Terminal positioning device

Abstract

An electrical connector (10) includes a terminal holder (30) and a terminal positioning device (100). The terminal holder (30) defines at least one terminal opening (32) adapted to receive a terminal (20) from a first side of the terminal holder (30) in a terminal insertion direction (I). The terminal positioning device (100) comprises a sliding surface (101) abutting a portion of the connector (10) and comprises at least one terminal contact surface. The terminal positioning device is arranged adjacent to a first side of the terminal holder (30). The terminal positioning device is movable relative to the terminal holder in an operating direction perpendicular to the insertion direction between a first position, in which the device does not overlap the at least one terminal opening in the insertion direction, and a second position, in which the device does not overlap the at least one terminal opening in the insertion direction. The at least one terminal contact surface overlaps the at least one terminal opening in the insertion direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connectors, and more particularly, to terminal positioning devices and associated connectors. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connector systems are often subject to assembly errors. These errors include, for example, incorrect or inadequate insertion of the terminals of the connector into the corresponding housing. Therefore, electrical connectors often implement terminal position assurance (TPA) devices or components that ensure detection of partially seated terminals during assembly or mating of the connector system. In this way, operators can identify and remedy terminal placement problems during connector assembly or connector mating processes, thereby avoiding connector damage and / or malfunctions or unreliable connections.

[0003] Given these benefits, there is an increased demand for connectors that utilize TPA components. However, their implementation is not without disadvantages. For example, existing TPA devices increase manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as overall connector complexity. In addition, these components typically occupy significant space within the connector. Furthermore, they typically do not ensure optimal terminal positioning.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods for ensuring proper installation of terminals in electrical connectors. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrical connector includes a terminal retainer and a terminal positioning device. The terminal retainer defines at least one terminal opening, and the at least one terminal opening is suitable for receiving a terminal from a first side of the terminal retainer in a terminal insertion direction. The terminal positioning device includes a sliding surface that abuts a portion of the connector and includes at least one terminal contact surface. The terminal positioning device is arranged adjacent to the first side of the terminal retainer and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the terminal retainer in an operating direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, in the first position, the terminal positioning device does not overlap with the at least one terminal opening in the insertion direction, and in the second position, the at least one terminal contact surface overlaps with the at least one terminal opening in the insertion direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a partial side cross-sectional view of an electrical terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrical terminal including a terminal positioning device in an open position and a terminal in a partially inserted position;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Another side cross-sectional view of the connector, wherein the terminal positioning device is in a closed position and the terminal is in a partially inserted position;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another side of the connector with the terminal in a fully inserted or installed position;

[0010] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a terminal positioning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a detailed view of a portion of a terminal locating device;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1-3 A cross-sectional view of an electrical connector, wherein the terminal positioning device is in an open position;

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an electrical connector of , wherein the terminal positioning device is in a closed position;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1-3 a rear cross-sectional view of an electrical connector of FIG. 1 , wherein the terminal positioning device is in an open position; and

[0015] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A rear cross-sectional view of an electrical connector of FIG. 1 with the terminal positioning device in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0017] In the following detailed description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawings.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a terminal positioning device adapted to position and lock a terminal in an electrical connector. In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided, comprising a terminal retainer and a terminal positioning device, wherein the terminal retainer defines at least one terminal opening,

[0019] At least one terminal is installed into the at least one opening from the first side of the terminal retainer along the insertion direction, and the terminal positioning device is arranged adjacent to the first side of the terminal retainer. The terminal positioning device can be moved relative to the terminal retainer in an operating direction perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction. The terminal positioning device includes a main body, and the main body has a terminal locking protrusion extending from the main body in a direction toward the terminal. The terminal locking protrusion defines an inclined section extending obliquely relative to the operating direction of the device. The device can be moved between a first initial position and a second position, in which the terminal locking protrusion is offset from the terminal in the operating direction, and in the second position, the terminal locking protrusion is at least partially aligned with the terminal in the operating direction.

[0020] Overall reference Figure 1-3 , embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as being implemented into an exemplary electrical connector 10. The representative connector 10 includes a body 12 (e.g., a molded polymer body) defining a receiving cavity or opening 14, into which a mating connector can be inserted, for example, along a mating direction M. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the body 12 accommodates one or more conductive terminals 20, a terminal retainer 30, an optional pin protection device 40, and a terminal positioning device 100. In the exemplary connector 10, the terminal 20 is rear-loaded, or installed into the rear of the terminal retainer 30 in the insertion direction I.

[0021] Each terminal 20 includes a mating end 21 (eg, a pin) and a connecting end 22 (eg, a crimping section, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 1). Each terminal 20 also defines a locking element or feature 24. The locking element 24 of the exemplary terminal 20 extends from the top thereof and is sized and positioned to engage with a corresponding locking feature of the connector 10. More specifically, the terminal retainer 30 is fixedly arranged in the cavity 14 of the connector 10 and includes a plurality of openings 32, each of which is sized to accommodate one of the terminals 20. The terminal retainer 30 defines a primary terminal lock 34, such as a cantilevered locking arm extending into each opening 32. After the terminal has been inserted into the terminal retainer 30 to a sufficient predetermined depth, each terminal lock 34 is operable to engage with the locking element 24 of each terminal 20. Once engaged, the terminal lock 34 prevents the terminal 20 from being removed from the terminal opening 32 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I.

[0022] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the terminal 20 is only partially installed or inserted into the terminal retainer 30. Therefore, the terminal lock 34 is not engaged with the locking element 24 of the terminal 20. In this position, the terminal 20 is at risk of further rearward displacement (e.g., during mating) and may be completely removed from the terminal retainer 30. In addition, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The partially installed terminals 20 shown in FIG. 1 will not provide the same wiping or conductive contact area as the mating connector.

[0023] However, if Figure 3 As shown, after the terminal 20 has been inserted into the opening 32 to a sufficient depth to pass through the terminal lock 34, the lock is resiliently biased vertically downward and opposite to the locking element 24 of the terminal in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. In this case, when preventing the terminal 20 from being removed from the terminal retainer 30, the terminal 20 is not necessarily maintained in the optimal position (i.e., in its forwardmost position). Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, there is a gap 33 between the terminal lock 34 and the locking element 24. As a result, the terminal 20 can be displaced rearwardly (e.g., during mating) until such gap is eliminated while remaining locked in the terminal retainer 30. The terminal positioning device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is operable to prevent Figure 1 and Figure 2 The partially inserted terminal state shown optimally positions each terminal in its terminal retainer and maintains this position during use, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0024] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An exemplary configuration of a terminal positioning device 100 is shown in . The terminal positioning device 100 includes a frame having a generally horizontal top wall 102, a generally horizontal bottom wall 104, and two vertical side walls 106. In some embodiments, an intermediate support 108 is provided, and the intermediate support 108 spans between the side walls 106 at a non-zero distance from the top wall 102 and the bottom wall 104 in the vertical direction. As a result, two slots or openings 110 are defined on both sides of the intermediate support 108. The opening 110 is adapted (i.e., sized and positioned) to accommodate a portion of the terminal 20 therethrough, the portion extending rearwardly from the insertion side or rear portion of the terminal retainer 30, such as Figure 1-3 shown.

[0025] The terminal positioning device 100 also includes at least one terminal locking protrusion or terminal lock 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 defines two rows of terminal locks 150, wherein each lock is evenly spaced along the row. The spacing of the terminal locks 150 corresponds to the spacing of each terminal 20 of the connector 10. In an exemplary embodiment, each terminal lock 150 includes a tooth-like protrusion or projection 152 extending from a respective one of the top wall 102 and the bottom wall 104, and includes a terminal contact surface that includes a ramped or inclined surface or section 154 and a planar support or locking surface or section 156. For example, see Figure 5, wherein the protrusion 152 of the terminal lock 150 extends vertically downward from the top wall 102. A ramp surface or inclined section 154 extends from the protrusion 152 in a direction away from the top wall 102. Specifically, the ramp surface 154 extends obliquely relative to a sliding or supporting surface of the device 100 (e.g., the rear surface 101 and / or the plane surface 154 of the device 100). The inclination direction is opposite to the operating direction O of the device 100. A planar support section 156 of the contact surface is formed directly adjacent to the ramp section 154. The planar support section 156 can be substantially parallel to the front surface 101' and / or the rear surface 101 of the device 100, and / or parallel to the rear surface 36 of the terminal retainer 30, and as the device 100 moves along the operating direction O, the planar support section 156 serves as a support surface against the terminal retainer 30. Furthermore, the planar surface or section 156 acts as a mechanical stop in the closed position of the device 100, thereby preventing movement of the terminal in a direction opposite to the insertion direction I. Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 .

[0026] Reference again Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the device 100 includes a pair of detents or latching protrusions 114. In the exemplary embodiment, one detent 114 is formed on each of the top wall 102 and the bottom wall 104. A void space or opening 118 is formed directly below (or above) each detent 114, thereby creating a spring-like beam on which the detent 114 is formed. In this way, when subjected to, for example, a compressive force, each detent 114 is resilient in the direction of the opening 118. As described with respect to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As will be described in more detail, the pawl 114 is used to control the position of the device 100 during use. The terminal positioning device 100 also includes at least one actuator 120, and in the illustrated embodiment includes two actuators 120, which extend from its front surface 101' in a forward direction. Figure 1 As shown, actuator(s) 120 extend through cavity 14 of connector 10 and provide a means for a user to mechanically bias device 100 in an operating direction O (or an opposite direction).

[0027] The function of the terminal positioning device 100 will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 An illustration of the terminal 20 in a partially inserted or installed position and the device 100 in a locked or closed position is provided, illustrating the interference that exists between the terminal lock 150 and the rear surface 26 of the terminal 20 . Figure 3The terminal 20 is shown in a fully inserted position. As shown, the planar surface 156 of the terminal lock 150 abuts the rear surface 26 of the terminal 20. The front portion of the terminal 27 abuts against the opposite end surface 35 of the terminal retainer 30. In this way, the terminal 20 is in its forward most or ideal position. Therefore, by the constant insertion force applied by the device 100, terminal wiping is maximized and movement (e.g., caused by vibration, etc.) is minimized.

[0028] The device 100 Figure 6 150. In this position, the terminals 20 are freely inserted or installed into the terminal retainer 30 at least partially through the gaps formed between adjacent terminal locks 150 during assembly of the connector 10. As shown, each terminal 20 is only partially installed or inserted into its corresponding opening 32. Figure 6 In the open position shown, the terminal positioning device 100 is slidable along the indicated operating direction O. Specifically, the device 100 is slidably retained between the rear surface 36 of the terminal retainer 30 and the opposing inner wall or surface 15 of the connector body 12. With the inclined surface 154 as the guide, as the device 100 is biased in the direction O, each terminal lock 150 engages with the rear end surface 26 of each terminal 20. As the device 100 is further biased in the direction O, the terminal 20 is urged in the insertion direction I via the inclined surface 154. Figure 7 The second or closed position of the device 100 is shown, wherein the rear surface 26 of each terminal 20 has reached abutment with the planar surface 156 of each terminal lock 150. The terminals 20 have reached or nearly reached their final fully seated position and are retained there by continued engagement with the device 100.

[0029] Figure 8 1 is a rear cross-sectional view of the device 100 in a first or open position. The end of the terminal 20 extends through the opening 110 of the device 100 unimpeded by the terminal lock 150, which is offset from the terminal in the operating direction O (or the direction opposite thereto). The pawl 114 of the device 100 abuts against a similar protruding element 18 of the connector body 12, thereby providing a positive stop for the user to identify the open position. This can also be considered the loading position of the device 100, wherein the terminal 20 is freely installed into the connector body 12 / terminal retainer 30 without interference. By biasing the device 100 in the operating direction O, as the device moves to Fig. 9In the closed position shown, the pawl 114 is compressed and passes each corresponding protruding element 18. During this action, any terminal 20 that is not fully seated will be pushed into or closer to the fully seated position as described above. The resistance provided by the engagement of the pawl 114 and the element 18 provides a mechanical feel to the user and more specifically indicates that the device 100 has moved from the open position to the closed position and that, therefore, no further force needs to be exerted on the device. Of course, additional pawls or mechanical stops may also be provided to limit the travel of the device 100 so as to prevent the user from biasing it past the closed position. For example, as Fig. 9 As shown, the side wall 106 of the device 100 abuts against the opposing inner wall of the connector body 12. The device 100 can remain in this second locked or closed position, thereby ensuring that the position of the terminals 20 remains optimal and improving connector performance, particularly in high vibration or shock applications.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in the context of an exemplary electrical connector 10 including a terminal retainer 30, embodiments may be used with connectors having other forms and / or features, including connectors without separate terminal retainers, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A terminal positioning device (100) for an electrical connector (10), comprising: a sliding surface (101) adapted to slide against a component of the electrical connector (10) in an operating direction (O); at least one ramp surface (154) oriented obliquely relative to the sliding surface (101) and adapted to selectively engage with an electrical terminal (20) of the electrical connector (10); as well as An opening (110) is sized and positioned to receive a portion of the electrical terminal (20) therethrough.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1 further includes a plurality of terminal locks (150) extending from the device (100) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the operating direction, each of the terminal locks (34) defining a terminal contact surface (154, 156) including the ramp surface (154).

3. The device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The terminal contact surface (154, 156) further includes a planar section (156) adjacent to the ramp surface (154), the planar section (156) defining a contact surface parallel to the sliding surface (101).

4. The device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of terminal locks (150) are arranged in a row extending in the operating direction (O).

5. The device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of terminal locks (150) are arranged in a plurality of rows, each row extending in the operating direction (O) and spaced apart from adjacent rows in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction.

6. The device (100) of claim 4, further comprising a top wall (102), a bottom wall (104), and at least one wall (106) connecting the top wall to the bottom wall.

7. The device (100) according to claim 6, wherein: A row of terminal locks (150) extends from the top wall (102) or the bottom wall (104).

8. The device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator (120) extending in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction (O).

9. The device (100) according to claim 1 further includes a mechanical stop (114), which is defined on the outer surface of the device (100) and is suitable for docking with the electrical connector (10) to limit the range of movement of the device in the operating direction (O).

10. An electrical connector (10), comprising: A terminal retainer (30) defining at least one terminal opening (32) adapted to receive a terminal (20) from a first side of the terminal retainer in a terminal insertion direction (I); as well as A terminal positioning device (100) is arranged adjacent to the first side of the terminal retainer (30) and defines: A sliding surface (101) abutting against a portion of the connector; as well as At least one terminal contact surface (154, 156), the terminal positioning device (100) is capable of moving between a first position and a second position relative to the terminal retainer (30) in an operating direction (O) perpendicular to the insertion direction (I), in the first position, the device (100) does not overlap with the at least one terminal opening (32) in the insertion direction, and in the second position, the at least one terminal contact surface (154, 156) overlaps with the at least one terminal opening (32) in the insertion direction (I).

11. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 10 further includes a connector body (12) defining a cavity (14), the terminal retainer (30) being arranged in the cavity (14), and the terminal positioning device (100) being arranged between a first side of the terminal retainer (30) and an inner wall (15) of the connector body (12), and a sliding surface (101) of the device (100) abuts against the inner wall (15).

12. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one terminal contact surface (154, 156) comprises: a ramp surface (154) oriented obliquely relative to the sliding surface (101); and A planar section (156) is parallel to the sliding surface (101) and adjacent to the ramp surface (154), the planar section (156) abutting against a first side of the terminal retainer (30).

13. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The terminal positioning device (100) includes a plurality of terminal locks (150) extending in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction (O), each of the terminal locks (150) defining a terminal contact surface including the slope surface (154) and the plane section (156).

14. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of terminal locks (150) are arranged in a row extending in the operating direction (O).

15. The electrical connector (10) of claim 10, further comprising at least one terminal (20) disposed within the at least one terminal opening (32) of the terminal retainer (30), wherein: In the second position of the terminal positioning device (100), the at least one terminal contact surface (154, 156) abuts the at least one terminal (20) in the insertion direction (I).

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