Connector

Abstract

A connector includes a body portion and a flexible locking arm extending from the body portion. The flexible locking arm includes a stop surface configured to engage a portion of the second connector and releasably secure the second connector to the first connector.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Indian Application No. 202441072747 filed on September 26, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a connector, and more particularly, to a connector assembly including the same. BACKGROUND

[0004] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on wires and electrical connections to facilitate communication between various electronic components within the vehicle. Connection systems (e.g., connectors and terminals) play an important role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections, as well as the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Some connector assemblies use a connector body having separate and / or external features and / or components (e.g., terminals and / or blade stabilizers) for securing the position of the terminals within the connector. Conventionally, the connector assemblies do not include an option to remove the stabilizer from the assembly without deflecting a pre- held lock using an external tool. This makes it difficult to service a connector assembly that includes a blade (e.g., male blade) stabilizer. Accordingly, there remains a need for continued improvements in the relevant art to address challenges related to robust assembly of connector assemblies.

[0005] The background technique provided herein is for the purpose of presenting the background of the disclosure. The work of the presently identified inventors in the field of the present disclosure, as described in the background section, as well as the specification as a whole, neither explicitly nor impliedly admits that the presently identified inventors’ work is prior art. SUMMARY

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the application, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0007] A connector includes a body portion and a flexible locking arm extending from the body portion. The flexible locking arm includes a stop surface configured to engage a portion of a second connector and releasably secure the second connector to the first connector.

[0008] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an example connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the connector assembly of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration with portions of the connector assembly hidden for clarity.

[0012] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an example connector of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 3 the connector taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3 .

[0014] Figure 5 is an isometric view of another example connector of a connector assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 is a top view of Figure 5 another connector.

[0016] Figure 7 is a front view of the connector assembly of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration.

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Figure 2 in a ready position taken along line 8-8 of Figure 2 with portions of the connector assembly removed for clarity.

[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of Figure 2 in an operating position taken along line 9-9 of Figure 2 with portions of the connector assembly removed for clarity.

[0019] In the drawings, reference numbers can be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In various embodiments, the blade stabilizer device includes features that facilitate removal of the blade stabilizer (e.g., male blade stabilizer "MBS") from the male connector assembly without the use of any specialized tools. The blade stabilizer and the locking arm disposed on the associated connector (e.g., male inner connector) have features for engaging and disengaging. During insertion of the blade stabilizer into the associated connector, the features on the blade stabilizer engage the locking arm on the connector. The features on the blade stabilizer release the arm and allow the blade stabilizer to be inserted. Then, a stop limits the movement of the blade stabilizer into the connector assembly. In this position, the locking arm closes behind the release features on the blade stabilizer and the blade stabilizer is retained in the connector assembly.

[0021] In various embodiments, during connection of the connector to a corresponding other connector (e.g., female connector), features on the other connector release the locking arm and allow the blade stabilizer to move to a final working position of the male connector assembly. During disengagement of the connector from the other connector, features on the other connector (e.g., female inner connector) pull the blade stabilizer back to a ready position. Features on the connector (e.g., male inner connector) and features on the blade stabilizer (e.g., tear drop features) limit the movement of the blade stabilizer to the ready position and retain the blade stabilizer in the connector assembly (e.g., male connector assembly). To remove the blade stabilizer from the connector assembly, a tool can be inserted between the locking arms on either side of the connector, deflect the locking arms, and allow the blade stabilizer to be removed from the male connector assembly.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 , 2 and 7, an example connector assembly 10 is shown. As will be explained in greater detail below, the connector assembly 10 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to facilitate electrical transmission between various electronic components within the vehicle. For example, the connector assembly 10 can be a male connector that is removably coupled to a mating connector (e.g., a female connector not shown) such that electricity is transmitted between the connector assemblies and to various electronic components within the vehicle during operation of the vehicle.

[0023] In various embodiments, the connector assembly 10 includes a housing 12, a first connector 14, and a second connector 16, among others. The housing 12 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. In various embodiments, the housing 12 includes a plurality of walls 18 that define a cavity 20, a first opening 22-1, and a second opening 22-2. The cavity 20 can be in communication with the first opening 22-1 and the second opening 22-2. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first connector 14, the second connector 16, and / or a plurality of terminal assemblies (not shown) are removably disposed in the cavity 20.

[0024] Reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 An example first connector 14 (e.g., a male inner connector, etc.) is shown. The first connector 14 can be removably coupled to the housing 12 and / or the second connector 16. The first connector 14 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. In various embodiments, the first connector 14 includes a body portion 30, a first flexible locking arm 32-1, a second flexible locking arm 32-2, a third flexible locking arm 32-3, and a fourth flexible locking arm 32-4, among others. In various embodiments, the locking arms 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 extend from the body portion 30.

[0025] In some example configurations, the body portion 30 includes a first side 34-1, a second side 34-2 opposite the first side 34-1, a third side 34-3 extending between the first side 34-1 and the second side 34-2, and a fourth side 34-4 opposite the third side 34-3. The first locking arm 32-1 and the second locking arm 32-2 can extend from the first side 34-1, the third locking arm 32-3 and the fourth locking arm 32-4 can extend from the second side 34-2. The second locking arm 32-2 can be disposed adjacent to the first locking arm 32-1, and the fourth locking arm 32-4 can be disposed adjacent to the third locking arm 32-3. Although the first connector 14 is generally depicted and described herein as including four flexible arms 32, within the scope of the present disclosure, the first connector 14 can include more or less than four flexible arms 32.

[0026] In various embodiments, the body portion 30 includes a first guide portion 36-1, a second guide portion 36-2, a third guide portion 36-3, and a fourth guide portion 36-4. The first guide portion 36-1 can be disposed adjacent to the first side 34-1 and the third side 34-3. The second guide portion 36-2 can be disposed adjacent to the first side 34-1 and the fourth side 34-4. The third guide portion 36-3 can be disposed adjacent to the second side 34-2 and the third side 34-3. The fourth guide portion 36-4 can be disposed adjacent to the second side 34-2 and the fourth side 34-4.

[0027] In various embodiments, the guide portions 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4 align the second connector 16 with the first connector 14 during assembly of the connector assembly 10. In various embodiments, the guide portions 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4 do not include locking features. Although the body portion 30 is generally depicted and described herein as including four guide portions 36, within the scope of the present disclosure, the body portion 30 can include more or less than four guide portions 36.

[0028] In various embodiments, each locking arm 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 includes a stop surface 40 and a working surface 42. The stop surface 40 can be disposed proximate a terminal end 44 of the locking arm. The working surface 42 can be disposed proximate the terminal end 44. The working surface 42 can be disposed between the stop surface 40 and the terminal end 44.

[0029] In various embodiments, each locking arm 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 includes an inner side 46-1 and an outer side 46-2 opposite the inner side 46-2. The stop surface 40 can be disposed on the inner side 46-1. As will be explained in further detail below, the stop surface 40 engages a portion of the second connector 16 to releasably secure the second connector 6 to the first connector 14 (see, e.g., Figure 9 ). The working surface 42 secures the first connector 14 in a ready position relative to the second connector 16 (see, e.g., Figure 8 ).

[0030] In various embodiments, the body portion 30 defines a plurality of first channels 50. At least one channel 50 can receive at least a portion of a terminal assembly (not shown).

[0031] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , an example second connector 16 (e.g., a male blade stabilizer, etc.) is shown. The second connector 16 can be removably coupled to the housing 12 and / or the first connector 14. The second connector 16 can include one or more of various shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or materials. In various embodiments, the second connector 16 includes a body 60 having a first side 62-1 and a second side 62-2 opposite the first side 62-1. The body 60 can include a first inner surface 64-1 and a second inner surface 64-2. The first inner surface 64-1 can define a first aperture 66-1 and the second inner surface 64-2 can define a second aperture 66-2. The first aperture 66-1 can be disposed proximate the first side 62-1 and the second aperture 66-2 can be disposed proximate the second side 62-2. The first aperture 66-1 can receive the first locking arm 32-1 and the second locking arm 32-2 and the second aperture 66-2 can receive the third locking arm 32-3 and the fourth locking arm 32-4.

[0032] In various embodiments, the body 60 defines a plurality of second channels 68. At least one channel 68 can receive at least a portion of a terminal assembly (not shown).

[0033] In various implementations, the body 60 defines a first protrusion 70-1, a second protrusion 70-2, a first protruding portion 72-1, and a second protruding portion 72-2. The first protrusion 70-1 and the first protruding portion 72-1 can extend from the first inner surface 64-1. The second protrusion 70-2 and the second protruding portion 72-2 can extend from the second inner surface 64-2. The first protrusion 70-1 and the first protruding portion 72-1 can be disposed within the first aperture 66-1. The first protruding portion 72-1 can be disposed opposite the first protrusion 70-1. The second protrusion 70-2 and the second protruding portion 72-2 can be disposed within the second aperture 66-2. The second protruding portion 72-2 can be disposed opposite the second protrusion 70-2.

[0034] In some example configurations, each of the first protrusion 70-1 and the second protrusion 70-2 includes a first portion 80-1 and a second portion 80-2 (see, e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 ). In various implementations, the second connector 16 includes a first extension 82-1, a second extension 82-2, a third extension 82-3, and a fourth extension 82-4 extending from the body 60. Each extension 82-1, 82-2, 82-3, 82-4 engages a corresponding guide portion 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4 of the first connector 14 to align the second connector 16 to the first connector 14 during assembly of the connector assembly 10 (see, e.g., Figure 2 ).

[0035] Referring now to Figure 2 , in various implementations, during assembly (e.g., assembly by a user, machine, tool, robot, etc.) of the connector assembly 10, the first connector 14 and the second connector 16 are inserted into and moved within the cavity 20. The first connector 14 and the second connector 14, 16 can be moved within the cavity 20 in a first direction 84 (e.g., an X-direction). As will be explained in additional detail below, the first connector 14 and / or the second connector 16 can be moved to a preparatory position 90. Subsequently, the first connector 14 and / or the second connector 16 can be moved to a working position 92 (e.g., a final position).

[0036] Referring to Figure 8connector assembly 10 is shown in the ready position 90. In the ready position 90, each locking arm 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 of the first connector 14 can engage the protrusion 70-1, 70-2 of the second connector 14 to limit movement of the first connector 14 relative to the second connector 16 in a second direction 94 opposite the first direction 84. In various embodiments, the working surface 42 of the locking arm 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 engages the protrusion 70-1, 70-2. In some example configurations, the working surface 42 of a locking arm (e.g., the first locking arm 32-1) engages the first portion 80-1 of the protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion 70-1), and the working surface 42 of an additional locking arm (e.g., the second locking arm 32-2) engages the second portion 80-2 of the protrusion.

[0037] When in the ready position, the connector assembly 10 can be connected to a mating connector. During connection to the mating connector, the mating connector can engage the second connector 16 and move (e.g., move in the first direction 84) the second connector 15 such that the connector assembly 10 is in the working position.

[0038] Referring to Figure 9 connector assembly 10 is shown in the ready position 90. In the ready position 90, each locking arm 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 of the first connector 14 can engage the protrusion 70-1, 70-2 of the second connector 14 to limit movement of the first connector 14 relative to the second connector 16 in a second direction 94 opposite the first direction 84. In various embodiments, the working surface 42 of the locking arm 32-1, 32-2, 32-3, 32-4 engages the protrusion 70-1, 70-2. In some example configurations, the working surface 42 of a locking arm (e.g., the first locking arm 32-1) engages the first portion 80-1 of the protrusion (e.g., the first protrusion 70-1), and the working surface 42 of an additional locking arm (e.g., the second locking arm 32-2) engages the second portion 80-2 of the protrusion.

[0039] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. In the written description and claims, one or more steps or functions can be performed in different orders (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the disclosure. Similarly, the permutations of one or more instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium can be performed in different orders (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, the numbering or other labels assigned to the steps or other elements of the methods are for convenience and do not limit the steps or elements to a particular arrangement. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0040] Furthermore, although each of the embodiments above is described as having certain features, any one or more of these features described with respect to any of the embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented and / or combined with the features of any of the other embodiments, even if that combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more embodiments to each other remain within the scope of the disclosure.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" can be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their occurrence in the particular order

[0042] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (for example, between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "near," "close," "on," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as being directly connected or engaged, relationships between elements described in the above disclosure are to be interpreted as including intermediate elements unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (for example, "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "immediately adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] The term "group" does not necessarily exclude empty groups - in other words, in some cases, a "group" can have zero elements. The term "non-empty group" can be used to denote exclusion of empty groups - in other words, a non-empty group will always have one or more elements. The term "subgroup" does not necessarily require proper subgroups. In other words, a "subgroup" of a first group can be of equal scope as (equal to) the first group. Furthermore, the term "subgroup" does not necessarily exclude empty groups - in some cases, a "subgroup" can have zero elements.

[0044] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. The elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. The terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example constructions.

[0045] The phrase "at least one of A, B and C" should be interpreted as meaning logical "A or B or C" using non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted as meaning "at least one of A and at least one of B and at least one of C". The phrase "at least one of A, B or C" should be interpreted as meaning logical "A or B or C" using non-exclusive logical OR.

[0046] Certain embodiments of the present application are described by the following technical solutions.

[0047] Technical Solution 1: A first connector comprising: a body portion; and a flexible locking arm extending from the body portion, the flexible locking arm including a stop surface configured to engage a portion of a second connector and releasably secure the second connector to the first connector.

[0048] Technical Solution 2: An electrical connector assembly comprising: the first connector of Technical Solution 1; a second connector; and a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the first connector and the second connector, wherein the locking arm is configured to (i) limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in a first direction, and (ii) limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0049] Technical Solution 3: The electrical connector assembly of Technical Solution 2, wherein the stop surface is configured to engage the second connector to limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in the first direction, and wherein the locking arm includes a working surface disposed between the stop surface and a terminal end of the locking arm, the working surface configured to limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in the second direction.

[0050] Technical Solution 4: The electrical connector assembly of Technical Solution 2 or Technical Solution 3, wherein the second connector includes a body having an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface defines an aperture configured to receive the flexible locking arm.

[0051] Technical Solution 5: The electrical connector assembly of Technical Solution 4, wherein the second connector includes a protrusion extending from the inner surface, and wherein the protrusion is disposed within the aperture.

[0052] Technical Solution 6: The electrical connector assembly of Technical Solution 5, wherein the locking arm includes a working surface configured to engage the protrusion when the first connector is in a ready position.

[0053] Technical Solution 7: The electrical connector assembly of Technical Solution 5 or Technical Solution 6, wherein the stop surface engages the protrusion when the first connector is in an operational position.

[0054] Technical Solution 8: The electrical connector assembly of any of Technical Solutions 5-7, wherein: the first connector includes an additional flexible locking arm disposed adjacent to the flexible locking arm, the protrusion includes a first portion and a second portion, and the flexible locking arm is configured to engage the first portion, the additional flexible locking arm is configured to engage the second portion.

[0055] Technical Solution 9: The electrical connector assembly of any of Technical Solutions 5-8, wherein the second connector includes a protrusion disposed within the aperture opposite the protrusion.

[0056] Technical Solution 10: The electrical connector assembly of Technical Solution 9, wherein, in the working position, the working surface of the first connector engages the protrusion and the stop surface engages the protrusion.

[0057] Technical Solution 11 : The electrical connector assembly of any one of Technical Solutions 4-10, wherein the body of the second connector includes an additional inner surface, and wherein the additional inner surface defines an additional aperture configured to receive an additional flexible locking arm of the first connector.

[0058] Technical Solution 12: The electrical connector assembly of any one of Technical Solutions 2-11, wherein the second connector includes an extension extending from the body portion, and wherein the extension engages the guide portion of the first connector to align the second connector with the first connector.

[0059] Technical Solution 13: The first connector of any one of Technical Solutions 1-12, wherein the stop surface is disposed proximate a terminal end of the locking arm.

[0060] Technical Solution 14: The first connector of any one of Technical Solutions 1-13, wherein the locking arm includes a working surface disposed proximate a terminal end of the locking arm, the working surface configured to secure the first connector in the ready position relative to the second connector.

[0061] Technical Solution 15: The first connector of Technical Solution 14, wherein the working surface is disposed between the stop surface and the terminal end.

[0062] Technical Solution 16: The first connector of any one of Technical Solutions 1-15, wherein: the locking arm includes an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side, and the stop surface is disposed on the inner side.

[0063] Technical Solution 17: The first connector of any one of Technical Solutions 1-16, further comprising an additional flexible locking arm extending from the body portion and disposed proximate the flexible locking arm.

[0064] Technical Solution 18: The first connector of Technical Solution 17, wherein the additional flexible locking arm includes an additional stop surface configured to engage an additional portion of the second connector.

[0065] Technical Solution 19: The first connector of any one of Technical Solutions 1-18, further comprising an additional flexible locking arm extending from the body portion, wherein the body portion includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and wherein the flexible locking arm extends from the first side and the additional flexible locking arm extends from the second side.

[0066] Technical solution 20: The first connector according to any one of the technical solutions 1 to 19, wherein the body portion comprises a guide portion configured to align the first connector with the second connector, and wherein the guide portion does not comprise a locking feature.

Claims

1. A first connector comprising: a body portion; and a flexible locking arm extending from the body portion, the flexible locking arm including a stop surface configured to engage a portion of a second connector and releasably secure the second connector to the first connector.

2. An electrical connector assembly comprising: a first connector according to claim 1 ; a second connector; and a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the first connector and the second connector, wherein the locking arm is configured to (i) limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in a first direction and (ii) limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in a second direction opposite the first direction. the stop surface is configured to engage the second connector to limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in the first direction, wherein the locking arm includes a working surface disposed between the stop surface and a terminal end of the locking arm, the working surface configured to limit movement of the first connector relative to the second connector in the second direction. the second connector includes a body having an inner surface, wherein the inner surface defines an aperture configured to receive the flexible locking arm.

3. The electrical connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, the second connector includes a protrusion extending from the inner surface, wherein the protrusion is disposed within the aperture.

4. The electrical connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, the locking arm includes a working surface configured to engage the protrusion when the first connector is in a ready position.

5. The electrical connector assembly of claim 4, wherein, the stop surface engages the protrusion when the first connector is in an operational position.

6. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, 8. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5, wherein:

7. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, the first connector includes an additional flexible locking arm disposed adjacent the flexible locking arm, the protrusion includes a first portion and a second portion, and the flexible locking arm is configured to engage the first portion and the additional flexible locking arm is configured to engage the second portion. the second connector includes a protrusion disposed within the aperture opposite the protrusion. in an operational position, the working surface of the first connector engages the protrusion and the stop surface engages the protrusion.

9. The electrical connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, the body of the second connector includes an additional inner surface, wherein the additional inner surface defines an additional aperture configured to receive an additional flexible locking arm of the first connector.

10. The electrical connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, the second connector includes an extension extending from the body portion, wherein the extension engages a guide portion of the first connector to align the second connector with the first connector.

11. The electrical connector assembly of claim 4, wherein, the stop surface is disposed proximate a terminal end of the locking arm.

12. The electrical connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, the locking arm includes a working surface disposed proximate the terminal end of the locking arm, the working surface configured to secure the first connector in a ready position relative to the second connector.

13. The first connector of claim 1, wherein, the working surface is disposed between the stop surface and the terminal end.

14. The first connector of claim 1, wherein, 16. The first connector of claim 1, wherein:

15. The first connector of claim 14, wherein, ​ ​ The locking arm includes an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side; and The stop surface is disposed on the inner side.

17. The first connector of claim 1, wherein, An additional flexible locking arm is also included, the additional flexible locking arm extending from the body portion and disposed proximate the flexible locking arm.

18. The first connector of claim 17, wherein, The additional flexible locking arm includes an additional stop surface configured to engage an additional portion of the second connector.

19. The first connector of claim 1, wherein, An additional flexible locking arm is also included, the additional flexible locking arm extending from the body portion, wherein the body portion includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and wherein the flexible locking arm extends from the first side and the additional flexible locking arm extends from the second side.

20. The first connector of claim 1, characterized in that The body portion includes a guide portion configured to align the first connector with the second connector, and wherein the guide portion does not include a locking feature.

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