Electrical connectors – With insulation other than conductor sheath – Metallic connector or contact secured to insulation
Patent
1998-02-26
2000-04-18
Paumen, Gary F.
Electrical connectors
With insulation other than conductor sheath
Metallic connector or contact secured to insulation
H01R 13436
Patent
active
060508612
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an electric connector, particularly of the type comprising an outer insulating casing defining at least one axial cavity, and an electric terminal housed and retained inside the cavity by primary retaining means.
BACKGROUND ART
Known electric connectors of the above type comprise a secondary retaining device for ensuring correct insertion and further ensuring retention of the terminals inside the respective cavities.
The device normally comprises an element movable in relation to the casing, and which snaps on to the casing to cooperate with the terminals or the primary retaining means and so prevent accidental withdrawal of the terminals. Snap-on connection of the movable element to the casing is only possible when the terminals are correctly inserted and retained inside the cavities by the primary retaining means.
In one known embodiment, the movable element is integral with and hinged to the casing, and therefore presents a substantially rotary movement which, for functional and dimensional reasons, limits its application scope.
In other embodiments, the movable element is separate from and translated in relation to the casing.
This solution also presents drawbacks. In particular, it involves producing and handling two separate parts (the casing and movable element); and connection of the two parts involves a certain amount of precision and, when performed manually, the use of both hands. To simplify handling and assembly by the wirer, the movable element is frequently preassembled to the casing, thus adding a further preliminary stage which also involves a certain amount of difficulty.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric connector designed to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks typically associated with known types.
According to the present invention, there is provided an electric connector comprising an insulating casing with at least one axial cavity; at least one electric terminal housed inside said cavity; primary retaining means for retaining said terminal inside said cavity; and secondary retaining means in turn comprising at least one movable element which snaps on to the casing into an activating position of said secondary retaining means to determine correct engagement of the terminal by said primary retaining means and prevent withdrawal of the terminal; characterized in that said casing and said movable element are formed in one piece in the deactivating position of said secondary retaining means; said secondary retaining means comprising yielding means integrally connecting said movable element to said casing at least in said deactivating position of said secondary retaining means; and said movable element being movable between said deactivating and said activating positions by means of a straightforward translatory movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Two preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGS. 1 and 2 show two views in perspective of a first embodiment of an electric connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, and in two different operating positions;
FIG. 3 shows a front view of the connector in the FIG. 2 position;
FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the connector in the FIG. 1 position;
FIG. 5 shows a rear view of the connector in the FIG. 2 position;
FIG. 6 shows a section along line VI--VI in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 shows a section along line VII--VII in FIG. 5, in an incorrect assembly position;
FIG. 8 shows a partial section, the right-hand portion along line VIIIa--VIIIa and the left-hand portion along line VIIIb--VIIIb in FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 shows a partial section, the right-hand portion along line IXa--IXa and the left-hand portion along line IXb--IXb in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 shows a view in perspective of a second embodiment of an electric connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 11 shows a side view of the FIG. 1
REFERENCES:
patent: 4705337 (1987-11-01), Maeda
patent: 4767361 (1988-08-01), Hoshino et al.
patent: 5316504 (1994-05-01), Jinno
patent: 5501619 (1996-03-01), Sakatani et al.
patent: 5700162 (1997-12-01), Hatagishi et al.
patent: 5716235 (1998-02-01), Endo et al.
patent: 5769670 (1998-06-01), Abe
Bortoloni Roberto
Genta Alessandro
Framatome Connectors International
Paumen Gary F.
LandOfFree
Electric connector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electric connector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electric connector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2332324