Connector assemblies and related methods

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a connector body, a locking member, and an inner housing. The connector body includes a plurality of walls and an inner portion. The plurality of walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal. The inner portion is disposed within the cavity. A locking member is removably disposed within the cavity and defines an aperture configured to receive the terminal. The inner housing is removably disposed within the cavity and defines a slot configured to receive the terminal. The inner housing includes an escapement configured to engage the locking member. During actuation of the locking member from the first position to the second position, the escapement engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is properly disposed within the connector body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly, to a connector assembly having a connector configured to detect unseated terminals. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on electrical wiring and electrical connections to facilitate communication between various electronic components within the vehicle. Connection systems (e.g., connectors and terminals) play an important role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections and the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Traditional connection systems typically include a housing and one or more terminals designed to contact and establish an electrical pathway with terminals located in a mating connector housing.

[0003] Ensuring secure engagement and retention of the terminals within the connector housing, as well as secure engagement and retention between components within and / or between the connector housings (e.g., seals, terminals, and connector position assurance features), is critical to maintaining a reliable electrical connection. Some connection systems utilize mechanisms such as locking clamps, levers, or additional components designed to engage the terminals and / or components within the connector housing. These solutions often require precise tolerances and / or present assembly challenges related to the connector design to ensure that all components of the connection system are assembled correctly.

[0004] In view of the foregoing, while known mechanisms for securing terminals and / or components within connector housings have proven useful for their intended purposes, there remains a need for continued improvement in the art to address the challenges associated with assembling connection systems.

[0005] The background technology provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. It is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted that the work of the presently designated inventors to the extent described in this background technology section and aspects of the specification that were not otherwise considered prior art at the time the application was filed are prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a locking member, and an inner housing. The connector body includes a plurality of walls and an inner portion. The plurality of walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal. The inner portion is disposed within the cavity. The locking member is removably disposed within the cavity and defines an aperture configured to receive a terminal. The inner housing is removably disposed within the cavity and defines a slot configured to receive a terminal. The inner housing includes a detent (pawl) configured to engage the locking member. During actuation of the locking member from a first position to a second position, the detent engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is correctly disposed within the connector body.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a locking member, and an inner housing. The connector body includes a plurality of walls and an inner portion having a locking arm. The plurality of walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal. The inner portion is disposed within the cavity. The locking member is removably disposed within the cavity and defines an aperture configured to receive a terminal. The inner housing is removably disposed within the cavity and defines a slot configured to receive a terminal. The inner housing includes a detent configured to engage the locking member. During actuation of the locking member from a first position to a second position, the detent engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is secured by the locking arm.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a connector assembly. The method includes disposing a locking member in a cavity of a connector body. The method includes disposing an inner housing in the cavity. The method includes disposing a terminal in a slot of the inner housing, a hole of the locking member, and a hole of an inner portion of the connector body. The method includes actuating the locking member from a first position to a second position by engaging a detent of the inner housing with the locking member and moving the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is correctly disposed within the connector body. The method includes moving the locking member to a correct position by moving the terminal via the detent of the inner housing in response to the terminal being incorrectly disposed within the connector body.

[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded rear view of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded front view of the connector assembly.

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connector body of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an inner housing of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure in an assembled configuration.

[0016] Figure 6is a front view of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure in an assembled configuration.

[0017] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly in a first stage of assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly in a second stage of assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019] ] Figure 9 is a flow chart depicting an example method for assembling a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION introduction

[0021] One aspect of the present invention provides a system and method for detecting the position of a terminal relative to a connector housing. Specifically, the inner connector body may include a detent that engages with an independent secondary lock (ISL) to ensure the position of the independent secondary lock relative to the outer connector body, thereby ensuring the position of the terminal relative to the outer connector body. Specifically, the detent can be located within a cavity of the inner connector body, and the ISL can be disposed within the cavity such that the detent engages with the ISL during actuation of the ISL from a first position to a second position and pushes the ISL toward an inner wall of the outer connector body and the terminal. During actuation, movement of the ISL toward the inner wall of the outer connector body can detect a terminal that is not properly disposed (e.g., not seated) within the outer connector body.

[0022] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an example connector assembly 100 is shown. As will be explained in more detail below, the connector assembly 100 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to facilitate electrical transmission between various electronic components within the vehicle. For example, the connector assembly 100 can be a female connector that is detachably coupled to a mating connector (e.g., a male connector not shown) such that electricity is transmitted between the connector assemblies and to various electronic components within the vehicle during operation of the vehicle.

[0023] In various embodiments, the connector assembly 100 includes, among other things, a connector body 102, a locking member 104, an inner housing 106, a connector position assurance (CPA) device 108, and / or one or more terminal assemblies 110. The connector body 102 includes a plurality of walls 120 defining a cavity 122. The locking member 104 and the inner housing 106 are removably disposed within the cavity 122. The CPA device 108 can be removably coupled to the connector body 102 to maintain a connection between the connector assembly 100 and a corresponding mating connector assembly (not shown). Connector body

[0024] refer to Figure 3 , an example connector body 102 is shown. In various embodiments, the connector body 102 may include a first end 124A, a second end 124B, a first sidewall 126A, a second sidewall 126B, a third sidewall 126C, a fourth sidewall 126D, and an inner portion 128. The second end 124B may be spaced apart from (e.g., opposite) the first end 124A. The first sidewall 126A may be disposed between the first end 124A and the second end 124B. The second sidewall 126B may be spaced apart from (e.g., opposite) the first sidewall 126A. The third sidewall 126C may be disposed between the first sidewall 126A and the second sidewall 126B. The fourth sidewall 126D may be spaced apart from (e.g., opposite) the third sidewall 126C.

[0025] In various embodiments, the first side wall 126A, the second side wall 126B, the third side wall 126C, and the fourth side wall 126D define a cavity 122. The cavity 122 can be accessed via the first end 124A and / or the second end 124B of the connector body 102. The cavity 122 accommodates the locking member 104, the inner housing 106, and / or the terminal assembly 110, among other things.

[0026] In various embodiments, the inner portion 128 is disposed within the cavity 122. The inner portion 128 can be coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with) the first side wall 126A, the second side wall 126B, the third side wall 124C, and / or the fourth side wall 124D. The inner portion 128 can include a wall 130 defining a plurality of holes 132 (i.e., apertures) and a plurality of locking arms 133, the plurality of holes 132 receiving portions of the terminal assembly 110 (e.g., terminals). In some example configurations, each locking arm 133 can be disposed in a corresponding hole 132 and include an end 135 (e.g., see FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). When the terminal assembly 110 is properly positioned within the aperture 132, the locking arm 133 (e.g., the end 135) can prevent the terminal from being removed from the cavity 122 (e.g., the aperture 132). The inner portion 128 can facilitate connection and / or alignment of the terminal assembly 110 with a corresponding terminal assembly of a mating connector (not shown).

[0027] In various embodiments, the first sidewall 126A of the connector body 102 can define at least one channel 134. The channel 134 can accommodate portions of the locking member 104 and the inner housing 106. The channel 134 can be accessed via the first end 124A of the connector body 102.

[0028] In various embodiments, the connector body 102 can include multiple locking features (i.e., locking arms and / or tabs, etc.), such as a first locking feature 136A, a second locking feature 136B, a third locking feature 136C, and / or a fourth locking feature 136D. The locking features engage the inner housing 106 and prevent the inner housing 106 from being removed from the cavity 122. In some example configurations, the first locking feature 136A and / or the second locking feature 136B can extend from the third side wall 126C. The second locking feature 136B can be offset relative to the first locking feature 136A. The third locking feature 136C and / or the fourth locking feature 136D can extend from the fourth side wall 126D. The fourth locking feature 136D can be offset relative to the third locking feature 136C. The connector body 102 is shown as including four locking features, however, the connector body 102 can include more or fewer than four locking features. Locking member

[0029] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an example locking member 104 (i.e., an independent secondary lock (ISL)) is shown. In various embodiments, the locking member 104 includes a first portion 140, a second portion 142, a first arm 144-1, a second arm 144-2, a plurality of protrusions 146, a plurality of apertures 148, and / or a plurality of bumps 150, among others. The second portion 142 can be coupled to the first portion 140. The first arm 144-1 and / or the second arm 144-2 can be coupled to the first portion 140. The plurality of protrusions 146 can extend from the first portion 140. In some examples, the first portion 140 defines an aperture 148. The first arm 144-1 and the second arm 144-2 can help facilitate alignment of the locking member 104 within the cavity 122. For example, the first arm 144 - 1 and the second arm 144 - 2 may engage portions of the connector body 102 (eg, the third side wall 126C, the fourth side wall 126D, etc.) to align the locking member 104 within the cavity 122 .

[0030] In various embodiments, the second portion 142 includes a main body portion 152A, a first tab portion 152B-1, and a second tab portion 152B-2. The main body portion 152A can extend from the first portion 140 in a first direction (e.g., parallel to the Y-axis) and can be received by the channel 134 of the connector body 102. The first tab portion 152B-1 can extend from the main body portion 152A in a second direction (e.g., parallel to the X-axis) that is transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the first direction. The second tab portion 152B-2 can extend from the main body portion 152A in a third direction opposite the second direction.

[0031] In various embodiments, the first tab portion 152B-1 and the second tab portion 152B-2 can be received by the channel 134 of the connector body 102. For example, in an assembled configuration, the first tab portion 152B-1 and the second tab portion 152B-2 can be disposed below the lip 138 of the connector body 102 such that the main body portion 152A prevents the locking member 104 from moving (e.g., translating) in the second direction relative to the connector body 102, while the first tab portion 152B-1 and the second tab portion 152B-2 prevent the locking member 140 from moving (e.g., translating) in the first direction relative to the connector body 104.

[0032] In various embodiments, the protrusion 146 comprises various sizes and configurations and can extend from the first portion 140. In some example configurations, the protrusion 146 extends from the first portion 140 in a direction opposite to the second portion 142. The protrusion 146 can help facilitate alignment of the locking member 104 within the cavity 122. For example, the protrusion 146 can engage portions of the connector body 102 (e.g., the second sidewall 126B) and / or can be disposed in portions defined by the connector body 102 (e.g., voids, channels, etc.) to align the locking member 104 within the cavity 122.

[0033] In various embodiments, a projection 150 is disposed within the apertures 148. For example, a projection 150 can be disposed within each aperture 148. In the assembled configuration, the apertures 148 can receive portions (e.g., terminals) of the terminal assembly 110. In various embodiments, the locking member 104 prevents the terminal assembly 110 from being removed from the cavity 122. For example, in the assembled configuration, the projection 150 can engage a portion of the terminal assembly 110 to prevent it from being removed from the aperture 148. Inner shell

[0034] Now refer to Figure 4, shows an example inner case 106. In various embodiments, the inner case 106 can include a body 160, a first escapement 162A, a second escapement 162B, a plurality of protrusions 164 and / or a plurality of slots 166 (i.e., apertures), etc. In some examples, the body 160 can include a first side 168A, a second side 168B spaced apart from (e.g., opposite) the first side 168A, a third side 168C disposed between the first side 168B and the second side 168B, and a fourth side 168D spaced apart from (e.g., opposite) the third side 168C.

[0035] In various embodiments, the first escapement 162A and the second escapement 162B engage portions of the locking member 104. In some example configurations, the first escapement 162A can extend from the first side 168A and / or can be positioned proximate to the third side 168C. The second escapement 162B can extend from the first side 168A and / or can be positioned proximate to the fourth side 168D. The second escapement 162B can be offset relative to the first escapement 162A. In various embodiments, the first side 168A defines a length 170. In some example configurations, the first escapement 162A and / or the second escapement 162B can be positioned proximate to a midpoint 172 of the length 170.

[0036] In various embodiments, the first and second escapements 162A, 162B can include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. The first and second escapements 162A, 162A can each include a ramp 163 (e.g., a ramped surface) extending from the first side 168A of the inner housing 106 and defining an obtuse angle relative thereto. In various embodiments, the ramp 163 detects an unseated terminal. For example, the ramp 163 can engage the locking member 104 and push the locking member 104 (e.g., in the Z direction) to detect an unseated terminal.

[0037] In various embodiments, the ramp 163 accounts for manufacturing tolerances (e.g., in the Y direction) associated with the connector body 102, the locking member 104, and / or the inner housing 106. For example, the ramp 163 urges the locking member 104 (e.g., in the Z direction) to engage an unseated terminal regardless of the tolerance stack-up of the connector body 102, the locking member 104, and / or the inner housing 106. The ramp 163 engages locking members of various sizes and / or configurations. For example, the ramp 163 can engage locking members of different sizes and / or configurations at different locations along the ramp. The inner housing 106 is shown and generally described herein as including two detents, however, the inner housing 106 may include more or fewer than two detents.

[0038] In various embodiments, the protrusion 164 comprises various sizes and configurations and can extend from the main body 160. The protrusion 164 can help facilitate alignment of the inner housing 106 within the cavity 122 of the connector body 102. For example, the protrusion 164 can be received by a corresponding channel of the connector body 102. The protrusion 164 can engage portions of the connector body 102 (e.g., the second sidewall 126B) and / or can be disposed in portions defined by the connector body 102 (e.g., a void, a channel, etc.) to align the inner housing 106 within the cavity 122.

[0039] In various embodiments, the slots 166 receive portions (eg, terminals) of the terminal assembly 110 . In various embodiments, the inner housing 106 prevents the terminal assembly 110 from being removed from the cavity 122 . Terminal assembly

[0040] Reference again Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the terminal assembly 110 may include a terminal 180 and one or more wires 182 coupled to the terminal 180. The wires 182 may be electrically connected to electrical equipment, electrical components, a battery, and / or a power source associated with the vehicle. In various embodiments, the terminal 180 may be connected to a corresponding terminal of a mating connection. The connector assembly 100 is shown as including one terminal assembly, however, the connector assembly 100 may include multiple terminal assemblies. As explained in more detail below, the terminals 180 may each include an end 186 configured to engage a locking arm 133 (e.g., end 135) when the terminal 180 is in a properly seated configuration to secure the terminal 180 within the hole 132 (e.g., see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). Assembly structure

[0041] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , shows the connector assembly 100 in an assembled configuration. In the assembled configuration, portions of the locking member 104, the inner housing 106, and / or the terminal assembly 110 are disposed within the cavity 122 of the connector body 102. In various embodiments, the locking member 104 is disposed between the inner portion 128 of the connector body 102 and the inner housing 106.

[0042] In various embodiments, the second portion 142 of the locking member 104 and a portion of the inner housing 106 are disposed in the channel 134 of the connector body 102. In various embodiments, the inner housing 106 can be coupled with the first locking feature 136A, the second locking feature 136B, the third locking feature 136C, and / or the fourth locking feature 136D to prevent the inner housing 106 and the locking member 104 from being removed from the cavity 122.

[0043] In various embodiments, the locking member 104 and the inner housing 106 are positioned within the cavity 122 such that the aperture 148 of the locking member 104, the slot 166 of the inner housing 106, and the hole 132 of the inner portion 128 are aligned. Each terminal 180 of the terminal assembly 110 is disposed within a corresponding aperture 148, a corresponding slot 166, and a corresponding hole 132. Each terminal 180 can be engaged (e.g., secured) by a corresponding locking arm 133 of the inner portion 128 of the connector body 102 to prevent the terminal from being removed from the cavity 122. flow chart

[0044] Figure 9 is a flow chart of an example method 200 for assembling the connector assembly 100. The method 200 may begin at 204. At 204, a user or a machine (e.g., a robot, etc.) may position the locking member 104 in the cavity 122 of the connector body 102. In various embodiments, positioning the locking member 104 in the cavity 122 may include inserting the locking member 102 into the cavity 122 along an insertion direction (e.g., a Z direction) and positioning the second portion 142 of the locking member 104 in the channel 134 of the connector body 102. The method 200 may proceed to 208.

[0045] At 208, a user or machine can place the inner housing 106 in the cavity 122. In various embodiments, placing the inner housing 106 in the cavity 122 can include inserting the inner housing 106 into the cavity 122 along an insertion direction (e.g., the Z direction) and placing a portion of the inner housing in the channel 134 of the connector body 102. In various embodiments, the locking member 104 and the inner housing 106 are positioned in the cavity 122 such that the aperture 148 of the locking member 104, the slot 166 of the inner housing 106, and the hole 132 of the inner portion 128 of the connector body 102 are aligned. The method 200 can proceed to 212.

[0046] At 212, a user or machine can arrange (e.g., insert along an insertion direction) the terminal 180 of the terminal assembly 110 into the slot 166 of the inner housing 106, the aperture 148 of the locking member 104, and the hole 132 of the inner portion 128. The method 200 is generally shown and described herein as including one terminal assembly, however, the method 200 can include more than one terminal assembly. The method 200 can proceed to 216.

[0047] At 216, method 200 can include detecting whether the terminal 180 is properly disposed (e.g., seated) within the connector body 102. For example, a user or a machine can detect whether the terminal 180 is properly disposed within the connector body 102 by engaging a detent (e.g., detent 162A) of the inner housing 106 with the locking member 104 and moving the locking member 104 toward the inner portion 128 and the terminal 180 (e.g., in an insertion direction), thereby actuating the locking member 108 from a first position to a second position.

[0048] In various embodiments, upon proper placement of the terminal 180 within the connector body 102, the terminal 180 engages (eg, locks) with the locking arm 133 of the inner portion 128 (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 8 During actuation of the locking member 104 from the first position to the second position, the inner housing 106 is allowed to connect (eg, lock) with the locking features 136A-136D of the connector body 102 based on the terminals 180 being properly positioned within the connector body 102 .

[0049] In various embodiments, the terminal 180 does not engage (eg, lock) with the locking arm 133 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ), based on the terminal 180 not being properly positioned (eg, not seated) within the connector body 102. Figure 7 ). For example, the terminal 180 may not be properly engaged (i.e., secured) with the locking arm 133 and / or may be spaced apart from the locking arm 133 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. During actuation of the locking member 104 from the first position to the second position, the inner housing 106 is inhibited from connecting (e.g., locking) with the locking features 136A-136D of the connector body 102 due to the terminal 180 not being properly positioned within the connector body 102. The method 200 may proceed to 220.

[0050] At 220, based on the terminal 180 not being correctly positioned (e.g., not seated) within the connector body 102, a user or machine may engage the locking member 104 with the terminal 180 and move the locking member 104 (e.g., in an insertion direction) to the correct position (e.g., a seated position) by moving the locking member 104 via the detent of the inner housing 106. Based on the movement of the terminal 180 to the correct position (e.g., a seated position), the inner housing 106 is allowed to connect (e.g., lock) with the locking features 136A to 136D of the connector body 102. The method 200 may then end.

[0051] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, the specification and the following claims. In the written description and the claims, one or more steps in the method can be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored in a non-transient computer-readable medium can be executed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other markings of instructions or method steps are for convenience of reference and are not intended to indicate a fixed order.

[0052] Furthermore, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of these features described for any embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms including "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and, therefore, indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations of these. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be understood as necessarily requiring execution in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0054] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., spatial and functional relationships between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when the above disclosure describes a relationship between a first element and a second element, the relationship encompasses both direct and indirect relationships, in which there are no other intermediate elements between the first element and the second element, and in indirect relationships in which there are one or more intermediate elements between the first element and the second element. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0055] The term "set" does not necessarily exclude the empty set—in other words, in some cases, a "set" may have zero elements. The term "non-empty set" can be used to exclude the empty set—in other words, a non-empty set will always have one or more elements. The term "subset" does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a "subset" of a first set can have the same scope (be equal to) as the first set. Furthermore, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty set—in some cases, a "subset" may have zero elements.

[0056] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms used herein do not imply an order or sequence unless clearly indicated by the context. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example construction.

[0057] The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. Rather than meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C,” the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR.

[0058] The following technical solutions provide exemplary configurations of the connector assembly and related methods described above.

[0059] Technical Solution 1: A connector assembly comprises: a connector body, comprising a plurality of walls and an inner part, wherein: the plurality of walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal, and the inner part is arranged in the cavity; a locking member, which is removably arranged in the cavity and defines an opening configured to receive the terminal; and an inner shell, which is removably arranged in the cavity and defines a groove configured to receive the terminal, the inner shell comprising an escapement configured to engage the locking member, wherein: during actuation of the locking member from a first position to a second position, the escapement engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner part and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is correctly set in the connector body.

[0060] Technical Solution 2: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 1, wherein, in response to the terminal being incorrectly disposed within the connector body, the locking member is configured to move the terminal to a correct position by the locking member moving via the escapement of the inner housing.

[0061] Technical Solution 3: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein: the connector body includes a locking feature, which is configured to engage with the inner shell and prevent the inner shell from moving away from the cavity; and when the terminal is not correctly set in the connector body, the inner shell is prohibited from connecting to the locking feature.

[0062] Technical Solution 4: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 3, wherein: the interior of the connector body includes a locking arm, which is configured to engage the terminal and prevent the terminal from moving out of the cavity; when the terminal is correctly set in the connector body, the terminal is fixed by the locking arm; and when the terminal is not correctly set in the connector body, the terminal is not fixed by the locking arm.

[0063] Technical Solution 5: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 4, wherein the escapement includes a slope.

[0064] Technical Solution 6: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 5 to 1, wherein: the escapement extends from one side of the inner housing; the side defines a length; and the escapement is arranged near the midpoint of the length.

[0065] Technical Solution 7: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 6, wherein the inner housing includes an additional escapement offset relative to the escapement.

[0066] Technical Solution 8: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 7 to 1, wherein: the inner housing includes a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a third side arranged between the first side and the second side; the escapement extends from the first side; and the escapement is arranged near the third side.

[0067] Technical Solution 9: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 8, wherein: the inner housing includes an additional escapement and a fourth side opposite to the third side; the additional escapement extends from the first side; and the additional escapement is arranged near the fourth side.

[0068] Technical Solution 10: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 9, wherein: the multiple walls of the connector body include side walls that define a channel; and in the assembled structure: the locking member and part of the inner shell are arranged in the channel, the hole of the inner part is aligned with the orifice of the locking member and the groove of the inner shell, and the terminal is arranged in the hole, the orifice and the groove.

[0069] Technical Solution 11: A connector assembly, comprising: a connector body, including multiple walls and an inner part having a locking arm, wherein: the multiple walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal, and the inner part is disposed in the cavity; a locking member, which is removably disposed in the cavity and defines an opening configured to receive a terminal; and an inner shell, which is removably disposed in the cavity and defines a groove configured to receive a terminal, the inner shell including an escapement configured to engage the locking member; wherein, during actuation of the locking member from a first position to a second position, the escapement engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner part and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is fixed by the locking arm.

[0070] Technical Solution 12: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 11, wherein, in response to the terminal not being fixed by the locking arm, the locking member is configured to move the terminal to be connected to the locking arm by the locking member moving via the escapement of the inner housing.

[0071] Technical Solution 13: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 11 or 12, wherein: the connector body includes a locking feature, which is configured to connect to the inner shell and prevent the inner shell from moving away from the cavity; and the inner shell is prohibited from connecting to the locking feature based on the terminal being incorrectly set in the connector body.

[0072] Technical Solution 14: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 13, wherein: the interior of the connector body includes a wall defining a hole, the hole being configured to receive the terminal; and the locking arm is disposed in the hole.

[0073] Technical Solution 15: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 14, wherein the escapement includes a ramp.

[0074] Technical Solution 16: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 15, wherein: the escapement extends from one side of the inner housing; the side defines a length; and the escapement is arranged near the midpoint of the length.

[0075] Technical Solution 17: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 16, wherein the inner housing includes an additional escapement that deviates from the escapement.

[0076] Technical Solution 18: A connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 17, wherein: the inner housing includes a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, and a third side arranged between the first side and the second side; the escapement extends from the first side; and the escapement is arranged near the third side.

[0077] Technical Solution 19: A connector assembly according to Technical Solution 18, wherein: the inner housing includes a fourth side opposite to the third side and an additional escapement; the additional escapement extends from the first side; and the additional escapement is arranged near the fourth side.

[0078] Technical Solution 20: A method for assembling a connector assembly, the method comprising: setting a locking member in a cavity of a connector body; setting an inner shell in the cavity; setting a terminal in a groove of the inner shell, an orifice of the locking member and a hole of an inner part of the connector body; actuating the locking member from a first position to a second position by engaging a detent of the inner shell with the locking member and moving the locking member toward the inner part and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is correctly set in the connector body; and moving the terminal to the correct position by the locking member moving through the detent of the inner shell according to the terminal being incorrectly set in the connector body.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising: A connector body comprising a plurality of walls and an inner portion, wherein: The plurality of walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal, and The inner portion is disposed within the cavity; a locking member removably disposed within the cavity and defining an aperture configured to receive a terminal; and an inner housing removably disposed within the cavity and defining a slot configured to receive the terminal, the inner housing including a detent configured to engage the locking member, wherein: During actuation of the locking member from the first position to the second position, the detent engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is properly positioned within the connector body.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: In response to the terminal being incorrectly disposed within the connector body, the locking member is configured to move the terminal to a correct position by the locking member being moved via the escapement of the inner housing.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector body includes a locking feature configured to engage the inner housing and prevent the inner housing from being removed from the cavity; as well as The inner housing is inhibited from connecting with the locking feature when the terminal is not properly positioned within the connector body.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the inner portion of the connector body including a locking arm configured to engage the terminal and prevent removal of the terminal from the cavity; When the terminal is properly positioned within the connector body, the terminal is secured by the locking arm; as well as When the terminal is not correctly positioned within the connector body, the terminal is not secured by the locking arm.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The escapement comprises a ramp.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The escapement extends from one side of the inner case; The sides define a length; and The escapement is arranged near the midpoint of the length.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inner case includes an additional escapement offset relative to the escapement.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inner housing includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a third side disposed between the first side and the second side; the escapement extending from the first side; and The escapement is disposed adjacent to the third side.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein: the inner case including an additional escapement and a fourth side opposite the third side; said additional escapement extending from said first side; and The additional escapement is arranged adjacent to the fourth side.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of walls of the connector body include side walls defining a channel; and In assembly construction: The locking member and a portion of the inner housing are disposed in the channel, the bore of the inner portion aligns with the aperture of the locking member and the slot of the inner housing, and The terminals are disposed in the holes, the apertures, and the slots.

11. A connector assembly comprising: A connector body comprising a plurality of walls and an interior portion having a locking arm, wherein: The plurality of walls define a cavity configured to receive a terminal, and The inner portion is disposed within the cavity; a locking member removably disposed within the cavity and defining an aperture configured to receive a terminal; and an inner housing removably disposed within the cavity and defining a slot configured to receive the terminal, the inner housing including a detent configured to engage the locking member; wherein, during actuation of the locking member from the first position to the second position, the detent engages the locking member and moves the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal to detect whether the terminal is secured by the locking arm.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: According to the terminal not being fixed by the locking arm, the locking member is configured to move the terminal into connection with the locking arm by the locking member moving via the escapement of the inner case.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The connector body includes a locking feature configured to connect with the inner housing and prevent the inner housing from being removed from the cavity; as well as The inner housing is inhibited from connecting with the locking feature based on the terminal not being properly positioned within the connector body.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The interior portion of the connector body includes walls defining a bore configured to receive the terminal; and The locking arm is disposed within the aperture.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The escapement comprises a ramp.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The escapement extends from one side of the inner case; The sides define a length; and The escapement is arranged near the midpoint of the length.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The inner case includes an additional escapement offset relative to the escapement.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The inner housing includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a third side disposed between the first side and the second side; the escapement extending from the first side; and The escapement is disposed adjacent to the third side.

19. The connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein: The inner case includes a fourth side opposite the third side and an additional escapement; said additional escapement extending from said first side; and The additional escapement is arranged adjacent to the fourth side.

20. A method of assembling a connector assembly, the method comprising: providing a locking member in the cavity of the connector body; An inner shell is provided in the cavity; disposing terminals in the slots of the inner housing, the apertures of the locking member, and the holes of the inner portion of the connector body; actuating the locking member from a first position to a second position to detect whether the terminal is properly disposed within the connector body by engaging a detent of the inner housing with the locking member and moving the locking member toward the inner portion and the terminal; as well as In response to the terminal being incorrectly positioned within the connector body, the terminal is moved to a correct position by moving the locking member via the escapement of the inner housing.

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