ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH IMPROVED STRAIN RELIEF FOR ELECTRICAL WIRES

Abstract

 The present disclosure provides an connector housing (110) for an electrical connector (100) assembly. The connector housing (110) comprises a strain relief member (150) comprising at least one channel (152) configured for receiving a portion of the electrical wire (140). The strain relief member (150) comprises a plurality of axially spaced strain relief elements (153) protruding from an inner surface (155) of the channel (152) over a strain relief region (157). Each strain relief element (153) comprising a contact surface (153a) configured to engage, when the portion of the electrical wire (140) is positioned into the channel (152), with the insulating jacket (140b) of the electrical wire (140) causing the insulating jacket (140) material to deform and at least partially fill respective recesses (153b) defined between adjacent strain relief elements (153) so as to restrict axial movement of the electrical wire (140) with respect to the first connector housing (110).

Description

Field

[0001] The present application relates in general to an electrical connector, and more particularly, to a safety restraint system (SRS) electrical connector incorporating an improved strain relief member for electrical wires, such as ultra-thin isolation electrical wires.

Background

[0002] Automotive electrical connectors, such as those used in safety restraint systems (SRS), are critical components that ensure the correct functionality of critical safety devices such as airbags, seat-belt tensioning devices, and the like. In general, an electrical connector comprises a first connector housing and a second connector housing configured to be uncoupled from and coupled to one another via a latching mechanism, e.g. in a male to female configuration. An electrical conductor portion of at least one electrical wire is connected to an electrical terminal portion of the electrical connector provided in one of the connector housings to facilitate the electrical connection with a socket of the interconnected system. The electrical wires are fitted through corresponding openings provided at a distal portion of the first and/or second connector housings. To prevent accidentally disconnecting the electrical wires from the electrical terminal, it is desired to restrict the axial movement of the electrical wires with respect to the electrical connector. The axial movement of the electrical wire can be restricted with strain relief means provided in the first and/or second connector housing.

[0003] An example of an electrical connector assembly incorporating strain relief elements is disclosed in WO2013092193A1. The strain relief elements of WO2013092193A1 protrude from corresponding surfaces of the first and second connector housings and are configured to contact a side portion of the electrical wire pressed in a recess formed therebetween. A drawback of such an arrangement is that the force exerted by the strain relief element is only applied on a limited portion of the electrical wire, e.g. opposing sides, and as such, is not sufficient to limit the axial movement of the electrical wire with respect to the electrical connector. Furthermore, the compressive force applied by the strain relief elements on the side of the electrical wire may damage the insulation jacket of the electrical wire, thereby exposing the electrical conductor to humidity which may lead to a failure of the electrical connection. Damage to the insulation becomes more pronounced in ultra-thin isolation electrical wires having a thinner insulation jacket material surrounding the electrical conductor core to reduce weight and cost.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an electrical connector with an improved strain relief member that would prevent the axial movement of the electrical wire with respect to the electrical connector while maintaining the integrity of the insulation jacket of the electrical wire.

Summary

[0005] It is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an electrical connector with improved strain relief for electrical wires.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a connector housing is provided for an electrical connector assembly (100), the connector housing configured for receiving at least one cylindrical electrical wire comprising an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulated jacket, the first connector housing comprising:
a strain relief member comprising at least one channel extending longitudinally between a distal portion and a proximal portion of the first connector housing, the at least one channel being configured for receiving a portion of the electrical wire;
wherein the strain relief member comprises a plurality of axially spaced strain relief elements protruding from an inner surface of the channel over a strain relief region, each strain relief element comprising a contact surface configured to engage, when the portion of the electrical wire is positioned into the channel, with the insulating jacket of the electrical wire causing the insulating jacket material to deform and at least partially fill respective recesses defined between adjacent strain relief elements so as to restrict axial movement of the electrical wire with respect to the first connector housing.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief elements have a sawtooth-shaped profile.

[0008] The strain relief member of the present disclosure provides a plurality of strain relief elements that are axially spaced in a longitudinal direction along a portion of the channel, e.g. between a distal portion and a proximal portion of the channel or along its entire length. As a result, the contact area between the insulating jacket of the electrical wire and the strain relief elements is increased, leading to an improved immobilisation of the electrical wire due to the increased friction forces generated over the contact area. Each strain relief element is provided with a contact surface that is configured, when the electrical wire is pressed into the channel e.g. by the second connector housing, to engage with the insulating jacket. Pressing the electrical wire against the contact surface causes the insulating jacket material to deform and at least partially fill the recesses defined between adjacent strain relief elements. The deformed insulating material engages with the contact surface of each strain relief element thereby restricting the axial movement of the electrical wire. The strain relief elements may be provided with a sawtooth profile having a contract surface comprising a tip with a generally flat contact region and a tooth face protruding at an upright angle from the inner surface of the channel to a tip, e.g. zero rake angle. The contact of the tip of the strain relief element with the insulating jacket causes the insulating material to deform and at least partially fill recesses defined between adjacent strain relief elements. The deformed material in the recess engages with the tooth face of the strain relief elements to restrict the axial movement of the electrical. The recess, also referred to as valley, slot, or gullet, is defined between adjacent strain relief elements. Each recess may have an inclined profile tapered towards the inner surface of the channel for receiving the deformed insulating jacket material. The strain relief elements of the present disclosure may be used to restrict movement of different type electrical wires, such as ultra-thin electrical wires such as FLRY and FLUY types that have a small cross-sectional diameter with thin insulation material. The dimensions of the channel and of the strain relief elements may be adapted to accommodate different types of electrical wires.

[0009] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief elements are arranged to assume the form of the inner surface of the channel.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief elements are configured to extend circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal side edges of the channel.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief elements are in the form of ribs configured to protrude radially inwards into a receiving space of the channel defined between first and second longitudinal side walls.

[0012] The strain relief member of the present disclosure provides strain relief elements that are configured to engage with a greater portion of the electrical wire along its circumference. Each strain relief element is configured to assume the form of the inner surface of the channel, leading to a greater friction being generated between the strain relief elements and the insulating jacket. For example, each strain relief element may be configured to extend, in a continuous or discontinuous manner, circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal side edges of the channel. As a result, each strain relief element is configured to engage with a greater surface area of the electrical wire around its circumference. In this way, greater friction can be achieved at the contact area between the strain relief elements and the insulating jacket while reducing the deformation of the insulating jacket. As a result, the axial movement of the electrical wire with respect to the electrical connector is restricted while maintaining the integrity of the insulating jacket.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief elements are spaced apart at equal intervals over the strain relief region. By equally spacing the strain relief elements, the friction generated at the contact areas between the strain relief elements and the insulating cable jacket is evenly distributed along the electrical wire portion. As a result, the friction generated at the contact area between the insulating jacket portion and the strain relief elements increases proportionally to the number of strain relief elements distributed over a given area of the channel. In this way, the resistance provided by the strain relief elements is increased without having to change the profile of the strain relief elements, e.g. by changing their height to increase the deformation of the insulating material. Therefore, improved strain relief is provided to the electrical wire positioned within the channel while maintaining the integrity of the insulating jacket. Furthermore, the equal distribution of the strain relief elements facilitates a simpler manufacturing process e.g. injection moulding or similar.

[0014] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief elements are provided at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the channel. For example, the strain relief elements may be angled towards the proximal portion of the connector housing. Providing the strain relief elements at an oblique angle further increases the friction generated over the contact area between the strain relief elements and the portion of the electrical wire against a pulling force acting on the electrical wire in the opposite direction.

[0015] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact surface of the strain relief elements comprises a tip portion having a flat profile configured to engage with a portion of the insulating jacket of the electrical wire and a tooth face region configured to engage with the deformed material of the insulation jacket. The contact area defined by the tip portion is flat, and as such would not penetrate the material of the insulating jacket when the electrical wire is pushed into the channel, thereby maintaining the integrity of the insulation jacket.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the height of the tooth face region, measured between the inner surface of the channel to the tip portion, is greater than the thickness of the insulating jacket of the electrical wire positioned within the channel.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, opposing tip portion of the strain relief elements define a restricted space (154), which is dimensioned such as to be smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the electrical wire and greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the electrical conductor of the electrical wire.

[0018] The strain relief elements are configured to restrict the receiving space formed with the channel by the opposing longitudinal sidewall to ensure sufficient contact with the insulating jacket of the electrical wire. The restricted space defining between opposing tips of the strain relief elements is dimensioned to be greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the electrical core to prevent damage to the electrical conductor. At the same time, the restricted space is dimensioned to be smaller than the outer diameter of the electrical wire to ensure sufficient contact with the insulation jacket to generate the required friction to restrict the axial movement of the electrical wire with respect to the electrical connector. For example, the restricted space define between opposing tips may be dimensioned to be between 15 to 30% smaller than the outer diameter of the electrical wire.

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one channel has a U-Shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional profile. It should be noted that the channel may have any other desirable cross-sectional profile.

[0020] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one channel is dimensioned such that, when an electrical wire is positioned into the receiving space of the channel, a portion of the electrical wire protrudes through the opening of the channel.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the strain relief member comprises a plurality of channels, each configured to receive a respective cylindrical electrical wire. The electrical connector may be configured to receive more than one electrical wire depending on the application, e.g. an SRS application may require at least two electrical wires. The strain relief member is adapted accordingly to provide a channel for each electrical wire incorporating the strain relief elements of the present disclosure to restrict the axial movement of the electrical wires with respect to the connectors.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is provided comprising:

a first connector housing according to embodiments of the first aspect; and

a second connector housing configured to be coupled to the first connector housing, the second connector housing comprising a contact surface configured to apply, when the second connector housing is coupled to the first connector housing, a compressive force on the electrical wire so as to push a portion of the electrical wire into the channel of the strain relief member.

[0023] The second connector housing may be in the form of a cover for the first connector housing. As a result, the compressive force applied by the complimentary surfaces of the second connector housing on the electrical wires at the location of the strain relief, ensures that the portion of the cable is pushed into the channel and is in engagement with the strain relief elements. The compressive force is maintained on the electrical wire while the first and second connector housings are coupled to one another, thereby further increasing the friction provided at the contact area between the strain relief elements and the portion of the electrical wire. As a result, the axial movement of the electrical wire when positioned in the channel is further restricted.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrical connector assembly is a safety restraint system connector, SRS, adapted to be connected with a corresponding socket of a safety restraint system.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for assembling an electrical connector assembly according to the second aspect, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first connector housing and a second connector housing of the electrical connector;

exposing a portion of the electrical conductor of the electrical wire;

connecting the exposed electrical conductor to an electrical terminal provided on the first connector or second connector housing; and

coupling the second connector housing on the first connector housing via a latching mechanism such that a compressive force is applied to the electrical wire so as to push a portion of the electrical wire into the channel such that the strain relief elements engage with a portion of the insulation jacket of the electrical wire and the insulating jacket material is deformed and at least partially fill respective recesses defined between adjacent strain relief elements.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0026] The following drawings are provided as an example to explain further and describe various aspects of the present disclosure:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplified safety restraint system (SRS) connector according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the SRS connector of Figure 1 along lines A-A;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplified first connector housing of the safety restraint system (SRS) connector of Figure 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows a close-up view of the strain relief member provided on the first connector housing shown in Figure 2;

Figure 3A shows a top view of the strain relief member of Figure 2 showing the strain relief elements arrangement in one of the channels;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the first connector housing of Figure 2 with representative measurements for the strain relief member according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figures 5 and 6 show different views of the first connector housing of Figure 2 with electrical wires positioning in the respective channels of the strain relief member according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 6A shows a close-up view of a section of the strain relief member of the first connector housing shown in Figure 6;

Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector housing along lines F-F of Figure 6; and

Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector housing along lines E-E of Figure 6.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings

[0027] The following discussion provides many exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0028] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the Figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the examples described herein. The examples may be practised without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the examples described. The description is not to be considered as limited to the scope of the examples described herein.

[0029] Figures 1 and 1A show an exemplified safety restraint system (SRS) connector 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrical connector 100 comprises a first connector housing 110 and a second connector housing 120 configured to be uncoupled from and coupled to one another via a latching mechanism in a male to female configuration, or equivalent. The second connector housing 120 may be in the form of a cover for covering the first connector housing 110, or a complementary component. The first connector housing 110 is provided with an electrical terminal 130 configured to be connected to a complementary socket of a safety system such as an airbag system, seat-belt tensioning system, and the like. A pair of electrical wires 140 are received into the first connector housing 110 through respective openings provided at a back portion 116 of the first connector housing 110. The electrical wires 140 are configured to be connected to a terminal portion 112 of the electrical terminal 130 provided in the first connector housing 110. As shown in Figure 1A, the second connector housing 120 may be provided with a contact surface 121 configured to apply, when the second connector housing 120 is coupled to the first connector housing 110, a compressive force on the electrical wires 140 so as to secure a portion of the electrical wires 140 in respective first and second channels 152 of a strain relief member 150 provided on the first connector housing 110, shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0030] Referring now to Figures 2 to 6, an exemplified implementation of a first connector housing 110 of the SRS electrical connector 100 is shown incorporating the strain relief member 150 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first connector housing 110 of the SRS electrical connector 100 of Figure 1. The first connector housing 110 is provided with a strain relief member 150 configured to provide strain relief for the electrical wires 140 connected to the terminal portion 112. Each electrical wire 140 comprises an insulating jacket 140b surrounding an electrical conductor 140a, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C. The strain relief member 150 comprises a first and a second channel 152 that extends longitudinally between a distal portion and a proximal portion of the first connector housing 110. For example, channel 152 may extend from the back portion 116 of the first housing 110 to an inner portion 117 of the first connector housing 110. Each channel 152 comprises first and a second longitudinal sidewalls 152a that defines a receiving space 156 for receiving an electrical wire 140 through an opening 152c defined between respective first and second side edged 152b of the first and second sidewalls 152a. Channel 152 may have a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional profile along its length, but other shapes may equally be considered, such as V-shape or equivalent. Each channel 152 is provided with a set of axially spaced strain relief elements 153 protruding from an inner surface of channel 152. The strain relief elements 153 protrude radial inwards into the receiving space 156 of channel 152 relative to the inner surface of channel 152. As a result, the strain relief elements 153 restrict the receiving space 156 of the channel 152. As shown in Figure 3A, the strain relief elements 153 are provided over a strain relief region 157 of the channel 152, e.g. between a proximal portion and a distal portion of channel 152. In general, the strain relief elements 153 have a sawtooth profile providing contact surfaces 153a configured to catch respective portions of the insulating jacket of the electrical wire 140 into respective recesses provided between successive strain relief elements 153. Each strain relief element 153 is provided with a contact surface 159 comprising a tip portion 153a having a generally flat profile, which is configured to engage with a corresponding surface of the insulating jacket 140b of the electrical wire 140, when a portion of the electrical wire 140 is pushed into the receiving space 156 of the channel 152. The contact between the tip portion 153a of the strain relief element 153 and the insulating jacket 140b causes the deformation of the material of the insulating jacket 140b into respective recesses 153b formed between successive strain relief elements 153. The deformed insulating material engages with a tooth face region 153c of each strain relief element 153. As a result, when a pulling force is applied on the electrical wire, the interaction between the tooth face region 153c and the deformed material of the insulating jacket generate a blocking force, to restrict the axial movement of the electrical wire 140 in the direction of the pulling force. The tooth face region 153c may protrude at an upright angle from the inner surface 155 of the channel 152 to the tip portion 153a, e.g. at zero rake angle. A recess 153b, also referred to as valley, slot, or gullet, is defined between the strain relief elements 153. Each recess 153b has an inclined profile tapered towards the inner surface of channel 152 for receiving the deformed material of the insulating jacket 140b.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a close-up view of the strain relief member 150 provided on the first connector housing 110 of Figure 2. As shown, the strain relief elements 153 are configured to extend circumferentially between the first and second longitudinal side edges 152b of the channel 152 following the form of the channel 152. As a result, the strain relief elements 153 are in contact with a greater portion of the insulation jacket 140b of the electrical wire 140, thereby increasing the friction generated at the contact area between the strain relief elements 153 and insulating jacket 140b, and uniformly distributing the deformation of the insulating material to prevent damage of the insulation jacket 140b. Figure 3A shows a top view of the strain relief elements 153 arrangement in one of the channels 152 of the first connector housing 110. As shown, the strain relief elements extend into the receiving space 156 of the channel 152, which is defined between opposing longitudinal sidewall 152a. As a result, the receiving space 156 of the channel is restricted to a restricted receiving space 154 defined between opposing tips 153a of the strain relief elements 153. The restricted space 154 defined between opposing strain relief elements 153 is dimensioned such as to be smaller than the outer diameter of the electrical wire 140, but greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the electrical conductor 140a. Therefore, a sufficient contact is established between the strain relief elements 153 and the electrical wire 140 while maintaining the integrity of the insulating jacket 140b. For example, the restricted receiving space 154 may be between 15 to 30% smaller than the cross-sectional outer diameter of the electrical wire 140. As previously discussed, the strain relief elements 153 may be provided over a strain relief region 157 of the channel 152. The strain relief region may be dimensioned according to the needs of the desired application for the connector 100 and the puling forces that may be encountered on the electrical wire 140. For example, depending on the length of the channel 152, the strain relief region 157 may extended by adding more strain relief elements 153 or by providing strain relief elements 153 with greater dimensions.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a top view of the first connector housing 110 of Figure 2 with representative dimensions for the strain relief member 150. As shown, each channel 152 may be provided with strain relief members 153 spaced axially along the desired portion of the channel 152 at equal intervals, e.g. every 0.45mm. The length and dimensions of the receiving space 156 of channel 152 may vary depending on the type of electrical wire 140, application, and strain relief required. Similarly, the restricted receiving space 154 of the channel 152 defined between opposing tip portions 153a of the strain relief elements 153 may be adapted according to the thickness of the electrical wire 140. For example, the receiving space 156 of the channel 152 may be configured to accommodate ultra-thin electrical wires 140 with outer cross-sectional diameter between 1.0mm to 1.5mm, while the restricted receiving space 154 between the tip portions 153a of the strain relief elements 153 may be restricted to be less than the thickness of the electrical wire 140, e.g. between 10-40% smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the electrical wire 140, so as to ensure sufficient contact with the insulation material 140b of the electrical wire 140. Similarly, the dimensions of each strain relief element 153 of the strain relief member 150 may be adapted according to the application of the electrical connector and the electrical wire 140 dimensions. For example, for ultra-thin electrical wires 140, the width of each strain relief element 153 may be around 0.35mm. The height of each strain relief element 153, measured between the inner surface of the channel 152 and the tip of the contact surface 153a of the strain relief element 153, may be configured to be greater than the thickness of the insulating jacket 140b to ensure adequate contact.

[0033] Figures 5 and 6 show a top view of the first connector housing 110 of Figure 2 having a pair of electrical wires 140 connected to the terminal portion 112 via an electrical connection element 160, e.g. ferrite or equivalent. A portion of each electrical wire 140 is positioned within a respective channel 152 of the strain relief member 150 with the strain relief elements 153 in contact with the insulating jacket 140b of the electrical wire 140. As a result, axial movement of the electrical wire 140, due to a pulling force applied on the electrical wire 140, is restricted. As shown in Figure 6, the electrical wires140 may be of different thicknesses, e.g. ultra-thin isolation electrical wires such as FLUY or CIVUS type electrical wires, or other types of electrical wires such as FLY or FLRY.

[0034] Figure 6A shows a close-up top view of the strain relief member 150 of Figure 6. As shown, the tip portion 153a of the strain relief elements 153 may be provided at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the electrical wire 140. For example, the strain relief elements 153 may be angled towards the proximal portion of the first connector housing 110. As a result, and due to the angle of the strain relief elements 153, a greater friction may be generated with the electrical wire 140 surfaces.

[0035] Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector housing 110 along lines F-F of Figure 6. As shown, when the electrical wire 140 is positioned in the receiving space 156 of the channel 152, a portion 140c of the electrical wire 140 protrudes from the opening 152c of the channel 152. As previously described with reference to Figure 1A, the second connector housing 120, may be provided with a contact surface 121 configured to apply, when the second connector housing 120 is coupled to the first connector housing 110, a compressive force on the electrical wire 140 so as to secure a portion of the electrical wire 140 in the channel 152.

[0036] Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector housing 110 along lines E-E of Figure 6. As shown, the contact surface 153a of each strain relief element 153 is in contact with a portion of the insulating jacket 140b along its circumference, thereby increasing the contact surface between the strain relief elements 153 and the electrical wire 140 while maintaining the integrity of the insulating jacket 140b.

[0037] While the strain relief member 150 of the present disclosure has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be so limited, but rather only to the extent set forth in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A connector housing (110) for an electrical connector assembly (100), the connector housing (110) configured for receiving at least one cylindrical electrical wire (140) comprising an electrical conductor surrounded by an insulated jacket, the connector housing (110) comprising:
a strain relief member (150) comprising at least one channel (152) extending longitudinally between a distal portion (116) and a proximal portion (117) of the connector housing (110), the at least one channel (152) being configured for receiving a portion of the electrical wire (140);
wherein the strain relief member (150) comprises a plurality of axially spaced strain relief elements (153) protruding from an inner surface (155) of the channel (152) over a strain relief region (157), each strain relief element (153) comprising a contact surface (153a) configured to engage, when the portion of the electrical wire (140) is positioned into the channel (152), with the insulating jacket (140b) of the electrical wire (140) causing the insulating jacket (140) material to deform and at least partially fill respective recesses (153b) defined between adjacent strain relief elements (153) so as to restrict axial movement of the electrical wire (140) with respect to the connector housing (110).

2. The connector housing (110) of claim 1, wherein the strain relief elements (153) have a sawtooth-shaped profile.

3. The connector housing (110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the strain relief elements (153) are arranged to assume the form of the inner surface (155) of the channel (152).

4. The connector housing (110) of claim 3, wherein the strain relief elements (153) are configured to extend circumferentially between first and second longitudinal side edges (152b) of the channel (152).

5. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strain relief elements (153) are in the form of ribs configured to protrude radially inwards into a receiving space (156) of the channel (152) defined between first and second longitudinal side walls (152a).

6. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strain relief elements (153) are spaced apart at equal intervals over the strain relief region (157).

7. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact surface (159) of the strain relief elements (153) comprises a tip portion (153a) having a flat profile configured to engage with a portion of the insulating jacket (140b) of the electrical wire (140) and a tooth face region (153c) configured to engage with the deformed material of the insulation jacket (140b).

8. The connector housing (110) of claim 7, wherein the height of the tooth face region (153c), measured between the inner surface (155) of the channel (152) to the tip portion (153a), is greater than the thickness of the insulating jacket (140b) of the electrical wire (140) positioned within the channel (152).

9. The connector housing (110) of claim 7 or 8, wherein opposing tip portions (153a) of the strain relief elements (153) define a restricted space (154), which is dimensioned such as to be smaller than the outer cross-sectional diameter of the electrical wire (140) and greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the electrical conductor of the electrical wire (140).

10. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strain relief elements (153) are provided at an oblique angle with respect to the inner surface (155) of the channel (152).

11. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel (152) has a U-Shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional profile.

12. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel (152) is dimensioned such that, when an electrical wire (140) is positioned into the receiving space (156) of the channel (152), a portion (140c) of the electrical wire (140) protrudes through the opening (152c) of the channel (152).

13. The connector housing (110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strain relief member (150) comprises a plurality of channels (152), each configured to receive a respective cylindrical electrical wire (140).

14. An electrical connector assembly (100) comprising:

a first connector housing (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and

a second connector housing (120) configured to be coupled to the first connector housing (110), the second connector housing comprising a contact surface (121) configured to apply, when the second connector housing (120) is coupled to the first connector housing (110), a compressive force on the electrical wire (140) so as to push a portion of the electrical wire into the channel (152) of the strain relief member (150).

15. The electrical connector assembly (100) of claim 14, being a safety restraint system connector, SRS, adapted to be connected with a corresponding socket of a safety restraint system.

16. A method for assembling an electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 14, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first connector housing (110) and a second connector housing (120);

exposing a portion of the electrical conductor (140a) of the electrical wire (140);

connecting the exposed electrical conductor (140a) to an electrical terminal (112) provided on the first connector (110) or second connector housing (120); and

coupling the second connector housing (120) on the first connector housing (110) via a latching mechanism such that a compressive force is applied to the electrical wire so as to push a portion of the electrical wire (140) into the channel (152) such that the strain relief elements (153) engage with a portion of the insulation jacket (140b) of the electrical wire (140) and the insulating jacket (140b) material is deformed and at least partially fill respective recesses (153b) defined between adjacent strain relief elements (153).

Drawing