Modular housing assembly with a stabilization mechanism

Abstract

An assembly having an electrical connector (10) and a modular housing (100). The positioning projections of the modular housing (100) cooperate with the stabilizing portions (54) of the electrical connector (10) to provide a stable and precise mating between the electrical connector (10) and the modular housing (100) in four directions perpendicular to the plane of insertion of the electrical connector (10) into the modular housing (100). The latches of the electrical connector (10) cooperate with the latch-receiving recesses of the modular housing (100) to provide a stable and precise mating between the electrical connector (10) and the modular housing (100) in two directions aligned with the plane of insertion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to a modular housing and a modular housing assembly having a stabilization mechanism that prevents movement of an electrical connector in a modular housing, thereby eliminating the need for an overmolded module.

Background Art

[0002] When assembling an electrical connector to a mating electrical connector or panel, it is necessary to control the positioning of the male blades of the terminals of the electrical connector to ensure proper mating of the terminals of the electrical connector to the mating terminals of the mating electrical connector or panel. By properly controlling the positioning of the male blades of the terminals, the possibility of hitting the terminals and the mating terminals during mating is minimized. This is particularly important in connectors having a large number of terminals.

[0003] When the components of an electrical connector are mated together, the positioning latch portions of those components cooperate with the mating positioning latch portions of the other components, thereby enabling proper assembly of the components. Known positioning latch portions are manufactured to promote some movement or play between components, thereby facilitating easy assembly. In many cases, the movement between components is not a problem, but in other cases, such as when tolerances are very tight, the movement of the components is not acceptable.

[0004] To more precisely control the positions of the terminals and components, the assembled electrical connector may be overmolded to form an overmolded module. Thereby, the positions of the terminals and components can be controlled. In addition, in an environment where vibration occurs, the overmolded module does not allow unnecessary movement of the terminals or components during use.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved is to provide a modular housing and a modular housing assembly having a stabilization mechanism for preventing the movement of an electrical connector in a modular housing without requiring an overmold.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] This problem is solved by a modular housing for receiving at least one electrical connector assembly. The modular housing has a front wall, a rear wall facing the opposite side, and side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall. A bottom wall extends between the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls. A connector receiving opening is provided in the front wall. A connector receiving area is provided in the vicinity of the front wall, and the connector receiving area has dimensions such that it can receive an electrical connector assembly. A positioning projection extends into the connector receiving area, the positioning projection extends from the bottom wall and is arranged in the vicinity of the front wall.

[0007] Here, the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical connector assembly 10 has a housing 12 having terminals 14 disposed in a terminal receiving cavity 16. The specific configuration and number of the terminals 14 and the terminal receiving cavity 16 may vary as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. The housing 12 has a first wall or mating surface 18, a circuit board receiving surface 20, a second wall or rear wall 22, a bottom wall 24, and side walls 26.

[0010] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a latch 28 extends from near the first wall 18 of the housing 12 to near the second wall 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the latch 28 has an attachment portion 30 that attaches the latch 28 to the side wall 26 of the housing 12. The latch 28 has a latch region or latch end 32 and an opposing biasing region or biasing end 34.

[0011] The latch region or latch end 32 has an elastic latch arm 38 having a free end near which a latch projection 42 is provided. The latch projection 42 has a draw-in surface 44 and a locking surface or reference surface 46. The locking surface or reference surface 46 is disposed on the latch projection 42, but the locking surface or reference surface 46 may be provided at other positions on the latch 28. The latch projection 42 is elastically deformable in the direction of arrow 43 shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector assembly 10 has a pin plate holder 50 (FIG. 1) and a pin block holder 52 (FIG. 1) that fit together to form the housing 12 of the electrical connector assembly 10. The pin plate holder 50 and the pin block holder 52 are described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 872732, entitled Electrical Connector Header With Stabilizing Features, filed on the same date as this application, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The electrical connector assembly 10 shown and described is one exemplary embodiment of the type of electrical connector assembly 10 that can be used.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, an exemplary pin plate holder 50 has a stabilizing portion 54 disposed near the longitudinal center of the pin plate holder 50. However, the stabilizing portion 54 may be disposed at other positions on the pin plate holder 50 that are aligned with the stabilizing portion 30 of the pin block holder 12. Additionally, more than one stabilizing portion 54 may be provided at different positions on the pin plate holder 50.

[0014] The stabilizing portion 54 has a rib receiving portion 56 that extends in a direction from the bottom wall 24 of the connector assembly 10 toward the circuit board receiving surface 20 of the connector assembly 10. The rib receiving portion 56 has a protrusion receiving slot 62 that opens toward the mating surface 18 of the connector assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion receiving slot 62 has a vertical portion 64 that extends from the bottom wall 24 of the connector assembly 10. The protrusion receiving slot 62 may have an enlarged base 66. A fixing member receiving portion 68 extends from the vertical portion 64. The fixing member receiving portion 68 extends at an angle from the vertical portion 64. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the fixing member receiving portion 68 extends at a substantially right angle to the vertical portion 64 such that the fixing member receiving portion 68 extends essentially parallel to the bottom wall 24. However, other configurations of the vertical portion 64 and the fixing member receiving portion 68 may be used.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the stabilizing ribs 70 are disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall 24 and the side walls 26. The intervals and arrangements of the stabilizing ribs 70 may be different. The stabilizing ribs 70 extend outward from the bottom wall 24 and the side walls 26. The stabilizing ribs 70 are also disposed in the rib receiving portion 56 of the stabilizing portion 54. The stabilizing ribs 70 cooperate with the modular housing 100 to facilitate a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the modular housing 100 is provided for receiving the electrical connector assembly 10. The modular housing 100 has a front wall 102, a rear wall 104 facing the opposite side, and side walls 106 extending between the front wall 102 and the rear wall 104. A bottom wall 108 extends between the front wall 102, the rear wall 104 and the side walls 106. A cover (not shown) may be provided on the top surface 109 of the modular housing 100.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 102 has two connector receiving openings 110 provided therein. The mating connector receiving shroud 112 extends from the front wall 102 in a direction away from the rear wall 104. The mating connector receiving shroud 112 extends around the connector receiving openings 110. The connector receiving openings 110 are separated from each other by a rib 114 which is a part of the front wall 102. Although two connector receiving openings 110 and one rib 114 are shown, a different number of connector receiving openings and ribs may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0018] The connector receiving region 116 is provided in the vicinity of the front wall 102. The connector receiving region 116 has dimensions such that it can receive the connector assembly 10. Positioning walls 118 are disposed on each side of the connector receiving region 116. The positioning walls 118 extend from the vicinity of the front wall 102 toward the rear wall 104. The positioning walls 118 extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front wall 102. The positioning walls 118 extend from the bottom wall 108 toward the top surface 109. The height of the positioning walls 118 measured from the bottom wall 108 is smaller than the height of the front wall 102. The positioning walls 118 are disposed on both sides of the connector receiving opening 110. The length or spacing L1 provided between the positioning walls 118 is substantially equal to the length L2 of the connector assembly 10.

[0019] Latch receiving recesses 120 are disposed on each side of the connector receiving region 116. The latch receiving recesses 120 extend from the vicinity of the front wall 102 toward the rear wall 104. The latch receiving recesses 120 extend from the positioning walls 118 toward the top surface 109. The latch receiving recesses 120 are disposed on both sides of the connector receiving opening 110.

[0020] The latch receiving recesses 120 have a latch region or latch wall 122 spaced from the front wall 102. The latch wall 122 has a mating lock surface or reference surface 121. The front wall 102 has a biasing surface 123. The mating lock surface or reference surface 121 is configured to face the biasing surface 123. The mating lock surface or reference surface 121 and the biasing surface 123 are two walls that define the latch receiving recess 120.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, positioning protrusions 124 extend into the connector receiving region 116. The positioning protrusions 124 extend from the bottom wall 108 and are disposed in the vicinity of the front wall 102. The positioning protrusions 124 may be integrally formed with the bottom wall 108 and the front wall 102. The positioning protrusions 124 are provided in the vicinity of the rib 114 of the front wall 102. However, the positioning protrusions 124 may be provided at other positions in the vicinity of the front wall 102.

[0022] The positioning projection 124 has a vertical member 126 extending from the bottom wall 108. The positioning projection 124 may have an enlarged base 127 to provide the positioning rib 124 with sufficient strength to prevent breakage of the positioning projection during use. A connector assembly fixing member 128 extends from the free end of the vertical member 126. The fixing member 128 extends at an angle from the vertical member 126. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the fixing member 128 extends at a substantially right angle to the vertical member 126 such that the fixing member 128 extends essentially parallel to the bottom wall 108. However, other configurations of the vertical member 126 and the fixing member 128 may be used.

[0023] During the assembly of the electrical connector 10 to the modular housing 100, the electrical connector 10 is first moved through the top surface 109 into the modular housing 100 until the bottom wall 24 of the electrical connector 10 engages or is in the vicinity of the bottom wall 104 of the modular housing 100. Once the electrical connector 10 is positioned in the modular housing 100, the connector assembly 10 is then moved towards the front wall 102 of the modular housing 100. As this occurs, the stabilizing rib 70 of the side wall 26 of the connector assembly 10 engages the positioning wall 118 of the modular housing 100 to properly align the connector assembly 10 with the front wall 102 of the modular housing 100. The stabilizing rib 70 also engages the bottom wall 108 of the modular housing 100 to properly position the connector assembly 10 with respect to the connector receiving opening 110. By continuing the insertion, the terminals 14 are inserted into the connector receiving opening 110 of the modular housing 100.

[0024] During insertion, the latch 28 is moved into the latch receiving recess 120. As this occurs, the latch arm 38 engages the latch wall 122. By continuing the insertion, the engaging surface 44 of the latch projection 42 of the latch arm 38 engages the latch wall 122, whereby the latch projection 42 and the latch arm 38 are elastically deformed toward the side wall 26 of the housing 12 of the connector 10. By continuing the insertion, the latch projection 42 moves beyond the latch wall 122 to the position shown in FIG. 6, whereby the latch arm 38 can return to their non-stressed positions. In this position, the locking surface or reference surface 46 is disposed in the vicinity of and faces the mating locking surface or reference surface 121.

[0025] Next, the insertion force applied to the connector 10 and the latch 28 is removed. When the insertion force is removed, the biasing end 34 attempts to elastically return to its non-stressed or non-bent position and exerts a force on the biasing surface 123. The latch 28, the biasing end 34, and their operations are described in the co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 686,817, filed on Nov. 18, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Since the biasing surface 123 is fixed, the movement of the biasing end 34 toward its non-stressed position (as indicated by arrow 35 in FIG. 6) causes the latch 28 and the connector 10 to move back toward the mating locking surface or reference surface 121 of the modular housing 100 (as indicated by arrow 37 in FIG. 6). The movement in the direction of arrow 37 continues until the locking surface or reference surface 46 abuts against the mating locking surface or reference surface 121, thereby eliminating the gap between the locking surface or reference surface 46 and the mating locking surface or reference surface 121. When the locking surface or reference surface 46 engages with the mating locking surface or reference surface 121 and the biasing end portion 34 engages with the biasing surface 123, the locking surface or reference surface 46 remains engaged with the mating locking surface or reference surface 146, whereby the latch 28 is accurately and precisely held in a predetermined position in the latch receiving recess 120. As a result, the connector 10 is surely held accurately and precisely in the modular housing 100 in a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom surface 108.

[0026] In addition, as the connector assembly 10 is moved toward the front wall 102 of the modular housing 100, the projection receiving slot 68 of the connector assembly 10 engages with the positioning projection 124 of the modular housing 100 in order to properly and accurately position the connector assembly 10 in the module housing 100. When fully inserted, the vertical member 126 of the positioning projection 124 is disposed in the vertical portion 64 of the projection receiving slot 62, the enlarged base 127 of the positioning projection 124 is disposed in the enlarged base 66 of the projection receiving slot 62, and the connector assembly fixing member 128 of the positioning projection 124 is disposed in the fixing member receiving portion 68 of the projection receiving slot 62.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the stabilizing ribs 70 are disposed around the bottom wall 24 and the side walls 26. The spacing and arrangement of the stabilizing ribs 70 may be different. The stabilizing ribs 70 extend outward from the bottom wall 24 and the side walls 26. The stabilizing ribs 70 are also disposed in the rib receiving portions 56 of the stabilizing portion 54. The stabilizing ribs 70 cooperate with the modular housing 100 to facilitate a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100.

[0028] i) The stabilizing ribs 70 on the side wall 26 of the connector assembly 10 cooperate with the positioning wall 118 of the modular housing 100, ii) the stabilizing ribs 70 on the bottom wall 24 cooperate with the bottom wall 108 of the modular housing 100, iii) the stabilizing ribs 70 on the rib receiving portion 56 of the stabilizing portion 54 cooperate with the positioning protrusions 124, and iv) the positioning protrusions 124 cooperate with the protrusion receiving slots 62, resulting in a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 in four directions perpendicular to the plane of insertion. Thereby, the movement of the electrical connector 10 and the terminals 14 with respect to the modular housing 100 when assembled is minimized. In other words, the electrical connector 10 is precisely positioned in the modular housing 100, preventing unnecessary movement in the direction towards the side wall 106, the direction towards the bottom wall 108, or the direction away from the bottom wall 108. This enables the electrical connector assembly 10 to be properly positioned with respect to the modular housing 100 and the mating connector (not shown), thereby eliminating the need for overmolding of parts or components.

[0029] In addition, the latch 28 cooperates and interacts with the latch receiving recess 120, resulting in a stable and precise fit between the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 in two directions parallel to the plane of insertion. Thereby, the movement of the electrical connector 10 and the terminals 14 with respect to the modular housing 100 when assembled is minimized. In other words, the electrical connector 10 is precisely positioned in the modular housing 100, preventing unnecessary movement in the direction towards the front wall 102 or the direction towards the rear wall 104.

[0030] As a result, the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 are fixed and precisely aligned in six directions (the two aforementioned directions and the four aforementioned directions), thereby minimizing the movement of the electrical connector assembly 10 and the modular housing 100 relative to each other when assembled, thereby enabling precise positioning of the terminals 14 relative to the mating connector without the need for overmolding of parts or components.

Claims

1. A modular housing (100) for receiving at least one electrical connector assembly (10), comprising a front wall (102), an opposite rear wall (104), side walls (106) extending between the front wall (102) and the rear wall (104), and a bottom wall (108) extending between the front wall (102), the rear wall (104) and the side walls (106), a connector receiving opening (110) provided in the front wall (102), a connector receiving region (116) provided in the vicinity of the front wall (102), the connector receiving region (116) having dimensions such as to receive the electrical connector assembly (10), a positioning projection (124) extending into the connector receiving region (116), the positioning projection (124) extending from the bottom wall (108) and being arranged in the vicinity of the front wall (102), and a mating connector receiving shroud (112) extending from the front wall (102) in a direction away from the rear wall (104), the mating connector receiving shroud (112) extending around the connector receiving opening (110), two connector receiving openings (110) are provided in the front wall (102), the two connector receiving openings (110) being separated from each other by a rib (114) which is a part of the front wall (102), the positioning projection (124) is provided in the vicinity of the rib (114) of the front wall (102), modular housing (100).

2. Positioning walls (118) are arranged on each side of the connector receiving region (116), the positioning walls (118) extending from the vicinity of the front wall (102) towards the rear wall (104), the positioning walls (118) extending in a direction essentially perpendicular to the front wall (102), modular housing (100) according to claim 1.

3. The positioning wall (118) extends from the bottom wall (108) towards the top surface (109) of the modular housing (100), and the height of the positioning wall (118) measured from the bottom wall (108) is smaller than the height of the front wall (102). The modular housing (100) according to claim 2.

4. The positioning wall (118) is disposed on both sides of the connector receiving opening (110), and the interval provided between the positioning walls (118) is substantially equal to the length of the electrical connector assembly (10). The modular housing (100) according to claim 3.

5. Latch receiving recesses (120) are disposed on each side of the connector receiving region (116). The latch receiving recesses (120) extend from near the front wall (102) towards the rear wall (104). The latch receiving recesses (120) extend from the positioning wall (118) towards the top surface (109). The latch receiving recesses (120) are disposed on both sides of the connector receiving opening (110). The modular housing (100) according to claim 4.

6. The latch receiving recess (120) has a latch wall (122) spaced apart from the front wall (102). The latch wall (122) has a mating lock surface (121). The front wall (102) has a biasing surface (123). The mating lock surface (121) is configured to face the biasing surface (123). The mating lock surface (121) and the biasing surface (123) define the latch receiving recess (120). The modular housing (100) according to claim 5.

7. The positioning projection (124) has a first member (126) extending from the bottom wall (108), and a connector assembly fixing member (128) extends from the free end of the first member (126). The modular housing (100) according to claim 1.

8. The modular housing (100) according to claim 7, wherein the fixing member (128) extends at an angle from the first member (126). **Claim 9** The modular housing (100) according to claim 8, wherein the fixing member (128) extends perpendicular to the first member (126) such that the fixing member (128) extends essentially parallel to the bottom wall (108). **Claim 10** The modular housing (100) according to claim 7, wherein the positioning projection (124) has an enlarged base (127) to provide the positioning projection (124) with sufficient strength to prevent breakage of the positioning projection (124) during use.

Images