Electrical connector with terminal carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector with a terminal carrier. The electrical connector includes a frame defining a module cavity. The module cavity includes an insertion opening on the insertion end of the frame. The electrical connector includes a first module defining a first terminal cavity adapted to receive a first electrical terminal. The electrical connector also includes a second module defining a second terminal cavity adapted to receive a second electrical terminal. The first module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening, and the first lock holds the first module in the first module position. The second module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening, and the second lock holds the second module in the second module position.

Description

[0001] field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an electrical connector. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an improved electrical connector having a terminal carrier. background

[0003] Electrical connectors typically hold multiple electrical terminals and allow multiple electrical terminals to mate with multiple corresponding terminals. Carrier-type electrical connectors include one or more terminal carriers that can hold electrical terminals. The individual carriers can then be loaded into a single frame to form a single electrical connector assembly. An improved carrier-type electrical connector is desired.

[0004] Overview

[0005] Several example electrical connectors are described.

[0006] An exemplary electrical connector includes a frame. The frame includes an insertion end. The frame defines a module cavity. The module cavity includes an insertion opening on the insertion end. The electrical connector includes a first module. The first module has a first module body. The first module body defines a first terminal cavity adapted to receive a first electrical terminal. The electrical connector includes a second module. The second module has a second module body. The second module body defines a second terminal cavity adapted to receive a second electrical terminal. The first module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a first module position. A first lock holds the first module in the first module position relative to the frame. The second module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a second module position. A second lock holds the second module in the second module position relative to the frame. The first module body in the first module position is farther from the insertion opening than the second module body in the second module position.

[0007] Another exemplary electrical connector includes a frame. The frame includes an insertion end. The frame defines a module cavity. The module cavity includes an insertion opening on the insertion end. The electrical connector includes a first module. The first module has a first module body. The first module body defines a first terminal cavity adapted to receive a first electrical terminal. The electrical connector includes a second module. The second module has a second module body. The second module body defines a second terminal cavity adapted to receive a second electrical terminal. The first module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a first module position. A first lock holds the first module relative to the frame in the first module position. The second module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a second module position. A second lock holds the second module relative to the frame in the second module position.

[0008] Another exemplary electrical connector includes a frame. The frame defines a module cavity. A first module is held in the module cavity in a first module position. The first module includes a first module body. The first module body defines a first A terminal cavity adapted to receive a first A electrical terminal. The first module body defines a first B terminal cavity adapted to receive a first B electrical terminal. The first module includes a first A module arm extending from the first module body. The first module includes a first B module arm extending from the first module body. A second module is held in the module cavity in a second module position. The second module includes a second module body. The second module body defines a second A terminal cavity adapted to receive a second A electrical terminal. The second module body defines a second B terminal cavity adapted to receive a second B electrical terminal. The second module includes a second A module arm extending from the second module body. The second module includes a second B module arm extending from the second module body. The first A module arm is a terminal position assurance for the second A terminal cavity. The first B module arm is a terminal position assurance for the second B terminal cavity. The second A module arm is a terminal position assurance for the first A terminal cavity. And the second B module arm is a terminal position assurance for the first B terminal cavity.

[0009] Further understanding of these examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and from the following detailed description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an exemplary electrical connector.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a section taken along line 2-2. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The exploded view of the electrical connector shown illustrates the separation of the frame from the first and second modules.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The end view of the first module is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The end view of the second module is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the first module attached to the frame.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 The line 7-7 is cut from Figure 1The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector, with the second module omitted for clarity.

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 2 The line 8-8 in the middle is cut off Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown.

[0018] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 Line 9-9 is the cut-off point Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown.

[0019] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 The line 10-10 is cut from the middle. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the electrical connector shown. Detailed description

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0021] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., are used in some instances herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first shield may be referred to as a second shield, and similarly, a second shield may be referred to as a first shield, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first shield and the second shield are shields, but they are not the same shield.

[0022] The terminology used in the description of the various embodiments described herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” designate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] Now referring to the attached diagram, in Figure 1 The figure shows a front perspective view of an electrical connector, generally indicated by 10. The electrical connector 10 includes a frame 12 that defines a module cavity, generally indicated by 14. The module cavity 14 includes an insertion opening 16 located at an insertion end 18 of the frame 12.

[0024] The electrical connector 10 includes a lever 20 attached to the frame 12 for relative movement between a pre-mate position and a mated position. Figure 1 A lever 20 in a pre-mating position is shown. Lever 20 includes teeth 22 to facilitate mating of the electrical connector 10 with a corresponding connector (not shown), as is known in the art. The electrical connector 10 includes a wire guide 24, and in the illustrated embodiment, the wire guide 24 is part of the frame 12. When the lever 20 is in the mating position, a latch 26 on the frame 12 engages the lever 20 to hold the lever 20 relative to the frame 12 in the mating position.

[0025] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view taken from line 2-2. The electrical connector 10 includes a first module 28 located within a module cavity 14. The first module 28 includes a first module body 30 defining a first terminal cavity 32. The first terminal cavity 32 is adapted to receive a first electrical terminal (not shown). The first terminal cavity 32 extends from a first mating end 34 of the first module body 30 to a first insertion end 36 of the first module body 30.

[0026] The electrical connector 10 also includes a second module 38 located in the module cavity 14. The second module 38 includes a second module body 40 defining a second terminal cavity 42. The second terminal cavity 42 is adapted to receive a second electrical terminal (not shown). The second terminal cavity 42 extends from a second mating end 44 of the second module body 40 to a second insertion end 46 of the second module body 40.

[0027] refer to Figure 3 An exploded front perspective view of the electrical connector 10 is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the first module 28 and the second module 38 are separated from the frame 12. Figure 3As shown, the first module 28 includes a plurality of first terminal cavities 32. The first module 28 includes three rows of first terminal cavities 32, with each row including four first terminal cavities 32. However, the first module 28 may include any desired number of first terminal cavities 32. Each of the first terminal cavities 32 shown has the same size, but each individual first terminal cavity 32 can be of any desired size. Additionally, the second module 38 shown includes a plurality of second terminal cavities 42. The second module 38 shown includes two rows of second terminal cavities 42, with each row including three second terminal cavities 42. However, the second module 38 may include any desired number of second terminal cavities 42. Each of the second terminal cavities 42 shown has the same size, but each individual second terminal cavity 42 can be of any desired size. In the illustrated embodiment, the second terminal cavities 42 are larger than the first terminal cavities 32, but the terminal cavities can have any desired relative size.

[0028] The first module 28 includes a first A module arm 48a and a first B module arm 48b extending from the first module body 30. The first module 28 shown includes two first module arms 48a and 48b, but may include any desired number of first module arms. Figure 4 This is an end view of the first module 28. As shown, the first A module arm 48a is located at a distance 50a from the first mating end 34, and the first B module arm 48b is located at a distance 50b from the first mating end 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the distances 50a and 50b between the first A module arm and the first B module arm are the same. However, if desired, the distances 50a and 50b between the first A module arm and the first B module arm can be different.

[0029] Similarly, the second module 38 includes a second A module arm 52a, a second B module arm 52b, and a second C module arm 52c extending from the second module body 40. The second module 38 shown includes three second module arms 52a, 52b, and 52c, but may include any desired number of second module arms. Figure 5 This is an end view of the second module 38. As shown, the second A module arm 52a is located at a distance 54a from the second mating end 44, the second B module arm 52b is located at a distance 54b from the second mating end 44, and the second C module arm 52c is located at a distance 54c from the second mating end 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the distances 54a, 54b, and 54c of the second A module arm are the same. However, if desired, the distances 54a, 54b, and 54c of the second A module arm, the second B module arm, and the second C module arm can be different. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the distance 50a between the first A module arms is different from the distance 54a between the second A module arms.

[0030] For assembly of the electrical connector 10, the first module 28 moves relative to the frame 12 through the insertion opening 16. The first module 28 includes a first module guide 56 that cooperates with a first frame guide 58 on the frame 12 to restrict movement of the first module 28 relative to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first module guide 56 is a raised projection on the first module body 30 and the first A module arm 48a, and the first frame guide 58 is a trench on one side of the module cavity 14. The illustrated electrical connector includes two first module guides 56 and two first frame guides 58 located on opposite sides of the first module 28 and the module cavity 14, respectively.

[0031] refer to Figure 6 The first module 28 moves relative to the frame 12 toward the rear wall 60 of the frame 12. The rear wall 60 is located on the side of the module cavity 14 opposite to the insertion opening 16. The first module 28 moves relative to the frame 12 toward the rear wall 60 until the first module 28 is in the first module position relative to the frame 12. Figure 7 As shown, the first lock 62 holds the first module 28 in the first module position relative to the frame 12. (See reference) Figure 7 The first lock 62 includes a tab 64a on the first A module arm 48a and a notch 66a on the frame 12. However, any desired lock can be used. The first module 28 shown includes two tabs 64a and 64b, and the frame 12 shown includes two notches 66a and 66b, the two tabs 64a and 64b and the two notches 66a and 66b being located on opposite sides of the first module 28 and the module cavity 14, respectively. When the first module 28 is in the first module position, the first module arms 48a and 48b extend from the first module body 30 toward the insertion opening 16.

[0032] Then, the second module 38 moves relative to the frame 12 through the insertion opening 16. (As...) Figure 3 As shown, the second module 38 includes a second module guide 68 that cooperates with a second frame guide 70 on the frame 12 to restrict movement of the second module 38 relative to the frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second module guide 68 is a protruding projection on the second module body 40 and the second A module arm 52a, and the second frame guide 70 is a groove located on one side of the module cavity 14. The illustrated electrical connector includes two second module guides 68 and two second frame guides 70, which are located on opposite sides of the second module 38 and the module cavity 14, respectively.

[0033] refer to Figure 2 The second module 38 moves relative to the frame 12 toward the rear wall 60 of the frame 12 until the second module 38 is in the second module position relative to the frame 12. Figure 8 As shown, the second lock 72 holds the second module 38 in the second module position relative to the frame 12. (Reference) Figure 8 The second lock 72 includes a tab 74a on the second module body 40 and a notch 76a on the frame 12. However, any desired lock can be used. The illustrated second module 38 includes two tabs 74a and 74b, and the illustrated frame 12 includes two notches 76a and 76b, which are located on opposite sides of the second module 38 and the module cavity 14, respectively. When the second module 38 is in the second module position, the second module arms 52a, 52b, and 52c extend from the second module body 40 away from the insertion opening 16.

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, when the first module 28 is in the first module position and the second module 38 is in the second module position, the first module body 30 is farther from the insertion opening 16 than the second module body 40. Figure 2 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the first mating end 34 and the second mating end 44 are adjacent.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the first module 28 includes a first A module opening 78a, a first B module opening 78b, and a first C module opening 78c. (As...) Figure 5 As shown, the second module 38 includes a second A module opening 80a and a second B module opening 80b. When the first module 28 is in the first module position and the second module 38 is in the second module position, the first A module arm 48a is located in the second A module opening 80a, and the first B module arm 48b is located in the second B module opening 80b. This is in Figure 9 As shown in the cross-section. Furthermore, the second A module arm 52a is located in the first A module opening 78a, the second B module arm 52b is located in the first B module opening 78b, and the second C module arm 52c is located in the first C module opening 78c. This is in Figure 10 As shown in the cross-section.

[0036] refer to Figure 8As previously described, the first module 28 shown includes three rows of first terminal cavities 32, designated 32a, 32b, and 32c. Additionally, the second module 38 shown includes two rows of second terminal cavities 42, designated 42a and 42b. First module openings 78a, 78b, and 78c partially extend through the respective first terminal cavities 32a, 32b, and 32c. Second module arms 52a, 52b, and 52c are at least partially located within the respective first terminal cavities 32a, 32b, and 32c. The second module arms 52a, 52b, and 52c are adapted to serve as terminal position guarantees for the respective terminal cavities 32a, 32b, and 32c. (Reference) Figure 10 The second A module arm 52a is at least partially located within the first A terminal cavity 32a. The second A module arm 52a includes a stop surface 82 positioned within the first A terminal cavity 32a, and serves as a terminal position guarantee for the first A terminal cavity 32a. Similarly, the second B module arm 52b is at least partially located within the first B terminal cavity 32b, and serves as a terminal position guarantee for the first B terminal cavity 32b. The second C module arm 52c is at least partially located within the first C terminal cavity 32c, and serves as a terminal position guarantee for the first C terminal cavity 32c.

[0037] refer to Figure 9 The first A module arm 48a is at least partially located in the second A terminal cavity 42a. The first A module arm 48a serves as a terminal position guarantee for the second A terminal cavity 42a. Similarly, the first B module arm 48b is at least partially located in the second B terminal cavity 42b. The first B module arm 48b serves as a terminal position guarantee for the second B terminal cavity 42b.

[0038] Return to reference Figure 4 The first A module arm 48a and the first B module arm 48b are located on opposite sides of the first module body 30. However, the first module arms 48a and 48b can be located at any desired position on the first module body 30. (See also...) Figure 5 The second A module arm 52a and the second B module arm 52b are located on opposite sides of the second module body 40, while the second C module arm 52c is located between the second A module arm 52a and the second B module arm 52b. However, the second module arms 52a, 52b, and 52c can be located at any desired position on the second module body 40.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alternatives to the described and illustrated embodiments can be developed based on the general teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention, and that various elements and features of one example described and illustrated herein can be combined with various elements and features of another example. Therefore, the specific examples disclosed herein have been selected by the inventors merely for the purpose of describing and illustrating examples of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or its protection, which will be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: A frame, the frame including an insertion end, the frame defining a module cavity, the module cavity including an insertion opening on the insertion end; A first module, the first module including a first module body, the first module body including a first terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first electrical terminal; and The second module includes a second module body, which includes a second terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second electrical terminal. The first module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a first module position, wherein the first lock holds the first module relative to the frame at the first module position; The second module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a second module position, wherein a second lock holds the second module relative to the frame in the second module position; and Wherein, the first module body in the first module position is farther from the insertion opening than the second module body in the second module position.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising a first module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening and at least partially located within the second terminal cavity; and It also includes a second module arm that extends from the second module body away from the insertion opening and is at least partially located in the first terminal cavity.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein, The first module includes a first mating end, and the first module arm is located at a distance from the first mating end. The second module includes a second mating end, and the second module arm is located at a distance from the second mating end; and The distance between the first module arm and the second module arm is different.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein, The first mating end is positioned adjacent to the second mating end.

5. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising a first module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening, the first module arm being a terminal position guarantee for the second terminal cavity; and It also includes a second module arm that extends from the second module body away from the insertion opening, and the second module arm is a terminal position guarantee for the first terminal cavity.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal cavity is a first A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first A electrical terminal, and the second terminal cavity is a second A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second A electrical terminal; The first module body further includes a first B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first B electrical terminal, a first A module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening, and a first B module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening. The second module body further includes a second B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second B electrical terminal, a second A module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening, and a second B module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening; and Wherein, the first A module arm is at least partially located in the second A terminal cavity, the first B module arm is at least partially located in the second B terminal cavity, the second A module arm is at least partially located in the first A terminal cavity, and the second B module arm is at least partially located in the first B terminal cavity.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein, The first terminal cavity is a first A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first A electrical terminal, and the second terminal cavity is a second A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second A electrical terminal; The first module body further includes a first B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first B electrical terminal, a first A module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening, and a first B module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening. The second module body further includes a second B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second B electrical terminal, a second A module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening, and a second B module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening; and Wherein, the first A module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the second A terminal cavity, the first B module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the second B terminal cavity, the second A module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the first A terminal cavity, and the second B module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the first B terminal cavity.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein, The first A module arm and the first B module arm are located on opposite sides of the first module body.

9. An electrical connector, comprising: A frame, the frame including an insertion end, the frame defining a module cavity, the module cavity including an insertion opening on the insertion end; A first module, the first module including a first module body, the first module body including a first terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first electrical terminal; and The second module includes a second module body, the second module body defining a second terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second electrical terminal; The first module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a first module position, wherein a first lock holds the first module relative to the frame in the first module position; and The second module is movable relative to the frame through the insertion opening to a second module position, wherein a second lock holds the second module relative to the frame in the second module position.

10. The electrical connector of claim 9, further comprising a first module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening and at least partially located within the second terminal cavity; and It also includes a second module arm that extends from the second module body away from the insertion opening and is at least partially located in the first terminal cavity.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, wherein, The first module includes a first mating end, and the first module arm is located at a distance from the first mating end. The second module includes a second mating end, and the second module arm is located at a distance from the second mating end; and The distance between the first module arm and the second module arm is different.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, wherein, The first mating end is positioned adjacent to the second mating end.

13. The electrical connector of claim 9, further comprising a first module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening, the first module arm being a terminal position guarantee for the second terminal cavity; and It also includes a second module arm that extends from the second module body away from the insertion opening, and the second module arm is a terminal position guarantee for the first terminal cavity.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein, The first terminal cavity is a first A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first A electrical terminal, and the second terminal cavity is a second A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second A electrical terminal; The first module body further includes a first B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first B electrical terminal, a first A module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening, and a first B module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening. The second module body further includes a second B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second B electrical terminal, a second A module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening, and a second B module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening; and Wherein, the first A module arm is at least partially located in the second A terminal cavity, the first B module arm is at least partially located in the second B terminal cavity, the second A module arm is at least partially located in the first A terminal cavity, and the second B module arm is at least partially located in the first B terminal cavity.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein, The first terminal cavity is a first A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first A electrical terminal, and the second terminal cavity is a second A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second A electrical terminal; The first module body further includes a first B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first B electrical terminal, a first A module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening, and a first B module arm extending from the first module body toward the insertion opening. The second module body further includes a second B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second B electrical terminal, a second A module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening, and a second B module arm extending from the second module body away from the insertion opening; and Wherein, the first A module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the second A terminal cavity, the first B module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the second B terminal cavity, the second A module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the first A terminal cavity, and the second B module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the first B terminal cavity.

16. The electrical connector according to claim 15, wherein, The first A module arm and the first B module arm are located on opposite sides of the first module body.

17. An electrical connector, comprising: A frame that defines a modular cavity; A first module, wherein the first module is held in the module cavity at a first module position, the first module includes a first module body, the first module body defining a first A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first A electrical terminal and a first B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a first B electrical terminal, the first module including a first A module arm extending from the first module body and a first B module arm extending from the first module body; and The second module is held in the module cavity at the second module position. The second module includes a second module body, which defines a second A terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second A electrical terminal and a second B terminal cavity adapted to accommodate a second B electrical terminal. The second module includes a second A module arm extending from the second module body and a second B module arm extending from the second module body. Wherein, the first A module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the second A terminal cavity, the first B module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the second B terminal cavity, the second A module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the first A terminal cavity, and the second B module arm is a terminal position guaranteeing component for the first B terminal cavity.

18. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein, The first A module arm is at least partially located in the second A terminal cavity, the first B module arm is at least partially located in the second B terminal cavity, the second A module arm is at least partially located in the first A terminal cavity, and the second B module arm is at least partially located in the first B terminal cavity.

19. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein, The first lock holds the first module in the position relative to the frame, and the second lock holds the second module in the position relative to the frame.

20. The electrical connector according to claim 17, wherein, The first module includes a first mating end, and the first module arm is located at a distance from the first mating end. The second module includes a second mating end, and the second module arm is located at a distance from the second mating end. Wherein, the distance of the first module arm is different from the distance of the second module arm; and The first mating end is positioned adjacent to the second mating end.

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