WO1998024149A1

WO1998024149A1 - Electrical connector housing and apparatus for unlocking and locking

Info

Publication number: WO1998024149A1
Application number: PCT/IB1997/001474
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joachim Hahn; Hartmut Ripper
Original assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
Priority date: 1996-11-29
Filing date: 1997-11-21
Publication date: 1998-06-04
Also published as: AU4881097A

Abstract

An electrical connector housing is specified for an electrical connector having at least one passage to accommodate an electrical contact and having a first, rear housing part (2) and a second, front housing part (3) that can be connected to the first, rear housing part (2); a locking slider (4) is arranged between the front and rear housing parts (2, 3), the slider (4) having a preliminary latching position and a final latching position and being movable between the positions by displacement perpendicular to the plug-in direction, the contact being able to be introduced into the passage (1) in the preliminary latching position and the contact being locked in the passage (1) in the final latching position, the locking slider (4) having two arms (5, 6) located opposite each other, which each have a latching tab (7, 8), the latter cooperating with complementary latching means (9, 10) on one of the housing parts (2), the locking slider (4) having a first shoulder (11) for the purpose of displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position, and a second shoulder (12) on a stirrup (13), which connects the arms (5, 6) to each other close to their free ends in such a way that pressure on the second shoulder (12) effects unlocking of the arms (5, 6) and displaces the locking slider from the final into the preliminary latching position.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HOUSING AND APPARATUS FOR UNLOCKING

AND LOCKING

The invention relates to an electrical connector housing for an electrical connector having at least one passage to accommodate an electrical contact, having a first, rear housing part and a second, front housing part that can be connected to the rear housing part, there being arranged between the front and rear housing parts a locking slider, which has a preliminary latching position and a final latching position and can be moved between the positions by displacement perpendicular to the plug- in direction, the electrical contact being able to be introduced into the passage in the preliminary latching position and the electrical contact being locked in the final latching position.

In addition, the invention relates to an apparatus for unlocking and locking a first part with respect to a second part, the first part having, in relation to the second part, a preliminary latching position and a final latching position, the first part having appropriate latching tabs and the second part complementary latching means .

The German Utility Model 89 05 583 discloses an electrical connector housing according to the above features. The connector has two rows of passages, into which a multiplicity of electrical contacts may be introduced. In this prior art, the electrical contacts are pin contacts. It is of course also possible to produce a corresponding arrangement for socket contacts. All the contacts that are introduced into the passages are locked in the connector housing by means of a locking slider, which can be displaced from a preliminary latching position into a final latching position. The connector housing is composed of an insulating material. Although it is normally simple to move the locking slider from the preliminary latching position into the final latching position, the opening of the locking means represents a problem, since in the normal case a plurality of latching hooks have to be released at the same time.

It is an object of the invention to specify an electrical connector housing having a locking slider whose displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position, and from the final latching into the preliminary latching position, is simply possible and to specify an apparatus for locking and unlocking.

The object is achieved by means of an electrical connector housing having the features of Claim 1 and by means of an apparatus having the features of Patent Claim 9. Advantageous developments are specified in the subclaims .

The electrical connector housing is built up from three parts: a first, rear housing part, a second, front housing part and a locking slider located between them. The passages to accommodate electrical contacts reach through all three parts and are narrowed by the locking slider when it is moved into the final latching position. Locking of the electrical contacts in the appropriate passage takes place by this means.

Means are provided for latching the locking slider. These latching means have two arms located opposite each other, which each have a latching tab and cooperate with complementary latching means on one of the housing parts. The locking slider has a first shoulder. Pressure against this shoulder effects a displacement from the preliminary latching into the final latching position. In addition, the locking slider has a second shoulder. This shoulder is made on a stirrup or bow, which connects the arms to each other close to their free ends. By means of pressure counter to the curvature of the stirrup on the second shoulder, the radius of curvature of the stirrup is enlarged and the arms, which are connected to each other by the stirrup, are spread. As a result, the locking of the latching tabs with the latching means is opened and the locking slider is freely moveable. The stirrup is, then, configured in such a way that pressure on the shoulder on the stirrup takes place in the direction in which the displacement of the locking slider from the final latching position into the preliminary latching position also takes place. As a result of the pressure on the second shoulder on the stirrup, therefore, not only is the latching opened but at the same time the locking slider is displaced from the final latching position into the preliminary latching position.

It is particularly advantageous if the latching means and latching tabs are constructed in such a way that they have sliding faces, which simplify the displacement of the locking slider from the preliminary latching position into the final latching position. This is achieved by the sliding faces being designed inclined with respect to the displacement direction, in such a way that the latching arms automatically open given an appropriate pressure in the displacement direction. Since the displacement from the final latching position into the preliminary latching position is intended not to be so easily possible that it can also take place by mistake, a corresponding construction of the sliding faces as just described is not desired for a displacement from the final latching into the preliminary latching position. Instead, the faces with which the latching tab and the complementary latching means lie against each other are oriented substantially perpendicular to the displacement travel. This presupposes that the latch is released actively. The stirrup, which is arranged between the latching arms, is present for this purpose.

In order to make the first shoulder and the second shoulder particularly easily accessible, it is especially practical if, in the case of an electrical connector housing having a vent, which passes through the connector housing, the arrangement for unlocking and the shoulders are arranged in the region of this vent. It is then possible for a screwdriver or another pin to be introduced through this vent or the opening on the corresponding other side of the connector housing, in order to exert a pressure on the shoulders.

It is furthermore particularly advantageous that the corresponding arrangement can be used both for a socket housing and for a pin housing. The orientation of the stirrup depends in principle on the direction in which the displacement travel from the preliminary into the final latching position or vice versa is defined. It is particularly advantageous that both latches are released and the displacement is also carried out with a single action.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained using the figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows an arrangement of a collar, a socket housing and a pin housing the pin and socket having both having the arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a view of the pin housing from the plug-in face;

Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the pin housing along the line AF as illustrated in Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a top view, from the cable end, of the pin housing, the locking slider being in the preliminary latching position; Figure 5 shows a corresponding partial detail from Figure 4, the locking slider being in the final latching position;

Figure 6 shows a top view of a detail of the front housing part having latching means;

Figure 7 shows a top view of the cable end of the socket housing;

Figure 8 shows a cross-section through the socket housing along the line AD according to Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a view, from the plug-in face, of the socket housing with the locking slider in the preliminary latching position;

Figure 10 shows a corresponding view with the locking slider in the final latching position; Figure 11 shows a top view of the rear housing part of the socket housing having latching means;

Figure 12 shows a top view of a locking slider;

Figure 13 shows a cross-section through a locking slider along the longitudinal line of symmetry; and Figure 14 shows an illustration of the collar.

Illustrated in Figure 1 is a plug connector arrangement, which is introduced into a collar 17. The plug connector arrangement comprises a pin housing 18 and a socket housing 19. The pin housing 18 is held in the collar 17 by means of complementary latching arms 20 and latching hooks 21. The corresponding fixing of the socket housing 19 is not illustrated in Figure 1. Clearly to be seen is a vent 15, extending into a passage opening 22 which passes through the socket housing 19 and the pin housing 18.

The description of socket housing and pin housing now follows, using the corresponding figures.

Figures 2 to 6 relate to the pin housing. Figure 2 shows a view from the plug-in face end. Figure 3 a cross- section along the line AF as entered in Figure 2. It emerges clearly from Figure 3 that the pin housing 18 is divided into a first, rear housing part 2, the block, and into a second, front housing part 3, whose front end face forms the plug-in face. The two housing parts 2, 3 can, for example, be latched to each other. Located between the two housing parts is a locking slider 4, which serves to secure the contacts. The contacts are introduced into passages 1, 16. It can be seen clearly that the passage 1 is considerably smaller than the passage 16, that is to say is suitable for a different contact.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, which show a view of the block 2, the locking slider 4 can be moved from a preliminary latching position into a final latching position. Whereas the contacts can be inserted into the chambers in the preliminary latching position, they are locked in the passages 1, 16 in the final latching position of the locking slider 4. The preliminary latching position of the locking slider 4 is illustrated in Figure 4. The locking slider has at one end two arms 5, 6 located opposite each other, which extend substantially in the direction in which the locking slider 4 is pushed from the preliminary latching into the final latching position or vice versa, respectively. Located at the free end of the arms is a latching tab 7, 8 in each case. The latching tabs 7, 8 are in each case located on the side of the arms 5, 6, which face each other. Furthermore, the locking slider 4 has a first shoulder 11 for the purpose of displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position. A second shoulder 12 for the purpose of displacement from the final latching into the preliminary latching position is likewise provided. The second shoulder 12 is located on a stirrup 13, which connects the free ends of the arms 5, 6 to each other. As is illustrated in Figure 5, complementary latching means 9, 10 are located on the front housing part 3 of the socket housing, in the region of the passage opening 22. The latching means are constructed with mirror symmetry in relation to the direction of the displacement between the preliminary latching position and the final latching position of the locking slider, and two latching hooks are provided on each side. It can be seen clearly that the latching hooks have faces 23 inclined with respect to the displacement direction and faces 26 perpendicular to the displacement direction. The latching tabs 7 and 8 are correspondingly equipped with inclined and perpendicular faces. It is possible here for these inclined faces also to be, for example, of curved construction.

With relation to the function of the arrangement for latching the locking slider: if the locking slider is in the preliminary latching position as illustrated in Figure 1, then the two latching tabs 7, 8 are at a stop against the inclined faces 23 of the first latching hooks of the complementary latching means 9, 10. In addition, there is a step in the thickness of the locking slider, which rests against a step in the block 2, as provided in Figure 3 with the reference symbol 24. As a result, the locking slider 4 is held in its preliminary latching position. By means of pressure against the shoulder 11 of the locking slider 4 in the direction towards the chambers, the inclined faces of the latching tabs 7, 8 slide along the inclined faces of the corresponding complementary latching means 9, 10, and the latching arms 5, 6 open and latch in once more between the two latching hooks of the complementary latching means 9, 10. The locking slider 4 is now located in the final latching position, as is illustrated in Figure 5. By means of pressure against the shoulder 12, the radius of the stirrup 13 is enlarged, that is to say the stirrup is pressed flat, the arms 5, 6 being spread. The locking of the latching tabs 7, 8 with the latching hooks of the complementary latching means 9, 10 is thus cancelled. As a result of the pressure in the direction away from the contact chambers, the locking slider 4 is displaced in this direction and thus moved back into the preliminary latching position.

A corresponding socket housing will now be described using Figures 7 to 11. Corresponding parts are here designated by the same reference numbers, but provided with a prime. Figure 7 shows a view, from the cable end, of the socket housing 19. Clearly to be seen is the vent 15 having the passage opening 22, as well as the individual chambers 1' and 16' for the differently-sized electrical contacts. Illustrated in Figure 8 is the section along the line AD according to Figure 7. Clearly to be seen here is the three-part division of the socket housing into a first, rear housing part 2', the sealing housing, and a second, front housing part 3' , the chamber block. Located between these is the locking slider 4' . Furthermore, a seal 25 is provided in the collar to seal off the part. Figures 9 and 10 show a view from the plug- in face, that is to say with a top view of the chamber block 3' . The locking slider 4' has two locking arms 5' and 6' here too, which extend substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the locking slider. The two arms 5' , 6' are connected to each other at their ends by a stirrup 13'. They have latching tabs 7', 8'. Here, too a first and a second shoulder 11' , 12' for the purpose of displacing the locking slider 4' from the preliminary latching into the final latching position and vice versa are provided. As is illustrated in Figure 11, the complementary latching means 9' , 10' in the case of the socket housing are located on the sealing housing 2' .

Illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, by way of example, are a cross-section and a view of a locking slider 4. The locking slider may be used for both the pin and socket housing. The locking slider has the shoulders 11 and 12, the shoulder 12 being located on the stirrup 13, which connects the two arms 5 and 6 to each other. Each of the arms has a latching tab 7, 8. In addition, an offset in the thickness of the locking slider 4 can be seen, which produces the defined location in the preliminary latching position.

Illustrated once more in Figure 14 is a cross- section through the collar 17, into which the arrangement illustrated can be introduced.

Claims

1. Electrical connector housing for an electrical connector having at least one passage to accommodate an electrical contact, having a first, rear housing part (2) and a second, front housing part (3) that can be connected to the first, rear housing part (2) , a locking slider (4) being arranged between the front and rear housing parts (2, 3), the locking slider (4) having a preliminary latching position and a final latching position and being movable between the positions by displacement perpendicular to the plug-in direction, a contact being insertable into the passage (1) in the preliminary latching position and the contact being locked in the passage (1) in the final latching position, characterized in that the locking slider (4) has two arms (5, 6) located opposite each other, which each have a latching tab (7, 8) , the latter cooperating with complementary latching means (9, 10) on one of the housing parts (2), in that the locking slider (4) has a first shoulder (11) for the purpose of displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position, and in that the locking slider (4) has a second shoulder (12) on a stirrup (13), which connects the arms (5, 6) to each other close to their free ends in such a way that pressure on the second shoulder (12) effects unlocking of the arms (5, 6) and displaces the locking slider from the final into the preliminary latching position.

2. Electrical connector housing according to Claim 1, characterized in that the stirrup (13) is curved counter to the displacement direction from the final latching position into the preliminary latching position of the locking slider (4) .

3. Electrical connector housing according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the latching tabs

(7, 8) are in each case arranged on the opposite sides of the arms (5, 6) .

4. Electrical connector housing according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the complementary latching means (9, 10) are arranged on the rear housing part (2) .

5. Electrical connector housing according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the complementary latching means (9, 10) have sliding faces (23) such that, given a pressure against the first shoulder (11), for the purpose of displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position, the arms (5, 6) move apart and slide over the latching means (9, 10) into the final latching position.

6. Electrical connector housing according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the arrangement for latching the locking slider with the shoulders (11, 12) is arranged in the region of a vent.

7. Electrical connector housing according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connector housing has a plurality of passages (1, 16) to accommodate contacts of identical or different types and sizes, which can be locked in the passages (1, 16) using the locking slider (4) .

8. Electrical connector housing according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the arms (5, 6) are oriented substantially parallel to the displacement direction of the locking slider.

9. Apparatus for locking and unlocking a first part with respect to a second part, the first part having, in relation to the second part, a preliminary latching position and a final latching position, the first part having appropriate latching tabs and the second part complementary latching means, characterized in that two arms located opposite each other are arranged on the first part, each arm having one of the latching tabs, which cooperate with complementary latching means on the second part, in that the first part has a first shoulder for the purpose of displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position, and in that the first part has a second shoulder on a stirrup, which connects the arms to each other, close to their free ends, in such a way that pressure on the second shoulder effects unlocking of the arms and displaces the first part from the final latching position into the preliminary latching position.

10. Arrangement according to Claim 9, characterized in that the stirrup is curved counter to the displacement direction from the final latching position into the preliminary latching position.

11. Arrangement according to either of Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the complementary latching means have sliding faces such that, given a pressure against the first shoulder, for the purpose of displacement from the preliminary into the final latching position, the arms move apart and slide over the latching means into the final latching position.