connector with a coupling element having two protrusions

Abstract

Title of the invention: Connector with a coupling element having two protrusions. Electrical connector (20) arranged to be connected and coupled along an insertion direction (ZZ') with a corresponding electrical connector, the electrical connector (20) having a coupling element (21) extending at least in the insertion direction (ZZ'), and wherein the coupling element (21) has: - at least one first protrusion in a first direction (YY') perpendicular to the insertion direction (ZZ'), - at least one second protrusion in a second direction (XX'), perpendicular to the first direction (YY') and to the insertion direction (ZZ'). Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Connector with a coupling element having two protrusions Technical field of the invention

[0001] This description relates generally to an electrical connector, in particular intended to be connected to a corresponding electrical connector (for example a male connector and a female connector), and in particular in the automotive field. State of the art

[0002] In many applications, it is necessary to mount electrical cables and connect them together. In particular, it is useful to make the connection as reliable as possible with regard to vibration resistance.

[0003] Electrical connectors are already known which include locking elements to limit the movement of the male and female connectors that are joined. Reference is made in particular to US patent 2003 / 0054681.

[0004] However, electrical connectors can be damaged by vibrations or mechanical forces acting on them, causing them to move relative to each other or to become detached, which can occur, for example, in a motor vehicle or mobile machine. The overall operation of the vehicle or machine can be compromised if the connection is lost or interrupted.

[0005] Because of these disadvantages, it is desirable to have an electrical connector that is resistant to vibrations and forces, in particular to external forces tending to disconnect the connector. Description of the invention

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and to improve the vibration resistance of electrical connectors and their resistance to forces, particularly external forces tending to disconnect the connectors, and thus, firstly, to propose an electrical connector arranged to be connected and coupled along an insertion direction ZZ' with a corresponding electrical connector, the electrical connector having a coupling element extending at least in the insertion direction ZZ', and wherein the coupling element has: - at least one first protrusion in a first direction YY' perpendicular to the direction of introduction ZZ', - at least one second protrusion in a second direction XX', perpendicular to the first direction YY' and to the direction of introduction ZZ'.

[0007] This makes it possible to offer a connector with improved vibration resistance, better fastening, easier to manufacture, simpler, more compact, and using fewer parts. Thus, vibrations in the first and second directions are limited, as well as vibrations along the direction of insertion.

[0008] Thus, the coupling element can enter a receptacle or housing (for example, a slot or a hole) of the corresponding electrical connector. In particular, the receptacle can cooperate with the coupling element as an insertion guide, especially when it is substantially flat.

[0009] The coupling element can be inserted into the receptacle and penetrate it, or be inserted into it, particularly depending on the direction of introduction (or insertion direction). The coupling element enables mechanical coupling and / or pairing of the electrical connector and the corresponding electrical connector.

[0010] In other words, the present disclosure is intended for a male terminal support in a connector assembly, the male terminal support having flexible protrusions to control vibrations in the XX', YY' and ZZ' directions when the male connector is mated to the female connector.

[0011] Advantageously, the electrical connector is a male connector arranged to be connected and coupled to the corresponding electrical connector, which is a female connector.

[0012] This allows the electrical connector to be connected to another corresponding, i.e. compatible, electrical connector.

[0013] Advantageously, the coupling element has at least one flexible portion, the at least one flexible portion having the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0014] This makes it possible to offer a flexible (or elastically deformable) portion, so as to improve resistance to vibrations and thus make the connection more reliable.

[0015] Advantageously, the coupling element comprises a central portion and two flexible portions, each having the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0016] This improves vibration resistance and thus makes the connection more reliable. Vibrations in both the first and second directions are therefore limited. The same applies to the direction of insertion.

[0017] Advantageously, the central portion is separated from the flexible portions by two openings or slots.

[0018] This simplifies the construction of the connector and allows for flexible portions that improve resistance to vibrations.

[0019] Advantageously, the central portion has a third protuberance.

[0020] Advantageously, the central portion is also flexible.

[0021] This improves the vibration resistance of the connector.

[0022] Advantageously, the coupling element is substantially planar, preferably along the first direction and the direction of introduction.

[0023] This improves the guidance of the connector.

[0024] Advantageously, the first protrusion and / or the second protrusion projects or protrudes outwards from the coupling element.

[0025] Advantageously, the coupling element projects or protrudes depending on the direction of introduction.

[0026] Advantageously, the coupling element is an introductory guide.

[0027] This allows the electrical connector to be guided when connecting with the corresponding electrical connector.

[0028] In particular, the coupling element (or the insertion guide, also called the guide projection) can extend one face of a base along the insertion direction and enter the corresponding receptacle (or guide slot or pocket). The coupling element and the corresponding receptacle guide the movement of the electrical connectors during connection and prevent deformation of the plugs or pins and / or damage to the contacts, thereby increasing tolerance to incorrect handling during connection.

[0029] Substantially flat coupling elements, which have the shape of a blade or a plate, associated with slots on the corresponding electrical connector (slots or guide pockets) in the shape of a housing or sheath to receive them, are extremely effective in guiding the movements of electrical connectors because at least two guide surfaces of the insertion guide (or corresponding slots) are much wider than the other guide surfaces.

[0030] Advantageously, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged to interfere with a bottom of the corresponding electrical connector.

[0031] This further improves vibration resistance and makes the connection more reliable.

[0032] Advantageously, the electrical connector has at least one electrical plug.

[0033] This ensures the electrical connection, that is to say, allows the passage of electric current or electrical signal.

[0034] The disclosure relates in a second aspect to a connector assembly having an electrical connector according to the first aspect and a corresponding electrical connector intended to be connected to the latter.

[0035] This makes it possible to propose an electrical connector (in particular a male connector) capable of being connected to a corresponding electrical connector (in particular a female connector) so as to form a connector assembly. Description of figures

[0036] Other features and advantages of this description will become apparent later clearly, upon reading the detailed description that follows of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which:

[0037] [Fig. 1] represents a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a first embodiment connected to a corresponding electrical connector so as to form a connector assembly,

[0038] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the corresponding (female) electrical connector,

[0039] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of the electrical connector (male) according to the first embodiment,

[0040] [Fig.4] represents a first cross-sectional view of the electrical connector connected to the corresponding electrical connector,

[0041] [Fig.5] represents a second cross-sectional view of the electrical connector connected to the corresponding electrical connector,

[0042] [Fig.6] represents a detailed view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment, seen from a first side,

[0043] [Fig.7] represents a detailed view of the electrical connector according to the first embodiment, seen from a second side, opposite to the first side,

[0044] [Fig.8] represents a third cross-sectional view of the electrical connector connected to the corresponding electrical connector,

[0045] [Fig.9] represents a fourth cross-sectional view of the electrical connector connected to the corresponding electrical connector,

[0046] [Fig. 10] represents a perspective view of the corresponding electrical connector, with cross-sectional views showing a secondary latch,

[0047] [Fig. 11] represents a cross-sectional view of the corresponding electrical connector,

[0048] [Fig. 12] represents a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector,

[0049] [Fig. 13] shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector and the connector electrical components connected together.

[0050] Detailed description of embodiments

[0051] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of an electrical connector 20 according to a first embodiment connected to a corresponding electrical connector 10, so as to form a connector assembly 1.

[0052] The electrical connector 20 is shown inserted into the corresponding electrical connector 10, according to an insertion direction ZZ'. Thus, the electrical connector 20 and the corresponding electrical connector 10 are connected or paired.

[0053] The electrical connector 20 includes protrusions 29, 29b arranged to be coupled to a hook 19 (having a base 19b) of the corresponding electrical connector 10. The protrusions 29, 29b and the hook 19 (with the base 19b) form a fastening system and can be replaced by any other equivalent fastening system to secure the electrical connector 20 and the corresponding electrical connector 10 together. For example, a fastening system with a lever and a notch is mentioned.

[0054] The electrical connector 20 has a gripping portion 27 to facilitate its handling by the user and to facilitate insertion. Similarly, the corresponding electrical connector 10 has a gripping portion 17.

[0055] Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0056] Reference numbers are repeated as necessary between figures.

[0057] The corresponding electrical connector 10 has a stop portion 19c in order to come into contact with the protrusion 29b of the electrical connector 20.

[0058] The corresponding electrical connector 10 has a receptacle 11 (or housing 11), preferably elongated in a first direction YY', perpendicular to the insertion direction ZZ'. The receptacle 11 is arranged to receive a coupling element 21 of the electrical connector 20, as will be detailed below.

[0059] The corresponding electrical connector 10 further has another receptacle 13 arranged near the receptacle 11, in the first direction YY'. The other receptacle 13 is arranged to receive another coupling element 23, as will be detailed below. Note that the other receptacle 13 and the other coupling element 23 are optional.

[0060] The corresponding electrical connector 10 further has a plurality of female (electrical) terminals 14 arranged to receive male (electrical) terminals 24 of the electrical connector 20, as will be detailed below. The corresponding electrical connector 10 is thus preferably a female connector and the electrical connector 20 is thus preferably a male connector.

[0061] Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of the electrical connector 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0062] The electrical connector 20 has the protrusions 29, 29b, as discussed with reference to [Fig.1].

[0063] The electrical connector 20 has the coupling element 21, the other coupling element 23 and the male terminals 24 as discussed with reference to [Fig.2].

[0064] The coupling element 21 extends along the introduction direction ZZ'. Furthermore, it is preferably planar, i.e., in the plane formed by the introduction direction ZZ' and the first direction YY'. It therefore has a thickness along a second direction XX' perpendicular to the first direction YY' and to the introduction direction ZZ'.

[0065] The coupling element 21 of the electrical connector 20 is arranged to be inserted into the receptacle 11 of the corresponding electrical connector 10. This ensures a coupling (or pairing) of the electrical connector 20 and the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0066] Fig. 4 represents a first cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 20 connected to the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0067] The electrical connector 20 is shown here inserted into the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0068] The coupling element 21 has two (first) protrusions 21p which are projections in the first direction YY', preferably towards the outside of the coupling element 21. These protrusions 21p butt against the internal walls of the receptacle 11 (also called housing 11) and limit vibrations at the electrical connector 20. This makes the connection more reliable.

[0069] The coupling element 21 may have a central portion 21b and two flexible portions 21a, 21c. The flexible portions 21a, 21c are arranged laterally in the first direction YY' and separated from the central portion 21b by openings such as slots 21t. The protrusions 21p are preferably mounted on the flexible portions 21a, 21c.

[0070] The corresponding electrical connector 10 may further have a lip seal 91, with one or more lips 90. When the corresponding electrical connector 10 is connected with the electrical connector 20, the lip seal 91 will deform and be compressed, in particular at the lips 90, so as to stop or limit the entry of water, pollutants and / or dust from the outside.

[0071] In addition, the electrical connector 20 may have flexible arms 92 arranged at the male terminal supporting the male terminals 24, so as to be able to lock the terminal in an external wall having housings 93. The external wall of the electrical connector 20 is arranged to receive the terminal 20 supporting the male terminals 24 and the housings 93 are arranged to receive the flexible arms 92.

[0072] Fig. 5 represents a second cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 20 connected to the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0073] Thanks to the protrusions, the coupling element 21 is held firmly in the receptacle 11, which makes the connection reliable, in particular the electrical connection at the male terminals 24.

[0074] The corresponding electrical connector 10 may further have a cavity 95 cooperating with a secondary lock 94. The secondary lock 94 is arranged to ensure the positioning of the female terminal. The female terminal is arranged to receive, at its female terminals 14, the male terminals 24 of the male terminal of the electrical connector 20, as detailed below with reference to [Fig. 10].

[0075] Fig. 6 represents a detailed view of the electrical connector 20 according to the first embodiment, seen from a first side.

[0076] As previously stated, the coupling element 21 has the central portion 21b and the flexible portions 21a, 21c separated by slots 21t.

[0077] The coupling element 21 further has two (second) protrusions 21pp which are projections in the second direction XX', preferably outwards from the coupling element 21. These protrusions abut against the internal walls of the receptacle 11 (also called housing 11) and help to limit vibrations at the electrical connector 20. This makes the connection more reliable. It is also possible to provide a base 12 of the receptacle 11 with a reduced dimension (i.e., smaller than the dimensions of the coupling element 21 at the protrusions), so as to increase the interference between the protrusions 21p, 21pp and the receptacle.In other words, the bottom 12 (or closed end 12 of the receptacle 11 opposite the open end through which the coupling element 21 can be introduced) can be rounded or chamfered so as to create or reinforce the interference or contact area with the protrusions 21p, 21pp or with another portion of the coupling element such as for example the end 21d of the coupling element or the sides of the coupling element 21.

[0078] The coupling element 21 also preferably has a rounded end 21d in order to facilitate the introduction of the coupling element 21 into the receptacle 11.

[0079] The fact that the protuberances are arranged in the first direction YY' and the second direction XX', on flexible portions, further improves resistance to vibration.

[0080] The male terminal of the electrical connector 20 may further have terminal openings 96 arranged to receive the male terminals 24, and terminal dismantling openings 97 arranged to receive a tool such as a screwdriver or a dismantling tool, in order to dismantle the male terminals 24, as illustrated in more detail with reference to [Fig. 12].

[0081] Fig. 7 represents a detailed view of the electrical connector 20 according to the first embodiment, seen from a second side, opposite to the first side of Fig. 6.

[0082] Here, the coupling element 21 has a third protrusion 21q arranged at the central portion 21b. This further improves vibration resistance. The central portion 21b can also be flexible (for example, depending on its shape).

[0083] The third prominence 21q is a projection in the second direction XX', that is to say, it protrudes in the second direction XX'. Note that the prominences 21p protrude in the first direction YY' and the prominences 21pp protrude in the second direction XX'.

[0084] Fig. 8 represents a third cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 20 connected to the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0085] The electrical connector 20 is shown inserted into the corresponding electrical connector 10. The protrusions are then in contact with the respective inner walls of the receptacle 11, so as to improve vibration resistance (for example, by limiting their amplitude). Thus, the flexible portions 21a, 21c are compressed when inserted into the receptacle 11, improving vibration resistance (in particular in the first direction YY' and the second direction XX', but also in the insertion direction ZZ'). The central portion 21b can also be arranged to be flexible and can therefore also be compressed for the same purpose. It is further advantageous to provide the protrusions 21pp on one side of the coupling element and the protrusion 21q on the opposite side, in order to further improve vibration resistance and to tension the coupling element 21.

[0086] Fig. 9 represents a fourth cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 20 connected to the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0087] The elements common to the different figures are repeated as much as necessary.

[0088] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the corresponding connector 10, with cross-sectional views having the secondary lock 94. When the secondary lock 94 is pre-positioned (as illustrated on the left side of Figure 10), it is possible to insert the female terminals 14 into the female terminal of the corresponding electrical connector 10. When the secondary lock 94 is moved into the locking position (as illustrated on the right side of Figure 10), the female terminals 14 are locked in their nominal position and can then receive the male terminals 24 in normal operation. If the female terminals 14 are not correctly positioned during assembly, it is not possible to close the secondary lock 94. Thus, the secondary lock 94 ensures the correct positioning of the female terminals 14 in the corresponding electrical connector 10. Figure 10 shows the secondary lock 94 in the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[10] also shows a cross-sectional view of each of the positions of the secondary lock 94 (in pre-positioned position on the left, in locking position on the right).

[0089] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the corresponding electrical connector 10.

[0090] Elements common to the different figures are repeated as necessary.

[0091] The corresponding electrical connector 10 is shown with the secondary locking mechanism 94 and the female electrical terminals 14. The male electrical terminals 24 can thus be inserted from the bottom of Figure 11, in the direction ZZ'. The female terminals 14 can be connected to electrical cables 98.

[0092] Fig. 12 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 20.

[0093] As indicated above, the electrical connector 20 may further have terminal openings 96 arranged to receive the male terminals 24, and terminal disassembly openings 97 arranged to receive a tool such as a screwdriver or a disassembly tool, in order to disassemble the male terminals 24. The male terminals 24 may be connected to electrical cables 99 (similarly to female terminals 14 with electrical cables 98).

[0094] Fig. 13 represents a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector 20 and the corresponding electrical connector 10 connected together.

[0095] The electrical connector 20 is shown connected and coupled to the corresponding electrical connector 10, as described above.

[0096] It is possible to combine embodiments and / or variants as much as possible or necessary.

[0097] The coupling element 21 is preferably made of plastic or any suitable material.

[0098] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made to the different embodiments described herein. In particular, reference is made to the possibility of moving the protrusions in the ZZ' direction, for example (i.e., at the first third of the coupling element, at the midpoint of the coupling element, or at the second third of the coupling element, or upstream or downstream of these points), or of modifying the shape or size of the openings 21t. It is also possible to provide the protrusions 21q and 21pp on the same face of the coupling element 21, or to provide the two protrusions 21pp on opposite faces, and / or to provide two protrusions 21q on the central portion 21b.It is also possible to reverse the coupling element and the corresponding housing in the electrical connector and the corresponding electrical connector, and / or to provide the corresponding housing with the protrusions.

Claims

Claims

1. An electrical connector (20) arranged to be connected and coupled in an insertion direction (ZZ') with a corresponding electrical connector (10), the electrical connector (20) having a coupling element (21) extending at least in the insertion direction (ZZ'), and wherein the coupling element (21) has: - at least one first protrusion (21p) in a first direction (YY') perpendicular to the insertion direction (ZZ'), - at least one second protrusion (21pp) in a second direction (XX'), perpendicular to the first direction (YY') and to the insertion direction (ZZ'), and wherein the coupling element (21) has at least one flexible portion (21a, 21c), the at least one flexible portion (21a, 21c) having the first protrusion (21p) and the second protrusion (21pp).

2. An electrical connector (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical connector (20) is a male connector arranged to be connected and coupled to the corresponding electrical connector (10), which is a female connector.

3. Electrical connector (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (21) comprises a central portion (21b) and two flexible portions (21a, 21c) each having the first protrusion (21p) and the second protrusion (21pp).

4. Electrical connector (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the central portion (21b) is separated from the flexible portions (21a, 21c) by two slots (21t).

5. An electrical connector (20) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the central portion (21b) has a third protrusion (21q).

6. Electrical connector (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (21) is substantially planar.

7. Electrical connector (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first protrusion (21p) and / or the second protrusion (21pp) protrude outwardly from the coupling element (21).

8. Electrical connector (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling element (21) projects in the insertion direction (ZZ').

9. Electrical connector (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first protrusion (21p) and the second protrusion (21pp) are arranged to interfere with a bottom (12) of the corresponding electrical connector (10).

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