Identifiable confirmation of a matching connection system

Abstract

A connector comprising a first housing (114) having a marking (112) impressed thereon and a movable member (118) movable from a first position (121) configured to render the marking (112) unrecognizable to an optical scanning device to a second position (123) configured to render the marking (122) recognizable to the optical scanning device. The marking (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). A method for matching a connector assembly having a movable member (118) with a marking (112) impressed thereon is also shown.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 948,326, filed September 20, 2022, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 308,215, filed February 9, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 246,439, filed September 21, 2021, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a method for identifiablely confirming the correct and complete matching of a connection system, such as an electrical connection system, and to a connection system configured to identifiablely confirm the correct and complete matching. Background Technology

[0004] Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of automobiles need a method to ensure that electrical connectors with wires connect correctly to mating connectors. To ensure proper mating of the connection system, a connector position guarantee (CPA) is provided, which moves from a ready position to a working position only when the connector and mating connector are fully mated. However, assembly operators may matte the connector but fail to move the CPA to the working position, thus failing to ensure proper connection between the connector and mating connector. To address this issue, OEMs need a method to verify that the connection system is fully mated and that the CPA is in the working position.

[0005] Some connection systems or connector assemblies include recordable features used to record and load the presence, location, characteristics, or other features of the connector assembly during the manufacturing process or assembly process to verify proper mating of the connector assembly. Recording proper mating of the connector assembly to verify that correct electrical connections were made during assembly and / or to verify the presence of the connector assembly in larger products such as automobiles or appliances being assembled can be useful. The data recorded in this way can then be stored in a database. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, the connector assembly includes: a first housing having a marking printed thereon; and a movable member movable from a first position to a second position, the first position being configured such that the marking is indistinguishable to an optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the marking is identifiable to the optical scanning device. The marking is visible when the movable member is in the first position and when the movable member is in the second position.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to the foregoing paragraph, the movable member is configured to intrude into a silent region surrounding the mark when in a first position, and wherein the movable member is outside the silent region when in a second position.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the movable member is configured to cover a portion of the silent area surrounding the mark when in a first position.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the movable member is configured to cover a portion of the silent area on the corner of the mark when in a first position.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the movable member is configured to cover the entire silent area surrounding the mark when in a first position.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, when in a first position, a mark is visible through a first hole in the movable member, and wherein, when the movable member is in a second position, the movable member avoids (does not obscure) the mark.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the connector assembly further includes a rotating element having a second hole. A mark is visible through the second hole when the movable member is in the second position.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the movable member is adjacent to a silent area surrounding the mark when in a first position.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, when the height of the movable member exceeds a height threshold, the position of the movable member in a first position makes the mark unrecognizable to the optical scanning device.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the movable member is positioned further away from the mark when in the second position than when in the first position.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the connector assembly according to the foregoing paragraph, the movable member is configured to limit a silent region around the mark when in a first position, and wherein the movable member provides sufficient clearance for the silent region when in a second position.

[0017] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, a method of mating a connector assembly includes: providing a first housing having a movable member attached thereto and a mark printed thereon; connecting the first housing to a second housing; and moving the movable member from a first position to a second position, the first position being configured such that the mark is indistinguishable to an optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark is identifiable to the optical scanning device. The mark is visible when the movable member is in the first position and when the movable member is in the second position.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the method according to the foregoing paragraph, the movable member is configured to intrude into a silent region surrounding the mark when in a first position. When in a second position, the movable member is outside the silent region.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the method further includes covering a portion of the silent region surrounding the mark when in the first position.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the method further includes a portion of the corner of the marker covering the silent area when in the first position.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the method further includes covering the entire silent area surrounding the mark when in the first position.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, when in the first position, the mark is visible through the first hole in the movable member, and when the movable member is in the second position, the movable member avoids the mark.

[0023] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the method further includes arranging the movable member adjacent to a silent region surrounding the mark when in a first position.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, when the height of the movable member exceeds a height threshold, the position of the movable member in the first position makes the mark unrecognizable to the optical scanning device.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of the method according to any of the preceding paragraphs, the movable member is positioned further away from the mark when in the second position than when in the first position. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A top view of a first connector with a movable member according to some embodiments is shown, the movable member being in a ready position;

[0028] Figure 2 A close-up view of a restricted silent area (limited blank space) surrounding a marker, according to some embodiments, is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A top view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, the connector assembly showing Figure 1 A first connector with a movable component, the movable component being in the working position;

[0030] Figure 4 A close-up view is shown, according to some embodiments, of providing sufficient clearance for a silent area (unrestricted blank space) surrounding a marker;

[0031] Figure 5 A top view of a first connector with a movable member, which is removed during a pre-position shift, is shown according to some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 6 A top view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, the connector assembly showing a first connector with a movable member in a ready position;

[0033] Figure 7 A perspective view of a first connector with a movable member according to some embodiments is shown, the movable member being shown in a ready position;

[0034] Figure 8 A top view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, which shows a first connector with a movable member removed in a preparatory position;

[0035] Figure 9 A top view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, the connector assembly showing a first connector with a movable member shown in a working position;

[0036] Figure 10 A perspective view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, the connector assembly showing a first connector with a movable member shown in an operating position;

[0037] Figure 11 A top view of another connector assembly with a movable member in a ready position is shown according to some embodiments;

[0038] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11A top view of a connector assembly with a movable member according to some embodiments, the movable member being in a ready position;

[0039] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The various parts of a two-dimensional barcode are shown;

[0040] Figure 15 A method for limiting the edges of a silent zone (restricted blank space) around a two-dimensional barcode, according to some embodiments, is illustrated;

[0041] Figure 16 A method for limiting the corners of a silent area (restricted blank space) around a two-dimensional barcode, according to some embodiments, is illustrated;

[0042] Figure 17 A side view of the structure of adjacent two-dimensional barcodes according to some embodiments is shown;

[0043] Figure 18 A top view of the structure of adjacent two-dimensional barcodes according to some embodiments is shown; and

[0044] Figure 19 A perspective view of the structure of adjacent two-dimensional barcodes according to some embodiments is shown;

[0045] Figure 20A A top view of a first connector with a movable member according to some embodiments is shown, the movable member being in a ready position;

[0046] Figure 20B A top view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, the connector assembly showing Figure 20A The first connector has a movable member, which is in the working position;

[0047] Figure 21A A top view of a first connector with a movable member in a ready position is shown according to some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 21B A top view of a connector assembly according to some embodiments is shown, the connector assembly showing Figure 21A The first connector has a movable member, which is in the working position;

[0049] In various illustrated embodiments, similar elements share the last two digits of the reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figures 1 to 12The connector assembly 110 is shown. The connector assembly 110 includes a marker 112, such as a two-dimensional barcode, which can be used for automatic verification and recording. A first housing 114 of the connector assembly 110 fully mates with a second housing 116 of the connector assembly 110. An optical scanning device for reading the marker 112, hereinafter referred to as a barcode reader, requires an unrestricted free space surrounding the marker 112, hereinafter referred to as a “silent area” 113, in order to successfully read the marker 112. The silent area 113 is an area or field surrounding or partially surrounding the barcode or 2D symbol that must remain free of text, markings, or obstructions (also referred to as a “no-printing area”). All barcode readers have tolerances for the minimum permissible silent area size. This silent area or space provides separation from the surrounding markings, allowing the reader to “see” the entire barcode. In a one-dimensional barcode, the silent area is located at the left and right ends of the barcode. As a general rule, the width of the silent area on the left and right sides should be at least 10 times the width of the narrowest bar in the one-dimensional barcode. In two-dimensional barcodes, the silent area is the space surrounding the entire barcode. The silent area requirements for two-dimensional barcodes are specified by the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM), which defines at least the width of one of the smallest elements (or units) on each side of the two-dimensional barcode. For optimal results with large two-dimensional barcodes, a silent area of ​​10% of the barcode's height or width along the X (vertical) and Y (horizontal) axes, whichever is smaller, is generally recommended.

[0051] In the illustrated example, connector assembly 110 is an electrical connector assembly including a first connector configured to directly mate with a second or mating connector. The first connector includes a first housing 114, while the second connector includes a second housing 116. The first housing 114 and the second housing 116 include electrical terminals (not shown) configured to make electrical connections between wires, circuit board traces, etc. The first housing 114 defines a mark 112, while a movable member 118 defines a first aperture 120. The first aperture 120 is sized such that when the movable member 118 is in… Figure 1 In the preparatory position 121 shown, mark 112 is visible through the first hole 120. Preferably, when the movable member 118 is in the preparatory position, mark 112 is fully visible through the first hole 120. Even when mark 112 is fully visible when the movable member 118 is in the preparatory position 121, the first hole 120 is sized such that the movable member 118 restricts or encroaches on the silent region 113 surrounding mark 112, resulting in low or inconsistent contrast between the outer edge of mark 112 and the space surrounding mark 112. Figure 2 This makes mark 112 unrecognizable to optical scanning devices.

[0052] When the first housing 114 and the second housing 116 are connected together and fully matched, the movable member 118 can move or be moved to... Figure 3 The working position 123 is shown. In working position 123, mark 112 can be fully seen through the second hole 122 in the rotating gear component 124, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown. The second hole 122 is sized such that the movable member 118 provides a sufficient silent region 113 clearance around the mark 112, thereby allowing the mark 112 to be identifiable by the optical scanning device, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In some embodiments, the second hole 122 is larger than the first hole 120.

[0053] Rotary gear component 124 is also defined Figure 5 The third hole 126 shown is used when the rotating gear component 124 is in the first rotational position and the movable component 118 is in the position. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the preparatory position 121 shown, the third hole 126 is aligned with the first hole 120 in the mark 112 and the movable member 118, thereby allowing the mark 112 to be seen through the first hole 120 and the third hole 126. When the rotating gear member 124 is in the second rotational position and the movable member 118 is in... Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the indicated working position, the second hole 122 of the rotating gear component 124 is aligned with the mark 112, thereby allowing the mark 112 to be seen through the second hole 122. Figure 8 As shown, when the rotating gear component 124 is in the second rotating position, the third hole 126 moves away from the mark 112.

[0054] In another embodiment, the mark may be printed on a movable member, such as a CPA device, and the connector housing may define a first aperture in which the mark is fully visible when the movable member is in a ready position. This first aperture is sized to limit a silent region around the mark, such that the contrast between the outer edge of the mark and the silent region around the mark is low or inconsistent, making the mark unrecognizable to optical scanning devices. The connector housing also defines a second aperture in which the mark is fully visible when the movable member is in an operating position. This second aperture is sized to provide sufficient silent region clearance around the mark from the connector housing, making the mark recognizable to optical scanning devices.

[0055] In another alternative embodiment, the mark may be printed on the first housing 114, while a movable member of the second housing 116 may define a first aperture in which the mark is fully visible when the movable member is in a ready position. The first aperture is sized such that the movable member of the second housing 116 restricts a silent region 113 around the mark, resulting in low or inconsistent contrast between the outer edge of the mark and the space surrounding it, thus rendering the mark unrecognizable to an optical scanning device. The movable member also defines a second aperture in which the mark is fully visible when the movable member is in an operating position. The second aperture is sized such that the movable member of the second housing 116 provides sufficient clearance of the silent region 113 around the mark, thereby making the mark recognizable to an optical scanning device.

[0056] In another alternative embodiment, the mark may be printed on the second housing 116, while a movable member of the first housing 114 may define a first aperture in which the mark is fully visible when the movable member is in a ready position. The first aperture is sized such that the movable member of the first housing 114 restricts a silent region 113 around the mark, resulting in low or inconsistent contrast between the outer edge of the mark and the space surrounding it, thus rendering the mark unrecognizable to an optical scanning device. The movable member also defines a second aperture in which the mark is fully visible when the movable member is in an operating position. The second aperture is sized such that the movable member of the first housing 114 provides sufficient clearance of the silent region 113 around the mark to make the mark recognizable to an optical scanning device.

[0057] Figure 11 and Figure 12 An alternative connector assembly 210 with a mark 212 printed on the first connector housing 214 is shown. When the movable member 226 of the first connector housing 214, in this non-limiting example, is a CPA device, is in a position as... Figure 11 In the preparatory position shown, the movable member 226 is positioned adjacent to at least two edges of the mark 212, thereby limiting the silent region 213 around the mark 212 and making it unrecognizable to the optical scanning device. When the first connector housing 214 mates with the second connector housing (not shown) and the movable member 226 is in the working position, as... Figure 12 As shown, the movable member 226 moves away from the mark 212, so that the movable member 226 provides a sufficient silent area 213 gap around the mark 212 and makes it easily identifiable to the optical scanning device.

[0058] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The various elements of a two-dimensional barcode and the silent area 113 required for barcode recognition are shown.

[0059] Figure 15 and Figure 16Two different ways are shown that a silent area 113 around a two-dimensional barcode can be restricted to make the two-dimensional barcode unrecognizable to an optical scanning device.

[0060] like Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the inventors also discovered that even when the movable member 226 is outside the silent region 213 of the barcode 212, the barcode's legibility is affected by the height of the movable member 226 in the Z (vertical) axis adjacent to the silent region 213. When the thickness of the movable member 226 exceeds a height threshold 228, the barcode 212 becomes unreadable to the barcode reader. The inventors also discovered that this height threshold 228 depends on the barcode reading technology used to read the barcode 212. This can also be achieved by changing the thickness of the movable member 118 surrounding the first hole 120 and the thickness of the rotating gear member 124 surrounding the second hole 122. Figure 20A -B and Figure 21A -B illustrates examples of two different types of connectors employing this feature. Figure 20A and Figure 21A In this configuration, the movable member 226 is in a pre-positioned position and outside the silent area surrounding the barcode 212. Nevertheless, due to the height of the movable member 226, the barcode 212 is unreadable to optical scanning devices. Figure 20B and Figure 21B In this configuration, the movable component 226 is in the working position and is outside the silent area surrounding the barcode 212. When the movable component 226 is in the working position, the barcode 212 is identifiable by the optical scanning device.

[0061] While the examples shown herein are for electrical connector assemblies, alternative embodiments of connector assemblies are also conceivable, which may be constructed as hybrid connector assemblies that interconnect fiber optic cables, pneumatic tubes, hydraulic tubes, or any combination of conductors of these types. Furthermore, although the markings in the illustrated examples are two-dimensional data matrix barcodes, in alternative embodiments, the markings may be other barcode types, such as linear barcodes or quick response (QR) codes.

[0062] While the invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and its elements can be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, various modifications can be made to adapt particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from its main scope. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the one or more embodiments disclosed, but rather to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0063] As used herein, “one or more” includes functions performed by a single element, functions performed by more than one element, such as in a distributed manner, several functions performed by a single element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0064] It should also be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used in some cases to describe various elements herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact. Both the first and second contacts are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0065] The terminology used in the description of the various embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and appended claims of the various described embodiments, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. It should also be understood that the term “comprising” as used herein specifically means the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0066] As used herein, the term "if" may optionally be interpreted as "when," "at," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection," depending on the context. Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" may optionally be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when [the condition or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [the condition or event]."

[0067] Furthermore, while this document may use terms of regulation or orientation, these elements should not be limited by such terms. Unless otherwise stated, all regulations or orientations are for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another and, unless otherwise stated, do not indicate any particular order, sequence of operations, direction, or orientation.

Claims

1. A connector assembly (110), comprising: A first housing (114) having a mark (112) printed thereon. as well as A movable member (118) is movable from a first position (121) to a second position (123), the first position being configured such that the mark (112) is not recognizable by an optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark (112) is recognizable by an optical scanning device, wherein the mark (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). The movable member (118) is configured to intrude into the silent region (113) surrounding the mark (112) when it is in the first position (121), and to be outside the silent region (113) when it is in the second position (123).

2. The connector assembly (110) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable member (118) is configured to cover a portion of the silent area (113) surrounding the mark (112) when in the first position (121).

3. The connector assembly (110) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable member (118) is configured to cover a portion of the silent region (113) on the corner of the mark (112) when in the first position (121).

4. The connector assembly (110) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable member (118) is configured to cover the entire silent area (113) surrounding the mark (112) when it is in the first position (121).

5. A connector assembly (110), comprising: A first housing (114) having a mark (112) printed thereon. as well as A movable member (118) is movable from a first position (121) to a second position (123), the first position being configured such that the mark (112) is not recognizable by an optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark (112) is recognizable by an optical scanning device, wherein the mark (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). When the movable member (118) is in the first position (121), the mark (112) is visible through the first hole (120) in the movable member (118), and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123), the movable member (118) avoids the mark (112).

6. The connector assembly (110) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connector assembly further includes a rotating element having a second hole, wherein the mark (112) is visible through the second hole when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123).

7. A connector assembly (110), comprising: A first housing (114) having a mark (112) printed thereon. as well as A movable member (118) is movable from a first position (121) to a second position (123), the first position being configured such that the mark (112) is not recognizable by an optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark (112) is recognizable by an optical scanning device, wherein the mark (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). The movable member (118) is adjacent to the silent area (113) surrounding the mark (112) when it is in the first position (121).

8. The connector assembly (110) according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the height of the movable member (118) exceeds the height threshold, the positioning of the movable member (118) in the first position (121) makes the mark (112) unrecognizable to the optical scanning device.

9. The connector assembly (110) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The movable member (118) is positioned further away from the mark (112) when in the second position (123) than when in the first position (121).

10. A connector assembly (110), comprising: A first housing (114) having a mark (112) printed thereon. as well as A movable member (118) is movable from a first position (121) to a second position (123), the first position being configured such that the mark (112) is not recognizable by an optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark (112) is recognizable by an optical scanning device, wherein the mark (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). The movable member (118) is configured to restrict a silent region (113) around the mark (112) when in the first position (121), and when in the second position (123), the movable member (118) provides sufficient clearance for the silent region (113).

11. A method for mating connector assemblies, comprising: A first housing (114) is provided, the first housing having a movable member (118) attached thereto and a mark (112) printed thereon. Connect the first housing (114) to the second housing; and The movable member (118) is moved from a first position (121) to a second position (123), the first position being configured such that the mark (112) is not recognizable by the optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark (112) is recognizable by the optical scanning device, wherein the mark (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). The movable member (118) is configured to intrude into a silent region (113) surrounding the mark (112) when in the first position (121), and the movable member (118) is outside the silent region (113) when in the second position (123).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method also includes covering a portion of the silent region (113) surrounding the mark (112) when in the first position (121).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method also includes covering a portion of the silent region (113) on the corner of the mark (112) when in the first position (121).

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method also includes covering the entire silent area (113) surrounding the mark (112) when in the first position (121).

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the movable member (118) is in the first position (121), the mark (112) is visible through the first hole (120) in the movable member (118), and wherein when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123), the movable member (118) avoids the mark (112).

16. A method for mating connector assemblies, comprising: A first housing (114) is provided, the first housing having a movable member (118) attached thereto and a mark (112) printed thereon. Connect the first housing (114) to the second housing; and The movable member (118) is moved from a first position (121) to a second position (123), the first position being configured such that the mark (112) is not recognizable by the optical scanning device, and the second position being configured such that the mark (112) is recognizable by the optical scanning device, wherein the mark (112) is visible when the movable member (118) is in the first position (121) and when the movable member (118) is in the second position (123). The method further includes a silent region (113) adjacent to the mark (112) when in the first position (121).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the height of the movable member (118) exceeds the height threshold, the positioning of the movable member (118) in the first position (121) makes the mark (112) unrecognizable to the optical scanning device.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The movable member (118) is positioned further away from the mark (112) when in the second position (123) than when in the first position (121).

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