Connector arrangement

Abstract

Connector arrangement (10) comprising: a plug receptacle (20) with outer walls (22), wherein the outer walls define a cavity (24), one of the outer walls having a window (26), and with a plurality of electrical contact pins extending into the cavity; a plug (30) with walls (32), wherein the walls form a plurality of contact receptacles (34) and a CPA receptacle (36), wherein the contact receptacles are provided for receiving the electrical contact pins of the plug receptacle (20), wherein a locking lever (38) extends from one of the walls (32) through the CPA receptacle (36), and wherein the plug (30) is provided to be inserted into the cavity (24) of the plug receptacle (20) along an insertion direction; and a CPA device (40) with a bridge section (42) and a pair of legs (44) extending from the bridge section, wherein the CPA device is slidably guided along the insertion direction in the CPA receptacle (36) of the plug (30) between a first position and a second position, wherein the legs (44) at least partially accommodate the locking lever (38) between them, each leg (44) having a cam (46); wherein the CPA receptacle (36) has a stop (39) with which a counter-stop (48) on the legs (44) of the CPA device (40) is in contact in the first position when the plug (30) is not inserted into the plug receptacle (20), and wherein the cams (46) when the plug (30) is inserted into the plug receptacle (20) interact with those of the outer walls (22) of the plug receptacle (20) which the window (26) has, so that the legs (44) are deflected and the counter stop (48) comes out of contact with the stop (39).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector arrangement comprising a plug receptacle with outer walls, wherein the outer walls define a cavity, one of the outer walls having a window, and with a plurality of electrical contact pins extending into the cavity; a plug with walls, wherein the walls form a plurality of contact receptacles and a CPA receptacle, wherein the contact receptacles are provided for receiving the electrical contact pins of the plug receptacle, wherein a locking lever extends from one of the walls through the CPA receptacle, and wherein the plug is provided to be inserted into the cavity of the plug receptacle along an insertion direction;and a CPA device comprising a bridge section and a pair of legs extending from the bridge section, wherein the CPA device is slidably guided along the insertion direction in the CPA receptacle of the plug between a first position and a second position, wherein the legs at least partially accommodate the locking lever between them, each leg having a cam.

[0002] To securely connect an electrical connector assembly with a plug and a plug receptacle, these have locking devices. It is known to provide the connector assembly with a connector position assurance device for movement between an initial, pre-locked position and a final, locked position. Such a connector position assurance device is also referred to as a CPA device, where CPA stands for Connector Position Assurance.

[0003] The CPA device is secured in its initial, pre-locked position when the plug and receptacle are not fully assembled. Once fully mated, the CPA device is moved into its final, locked position. This ensures a proper connection. In the final, locked position, the CPA device prevents accidental disconnection of the connector assembly.

[0004] US 11,276,960 B2 relates to a connector system comprising a head assembly, a receptacle, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. The CPA device has features that prevent longitudinal movement of the CPA device relative to the receptacle until the receptacle is inserted into the head assembly. The CPA device includes a housing with arms that are supported at both ends for increased strength. When assembled with the receptacle, the CPA device provides a low-profile assembly.

[0005] One task may be to provide a connector arrangement with optimized function of the CPA device.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The connector arrangement has the following features: a plug receptacle with outer walls, wherein the outer walls define a cavity, one of the outer walls having a window, and with a plurality of electrical contact pins extending into the cavity; a plug with walls, wherein the walls form a plurality of contact receptacles and a CPA receptacle, wherein the contact receptacles are provided for receiving the electrical contact pins of the plug receptacle, wherein a locking lever extends from one of the walls through the CPA receptacle, and wherein the plug is provided for being inserted into the cavity of the plug receptacle along an insertion direction; and a CPA device comprising a bridge section and a pair of legs extending from the bridge section, wherein the CPA device is slidably guided along the insertion direction in the CPA receptacle of the plug between a first position and a second position, wherein the legs at least partially accommodate the locking lever between them, each leg having a cam.

[0008] The CPA receptacle has a stop with which a counter-stop on the legs of the CPA device is in contact in the first position when the plug is not inserted into the plug receptacle, wherein, when the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle, the cams interact with those of the outer walls of the plug receptacle which has the window, so that the legs are deflected and the counter-stop comes out of contact with the stop.

[0009] By deflecting the legs through the outer wall with the window, it is advantageous that both legs are deflected in the same direction. This deflection is more reliable than if the legs were deflected in such a way that they move towards each other.

[0010] The connector receptacle can also be called a header. The outer walls defining the cavity can comprise four side walls and a bottom wall, forming a housing for the connector receptacle that is open on one side. The opening on one side serves to receive the connector. The window may be formed in one of the side walls. The outer walls are made of an electrically non-conductive material. The electrically conductive contact pins are usually made of metal and may, for example, pass through the bottom wall or a side wall into the cavity. Within the cavity, at least the end sections of the contact pins extend parallel to each other in the insertion direction, i.e., from the bottom wall towards the opening.

[0011] The walls of the plug are made of a non-conductive material and form the contact receptacles and the CPA receptacle, which together form an approximately cuboid block that fits into the cavity of the plug receptacle. At its end furthest from the plug receptacle in the insertion direction, the plug may have a collar-like extension that, when the plug is fully inserted, protrudes from the receptacle or rests against its outer wall. The CPA receptacle may be located at one end of the plug next to the contact receptacles. Electrically conductive mating contacts may be arranged in the contact receptacles for contacting the electrical contact pins, which are connected to corresponding electrical conductors. The locking lever extends from one of the walls through the CPA receptacle, meaning that the locking lever is connected to the wall.The locking lever is connected to the plug, particularly at its end facing the insertion direction of the plug receptacle, and extends freely through the CPA receptacle. The CPA receptacle forms a free space for receiving the CPA device, with an opening for inserting the CPA device, guide surfaces for guiding the CPA device along the insertion direction, and retaining elements that positively lock the CPA device in place so that it can only be moved along the insertion direction. The stop on the CPA receptacle can be formed by surfaces formed or molded onto the wall, arranged in a plane to which the insertion direction is perpendicular, and which block the movement of the CPA device along the insertion direction towards the plug receptacle, provided the legs of the CPA device are not deflected.

[0012] The legs of the CPA device extend along the insertion direction, while the bridge section runs transversely to it. The bridge section is located at the end of the CPA device furthest from the connector receptacle in the insertion direction when the device is mounted on the connector. The cams may be located at the end of the legs furthest from the bridge section. The counter-stop may be formed or molded onto the legs, arranged in a plane to which the insertion direction is perpendicular, and which are aligned with the stop in the insertion direction, provided the legs of the CPA device are not deflected, i.e., when the connector is not inserted into the connector receptacle. In the first position, the stop is in contact with the counter-stop. A force that forcibly blocks the counter-stop by the stopThe force to be overcome unintentionally is at least 80 Newtons. The cams protrude from the CPA receptacle and thus extend beyond the approximately cuboidal part of the plug that is inserted into the receptacle's cavity. This causes the cams, and consequently the arms, to deflect when the plug is inserted into the receptacle, as they are pressed into the CPA receptacle by the outer wall, which features the window. When the arms are deflected, the stop and counter-stop are misaligned, allowing the CPA device to be moved from the first position towards the second.

[0013] The walls of the plug, as well as the outer walls of the plug receptacle and the CPA device, can be manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0014] The legs extend parallel to each other, regardless of whether they are deflected or not. This allows the locking lever, which extends through the CPA receptacle, to be advantageously positioned between the legs, particularly in such a way that the locking lever is freely movable between them. The locking lever can thus serve as an additional guide for the CPA device. The legs can, in particular, extend cantilevered from the bridge section to achieve optimized use of the free space in the CPA receptacle by the locking lever and the legs.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking lever has a locking lug with a ramp. When the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle, the locking lever is deflected by the ramp engaging with the outer wall containing the window. The locking lug engages in the window when the plug is fully inserted into the plug receptacle. The locking lug and the ramp protrude from the plug receptacle and thus extend beyond the approximately cuboidal portion of the plug that is inserted into the cavity of the plug receptacle. As a result, the locking lug and the ramp, and consequently the locking lever, are deflected when the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle, as they are pressed into the plug receptacle by the outer wall containing the window.In the insertion direction, the ramp of the locking lug can be positioned closer to the connector receptacle than the cams on the legs of the CPA device in the first position. This causes the locking lever to be deflected before the CPA device can leave the first position.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, pinch ribs are arranged on the legs to increase friction between the legs and the outer wall containing the window. When the plug is fully inserted into the plug receptacle, the legs are no longer deflected, as the cams project into the window of the outer wall. The pinch ribs advantageously prevent the CPA device from falling towards the second position due to gravity, or from exhibiting any play in this position. The friction of the pinch ribs requires a force of at least five Newtons to move the CPA device. The bridge section can be provided for a user to actuate the CPA device, moving it from the first position to the second position.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the locking lever has a stop at its end facing the bridge section, against which the bridge section abuts when the locking lever is deflected. Since the locking lever is deflected before the legs of the CPA device when the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle, the CPA device cannot move into the second position as long as the locking lever is deflected. The bridge section can have a recess into which the stop engages when the locking lug is engaged in the window and the locking lever is no longer deflected. Only then can the CPA device be moved into the second position. The recess prevents the locking lever from being deflected, thus ensuring that the CPA device fulfills its function of securing the locking of the connector assembly.Furthermore, the locking stop in the recess can provide visual confirmation of activation of the CPA device, especially if the plug and the CPA device are colored differently.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the CPA receptacle has an additional stop that interacts with a further counter-stop on the legs of the CPA device to secure the CPA device in the CPA receptacle. A ramp can be arranged on the side opposite the additional stop, allowing the CPA device to be mounted to the connector by snapping it into place. In the first position, the additional stop interacts with the further counter-stop to block movement of the CPA device away from the connector receptacle along the insertion direction, i.e., out of the CPA receptacle.

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show Fig. 1 an embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention in a perspective exploded view; Fig. 2 a CPA device of the connector assembly made of Fig. 1 in a perspective drawing; Fig. 3 a plug of the connector assembly Fig. 1 and the CPA device in a first position in a perspective sectional view; Fig. 4 the connector arrangement Fig. 1 with the released CPA device in a partial sectional view; Fig. 5 the connector arrangement from Fig. 1 with the CPA device in a second position in a perspective sectional view; Fig. 6 the connector arrangement Fig. 1 with the CPA device in the second position in another perspective sectional view.

[0020] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a connector arrangement 10 according to the invention in a perspective exploded view. The connector arrangement 10 has a connector receptacle 20 with outer walls 22, wherein the outer walls 22 define a cavity 24, one of the outer walls 22 having a window 26. A plurality of electrical contact pins extending into the cavity 24 are not shown.

[0021] The connector assembly 10 comprises a plug 30 with walls 32, wherein the walls 32 form a plurality of contact receptacles 34 and a CPA receptacle 36, the contact receptacles 34 being designed to receive the electrical contact pins of the plug receptacle 20. A locking lever 38 extends from one of the walls 32 through the CPA receptacle 36. The locking lever 38 has a detent lug 35 with a ramp 37, wherein, when the plug 30 is inserted into the plug receptacle 20, the locking lever 38 is deflected by the ramp 37 engaging with the outer wall 22. The plug 30 is designed to be inserted into the cavity 24 of the plug receptacle 20 along an insertion direction indicated by arrow E. The connector arrangement 10 has a CPA device 40 which extends along the insertion direction E in the CPA receptacle 36 of the connector 30 between a first position ( Fig. 3) and a second position ( Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) is slidably guided. The first position can also be referred to as the initial, pre-locked, or pre-assembled position of the CPA device 40. The second position can also be referred to as the final or locked position of the CPA device 40.

[0022] The connector assembly 10 is in the Fig. Figure 2 shows each component individually enlarged in a perspective view. The CPA device 40 has a bridge section 42 and a pair of legs 44 extending from the bridge section 42, the bridge section 42 having a recess 43. Each leg 44 has a cam 46. A counter-stop 48 is formed on the legs 44 in the form of two surfaces formed or molded onto the legs 44, which are arranged in a plane to which the insertion direction E is perpendicular. In a parallel plane, two surfaces are formed on the legs 44, which form a further counter-stop 49 that acts in the opposite direction to the counter-stop 48. Two arms 41 extend from the bridge section 42 parallel to the legs 44, the arms 41 being arranged outside the legs 44.An additional stop 47 is formed on the arms 41 in the form of two surfaces formed or molded onto the arms 41, which are oriented in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction E. Compression ribs 45 are arranged on the legs 44, which, in the assembled state, face the outer wall 22 with the window 26. The compression ribs 45 can be made of a softer plastic material than the material of the rest of the CPA device and serve to increase friction against the outer wall 22 with the window 26 in the assembled state.

[0023] The Fig. Figure 3 shows the connector 30 of the connector assembly 10 and the CPA device 40 in the first position in a perspective sectional view. The CPA device 40 is mounted on the connector 30 in the CPA receptacle 36. For assembly, the CPA device 40 is inserted into the CPA receptacle 36 in the insertion direction E. The arms 41 and the legs 44 have ramps at their leading ends in the insertion direction E, which are deflected during insertion by a stop 39 and an additional stop 28, whereby the legs 44 are deflected in the direction of the contact receptacles 34 and the arms 41 are deflected outwards away from each other and away from the legs 44. In the first position shown, the legs 44 accommodate the locking lever 38 between them. The CPA receptacle 36 has the stop 39 with which the counter-stop 48 is in contact on the legs 44 of the CPA device 40 in the first position.The CPA device 40 cannot be moved from the first position towards the second position unless the plug 30 is inserted into the plug receptacle 20. The CPA receptacle 36 has a further stop 31, which interacts with a further counter-stop 49 on the legs 44 of the CPA device 40 to secure the CPA device 40 in the CPA receptacle 36. When the plug 30 is inserted into the plug receptacle 20, the cams 46 come into contact with the outer wall 22 of the plug receptacle 20, which has the window 26, causing the legs 44 to deflect and the counter-stop 48 to disengage from the stop 39. Both legs 44 are deflected in the same direction. The locking lever 38 has the locking lug 35 with the ramp 37, wherein the locking lever 38 is deflected when the plug 30 is inserted into the plug receptacle 20 by the ramp 37 interacting with the outer wall 22.

[0024] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the connector assembly 10 in a partial sectional view. The plug 30 is inserted into the cavity 24 of the plug receptacle 20, thereby releasing the CPA device 40. The CPA device 40 is still in the first position but can now be moved towards the second position. The bridge section 42 is provided for actuating the CPA device 40 by a user to move it from the first position to the second position. The locking lever 38 has a stop 33 at one end facing the bridge section 42, against which the bridge section 42 abuts when the locking lever 38 is deflected. This prevents the CPA device 40 from moving into the second position as long as the locking lever 38 is deflected. In the illustration, the locking tab 35 is engaged in the window 26, as the plug 30 is fully inserted into the plug receptacle 20.This means that the locking lever 38 is no longer deflected and the CPA device 40 is released. The bridge section 42 has a recess 43 into which the locking stop 33 of the locking lever 38 can engage when the detent lug 35 is engaged in the window 26 and the CPA device 40 can be moved into the second position. Since the plug 30 is inserted into the plug receptacle 20, the cams 46 with the outer wall 22 are in contact with the window 26, so that the legs 44 are deflected and the CPA device 40 is released.

[0025] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the connector assembly 10 with the CPA device 40 in the second position in a perspective sectional view. Fig. Figure 6 shows the connector arrangement 10 with the CPA device 40 in the second position in a further perspective sectional view. Fig. 5 and Fig.Sections 6 and 4 are described together. The CPA device 40 in the second position prevents deflection of the locking lever 38, since the bolt stop 33 is located in the recess 43. The bolt stop 33 in the recess 43 provides visual confirmation of activation of the CPA device 40. The legs 44 of the CPA device 40 are not deflected in the second position, since the cams 46 extend into or are engaged in the window 26. The crush ribs 45 maintain friction between the CPA device 40 and the outer wall 22 when the cams 46 extend into the window 26. Reference sign 10 connector arrangement 20 plug socket 22 Exterior wall 24 cavity 26 windows 28 Additional stop 30 plugs 31 Further attack 32 Wall 33 bolt stop 34 Contacting 35 Rastnase 36 CPA recording 37 Ramp 38 locking levers 39 attacks 40 CPA device 41 Arm 42 Bridge section 43 Exclusion 44 thighs 45 squashed ribs 46 cams 47 Additional counterattack 48 Counterattack 49 Further counterattack E arrow, insertion direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11 276 960 B2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Connector arrangement (10) comprising: a plug receptacle (20) with outer walls (22), wherein the outer walls define a cavity (24), one of the outer walls having a window (26), and with a plurality of electrical contact pins extending into the cavity; a plug (30) with walls (32), wherein the walls form a plurality of contact receptacles (34) and a CPA receptacle (36), wherein the contact receptacles are provided for receiving the electrical contact pins of the plug receptacle (20), wherein a locking lever (38) extends from one of the walls (32) through the CPA receptacle (36), and wherein the plug (30) is provided to be inserted into the cavity (24) of the plug receptacle (20) along an insertion direction; and a CPA device (40) with a bridge section (42) and a pair of legs (44) extending from the bridge section, wherein the CPA device is slidably guided along the insertion direction in the CPA receptacle (36) of the plug (30) between a first position and a second position, wherein the legs (44) at least partially accommodate the locking lever (38) between them, each of the legs (44) having a cam (46); wherein the CPA receptacle (36) has a stop (39) with which a counter-stop (48) on the legs (44) of the CPA device (40) is in contact in the first position when the plug (30) is not inserted into the plug receptacle (20), and wherein the cams (46) when the plug (30) is inserted into the plug receptacle (20) interact with those of the outer walls (22) of the plug receptacle (20) which the window (26) has, so that the legs (44) are deflected and the counter stop (48) comes out of contact with the stop (39). [2] Connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein both legs (44) are deflected in the same direction. [3] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking lever (38) has a locking lug (35) with a ramp (37), wherein the locking lever is deflected when the plug (30) is inserted into the plug receptacle (20) by the ramp interacting with the outer wall (22) with the window (26), wherein the locking lug (35) engages in the window when the plug (30) is fully inserted into the plug receptacle (20). [4] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking lever (38) is freely movable between the legs (44). [5] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the legs (44) extend cantilevered from the bridge section (42). [6] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein crush ribs (45) are arranged on the legs (44) which increase friction between the legs and the outer wall (22) with the window (26). [7] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking lever (38) has a locking stop (33) at an end facing the bridge section (42) against which the bridge section abuts when the locking lever is deflected. [8] Connector arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the bridge section (42) has a recess (43) into which the locking stop (33) of the locking lever (38) enters when the locking lug (35) is engaged in the window (26) and the CPA device (40) is moved into the second position. [9] Connector arrangement according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein deflection of the locking lever (38) is prevented by receiving the locking stop (33) in the recess (43). [10] Connector arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the locking stop (33) in the recess (43) provides visual confirmation of activation of the CPA device (40). [11] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA receptacle (36) has a further stop (31) which interacts with a further counter-stop (49) on the legs (44) of the CPA device (40) to secure the CPA device (40) in the CPA receptacle (36). [12] Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bridge section (42) is provided for actuating the CPA device (40) by a user in order to move it from the first position to the second position.

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