CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY DEVICE HAVING CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

To provide an improved assembly device that meets a standard of compactness required by an automaker and allows for more effective locking of a complementary connector and a connector element.SOLUTION: A connector element includes second locking means, a lock lance 110 includes second locking means 120 associated with the second locking means of the connector element, and second shape-fitting connection with the second locking means of the connector element at a locking position is performed to prevent a CPA device 104 from moving in a direction from the locking position to a delivery position, and the shape-fitting connection between the first locking means and associated first locking means 118, and shape-fitting connection between the second locking means 120 and associated second locking means are in different planes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1F

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly device comprising a connector element and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. [Background technology]

[0002] Such a device can be used in an automotive vehicle and is known from DE202017105774U1. The device of DE202017105774U1 comprises a connector element configured to be plugged and locked into a complementary connector. Furthermore, the connector comprises a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device that makes it possible to check and ensure that proper mating with the complementary connector is maintained, especially when the connector is used in an environment that is typically subject to shock or vibration, as typically the case in automotive applications. Maintenance of proper mating is achieved by a central lance with a latch that performs a form-fit connection with a retaining element of the connector element when the connector element is mated to the complementary connector and the CPA device is in an assembly position relative to the connector element.

[0003] The CPA device further comprises a secondary element separate from the lance located on a side of the CPA device to maintain the CPA device in what is called a pre-assembly position relative to the connector element prior to insertion into the complementary connector. The maintenance of the CPA device in the pre-assembly position is achieved by cooperation between the secondary element and a transverse piece present in the connector element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE202017105774U1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] From that known device, the object of the invention is to provide an improved assembly device which meets the criteria of compactness required by vehicle manufacturers and makes it possible to achieve a more effective locking of the complementary connector and the connector element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a connector element having a first locking means adapted to be plugged and locked into a complementary connector, and a delivery position. and a connector position assurance device, also known as a CPA device, mounted for movement relative to the connector elements between a first position, referred to as the first position, and a second position, referred to as the locked position, the CPA device comprising a flexible locking lance, the locking lance having a first locking means associated with the first locking means of the connector element, configured to effect a form-fit connection with the first locking means of the connector element in the locked position to lock the connector element when plugged into a complementary connector, thereby preventing the CPA device from moving in a direction from the locked position towards the delivery position; wherein the connector elements comprise second locking means, the locking lance having a second locking means associated with the second locking means of the connector element, configured to effect a second form-fit connection with the second locking means of the connector element in the locked position to prevent the CPA device from moving in a direction from the locked position towards the delivery position; and wherein the form-fit connection between the first locking means and the associated first locking means and the form-fit connection between the second locking means and the associated second locking means are in different planes.

[0007] The second locking means and its associated locking means make it possible to improve the stability and reliability of the lock since the force acting on the CPA device is shared between the two locking means in different positions, thereby making the lock stronger.

[0008] In providing a device, the present invention can be further improved by the following embodiments.

[0009] In one embodiment, the form-fit connection between the first locking means and the associated first locking means and the form-fit connection between the second locking means and the associated second locking means can be made in different planes parallel to the direction extending between the locked position and the delivery position, thus making the locking of the CPA device in the assembly device more reliable for the unlocking direction from the locked position towards the delivery position.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the delivery position, in the absence of a complementary connector, the first and / or second locking means of the connector element can block the associated first and / or second locking means of the CPA device in the direction from the delivery position towards the locked position by a form-fit connection, thus preventing the CPA device from being inadvertently directed towards the locked position when the connector element is not plugged into a complementary connector.

[0011] In one embodiment, in the delivery position, in the absence of a complementary connector, the free end of the locking lance of the CPA device can abut against the second locking means of the connector element, which thus serves to secure both the delivery and locked positions of the CPA device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first and second locking means of the connector element can be projections (protrusions) projecting in different, in particular opposite, directions, thus allowing a stronger lock to be achieved with a relatively uncomplicated design.

[0013] In one embodiment, the projections can project perpendicular to the direction from the delivery position towards the locked position. By using the opposite direction, the force distribution is further optimized.

[0014] In one embodiment, the associated first locking means can be a lance head latch. In one embodiment, the associated second locking means can be a recess, in particular a through hole. By using a recess on the lance side and a protrusion on the connector element side, it is possible to implement a form-fit connection that acts in several directions, in particular in the plane of the lance. This makes the locking even more robust, in particular against vibrations. Furthermore, by using a recess, the same bending of the lance is utilized to introduce two form-fit connections.

[0015] In one embodiment, the lance head latch can be arranged at the free end of the locking lance, the recess being adjacent to the lance head latch on a side thereof, thus making it possible to provide a second form-fit connection without enlarging the lance compared to the state of the art.

[0016] In one embodiment, the associated second locking means may comprise a second recess arranged on the opposite side of the lance head latch, so that locking can be effected in three different positions.

[0017] In one embodiment, the recess can be located further from the free end of the locking lance than the lance head latch. Thus, the form-fit connection is also performed in two different planes perpendicular to the direction from the delivery position towards the locked position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the CPA device may in particular comprise two locking lances parallel to one another, each locking lance comprising an associated first locking means and an associated second locking means, such that the forces on the CPA device are even better distributed and accidental release, i.e. unlatching, is avoided.

[0019] In one embodiment, the CPA device may further comprise a stop means arranged parallel to the direction from the delivery position towards the locked position, particularly on a side of the CPA device, to prevent the connector element and the CPA device from being disassembled, so that the CPA device cannot be accidentally detached or lost from the connector element.

[0020] The present invention and its advantages will be explained in more detail below by way of preferred embodiments, particularly with reference to the following accompanying drawings: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1A] 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a connector assembly device of the present invention when the CPA device is in a delivery position. [Figure 1B] 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a connector assembly device of the present invention when the CPA device is in a delivery position. [Figure 1C] 1B is a cross-sectional view of section CC of FIG. 1A of the first embodiment of the connector assembly device of the present invention when the CPA device is in the delivery position. [Figure 1D] 1B is a cross-sectional view of section DD of FIG. 1A of the first embodiment of the connector assembly device of the present invention when the CPA device is in the delivery position. [Figure 1E] FIG. 2 is a front view of a connector element according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing a connection portion in an enlarged view. [Figure 1F] 1 is a top view of a CPA device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1 is a side view of a CPA device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] 1C is a cross-sectional view of section CC of the first embodiment of the connector assembly device of the present invention in the presence of a complementary connector when the CPA device is in a locked position. [Figure 2B]1D is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly device having a complementary connector when the CPA device is in a locked position, taken along the same section DD as FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 11 is a top view of a CPA device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 11 is a side view of a CPA device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 11 is a front view of a connector element according to a second embodiment of the invention showing in an enlarged view a connection portion of the connector element. [Figure 4] 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the same section DD as FIG. 1A of a first embodiment of a connector assembly device of the present invention having a complementary connector, with the CPA device in the delivery position, but in the presence of a complementary connector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below using advantageous embodiments as examples and with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described here are possible configurations, and that the individual features described above can be provided independently of one another or can be omitted entirely when implementing the present invention.

[0023] Figures 1A-1G, 2A, 2B, 4 and 5 show the same first embodiment of the assembly device 100 of the present invention in two different states: Figures 1A-1G show the assembly device 100 without a mating connector 200, and Figures 2A-2B show the assembly device 100 in a locked state, locked to the mating connector 200.

[0024] Figure 1A shows an assembly device 100 with a connector element 102 and a connector position assurance (CPA) device 104 inserted into the connector element 102, and more specifically, inserted into a connection portion 106 of the connector element 102. In Figures 1A-1D, the CPA device 104 is in a position referred to as a delivery position. The CPA device 104 is mounted for movement relative to the connector element 102 between the delivery position, shown in Figures 1A-1D, and a second position, referred to as a locked position, shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0025] A second locking element 108 shown in Figures 1B, 2A, and 2B, and 4, can also be present in the assembly device 100. The second locking element 108 is not included in the locking mechanism of the CPA device of the present invention. Therefore, there is no need to lock the CPA device of the present invention.

[0026] CPA device 104 has a contact or push surface 114. Push surface 114 is a surface against which a user can apply pressure to insert CPA device 104 into connection portion 106 of connector element 102.

[0027] 1A, 1C, and 1D, or indeed 1F and 1G, CPA device 104 includes a locking lance 110 that extends from a body 112 of CPA device 104 in an insertion direction 136, as shown in FIG 1F. Insertion direction 136 corresponds to a direction from a delivery position of CPA device 104 toward a locked position.

[0028] The locking lance 110 extends from the center of the body 112. The locking lance 110 includes a first locking means 118 and a second locking means 120.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first locking means 118 is a lance head latch, i.e. a protrusion perpendicular to the plane of the locking lance 110. In Figures 1F and 1G, the lance head latch 118 is located at a free end 122 of the locking lance 110 opposite the end 124 connected to the body 112. Furthermore, the lance head latch 118 is located at the centre of the locking lance 110 in the direction Y.

[0030] In one variant, the first locking means can also comprise a plurality of latches. In another variant, the latches can also be arranged in some other position on the locking lance.

[0031] In this embodiment, the second locking means 120 is a recess, in particular a through hole, in the locking lance 110, as shown in Figures 1F and 1G. In this example, the second locking means 120 comprises two recesses. In a variant, the second locking means 120 can also comprise only one recess.

[0032] 1F and 1G, the recesses 120 are adjacent to the lance head latch 118 on either side of the lance head latch 118. The second locking means 120 is positioned farther away from the free end 122 of the locking lance 110 than the lance head latch 118.

[0033] The locking lance 110 is a flexible element, so that when the CPA device 104 is being inserted into the connector element 102 from the delivery position to the locked position, or vice versa, the locking lance 110 can bend downwards, as shown in FIG. 4. In fact, the locking lance 110 can bend to allow the insertion of the CPA device 104 from its delivery position to the locked position in the connector element 102, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, as well as when plugged into a complementary connector 200 that can be locked to the connector element 102. In particular, the locking of the connector element 102 and the complementary connector 200 is performed by a form-fit connection or latching, in particular by snap-fastening, with a locking region 116 of the connector element 102. Furthermore, the locking of the connector element 102 and the complementary connector 200 is also performed by a first locking means 118 of the locking lance 110 of the CPA device 104.

[0034] CPA device 104 further comprises stop means 126 disposed on sides of body 112 of CPA device 104 on either side of lance 110. Stop means 126 may be constituted by latches and thus by protrusions extending outwardly from sides 128, 130 of body 112 of CPA device 104. Stop means 126 is configured such that when CPA device 104 is inserted into connector element 102 to its delivery position, stop means 126 prevents CPA device 104 from backing out of connection portion 106 after it has been inserted into its delivery position. Thus, CPA device 104 remains assembled to connector element 102.

[0035] The connector element 102 includes a first locking means 132 configured to provide locking with the complementary connector 200 as described above.

[0036] The first locking means 118 of the CPA device 104 is associated with the first locking means 132 of the connector element 102 and is therefore also referred to as the associated locking means, and is configured to perform a form-fit connection with the first locking means 132 of the connector element 102 in the locked position, as shown in FIG. 2A, to lock the connector element 102 when plugged into the complementary connector 200, thereby preventing the CPA device 104 from moving in a direction from the locked position toward the delivery position.

[0037] The connector element 102 comprises a second locking means 134. The second locking means 134 is associated with the second locking means 120 (also referred to as the associated second locking means) of the locking lance 110 of the CPA device 104 and is configured to implement a second form-fit connection with the second locking means 120 of the CPA device 104 in the locked position, thereby preventing movement of the CPA device 104 in a direction from the locked position towards the delivery position, as shown in FIG.

[0038] The first locking means 132 and the second locking means 134 of the connector element 102 are protrusions protruding in different directions, in particular in opposite directions. As shown in FIG. 1E, in an enlarged view of the connecting portion 106 of the connector element 102, the protrusions 132, 134 protrude in opposite directions perpendicular to the direction from the delivery position to the locked position. In particular, in FIG. 1E, the protrusion of the first locking means 132 is a protrusion extending outward from the top surface 106a of the connecting portion 106 of the connector element 102, and the protrusion of the second locking means 134 is a protrusion extending outward from the bottom surface 106b of the connecting portion 106 of the connector element 102. The first locking means 132 and the second locking means 134 of the connector element 102 have the function of acting as abutments.

[0039] First locking means 118 of CPA device 104 is positioned and configured such that, in the absence of complementary connector 200, CPA device 104 remains blocked, i.e., prevented, from moving in its delivery position within connector element 102, which delivery position is the position shown in Figures 1A-1D. In fact, in the delivery position, first locking means 118 of CPA device 104 is within locking region 116 of connecting portion 106 of connector element 102, as shown in Figures 1B, 1C, and 1D, such that a portion of the protrusion extends outwardly from top surface 106a of connecting portion 106 of connector element 102 and abuts first locking means 132, thereby preventing CPA device 104 from advancing in insertion direction 136.

[0040] Furthermore, in its delivery position, the CPA device 104 of the device 100 of the present invention is also hindered, i.e., prevented, from moving in the insertion direction 136 because the free end 122 of the locking lance 110 of the CPA device also abuts the second locking means 134, i.e., the protrusion or abutment 134, of the connection portion 106 of the connector element 102, as shown in Figures 1C and 1D.

[0041] In its delivery position, CPA device 104 cannot be further inserted into connector element 102, and in particular into connection portion 106. In this manner, while CPA device 104 is positively blocked or latched in its delivery position, it is also blocked or prevented by stop means 126 of CPA device 104 from moving in a direction opposite insertion direction 136, i.e., from the delivery position toward the locked position.

[0042] The form-fit connection between the first locking means 132 of the connector element 102 and the associated first locking means 118 of the CPA device 104, which prevents insertion of the CPA device 104 into the locked position, and the form-fit connection between the second locking means 134 of the connector element 102 and the associated second locking means 120 of the CPA device 104, occur in different planes. In addition, the planes of these form-fit connections are parallel to the direction of movement between the locked position and the delivery position, as shown in Figures 1C and 1D.

[0043] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 1D, the device 100 is not mated with the complementary connector 200, and therefore the protrusion of the first locking means 118 of the locking lance 110 of the CPA device 104 snaps into the locking region 116 of the connector element 102.

[0044] 2A and 2B, when the complementary connector 200 is plugged and locked into the connector element 102, the complementary connector 200 is locked in the locking region 116 of the connector element 102. The complementary connector 200 comprises a protrusion 202 which snaps into the first locking means 132 of the locking region 116 of the connector element 102 in a manner known from the state of the art to provide a secure connection. In the presence of the protrusion 202, the first locking means 132 first bends downwards and then returns upwards once the protrusion 202 has passed, being received in a recess 206 in the complementary connector 200.

[0045] When the complementary connector 200 is in position in the connector element 102 to be plugged and locked, its projection 202 also hits the first locking means 118 of the locking lance 110 of the CPA device 104, which then deflects toward the inside of the connection portion 106 to allow the CPA device 104 to be inserted from its delivery position to its locked position within the connector element 102, as shown in Fig. 4. Thus, the projection 202 of the complementary connector 200 snaps into the locking area 116 of the now freed connection portion 106, and the complementary connector 200 remains plugged and locked in the connector element 102. The CPA device 104 is inserted until the locked position is reached.

[0046] Thus, when complementary connector 200 is locked to connector element 102, first locking means 118 of CPA device 104 releases or unlatches CPA device 104, allowing CPA device 104 to be inserted into the locked position. In other words, in accordance with the present invention, CPA device 104 is released from its delivery position only by interaction with complementary connector 200, and in particular only when complementary connector 200 has been inserted sufficiently far into connector element 102.

[0047] Advancement of the CPA device 104 to a position disposed to lock the connector element 102 plugged into the complementary connector 200 can only be achieved by unlocking, i.e., unlatching, the CPA device 104, which is only possible after the connector element 102 has been inserted and locked into the complementary connector 200.

[0048] In FIG. 4, the first locking means 118 of the locking lance 110 is free, i.e., released, from abutting the first locking means 132 so that the CPA device 104 is no longer prevented from moving in the insertion direction 136, but as shown in FIG. 5, the CPA device 104 remains prevented from moving in the direction opposite the insertion direction 136 by the stop means 126 abutting against a latch 138 in the connector element 102.

[0049] In the locked position of the CPA device 104, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first locking means 118 of the CPA device passes over the first locking means 132 of the connector element in the insertion direction 136 and then performs a form-fit connection with the first locking means 132 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction 136.

[0050] 2B, in the locked position of the CPA device 104, the second locking means 120 associated with the second locking means 134 of the connector element 102 also realizes a form-fit connection with the second locking means 134 of the connector element 102, thereby also preventing the CPA device 104 from moving in the direction opposite to the insertion direction 136. In fact, the protrusion of the second locking means 134 engages with a form-fit in the recess 120. By inserting the latch 134 into the recess 120, blocking is performed in both directions in the plane perpendicular to the cross section DD, thereby increasing the reliability of the lock even in the presence of vibrations.

[0051] Thus, the locked position is achieved by multiple form-fit connections, thereby increasing resistance to accidental release or unlatching. In particular, by locating the connections in different planes relative to the insertion direction 136, forces are better distributed and the reliability of the device is increased.

[0052] In the locked position of the CPA device 104 in the connector element 102, a retaining force is present on the locking lance 110. Thus, there is increased locking of the CPA device 104. This also applies to the unlocking.

[0053] The locked position of CPA device 104 can be achieved with or without continuous stress on CPA device 104 .

[0054] In a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3A-3C, a CPA device 304 may include two locking lances 310, which are centrally aligned in a central recess of a body 312 of the CPA device 304 and separated from each other by a central recess 308. In particular, the two locking lances 310 are parallel to each other and each locking lance 310 comprises an associated first locking means 318, in this example a latch, and an associated second locking means 320, in this example a recess. Thus, the first locking means 318 and the second locking means 320 of the second embodiment essentially correspond to those described with respect to the first embodiment and perform the same functions by virtue of the connector element 302 having complementary first locking means 332 and second locking means 334.

[0055] 3C, the connector element 302 comprises a connection region 306 having two first locking means 332 associated with the first locking means 318 arranged on each of the locking lances 310 and two second locking means 334 associated with the second locking means 320 arranged on each of the locking lances 310. These two pairs of locking means 332, 334 are separated by the same distance 308 as the lances 310.

[0056] Blocking or latching in the delivery position from the delivery position towards the locked position in the presence of a complementary connector, and blocking or latching in the locked position, occurs similarly to the first embodiment.

[0057] It should be noted that the described embodiments are merely possible configurations, and that individual features of the various embodiments can be combined or provided independently of one another. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 100 Assembly Devices 102 Connector element 104 CPA Device 106 Connection 106a Top surface of connection 106b Bottom of connection 108 Second Locking Element 110 Rock Lance 112 Main unit 114 Push surface of CPA device 116 Lock Region 118 First locking means of the CPA device 120 Secondary locking means for CPA devices 122 Free end of lock lance 124 End of lock lance 126 CPA Device Termination Method 128, 130 Side of CPA device 132 First locking means of connector element 134 Second locking means of connector element 136 Insertion Direction 138 Latch 200 Complementary Connectors 202 Complementary connector protrusions 206 Hollow 300 Assembly Devices 302 Connector element 304 CPA Device 308 Distance between rock lances 310 Rock Lance 312 Main unit 318 First locking means of the CPA device 320 Secondary locking means for CPA devices 332 First locking means of connector element 334 Second locking means of connector element

Claims

1. A connector element (102, 302) configured to be plugged into and locked in a complementary connector (200) and including a first locking means (132, 332); a connector position assurance device (104, 304), also known as a CPA device (104, 304), mounted for movement relative to the connector element (102, 302) between a first position, referred to as a delivery position, and a second position, referred to as a locked position, the CPA device (104, 304) comprising a flexible locking lance (110, 310), the locking lance (110, 310) adapted to engage the first locking lance (110, 310) of the connector element (102, 302). a first locking means (118, 318) associated with a locking means (132, 332) configured to effect a form-fit connection with the first locking means (132, 332) of the connector element (102, 302) in the locked position to lock the connector element (102, 302) when plugged into the complementary connector (200), thereby preventing movement of the CPA device (104, 304) in a direction from the locked position towards the delivery position. In the connector assembly device (100, 300), the connector element (102, 302) comprises a second locking means (134, 334), and the locking lance (110, 310) comprises a second locking means (120, 320) associated with the second locking means (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302) and configured to effect a second form-fit connection with the second locking means (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302) in the locked position, thereby preventing movement of the CPA device (104, 304) in a direction from the locked position towards the delivery position, A connector assembly device (100, 300) characterized in that the complementary coupling between the first locking means (132, 332) and the associated first locking means (118, 318) and the complementary coupling between the second locking means (134, 334) and the associated second locking means (120, 320) occur in different planes, and the first locking means (132, 332) and the second locking means (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302) are protrusions (132, 332, 134, 334) projecting in opposite directions.

2. 2. The assembly device of claim 1, wherein the form-fit connection between the first locking means (132, 332) and the associated first locking means (118, 318) and the form-fit connection between the second locking means (134, 334) and the associated second locking means (120, 320) are in different planes parallel to a direction between the locking position and the delivery position.

3. 3. An assembly device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the absence of a complementary connector (200), in the delivery position, the first locking means (132, 332) and / or the second locking means (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302) block the associated first locking means (118, 318) and / or the associated second locking means (120, 320) of the CPA device (104, 304) in the direction from the delivery position towards the locked position by a form-fit connection.

4. 4. An assembly device according to claim 1, wherein in the delivery position, when a complementary connector (200) is not present, the free end (122) of the locking lance (110, 310) of the CPA device (104, 304) abuts against the second locking means (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302).

5. An assembly device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the associated second locking means (120, 320) is a recess (120, 320).

6. 6. The assembly device of claim 5, wherein the projections (132, 332, 134, 334) project perpendicular to a direction from the delivery position toward the locking position.

7. 7. An assembly device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the associated first locking means (118, 318) is a lance head latch (118, 318).

8. Assembly device according to claim 5, wherein said associated second locking means (120, 320) is a through hole.

9. 8. The assembly device of claim 7, wherein the lance head latch (118, 318) is disposed at a free end (122) of the locking lance (110, 310), and the recess (120, 320) is adjacent to the lance head latch (118, 318) on a side of the lance head latch (118, 318).

10. 10. An assembly device according to claim 9, wherein said associated second locking means (120, 320) comprises a second recess (120, 320) arranged opposite said lance head latch (118, 318).

11. Assembly device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the recess (120, 320) is located further away from the free end (122) of the locking lance (110, 310) than the lance head latch (118, 318).

12. Assembly device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the CPA device (304) comprises two locking lances (310), in particular parallel to each other, each locking lance (310) comprising an associated first locking means (318) and an associated second locking means (320).

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