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(11) | EP 0 901 194 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) |
Two-part electrical connector Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder Connecteur électrique en deux parties |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a two-part electrical connector in which one of the parts can be mounted in a wall. The present invention has particular application for providing an electrical connection through a wall in a motor vehicle.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Where it is required to make an electrical connection through a wall in a motor vehicle (for example, one of the door pillars), it is normal practice to secure a first part of an electrical connector in an aperture in the wall, and plug a second part of the electrical connector to the first part. Each part of the connector defines a housing for electrical contacts which electrically connect on mating the first and second parts together. On full mating of the two parts of the connector, flexible latching tabs can be used to lock the two parts together. In areas where access is difficult, it is not always easy to fully mate the two parts of the connector, and it is not easy always to see that full mating has actually occurred.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a latching arrangement between the two parts of an electrical connector which is easy to achieve.
[0004] A two-part electrical connector in accordance with the present invention comprises a first part having a housing of electrically insulating material and which is substantially annular; a second part having a housing of electrically insulating material and which makes a sliding fit inside the housing of the first part, the housing of the second part having a radially outwardly extending substantially rigid lug; a locking ring which is substantially annular and which is retained in the housing of the first part, the locking ring being capable of movement in an axial direction relative to the housing of the first part between a first position and a second position; a latching ring which is substantially annular and which is retained in the housing of the first part and is partially surrounded by the locking ring, the latching ring having a radially inwardly extending resilient latching tang which can be engaged by, and latches with, the lug on the housing of the second part on sliding the housing of the second part into the housing of the first part; and a spring acting on the locking ring to bias the locking ring towards the first position; wherein the locking ring has a circumferentially extending bar and a circumferentially extending aperture adjacent the bar in an axial direction; wherein in the first position of the locking ring, the bar is adjacent the latching tang on the latching ring to substantially prevent radially outward movement of the latching tang; and wherein in the second position of the locking ring, the aperture is adjacent the latching tang on the latching ring to allow radially outward movement of the latching tang.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a two-part electrical connector is accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of the locking ring and latching ring of the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a side view of the locking ring of the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the locking ring of the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a side view of the latching ring of the connector of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the locking ring and the housing of the first part of the connector of Figure 1; and
Figures 7a to 7d are cross-sectional views of the latching system of the connector of Figure 1 at various stages of latching and delatching.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0007] Referring to the drawings, the two-part electrical connector 10 in accordance with the present invention, comprises the first part 12 which includes a housing 14 of electrically insulating material and which is substantially annular; and the second part 16 which includes a housing 18 of electrically insulating material. The housing 18 of the second part 16 is mated with the housing 14 of the first part 12 by sliding the housing 18 inside the housing 14. Each housing 14,18 has complementary electric contacts (not shown) secured therein which make electrical connections when the housings are mated together.
[0008] The connector 10 further includes a locking ring 20, a latching ring 22, a coil spring 24, and preferably a ring seal 26. The locking ring 20 is substantially annular and has a number of radially outwardly directed resilient tabs 28 which make a sliding fit in corresponding grooves 30 formed in the inner surface 32 of the housing 14 of the first part 12 and then make a snap fit behind a shoulder 34 in the inner surface to latch the locking ring and the housing of the first part together. The locking ring 20 is capable of moving in an axial direction A relative to the housing 14 of the first part between a first position in which the tabs 28 engage the shoulder 34 and a second position in which the tabs are axially spaced from the shoulder. The coil spring 24 is positioned between the locking ring 20 and another internal shoulder (not shown) which is spaced from, and faces, the shoulder 34 inside the housing 14, and acts on the locking ring 20 to bias the locking ring into its first position and away from the housing 14 of the first part 12. On mating of the housings 14,18, the locking ring 20 substantially surrounds the housing 18 of the second part 16.
[0009] The latching ring 22 is substantially annular and on assembly of the connector 10 is positioned between an internal shoulder 36 on the locking ring 20 and an internal shoulder (not shown) in the housing 14 of the first part 12. The ring seal 26 is preferably positioned between the latching ring 22 and the housing 14 of the first part 12. The latching ring 22 is surrounded partially by the locking ring 20 and partially by the coil spring 24. On mating of the housings 14,18, the latching ring 22 substantially surrounds the housing 18 of the second part 16. The latching ring 22 has a number of radially inwardly extending latching tangs 38 which are resiliently mounted at the free end 40 of axially extending resilient legs 42 positioned in apertures 44 in the latching ring. In this preferred arrangement, the legs 42 are substantially U-shaped and connected to the remainder of the latching ring 22 at the ends 46 of the arms of the U. Other suitable shapes for the legs 42 may be used. With this arrangement, the latching tangs 38 are capable of slight pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the latching ring 22 at the free end 40 of the legs 42 and at the connection 46 of the legs to the remainder of the latching ring. Any suitable number of latching tangs may be used.
[0010] The locking ring 20 has a corresponding number of circumferentially extending bars 48 and circumferentially extending apertures 50, the apertures being axially adjacent the bars. The locking ring 20 is also capable of moving in the axial direction A relative to the latching ring 22. The locking ring 20 preferably has a number of inwardly directed axially extending ribs 52 which make a sliding fit in corresponding grooves 54 in the latching ring 22 to aid the relative axial movement, but to substantially prevent relative rotation between the locking ring and the latching ring. In the first position of the locking ring 20, the bars 48 are positioned radially adjacent the latching tangs 38 on the latching ring 22. In the second position of the locking ring 20, the apertures 50 are positioned radially adjacent the latching tangs 38 on the latching ring 22.
[0011] The housing 18 of the second part 16 has a radially outwardly extending rigid lug which is defined by a circumferentially extending rib 56 formed on the outer surface of the housing 18. Alternatively, a number of separate rigid lugs may be formed on the housing 18. On mating of the housing 18 of the second part 16 with the housing 14 of the first part 12, the rib 56 engages the latching tangs 38 on the latching ring 22. Both engaging surfaces 58 of the latching tangs 38 and both engaging surfaces 60 of the rib 56 are preferably chamfered to aid latching and delatching as described in more detail below.
[0012] Latching and delatching of the parts 12,16 of the connector 10 is illustrated in Figures 7a to 7d. Figure 7a shows the arrangement as the housing 18 of the second part 16 is slid into the housing 14 of the first part 12. As the housing 18 moves in the direction of the arrow, the rib 56 engages the latching tang 38. The locking ring 20 is biased by the spring 24 to its first position with the bar 48 of the locking ring positioned adjacent the latching tang 38. Further movement of the housing 18 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 7b (to mate the two parts 12,16) causes the latching tang 38 to pivot relative to the free end 40 of the leg 42 to allow the rib 56 to pass the latching tang 38. The chamfered engaging surfaces 58,60 aid the passage of the rib 56 passed the latching tang 38. The bar 48 on the locking ring 20 prevents radial outward movement of the latching tang 38 (Figure 7c) and so any unauthorised attempt to pull the housing 18 out of the housing 14 is substantially prevented by the rib 56 engaging the latching tang 38, and the latching tang engaging the bar 48. However, if a need arises to remove the housing 18 of the second part 16 from the housing 14 of the first part 12 in order to disconnect the two parts, the locking ring 20 can be manually push in the axial direction (arrow X in Figure 7d) to its second position against the bias of the spring 24. In the second position of the locking ring 20, the aperture 50 in the locking ring is positioned radially adjacent the latching tang 38. Pulling of the housing 18 in the opposed axial direction (arrow Y in Figure 7d) causes the rib 56 to engage the latching tang 38 to pivot the latching tang radially outwards at the connecting end 46 of the leg 42 into the aperture 50 allowing the housing 18 to be disconnected from the housing 14 of the first part 12. Again, the chamfered engaging surfaces 58,60 aid the passage of the rib 56 passed the latching tang 38.
[0013] Connection of the two parts 12,16 is achieved by a simple push fit. The snap fit of the rib 56 behind the latching tangs 38 provides an audible sound for confirming full and correct mating of the two parts 12,16. The locking ring 20 prevents unauthorised disconnection of the two parts 12,16. Disconnection can be easily achieved simply by manual depression of the locking ring 20. The arrangement of the two-part connector of the present invention therefore overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art connectors in areas where access is difficult.
1. A two-part electrical connector comprising a first part having a housing of electrically
insulating material and which is substantially annular; a second part having a housing
of electrically insulating material and which makes a sliding fit inside the housing
of the first part, the housing of the second part having a radially outwardly extending
substantially rigid lug; a locking ring which is substantially annular and which is
retained in the housing of the first part, the locking ring being capable of movement
in an axial direction relative to the housing of the first part between a first position
and a second position; a latching ring which is substantially annular and which is
retained in the housing of the first part and is partially surrounded by the locking
ring, the latching ring having a radially inwardly extending resilient latching tang
which can be engaged by, and latches with, the lug on the housing of the second part
on sliding the housing of the second part into the housing of the first part; and
a spring acting on the locking ring to bias the locking ring towards the first position;
wherein the locking ring has a circumferentially extending bar and a circumferentially
extending aperture adjacent the bar in an axial direction; wherein in the first position
of the locking ring, the bar is adjacent the latching tang on the latching ring to
substantially prevent radially outward movement of the latching tang; and wherein
in the second position of the locking ring, the aperture is adjacent the latching
tang on the latching ring to allow radially outward movement of the latching tang.
2. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the locking ring has
outwardly extending tabs which engage an internal shoulder in the housing of the first
part to retain the locking ring in the housing of the first part.
3. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the locking
ring has an internal axially extending rib which makes a sliding fit in a corresponding
groove in the latching ring to substantially prevent relative rotation between the
locking ring and the latching ring.
4. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the
latching tang is pivotally mounted on the free end of an axially extending leg which
is positioned in an aperture in, and pivotally connected to, the latching ring.
5. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the leg is substantially
U-shaped.
6. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the
engaging surfaces of the latching tang and the lug are chamfered.
7. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the
lug is defined by a circumferentially extending rib on the housing of the second part.
8. A two-part electrical connector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the
latching ring has two or more latching tangs.
1. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder, umfassend:
einen ersten Teil mit einem Gehäuse aus elektrisch isolierendem Material, und welches im Wesentlichen kreisringförmig ist;
einen zweiten Teil mit einem Gehäuse aus elektrisch isolierendem Material, und welches einen Gleitsitz in dem Gehäuse des ersten Teils bildet, wobei das Gehäuse des zweiten Teils einen sich radial nach außen erstreckenden im Wesentlichen starren Ansatz aufweist; einen Verriegelungsring, welcher im Wesentlichen kreisringförmig ist und der in dem Gehäuse des ersten Teils fest gehalten ist, wobei der Verriegelungsring zu einer Bewegung in einer axialen Richtung relativ zu dem Gehäuse des ersten Teils zwischen einer ersten Stellung und einer zweiten Stellung in der Lage ist; einen Einrastring, welcher im Wesentlichen kreisringförmig ist, und der in dem Gehäuse des ersten Teils fest gehalten ist und zum Teil von dem Verriegelungsring umgeben ist, wobei der Einrastring einen sich radial nach innen erstreckenden elastischen Einrastlappen, in welchen der Ansatz an dem Gehäuse des zweiten Teils eingreifen kann und damit verrastet, wenn das Gehäuse des zweiten Teils in das Gehäuse des ersten Teils hineingeschoben wird, aufweist; und eine Feder, welche an dem Verriegelungsring wirkt, um den Verriegelungsring in Richtung der ersten Stellung vorzuspannen; wobei der Verriegelungsring eine sich um den Umfang erstreckende Leiste und eine sich um den Umfang erstreckende Öffnung neben der Leiste in einer axialen Richtung aufweist; wobei in der ersten Stellung des Verriegelungsrings die Leiste sich neben dem Einrastlappen an dem Einrastring befindet, um im Wesentlichen eine Bewegung des Einrastlappens radial nach außen zu verhindern; und wobei in der zweiten Stellung des Verriegelungsrings die Öffnung sich neben dem Einrastlappen an dem Einrastring befindet, um eine Bewegung des Einrastlappens radial nach außen zu erlauben.
2. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Verriegelungsring
sich nach außen erstreckende Laschen aufweist, welche mit einer inneren Schulter in
dem Gehäuse des ersten Teils in Eingriff stehen, um den Verriegelungsring in dem Gehäuse
des ersten Teils fest zu halten.
3. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Verriegelungsring
eine innere sich in axialer Richtung erstreckende Rippe aufweist, welche einen Gleitsitz
in einer entsprechenden Nut in dem Einrastring bildet, um eine relative Drehung zwischen
dem Verriegelungsring und dem Einrastring im Wesentlichen zu verhindern.
4. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei der
Einrastring an dem freien Ende eines sich in axialer Richtung erstreckenden Schenkels,
welcher in einer Öffnung in dem Einrastring angeordnet und mit diesem schwenkbar verbunden
ist, schwenkbar befestigt ist.
5. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Schenkel im Wesentlichen
U-förmig ist.
6. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei die
eingreifenden Flächen des Einrastlappens und der Ansatz gefast sind.
7. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei der
Ansatz durch eine sich um den Umfang erstreckende Rippe an dem Gehäuse des zweiten
Teils definiert ist.
8. Zweiteiliger elektrischer Steckverbinder nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei der
Einrastring zwei oder mehrere Einrastlappen aufweist.
1. Connecteur électrique en deux parties comportant une première partie ayant un boîtier
en matériau électriquement isolant et une forme sensiblement annulaire ; une seconde
partie ayant un boîtier en matériau électriquement isolant et qui s'adapte en glissant
à l'intérieur du boîtier de la première partie, le boîtier de la seconde partie ayant
une patte sensiblement rigide s'étendant vers l'extérieur dans le sens radial ; un
anneau de blocage sensiblement annulaire qui est retenu dans le boîtier de la première
partie, l'anneau de blocage pouvant se déplacer dans le sens axial par rapport au
boîtier de la première partie entre une première et une seconde positions ; un anneau
de verrouillage sensiblement annulaire qui est retenu dans le boîtier de la première
partie et est partiellement entouré par l'anneau de blocage, l'anneau de verrouillage
ayant un tenon de verrouillage flexible s'étendant vers l'intérieur dans le sens radial
dans lequel peut s'engager, et avec lequel peut se verrouiller la patte du boîtier
de la seconde partie lors du glissement du boîtier de la seconde partie dans le boîtier
de la première partie ; et un ressort agissant sur l'anneau de blocage pour l'engager
vers la première position ; dans lequel l'anneau de blocage comporte sur sa circonférence
une barre et une ouverture adjacente à la barre dans le sens axial ; dans lequel,
dans la première position de l'anneau de blocage, la barre est adjacente au tenon
de verrouillage de l'anneau de verrouillage pour empêcher pratiquement complètement
un déplacement radial vers l'extérieur du tenon de verrouillage ; et dans lequel,
dans la seconde position de l'anneau de blocage, l'ouverture est adjacente au tenon
de verrouillage de l'anneau de verrouillage pour permettre un déplacement radial vers
l'extérieur du tenon de verrouillage.
2. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'anneau
de blocage comporte des ergots s'étendant vers l'extérieur dans lesquels s'engage
un épaulement interne au boîtier de la première partie pour retenir l'anneau de blocage
dans le boîtier de la première partie.
3. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'anneau
de blocage comporte un nervure interne s'étendant dans le sens axial qui s'adapte
en glissant dans un sillon correspondant de l'anneau de verrouillage pour empêcher
pratiquement complètement une rotation de l'anneau de blocage et de l'anneau de verrouillage
l'un par rapport à l'autre.
4. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 3, dans lequel le tenon de verrouillage est monté en pivotement sur l'extrémité
libre d'une patte s'étendant dan le sens axial qui est positionnée dans une ouverture
de l'anneau de verrouillage et reliée par pivotement à celui-ci.
5. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon la revendication 4, dans lequel la patte
est sensiblement en forme de U.
6. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 5, dans lequel les surfaces d'engagement du tenon de verrouillage et de la patte
sont biseautées.
7. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 6, dans lequel la patte est définie par une nervure s'étendant sur la circonférence
du boîtier de la seconde partie.
8. Connecteur électrique en deux parties selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1
à 7, dans lequel l'anneau de verrouillage comporte au moins deux tenons de verrouillage.