (100) as described in claim 4, wherein, The positioning wall (118) is located on the opposite side of the connector receiving opening (110), and the space between the positioning walls (118) is approximately equal to the length of the electrical connector assembly (10).

6. The modular housing (100) as described in claim 5, wherein, A latch receiving recess (120) is located on each side of the connector receiving area (116), the latch receiving recess (120) extends from near the front wall (102) toward the rear wall (104), the latch receiving recess (120) extends from the positioning wall (118) toward the top surface (109), and the latch receiving recess (120) is located on the opposite side of the connector receiving opening (110).

7. The modular housing (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The latch receiving recess (120) has a latch wall (122) spaced apart from the front wall (102), the latch wall (122) having a mating locking surface (121), the front wall (102) having a biasing surface (123), the mating locking surface (121) being configured to face the biasing surface (123), the mating locking surface (121) and the biasing surface (123) defining the latch receiving recess (120).

8. The modular housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fixing member (128) extends from the vertical member (126) at a certain angle.

9. The modular housing (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The fixing member (128) extends perpendicular to the vertical member (126) such that the fixing member (128) extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall (108).

10. The modular housing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The positioning protrusion (124) has an enlarged base section (127) to provide sufficient strength to the positioning protrusion (124) to prevent the positioning protrusion (124) from breaking during use.

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