EP3312943B1 - Procédé de fonctionnement d'un verrou de connecteur - Google Patents

Procédé de fonctionnement d'un verrou de connecteur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3312943B1
EP3312943B1 EP17191762.8A EP17191762A EP3312943B1 EP 3312943 B1 EP3312943 B1 EP 3312943B1 EP 17191762 A EP17191762 A EP 17191762A EP 3312943 B1 EP3312943 B1 EP 3312943B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector assembly
latch
button
connector
female connector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP17191762.8A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3312943A1 (fr
Inventor
Franklin A. Holub
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JST Corp
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JST Corp
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US15/384,755 external-priority patent/US10283909B2/en
Application filed by JST Corp filed Critical JST Corp
Publication of EP3312943A1 publication Critical patent/EP3312943A1/fr
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Publication of EP3312943B1 publication Critical patent/EP3312943B1/fr
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/641—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
    • H01R13/6271—Latching means integral with the housing
    • H01R13/6272—Latching means integral with the housing comprising a single latching arm

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a method of operating a connector latch used to securely hold together a connector apparatus, wherein the connector apparatus has at least a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly which can be mated together, for example.
  • a connector system including a first connector having a longitudinally extending lock arm defining a lock nib and attached to the first connector, is described.
  • the lock nib is configured to engage a primary lock tab of a second connector when the first and second connectors are in a fully mated position and the lock arm is in a resting position.
  • the lock nib is configured to disengage the primary lock tab and engage a secondary lock tab of the second connector when the lock arm is moved from a resting to an activated position and the first and second connectors are moved to a partially mated position while the lock arm is in the activated position.
  • the connector system generates an audible or tactile click only when the first connector is fully mated with the second connector.
  • the connectors can be disconnected with bare hands, no tools are required.
  • the connector lock mechanism includes a pair of flexible elastic pieces which can be flexed and shifted integrally with a flexible arm capable of pressing against a female connector as a male connector is engaged with the male connector. Additionally, the connector lock mechanism includes a pair of push-out guide surfaces which are contacted with the flexible elastic pieces and receive a pressing force therefrom and also which applies part of the reactive force of the pressing force from the flexible elastic pieces onto the male connector to thereby energize the male connector in a direction where the male connector is removed from the female connector.
  • the connector lock mechanism includes guide surfaces which, when the flexible elastic pieces are flexed and shifted together with the flexible arm, can guide the engaging projections of the flexible elastic pieces from stepped surfaces serving as engaging portions onto the push-out guide surfaces to thereby remove the engagement between the engaging projections and stepped surfaces.
  • JP 2016 115570 A a connector locking mechanism is disclosed in which the locked state shall be easily and surely confirmed from the visual appearance.
  • the connector latch of the present invention After the connector latch of the present invention is manufactured, the connector latch is in an undeflected position. The connector latch is then subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, in order to deflect the connector latch and lock the connector latch in a preloaded position. After the pre-mating deflection process has been completed, the connector latch is locked in a preloaded position and can be referred to as a preloaded connector latch.
  • the preloaded connector latch provides a number of desirable characteristics, including at least, for example: an audible "click" sound when a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly are mated together, which is an extra loud sound; a low profile; a resistance to permanent set; and good dimensional control of latching geometry.
  • the "click” sound can be achieved by an interaction of latching features, for example. By placing latching features in a preloaded condition, there is additional force when a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly are mated together, and that additional force helps to make the "click" sound louder than it would have been if the latching features had not been in a preloaded condition.
  • the connector latches can be unintentionally compressed and held in a deflected position. Especially in hot environments, this condition causes the connector latch to be permanently deflected, also known as permanently set, thus rendering the connector latch useless or less effective. Preloading the connector latch makes the connector latch more resistant to this failure mode.
  • a first connector assembly can correspond to a female connector assembly or other type of connector assembly, for example.
  • a second connector assembly can correspond to a male connector assembly or other type of connector assembly, for example.
  • the undeflected position can also be referred to as an extended and relaxed undeflected position.
  • FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a female connector assembly having a connector latch in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the connector latch in an undeflected position.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a female connector assembly, generally referred to by reference numeral 100, which includes a connector latch having at least a button 102, a first latch beam 104, a second latch beam 106 and a latch surface 108.
  • Reference numeral 136 denotes a top surface of the female connector assembly 100.
  • FIG. 1 also shows a second overstress protection surface 112 on a side of the button 102, a second frame 116 of the female connector assembly 100, and a second side 124 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • the first latch beam 104 and second latch beam 106 are flexible, and permit the button 102 to move up and down without breaking.
  • the resting position of the latch beams 104 and 106 is shown in FIG. 1 , which is a position wherein the button 102 is extended upward above the top 136 of the female connector assembly 100, which corresponds to the position of the latch beams 104 and 106 when manufactured.
  • the button 102 is pushed down toward bottom 138, then the beams 104 and 106 bend down, without breaking, to permit the button 102 to be moved downward.
  • buttons 102 If a user pushes the button 102, shown in FIG. 8 , only slightly down toward bottom 138, while the user is careful to keep surface 112 above surface 120 and is careful to keep surface 110 above surface 118, then the button 102 will spring back upward to its resting position (shown in FIGS. 1-9 ) when the user releases the button 102.
  • the button 102 springs back upward to its resting position because the user temporarily deflected the button 102 (and flexible latch beams 104, 106) downward, and then the user released the button 102 which enabled the button 102 and latch beams 104, 106 to rise up again to go back to their resting position.
  • FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the female connector assembly 100 having at least a first overstress protection surface 110 on a side of the button 102, a first frame 114 of the female connector assembly 100, a first overstress protection surface 118 on the first frame 114 of the female connector assembly 100, a first side 122 of the female connector assembly 100, a rear 128 of the female connector assembly 100, and at least one terminal aperture 132 on the rear 128 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • FIG. 3 is a third perspective view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates at least a front 126 of the female connector assembly 100, at least one terminal aperture 130 on the front 126 of the female connector assembly 100, and an aperture 134 for receiving an optional connector position assurance (CPA) unit on the front 126 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • CPA connector position assurance
  • FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Reference numeral 138 denotes a bottom of the female connector assembly 100.
  • FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Reference numeral 140 denotes an aperture for receiving an optional terminal position assurance (TPA) unit on the bottom 138 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • TPA terminal position assurance
  • FIG. 7 is a front end elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Reference numeral 142 denotes a shark fin on the female connector assembly 100.
  • Reference numeral 120 denotes a second overstress protection surface on the second frame 116 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • Reference numeral 142 can also be referred to as a protrusion.
  • FIG. 8 is a rear end elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 7 , of the female connector assembly.
  • FIGS. 1-9 depict the female connector assembly 100 showing the connector latch in the extended and relaxed undeflected position.
  • the button 102 is extended upward, above a top surface 136 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • FIG. 8 also shows that the button 102 is extended upward, above a top surface 136 of the female connector assembly 100.
  • the button 102 is held up in the extended and relaxed undeflected position by the latch beams 104 and 106.
  • the connector latch of the present invention is manufactured, the connector latch is in the extended and relaxed undeflected position.
  • the connector latch is then subjected to a pre-mating deflection process, in order to deflect the connector latch and lock the connector latch in a preloaded position.
  • the connector latch is locked in a preloaded position and can be referred to as a preloaded connector latch.
  • FIG. 10 is a first perspective view of a female connector assembly having a connector latch in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the connector latch in a preloaded position.
  • Reference numeral 200 denotes a female connector assembly having a connector latch in a preloaded position.
  • FIG. 11 is a second perspective view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 12 is a third perspective view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 14 is a top elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 15 is a front end elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 16 is a rear end elevational view of the female connector assembly shown in FIG. 10 .
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 15 , of the female connector assembly.
  • FIGS. 10-17 show the connector latch in the preloaded position. As shown in FIGS. 10-17 , when the connector latch is in the preloaded position, the button 102 is not extended upward above the top surface 136 of the female connector assembly 200.
  • a pre-mating deflection process is utilized to move the button 102 of the connector latch down from the undeflected position (shown in FIGS. 1-9 ) to the preloaded position (shown in FIGS. 10-17 ), and lock the connector latch in the preloaded position.
  • the button 102 When a pre-mating deflection process is performed, the button 102 is moved downward toward the bottom surface 138 of the female connector assembly, and latch beams 104 and 106 are deflected.
  • the first overstress protection surface 110 on the button 102 is engaged with the first overstress protection surface 118 on the first frame 114 of the female connector assembly, and the second overstress protection surface 112 on the button 102 is engaged with the second overstress protection surface 120 on the second frame 116 of the female connector assembly, as shown in FIG. 16 .
  • FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly, depicting step one of a three-step mating process, wherein the female connector assembly has a connector latch in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing the connector latch in a preloaded position.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a connector apparatus, wherein the connector apparatus has at least a female connector assembly 300 and a male connector assembly 400 which can be mated together.
  • FIG. 18 depicts a front 402 of the male connector assembly 400, an aperture 406 for receiving rear of the female connector assembly 300, a second side 410 of the male connector assembly 400, and an aperture 412 for receiving an optional terminal position assurance (TPA) unit on the male connector assembly 400.
  • TPA terminal position assurance
  • FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the configuration shown in FIG. 18 .
  • Reference numeral 404 denotes a rear of the male connector assembly 400.
  • FIG. 20 is a front end elevational view of the configuration shown in FIG. 18 .
  • Reference numeral 408 denotes a first side of the male connector assembly 400.
  • FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 20 .
  • Reference numeral 442 denotes a shark fin on the male connector assembly 400.
  • Reference numeral 442 can also be referred to as a protrusion.
  • the shark fin 442 of the male connector assembly 400 has not yet engaged the latch surface 108 of the connector latch on the female connector assembly 300.
  • the connector latch of the female connector assembly 300 is in the undeflected position.
  • the shark fin 442 has not yet contacted the latch surface 108 of the female connector assembly 300, as shown in FIG. 21 .
  • the button 102 is at or near the same level as the top surface 136 of the female connector assembly 300, as shown in FIG. 21 .
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly, depicting step two of a three-step mating process, wherein the female connector assembly has a connector latch in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the configuration shown in FIG. 22 .
  • FIG. 24 is a front end elevational view of the configuration shown in FIG. 22 .
  • FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24 .
  • the shark fin 442 of the male connector assembly 400 is engaging the latch surface 108 of the connector latch on the female connector assembly 300. Because the shark fin 442 of the male connector assembly 400 engages the latch surface 108 of the connector latch on the female connector assembly 300, as shown in FIGS. 22-25 , in step two of the three-step mating process, the button 102 is moved downward toward the bottom surface 138 of the female connector assembly 300, and latch beams 104 and 106 are deflected.
  • the connector latch of the female connector assembly 300 is not in the undeflected position, and the connector latch of the female connector assembly 300 is not in the preloaded position.
  • the connector latch of the female connector assembly 300 is in a transitional position.
  • the shark fin 442 is now contacting the latch surface 108, and is now positioned above the latch surface 108 and is pushing the latch surface 108 downward toward the bottom of the female connector assembly 300.
  • FIG. 7 shows that a top of the button 102 is above the top surface 136 of a female connector assembly, when the connector latch is in the undeflected position.
  • FIG. 16 shows that a top of the button 102 is at or near the same level as the top surface 136 of a female connector assembly (see also FIG. 20 ), when the connector latch is locked in the preloaded position.
  • FIG. 24 shows that a top of the button 102 is below the top surface 136 of a female connector assembly, when the connector latch of the female connector assembly 300 is in a transitional position.
  • FIG. 24 a top of the button 102 is below the top surface 136 of a female connector assembly because shark fin 442 is engaging the latch surface 108.
  • FIG. 25 shows that the shark fin 442 is engaging the latch surface 108.
  • FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly, depicting step three of a three-step mating process, wherein the female connector assembly has a connector latch in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the configuration shown in FIG. 26 .
  • FIG. 28 is a front end elevational view of the configuration shown in FIG. 26 .
  • FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 29-29 in FIG. 28 .
  • the connector latch of the female connector assembly 300 is locked in the preloaded position.
  • the shark fin 442 is now between the front 126 of the female connector assembly 300 and the latch surface 108 of the female connector assembly 300, as shown in FIG. 29 .
  • the button 102 is at or near the same level as the top surface 136 of the female connector assembly 300, as shown in FIG. 29 .
  • a locking aperture is formed by the following four components: the button 102; the first latch beam 104; the second latch beam 106; and the latch surface 108 (see FIG. 1 ). That is, the locking aperture is an orifice that has four sides, such that one side corresponds to a part of the button 102, one side corresponds to a part of the first latch beam 104, one side corresponds to the second latch beam 106, and one side corresponds to the latch surface 108 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • the shark fin 442 is shown to be occupying at least a portion of that locking aperture in FIG. 29 . As shown in FIG. 29 , the shark fin 442 is held in the locking aperture, and this helps to hold the female connector assembly 300 and the male connector assembly 400 properly and fully mated together.
  • first latch beam 104, and second latch beam 106 move from the transitional position ( FIGS. 22-25 ) to a subsequent preloaded position ( FIGS. 26-29 ), there is an extra loud "click" sound caused by multiple surfaces hitting each other which can include, for example, one or more of the following: (1) the surface 110 hitting the surface 118; (2) the surface 112 hitting the surface 120; and (3) upper surfaces of latch beams 104, 106 hitting interior surfaces of the male connector assembly 400.
  • the extra loud "click” sound which occurs when the button 102, first latch beam 104, and second latch beam 106 move from the transitional position ( FIGS. 22-25 ) to a subsequent preloaded position ( FIGS. 26-29 ), provides a convenient assurance that the female connector assembly 300 and the male connector assembly 400 are properly and completely mated together.
  • a "click" sound is extra loud, when a female connector assembly is completely and properly mated with a male connector assembly, for multiple reasons which can include at least the following reasons, for example: (A) first, the connector latch on a female connector assembly was manufactured to be in an extended and relaxed undeflected position (this position is shown in FIG.
  • buttons 102 extends upward away from the bottom 138, for example);
  • FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of a female connector assembly, a connector position assurance (CPA) unit, and a terminal position assurance (TPA) unit, wherein the female connector assembly has a connector latch in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 30 depicts a female connector assembly 500, an optional connector position assurance (CPA) unit 600, and an optional terminal position assurance (TPA) unit 700.
  • the TPA can fit into the aperture 134 of the female connector assembly (see FIG. 12 , for example).
  • the TPA 700 can fit into the aperture 140 on the bottom of the female connector assembly (see FIG. 6 , for example).
  • the CPA unit 600 can engage with the shark fin 142 on a female connector assembly.
  • the first latch beam 104 has a first end which has a curved portion in a region where the first latch beam 104 meets a body portion of the female connector assembly 100, just above the terminal apertures 132, as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the first latch beam 104 has a distal end where the first latch beam 104 meets the button 102.
  • the second latch beam 106 has a first end which has a curved portion in a region where the second latch beam 106 meets a body portion of the female connector assembly 100, just above the terminal apertures 132, as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the second latch beam 106 has a distal end where the second first latch beam 106 meets the button 102.
  • the button 102 is at a distal end of the first latch beam 104 and a distal end of the second latch beam 106, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a connector latch can be formed without the second latch beam 106, consistent with the principles of the present invention, and will still be functional.
  • the latch surface 108 will extend outward from a side of the first latch beam 104, and the button 102 will be at the distal end of the first latch beam 104.
  • an aperture is formed by the area between the button 102, first latch beam 104, and the latch surface 108.
  • the shark fin 442 will be located in that aperture when a female connector assembly is properly and fully mated with a male connector assembly, in accordance with the principles disclosed herein.
  • a first connector assembly having a connector latch of the present invention can be represented by the female connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, the female connector assembly 300, the female connector assembly 500, or other connector assembly, for example.
  • a second connector assembly can be represented by the male connector assembly 400, or other connector assembly, for example.
  • the connector latch is made of plastic, the first connector assembly, the second connector assembly, the CPA unit, and/or the TPA unit can be made from one or more plastic materials and/or other materials.
  • a first connector assembly has a connector latch, and that connector latch includes at least the button 102, the first latch beam 104, the second latch beam 106, the latch surface 108, and other features, for example.
  • a connector latch comprises features including at least a first connector assembly (for example, the female connector assembly 100), the button 102, the first latch beam 104, the second latch beam 106, the latch surface 108, the first overstress protection surface 110 on the button 102, the first overstress protection surface 118 on the first frame 114 of the first connector assembly, the second overstress protection surface 112 on the button 102, the second overstress protection surface 120 on the second frame 116 of the first connector assembly.
  • a first connector assembly for example, the female connector assembly 100
  • the button 102 for example, the female connector assembly 100
  • the first latch beam 104 the second latch beam 106, the latch surface 108, the first overstress protection surface 110 on the button 102, the first overstress protection surface 118 on the first frame 114 of the first connector assembly, the second overstress protection surface 112 on the button 102, the second overstress protection surface 120 on the second frame 116 of the first connector assembly.
  • the first overstress protection surface 110 on a side of the button 102 extends outward away from the button 102 toward the general direction of the first frame 114.
  • the top side of surface 110 visible in FIG. 2 and indicated by reference numeral 110 in FIG. 2
  • the bottom side of surface 118 (depicted in FIG. 7 and indicated by reference numeral 118 in FIG. 7 ) are shown to be flat surfaces in the drawings, but other types of surfaces may be contemplated, consistent with the principles disclosed herein, so that an audible "click" sound results when the surfaces 110 and 118 hit each other, after the shark fin 442 pushes the latch surface 108 down (as shown in FIG. 25 ) and subsequently lets the latch surface 108 go up again (as shown in FIG. 29 ).

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. : Procédé de fonctionnement d'un verrou de connecteur, comprenant :
    le déplacement d'un bouton (102) et d'une poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) dudit verrou de connecteur d'une première position non déviée, vers le bas à une deuxième position de transition, puis vers le haut à une troisième position préchargée, dans lequel
    ledit bouton (102) est situé à une extrémité distale de ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) et a au moins une première surface (110, 112), dans lequel ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) est en plastique, et
    ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) est reliée à un corps d'un premier ensemble connecteur femelle (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500),
    ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) ayant au moins une première surface (118, 120) sur un premier cadre (114, 116) du premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500),
    ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) s'étendant vers l'extérieur loin du bouton (102) vers la direction générale du premier cadre (114, 116),
    ladite première position non déviée correspond au fait que ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) est au-dessus de ladite première surface (118, 120) sur le premier cadre (114, 116) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500), et que ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) ne vient pas en prise avec ladite première surface (118, 120) sur le premier cadre (114, 116) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500),
    ladite deuxième position de transition correspond au fait que ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) est en dessous de ladite première surface (118, 120) sur le premier cadre (114, 116) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500), et que ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) ne vient pas en prise avec ladite première surface (118, 120) sur le premier cadre (114, 116) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et caractérisé en ce que
    ladite troisième position préchargée correspond au fait que ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) est en dessous de ladite première surface (118, 120) sur le premier cadre (114, 116) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500), et que ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) vient en prise avec ladite première surface (118, 120) sur le premier cadre (114, 116) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) verrouillant ainsi le verrou de connecteur dans ladite troisième position préchargée.
  2. : Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit déplacement dudit bouton (102) de ladite position non déviée à ladite position de transition est effectué en poussant ledit bouton (102) et en amenant ainsi ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) à fléchir.
  3. : Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit déplacement dudit bouton (102) correspond au fait de pousser ledit bouton (102) vers ladite première surface (118, 120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) pour amener ladite première surface (110, 112) dudit bouton (102) à se déplacer au-delà de ladite première surface (118, 120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500), puis de relâcher ledit bouton (102).
  4. : Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :
    l'accouplement dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) avec un second ensemble connecteur (400), après que ledit bouton (102) a été déplacé de ladite position non déviée à ladite position préchargée, de telle sorte que
    ledit verrou de connecteur émet un son audible lorsque ledit accouplement est effectué entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400).
  5. : Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel
    ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) a une surface de verrouillage (108) sur ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106),
    ledit second ensemble connecteur (400) présente une saillie,
    ledit accouplement entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400) comporte le fait d'amener ladite saillie à venir en prise avec ladite surface de verrouillage (108), puis à s'en dégager,
    ledit verrou de connecteur émet ledit son audible lorsque ladite saillie se dégage de ladite surface de verrouillage (108) tandis que ledit accouplement est effectué entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400).
  6. : Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel
    ledit bouton (102) est situé à une extrémité distale d'une première poutre de verrouillage (104) et d'une seconde poutre de verrouillage (106), et ledit bouton (102) a une seconde surface (110, 112),
    lesdites première et seconde poutres de verrouillage (104, 106) sont reliées au corps du premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) fait de plastique,
    une surface de verrouillage (108) relie lesdites première et seconde poutres de verrouillage (104, 106),
    le premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) a une seconde surface (118, 120),
    dans ladite position non déviée, ladite seconde surface (112) dudit bouton (102) ne vient pas en prise avec ladite seconde surface (120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500), et
    dans ladite position préchargée, ladite seconde surface (112) dudit bouton (102) vient en prise avec ladite seconde surface (120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500).
  7. : Procédé selon la revendication 6, dans lequel
    ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) a un premier cadre (114, 116),
    ladite première surface (118) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) est sur ledit premier cadre (114, 116),
    ledit second ensemble connecteur (400) a un second cadre, et
    ladite seconde surface (120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) est sur ledit second cadre.
  8. : Procédé selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit bouton, ladite première poutre de verrouillage (104), ladite seconde poutre de verrouillage (106) et ladite surface de verrouillage (108) forment une ouverture.
  9. : Procédé selon la revendication 6, dans lequel ledit déplacement dudit bouton (102) de ladite position non déviée à ladite deuxième position est effectué en poussant ledit bouton (102) et en amenant ainsi ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) à fléchir.
  10. : Procédé selon la revendication 6, comprenant en outre :
    l'accouplement dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) avec un second ensemble connecteur (400), après que ledit bouton (102) a été déplacé de ladite position non déviée à ladite position préchargée, de telle sorte que
    ledit verrou de connecteur émet un son audible lorsque ledit accouplement est effectué entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400).
  11. : Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel
    ledit bouton (102) a une seconde surface (110, 112),
    ladite poutre de verrouillage (104, 106) est une première poutre de verrouillage (104),
    le premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) a en outre une seconde surface (118, 120),
    ladite position non déviée correspond au fait que ladite seconde surface (112) dudit bouton (102) est au-dessus et ne vient pas en prise avec ladite seconde surface (120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500),
    ladite position de transition correspond au fait que ladite seconde surface (112) dudit bouton (102) est en dessous et ne vient pas en prise avec ladite seconde surface (120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500), et
    ladite position préchargée correspond au fait que ladite seconde surface (112) dudit bouton (102) est en dessous et vient en prise avec ladite seconde surface (120) dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500).
  12. : Procédé selon la revendication 11, comprenant en outre :
    l'accouplement dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) avec un second ensemble connecteur (400), après que ledit bouton (102) a été déplacé de ladite position non déviée à ladite position préchargée, de telle sorte que ledit verrou de connecteur émet un son audible lorsque ledit accouplement est effectué entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400), dans lequel
    ledit bouton (102) est relié à une seconde poutre de verrouillage (106),
    ladite seconde poutre de verrouillage (106) est reliée audit corps dudit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500),
    la surface de verrouillage (108) est disposée entre lesdites première et seconde poutres de verrouillage (104, 106),
    ledit second ensemble connecteur (400) présente une saillie,
    ledit accouplement entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400) comporte le fait d'amener ladite saillie à venir en prise avec ladite surface de verrouillage (108), puis à s'en dégager,
    ledit verrou de connecteur étant déplacé vers ladite position de transition dans laquelle ladite saillie vient en prise avec ladite surface de verrouillage (108),
    ledit verrou de connecteur émet ensuite ledit son audible lorsque ladite saillie se dégage de ladite surface de verrouillage (108) après que ledit verrou de connecteur est revenu dans ladite position préchargée tandis que ledit accouplement est effectué entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400).
  13. : Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ladite saillie est au moins partiellement dans ladite ouverture après que ledit accouplement a été effectué entre ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) et ledit second ensemble connecteur (400).
  14. : Procédé selon la revendication 13, dans lequel ladite saillie a une forme d'aileron de requin.
  15. : Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit premier ensemble connecteur (100 ; 200 ; 300 ; 500) forme une pluralité d'ouvertures de bornes à l'avant de celui-ci et à l'arrière de celui-ci.
EP17191762.8A 2016-12-20 2017-09-19 Procédé de fonctionnement d'un verrou de connecteur Active EP3312943B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/384,755 US10283909B2 (en) 2015-12-21 2016-12-20 Method of operating a connector latch

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EP3312943A1 EP3312943A1 (fr) 2018-04-25
EP3312943B1 true EP3312943B1 (fr) 2023-01-11

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6116939A (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-09-12 Yazaki Corporation Connector lock mechanism
US20140206220A1 (en) * 2013-01-18 2014-07-24 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Connection system including connector body with integral primary and secondary lock
JP2016115570A (ja) * 2014-12-16 2016-06-23 矢崎総業株式会社 コネクタ

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2907377B2 (ja) * 1994-06-03 1999-06-21 矢崎総業株式会社 コネクタの結合検知装置
JP3301530B2 (ja) * 1997-02-26 2002-07-15 住友電装株式会社 コネクタ
US10103487B2 (en) * 2015-12-21 2018-10-16 J.S.T. Corporation Connector latch

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6116939A (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-09-12 Yazaki Corporation Connector lock mechanism
US20140206220A1 (en) * 2013-01-18 2014-07-24 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Connection system including connector body with integral primary and secondary lock
JP2016115570A (ja) * 2014-12-16 2016-06-23 矢崎総業株式会社 コネクタ

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