Electrical shield for an electrical connector

Abstract

A header connector (200) includes a header housing (220) including a base (230) having a terminal cavity (126). The header housing includes a mounting flange (240) mounted to a first surface of a panel (50). The base is received in an opening (52) in the panel. The header housing includes a shroud (226) that forms a chamber (228) that is configured to receive a plug connector (100). The base includes a housing latch feature (260). The header connector includes a panel seal (248) coupled to the header housing between the mounting flange and the panel. The header connector includes a mounting clip (300) having a plate (310) mounted to the second surface of the panel. The mounting clip includes a clip latch feature (360) that interacts with the housing latch feature to secure the header housing to the panel. The mounting clip is secured to the base of the socket housing such that the panel is captured between the plate of the mounting clip and the mounting flange of the socket housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present document generally relates to electrical connectors. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are used to electrically connect various components. For example, some known electrical connectors are power connectors for powering various components. Power connectors can be used in high-power applications, such as in electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles, between a battery and other components (such as an electric motor, an inverter, a charger, etc.). One of the power connectors is typically mounted to a structure, such as a panel, for example, a panel of a battery module. For example, the power connector can be bolted to the panel. However, the bolting process requires additional components, such as threaded bolts, which are tightened individually. The bolting process increases the cost, complexity, and time of the assembly process.

[0003] There is still a need for electrical connectors that can be assembled in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an embodiment of the present document, a socket connector is provided, which includes a socket housing that includes a base having a terminal cavity. The socket housing includes a mounting flange that extends from the base to define a mounting end that is configured to be mounted to a first surface of a panel. The base is received in an opening in the panel. The socket housing includes a shroud that forms a chamber that is configured to receive a plug housing of a plug connector. The base includes a housing latch feature. The socket connector includes socket terminals received in the terminal cavity and held by the base. The socket terminals have mating ends that are configured to mate with plug terminals of the plug connector. The socket connector includes a panel seal coupled to the socket housing. The panel seal is configured to be located between the mounting flange and the panel. The socket connector includes a mounting clip that has a plate configured to be mounted to a second surface of the panel. The mounting clip includes a clip latch feature that interacts with the housing latch feature to fix the socket housing to the panel. The mounting clip is fixed to the base of the socket housing such that the panel is captured between the plate of the mounting clip and the mounting flange of the socket housing. Description of the Drawings

[0005] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 3Is an exploded view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 Is a bottom perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 5 Is a cross-sectional view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 6 Is a top perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 7 Is a bottom perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 8 Is a top perspective view of a mounting clip according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 9 Is a bottom perspective view of a mounting clip according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 10 Is an exploded perspective view of a socket connector ready to be mounted to a panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 Is a side view of a socket connector mounted to a panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 12 Is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting clip ready to be mounted to a socket housing and a panel 50 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 13 Is a side view of a mounting clip coupled to a socket connector and a panel according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 Is a top perspective view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector partially coupled to a socket connector.

[0020] Figure 15 Is a side view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector partially coupled to a socket connector.

[0021] Figure 16 Is a cross-sectional view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector partially coupled to a socket connector.

[0022] Figure 17 Is a side view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a plug connector fully coupled to a socket connector.

[0023] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the plug connector fully coupled to the socket connector.

[0024] Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of a power connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the plug connector fully coupled to the socket connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a power connector system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a power connector system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a power connector system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] The power connector system 10 includes a plug connector 100 configured to mate with a socket connector 200. The socket connector 200 is mounted to a structure, such as a panel 50 of a component. For example, the panel 50 can be a wall or housing or casing of an electrical component such as a battery module. The socket connector 200 is mounted to the structure at an opening 52 (as Figure 10 shown) such that the socket connector 200 passes through the panel 50.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 50 is conductive. For example, the panel 50 can be made of a metallic material such as steel. In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 50 is a coated structure where an outer layer of the panel 50 is a coating layer. The coated surface protects the panel 50, for example from corrosion, by covering the conductive layer. Optionally, the socket connector 200 can be mounted horizontally; however, in alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible. Fasteners can be used to mount the socket connector 200 to the panel 50.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the power connector system 10 is a high-power connector system for transmitting power between various components that are part of a high-power circuit. In a particular application, the power connector system 10 is a battery system, such as a battery system of a vehicle (such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle); however, the power connector system 10 is not intended to be limited to such a battery system.

[0029] The plug connector 100 is configured to be electrically connected to the component 12, such as via one or more power cables 102. For example, the plug connector 100 can be electrically connected to a battery, a charger, an inverter, an electric motor, or another type of component. The socket connector 200 is configured to be electrically connected to the component 14, such as via one or more power busbars 202; however, the socket connector 200 can be electrically connected to the component 14 via other devices (such as terminals, power lines, or other connectors). For example, the socket connector 200 can be electrically connected to a battery pack (such as via a battery distribution unit), a manual service disconnect, a charger, an inverter, an electric motor, or another type of component. The battery distribution unit can manage the power capacity and functionality of the power connector system 10, such as by measuring current and regulating the power distribution of the battery pack.

[0030] In various embodiments, the power connector system 10 is a right-angle connector system in which the connectors 100, 200 mate in a direction perpendicular to the power cable 102. Optionally, the plug connector 100 can be removably coupled to the socket connector 200 to disconnect the high-power circuit of one or more components (such as a battery pack, an electric motor, an inverter, or other components of a vehicle), for example, for maintenance, repair, or other reasons. When mated, one or more socket terminals 204 of the socket connector 200 mate with corresponding plug terminals (not shown) of the plug connector 100, for example, at their mating interface. The socket terminals 204 are electrically connected to the power busbars 202 to transfer power from the power cable 102 to the power busbars 202 via the socket terminals 204 and the plug terminals.

[0031] The socket connector 200 includes a socket housing 220 that holds the socket terminals 204. The socket connector 200 includes a mounting clip 300 for mounting the socket housing 220 to the panel 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting clip 300 is directly fixed to the socket housing 220. For example, the mounting clip 300 is fixed to the socket housing 220 by latching or clamping onto the socket housing 220. The mounting clip 300 can be quickly coupled to the socket housing 220 during installation. For example, the mounting clip 300 is fixed to the socket housing 220 without using tools. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 220 is fixed to the panel 50 using the mounting clip 300. The mounting clip 300 is used instead of using threaded bolts for a boltless connection to fix the socket housing 220 to the panel 50. In this way, the socket housing 220 can be quickly and reliably assembled to the panel 50 without using bolts and tools.

[0032] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the plug connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5FIG. 0 is a cross-sectional view of a plug connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector 100 is provided at an end of a power cable 102. The plug connector 100 is configured to electrically connect the power cable 102 to a socket connector 200. The plug connector 100 and the socket connector 200 form a separable mating interface.

[0033] The plug connector 100 includes a plug housing 120 having a mating end 122 and a cable end 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 122 is provided at a bottom 125 of the plug housing 120. In alternative embodiments, other locations are feasible. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable end 124 is provided at a rear 127 of the plug housing 120. In alternative embodiments, other locations are feasible. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 100 is a right-angle connector. For example, the mating end 122 is oriented perpendicular to the cable end 124. In an alternative embodiment, the plug connector 100 can be a through-type connector, for example having a mating end 122 opposite the cable end 124 (e.g., at the top and bottom or at the front and rear).

[0034] The plug connector 100 includes a cavity 126 that receives the power cable 102 and plug terminals 128 that terminate at ends of the power cable 102. For example, the plug terminals 128 can be soldered, brazed, crimped, or otherwise terminated to the ends of the power cable 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector 100 receives a pair of power cables 102 and a pair of plug terminals 128. In alternative embodiments, the plug connector 100 can hold more or fewer plug terminals 128 and power cables 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 100 includes a terminal holder 130 that holds the plug terminals 128. The terminal holder 130 is located in the cavity 126. In an exemplary embodiment, an electrical shield 132 surrounds the terminal holder 130 to provide shielding for the plug terminals 128. The electrical shield 132 can be electrically connected to a cable shield of the power cable 102.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 100 includes a cable seal 134 that seals between the plug housing 120 and the power cable 102. The cable seal 134 can be located at the cable end 124. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 100 includes a seal at the mating end 1

[0036] The interface seal 136 at 22. The interface seal 136 is configured to seal at the interface with the socket connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 120 includes an outer wall 138 around the interface seal 136 at the mating end 122. The outer wall 138 can be coupled to the socket connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the socket connector 200 can be inserted into the cavity 126 inside the outer wall 138. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the outer wall 138 can surround a portion of the socket connector 200, and the plug portion of the plug connector 100 is configured to be inserted into the socket connector 200 when mated to the socket connector 200. For example, portions of the plug terminals 128 and 30 can be inserted into the socket connector 200.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 100 includes a threaded bolt 140 that passes through the plug connector 100. The threaded bolt 140 is used to fix the plug connector 100 to the socket connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded bolt 140 can be threadedly coupled to the mounting clip 300 ( Figure 3 ). The threaded bolt 140 can be tightened to force the plug connector 100 to mate with the socket connector 200, for example, to force the plug terminals 128 to mate with the socket terminals 204.

[0038] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the socket connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the socket connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] The socket connector 200 includes a socket housing 220 having a mating end 222 at the top 223 of the socket housing 220 and a mounting end 224 at the bottom 225 of the socket housing 220. The socket housing 220 includes a shroud wall 226 that extends to the top 223. The shroud wall 226 forms a chamber 228 that is configured to receive the plug connector 100. The socket housing 220 includes a base 230 at the bottom 225. The shroud wall 226 extends upward from the base 230. The base 230 holds the socket terminals 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 230 includes an upper portion 232 and a lower portion 234. The upper portion 232 is configured to be located above the panel 50. The lower portion 234 is configured to be located below the panel 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 232 includes one or more protrusions or towers 233 that hold the upper portion of the socket terminals 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion 234 includes one or more protrusions or towers 235 that hold the lower portion of the socket terminals 204.

[0040] The base 230 holds the socket terminal 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket terminal 204 includes a tab or blade at the mating end that is configured to mate with the plug terminal 128. Other types of terminals may be used in alternative embodiments, such as socket contacts, pin contacts, spring beam contacts, or other types of contacts. Optionally, the socket terminal 204 may be a fork terminal having a socket defined by spring beams on both sides of the socket to mate with both sides of the plug terminal.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 220 includes a mounting flange 240 at the mounting end 224. The mounting flange 240 extends from the base 230. The mounting flange 240 is used to mount the socket housing 220 to the panel 50. The mounting flange 240 includes an upper surface 242 and a lower surface 244. The lower surface 244 is configured to face the panel 50. When assembled, the lower surface 244 may be disposed on the panel 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting flange 240 includes a seal recess 246 that receives a panel seal 248. The panel seal 248 is configured to seal to the panel 50. The panel seal 248 seals to the socket housing 220, such as to the flange 240. The panel seal 248 forms a continuous seal around the socket terminal 204. The panel seal 248 may be a rubber washer. In an exemplary embodiment, the panel seal 248 forms an airtight and / or watertight seal between the socket housing 220 and the panel 50.

[0042] The socket housing 220 includes an electrical shield 250 to provide electrical shielding for the socket terminal 204. The shield 250 may be connected to the plug connector 100 to electrically common the socket connector 200 and the plug connector 100. Optionally, the socket connector 200 may be electrically grounded to the panel 50. For example, the shield 250 may be electrically connected to the panel 50. The shield 250 may extend along the mounting flange 240 to connect to the panel 50.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 220 includes one or more housing latch features 260 for securing the mounting clip 300 to the socket housing 220 ( Figure 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing latch feature 260 is provided on the base 230. For example, the housing latch feature 260 extends from a lower portion 234, such as a tower portion 235. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing latch feature 260 includes a latching feature 262 configured to mate with a complementary latch feature of the mounting clip 300 to secure the socket housing 220 to the mounting clip 300. The latching feature 262 includes a latching surface 264, such as the top surface of the housing latch feature 260. The latching feature 262 may include a ramp surface 266 to guide the latch feature of the mounting clip 300 to the latching surface 264. Other types of latch features may be used in alternative embodiments on the socket housing 220, such as deflectable latches. The housing latch feature 260 is configured to connect to the mounting clip 300 without the use of threaded bolts. For example, the housing latch feature 260 can be clamped to the mounting clip 300 by a simple pressing action. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing latch feature 260 is configured to mate with the latch feature of the mounting clip without the use of tools in a quick and reliable manner through a tool-free connection. In alternative embodiments, other types of securing features may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing latch feature 260 is disposed on the outer surface of the tower portion 235 (e.g., facing outward away from each other). In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 220 includes one or more housing pre-stage latch features 270 for securing the mounting clip 300 to the socket housing 220 ( Figure 7). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 is provided on the base 230. For example, the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 extends from a lower portion 234, such as a tower portion 235. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 includes a deflectable latch 272 configured to dock with a complementary latch feature of the mounting clip 300 to secure the socket housing 220 to the mounting clip 300. The latch 272 includes a latch surface 274. The latch 272 may include a ramp surface 276 to guide the latch 272 onto the latch feature of the mounting clip 300. Other types of latch features on the socket housing 220 may be used in alternative embodiments, such as fixed latches or catch features. The housing pre-stage latch feature 270 is configured to connect to the mounting clip 300 without the use of bolts. For example, the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 may be clamped to the mounting clip 300 by a simple pressing action. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 is configured to dock with the latch feature of the mounting clip without the use of tools in a quick and reliable manner by a tool-less connection. In alternative embodiments, other types of securing features may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 is disposed on the inner surface of the tower portion 235 (e.g., facing inwards towards each other). In alternative embodiments, other locations are feasible.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing latch feature 260 and the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 are offset from each other to allow the mounting clip 300 to be installed at different, staggered, or stepped positions. For example, the mounting clip 300 may initially be coupled to the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 to hold the mounting clip 300 in a pre-stage position. The mounting clip may be further coupled (pressed further) to the socket housing 220 to be coupled to the housing latch feature 260 to hold the mounting clip 300 in a final installed position.

[0046] Figure 8 is a top perspective view of the mounting clip 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting clip 300 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] The mounting clip 300 includes a plate 310 having a mounting surface 312. The mounting surface 312 is the top of the mounting clip 300. The mounting clip 300 can be planar. The mounting surface 312 is configured to engage the bottom surface of the panel 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting clip 300 includes a plug connection element 314 configured to interact with a plug connector 100 to secure the plug connector 100 to the mounting clip 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connection element 314 extends upwardly from the plate 310. The plug connection element 314 can include a protrusion 316, such as a cylindrical post. The plug connection element 314 can be generally centered on the plate 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connection element 314 includes a threaded opening 318 configured to receive a threaded bolt 140. The threaded opening 318 can be a threaded insert received within the plug connection element 314. The plug connection element 314 can have other shapes or can be located in other positions in alternative embodiments.

[0048] The mounting clip 300 includes a terminal recess 320 that receives a socket terminal 204. The recess 320 can extend through the mounting clip 300 to allow the socket terminal 204 to pass through the mounting clip 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal recess 320 receives a lower portion 234 of a base 230 of the socket housing 220. For example, the terminal recess 320 receives a tower portion 235. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting clip 300 includes a pair of terminal recesses 320. In alternative embodiments, the mounting clip 300 can include more or fewer terminal recesses 320.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting clip 300 includes one or more clip latch features 360 for securing the mounting clip 300 to the socket housing 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip latch features 360 are provided on the plate 310. For example, the clip latch features 360 are located in the terminal recess 320. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip latch feature 360 includes a deflectable latch 362 configured to mate with a complementary latch feature 262 of the socket housing 220 to secure the mounting clip 300 to the socket housing 220. The latch 362 includes a latch surface 364. The latch surface 364 may be disposed in a window 365 that receives the catch feature 262. The latch 362 may include a ramp surface 366 to guide the latch 362 onto the catch feature 262 of the socket housing 220. In alternative embodiments, other types of latch features, such as fixed latches or catch features, may be used on the mounting clip 300. The clip latch feature 360 is configured to connect to the socket housing 220 without the use of bolts. For example, the clip latch feature 360 can be clamped onto the catch feature 262 by a simple pressing action. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip latch feature 360 is configured to dock with the latch feature of the socket housing 220 without the use of tools in a quick and reliable manner by a tool - less connection. In alternative embodiments, other types of securing features may be used.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting clip 300 includes one or more clip pre - stage latch features 370 for securing the mounting clip 300 to the socket housing 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the clip pre - stage latch features 370 are provided on the plate 310. For example, the clip pre - stage latch features 370 may be disposed in the terminal end recess 320. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip pre - stage latch feature 370 includes a catch feature 372 configured to mate with a complementary latch feature (such as a deflectable latch 272) of the socket housing 220 to secure the mounting fixture 300 to the socket housing 220. The catch feature 372 includes a recess or groove or slit that defines a catch surface 374. In alternative embodiments, other types of latch features, such as deflectable latches, may be used on the mounting clip 300. The clip pre - stage latch feature 370 is configured to connect to the mounting fixture 300 without the use of bolts. For example, the clip pre - stage latch feature 370 can be clamped onto the mounting fixture 300 by a simple pressing action. In an exemplary embodiment, the clip pre - stage latch feature 370 is configured to engage the latch 272 without the use of tools in a quick and reliable manner by a tool - less connection. In alternative embodiments, other types of securing features may be used.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the clip latch feature 360 and the clip pre-stage latch feature 370 are offset from each other to allow the mounting clip 300 to be mounted at different, staggered, or stepped positions. For example, the mounting clip 300 can be initially coupled to the clip pre-stage latch feature 370 to hold the mounting clip 300 in a pre-stage position. The mounting clip 300 can be further coupled (pressed further onto) the socket housing 220 to be coupled to the clip latch feature 360, thereby holding the mounting clip 300 in a final mounted position.

[0052] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector 200 ready to be mounted to the panel 50. Figure 11 is a side view of the socket connector 200 mounted to the panel 50. During assembly, the socket connector 200 is aligned with the opening 52 in the panel 50. The opening 52 passes through the panel 50 between the top 54 and the bottom 56 of the panel 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 52 is generally rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, the opening 52 can have other shapes.

[0053] The components of the socket connector 200 can pass through the opening 52 to be electrically connected to components behind the panel 50. During assembly, a portion of the socket connector 200 is loaded into the opening 52. For example, the lower portion 234 of the socket housing 220 that extends below the mounting flange 240 is loaded through the opening 52. For example, the tower 235 and the socket terminal 204 can pass through the opening 52. The mounting flange 240 faces the top 54 of the panel 50. The panel seal 248 at the bottom of the mounting flange 240 faces the top 54 of the panel 50. The panel seal 248 is configured to seal against the top 54 of the panel 50.

[0054] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the mounting clip 300 ready to be mounted to the socket housing 220 and the panel 50. During assembly, the mounting clip 300 is aligned with the socket housing 220 below the panel 50. The terminal recess 320 is aligned with the tower 235 and the socket terminal 204. The mounting surface 312 of the plate 310 faces the bottom 56 of the panel 50. The mounting clip 300 is pressed onto the bottom of the socket housing 220 to couple the mounting clip 300 to the socket housing 220.

[0055] Figure 13 is a side view of the mounting clip 300 coupled to the socket connector 200 and the panel 50. Figure 13Shows the mounting clip 300 in the pre-stage position. The mounting clip 300 is initially coupled to the socket housing 220 at the pre-stage position. For example, the clip pre-stage latch feature 370 is coupled to the housing pre-stage latch feature 270 to hold the mounting clip 300 in the pre-stage position. The pre-stage position is different from the final mounting position. For example, the pre-stage position is coupled to the socket housing 220 and the panel 50 to a lesser extent (e.g., loosely coupled). At the pre-stage position, the mounting clip 300 is fixed to the socket housing 220, where the panel 50 is located between the mounting clip 300 and the socket housing 220 to generally position the components relative to each other before moving the components to the final mating position. In various embodiments, the panel seal 248 may be partially compressed at the pre-stage position.

[0056] In various embodiments, the lower surface 244 of the mounting flange 240 and / or the mounting surface 312 of the mounting clip 300 may be spaced apart from the panel 50 at the pre-stage position. There is still a space between the lower surface 244 and the mounting surface 312 to allow further closing or pressing together on the panel 50 to the final mounting position. For example, the lower surface 244 of the mounting flange 240 and the mounting surface 312 of the mounting clip 300 are separated by a first distance that is greater than the thickness of the panel 50, such that the lower surface 244 of the mounting flange 240 and / or the mounting surface 312 of the mounting clip 300 can be spaced apart from the panel 50. When the mounting clip 300 is moved to the final mounting position, this distance closes or decreases.

[0057] Figure 14 Is a top perspective view of the power connector system 10, showing the plug connector 100 partially coupled to the socket connector 200. Figure 15 Is a side view of the power connector system 10, showing the plug connector 100 partially coupled to the socket connector 200. Figure 16 Is a cross-sectional view of the power connector system 10, showing the plug connector 100 partially coupled to the socket connector 200.

[0058] During assembly, the plug connector 100 mates with the socket connector 200 from above. The plug connector 100 is pressed down onto the socket connector 200. The shroud wall 226 is inserted into the plug connector 100, for example, into the recess defined by the outer wall 138. A portion of the plug connector 100, such as the terminal holder 130 and the plug terminal 128, is inserted into the chamber 228.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 100 includes an outer latch 142 along the outer wall 138, and the outer latch 142 engages the socket latch 227 on the shroud wall 226. The plug connector 100 can be fixed to the socket connector 200 using the latches 142, 227. Optionally, the plug connector 100 is fixed to the socket connector 200 using the latches 142, 227 in a partially mated position. In an exemplary embodiment, a bolt 140 is used to fix the plug connector 100 to the socket connector 200. The threaded bolt 140 is configured to be threadedly coupled to the mounting clip 300, such as coupled to the plug connection element 314 ( Figure 16 ). For example, the threaded bolt 140 can be received in the threaded opening 318. In an alternative embodiment, the plug connector 100 can be fixed to the socket connector by other fixing means, such as a locking lever, a clip, or another type of locking device.

[0060] Figure 17 is a side view of the power connector system 10, showing the plug connector 100 fully coupled to the socket connector 200. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the power connector system 10, showing the plug connector 100 fully coupled to the socket connector 200. Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of the power connector system 10, showing the plug connector 100 fully coupled to the socket connector 200.

[0061] During mating, the plug connector 100 is placed on the socket connector 200. For example, the plug connector 100 is pushed down onto the socket connector 200 to the fully mated position. The bottom of the plug connector 100 can be placed on the mounting flange 240. In an exemplary embodiment, a bolt 140 is used to place the plug connector 100 on the socket connector 200. For example, the threaded bolt 140 is tightened to force the plug connector downward to the fully mated position. In an alternative embodiment, other devices or tools can be used to fully mate the plug connector 100 to the socket connector 200.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, a bolt 140 is used to fully place the mounting clip 300 on the socket housing 220. For example, as the threaded bolt 140 is tightened, the mounting clip 300 is pulled upward from the pre-stage position toward the panel 50 to the final mounting position. For example, after the plug housing 120 bottoms out against the socket housing 220, further tightening of the bolt 140 pulls the mounting clip 300 upward. When the mounting clip 300 moves to the final mounting position, the clip latch feature 360 engages the housing latch feature 260. For example, the latch 362 can be latchably coupled to the catch feature 262.

[0063] When the mounting clip 300 is moved to the final installation position, the panel seal 248 is compressed and sealed between the base housing 220 and the panel 50. The panel 50 is captured between the mounting flange 240 and the mounting clip 300. For example, the lower surface 244 of the mounting flange 240 engages the top 54 of the panel 50, and the mounting surface 312 of the mounting clip 300 engages the bottom 56 of the panel 50. At the final installation position, the lower surface 244 of the mounting flange 240 and the mounting surface 312 of the mounting clip 300 are separated by a second distance that is equal to the thickness of the panel 50. When in the pre-stage position, the second distance is less than the first distance.

Claims

1. A socket connector (200) comprising: A socket housing (220) including a base (230) having a terminal cavity (126), the socket housing including a mounting flange (240) extending from the base, the mounting flange (240) defining a mounting end (224) configured to be mounted to a first surface (242) of a panel (50), the base being received in an opening (52) in the panel, the socket housing including a shroud (226) that forms a chamber (228) configured to receive a plug housing (120) of a plug connector (100), the base including a housing latch feature (260); Socket terminals (204) received in the terminal cavity and held by the base, the socket terminals having mating ends (122) configured to mate with plug terminals (128) of the plug connector; A panel seal (248) coupled to the socket housing, the panel seal configured to be located between the mounting flange and the panel; And A mounting clip (300) having a plate (310) configured to be mounted to a second surface (244) of the panel, the mounting clip including a clip latch feature (360) that interacts with the housing latch feature to secure the socket housing to the panel, wherein the mounting clip is secured to the base of the socket housing such that the panel is captured between the plate of the mounting clip and the mounting flange of the socket housing.

2. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clip (300) forms a boltless connection to secure the socket housing (220) to the panel (50).

3. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the panel seal (248) is compressed between the mounting flange (240) and the panel (50) when the clip latch feature (360) interacts with the housing latch feature (260).

4. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clip (300) secures the socket housing (220) to the panel (50) when the plug connector (100) is removed from the chamber (228).

5. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the housing latch feature (260) and the clip latch feature (360) includes a deflectable latch.

6. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clip (300) includes a recess (320) that receives at least a portion of the base (230), and the clip latch feature (360) engages the housing latch feature (260) within the recess.

7. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clip (300) includes a clip pre-stage latch feature (370), the socket housing (220) includes a housing pre-stage latch feature (270), and the housing pre-stage latch feature (270) interacts with the clip pre-stage latch feature to fix the mounting clip to the socket housing at the pre-stage position.

8. The socket connector (200) according to claim 7, wherein at the pre-stage position, the plate (310) of the mounting clip (300) is located at a first distance from the mounting flange (240) of the socket housing (220), and the mounting clip moves relative to the socket housing from the pre-stage position to the final installation position. At the final installation position, the clip latch feature (370) interacts with the housing latch feature (260). At the final installation position, the plate of the mounting clip is located at a second distance from the mounting flange of the socket housing, and the second distance is less than the first distance.

9. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clip (300) includes a plug connection element (314), and the plug connection element (314) is configured to interact with the plug connector (100) to fix the plug connector to the mounting clip.

10. The socket connector (200) according to claim 9, wherein the plug connection element (314) includes a threaded opening (318), and the threaded opening (318) is configured to be threadedly coupled to a threaded bolt (140) of the plug connector (100) to fix the plug connector to the mounting clip (300).

11. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clip (300) is configured to be loosely coupled to the socket housing (220) before the clip latch feature (360) engages the housing latch feature (260) to loosely couple the socket housing to the panel (50). When the clip latch feature interacts with the socket latch feature (227), the socket housing is firmly fixed to the panel.

12. The header connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting flange (240) does not include any opening (52) passing through the mounting flange.

13. The socket connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The base (230) includes a lower portion (234), the lower portion (234) is configured to pass through an opening (52) in the panel (50), the lower portion is located below the panel, and the lower portion includes the housing latch feature (260).

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