Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a housing, a first locking member, and a second locking member. The housing may include a first end adapted to receive the substantially planar cable, and may include a second end adapted to receive the one or more terminals. The first locking member may be connected to the housing and the first locking member may be moved from a preloaded position to a closed position configured to secure the substantially planar cable. A second locking member may be connected to the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar cable. In the connected position, the second locking member may electrically connect the one or more terminals with the substantially planar cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to connector assemblies, including connector assemblies that may include one or more locking members, which may be used, for example, to electrically connect at least one terminal to a substantially planar cable. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0002] While the claims are not limited to the specific illustrations, an understanding of the various aspects can be obtained through the discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the detailed description below. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0003] Figure 1 This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2 This is a top view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 3A This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3B This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal to be received by a connector assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5A This is a top view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal to be received by a connector assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 5B This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal to be received by a connector assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 5C This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal to be received by a connector assembly in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 6A This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly including a first locking member and a second locking member disposed in a preloaded position.

[0012] Figure 6B This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly including a first locking member and a second locking member disposed in a closed position.

[0013] Figure 7A This is a side sectional view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly having a second locking member in a preloaded state, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7B This is a side sectional view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly having a second locking member in a closed position, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8A This is a side sectional view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a first locking member and a second locking member disposed in a closed position.

[0016] Figure 8B This is a side sectional view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a first locking member and a second locking member disposed in a closed position.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 10A This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a first locking member and a second locking member disposed in a preloaded position.

[0019] Figure 10B This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a first locking member and a second locking member disposed in a closed position.

[0020] Figure 11A This is a top view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11B This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11C This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly having a first housing portion and a second housing portion in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 13A This is a top view that generally illustrates an embodiment of the second housing portion according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 13B This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of the second housing portion according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 13C This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of the second housing portion according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 14A This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14B This is a top view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15A This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 15B This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 16A This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 16B This is a top view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 17A and Figure 17B This is a side view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a terminal according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 18A , Figure 18B and Figure 18C This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly having a locking member that moves from a preloaded position to a closed position in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 19A and Figure 19B This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly having a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and a third housing portion.

[0036] Figure 20This is a side sectional view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a first locking member and a second locking member in a closed position.

[0037] Figure 21 This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a first housing portion for connection to a printed circuit board.

[0038] Figure 22 This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a sleeve that connects to a second housing portion.

[0039] Figure 23 This is a perspective view that generally illustrates an embodiment of a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure, the connector assembly having a switch assembly connected to a second housing portion.

[0040] Figure 24 This is a flowchart that roughly illustrates a method for assembling a connector assembly according to the teachings of this disclosure. Detailed description

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and / or examples, such embodiments and / or examples are not intended to limit the present disclosure to those embodiments and / or examples. Rather, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0042] In, for example, in Figure 1 In the generally illustrated embodiment, connector assembly 100 can connect a round stranded wire to a flat flexible cable in one or more of a variety of ways. Connector assembly 100 may include a housing 102, which is further configured to at least partially receive a substantially planar cable 104 and / or one or more terminals 106. Housing 102 can electrically connect one or more terminals 106 to the substantially planar cable 104. Housing 102 may include a shape to facilitate connection between the substantially planar cable 104 and one or more terminals 106 (e.g., round stranded wire 108). Furthermore, housing 102 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, housing 102 may be substantially rectangular in shape, and / or may include any kind of plastic material (e.g., various polymers).

[0043] In the example, housing 102 may include a first side 102A, a second side 102B, a third side 102C, and a fourth side 102D. The first side 102A may be disposed opposite to the second side 102B; the third side 102C may be disposed opposite to the fourth side 102D, and the third side 102C may be adjacent to the first side 102A and the second side 102B. A first locking member 110 may be disposed substantially close to the first side 102A to connect a substantially planar cable 104 to housing 102; and at the opposite end, on the second side 102B, a second locking member 120 may be configured to connect one or more terminals 106 (e.g., one or more circular stranded wires 108) to housing 102.

[0044] Generally, housing 102 can electrically connect one or more terminals 106 (e.g., connected to one or more circular stranded wires 108) to a substantially planar cable 104. For example, but not limited to, a first locking member 110 can substantially restrict movement of the substantially planar cable 104; and, in a similar nature, a second locking member 120 can substantially restrict movement of the one or more terminals 106 to facilitate electrical connection between the substantially planar cable 104 and the one or more terminals 106. The first locking member 110 can be configured for rotational locking, and / or the second locking member 120 can be configured for linear locking.

[0045] Combination such as Figures 1-3B In the illustrated embodiment, the first locking member 110 can transition / move between a preloaded position and a closed position to secure the substantially planar cable 104 to the housing 102 (e.g., one or more terminals 106). Movement of the first locking member 110 can include one or more of a variety of locking movements, such as rotational locking. As will be discussed later... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As can be seen, the first locking member 110 can rotate as it moves between the preloaded position and the closed position. Generally, the rotation of the first locking member 110 can be represented by α, which can include a range of about 10 degrees to 70 degrees or greater. When the first locking member is in the preloaded position, the substantially planar cable 104 can be inserted into the housing, and when the first locking member 110 moves to the closed position, the substantially planar cable 104 can be secured to the housing 102.

[0046] Furthermore, the first locking member 110 may include a contact portion 112 disposed along its bottom surface. The contact portion 112 may be configured to contact a portion of a substantially planar cable 104 when the first locking member 110 is rotated from a preloaded position to a closed position. For example, but not limited to, the substantially planar cable 104 may include an insulating portion 104A and / or a conductive portion 104B. Generally, the contact portion 112 may be rotatable to contact / engage the insulating portion 104A of the substantially planar cable 104 to substantially restrict movement of the substantially planar cable 104 relative to the housing 102 and / or the one or more terminals 106. The contact portion 112 may be configured to crimp the substantially planar cable 104 to the housing 102 via an edge portion 114 of the housing 102 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 , Figure 8A (as shown in the image).

[0047] In an embodiment, housing 102 may include a first aperture 130 disposed on a first side 102A of housing 102 to at least partially receive a portion of a substantially planar cable 104. The size / shape of the first aperture 130 may be substantially the same as (e.g., slightly larger than) the size / shape of the substantially planar cable 104. Additionally, housing 102 may include a plurality of second apertures 132 disposed on a second side 102B, the plurality of second apertures 132 being configured to at least partially receive one or more terminals 106. The plurality of second apertures 132 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, the second apertures 132 may be rectangular, and / or may have a size substantially the same as (e.g., slightly larger than) the size of the one or more terminals 106. In this way, any shape of the second aperture 132 can be used, as it may correspond to a complementary shape of the one or more terminals 106 (e.g., various terminal shapes may be used in this case).

[0048] Combination such as Figure 3A In the example shown, the plurality of second apertures 132 can be arranged / aligned in a linear manner, such as corresponding to the conductors of various substantially planar cables. Furthermore, each of the one or more terminals 106 can be connected to a conductive stranded wire, which can be electrically connected to one or more conductors of the substantially planar cable 104. In the example, the plurality of second apertures 132 may include approximately six apertures, but may include more or fewer apertures depending on the number of conductors of the substantially planar cable 104. Additionally, the plurality of second apertures 132 may include varying sizes and / or shapes to accommodate various one or more terminals 106.

[0049] In such Figure 3BIn the generally illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 may include one or more positioning apertures 140 disposed on a third side 102C and / or a fourth side 102D. These positioning apertures 140 may facilitate the positioning of the second locking member 120 (e.g., preloaded and / or locked positions). The position of the second locking member 120 may depend on which of the one or more positioning apertures 140 at least partially engage with the second locking member 120. These one or more positioning apertures 140 may include a first pair of apertures 142A, 142B and / or a second pair of apertures 144A, 144B. When positioned in the preloaded position, the second locking member 120 may engage with the first pair of apertures 142A, 142B, and when positioned in the locked position, the second locking member 120 may engage with the second pair of apertures 144A, 144B. Figure 1 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B As can be seen, when the one or more terminals 106 are secured to the housing 102 and / or the substantially planar cable 104, the second locking member 120 can traverse between a preloaded position and a locked position (e.g., in the direction perpendicular to the substantially planar cable 104). The first pair of orifices 142A, 142B can be positioned offset from the second pair of orifices 144A, 144B, and / or the first pair of orifices 142A, 142B can be positioned vertically above and / or near the second pair of orifices 144A, 144B.

[0050] In such Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment generally illustrated, the first locking member 110 may include one or more engagement portions 150 for engaging and / or disengaging with the housing 102. Furthermore, the engagement portions 150 may extend outwardly from the first locking member 110 via flanges 152, which may extend from one or both of the sides 102C, 102D of the housing 102. The one or more engagement portions 150 may include one or more engagement surfaces 154 configured to latch onto the housing 102 to restrict movement of the substantially planar cable 104. The interaction between the engagement surfaces 154 and the housing 102 may restrict rotation of the first locking member 110.

[0051] Additionally, housing 102 may include one or more receiving formations 156 to physically interact with the one or more engagement surfaces 154, thereby securing the substantially planar cable 104 to housing 102. The one or more receiving formations 156 may extend outward from housing 102 and may be generally rectangular in shape (e.g., or any shape that substantially matches the contour shape of engagement portion 150). The one or more receiving formations 156 may include one or more channels 158 to at least partially receive and / or engage the one or more engagement surfaces 154. For example, the one or more engagement surfaces 154 may extend / protrude from engagement portion 150 in a wedge-shaped manner (e.g., ramp shape, bend shape, etc.).

[0052] Furthermore, when the first locking member 110 is in the preloaded position, the one or more engagement surfaces 154 may not contact the one or more receiving structures 156. When the first locking member 110 is rotated to the closed position, the one or more engagement surfaces 154 are at least partially disposed within the one or more channels 158. Retaining the one or more engagement surfaces 154 at least partially within the one or more channels 158 allows the first locking member 110 to resist transition from the closed position to the preloaded position unless intentionally actuated.

[0053] Combination such as Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C In the embodiment generally illustrated, the one or more terminals 106 may include a first pair of wings 160 and / or a second pair of wings 162 extending outward from a terminal base 164. The one or more terminals 106 may additionally include a transition portion 166 and / or a curved portion 168 extending from the transition portion 166. Furthermore, the transition portion 166 may be disposed between the pairs of wings 160, 162 and the curved portion 168. For example, but not limited to, the first pair of wings 160 may be connected to the insulating portion 108A of the circular stranded wire 108 (e.g., crimped), and / or the second pair of wings 162 may be connected to the conductive portion 108B of the circular stranded wire 108 (e.g., crimped).

[0054] As in Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs seen in the diagram, when the circular stranded wire 108 is electrically connected to the housing 102 (e.g., and further, the substantially planar cable 104), the bent portion 168 can be at least partially received via the plurality of second apertures 132. The transition portion 166 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, the shape of the transition portion 166 can correspond to the shape / size of the plurality of second apertures 132. Additionally, the bent portion 168 can extend from the transition portion 166 in one or more of various ways and can include various lengths and shapes (e.g., L-shaped shapes). Generally, the bent portion 168 can be formed to extend into the housing 102 of the connector assembly 100 and can be electrically connected to the conductive portion 104B of the substantially planar cable 104. Figures 4-5C As can be seen, a basically planar and / or linearly extended segment 170 can be provided between the transition portion 166 and the curved portion 168.

[0055] Combination such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the embodiment generally illustrated, the first locking member 110 is in a preloaded position, and the first aperture 130 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the substantially planar cable 104. In this position, the first locking member 110 may not be substantially aligned with the housing 102 (e.g., the first locking member 110 may be angled relative to the housing 102). Furthermore, at opposite ends of the housing 102, a second locking member 120 may be positioned in the preloaded position, wherein the second locking member 120 at least partially engages with the first pair of apertures 142. When the second locking member 120 is in the preloaded position, the one or more terminals 106 can be at least partially inserted into the plurality of second apertures 132.

[0056] Go to Figure 6B The first locking member 110 can be rotated to a closed position, which secures the substantially planar cable 104 to the housing 102. When in the closed position, the first locking member can be positioned substantially parallel to the housing 102. At opposite ends of the housing 102, one or more terminals 106 can be at least partially and / or completely disposed within the plurality of second orifices 132. The second locking member 120 can be laterally moved from the preloaded position to the closed position (e.g., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar cable 104) to at least partially restrict movement of the one or more terminals 106. When the second locking member 120 is in the closed position, the second locking member 120 can engage with the second pair of orifices 144. Furthermore, in the closed position, the second locking member 120 can be positioned substantially parallel to the housing 102 (e.g., the top surface of the second locking member 120 can be flush with the outer surface of the housing 102).

[0057] In such Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the embodiment roughly illustrated in the diagram, the second locking member 120 can be in a preloaded position (e.g., Figure 7A ) and closed position (e.g., Figure 7B Laterally, the second locking member 120 may include a first engaging portion 180 and / or a second engaging portion 182 extending from the base portion 184. The first engaging portion 180 and / or the second engaging portion 182 may extend in a substantially perpendicular direction (e.g., toward the housing 102) relative to the base portion 184. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 180 and / or the second engaging portion 182 may be configured to at least partially engage / contact the first pair of apertures 142 and / or the second pair of apertures 144 when moving between a preloaded position and a closed position. The first engaging portion 180 may be disposed on a third side 102C of the housing 102, and / or the second engaging portion 182 may be disposed on a fourth side 102D of the housing 102. The first engaging portion 180 may include a first engaging surface 186 configured to at least partially lie within the first pair of apertures 142 and / or the second pair of apertures 144. The second engagement portion 182 may include a second engagement surface 188 configured to at least partially lie within the first pair of apertures 142 and / or the second pair of apertures 144. The first engagement surface 186 and / or the second engagement surface 188 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, engagement surfaces 186, 188 may be curved, ramp-shaped, and / or wedge-shaped. Engagement surfaces 186, 188 may be configured to contact and / or laterally move along the edge portions of the first pair of apertures 142 and / or the second pair of apertures 144 (e.g., and between the first pair of apertures 142 and / or the second pair of apertures 144). The bending, tilting, and / or wedge-shaped shape of the mating surfaces 186, 188 may allow the mating portions 180, 182 to laterally move from the first pair of orifices 142 to the second pair of orifices 144; this may further cause the base portion 184 and / or the mating portions 180, 182 to flex, bend, and / or deform in an outward direction (e.g., away from the housing 102) when the second locking member 120 moves from the preloaded position to the closed position.

[0058] In a related embodiment, the second locking member 120 may include one or more contact portions 190 configured to contact one or more terminals 106 when securing them to the housing 102. The contact portions 190 may extend from the base portion 184 in a direction substantially toward the housing 102. The contact portions 190 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, the contact portions 190 may be rectangular and may be approximately or less than the width of the bent portion 168. When the second locking member 120 moves from the preloaded position to the closed position, the contact portions 190 may contact the bent portions 168, thereby securing the bent portions 168 to the housing 102 and further to the substantially planar cable 104. When the contact portions 190 move toward the one or more terminals 106, the bent portions 168 may at least partially displace. For example, the bent portion 168 may be displaced in a direction toward the conductive portion 104B of the substantially planar cable 104 (e.g., to facilitate electrical connection).

[0059] In such Figure 8A and Figure 8B In the embodiment generally illustrated, the first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120 can be positioned in a closed position to restrict movement and electrically connect the substantially planar cable 104 to one or more terminals 106. Furthermore, the substantially planar cable 104 can be inserted into the housing 102 before the one or more terminals 106 are inserted. In this way, the substantially planar cable 104 (e.g., conductive portion 104B) can be positioned below / below the one or more terminals 106. When the second locking member 120 is in a preloaded position, the one or more bends 168 can be positioned above the conductive portion 104B of the substantially planar cable 104. When the second locking member 120 is laterally moved from the preloaded position toward the housing 102 to the closed position, the contact portion 190 can bend / flex the one or more bends 168 such that the linear extension 170 and / or the one or more bends 168 contact the conductive portion 104B of the substantially planar cable 104. When the first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120 are in the closed position, the one or more terminals 106 can be electrically connected to a substantially planar cable, such as via Figure 8B The connection area 192 in the figure is shown.

[0060] Combination such as Figure 9 , Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 11C , Figure 12 , Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C As generally illustrated in the embodiments, housing 102 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, housing 102 may include a first housing portion 200, a second housing portion 202, and / or a third housing portion 204. The first housing portion 200 may be at least partially (e.g., in the lateral direction) engaged with the second housing portion 204, and / or the second housing portion 202 may be at least partially (e.g., in the lateral direction) engaged with the third housing portion 204. In this way, housing 102 may be divided into a plurality of interconnected housing portions 200, 202, 204.

[0061] In the example, the first housing portion 200 may be a panel (facia) at least partially received by the second housing portion 202. The first housing portion 200 may be connected to the second housing portion 202 via one or more mating protrusions 210 and / or one or more mating apertures 212. For example, but not limited to, the one or more mating apertures 212 may receive at least a portion of the one or more mating protrusions 210. The one or more mating apertures 212 may generally include a profile shape similar to that of the one or more mating protrusions 210. For example, but not limited to, the one or more mating apertures 212 may be rectangular and / or square in shape, which may be associated with the inclined / bent surfaces of the one or more mating protrusions 210. The mating protrusions 210 and / or mating apertures 212 may be located on opposite sides of the first housing portion 200 and / or the second housing portion 202. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the second housing portion 202 may include one or more mating protrusions 210 and / or the first housing portion 200 may include one or more mating orifices 212. In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the mating protrusions 210 and the mating orifices 212 may be interchanged. Similarly, the second housing portion 202 may include one or more second mating protrusions 214 to engage with the third housing portion 204. Furthermore, the third housing portion 204 may include one or more second mating orifices 216 that engage with the second mating protrusions 214.

[0062] In conjunction with the embodiments, the one or more terminals 106 can be at least partially inserted into the first housing portion 200, the second housing portion 202, and / or the third housing portion 204. As can be seen, various orifices can be aligned in all housing portions 200, 202, 204 such that the one or more terminals 106 can pass through the housing portions 200, 202, 204 to connect with a substantially planar cable 104 inserted into at least a portion of the second housing member 204 and / or the third housing member 206. Furthermore, the first housing portion 200 may include one or more first orifices 220, the second housing portion 202 may include one or more second orifices 222, and / or the third housing portion 204 may include one or more third orifices 224, the first orifices 220, the second orifices 222, and / or the third orifices 224 being substantially aligned with the substantially planar cable 104 and the insertion portion of the one or more terminals 106.

[0063] In such Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the generally illustrated embodiment, connector assembly 100 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations of a first locking member 110 and / or a second locking member 120. For example, but not limited to, one or more engagement portions 150 may be wedge-shaped and / or ramp-shaped. Furthermore, engagement portions 150 may facilitate a press-fit connection between engagement portions 150 and one or more locking orifices 230.

[0064] Referring to the example, the first locking member 110 is shown in a preloaded state (see, for example, see...). Figure 10A The first locking member 110 may be at least partially disposed above the housing 102 and / or may engage with the first pair of orifices 142. When the first locking member 110 is in the preloaded position, it may not restrict the movement of one or more terminals 106, allowing the one or more terminals 106 to be inserted into the housing 102. Additionally, the second locking member 120 is shown in the preloaded state, wherein it may be disposed at an angle relative to the top surface of the housing 102. When the second locking member 120 is in the preloaded position, it may not restrict the movement of the substantially planar cable 104, allowing the substantially planar cable 104 to be inserted into the housing 102.

[0065] Next, turn to Figure 10B The first locking member 110 can (e.g., linearly) laterally move toward the housing 102 to move from the preloaded position to the closed position. Furthermore, the second locking member 120 can rotate toward the housing 102 to move from the preloaded position to the closed position.

[0066] For example, Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C As generally shown, one or more wings 240 may extend from the third housing portion 204. The one or more wings 240 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, the one or more wings 240 may be generally curved and may extend outward from and / or along the third housing portion. The one or more second mating apertures 216 may be provided on the one or more wings 240, and further may be provided at the distal ends of the one or more wings 240.

[0067] In such Figure 12 , Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 13C In the embodiment generally illustrated, the first housing portion 200 can be configured to engage with the second housing portion 202 in a snap-fit ​​manner. As can be seen, the one or more mating protrusions 210 can at least partially engage with the one or more mating orifices 212. The mating orifices 212 can be provided on one or more mating flanges 250 (e.g., at the distal end of the one or more mating flanges 250), which can extend in a direction toward the second housing portion 202. When the first housing portion 200 is connected to the second housing portion 202, the mating flanges 250 can bend while contacting the one or more mating protrusions 210 of the second housing portion 202 (e.g., in a direction outward from the second housing portion 202).

[0068] Additionally, the second housing portion 202 may include a shield portion 260 that may extend around the periphery of the housing 102 (e.g., at approximately the middle portion of the housing 102). The shield portion 260 may be one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations. For example, but not limited to, the shield portion 260 may be generally rectangular. Furthermore, the shield portion 260 may provide structural support for the housing portions 200, 202, 204 and / or provide end stops that at least partially prevent movement of the housing portions 200, 202, 204 during connection. For example, as in... Figure 12 As can be seen, the one or more mating flanges 250 can contact the protective portion 260, and therefore can be without lateral movement.

[0069] Combination such as Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more second mating protrusions 214 may be at least partially disposed within one or more ruts 270 of the second housing portion 202. When the third housing portion 204 is connected to the second housing portion 202, the one or more wings 240 may be at least partially disposed within the one or more ruts 270. Furthermore, once the one or more wings 240 contact the end 272 of the one or more ruts 270, the end 272 of the one or more ruts 270 can physically signal that the connection is complete.

[0070] In such Figures 14A-17B In the example shown, the one or more terminals 106 may include one or more of various shapes, sizes and / or configurations. The one or more terminals 106 may include any kind of structure that can be electrically connected to the one or more transition portions 166, bends 168 and / or extensions 170.

[0071] Turning Figure 14A , Figure 14B , Figure 15A and Figure 15B In some embodiments, the one or more terminals 106 may include a connecting portion 280 that extends from the transition portion 166 in a substantially planar / linear manner. In additional and / or alternative embodiments, for example in Figure 16A , 16B In 17A and 17B, the connection portion 280 may be substantially L-shaped, bent, and / or circular. Furthermore, the L-shaped, bent, and / or circular connection portion 280 may facilitate connection between the one or more terminals 106 and various electrical components / connectors having inserted or partially inaccessible pins / terminals.

[0072] Referring to the example, when the first locking member 110 is in such a position Figure 18A and Figure 18B When in the preloaded position as roughly illustrated, the third housing portion 204 can at least partially receive the substantially planar cable 104. Once the substantially planar cable 104 is at least partially disposed within the third housing portion 204, the first locking member 110 can be rotated to a closed position, thereby securing the substantially planar cable 104 to the third housing portion 204 (e.g., restricting movement in at least one direction). When the first locking member 110 is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in the diagram), Figure 18CAs shown, the one or more engagement portions 150 may be at least partially disposed within the one or more locking apertures 230. When the inclined / wedge-shaped surface rotates toward the one or more locking apertures 230, the wedge shape and / or ramp shape of the one or more engagement portions 150 may facilitate the deflection of the third housing portion 204. After the first locking member 110 is positioned in the closed position, the one or more terminals 106 may be inserted into the one or more third apertures 224. Additionally and / or alternatively, the third housing portion 204 may be connected to the first housing portion 200 and the second housing portion 202, which may serve as adapters for connecting various terminals 106 and / or electrical components.

[0073] In such Figure 19A and Figure 19B In the generally illustrated embodiment, the third housing portion 204 may be connected to the first housing portion 200 and / or the second housing portion 202. The first housing portion 200 may be connected to the second housing portion 204 before the second housing portion 202 is connected to the third housing portion 204. In this configuration, when the second housing portion 202 is connected to the third housing portion 204, the second housing portion 202 may at least partially cover the second locking member 120.

[0074] Combination such as Figure 20 In another embodiment shown, the first locking member 110 can contact the substantially planar cable 104. Furthermore, when the first locking member 110 is in the closed position, the contact portion 112 can contact the insulation portion 104A of the substantially planar cable 104. The contact portion 112 can clamp and / or crimp the insulation portion 104A to the edge portion 114. After the substantially planar cable 104 is inserted into the third housing portion 204, one or more terminals can be inserted into the first housing portion 200 and / or the second housing portion 202. Subsequently, the second housing portion 202 can be connected to the third housing portion 204 to cover / overlap the second locking member 120 and hold the second locking member 120 in the closed position. The transition between the preloaded position and the closed position via the connection of the second housing portion 202 and the third housing portion 204 can electrically connect the one or more bent portions 168 and / or the one or more linear extensions 170 to the insulation portion 104A.

[0075] Then go to Figure 21The one or more terminals 106 can be connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 290 or other electrical connectors. Furthermore, the connection portion 280 can be electrically connected to the PCB 290 and / or one or more of its electrical traces 292. The connection portion 280 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, and / or configurations for connection to the PCB 290.

[0076] like Figure 22 As generally shown, the first housing portion 200 may be in the form of a sleeve / shroud / tube 294A. The first housing portion 200 may extend from the second housing portion 202 to connect with various conductive and non-conductive components. Then proceed to... Figure 23 The first housing portion 200 may be replaced by a switch 294B having a switch housing 296 and / or a mechanical switch 298, which may be connected to the second housing portion 202.

[0077] Combination such as Figure 24 In the generally illustrated embodiment, method 300 for connecting a substantially planar cable 104 to one or more terminals 106 may include providing a housing 102 having a first side 102A configured to receive the substantially planar cable 104 and / or a second side 102B configured to receive one or more terminals 106 (box 302). Additionally, method 300 may include providing a first locking member 110 (box 304) rotatably connected to housing 102, and further, method 300 may include providing a second locking member 120 (box 306) coupled to housing 102. Furthermore, method 300 may include moving the first locking member 110 and the second locking member 120 to a closed position to connect the one or more terminals 106 to the substantially planar cable 104 (step 308).

[0078] In some configurations, the method 300 of connecting a substantially planar cable 104 to one or more terminals 106 may include inserting the substantially planar cable 104 into a first side 102A of the housing 102 and / or rotating a first locking member 110 to restrict movement of the substantially planar cable 104 (block 310). The method 300 may also include inserting the one or more terminals 106 into a second side 102B of the housing 102 when a second locking member 120 is positioned in a preloaded position (e.g., a first position) (block 312).

[0079] In another embodiment, method 300 for connecting a substantially planar cable 104 to one or more terminals 106 may include moving a second locking member 120 to a closed position to electrically connect the one or more terminals 106 to the substantially planar cable 104 (block 314). Furthermore, when the second locking member 120 is in the closed position, movement of the one or more terminals 106 may be restricted in at least one direction. In another embodiment, method 300 may include providing one or more contact portions of the second locking member 120 and / or providing one or more bends 168 connected to one or more conductive surfaces of the one or more terminals 106 (block 316).

[0080] This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments:

[0081] 1. A connector for electrically connecting a substantially planar cable and one or more terminals, the connector comprising: a housing including a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to receive the substantially planar cable and the second end being adapted to receive the one or more terminals; a first locking member connected to the housing, the first locking member being movable from a preloaded position to a closed position configured to secure the substantially planar cable; and a second locking member connectable to the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar cable, wherein, in a connected position, the second locking member electrically connects the one or more terminals to the substantially planar cable.

[0082] 2. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first locking member includes a first contact portion configured to rotate into contact with an insulating portion of the substantially planar cable.

[0083] 3. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first contact portion connects the insulating portion of the substantially planar cable to the inner surface of the housing.

[0084] 4. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first contact portion crimps the insulating portion of the substantially planar cable to the housing via an edge portion.

[0085] 5. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second locking member includes one or more second contact portions adapted to contact one or more bent portions of the one or more terminals to electrically connect the one or more terminals to the substantially planar cable.

[0086] 6. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the one or more terminals include one or more conductive surfaces connected to the one or more bends, such that when the second locking member contacts the one or more bends, the one or more conductive surfaces are electrically connected to the conductive portion of the substantially planar cable.

[0087] 7. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second locking member is disposed in at least one of a first position and a second position; when the second locking member is in the first position, the one or more bent portions do not contact the one or more conductive surfaces.

[0088] 8. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein when the second locking member is in the second position, the one or more bent portions are electrically connected to the one or more conductive portions.

[0089] 9. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second locking member is connected to the housing via a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion; the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to engage at least partially with a first aperture and a second aperture of the housing when positioned in a first position to restrict movement of the second locking member in a direction away from the housing.

[0090] 10. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are protrusions configured to be at least partially disposed within the first aperture and the second aperture when the second locking member is in the first position; and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are disposed on opposite sides of the second locking member; and the first aperture and the second aperture are disposed on opposite sides of the housing.

[0091] 11. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the housing includes a third aperture and a fourth aperture; the third aperture and the fourth aperture are respectively vertically disposed adjacent to the first aperture and the second aperture; and when the second locking member is in the second position, the second locking member at least partially engages the third aperture and the fourth aperture.

[0092] 12. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein when the second locking member is in the first position and the second position, the movement of the second locking member in a direction away from the housing is restricted.

[0093] 13. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first position is a preloaded position, at which the movement of the one or more terminals is not restricted by the second locking member.

[0094] 14. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second position is a locked position in which movement of the one or more terminals and the second locking member is restricted in all directions.

[0095] 15. The connector assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the substantially planar cable is a flat flexible cable (FFC).

[0096] 16. A method of connecting a substantially planar cable to one or more terminals, comprising: providing a housing having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to receive the substantially planar cable and the second end being configured to receive the one or more terminals; providing a first locking member rotatably coupled to the housing; providing a second locking member coupled to the housing; wherein movement of the first locking member and the second locking member electrically connects the one or more terminals to the substantially planar cable.

[0097] 17. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes: inserting the substantially planar cable into the first end of the housing; and rotating the first locking member to restrict movement of the substantially planar cable.

[0098] 18. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes: inserting the one or more terminals into the second end of the housing when the second locking member is disposed in the first position.

[0099] 19. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further comprises: moving the second locking member to a second position to electrically connect the one or more terminals to the substantially planar cable; wherein when the second locking member is in the second position, movement of the one or more terminals is restricted in at least one direction.

[0100] 20. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes: providing one or more contact portions of the second locking member; providing one or more bent portions connected to one or more conductive surfaces of the one or more terminals; and moving the one or more bent portions via contacts from the second locking member such that the one or more conductive surfaces of the one or more terminals are in electrical contact with the substantially planar cable.

[0101] This document describes various examples / implementations for various apparatuses, systems, and / or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / implementations described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that these examples / implementations can be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / implementations described in this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the examples / implementations described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore it will be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0102] Throughout this specification, references to “example,” “in an example,” “in conjunction with an example,” “various embodiments,” “in conjunction with an embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “embodiment,” etc., mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an example / embodiment included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the appearance of the phrases “example,” “in an example,” “in conjunction with an example,” “in various embodiments,” “in conjunction with an embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “embodiment,” etc., in multiple places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Therefore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, without limitation, with features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples, provided that such combination is not illogical or ineffective. Moreover, numerous modifications may be made to adapt particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0103] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily limited in this way, but may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, up, down, left, right, to the left, to the right, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and do not create any limitation, particularly regarding the location, orientation, or use of the examples / embodiments.

[0104] References to combination (e.g., attachment, connection, link, etc.) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between connected elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, movable connection, operative connection, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Therefore, a reference to combination does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / linked and fixed to each other. Connections of electrical components (if any) may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of “e.g.” and “such as” in this specification should be interpreted broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to such examples. The use of “and” and “or” should be interpreted broadly (e.g., considered as “and / or”). For example and without limitation, the use of “and” does not necessarily require all listed elements or features, and the use of “or” is inclusive unless such a construction is illogical.

[0105] While this document may describe processes, systems, and methods in combination with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that these methods may be practiced by steps in different orders, by performing certain steps simultaneously, by adding additional steps, and / or by omitting certain steps described.

[0106] Everything contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative only and not restrictive. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from this disclosure.

[0107] It should be understood that the controllers, systems, and / or processors described herein may include conventional processing devices known in the art, capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in associated memory, all in accordance with the functions described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software may be stored in associated memory and may also be configured to perform these methods. Such systems or processors may also be of the type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, enabling the storage of any software and also allowing the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0108] It should be further understood that an article of manufacture according to this disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon for implementing the logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include code for performing one or more methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors (e.g., multiple processors) integrated into a single system or distributed across a communication network and connected together via the communication network, which may be wired and / or wireless. Code for implementing one or more features described in conjunction with one or more embodiments may cause multiple transistors to change from a first state to a second state when executed by a processor. Specific change patterns (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not change state) may be determined at least in part by logic and / or code.

Claims

1. A connector for electrically connecting a substantially planar electrical cable and one or more terminals, the connector comprising: a housing, the housing comprising: -- a first end adapted to receive the substantially planar electrical cable; -- a second end adapted to receive the one or more terminals; a first locking member connected to the housing, the first locking member being movable from a preloaded position to a closed position, the closed position being configured to secure the substantially planar electrical cable; a second locking member connectable to the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar electrical cable, wherein, in a connected position, the second locking member electrically connects the one or more terminals with the substantially planar electrical cable.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein, the first locking member comprises a first contact portion configured to rotate into contact with an insulating portion of the substantially planar electrical cable.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein, the first contact portion connects the insulating portion of the substantially planar electrical cable to an inner surface of the housing.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein, the first contact portion crimps the insulating portion of the substantially planar electrical cable with the housing via an edge portion.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein, the second locking member comprises one or more second contact portions adapted to contact one or more curved portions of the one or more terminals to electrically couple the one or more terminals with the substantially planar electrical cable.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein, the one or more terminals comprise one or more conductive surfaces connected to the one or more curved portions, such that when the second locking member contacts the one or more curved portions, the one or more conductive surfaces are electrically connected with a conductive portion of the substantially planar electrical cable.

7. The connector of claim 6, wherein, the second locking member is disposed in at least one of a first position and a second position; when the second locking member is in the first position, the one or more curved portions are not in contact with the one or more conductive surfaces.

8. The connector of claim 7, wherein, when the second locking member is in the second position, the one or more curved portions are electrically connected with the one or more conductive portions.

9. The connector of claim 5, wherein, the second locking member is connected to the housing via a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion; the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to at least partially engage with a first aperture and a second aperture of the housing when disposed in a first position to limit movement of the second locking member in a direction away from the housing.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are protrusions configured to at least partially be disposed within the first aperture and the second aperture when the second locking member is in the first position; and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are disposed on opposite sides of the second locking member; and the first aperture and the second aperture are disposed on opposite sides of the housing.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein, The housing includes a third aperture and a fourth aperture; the third aperture and the fourth aperture are disposed vertically adjacent to the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively; and the second locking member at least partially engages the third aperture and the fourth aperture when the second locking member is in a second position.

12. The connector of claim 11, wherein, Movement of the second locking member in a direction away from the housing is limited when the second locking member is in the first position and the second position.

13. The connector of claim 11, wherein, The first position is a pre-loaded position at which movement of the one or more terminals is not limited by the second locking member.

14. The connector of claim 13, wherein, The second position is a locked position at which movement of the one or more terminals and the second locking member in all directions is limited.

15. The connector of claim 1, wherein, The substantially planar cable is a flat flexible cable (FFC).

16. A method of coupling a substantially planar cable with one or more terminals, comprising: providing a housing having a first end configured to receive the substantially planar cable and a second end configured to receive the one or more terminals; providing a first locking member rotatably coupled to the housing; providing a second locking member coupled to the housing; wherein movement of the first locking member and the second locking member electrically connects the one or more terminals with the substantially planar cable.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: inserting the substantially planar cable into the first end of the housing; and rotating the first locking member to limit movement of the substantially planar cable.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: inserting the one or more terminals into the second end of the housing when the second locking member is disposed in a first position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: moving the second locking member to a second position to electrically connect the one or more terminals with the substantially planar cable; wherein movement of the one or more terminals is limited in at least one direction when the second locking member is in the second position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: providing one or more contact portions of the second locking member; providing one or more flex portions connected with one or more conductive surfaces of the one or more terminals; moving the one or more flex portions via contact from the second locking member such that the one or more conductive surfaces of the one or more terminals are in electrical contact with the substantially planar cable.

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