Insulation displacement connector

Abstract

An insulation displacement connector, IDC (100) is disclosed, comprising at least one piercing terminal (110) for piercing the insulation of a wire and making electrical contact with a respective insulated wire in a wire holder (200), and a closable housing (300). The closable housing comprises a cavity (150) for holding the wire holder (200) and the at least one piercing terminal (110), and an internal latching mechanism (310). The cavity (150) is configured for insertion of the wire holder (200) along an insertion direction (199).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a connector, and more particularly to an insulating displacement connector. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are typically designed to make electrical contact with insulated wires, which have a conductive core and an outer insulation layer. Insulated displacement connectors (IDCs), or insulated displacement contacts, can be used to make electrical connections quickly. IDCs make electrical contact by piercing the insulation layer and making electrical contact with the core in a single, rapid operation. IDCs can allow for the additional steps of insulation stripping, removal, and / or insulation treatment mentioned above before making electrical connections between the wires and terminals.

[0003] During the assembly of electrical devices and subsequent handling of connectors, a strong physical connection between components can benefit, which helps stabilize the electrical connection. A stable physical connection can also help reduce electrical noise, for example, when sensitive signals pass through the wire. Electrical connections between components are often susceptible to breakage from shocks and / or vibrations. Connectors that allow for robust electrical and physical connections between components are desirable.

[0004] This paper describes an Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC), specifically an IDC that allows for robust electrical and physical connections. The IDC described herein is suitable for use with wire pairs, such as those used for differential signal transmission, e.g., along twisted pairs. A stable electrical connection helps reduce electrical problems such as open circuits or short circuits. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document discloses an IDC (Insulated Connector) comprising: at least one piercing terminal for piercing wire insulation and making electrical contact with a corresponding insulated wire in a wire retainer; and a closable housing. The closable housing includes a cavity for retaining the wire retainer and the at least one piercing terminal. The IDC includes an internal latching mechanism. The cavity is configured for inserting the wire retainer along an insertion direction.

[0006] The invention described above can be further improved by adding one or more features described below, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be combined independently and / or in any desired manner with any other features described below.

[0007] A latching mechanism may extend within the cavity along the insertion direction. The latching mechanism may be configured to be inserted into a wire retainer within the cavity. The cavity may be configured to insert a wire retainer therein along the insertion direction.

[0008] The latching mechanism can be configured to pass through the wire retainer in the cavity; and the latching mechanism can be inserted into the wire retainer during the introduction of the wire retainer into the cavity.

[0009] The closable housing may include a cover and a base. The cover may latch to the base of the closable housing. A latching mechanism may latch the housing cover and / or latch the housing base to a line retainer.

[0010] The internal latching mechanism may include at least one arm. When the IDC is in a closed configuration, the arm may extend from the inner wall of the closable housing along the insertion direction. The at least one arm is configured to: pass through a wire retainer in the cavity; pass beside the at least one piercing terminal; or be inserted into a receptacle of the closable housing. For example, the arm passes through the wire retainer to reach the receptacle of the closable housing and passes beside the piercing terminal.

[0011] The at least one arm can be configured to pass through the wire retainer and latch to at least one of the following:

[0012] The outer surface of the wire retainer in the cavity; the closable housing; the inner surface of the closable housing; the other arm; or the surface of the cavity.

[0013] The at least one arm can be inserted into a receiving portion of a closable housing; and at least one of the following: the cover of the housing includes the receiving portion, the base of the housing includes the receiving portion, or the receiving portion is located on the surface of the cavity.

[0014] At least one arm may include a corresponding latching element at its respective end. The corresponding latching element may latch onto a wire retainer in the cavity, and / or latch together the base and cover of the closable housing.

[0015] The latching mechanism may include at least one second arm oriented in the insertion direction, the at least one second arm being configured to extend from the opposite inner wall of the closable housing into or through the wire retainer.

[0016] The at least one arm and the at least one second arm can be latched together.

[0017] The arm of the housing cover can latch to the base end of the opposite arm of the latch at the housing base. The arm can be configured to extend into / through the wire retainer. The arm can extend to the opposite wall of the cavity, for example from the housing base to the housing cover, for example along the insertion direction.

[0018] The latching mechanism may include opposing arms oriented along the insertion direction, the opposing arms being configured to extend from opposing inner walls of the closable housing into / through the wire retainer.

[0019] The arm may have hooks / openings for securing the closable housing in a closed state.

[0020] The latch of the housing cover can be configured to pass through a line retainer, such as its window.

[0021] In a closed configuration, the cover and base can be secured by a latching mechanism, which may be irreversible. This irreversible mechanism enhances stability.

[0022] In the closed configuration of the IDC, the arm of the latching mechanism can extend from the wall of the cavity toward the cover; and the wall from which the arm of the latching mechanism extends can be the inner wall of the base of the housing.

[0023] At least one piercing terminal of an IDC may include a piercing end extending along the insertion direction.

[0024] At least one piercing terminal of the IDC may include a blade, for example, at the boundary [bottom] of the cavity. The blade may extend parallel to the insertion axis. The blade may extend into the cavity. The blade may extend from the base of the housing.

[0025] The closable housing can be configured to hold the wire retainer therein.

[0026] The housing base can hold an insulating piercing terminal, such as a blade. The insulating piercing terminal can be configured for insertion into a wire retainer.

[0027] IDC may include line holders.

[0028] The wire retainer may include at least one hole for providing an inlet to the wire pair in the wire retainer. Alternatively / additionally, the wire retainer may include a wire retainer cover and / or a wire retainer base that includes a window.

[0029] The wire retainer may have a sloping side; the sloping side may be configured to contact the inner wall of the closable housing. The sloping side may contact the inner wall of the cavity to center the wire retainer within the housing.

[0030] A wire retainer may include a retainer base and a retainer cover. In the assembled state of the wire retainer, the retainer base and retainer cover may form at least one hole, for example, at the point where the retainer base and retainer cover engage. The hole may allow at least one wire to pass through it, for example, at a seam. The hole may clamp the wire. The hole may control the spacing between the wires. The opening may be circular. The opening may extend through a face of the wire retainer. The opening may include a curved boundary formed by the surface of at least one of the retainer base and retainer cover. Providing such an opening can help stabilize the position of the wire.

[0031] The retainer base and retainer cover can be configured to clamp the ends of a pair of wires. The wire retainer base and wire retainer cover can be reversibly attached. This reversibility may be convenient for the user.

[0032] The interior of the retainer base may include a pressing member for pressing the wire pair against the piercing terminals (e.g., blades) for insulated electrical contact between the wires of the wire pair; the pressing surface may be perpendicular to the insertion direction within the covered area of ​​the window. The pressing surface helps to form / retain electrical contact. When projected along the insertion direction, the pressing member may be positioned between the blades of the piercing terminals, the blades of the terminals being displaced relative to each other along the long axis of the wire.

[0033] IDC can include ridges between the piercing terminals in the cavity. This can improve insulation and / or mechanical stability.

[0034] This document discloses a wire retainer. The wire retainer may include at least one window. The at least one window may be configured to allow a latching mechanism of a closable housing to pass through it. The wire retainer may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of the closable housing along an insertion direction. The wire retainer may be configured to allow at least one piercing terminal held in the cavity to pierce the wire insulation and make electrical contact with a corresponding insulated wire held in the wire retainer when the wire retainer is inserted into the cavity.

[0035] A wire retainer may include a retainer base and a retainer cover. The retainer base and retainer cover may, for example, be reversibly latched together. At least one end of a wire may be retained in the wire retainer, for example, before and / or after the wire retainer is inserted into the cavity.

[0036] The wire retainer can be configured to be clamped by the base and cover of the IDC's closable housing. The wire retainer can be latched to the closable housing, for example, latched to at least one of the base or cover of the housing.

[0037] The wire retainer may be configured such that an internal latching mechanism of the IDC can be inserted through the wire retainer, for example, when the wire retainer is inserted into a cavity of the IDC. The wire retainer may be configured to allow the internal latching mechanism to pass through it. For example, the internal latching mechanism may pass through the wire retainer and latch to the outer surface of the wire retainer.

[0038] The wire retainer can be configured such that the latching mechanism can latch the base of the housing to the wire retainer.

[0039] The wire retainer may include at least one window through which, for example, a latching mechanism and / or its components may pass. For instance, when the wire retainer is located in a cavity, the arm of the latching mechanism may pass through the window of the wire retainer.

[0040] At least one window may be used for the latching mechanism and / or the piercing terminal to pass through. At least one window may allow at least one arm of the latching mechanism to pass through. For example, a first window may allow an arm from the cover of the housing and an arm from the base of the housing to pass through therethrough. A second window of the wire retainer may allow a second arm from the cover and a second arm from the base to pass through therethrough.

[0041] The window can accept the insertion of the corresponding arm along the insertion direction to stabilize the assembled IDC. The arm passing through the latching mechanism of the wire retainer 200 can stabilize the electrical connection between the conductive portion of the wire 160 and the piercing terminal.

[0042] Any one or more of the windows can be slots.

[0043] Wire retainers can be latched together to clamp wire, such as its respective ends. Wire retainers may include latching structures, such as those for latching multiple parts of the wire retainer (e.g., the base and cap of the wire retainer) together.

[0044] The wire retainer is configured to be inserted, for example, into a cavity of a closable housing of the IDC along an insertion direction. A window in the wire retainer may guide the insertion, for example, constraining the insertion along the insertion direction. The wire retainer may be configured such that an internal latching mechanism extends within the cavity along the insertion direction. The internal latching mechanism (e.g., an arm of a latching mechanism) may extend through the wire retainer and / or extend to be flush with the outer surface of the wire retainer.

[0045] The wire retainer may have at least one hole for allowing a corresponding wire to enter the wire retainer. Optionally, the wire retainer base and retainer cap may form the hole in the assembled state. The hole may be formed at a joint, for example, where the face of the wire retainer is formed by the base and cap, e.g., when joined. The hole can control the wire spacing. The hole may be circular and matched to the size of (one or more) wires. When assembled (e.g., latched together), the hole may be formed by a curved surface of at least one of the retainer base and retainer cap. The radius of curvature of the curved surfaces of the retainer base and / or cap may be designed to match the radius of curvature of the wire used for connection to the IDC.

[0046] The retainer, retainer base, or retainer cover may have a corresponding notch on at least one side to allow a corresponding wire to pass through, such as a first notch and a second notch for a first wire and a second wire. Alternatively / additionally, the notch may form a corresponding hole, for example, when the retainer base and the cover are assembled together.

[0047] A wire retainer, such as its wire retainer base, may include at least one pressing member for pressing the wire against a piercing terminal. The pressing member helps ensure electrical contact between the wire and the piercing terminal. The pressing member may extend from the inner wall of the wire retainer and / or the retainer base. During insertion of the wire retainer into the cavity, the pressing member may press the corresponding wire in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

[0048] The wire retainer may include a beveled contact surface configured to at least partially contact the inner wall of the housing and / or cavity. The bevel can facilitate guiding the wire retainer into the cavity.

[0049] A wire retainer can hold the end of the wire.

[0050] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail and by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and several embodiments, the different features of which can be combined with each other as needed based on the general description above. Furthermore, if the technical effect of a feature is not required in a particular application, that feature can be omitted from the following embodiments. Similarly, if its technical effect is not essential for a particular application, the aforementioned features that are not present in the embodiments described below can be added. Attached Figure Description

[0051] In the following text, the same reference numerals are used for at least one element that corresponds to each other in terms of structure and function.

[0052] Figure 1 An exploded view of an insulating displacement connector or IDC according to one embodiment is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 A closable housing of an IDC according to one embodiment is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 An IDC according to one embodiment is shown;

[0055] Figure 4 An IDC in a closed configuration according to one embodiment is shown;

[0056] Figure 5 An IDC according to one embodiment is shown;

[0057] Figure 6 A wire retainer according to one embodiment is shown;

[0058] Figure 7 A wire retainer or wire retainer base according to one embodiment is shown;

[0059] Figure 8 An IDC partially assembled according to one embodiment is shown;

[0060] Figure 9The assembled IDC is shown; and

[0061] Figure 10 A piercing terminal according to one embodiment is shown.

[0062] In the following description, IDC and its components according to several possible embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are not limited to those shown in the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 An exploded view is shown of an IDC according to one embodiment. The IDC 100 may include a piercing terminal 110 and a closable housing 300, for example, housing 300 including a base 320 and a cover 340. The piercing terminal 110, which may include one or more blades, may pierce wire insulation and make electrical contact with an insulated wire (e.g., a wire in a wire retainer 200). Housing 300 may include a cavity 150 for retaining the wire retainer 200 and the piercing terminal 110. The wire retainer 200 may be inserted into the cavity 150 along an insertion direction 199.

[0064] The wire retainer 200 may include a retainer base 220 and a retainer cover 240, such as Figure 1 As shown. The retainer base 220 and retainer cover 240 can be reversibly latched together, for example. The end of at least one wire can be held in the wire retainer 200, for example, before the wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150.

[0065] Figure 2 A closable housing for an IDC according to one embodiment is shown. As shown, housing 300 may include a base 320 and a cover 340. (The text here refers to...) Figure 2 The described housing 300 can be combined with any embodiment of the IDC 100 described herein.

[0066] The housing 300 may include an internal latching mechanism 310, for example, a latching mechanism 310 extending in the cavity 150 along the insertion direction 199. When the wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150, the internal latching mechanism 310 may be inserted into the wire retainer 200. The internal latching mechanism 310 may at least partially pass through the wire retainer 200. For example, the internal latching mechanism 310 may pass through the wire retainer 200 and latch to the outer surface of the wire retainer 200.

[0067] The closable housing 300 may include a cover 340 and a base 320, for example Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the closable housing 300 may include a latching mechanism 310 that latches the base 320 to the cover 340. The latching mechanism 310 may pass through the wire retainer 200. Alternatively / additionally, the latching mechanism 310 may latch the housing base 320 to the wire retainer 200.

[0068] The latching mechanism 310 may include at least one arm 350. Arm 350 may extend along the insertion direction 199. Arm 350 may include arms 351, 352, 361, 362, such as arm 351 extending along the insertion direction 199 from the inner wall 330 of the housing 300. Arm 351 may extend into the wire retainer 200, into the cavity 150, for example, in the closed configuration of IDC 100. When the housing 300 is closed, arm 351 may extend from the inner wall 330 toward the opposing inner wall 331 of the housing 300. Arm 351 may extend from the inner wall 330 and reach the opposing inner wall 331.

[0069] For example, arms 351 and 352 extend from the inner wall 330 of the cover 340 to the opposite inner wall 331 of the base 320. Arm 351 extending from the cover 340 to the base 320 can be attached to the base 320 by a latch.

[0070] The latching mechanism 310 may include complementary latching elements 355, for example, to form a slam latch. For example, arm 351 and / or second arm 352 may have latching elements 355a, such as a notch. Complementary latching elements 355b, such as a protrusion, may be present at opposing inner walls 330. The latching elements 355 may be in pairs, for example, for latching together components of housing 300 (e.g., base 320 and cover 340) and / or housing 300 and wire retainer 200.

[0071] A latching element 355b, complementary to latching element 355a (e.g., latching element 355a of arm 352), may be located at the root end of the opposing arm 361 (e.g., second opposing arm 361). The opposing arm 361 may extend from the opposing inner wall 331 of the housing 300, for example, the opposing arm 361 may extend from the base 320.

[0072] For example, the latching mechanism 300 may include complementary latching elements 355, such as at least one latching pair, such as latching teeth or protrusions 355b and complementary notches 355a latched together. At least one of the latching pairs may be on the arm 351, for example at the end of the arm 351.

[0073] The latching mechanism 310 may include opposing arms 361 oriented along the insertion direction 199. The opposing arms 361 may extend into / through the wire retainer 200. The opposing arms 361 may extend from opposing inner walls 331 toward inner walls 330 of the closable housing 300.

[0074] The arms 351, 352, 361, and 362 of the latching mechanism 310 may each have at least one latching element 355a or 355b, for example, at their ends. For example, the second arm 352 includes a latching element 355a at its end.

[0075] Alternatively / additionally, arms 351, 352, 361, 362 may be guides that facilitate proper placement of the wire retainer 200 within the cavity 150, and / or corresponding alignment of the base 320, the cap 340, and / or the wire retainer 200. For example, the cap 340 may include a receiving portion 370 for receiving the ends of the opposing arms 361, 362 of the base 320. The receiving portions 371, 372 may be slots that may be complementary in shape to the ends of the opposing arms 361, 362, for example, when the opposing arms 361, 362 are tabs. The opposing arms 361, 362 may pass through the wire retainer 200 within the cavity 150. When the housing 300 is closed, the ends of the opposing arms 361 and 362 can be fitted into the receiving parts 371 and 372, for example, such that the end faces of the opposing arms 361 and 362 are flush with the outer surface of the housing 300 (such as the top 335 of the cover 330).

[0076] The line holder 200 may include at least one window 270 (see Figure 1 The latching mechanism 310 and / or its components can pass through the window 270. For example, when the wire retainer 200 is in the cavity 150, the arms 361, 362 of the latching mechanism 310 (see...) Figure 2 () can pass through window 270 of line retainer 200.

[0077] Figure 3 An IDC according to one embodiment is shown. Regarding... Figure 3 The features of the IDC 100 described herein can be combined with any other embodiments of the IDC 100 described herein. The IDC 100 may include a closable housing 300, which includes a cavity 150 and a piercing terminal 110. The cavity 150 may hold the wire retainer 200 and the piercing terminal 110.

[0078] The wire retainer 200 can be inserted, for example, into a cavity 150 of a closable housing 300 of the IDC 100 along an insertion direction 199. An internal latching mechanism 310 of the housing 300 can latch onto the wire retainer 200. The internal latching mechanism 310 can extend in the cavity 150 along the insertion direction 199. The internal latching mechanism 310 (e.g., an arm 350 of the latching mechanism 310) can extend through the wire retainer 200 and / or extend to be flush with the outer surface of the wire retainer 200.

[0079] For example, arms 361, 362 of the internal latching mechanism 310 of the closable housing 300 can latch onto the wire retainer 200. The housing 300 of the IDC 100 can be closed by inserting the wire retainer 200 into the cavity 150; insertion may include latching the wire retainer 200 and the housing 300 together. The complementary latching elements 355 of the housing 300 and the wire retainer 200 can, for example, be reversibly latched together.

[0080] The wire retainer 200 may have at least one hole 250 for the wire to pass through. The wire retainer 200 may retain the end of a corresponding wire 160 (e.g., wire pair 161, 162). The wire retainer 200 may retain the wire 160 such that the longitudinal axis of the wire 160 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction 199.

[0081] The wire retainer 200 may have at least one window 270 through which the latching mechanism 310 passes. At least one window 270 may allow at least one arm 351, 352, 361, 362 extending from a closable housing 300 (e.g., its base 320 or cover 340) to pass through. For example, a first window 271 may allow arm 351 from cover 340 and arm 361 from base 320 to pass through therein. A second window 272 may allow a second arm 352 from cover 340 and a second arm 361 from base 320 to pass through therein. Windows 271, 272 may accept insertion of the respective arms 351, 361 along insertion direction 199, such as for stabilizing the assembled IDC 100. Arms 351, 361 passing through the latching mechanism 310 of the wire retainer 200 may stabilize the electrical connection between the conductive portion of the wire 160 and the piercing terminal 110.

[0082] Windows 271 and 272 can be slots.

[0083] Arms 351, 352, 361, and 362 may be tabs having a major axis and a minor axis perpendicular to the insertion direction 199. The tabs may be oriented along the insertion direction 199, for example, extending from an inner surface of the closable housing 300. The tabs or arms 351, 352, 361, and 362 may pass through corresponding slots in the wire retainer 200. Alternatively / additionally, the tabs may be inserted into complementary slots (which may be through-holes or blind holes) in the closable housing 300. The tabs may serve as guides. Arms 351, 352, 361, 362, and / or tabs may help stabilize the IDC 100, for example, when the IDC 100 is in a closed configuration and / or when the wire 160 is in electrical contact with the piercing terminal 110.

[0084] Figure 4 An IDC according to one embodiment is shown. The closable housing 300 may include a cover 340, such as... Figure 4As shown. The cover 340 can close the closable housing 300, for example by latching to the base 320 and / or the wire retainer 200. Figure 4 Explain the closed configuration of IDC100.

[0085] Figure 5 An IDC according to one embodiment is shown. The closable housing 300 of the IDC 100 can be closed by inserting the wire retainer 200. The wire retainer 200 can, for example, be detached from the housing 300. The wire retainer 200 can be reversibly inserted into a cavity 150 of the housing 300. An optional latch between the wire retainer 200 and the housing 300 can be released.

[0086] The wire retainer 200 may include a retainer base 220 and a retainer cap 240. A latching structure 210 may latch the base 220 and cap 240 together. The latching structure 210 of the wire retainer 200 may include at least one arm 211. Alternatively / additionally, the latching structure 210 of the wire retainer includes complementary latching elements 215, such as a protrusion 215a and a notch 215b. When latched together, the wire retainer 200 may retain (e.g., clamp) the wire. For example, the wire 160 may be retained by the wire retainer 200 when the wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150 and / or when the insulation of the wire 160 is pierced by the insulating piercing terminal 110. Alternatively / additionally, the wire retainer 200 may hold the wire 160 in the cavity 150 of the assembled IDC 100.

[0087] The closable housing 300 can be configured to secure the wire retainer 200 therein.

[0088] The internal latching mechanism 310 of the closable housing 300 described herein can work in conjunction with the latching structure 210 of the wire retainer 200 described herein, for example, to provide an IDC 100 that maintains a secure electrical connection even when exposed to shock or vibration.

[0089] Figure 6 A wire retainer according to one embodiment is shown. The wire retainer 200 may include at least one hole 250, such as two holes 251, 252, to allow at least one wire 160 (e.g., its respective end) to enter the wire retainer 200. The holes 250 may be circular, for example, such that each wire passes through the respective holes 251, 252. The holes 250 can be formed by assembling the wire retainer 200, which may include a retainer base 220 and a retainer cap 240.

[0090] The wire retainers 200 can be latched together to clamp the wire 160, for example, its respective ends. The wire retainer 200 may include a latching structure 210, which can... Figure 5 I saw it in the middle.

[0091] The retainer base 220 and retainer cap 240 may have at least one hole 250 formed in the assembled state for at least one wire 160 to pass through. The hole 250 may be formed at a joint, for example, at a location where the face of the wire retainer 200 is formed by the base 220 and cap 240. The hole 250 may control the spacing of the wires 160. The hole 250 may be circular and matched to the dimensions of the wires 160. When assembled (e.g., latched) together, the hole 250 may be formed by a curved surface of at least one of the retainer base 220 and retainer cap 240. The radius of curvature of the curved surfaces of the base 220 and / or cap 240 of the retainer 200 may be designed to match the radius of curvature of the wires 160 used for connection to the IDC 100.

[0092] Figure 7 A wire retainer or wire retainer base according to one embodiment is shown. At least one side of the retainer 200, retainer base 220, or retainer cover 240 may have a corresponding notch 255 to allow corresponding wires to pass through, such as a first notch 256 and a second notch 257 for a first wire 161 and a second wire 162. Alternatively / additionally, for example, when the retainer base 220 and cover 240 are assembled together, the notch 255 forms a corresponding hole 220.

[0093] The wire retainer 200, cover 240, and / or wire retainer base 220 may include at least one pressing member 280 for pressing the wire 160 against the piercing terminal 110. The pressing member 280 may help ensure electrical contact between the wire 160 and the piercing terminal 110. The pressing member 280 may extend from the inner wall of the wire retainer 200 and / or retainer base 220. The pressing member 280 may press the corresponding wire 160 in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (multiple axes), for example, during insertion of the wire retainer 200 into the cavity 150. The pressing member 280 may be on the side of the wire 160 opposite to the piercing terminal 110. When the wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150, the pressing member 280 may help pierce the insulation of the wire 160. Alternatively / additionally, the pressing member (2) 280 may help form / maintain electrical contact between the wire 160 and the piercing terminal 110. The pressing member 280 can press against the side of the wire 160 opposite to the piercing terminal 110. The pressing member 280 helps to maintain a firm electrical contact.

[0094] The pressing member 280 may have one or more concave surfaces, for example, to complement the cylindrical shape of the lines and / or to press against one or more corresponding lines 160. The radius of curvature of the curved surface may be designed to match the radius of curvature of the lines 160 intended to be connected to the IDC 100.

[0095] When the wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150, the piercing terminal 110 is used to pierce the wire insulation and make electrical contact with the insulated wire in the wire retainer 200. The wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150 along the insertion direction 199. Insertion can be completed when the wire retainer 200 latches onto the closable housing 300. A complementary latching element 355 can latch the wire retainer 200 onto the housing 300, for example, closing the closable housing 300. Alternatively / additionally, the closable housing 300 can be closed after the wire retainer 200 is inserted into the cavity 150 and the housing cover 340 is latched onto the housing base 320, for example, by means of the housing cover 340 and the housing base 320 and / or the complementary latching element 355 on the wire retainer 200.

[0096] The piercing terminal 110 may be located at the boundary of the cavity 150 and / or considered part of the cavity 150. When inserted into the cavity 150, the wire retainer 200 may allow the piercing terminal 110 to enter the wire retainer 200. The piercing terminal 110 may extend parallel to the insertion axis 199. For example, the piercing terminal 110 may be located at the bottom surface of the cavity 150 and / or extend from the base 320 of the closable housing 300. The piercing terminal 110 may include a blade that may be configured to cut the insulation of the wire 160 and make electrical contact with the internal metal wire. The closable housing 300 and / or its base 320 may retain the insulated piercing terminal 110. This increases stability and provides robust electrical contact even when the IDC 100 is exposed to shock and vibration.

[0097] The inclusion of a closable housing 300 in the IDC 100 can improve resistance to shock and vibration. Protection against shock and vibration can be further improved when the housing 300 includes a base 320 and a cover 340 that latch together, for example, by closing the wire retainer 200 within the cavity 150 of the housing 300. Alternatively / additionally, the wire retainer 200 for retaining the insulated piercing terminal 110 can improve stability; this stability can be further enhanced by using a pressing member 280, which stabilizes the wire 160 against the piercing terminal 110.

[0098] The piercing terminal 110 may be located between the arms 361, 362 of the latching mechanism 310. Arm 361 may help hold the piercing terminal 110 in place. Alternatively / additionally, corresponding ridges 380 may be present between the piercing terminals 110, such as... Figure 2 The ridge 380, marked in the middle, helps to retain the pierced terminal 110 and / or helps to prevent wire short circuits or electrical crosstalk.

[0099] Figure 8A partially assembled IDC according to one embodiment is shown. The wire retainer 200 may include angled sides and / or angled contact surfaces 291, 292, which at least partially contact the inner wall 330 of the housing 300 and / or cavity 150. The angled surfaces may facilitate guiding the wire retainer 200 into the cavity 150. The closable housing 300 may include complementary angled contact surfaces 391, 392. The complementary angled contact surfaces 391, 392 may contact angled contact surfaces 291, 292. The complementary angled contact surfaces 391, 392 enhance the stability of the IDC 100 and maintain a strong electrical connection even in environments exposed to vibration and shock.

[0100] Figure 9 An assembled IDC according to one embodiment is shown. The IDC 100 may optionally include a housing cover 340 latchable to a housing base 320, such as... Figure 9 As shown in the image.

[0101] An internal latching mechanism 310 may pass through the wire retainer 200; for example, the internal latching mechanism 310 may include arms 361, 362 that pass through the wire retainer 200 and latch to the outer surface 225 of the wire retainer 200. The outer surface 225 may be within a cavity 150 of the closable housing 300. Arms 361, 362 may be received in corresponding receiving portions 371, 372 of the housing cover 340. The receiving portions 371, 372 may be, for example, slots passing through the cover 340.

[0102] The internal latching mechanism 310 may include at least one arm 361, 362. Arms 361, 362 may: pass through the wire retainer 200 and latch to the outer surface 225 of the wire retainer 200 in the cavity 150; pass beside the piercing terminals 110a, 110b; be inserted into a receiving portion 370 of a closable housing 300, such as the receiving portion 371, 372 of the cover 340 of the housing 300; include a corresponding latching element 365a of a pair of complementary latching elements 365a, 365b, for example at the end of the arms 361, 362, for example for latching to the wire retainer 200. Arms 361 and 362 may alternatively / additionally include a latching element 355b in a pair of complementary latching elements 355a and 355b at opposite ends of arms 361 and 362, the opposite ends being closer to the inner wall 330 of the closable housing 300 from which arms 361 and 362 extend, for example for latching the base 320 and cover 340 of the closable housing 300 together; or any combination thereof. Additional latching elements 365a and 365b; 355a and 355b may help provide a stable connector, resistant to vibration or shock.

[0103] Alternatively / additionally, the internal latching mechanism 310 may include at least one arm 351, 352. Arms 351, 352 may pass through the wire retainer 200 and / or latch to the closable housing 300, for example, at the inner surface, at another arm 361, 362, and / or at the surface of the cavity 150. Alternatively / additionally, arms 351, 352 may pass beside the piercing terminals 110a, 110b; and / or arms 351 / 352 may be inserted into the receiving portions 396, 397 of the closable housing 300, for example, at the base 320 of the housing 300 and / or at the receiving portions 396, 397 at the surface of the cavity 150. Alternatively / additionally, arms 351, 352 may include a latching element 355a of a pair of complementary latching elements 355a, 355b at the ends of arms 351, 352, for example for latching to the base 320 of the closable housing 300 and / or latching to the other arm 361, 362.

[0104] Having more than one pair of complementary latching elements 355a, 355b in the latching mechanism 310 may be advantageous in order to increase security and protect the electrical connection from vibration and / or shock.

[0105] The internal latching mechanism 310 described herein may include at least one set (e.g., a pair) of complementary latching elements 355 located between (a) the closable housing 300 and the wire retainer 200; (b) the base 320 of the closable housing 300 and the wire retainer 200; and (c) the cover 340 of the closable housing 300 and the base 320 of the closable housing 300. Alternatively / additionally, the complementary latching elements 355a, 355b may be located between the cover 340 of the closable housing 300 and the base 320 of the closable housing 300 for latching the closable housing 300 into a closed configuration.

[0106] The various types of latches described herein are optional and can be used to adequately secure any combination of the wire retainer 200, the wire 160, and / or the closable housing 300.

[0107] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, complementary latch pairs 365a, 365b may exist, which latch the wire retainer 200 to the closable housing 300, such as its cover 340. The latching element 365a of the wire retainer 200 may be located at a surface of the wire retainer 200, such as the outer surface 225. The respective ends of the arms 361, 362 of the latching mechanism 310 may latch to a surface of the wire retainer 200, such as the outer surface 225. The arms 361, 362 may extend from the inner wall of the closable housing 300, the cavity 150, and / or the base 320 of the closable housing 300.

[0108] Alternatively / additionally, IDC 100 may include complementary latch pairs 355a, 355b that latch the cover 340 of the closable housing 300 to the base 320 of the closable housing 300. The latching element 355a of the cover 340 may be located at the respective ends of the arms 351, 352 of the latching mechanism 310. The arms 351, 352 may extend from the inner wall of the closable housing 300, for example, from the inner wall of the cover 340 of the closable housing 300.

[0109] The arms 350 of the latching mechanism 310 (e.g., arms 351, 352, 361, 362) may extend through the wire retainer 200, for example, in a closed configuration, e.g. Figure 9 The configuration shown. The wire retainer 200 may include at least one window 270 and / or passageway to allow the arm 350 and / or latching mechanism 310 to pass through. The arm 350 and / or latching mechanism 310 may extend along the insertion direction 199.

[0110] Alternatively / additionally, in the closed configuration of IDC 100, the arm 350 of the latching mechanism 310 may extend from the wall of cavity 150 toward the opposite wall. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, arms 361 and 362 may extend toward the wall of the cover 340 of the closable housing 300; arms 361 and 362 may extend from the inner wall of the base 320 of the closable housing 300. Alternatively / additionally, arms 351 and 352 may extend from the inner wall of the cover 340 toward the base 320 of the closable housing 300.

[0111] In the closed configuration, the cover 340 and base 320 of the housing 300 can be irreversibly latched together. This helps to provide stability.

[0112] As described above, in the closed configuration of the closable housing 300, the latching mechanism 310 can pass through the wire retainer 200. For example, when the IDC 100 is in the closed configuration, at least one arm 350 passes through the wire retainer 200 in the cavity 150. The wire retainer 200 may have at least one window that allows at least one arm 350 of the latching mechanism 310 to pass through the wire retainer 200. The same window or additional windows of the wire retainer 200 may allow the piercing terminal 110 to be inserted into the wire 160.

[0113] The piercing terminal 110 described herein can be held by the housing base 320. The piercing terminal 110 described herein can be inserted into the wire retainer 200.

[0114] Figure 10A piercing terminal according to an embodiment that can be combined with any of the embodiments described herein is illustrated. The piercing terminal 110 described herein may have a piercing end 1100 at a first end. The piercing terminal 110 may have a second end 1200, such as a non-piercing end. The piercing terminal 110 described herein may include blades 1101, 1102 for piercing an insulator and making electrical contact with a wire 160, particularly at the piercing end 1100.

[0115] For example, the piercing terminal 110 includes a pair of blades 1101 and a second pair of blades 1102 spaced apart. Between the blade pairs 1101 and 1102, there may be walls 1400 and 1402 of the piercing terminal 110. Wall 1400 may extend in a direction separating the blade pairs 1101 and 1102. Walls 1400 and 1402 may form channels 1500 for placing corresponding wires 160 therein, such that the corresponding wires 160 can be fitted into the channels 1500 and pierced by the blades 1101 and 1102 for electrical contact. The channels 1500 may be within a cavity 150 of the housing 300. The channels 1500 may be oriented to allow the longitudinal axis of the wires 160 to be retained therein. Alternatively / additionally, the channels 1500 may be oriented such that when the wire retainer 200 is in the cavity 150, the channels 1500 open toward the hole 250 of the wire retainer 200. When the wire holder 200 is held in the cavity 150, the wire 160 held by the wire holder 200 can be in the corresponding channel 1500.

[0116] The second end 1200 of the piercing terminal 110 may include a second terminal, such as a female or male terminal for further connecting the IDC 100 to other electrical components. The conductive intermediate member 1300 may electrically connect the first end 1100 and the second end 1200.

[0117] The IDC 100 described herein is specifically intended for use with wire pairs, for example, when connecting twisted-pair wire pairs to terminals. The stability of the IDC described herein can provide a tight noise margin, which can be suitable for signal transmission with low noise. Enhanced stability of the electrical contact provided between wires 161, 162 and piercing terminal 110, for example through the latching mechanism 310 passing through the wire retainer 200, can reduce sensitivity to electrical noise due to vibration and / or provide a robust electrical connection resistant to shock and vibration. For example, the arm 350 of the latching mechanism can pass through the cavity 150 and / or the wire retainer 200 beside the piercing terminal 110 and provide enhanced mechanical stability. The arm 350 can cooperate with complementary openings, such as the window 270 of the wire retainer 200 and / or the receiver 370 of the closable housing 300, for example by passing through them. The window 270 and the receiver 370 can stabilize the position of the arm 350. The window 270 and / or the receiver 370 can be used to guide the position of one or more arms 350.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 340 of the closable housing 300 may include a first receiving portion 371 and a second receiving portion 372 for receiving corresponding ends of arms 361, 362. The receiving portion 370 may be a slot or recess, and may be a complementary shape to the ends of the arms 361, 362 received therein. For example, arm 351 may be a tab, and the complementary receiving portion 370 of the housing 300 may be a slot.

[0119] In this document, "housing" may be used interchangeably with "closable housing". In this document, "internal latching mechanism" can refer to a latching mechanism extending within a cavity of the IDC, such as a cavity where a line retainer can be housed, like a cavity within the housing. In this document, "internal latching mechanism" and "latch mechanism" may be used interchangeably.

[0120] In this article, the first end of the piercing terminal may be referred to as the piercing end. In this article, the wire may be an insulated wire.

[0121] In this document, the relative inner walls of the housing can be opposite each other. The cavity for retaining the wire retainer (of the closable housing) can be between the inner wall and the relative inner wall.

[0122] In this document, the arm can be a tab. The tab can extend along an extension direction parallel to the insertion direction. Perpendicular to the extension direction of the tab can be a major axis and a minor axis, for example, such that the tab has a rectangular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the extension / insertion direction.

[0123] In this document, for example, the term "sloping side" for a wire retainer may be used interchangeably with "sloping contact surface".

[0124] In this document, singular terms are used to indicate one or more. For example, "arm" refers to one or more arms. In this document, a slash can indicate "and / or". "And / or" means "and" or "or". For example, "x / y" means "x only", "y only", or "x and y".

[0125] Figure Labels

[0126] IDC 100

[0127] Piercing terminals 110, 110a, 110b

[0128] cavity 150

[0129] Line 160

[0130] Line 1 161

[0131] Line 2 162

[0132] Insertion direction 199

[0133] Wire retainer 200

[0134] latching structure 210 of wire retainer

[0135] Arm 211 of the latch structure of the wire retainer

[0136] Complementary latching elements (latch pair) of wire retainers 215

[0137] - The latching element (e.g., a protrusion) of the wire retainer 215a

[0138] - The latching element of the wire retainer, such as notch 215b

[0139] Retainer base 220

[0140] 225 outer surface of the wire retainer

[0141] Retainer cover 240

[0142] Holes 250, 251, 252 for wires

[0143] Notches 256, 257, 258 for wire holes in wire retainers

[0144] Window 270 of the wire retainer

[0145] First Window 271

[0146] Second window 272

[0147] Pressing components 280, 281, 282

[0148] Inclined contact surface 291

[0149] Inclined contact surface 292

[0150] 300 retractable housing

[0151] Latch mechanism 310

[0152] Base of the shell 320

[0153] The inner wall of the shell is 330.

[0154] Relative inner wall 331

[0155] Top of the lid 335

[0156] 340 of the casing

[0157] At least one arm 350 of the latching mechanism

[0158] Arm 351 of the latching mechanism

[0159] Second arm 352

[0160] Complementary latching elements (latch pairs) 355

[0161] Latch element, such as notch 355a

[0162] Latch element, such as protrusion 355b

[0163] relative arm 361

[0164] Second opposite arm 362

[0165] A latching element for latching a wire retainer to a closable housing (e.g., its cover) 365a

[0166] Latch element 365b for a closable housing (e.g., a cover) of a wire retainer

[0167] Receiving section (slot) 370

[0168] The receiving part of the cover 371, 372

[0169] Base receiving section 396, 397

[0170] Spine 380

[0171] Complementary tilted contact surfaces 391

[0172] Complementary tilted contact surfaces 392

[0173] 1100 puncture end

[0174] Second end 1200

[0175] Blade 1101, 1102

[0176] Wall 1400,1402

[0177] Conductive intermediate component 1300

[0178] Channel 1500

Claims

1. An insulated displacement connector IDC (100), comprising: At least one piercing terminal (110) is used to pierce the wire insulation and make electrical contact with the corresponding insulated wire (160) in the wire retainer (200); and A closable housing (300) comprising: Cavity (150) for holding the wire retainer (200) and the at least one piercing terminal (110), and Internal latching mechanism (310); wherein The cavity (150) is configured to insert the wire retainer (200) along the insertion direction (199).

2. The IDC (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The latching mechanism (310) extends in the cavity (150) along the insertion direction (199).

3. The IDC (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The closable housing (300) includes: Cover (340) and base (320); wherein The cover (340) is configured to latch onto the base (320) of the closable housing (300).

4. The IDC according to claim 3, wherein, The internal latching mechanism (310) is configured for at least one of the following: The housing cover (340) is latched to the housing base (320); The housing base (320) is latched to the wire retainer (200).

5. The IDC (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The internal latching mechanism (310) includes at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362), wherein, When in the closed configuration, at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362) extends from the inner wall (330) of the closable housing (300) along the insertion direction (199); and The at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362) is at least one of the following: A wire retainer (200) configured to pass through the cavity (150); It is configured to pass by at least one of the piercing terminals (110a, 110b); It can be inserted into the receiving part (391, 392) of the closable housing (300).

6. The IDC (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362) is configured to pass through the wire retainer (200) and latch to at least one of the following: The outer surface (225) of the wire retainer (200) in the cavity (150); The closable housing (300); The inner surface of the closable housing (300); The other arm (361, 362); or The surface of the cavity (150).

7. The IDC (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362) is insertable into the receiving portion (391, 392, 396, 397) of the closable housing (300); and at least one of the following: The cover (340) of the housing includes the receiving portion (391, 392). The base (320) of the housing includes the receiving portion (396, 397), or The receiving parts (391, 392, 396, 397) are located on the surface of the cavity (150).

8. The IDC (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The respective ends of the at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362) include: The corresponding latching elements (355a, 355b, 365a, 365b); and therein The corresponding latching elements (355a, 355b, 365a, 365b) are configured for at least one of the following: A wire retainer (200) latched into the cavity (150); or The base (320) of the closable housing (300) and the cover (340) are latched together.

9. The IDC (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The latching mechanism (310) includes: At least one second arm (351, 352, 361, 362) oriented along the insertion direction (199), the at least one second arm (351, 352, 361, 362) being configured to extend from the opposing inner walls (330, 331) of the closable housing (300) into or through the wire retainer (200).

10. The IDC (100) according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one arm (351, 352, 361, 362) and the at least one second arm (351, 352, 361, 362) are configured to be latched together.

11. The IDC according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The at least one piercing terminal (110) includes a piercing end (1100) extending along the insertion direction (199).

12. The IDC (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: The wire retainer (200) includes: At least one window (270) is provided for the at least one piercing terminal (110) to access a corresponding insulated wire (160) in the wire retainer (200); wherein optionally The wire retainer (200) includes a pressing member (280) for pressing a corresponding insulating wire (160) against at least one piercing terminal (110) for electrically contacting the at least one piercing terminal (110) with the corresponding insulating wire (160) through the insulation of the corresponding insulating wire (160).

13. The IDC (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The wire retainer (200) has inclined sides (291, 292); the inclined sides are configured to contact the inner wall (391, 392) of the closable housing (300).

14. The IDC according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The wire retainer (200) includes a retainer base (220) and a retainer cap (240); and In the assembled state (300) of the wire retainer (200), The retainer base (220) and the retainer cover (240) form at least one hole (250), wherein the retainer base (220) and the retainer cover (240) engage at the at least one hole.

15. A wire retainer (200), comprising: At least one window (270); wherein the at least one window (270) is configured to allow a latching mechanism (310) of a closable housing (300) to pass through it; wherein The wire retainer (200) is configured to be inserted into the cavity (150) of the closable housing (300) along the insertion direction (199); The wire retainer (200) is configured such that when the wire retainer (200) is inserted into the cavity (150), at least one piercing terminal (110) held in the cavity (150) pierces the wire insulation and makes electrical contact with a corresponding insulated wire (160) held in the wire retainer (200).

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