[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector with a latch for securing to a
complementary connector matable therewith.
[0002] It is known to provide electrical connectors with resilient latching arms that engage
a complementary latching protrusion of a mating connector, whereby the latches engage
automatically when the connectors are pressed together. It is also known to provide
connectors having resilient latching arms , with a safety element inserted under the
latch for preventing uncoupling of connectors. A disadvantage of conventional latching
mechanisms with safety features is the need for additional parts and the requirement
for an operator to effect a number of operations in order to ensure a secure fully
coupled state. The need for a separate safety element and multiple operations adversely
affects the reliability of the connector coupling. It would be desirable to provide
a connector with a more reliable coupling mechanism. It would particularly advantageous
to enable rapid and simple coupling of mating connectors with few operations whilst
ensuring a secure coupling.
[0003] It is an object of this invention to provide a connector with secure and reliable
coupling. It would be advantageous to enable simple and rapid coupling and uncoupling
with few operations.
[0004] It would be advantageous to provide a connector that ensures correct insertion and
locking of terminals in a housing thereof in a reliable and cost-effective manner.
[0005] It would be advantageous to provide an electrical connector that is effectively sealed,
and that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and assemble.
[0006] Objects of this invention have been achieved by providing the connector according
to claim 1. Disclosed herein is a connector for mating with a complementary connector,
comprising a housing, one or more terminals receivable in the housing, and a resilient
latching member for securely engaging a complementary latch of the complementary connector
in order to secure the connectors in the fully coupled position, the resilient latching
member comprising a spring arm extending from an attachment portion where the latch
is attached to the housing, to a locking portion having a locking shoulder for engaging
a complementary locking shoulder of the complementary latch, wherein the latch further
comprises a release extension connected to the spring arm and adapted to bias the
latching portion out of engagement with the complementary latch when the release portion
is actuated, the connector further comprising a safety element engaging the latch
for preventing inadvertent disengagement thereof, wherein the safety element engages
the release portion to prevent inadvertent disengagement, and the latch spring arm
is provided with sufficient elasticity to enable coupling when the release portion
is secured by the safety element.
[0007] Advantageously therefore, plugging of connectors is possible in a single operation
whilst the safety element is in a secured position thereby preventing inadvertent
release of the connectors. The connector can thus be supplied with the safety element
in the secured position, whereby uncoupling of connectors can be easily effected by
moving the safety element to an unsecured position and actuating the latch release
portion.
[0008] The latch may advantageously be in the form of a cantilever beam attached to the
housing at the attachment portion, the attachment portion forming substantially a
pivot area of the latch. The latch spring arm and release portions may extend in opposite
directions from the pivot mounting or attachment portion, the latch spring arm extending
substantially in a direction of mating of the connector. The safety element may comprise
an insert portion insertable between the latch release portion and the housing such
that depression of the release portion towards the housing is blocked. The safety
element may advantageously be pivotally mounted to the housing, for example with a
hinge portion integrally moulded with the housing in the form of a thin web for cost-effective
production of the connector. The safety element may comprise an insert portion that
rotably inserts between the release portion and housing at a rear free end of the
release portion.
[0009] Objects of this invention have been achieved by providing the connector according
to claim 9. Disclosed herein is a connector for mating with a complementary connector,
comprising a housing, one or more terminals receivable in corresponding cavities of
the housing, each cavity provided with locking projections engageable in complementary
locking recesses or cut-outs of the terminals, the connector further comprising a
secondary locking member movable from an unlocked position where the terminals can
be inserted into the cavities to a fully locked position where locking projections
thereof engage in complementary recesses or cut-outs of the terminals thereby securing
the terminals in the fully inserted position, wherein the locking projections in the
cavity and on the secondary locking member respectively are substantially rigid and
the connector is further provided with spring members having portions projecting into
the cavity on an opposed side of the cavity to the locking protrusion thereof for
biasing the terminals towards the cavity locking protrusion.
[0010] Advantageously, terminals are robustly secured in a reliable manner in the connector
housing, whilst providing an operator with a tactile indication of complete insertion
of the terminal.
[0011] Objects of this invention have been achieved by providing the connector according
to claim 12. Disclosed herein is a connector for mating with a complementary connector,
comprising a housing, one or more terminals receivable in the housing, and sealing
means comprising a connector seal portion and a wire seal portion, the connector seal
portion for sealing between the connectors, and the wire seal portion for sealing
between conducting wires connected to the terminals and the connector housing, the
wire seal portion arranged proximate a terminal receiving end of the housing and the
connector seal portion arranged towards a mating end of the connector housing, wherein
the connector seal portion and wire seal portion are integrally attached together
via an intermediate section.
[0012] Advantageously, an effectively sealed connector is provided in a compact and cost-effective
manner to produce.
[0013] Further objects and advantageous aspects of this invention will be apparent from
the following description and drawings, or are set forth in the claims.
[0014] An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example with reference
to the figures in which;
Figure 1 is a side view of a connector according to this invention and a complementary
connector matable therewith;
Figure 2 is an isometric view towards a mating face of connector according to this
invention;
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the connector viewed towards a terminal receiving
face;
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view through line 4-4 of figure 2;
Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of the connector;
Figure 6 is a further exploded isometric view of the connector showing the safety
element in an unsecured position;
Figure 7 is an isometric view of a terminal receiving portion of the connector housing
with a secondary locking member in an unlocked or open position;
Figure 8 is a cross sectional view through line 8-8 of figure 2;
Figure 9 is a view similar to figure 8 with a terminal of the connector shown in an
almost fully inserted position;
Figure 10 is a cross sectional view through line 10-10 of figure 2, showing the terminal
in a fully inserted position in a cavity of the housing;
Figure 11 is a cross sectional view similar to figure 10 showing the secondary locking
member in the fully locked or closed position:
[0015] Referring first to figures 1-7, an electrical connector 2 for mating with a complementary
connector 4 comprises an insulative housing 6 extending from a mating end 8 to a terminal
receiving end 10 and has a plurality of cavities 12 extending therethrough for receiving
electrical terminals 14 (see figure 11) of the connector. The connector further comprises
a seal member 16 having a connector seal portion 18 for sealing between the connector
2 and complementary connector 4, and a wire seal portion 20 for sealing between incoming
conductors such as wires extending through the wire receiving end 10 of the housing,
and the connector 2. The connector further comprises a latching mechanism 22 for securing
the connector to a complementary latch 24 of the complementary connector 4.
[0016] The housing 6 comprises a terminal receiving section 26 and an outer shroud section
28 within which the terminal receiving section 26 is received. The latching mechanism
22 is integrally formed with the housing 6, in this embodiment with the outer shroud
section 28 thereof.
[0017] The wire seal portion 20 is received in a sandwich between a wire receiving end wall
30 of the shroud section 28 and a terminal receiving end 32 of the terminal receiving
section 26. The terminal receiving section 26 is securely locked to the shroud section
28 by provision of latches or locking arms 34 that extend from the terminal receiving
end 32 of the terminal receiving section 26. The locking arms 34 have locking projections
36 proximate ends thereof that engage with complementary locking shoulders 38 (see
figures 6 and 3) formed in windows 40 of the shroud section end wall 30. Sandwiching
of the wire seal 20 provides a spring force that biases the housing sections 26, 28
apart such that the latches 36, 38 therebetween are in tight engagement. The terminal
receiving section latch arms 34 project through corresponding cavities in the wire
seal portion 20. This provides for a particularly compact latching arrangement between
the terminal receiving and shroud sections 26, 28. This arrangement also provides
for a well protected and safely retained family seal for sealing between a plurality
of wire conductors and the connector, the conductors inserted through sealing cavities
42 extending through the wire seal portion 20. The wire seal portion 20 further comprises
radial sealing lips 44 that seal against an inner surface 45 of the shroud.
[0018] The wire seal portion 20 is integrally connected to the connector seal portion 18
by an intermediate section 46 in the form of a thin membrane that extends from the
wire seal portion 20 to the connector seal portion 18 in a slightly outward tapered
manner which enables easy insertion of the sealing member 16 over the terminal receiving
section 26, with introduction of the seal initially over the terminal receiving end
32 thereof. The connector seal portion 18 comprises a radial seal having internal
peripheral sealing lips 47, 48 respectively that seal the terminal section 26 to the
complementary connector 4. The intermediate section 46 of the seal member 16 comprises
windows 49 for receiving extensions 50 therethrough of the terminal receiving section
26. The extensions 50 may serve as guiding or polarising features slidably receivable
in complementary guiding members in the form of grooves 52 in side walls of the shroud
receiving section 28 to ensure correct positioning of the terminal receiving section
within the shroud receiving section. The extensions 50 may further be provided with
insertion limiting stops or shoulders 53 engageable against complementary shoulders
54 of the shroud guides 52 to prevent over insertion of the terminal receiving section
26 therein. The integral forming of the wire seal section 20 and connector seal section
18 reduces the manufacturing handling and assembly costs of the connector whilst ensuring
effective sealing thereof.
[0019] Referring to figures 7-11, the terminal receiving section 26 comprises a substantially
rigid locking protrusion 56 in the terminal receiving cavity 12, engaging in a complementary
locking recess or cut-out 58 of the terminal 14. The rigid locking protrusion 56 is
provided on a first side 57 of the cavity 12, and on a second opposed side 59 of the
cavity is a spring member 60 for biasing the terminal 14 towards the first side 57
during insertion of the terminal in the cavity 12. The spring member 60 is in the
form of a cantilever beam spring arm with a protruding or enlargened portion 61 proximate
a free end 62 thereof which is directed towards the mating end 8. The rigid locking
protrusion 56 provides for a particularly robust retention of the terminal in the
cavity 12 whilst the spring 60 ensures that the terminal 14 snaps into the fully inserted
position, as shown in figure 10, thereby providing the operator with a tactile and
audible indication of complete insertion, as well as ensuring securing of the terminal
once fully inserted. Subsequent to full insertion as shown in figure 10, a secondary
locking member 64, which is pivotally attached to the terminal receiving section 26
via a flexible hinge 66, is pivoted into the fully locked position as shown in figure
11. The secondary locking member 64 is provided with a locking protrusion 67 that
engages in a complementary locking recess or cut-out 58

of the terminal 14. The locking protrusions 56, 67 on opposed sides of the terminals,
are provided in a substantially rigid form thereby ensuring a particularly robust
retention of the terminal in the housing. Closing of the secondary locking member
64 into the locked position as shown in figure 11 is not possible if the terminal
is only partially inserted as shown in figure 9. Due to the rigid locking protrusion
56, closure of the secondary locking member 64 cannot bias the opposed locking protrusion
56, contrary to a situation where the locking protrusion would be elastic. The spring
60 thus enables the provision of rigid locking protrusions 56, 67 without foregoing
the advantages of snapping the terminal into a locking position during insertion.
As illustrated in figure 1, when the secondary locking member 64 is in the open or
unlocked position, a mating end 9 thereof abuts a mating end 11 of the mating connector
4, thereby preventing coupling of connectors unless the secondary locking member is
in the fully locked position. The provision of the secondary locking member 64 at
the mating end 8 of the terminal section 26 provides easy accessibility for actuation
thereof.
[0020] Referring now to figures 3-6, and 8-10, the connector latching mechanism 22 comprises
a latch 68, a safety element 70 and a protective cover portion 72. The latch mechanism
is integrally moulded with the housing, and in this embodiment with the shroud section
28 of the housing 6. The latch 68 comprises a resilient latching portion 74 and a
release portion 76 extending in opposed directions from an attachment portion 78.
The attachment portion 78 forms a pivotal support attachment of the latch 68 to the
shroud section 28. The latching portion 74 comprises a spring arm 75 extending from
the attachment portion 78 to a locking portion 77 proximate a free mating end 80.
The locking portion 77, as best seen in figure 10, comprises a locking shoulder 79
for engaging a complementary locking shoulder 81 (see figure 1) of the complementary
connector latch 24. The elastic flexibility of the spring arm 75 is sufficient to
allow the locking portion 77 to bias over the latch protrusion 24 of the complementary
connector during coupling, and subsequently reside behind the shoulder 81 without
pivoting of the release portion 76. In other words, when the release portion 76 is
blocked by the safety element as shown in figure 9, the connector 2 may still be coupled
to the complementary connector 4 by merely pushing the connectors together until the
latches snap into a fully locked condition. The connector can thus be supplied with
the safety element 70 in the secured position shown in figures 9-11.
[0021] In figure 8 the safety element 70 is shown in the release or unsecured position,
whereby an operator can depress the release portion 76, which is in the form of a
cantilever beam extending from the attachment portion 78, thereby pivoting the latch
portion 74 about the attachment portion 78. This causes the locking shoulder 79 of
the latch portion 74 to bias over the complementary latch protrusion 24 of the complementary
connector to enable uncoupling. The safety element 70 is integrally attached to the
housing via a flexible hinge 84, which is in the form of a thin web extending between
the safety element and the cover portion 72. The safety element 70 comprises an insert
portion 86 that inserts between the release portion 76 and connector housing as seen
in figure 9, thereby blocking biasing of the release portion 76 towards the housing.
As best seen in figure 6, in this embodiment the safety element 70 is provided with
a pair of insert portions 86 extending from sides 88 of the safety element whereby
the release portion 76 comprises complementary blocking shoulders 89 on sides 90 for
receiving the insert portion 86 thereunder. The release portion 76 extends to a wire
receiving end 92 positioned beyond the blocking portions 89 to provide a sufficiently
long finger grip extension 91 for actuation by an operator. In order to allow pivotal
travel of the insert portions 86 of the safety element, sides 90' of the finger grip
extension 91 are recessed with respect to the sides 90, the recess forming a substantially
arcuate shoulder 93 joining the sides 90, 90' . Latches (not shown) between the safety
element 70 and housing shroud section 28 may be provided to hold the safety element
in the fully secured position.
[0022] The safety element 70 also forms a cover or cap including the side walls 88 and a
top wall 94 that partially enclose the release portion 76 of the latch thereby preventing
access thereto by an operator when the safety element is in the fully secured position.
In order to release fully coupled connectors 2, 4, an operator merely has to lift
the safety element 70 which snaps open with a certain lifting force, to access the
release portion 76 and pivotally lift the latch.
1. A connector (2) for mating with a complementary connector (4), comprising a housing
(6), one or more terminals (14) receivable in the housing, and a resilient latch (68)
for securely engaging a complementary latch (24) of the complementary connector in
order to secure the connectors in a fully coupled position, the resilient latch comprising
a latching portion (74) with a spring arm (75) extending from an attachment portion
(78) where the latch is attached to the housing (6), to a locking portion (77) having
a locking shoulder (79) for engaging a complementary locking shoulder (81) of the
complementary latch, wherein the latch (68) further comprises a release extension
(76) connected to the spring arm (75) and adapted to bias the locking portion (77)
out of engagement with the complementary latch (24) when the release portion (76)
is actuated, the connector further comprising a safety element (70) engaging the latch
(68) for preventing inadvertent disengagement thereof, characterised in that the safety
element (70) engages the release portion (76) to prevent inadvertent disengagement,
the latch spring arm (75) provided with sufficient elasticity to enable coupling when
the release portion is secured by the safety element.
2. The connector of claim 1 wherein the safety element (70) comprises an insert portion
(86) insertable between the release portion (76) and the connector housing (6) for
blocking movement of the release portion towards the connector housing.
3. The connector of claim 1 or 2 wherein the latch is substantially in the form of a
beam pivotally attached at an attachment portion (78) to the housing (6), the attachment
portion intermediate the release portion (76) and latching portion (74).
4. The connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the latching portion (74)
is substantially in the form of a cantilever beam extending from an attachment portion
(78) where the latches attach to the housing (6), to a free mating end (80), the locking
portion (77) provided proximate the mating end (80).
5. The connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the safety element (70) is
pivotally attached to the housing (6).
6. The connector of the preceding claim wherein the safety element is attached via a
flexible hinge (84) integrally moulded with the housing.
7. The connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the safety element is provided
with side walls (88) and a top wall (94) that form a protective cover at least partially
enclosing the release portion (76) for preventing access thereto.
8. The connector of any one of the preceding claims wherein the safety element is pivotally
movable from an unsecured to a secured position proximate a wire receiving end (10)
of the connector housing.
9. A connector (2) for mating with a complementary connector (4), comprising a housing
(6), one or more terminals (14) receivable in corresponding cavities (12) of the housing,
each cavity provided with locking projections (56) engageable in complementary locking
recesses or cut-outs (58) of the terminals (14), the connector further comprising
a secondary locking member (64) movable from an unlocked position where the terminals
(14) can be inserted into the cavities (12) to a fully locked position where locking
projections (67) thereof engage in complementary recesses or cut-outs (58') of the
terminal thereby securing the terminal in the fully inserted position, characterised
in that the locking projections (56, 67) in the cavity and on the secondary locking
member respectively are substantially rigid and the connector is further provided
with spring members (60) having portions (61) projecting into the cavity (12) on an
opposed side of the cavity to the locking protrusion (56) thereof for biasing the
terminals towards the cavity locking protrusion (56).
10. The connector of the preceding claim wherein the secondary locking member (64) is
provided at a mating end (8) of the connector housing and is engageable against a
portion (11) of the complementary connector (4) during coupling when the secondary
locking member is in the unlocked position, in order to prevent coupling of the connectors
unless the secondary locking member is in the fully locked position.
11. The connector of either of the two preceding claims wherein the secondary locking
member (64) is integrally attached to the connector housing (6) via a thin flexible
hinge (66), the secondary locking member extending therefrom in a mating direction
to the mating end (8).
12. A connector (2) for mating with a complementary connector (4), comprising a housing
(6), one or more terminals (14) receivable in the housing, and sealing means (16)
comprising a connector seal portion (18) and a wire seal portion (20), the connector
seal portion (18) for sealing between the connectors (2, 4), and the wire seal portion
(20) for sealing between conducting wires connected to the terminals (14) and the
connector housing (6), the wire seal portion (20) arranged proximate a terminal receiving
end (10) of the housing and the connector seal portion (18) arranged towards a mating
end (8) of the connector housing, characterised in that the connector seal portion
(18) and wire seal portion (20) are integrally attached together via an intermediate
section (46).
13. The connector of the preceding claim wherein the connector housing comprises a terminal
receiving section (26) and a shroud section (28) receiving the terminal receiving
section therein, whereby the wire seal portion (20) is sandwiched between the terminal
receiving section (26) and a terminal receiving end wall (30) of the shroud section
(28).
14. The connector of the preceding claim wherein the terminal receiving section (26) comprises
latch extensions (34, 36) projecting though the wire seal portion (20) and engaging
a terminal receiving end wall (30) of the shroud section (28) for latching of the
terminal receiving section thereto.