DEMARATOS DAVID (US)
| US6361356B1 | 2002-03-26 | |||
| US7326074B1 | 2008-02-05 | |||
| US20070197081A1 | 2007-08-23 | |||
| US20170310045A1 | 2017-10-26 | |||
| US20170077646A1 | 2017-03-16 | |||
| US20120282791A1 | 2012-11-08 |
| Claim 1: A connector position assurance (CPA) member, comprising: a first member having a first terminal configured to conduct electricity; a second member having a second terminal configured to conduct electricity; and a flexible unit having at least one protrusion, wherein the first and second terminals are not electrically connected to each other. Claim 2: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 1, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with a first housing and the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with a first protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with a second housing; and the first terminal is not electrically connected to the second terminal by an electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 3: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 2, wherein the CPA member is in a full-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with the first housing, the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with the first protrusion in the first housing and engages with a second protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with the second housing; and the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal by the electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 4: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 3, wherein the first terminal is a terminal socket, the second terminal is a terminal socket, and the electrical conductor in the second housing includes at least two terminal pins. Claim 5: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 3, wherein the first terminal is a terminal pin, the second terminal is a terminal pin, and the electrical conductor in the second housing includes at least two terminal sockets. Claim 6: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit includes a first CPA protrusion and a second CPA protrusion. Claim 7: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 6, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with a first housing, the first CPA protrusion engages with a first protrusion in the first housing, and the second CPA protrusion engages with the first protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with a second housing; and the first terminal is not electrically connected to the second terminal by an electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 8: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 7, wherein the CPA member is in a full-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with the first housing, the first CPA protrusion engages with the first protrusion in the first housing, the second CPA protrusion engages with the first protrusion in the first housing, and the first CPA protrusion engages with a second protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with the second housing; and the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal by the electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 9: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 1, wherein the flexible unit includes a first flexible unit and a second flexible unit, the first flexible unit has a first CPA protrusion, and the second flexible unit has a second CPA protrusion. Claim 10: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 9, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with a first housing, the first CPA protrusion engages with a first protrusion in the first housing, the second CPA protrusion engages with a second protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with a second housing; and the first terminal is not electrically connected to the second terminal by an electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 11: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 10, wherein the CPA member is in a full-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with the first housing, the first CPA protrusion engages with a third protrusion in the first housing, and the second CPA protrusion engages with a fourth protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with the second housing; and the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal by the electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 12: A connector system, comprising: a connector position assurance (CPA) member having: a first terminal member including a first electrical conductor, and a second terminal member including a second electrical conductor; and a connector housing having a third electrical conductor, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when the CPA member has been moved a first distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are not electrically connected by the third electrical conductor. Claim 13: The connector system of claim 12, wherein the CPA member is in a full- lock position when the CPA member has been moved a second distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, the second distance being greater than the first distance. Claim 14: The connector system of claim 12, further comprising: an additional housing, wherein the CPA member is in the pre-lock position when the CPA member has been moved the first distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are not electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, wherein the additional housing is disposed between the connector housing and the CPA member. Claim 15: The connector system of claim 12, further comprising: an additional housing, wherein the CPA member is in the full-lock position when the CPA member has been moved a second distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, wherein the additional housing is disposed between the connector housing and the CPA member. Claim 16: A connector position assurance (CPA) member, comprising: a first member having a first terminal; a second member having a second terminal; and a flexible unit having at least one protrusion. Claim 17: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 16, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with a housing and the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with a first protrusion in the housing; and the first terminal is not electrically connected to the second terminal by an electrical conductor in the housing. Claim 18: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 17, wherein the CPA member is in a full-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with the housing, the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with the first protrusion in the housing; and the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal by the electrical conductor in the housing. Claim 19: A method of operating a connector system and electrical circuit for a connector position assurance (CPA) member, comprising the steps of: inserting a CPA member into a first housing to a pre-lock position; coupling the first housing with a second housing; moving the CPA member into the second housing to a full-lock position; and detecting a closed electrical circuit condition between a first terminal of the CPA member and a second terminal of the CPA member. Claim 20: The method of claim 19, wherein the second housing has an electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity between the first and second terminals. |
| AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 December 2019 (21.12.2019) Claim 1 : A connector position assurance (CPA) member, comprising: a first member having a first terminal configured to conduct electricity; a second member having a second terminal configured to conduct electricity; and a flexible unit having at least one protrusion, wherein the first and second terminals are not electrically connected to each other and are not electrically connected by a first housing. Claim 2: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 1, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with the first housing and the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with a first protrusion in the first housing; the first housing is coupled with a second housing; and the first terminal is not electrically connected to the second terminal by an electrical conductor in the second housing. Claim 12: A connector system, comprising: a connector position assurance (CPA) member having: a first terminal member including a first electrical conductor, and a second terminal member including a second electrical conductor; a connector housing having a third electrical conductor; and an additional housing, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when the CPA member has been moved a first distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are not electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, wherein the first and second electrical conductors are not electrically connected by the additional housing. Claim 13: The connector system of claim 12, wherein the CPA member is in a full-lock position when the CPA member has been moved a second distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, the second distance being greater than the first distance. Claim 14: The connector system of claim 12, wherein the CPA member is in the pre-lock position when the CPA member has been moved the first distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are not electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, wherein the additional housing is disposed between the connector housing and the CPA member. Claim 15: The connector system of claim 12, wherein the CPA member is in the full-lock position when the CPA member has been moved a second distance to mate with the connector housing and the first and second electrical conductors are electrically connected by the third electrical conductor, wherein the additional housing is disposed between the connector housing and the CPA member. Claim 16: A connector position assurance (CPA) member, comprising: a first member having a first terminal; a second member having a second terminal; and a flexible unit having at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one protrusion extends downward. Claim 17: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 16, wherein the CPA member is in a pre-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with a housing and the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with a first protrusion in the housing; and the first terminal is not electrically connected to the second terminal by an electrical conductor in the housing. Claim 18: The connector position assurance (CPA) member of claim 17, wherein the CPA member is in a full-lock position when: the CPA member is coupled with the housing, the at least one protrusion of the flexible unit engages with the first protrusion in the housing; and the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal by the electrical conductor in the housing. Claim 19: A method of operating a connector system and electrical circuit for a connector position assurance (CPA) member, comprising the steps of: inserting a CPA member into a first housing to a pre-lock position; coupling the first housing with a second housing; moving the CPA member into the second housing to a full-lock position; and detecting a closed electrical circuit condition between a first terminal of the CPA member and a second terminal of the CPA member, wherein the first and second terminals of the CPA member are not electrically connected by the first housing. Claim 20: The method of claim 19, wherein the second housing has an electrical conductor configured to conduct electricity between the first and second terminals. |
CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE MEMBER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/701,939, filed July 23, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a connector system and electrical circuit for a connector position assurance member. The connector system can include a first connector housing, a second connector housing, and the connector position assurance member.
The connector position assurance member is for assuring the engagement of a first connector housing with a second connector housing. The first connector housing receives the connector position assurance member to assure the first and second connector housings are engaged with each other. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A connector position assurance (CPA) member serves to assure the engagement of a first connector housing with a second connector housing. As an initial step, the CPA member is inserted into the first connector housing to be at a pre-lock position. That initial step can occur before the second connector housing is in contact with the first connector housing or after the second connector housing is in contact with the first connector housing.
If the first connector housing and the second connector housing are fully engaged together, the full engagement thereof is assured when the CPA member is placed at the full-lock position. That is, when the second connector housing is fully engaged with the first connector housing, the CPA member can be inserted further into the first connector housing and also into the second connector housing, such that the CPA member is at a full-lock position.
The full engagement of the first connector housing with the second connector housing is assured when the CPA member is at a full-lock position.
The CPA member of the present invention includes components of an electrical circuit at least in a first arm of the CPA member and in a second arm of the CPA member. When the CPA member is in the pre-lock position, there is an open circuit because the first arm is not connected electrically with the second arm. When the CPA member is in the full-lock position, there is a closed circuit because the first arm is connected electrically with the second arm through electrically conductive components located in the second connector housing. Equipment can be used to detect whether the electrical circuit is open or closed. When the electrical circuit is detected as being a closed circuit, this provides additional assurance that the first connector housing is fully engaged with the second connector housing and that the CPA member is in the full-lock position.
Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention are set forth or are apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanations without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector system in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing a connector position assurance member, a first connector housing, and a second connector housing.
FIGURE 2 is a front end elevational view of the first connector housing of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a rear end elevational view of the first connector housing of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a rear end elevational view of the second connector housing of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 5 is a front end elevational view of the second connector housing of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the connector position assurance member of FIGURE
1.
FIGURE 7 is a top elevational view of the connector position assurance member of
FIGURE 1. FIGURE 8 is a bottom elevational view of the connector position assurance member of
FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the connector system of FIGURE 1 assembled with the connector position assurance member in the pre-lock position.
FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view of the connector system of FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 9, taken along the line 11-11.
FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 12-12.
FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 13-13.
FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 9, taken along the line 14-14.
FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 9, taken along the line 15-15. FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 16-16.
FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 17-17.
FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of the connector system of FIGURE 1 assembled with the connector position assurance member in the full-lock position.
FIGURE 19 is a side elevational view of the connector system of FIGURE 18.
FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 18, taken along the line 20-20.
FIGURE 21 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 21-21.
FIGURE 22 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 22-22. FIGURE 23 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 18, taken along the line 23-23.
FIGURE 24 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 18, taken along the line 24-24.
FIGURE 25 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 25-25.
FIGURE 26 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 26-26.
FIGURE 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the connector system of FIGURE 1 assembled with the connector position assurance member in the full-lock position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector system in accordance with the principles of the present invention, showing a connector position assurance member, a first connector housing, and a second connector housing.
FIGURE 1 illustrates a connector position assurance (CPA) member 100, a first connector housing 200, and a second connector housing 300. The first connector housing 200 can be referred to as a female connector housing 200. The second connector housing 300 can be referred to as a male connector housing 300.
FIGURE 2 is a front end elevational view of the first connector housing 200 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2 illustrates the first connector housing 200, which has an upper central portion 201, a lateral opening 202a on the first side of upper central portion 201, a lateral opening 202b on the second side of upper central portion 201, an inner side wall 204a of lateral opening 202a, an inner side wall 204b of lateral opening 202b, a central opening 206 in the upper central portion 201, a central bridge 208 of the upper central portion 201, a rear upper projection 210 on an elongated flexible portion 212, a wall 220, and a rear end cover 222. The lateral openings 202a and 202b are through holes. The central opening 206 is a through hole. FIGURE 3 is a rear end elevational view of the first connector housing 200 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 3 illustrates an opening 218 of the first connector housing 200.
FIGURE 4 is a rear end elevational view of the second connector housing 300 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 4 illustrates the second connector housing 300, which has an upper central portion 301, a rear wall 310 of the upper central portion 301, a side wall 314, and a rear end cover 320.
FIGURE 5 is a front end elevational view of the second connector housing 300 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 5 illustrates a lateral opening 302a on a first side of the upper central portion 301, a lateral opening 302b on a second side of the upper central portion 301, an inner seal 304 of upper central portion 301, a front cap 306 of the upper central portion 301, a top wall 308 of upper central portion 301, a first terminal pin 402a, and a second terminal pin 402b.
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the connector position assurance member 100 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 6 illustrates the connector position assurance (CPA) member 100, which has a rear upper projection 102, a rear lower ledge 104, a first cylindrical terminal member l lOa on a first side of the CPA member 100, a front opening H2a of the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa, a first flexible member 118a on a first side of the CPA member 100, a first protrusion H4a on the first flexible member 118a, a second protrusion H6a on the first flexible member 118a, a first upper projection l20a on a first side of the CPA member 100, and a rear projection l22a of the first cylindrical terminal member 1 lOa. FIGURE 7 is a top elevational view of the CPA member 100 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 7 shows a second cylindrical terminal member l lOb, a second flexible member 118b, and a second projection l20b on the second side of the CPA member 100.
The CPA member 100 has two arms l06a, l06b. The first arm l06a is on the first side of the CPA member 100 and includes the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa, the front opening 1 l2a of the first cylindrical terminal member 1 lOa, the first flexible member 1 l8a, the first upper projection l20a, and the rear projection l22a (please see FIGURE 7). The second arm l06b is on the second side of the CPA member 100 and includes at least a rear side lower ledge l08b and the second cylindrical terminal member l lOb (please see FIGURE 6).
FIGURE 8 is a bottom elevational view of the CPA member 100 of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 8 illustrates a rear bottom portion 124 of the CPA member 100. The arm l06a on the first side of the CPA member 100 has the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa, front opening 112a, first protrusion H4a, second protrusion H6a, and flexible member H8a. The arm l06b on the second side of the CPA member 100 has the second cylindrical terminal member l lOb, a front opening H2b, a first protrusion H4b, a second protrusion H6b, the flexible member H8b, and a rear projection l22b of the second cylindrical terminal member l lOb. FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the connector system of FIGURE 1 assembled with the connector position assurance member 100 in the pre-lock position. FIGURE 9 illustrates the CPA member 100 which has the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa, the rear projection l22a of the first cylindrical member l lOa, the second cylindrical terminal member l lOb, and a rear projection l22b of the second cylindrical member l lOb. FIGURE 9 also illustrates the first connector housing 200 and the second connector housing 300.
FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view of the connector system of FIGURE 9. FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 9, taken along the line 11-11. FIGURE 11 illustrates an inner portion H3b of the second cylindrical member l lOb, a seal l30b in the second cylindrical member l lOb, and a rear opening 11 lb of the seal l30b. FIGURE 11 also illustrates a wire 500b electrically connected to a second terminal socket 600b of the CPA member 100.
FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 12-12. FIGURE 12 illustrates a wire 500a which is connected to a first terminal socket 600a of the CPA member 100. Also shown is a seal l30a in the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa. The seal l30a has a rear opening 11 la. The first cylindrical terminal member l lOa has a protrusion l32a. The first side of the second connector housing 300 has a lateral side opening 318a. The first side of the second connector housing 300 also has a lateral side protrusion 3l6a of the front cap 306. The protrusion 3l6a is received by the lateral side opening 3l8a to hold such components together. A circuit bridge 404 in the second connector housing 200 electrically connects the first terminal pin 402a with the second terminal pin 402b.
FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 13-13. FIGURE 13 illustrates a first terminal pin barb anchor 406a and a second terminal pin barb anchor 406b which help to hold the first terminal pin 402A, the second terminal pin 402B, and the circuit bridge 400 in place in the second connector housing 300. The inner seal 304 has a first inner portion 303a accommodating the first terminal pin 402a and has a second inner portion 303b accommodating the second terminal pin 402b.
The first cylindrical terminal member l lOa has an inner portion 113a. The inner portion H3a accommodates the wire 500a, the first terminal socket 600a, and the seal l30a. The second cylindrical terminal member 110b has the inner portion 113b. The inner portion 113b accommodates the wire 500b, the first terminal socket 600b, and the seal l30b. FIGURE 13 shows a protrusion l32b in the second cylindrical terminal member l lOb. The second side of the second connector housing 300 has a lateral side opening 318b. The second side of the second connector housing 300 also has a lateral side protrusion 3l6b of the front cap 306. The protrusion 3l6b is received by the lateral side opening 318b to hold such components together.
FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 9, taken along the line 14-14. FIGURE 14 illustrates a first central protrusion 2l4b and a second central protrusion 2l6b on the second side of the elongated flexible member 212.
FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 9, taken along the line 15-15. FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 16-16. FIGURE 16 illustrates a first central protrusion 2l4a and a second central protrusion 2l6a on the first side of the elongated flexible member 212. FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 10, taken along the line 17-17.
FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of the connector system of FIGURE 1 assembled with the connector position assurance member in the full-lock position. FIGURE 19 is a side elevational view of the connector system of FIGURE 18.
FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 18, taken along the line 20-20. FIGURE 21 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 21-21. FIGURE 22 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 22-22. FIGURE 23 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 18, taken along the line 23-23.
FIGURE 24 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 18, taken along the line 24-24. FIGURE 25 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 25-25. FIGURE 26 is a cross-sectional view of the connector system of FIGURE 19, taken along the line 26-26. FIGURE 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the connector system of FIGURE 1 assembled with the connector position assurance member in the full-lock position.
The seals l30a, l30b, and 304 serve to help prevent water and other liquids and substances from coming into contact with the components protected by the seals. The seals protect at least the terminal pins 402a, 402b and the terminal sockets 600a, 600b.
In order to insert the CPA member 100 into the first connector housing 200 and thereby place the CPA member 100 into the pre-lock position, the first cylindrical terminal member 1 lOa must be inserted into the lateral opening 202a of the first connector housing 200 while the second cylindrical terminal member 110b is inserted into the lateral opening 202b of the first connector housing 200. After the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa has penetrated the lateral opening 202a of the first connector housing 200, the first cylindrical terminal member 1 lOa must also penetrate the lateral opening 302a of the second connector housing 300. After the second cylindrical terminal member 110b has penetrated the lateral opening 202b of the first connector housing 200, the second cylindrical terminal member 110b must also penetrate the lateral opening 302b of the second connector housing 300.
The first cylindrical terminal member l lOa must also be inserted into the lateral opening 302a of the second connector housing 300 while the second cylindrical terminal member l lOb is inserted into the lateral opening 302b of the second connector housing 300.
The pre-lock position of the CPA member 100 is shown in FIGURES 9-17. The first and second connector housings 200 and 300 fit together as shown in FIGURES 9-27 (see also FIGURE 1). As shown in FIGURE 11, the second terminal socket 600b of the CPA member 100 is not in electrical contact with the second terminal pin 402b of the second connector housing 300. In particular, the front opening 1 l2b is spaced apart from the second terminal pin 402b.
As shown in FIGURE 12, the first terminal socket 600a of the CPA member 100 is not in electrical contact with the first terminal pin 402a of the second connector housing 300. In particular, the front opening 1 l2a is spaced apart from the first terminal pin 402a. In the pre-lock position, there is an open circuit condition and thus electricity cannot flow between wire 500b and wire 500a, because the first terminal socket 600a is not electrically connected with the first terminal pin 402a and the second terminal socket 600b is not electrically connected with the second terminal pin 402b.
As shown in FIGURES 14-17, the CPA member 100 has been pushed a first distance into the first connector housing 200 mated with the second connector housing 300, such that the first protrusion H4b has moved past the first central protrusion 2l4b, the second protrusion H6b has moved past the first central protrusion 2l4b, and the second protrusion H6b has not moved past the second central protrusion 2l6b. That first distance corresponds to the pre-lock position. The first protrusion H4b and the second protrusion H6b are able to move past the first central protrusion 2l4b because the second member H8b is flexible.
In the pre-lock position, as shown in FIGURE 15, the first cylindrical terminal member l lOa has been inserted through lateral opening 202a of the first connector housing 200 and has also been partially inserted into the front cap 306 of the second connector housing 300. Thus, in the pre-lock position, the CPA member 100 is engaged with both the first connector housing 200 and the second connector housing 300. As shown in FIGURES 14-17, the first central protrusion 2l4b helps to hold the CPA member 100 in the correct pre-lock position and prevents the CPA member 100 from moving backwards out from the first and second connector housings 200, 300. As shown in FIGURES 14-17, the second central protrusion 2l6b helps to hold the CPA member 100 in the correct pre lock position and prevents the CPA member 100 from inadvertently moving to the full-lock position.
As shown in FIGURES 14-17, the first protrusion H4a has moved past the first central protrusion 2l4a, the second protrusion H6a has moved past the first central protrusion H4a, the first central protrusion 2l4a has not moved past the second central protrusion 2l6a, and the second protrusion 116a has not moved past the second central protrusion 216a. The first central protrusion 2l4a helps to hold the CPA member 100 in the correct pre-lock position and prevents the CPA member 100 from moving backwards out from the first and second connector housings 200, 300. The second central protrusion 2l6a helps to hold the CPA member 100 in the correct pre-lock position and prevents the CPA member 100 from inadvertently moving to the full-lock position. The first protrusion H4a and the second protrusion H6a are able to move past the first central protrusion 2l4a because the first member 118a is flexible.
As shown in FIGURE 17, for the pre-lock position, the rear upper projection 210 of the first connector housing 200 is not directly over the rear lower ledge 104 of the CPA member 100. Thus, for the pre-lock position, the rear upper projection 210 of the first connector housing 200 is not blocking upward movement of the rear lower ledge 104 of the CPA member 100. When the CPA member 100 is in the pre-lock position, it is possible to move the rear upper projection 102 upward (please see FIGURE 10).
The full-lock position of the CPA member 100 is shown in FIGURES 18-27. As shown in FIGURE 20, the second terminal socket 600b of the CPA member 100 is in electrical contact with the second terminal pin 402b of the second connector housing 300. In particular, the front opening 112b is being penetrated by the second terminal pin 402b.
As shown in FIGURE 22, the first terminal socket 600a of the CPA member 100 is in electrical contact with the first terminal pin 402a of the second connector housing 300. In particular, the front opening 112a is being penetrated by the first terminal pin 402a.
In the full-lock position, there is a closed circuit condition and thus electricity can flow through and between wire 500b and wire 500a, because the first terminal socket 600a is electrically connected with the first terminal pin 402a while the second terminal socket 600b is also electrically connected with the second terminal pin 402b. As shown in FIGURE 23, the CPA member 100 has been pushed into the first connector housing 200 and second connector housing 300 by a second distance, such that the second protrusion H6b has moved past the second central protrusion 2l6b. That second distance corresponds to the full-lock position. The second central protrusion 216b helps to hold the CPA member 100 in the correct full-lock position and prevents the CPA member 100 from coming out from the first and second connector housings 200, 300.
In the full-lock position, the second protrusion 116a has moved deeper into the second connector housing 300 and has moved past the second central protrusion 216a. As shown in FIGURE 25, the first protrusion 1 l4a has moved past the first central protrusion 2l4a but has not moved past the second central protrusion 216a. The second central protrusion 216a helps to hold the CPA member 100 in the correct full-lock position and prevents the CPA member 100 from coming out from the first and second connector housings 200, 300.
As shown in FIGURES 25-27, for the full-lock position, the rear upper projection 210 of the first connector housing 200 is directly over the rear lower ledge 104 of the CPA member 100. Thus, for the full-lock position, the rear upper projection 210 of the first connector housing 200 is blocking upward movement of the rear lower ledge 104 of the CPA member 100. When the CPA member 100 is in the full-lock position, it is not possible to move the rear upper projection 102 upward (please see FIGURES 20 and 21). The connector system of the present invention helps the CPA member 100 to stay in the pre-lock position during shipping and handling.
The connector system of the present invention helps to prevent a need for a user to engage in a secondary operation such as trying to move a different CPA member from a full-lock position to a pre-lock position, for example, after that different CPA member was inadvertently moved into the full-lock position during shipping and handling.
The CPA member 100 of the present invention includes components of an electrical circuit at least in a first arm l06a of the CPA member 100 and in a second arm l06b of the CPA member 100. The first arm l06a has at least the terminal socket 600a and wire 500a. The second arm l06b has at least the terminal socket 600b and wire 500b. The second connector housing 300 has at least terminal pins 402a, 402b connected to each other by the circuit bridge 404.
When the CPA member 100 is in the pre-lock position, there is an open electrical circuit because the first terminal member l lOa is not connected electrically with the second terminal member l lOb through the second connector housing 300. When the CPA member 100 is in the full-lock position, there is a closed electrical circuit because the first terminal member l lOa is connected electrically with the second terminal member 110b through electrically conductive components located in the second connector housing 300. An electronic measuring instrument, such as a multimeter or multitester or other device, can be connected to the wire 500a and the wire 500b and be used to detect whether the electrical circuit is open or closed. When the electrical circuit is detected as being a closed circuit, this provides additional assurance that the first connector housing 200 is fully engaged with the second connector housing 300 and also that the CPA member 100 is in the full-lock position.
The connector system of the present invention can be operated by: (1) mating CPA member 100 with the first connector housing 200 or inserting CPA member 100 into the first connector housing 200 a first distance corresponding to the pre-lock position, (2) coupling the first connector housing 200 with the second connector housing 300, (3) detecting an open electrical circuit condition by using an electronic measuring instrument connected to wires 500a, 500b, (4) moving the CPA member 100 into the second connector housing 300 a second distance corresponding to the full-lock position, and (5) detecting a closed electrical circuit condition by using an electronic measuring instrument connected to wires 500a, 500b.
The CPA member 100 can be referred to as a CPA device 100 or CPA unit 100. The first flexible member 1 l8a can be referred to as a first flexible unit 1 l8a. The second flexible member H8b can be referred to as a second flexible unit H8b. The protrusions H4a, H4b, H6a, H6b on the CPA member 100 can be referred to as CPA protrusions H4a, H4b, H6a, H6b. The protrusions 2l4a, 2l4b, 2l6a, 2l6b on the elongated flexible member 212 of the first connector housing 200, as shown in FIGURE 16, can be referred to as housing protrusions 2l4a, 2l4b,
2l6a, 2l6b. A second embodiment of the present invention includes a CPA member that has two terminal pins instead of the two terminal sockets 600a, 600b, and includes a second connector housing that has two terminal sockets instead of the two terminal pins 402a, 402b. In the second embodiment, the two terminal sockets are electrically connected to the circuit bridge 404.
A third embodiment of the present invention has only one flexible member instead of the two flexible members 118a, 118b, wherein the one flexible member is located either where the first flexible member 118a is located or where the second flexible member 118b is located.
Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.
List of Reference Numerals
100 Connector position assurance (CPA) member
102 Rear upper projection of the CPA member 100
104 Rear lower ledge of the CPA member 100
l06a First arm of the CPA member 100
l06b Second arm of the CPA member 100
108 Rear side lower ledge of arm of the CPA member 100
1 lOa First cylindrical terminal member on a first side of the CPA member 100
I lOb Second cylindrical terminal member on the CPA member 100
I I la Rear opening of seal in first cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
11 lb Rear opening of seal in second cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100 1 l2a Front opening in first cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
1 l2b Front opening in second cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100 1 l3a Inner portion of first cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
1 l3b Inner portion of second cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100 1 l4a First protrusion on first flexible member of the CPA member 100
1 l4b First protrusion on second flexible member of the CPA member 100
1 l6a Second protrusion on first flexible member of the CPA member 100
1 l6b Second protrusion on second flexible member of the CPA member 100
1 l8a First flexible member of the CPA member 100 118b Second flexible member of the CPA member 100
l20a First upper projection of the CPA member 100
l20b Second projection of arm of the CPA member 100
l22a Rear projection of first cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100 l22b Rear projection of second cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
124 Rear bottom portion of the CPA member 100
l30a Seal in first cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
l30b Seal in second cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
l32a Protrusion in first cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
l32b Protrusion in second cylindrical terminal member of the CPA member 100
00 First connector housing
01 Upper central portion of first connector housing 200
02a Lateral opening on first side of upper central portion on first connector housing 200 02b Lateral opening on second side of upper central portion on first connector housing 200 04a Inner side wall of lateral opening on first side of upper central portion on first connector housing 200
04b Inner side wall of lateral opening on first side of upper central portion on first connector housing 200
06 Central opening in upper central portion of first connector housing 200
08 Central bridge of upper central portion of first connector housing 200
10 Rear upper projection of elongated flexible portion of first connector housing 200 12 Elongated flexible member of first connector housing 200 l4a First central protrusion on first side of the elongated flexible member 212l4b First central protrusion on second side of the elongated flexible member 212
l6a Second central protrusion on first side of the elongated flexible member 212
l6b Second central protrusion on second side of the elongated flexible member 212
18 Opening of first connector housing 200
0 Wall of first connector housing 200
2 Rear end cover of first connector housing 200
0 Second connector housing
1 Upper central portion of second connector housing 300
2a Lateral opening on first side of upper central portion on second connector housing 300 2b Lateral opening on second side of upper central portion on second connector housing 300 3a First inner portion of inner seal 304 of second connector housing 300
3b Second inner portion of inner seal 304 of second connector housing 300
4 Inner seal of upper central portion on second connector housing 300
6 Front cap of upper central portion on second connector housing 300
8 Top wall of upper central portion of second connector housing 300
10 Rear wall of upper central portion of second connector housing 300
14 Side wall of second connector housing 300
l6a Lateral side protrusion of front cap of upper central portion on first side of second
connector housing 300
l6b Lateral side protrusion of front cap of upper central portion on second side of second connector housing 300 l8a Lateral side opening on first side of second connector housing 30018b Lateral side opening on second side of second connector housing 300 0 Rear end cover of second connector housing 300
2a First terminal pin of second connector housing 300
2b Second terminal pin of second connector housing 300
4 Circuit bridge
6a First terminal pin barb anchor
6b Second terminal pin barb anchor
0a Wire connected to first terminal socket of the CPA member 100 0b Wire connected to second terminal socket of the CPA member 100 0a First terminal socket of the CPA member 100
0b Second terminal socket of the CPA member 100