WO2006083920A1 - Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements - Google Patents

Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006083920A1
WO2006083920A1 PCT/US2006/003483 US2006003483W WO2006083920A1 WO 2006083920 A1 WO2006083920 A1 WO 2006083920A1 US 2006003483 W US2006003483 W US 2006003483W WO 2006083920 A1 WO2006083920 A1 WO 2006083920A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical connector
electrical
keying
housings
housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/003483
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David James Fabian
Original Assignee
Tyco Electronics Corporation
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tyco Electronics Corporation filed Critical Tyco Electronics Corporation
Priority to JP2007554174A priority Critical patent/JP2008530735A/en
Priority to EP06720033A priority patent/EP1844530A1/en
Publication of WO2006083920A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006083920A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/642Means for preventing incorrect coupling by position or shape of contact members
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/84Hermaphroditic coupling devices

Definitions

  • the present disclosure is directed to a keying arrangement for electrical connector assemblies that prevent inadvertent mating of connector halves that are not intended to be mated.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,411 discloses mating electrical connector housings having hexagonal nests formed therein containing hexagonal shaped keys that are positionable in any of six unique angular positions. Each housing has a key that is in axial alignment with a corresponding key in the other housing. Mating of the two housings is prevented unless the two keys are in mutually complimentary angular positions.
  • the shanks of the keys include an undercut that mates with an inwardly facing bead on the interior of the nest and a split end to provide a snap action when the keys are pressed into their seats.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,370,557 discloses a keying arrangement for low profile electrical connectors.
  • the opposing ends of a mating plug and receptacle have polygonal openings formed completely through their housings that contain opposing polygonal-shaped keys that are axially aligned.
  • Each of the keys is retained in its respective polygonal opening by a pair of wing-like flanges extending from the key that overlies a first surface formed in the housing adjacent the polygonal opening and a locking tab projecting from the key that underlies another surface spaced from the first surface.
  • a connector keying arrangement having a novel design and structure that effectively prevents inadvertent mating of the contacts of a first connector with the " contacts of a second connector in an electrical connector assembly when the electrical ratings of the first and second connectors are different.
  • a connector locking arrangement having a novel design and structure that effectively connects and interlocks the two connectors of the electrical connector assembly.
  • an electrical connector assembly having first and second electrical connectors which are hermaphroditic or genderless, i.e., the two electrical connectors are substantially identical.
  • One difference is the corresponding keying wall for each electrical connector is laterally reversed with respect to the other electrical connector.
  • the first electrical connector is referred to as a plug and the second electrical connector as a receptacle for illustration purposes, even though either electrical connector can be referred to as the plug and receptacle since the electrical connectors are hermaphroditic as stated above.
  • Each plug and receptacle includes a housing having electrical contacts therein wherein each contact of the plug contacts a corresponding contact of the receptacle.
  • a first keying arrangement is provided for polarizing to assure proper orientation of the plug with the receptacle during connection thereof.
  • a second keying arrangement is provided by the electrical connector assembly for inhibiting or preventing the mating of two identical connector housings, e.g., a battery connector housing to another battery connector housing.
  • the second keying arrangement includes a keying wall formed on a face of the plug and a corresponding keying wall formed on an opposing face of the receptacle so that when a plug and a receptacle are in axial alignment, the keying walls of the two connector housings interlock.
  • a third keying arrangement is provided to prevent inadvertent mating of the electrical contacts of the plug having a particular electrical rating with the electrical contacts of the receptacle having a different electrical rating.
  • the third keying arrangement is provided in part by two pairs of electrical contact housings where each electrical contact housing is fitted within a respective interior cavity of one of the electrical connector housings.
  • each electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of the receptacle includes a key having a rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into a respective opposing rectangular shaped opening of a respective electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of a plug having the same electrical rating as the receptacle.
  • each electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of the plug having the same electrical rating as the receptacle includes a respective key having a rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into an opposing rectangular shaped opening of a respective electrical contact housing fitted within the interior cavity of the receptacle having the same electrical rating as the plug.
  • Each key is arranged so that the plug and receptacle housings will mate only when the four keys are in mating alignment with their respective opening and the two connector housings are in axial alignment.
  • a locking arrangement is provided by the first keying arrangement for locking the receptacle and the plug and thereby locking each key within its respective opening when the receptacle and plug have the same electrical ratings.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present invention and showing the first and second connector housings, or the plug and the receptacle prior to mating;
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly showing the electrical contact housings removed from the plug and receptacle;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug shown in FIG. 1, showing the mating face thereof;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug shown in FIG. 1, showing the electrical connecting face thereof;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1, showing the mating face thereof;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1, showing the electrical connecting face thereof;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the plug and receptacle fully mated
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;
  • FIGs. 9a-9f are perspective views of electrical connector assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure showing electrical contact housings having different spacing there between for plugs and receptacles having different electrical ratings.
  • an electrical connector assembly having first and second electrical connectors which are hermaphroditic or genderless, i.e., the two electrical connectors are substantially identical.
  • One main difference is the corresponding keying wall for each connector is laterally reversed with respect to the other connector as will be described below.
  • the first electrical connector is referred to as a plug and the second electrical connector as a receptacle for illustration purposes, even though either electrical connector can be referred to as the plug and receptacle since the electrical connectors are hermaphroditic as stated above.
  • FIGs. 1-8 there is shown by FIGs. 1-8 an electrical connector assembly 10 having a first electrical connector or receptacle 12 and a second electrical connector or plug 14 in accordance with the present disclosure and connectable along a mating or connecting axis A.
  • the receptacle 12 and plug 14 have insulated housings 16, 60 which are substantially identical in shape and design and include substantially complementary keying arrangements for polarizing to assure proper orientation of the receptacle 12 and plug 14 and for assuring a receptacle 12 having a particular electrical rating is mated or connected with a plug 14 having the same electrical rating.
  • a first keying arrangement of the electrical connector assembly 10 is provided for polarizing to assure proper orientation of receptacle 12 and plug 14.
  • the first keying arrangement includes a retainer means having two locking tabs 100a, 100b each mounted at a respective mounting point to the insulated housings 16, 60.
  • Each locking tab 100a, 100b is pref ⁇ raB'ly " integrally formed with the insulating housings 16, 60 and includes a distal end 102 configured and dimensioned for being received within respective openings 50, 66 defined by the insulating housings 16, 60, respectively.
  • Each locking tab 100a, 100b is pivotable with respect to its mounting point, thereby causing it to pivot in a particular direction upon the distal end 102 contacting a portion of either housing 16 or 60.
  • each locking tab is further configured and dimensioned for eventually pivoting opposite the particular direction for contacting in a locking configuration a surface of either housing 16 or 60 for mating the two housings 16, 60, as well as retaining the two housings 16, 60 in an interocked configuration as shown by FIGs. 7 and 8. If the two housings 16, 60 are not properly oriented with respect to each other or the mating axis, the two locking tabs 100a, 100b cannot be received within the respective openings 50, 66 for enabling the mating and retention of the two housings 16, 60.
  • Each housing 16, 60 includes an arced member 104 (FIGs. 3 and 5) surrounding each locking tab 100a, 100b.
  • a proximal portion 106 of each locking tab 100a, 100b is raised in an arced configuration to facilitate and provide for the gripping of the insulating housings 16, 60 during connection thereof.
  • a portion of the raised proximal portion 106 of each locking tab 100a, 100b is also raised to form gripping members 108 thereon.
  • the insulating housing 16 of the receptacle 12, as best seen in FIGs. 5 and 6, has a pair of side walls 18a, 18b, three end walls 20a, 20b, 22, a top wall 23a and a bottom wall 23b. Together all the walls define rectangular interior cavities 24, 26 (FIG. 2) for receiving therein rectangular electrical contact housings 28, 30, respectively.
  • Electrical contact housings 28, 30 are off-the-shelf electrical contact housings known in the art. It is contemplated, however, to custom design electrical contact housings 28, 30 and configure cavities 24, 26 accordingly for fitting custom designed housings 28, 30 therein.
  • electrical contact housings 28, 30 are color coded for easily differentiating between the positive and negative terminals.
  • End wall 20a protrudes distally from end wall 20b defining lateral wall 20c having a first wall 20cl and a second wall 20c2 (FIG. 5).
  • Each of the first and second walls 20cl, 20c2 includes a step 21a, 21b.
  • a portion of the electrical contact housings 28, 30 rest on the first and second walls 20cl, 20c2 adjacent the steps 21a, 21b.
  • the three ends walls 20a, 20b, 20c define a keying wall 20 which is part of a second keying arrangement for assuring the intended receptacle 12 is mated with the intended plug 14 and not another receptacle.
  • the second keying arrangement assures a charger receptacle is mated with a battery plug and not another charger receptacle. If an attempt is made to mate a receptacle 12 with another receptacle, keying walls 20 of the two receptacles 12 will not interlock along the mating axis.
  • a portion of the top wall 23 a is cut-out to define a rectangular opening 50, a step wall 52 and side walls 54a, 54b (FIG. 5) substantially perpendicular to end walls 20a, 20b.
  • a portion 56 of the top wall 23a is raised in an arced configuration to facilitate and provide for the gripping of the insulating housing 16 during mating of receptacle 12 with plug 14.
  • a portion of the raised top wall 23 a is also raised to form gripping members 58 thereon.
  • the portion 56 lies directly behind the rectangular opening 50 and the step wall 52.
  • the plug 14 includes an insulating housing 60, as best seen in FIGs. 3 and 4, and has a structure substantially similar to the structure of receptacle 12. Even though the structure of plug 14 is substantially similar to the structure of receptacle 12, a description of the structure of plug 14 is provided herein for complete description of electrical connector assembly 10.
  • Insulating housing 60 of plug 14 has a pair of side walls 60a, 60b, three end walls 62a, 62b, 64, a top wall 65a and a bottom wall 65b. Together all the walls define rectangular interior cavities 44, 46 (FIG. 2) for receiving therein rectangular electrical contact housings 40, 42, respectively.
  • Electrical contact housings 40, 42 are similar in structure to the electrical contact housings 28, 30. Electrical contact housings 40, 42 are off-the-shelf electrical contact housings known in the art. It is contemplated, however, to custom design electrical contact housings 40, 42 and configure cavities 44, 46 accordingly for fitting custom designed housings 40, 42 therein.
  • electrical contact housings 40, 42 are color coded for easily differentiating between the positive and negative terminals.
  • End wall 62a protrudes distally from end wall 62b defining lateral wall 62c having a first wall 62c 1 and a second wall 62c2.
  • Each of the first and second walls 62c 1, 62c2 includes a step 63a, 63b.
  • a portion of the electrical contact housings 40, 42 rest on the first and second walls 62cl, 62c2 adjacent the steps 63a, 63b.
  • the three ends walls 62a, 62b, 62c form a keying wall 62 which is substantially complementary to keying wall 20 and also forms a part of the second keying arrangement.
  • a portion of the top wall 65a is cut-out to define a rectangular opening 66, a step wall 68 and side walls 70a, 70b (FIG. 3) substantially perpendicular to end walls 62a, 62b.
  • a portion 72 (FIG. 8) of the top wall 65a is raised in an arced configuration to provide for the gripping of the insulating housing 60 during mating of the receptacle 12 with the plug 14.
  • a portion of the raised top wall 65 a is also raised to form gripping members 74 thereon.
  • the portion 72 lies directly behind the rectangular opening 66 and the step wall 68.
  • Interior cavities 24, 26 and electrical contact housings 28, 30, as best seen in FIG. 2, include complementary grooves and projections configured and dimensioned for respectively engaging each other when the electrical contact housings 28, 30 are inserted within interior cavities 24, 26.
  • Electrical contacts 34 are provided within electrical contact housings 28, 30 for engaging electrical contacts 38 within electrical contact housings 40, 42 of the plug 14 when the plu ⁇ l2 " ⁇ s"niate& with the pl ⁇ g " l4 " (FIG “ . 8).
  • the electrical contacts 34, 38 have wire crimps or other electrical configurations for being connected to electrical wiring.
  • Electrical contact housings 40, 42 are configured and dimensioned for fitting within interior cavities 44, 46 of the plug 14.
  • a third keying arrangement is provided by electrical connector assembly 10 to prevent inadvertent mating of electrical contacts 34 of a plug 14 having a particular electrical rating with electrical contacts 34 of a receptacle 12 having a different electrical rating as further described below.
  • the third keying arrangement is provided in part by the two pairs of electrical contact housings 28, 30, 40, 42.
  • Each electrical contact housing is configured and dimensioned to fit within one of the interior cavities 24, 26, 44, 46 defined by the walls of electrical connector housings 16, 60.
  • Each electrical contact housing 28, 30 fitted within an interior cavity 24, 26 of receptacle 12 includes a respective key 80, 82 (FIG. 5).
  • Each key 80, 82 has a rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into an opposing rectangular shaped opening 48c, 48d (FIG. 3) of a respective electrical contact housing 40, 42 fitted within an interior cavity 44, 46 of plug 14 having the same electrical rating as receptacle 12.
  • each electrical contact housing 40, 42 fitted within an interior cavity 44, 46 of plug 14 includes a respective key 84, 86 (FIG. 3) having rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into an opposing rectangular shaped opening 48a, 48b (FIGs. 2 and 5) of a respective electrical contact housings 28, 30 fitted within an interior cavity 24, 26 of receptacle 12 having the same electrical rating as plug 14.
  • Each key is arranged so that housings 16, 60 will mate only when the four keys are in mating alignment with their respective opening and the two housings 16, 60 are is axial alignment.
  • the retainer means provided by the first keying arrangement holds each key of the two pairs of keys in its respective opening.
  • the third keying arrangement provi ⁇ es ior the spacing between cavities 24, 26, 44, 46 of connector housings 16, 60 having different electrical ratings be different as shown by FIGs. 9a- 9f.
  • the different spacing between cavities of first and second electrical connectors, or receptacle 12 and plug 14, having different electrical ratings prevents axial alignment and mating of the keys 80, 82 84, 86 fitted within these electrical connectors with their respective openings 24, 26, 44, 46, and hence mating of the electrical connectors, or receptacle 12 and plug 14.
  • the electrical rating of receptacle 12a and plug 14a is 6 V, 4Ah; the electrical rating of receptacle 12b and plug 14b is 6 V, 10Ah; the electrical rating of receptacle 12c and plug 14c is 12 V, 12Ah; the electrical rating of receptacle 12d and plug 14d is 18 V; the electrical rating of receptacle 12e and plug 14e is 24V; and the electrical rating of receptacle 12f and plug 14f is 32V.
  • the spacing between cavities 44, 46 of plug 14 and cavities 24, 26 of receptacle 12 is different to prevent inadvertent axial alignment and mating of the electrical contact housings 28, 30 fitted within cavities 24, 26 with the electrical contact housings 40, 42 fitted within cavities 44, 46.
  • a well 110 is defined between the cavities as shown by FIGs. 9d-9f for the higher electrically rated assemblies 1 Od- 1Of 5 and two wells 112 are defined on either side of the cavities as shown by FIGs. 9a-9c for the lower electrically rated assemblies 10a- 10c.

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly is disclosed having a first and a second electrical connector. Each electrical connector includes a housing having electrical contacts therein wherein each contact of the first electrical connector mates or connects with a corresponding contact of the second electrical connector. A keying arrangement is provided having keying walls for inhibiting the mating except for mating a first electrical connector to a designated second electrical connector. Another keying arrangement is provided by two pairs of electrical contact housings fitted within interior cavities of the first and second electrical connectors. Each electrical contact housing includes a key sized to slip fit into an opposing opening of an electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of either the first or second electrical connector. Each key is arranged so that the first and second electrical connector housings will mate only when the four keys are in mating alignment with their respective opening.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING AT LEAST TWO KEYING ARRANGEMENTS
The present disclosure is directed to a keying arrangement for electrical connector assemblies that prevent inadvertent mating of connector halves that are not intended to be mated.
In electrical equipment having multiple modules or units that are interconnected, it is desirable to provide a keying system that uniquely defines plug and receptacle pairs that are to be mated. There are many such systems in use in the industry. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,411 discloses mating electrical connector housings having hexagonal nests formed therein containing hexagonal shaped keys that are positionable in any of six unique angular positions. Each housing has a key that is in axial alignment with a corresponding key in the other housing. Mating of the two housings is prevented unless the two keys are in mutually complimentary angular positions. The shanks of the keys include an undercut that mates with an inwardly facing bead on the interior of the nest and a split end to provide a snap action when the keys are pressed into their seats.
U.S. Patent No. 5,370,557 discloses a keying arrangement for low profile electrical connectors. The opposing ends of a mating plug and receptacle have polygonal openings formed completely through their housings that contain opposing polygonal-shaped keys that are axially aligned. Each of the keys is retained in its respective polygonal opening by a pair of wing-like flanges extending from the key that overlies a first surface formed in the housing adjacent the polygonal opening and a locking tab projecting from the key that underlies another surface spaced from the first surface.
Additional keying arrangements are needed which are novel in design and structure than prior art keying arrangements. In particular, what is needed is a connector keying arrangement having a novel design and structure that effectively prevents inadvertent mating of the contacts of a first connector with the" contacts of a second connector in an electrical connector assembly when the electrical ratings of the first and second connectors are different. What is also needed is a connector locking arrangement having a novel design and structure that effectively connects and interlocks the two connectors of the electrical connector assembly.
It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide keying arrangements for an electrical connector assembly having two connector housings, i.e., a first and a second connector, which are hermaphroditic or genderless.
It is also an aspect for the keying arrangements to work effectively for preventing inadvertent mating or connecting of the electrical contacts of a first connector having a particular electrical rating with the electrical contacts of a second connector having a different electrical rating.
In the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is disclosed having first and second electrical connectors which are hermaphroditic or genderless, i.e., the two electrical connectors are substantially identical. One difference is the corresponding keying wall for each electrical connector is laterally reversed with respect to the other electrical connector. For ease of describing herein the connection of the two electrical connectors of the electrical connector assembly, the first electrical connector is referred to as a plug and the second electrical connector as a receptacle for illustration purposes, even though either electrical connector can be referred to as the plug and receptacle since the electrical connectors are hermaphroditic as stated above.
Each plug and receptacle includes a housing having electrical contacts therein wherein each contact of the plug contacts a corresponding contact of the receptacle. A first keying arrangement is provided for polarizing to assure proper orientation of the plug with the receptacle during connection thereof. " "A second keying arrangement is provided by the electrical connector assembly for inhibiting or preventing the mating of two identical connector housings, e.g., a battery connector housing to another battery connector housing. The second keying arrangement includes a keying wall formed on a face of the plug and a corresponding keying wall formed on an opposing face of the receptacle so that when a plug and a receptacle are in axial alignment, the keying walls of the two connector housings interlock.
A third keying arrangement is provided to prevent inadvertent mating of the electrical contacts of the plug having a particular electrical rating with the electrical contacts of the receptacle having a different electrical rating. The third keying arrangement is provided in part by two pairs of electrical contact housings where each electrical contact housing is fitted within a respective interior cavity of one of the electrical connector housings. In particular, each electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of the receptacle includes a key having a rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into a respective opposing rectangular shaped opening of a respective electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of a plug having the same electrical rating as the receptacle.
Likewise, each electrical contact housing fitted within an interior cavity of the plug having the same electrical rating as the receptacle includes a respective key having a rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into an opposing rectangular shaped opening of a respective electrical contact housing fitted within the interior cavity of the receptacle having the same electrical rating as the plug. Each key is arranged so that the plug and receptacle housings will mate only when the four keys are in mating alignment with their respective opening and the two connector housings are in axial alignment.
To prevent inadvertent mating of the electrical contacts of a plug having a particular electrical rating with the electrical contacts of a receptacle having a different electrical rating, the spacing between cavities of connector housings having different electrical ratings is different This "prevents axial alignment and hence mating of the keys of electrical contact housings fitted within a plug with the keys of electrical contact housings fitted within a receptacle where the receptacle has a different electrical rating than the plug. A locking arrangement is provided by the first keying arrangement for locking the receptacle and the plug and thereby locking each key within its respective opening when the receptacle and plug have the same electrical ratings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present invention and showing the first and second connector housings, or the plug and the receptacle prior to mating;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector assembly showing the electrical contact housings removed from the plug and receptacle;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug shown in FIG. 1, showing the mating face thereof;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the plug shown in FIG. 1, showing the electrical connecting face thereof;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1, showing the mating face thereof;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1, showing the electrical connecting face thereof;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the plug and receptacle fully mated;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7; and
FIGs. 9a-9f are perspective views of electrical connector assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure showing electrical contact housings having different spacing there between for plugs and receptacles having different electrical ratings. ». fimbodiments of the presently disclosed electrical connector assembly will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. Terms such as "top", "bottom", "side", "end" refer to the orientation of the figures or the direction of components and are simply used for convenience of description.
In the present disclosure, an electrical connector assembly is disclosed having first and second electrical connectors which are hermaphroditic or genderless, i.e., the two electrical connectors are substantially identical. One main difference is the corresponding keying wall for each connector is laterally reversed with respect to the other connector as will be described below. For ease of describing herein the connection of the two electrical connectors of the electrical connector assembly, the first electrical connector is referred to as a plug and the second electrical connector as a receptacle for illustration purposes, even though either electrical connector can be referred to as the plug and receptacle since the electrical connectors are hermaphroditic as stated above.
There is shown by FIGs. 1-8 an electrical connector assembly 10 having a first electrical connector or receptacle 12 and a second electrical connector or plug 14 in accordance with the present disclosure and connectable along a mating or connecting axis A. The receptacle 12 and plug 14 have insulated housings 16, 60 which are substantially identical in shape and design and include substantially complementary keying arrangements for polarizing to assure proper orientation of the receptacle 12 and plug 14 and for assuring a receptacle 12 having a particular electrical rating is mated or connected with a plug 14 having the same electrical rating.
A first keying arrangement of the electrical connector assembly 10 is provided for polarizing to assure proper orientation of receptacle 12 and plug 14. The first keying arrangement includes a retainer means having two locking tabs 100a, 100b each mounted at a respective mounting point to the insulated housings 16, 60. Each locking tab 100a, 100b is prefέraB'ly" integrally formed with the insulating housings 16, 60 and includes a distal end 102 configured and dimensioned for being received within respective openings 50, 66 defined by the insulating housings 16, 60, respectively. Each locking tab 100a, 100b is pivotable with respect to its mounting point, thereby causing it to pivot in a particular direction upon the distal end 102 contacting a portion of either housing 16 or 60.
The distal end 102 of each locking tab is further configured and dimensioned for eventually pivoting opposite the particular direction for contacting in a locking configuration a surface of either housing 16 or 60 for mating the two housings 16, 60, as well as retaining the two housings 16, 60 in an interocked configuration as shown by FIGs. 7 and 8. If the two housings 16, 60 are not properly oriented with respect to each other or the mating axis, the two locking tabs 100a, 100b cannot be received within the respective openings 50, 66 for enabling the mating and retention of the two housings 16, 60.
Each housing 16, 60 includes an arced member 104 (FIGs. 3 and 5) surrounding each locking tab 100a, 100b. A proximal portion 106 of each locking tab 100a, 100b is raised in an arced configuration to facilitate and provide for the gripping of the insulating housings 16, 60 during connection thereof. To facilitate further gripping of the housings 16, 60, a portion of the raised proximal portion 106 of each locking tab 100a, 100b is also raised to form gripping members 108 thereon.
The insulating housing 16 of the receptacle 12, as best seen in FIGs. 5 and 6, has a pair of side walls 18a, 18b, three end walls 20a, 20b, 22, a top wall 23a and a bottom wall 23b. Together all the walls define rectangular interior cavities 24, 26 (FIG. 2) for receiving therein rectangular electrical contact housings 28, 30, respectively. Electrical contact housings 28, 30 are off-the-shelf electrical contact housings known in the art. It is contemplated, however, to custom design electrical contact housings 28, 30 and configure cavities 24, 26 accordingly for fitting custom designed housings 28, 30 therein. Preferably, electrical contact housings 28, 30 are color coded for easily differentiating between the positive and negative terminals.
End wall 20a protrudes distally from end wall 20b defining lateral wall 20c having a first wall 20cl and a second wall 20c2 (FIG. 5). Each of the first and second walls 20cl, 20c2 includes a step 21a, 21b. A portion of the electrical contact housings 28, 30 rest on the first and second walls 20cl, 20c2 adjacent the steps 21a, 21b. Together the three ends walls 20a, 20b, 20c define a keying wall 20 which is part of a second keying arrangement for assuring the intended receptacle 12 is mated with the intended plug 14 and not another receptacle. For example, the second keying arrangement assures a charger receptacle is mated with a battery plug and not another charger receptacle. If an attempt is made to mate a receptacle 12 with another receptacle, keying walls 20 of the two receptacles 12 will not interlock along the mating axis.
A portion of the top wall 23 a is cut-out to define a rectangular opening 50, a step wall 52 and side walls 54a, 54b (FIG. 5) substantially perpendicular to end walls 20a, 20b. A portion 56 of the top wall 23a is raised in an arced configuration to facilitate and provide for the gripping of the insulating housing 16 during mating of receptacle 12 with plug 14. To facilitate further gripping of the receptacle 12, a portion of the raised top wall 23 a is also raised to form gripping members 58 thereon. The portion 56 lies directly behind the rectangular opening 50 and the step wall 52.
The plug 14 includes an insulating housing 60, as best seen in FIGs. 3 and 4, and has a structure substantially similar to the structure of receptacle 12. Even though the structure of plug 14 is substantially similar to the structure of receptacle 12, a description of the structure of plug 14 is provided herein for complete description of electrical connector assembly 10.
Insulating housing 60 of plug 14 has a pair of side walls 60a, 60b, three end walls 62a, 62b, 64, a top wall 65a and a bottom wall 65b. Together all the walls define rectangular interior cavities 44, 46 (FIG. 2) for receiving therein rectangular electrical contact housings 40, 42, respectively. Electrical contact housings 40, 42 are similar in structure to the electrical contact housings 28, 30. Electrical contact housings 40, 42 are off-the-shelf electrical contact housings known in the art. It is contemplated, however, to custom design electrical contact housings 40, 42 and configure cavities 44, 46 accordingly for fitting custom designed housings 40, 42 therein. Preferably, electrical contact housings 40, 42 are color coded for easily differentiating between the positive and negative terminals.
End wall 62a protrudes distally from end wall 62b defining lateral wall 62c having a first wall 62c 1 and a second wall 62c2. Each of the first and second walls 62c 1, 62c2 includes a step 63a, 63b. A portion of the electrical contact housings 40, 42 rest on the first and second walls 62cl, 62c2 adjacent the steps 63a, 63b. Together the three ends walls 62a, 62b, 62c form a keying wall 62 which is substantially complementary to keying wall 20 and also forms a part of the second keying arrangement.
A portion of the top wall 65a is cut-out to define a rectangular opening 66, a step wall 68 and side walls 70a, 70b (FIG. 3) substantially perpendicular to end walls 62a, 62b. A portion 72 (FIG. 8) of the top wall 65a is raised in an arced configuration to provide for the gripping of the insulating housing 60 during mating of the receptacle 12 with the plug 14. To provide for further gripping of the plug 14, a portion of the raised top wall 65 a is also raised to form gripping members 74 thereon. The portion 72 lies directly behind the rectangular opening 66 and the step wall 68.
Interior cavities 24, 26 and electrical contact housings 28, 30, as best seen in FIG. 2, include complementary grooves and projections configured and dimensioned for respectively engaging each other when the electrical contact housings 28, 30 are inserted within interior cavities 24, 26. Electrical contacts 34 are provided within electrical contact housings 28, 30 for engaging electrical contacts 38 within electrical contact housings 40, 42 of the plug 14 when the plu^l2"ϊs"niate& with the plύg"l4" (FIG". 8). The electrical contacts 34, 38 have wire crimps or other electrical configurations for being connected to electrical wiring. Electrical contact housings 40, 42 are configured and dimensioned for fitting within interior cavities 44, 46 of the plug 14.
A third keying arrangement is provided by electrical connector assembly 10 to prevent inadvertent mating of electrical contacts 34 of a plug 14 having a particular electrical rating with electrical contacts 34 of a receptacle 12 having a different electrical rating as further described below. The third keying arrangement is provided in part by the two pairs of electrical contact housings 28, 30, 40, 42. Each electrical contact housing is configured and dimensioned to fit within one of the interior cavities 24, 26, 44, 46 defined by the walls of electrical connector housings 16, 60. Each electrical contact housing 28, 30 fitted within an interior cavity 24, 26 of receptacle 12 includes a respective key 80, 82 (FIG. 5). Each key 80, 82 has a rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into an opposing rectangular shaped opening 48c, 48d (FIG. 3) of a respective electrical contact housing 40, 42 fitted within an interior cavity 44, 46 of plug 14 having the same electrical rating as receptacle 12.
Likewise, each electrical contact housing 40, 42 fitted within an interior cavity 44, 46 of plug 14 includes a respective key 84, 86 (FIG. 3) having rectangular shaped outer surface that is sized to slip fit into an opposing rectangular shaped opening 48a, 48b (FIGs. 2 and 5) of a respective electrical contact housings 28, 30 fitted within an interior cavity 24, 26 of receptacle 12 having the same electrical rating as plug 14. Each key is arranged so that housings 16, 60 will mate only when the four keys are in mating alignment with their respective opening and the two housings 16, 60 are is axial alignment. The retainer means provided by the first keying arrangement holds each key of the two pairs of keys in its respective opening.
To prevent inadvertent mating of electrical contacts 34 of a plug 14 having a particular electrical rating with electrical contacts 34 of a receptacle 12 having a different electrical rating, the third keying arrangement proviαes ior the spacing between cavities 24, 26, 44, 46 of connector housings 16, 60 having different electrical ratings be different as shown by FIGs. 9a- 9f. The different spacing between cavities of first and second electrical connectors, or receptacle 12 and plug 14, having different electrical ratings prevents axial alignment and mating of the keys 80, 82 84, 86 fitted within these electrical connectors with their respective openings 24, 26, 44, 46, and hence mating of the electrical connectors, or receptacle 12 and plug 14.
With reference to FIGs. 9a-9f, there are shown six different electrically rated electrical connector assemblies 10a- 1Of. The electrical rating of receptacle 12a and plug 14a is 6 V, 4Ah; the electrical rating of receptacle 12b and plug 14b is 6 V, 10Ah; the electrical rating of receptacle 12c and plug 14c is 12 V, 12Ah; the electrical rating of receptacle 12d and plug 14d is 18 V; the electrical rating of receptacle 12e and plug 14e is 24V; and the electrical rating of receptacle 12f and plug 14f is 32V. Accordingly, for each different electrically rated electrical connector assembly 10a- 1Of, the spacing between cavities 44, 46 of plug 14 and cavities 24, 26 of receptacle 12 is different to prevent inadvertent axial alignment and mating of the electrical contact housings 28, 30 fitted within cavities 24, 26 with the electrical contact housings 40, 42 fitted within cavities 44, 46. To retain the same structure and size (each electrical connector has the same length, width and height) for receptacle 12 and plug 14 regardless of their electrical rating, a well 110 is defined between the cavities as shown by FIGs. 9d-9f for the higher electrically rated assemblies 1 Od- 1Of5 and two wells 112 are defined on either side of the cavities as shown by FIGs. 9a-9c for the lower electrically rated assemblies 10a- 10c.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely a disclosure of particular embodiments and is no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other possible modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and all modifications will be apparent to those in the art and all modifications are to be defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is Claimed is: "
1. An electrical connector system comprising: a plurality of electrical connectors each having at least two identical dimensions and a particular electrical rating, each of said plurality of electrical connectors including a housing configured and dimensioned for only connecting to a housing of at least one electrical connector of said plurality of electrical connectors having the same electrical rating, each housing further defining at least one cavity for axially aligning with at least one cavity defined by another housing during connection of said housings.
2. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein each pair of connecting electrical connectors provide a keying arrangement for polarizing to assure proper orientation of said electrical connectors during connection thereof.
3. The electrical connector system according to claim I5 wherein each pair of connecting electrical connectors provide a keying arrangement for inhibiting said connection except for connecting a first electrical connector of said plurality of electrical connectors to a designated second electrical connector of said plurality of electrical connectors.
4. The electrical connector system according to claim 3, wherein said keying arrangement includes a first keying wall defined by said first electrical connector and a second keying wall defined by said second electrical connector, where the first and second keying walls are substantially complementary with respect to each other for enabling connection of said first and second electrical connectors along an axis when said first and second electrical connectors are in axial alignment, a portion of said first keying wall of said first electrical connector defining an opening and a portion of said second keying wall of said second electrical connector defining a corresponding opening, each opening defining a key-receiving axis therealong parallel to the axis so that when said first and second electrical connectors are connected said opening in' said first electrical connector is in axial alignment with said corresponding opening in said second electrical connector.
5. The electrical connector system according to claim 4, wherein each keying wall includes a plurality of surfaces, wherein at least two surfaces of said plurality of surfaces are substantially perpendicular and at least two surfaces of said plurality of surfaces are substantially coplanar.
6. The electrical connector system according to claim 4, further comprising locking means having a first locking tab configured and dimensioned for being received within an opening formed by said first electrical connector housing and a second locking tab configured and dimensioned for being received within a second opening formed by said second electrical connector housing, wherein said locking means retains said housings in a locked configuration.
7. The electrical connector system according to claim 6, wherein each locking tab includes a distal end having a surface for engaging a surface substantially opposite said keying wall of one of said first and second electrical connector housings.
8. The electrical connector system according to claim 4, wherein each said opening is rectangular and each said housing is of corresponding rectangular shape.
9. The electrical connector system according to claim 4, wherein each said housings have body sections sized to slip fit into a corresponding one of said openings.
10. The electrical connector system according to claim 4, wherein each housing includes a key comprising an offset portion extending forwardly from a rear portion of said keying wall and being substantially flush with a forward portion of said keying wall when said housing is slip fit into said corresponding opening, whereby said housings fitted within said electrical connectors are substantially identical and provide a third keying arrangement.
PCT/US2006/003483 2005-02-04 2006-01-31 Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements WO2006083920A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2007554174A JP2008530735A (en) 2005-02-04 2006-01-31 Electrical connector assembly having at least two key mechanisms
EP06720033A EP1844530A1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-01-31 Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/051,077 US7108534B2 (en) 2005-02-04 2005-02-04 Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements
US11/051,077 2005-02-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006083920A1 true WO2006083920A1 (en) 2006-08-10

Family

ID=36463503

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/003483 WO2006083920A1 (en) 2005-02-04 2006-01-31 Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US7108534B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1844530A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2008530735A (en)
CN (1) CN101116230A (en)
TW (1) TW200642191A (en)
WO (1) WO2006083920A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2637263A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-11 HONDA TSUSHIN KOGYO Co., Ltd. Erroneous insertion prevention structure of electric connectors
US11063393B2 (en) 2018-07-06 2021-07-13 Hubbell Incorporated Electrical plug connector and wiring device with keying features

Families Citing this family (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4407225B2 (en) * 2003-10-07 2010-02-03 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Drawing method
US7153170B1 (en) * 2006-07-31 2006-12-26 Tyco Electronics Corporation Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements
TWI334672B (en) * 2007-07-06 2010-12-11 Ks Terminals Inc Electrical connector and conducting terminal and fabrication method thereof
US7972164B2 (en) * 2009-03-24 2011-07-05 Tyco Electronics Corporation Connector assembly with a latch
US8512079B2 (en) * 2009-09-17 2013-08-20 Henge Docks Llc Docking station for an electronic device with improved electrical interface
JP5498883B2 (en) 2010-04-27 2014-05-21 日本航空電子工業株式会社 Electrical connector
DE102011005301B4 (en) * 2011-03-09 2018-01-11 Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh Electrical connector
FR2976538B1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2013-07-26 Valeo Systemes Dessuyage CONNECTOR SUPPORT AND DEVICE FOR DISPENSING WINDSCREEN WASHING LIQUID FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WIPER BLADES
US8454378B2 (en) * 2011-08-31 2013-06-04 Yazaki North America, Inc. Connector
CN105765797B (en) 2013-11-27 2019-07-05 安费诺富加宜(亚洲)私人有限公司 Electric connector
WO2016149175A1 (en) * 2015-03-13 2016-09-22 Enphase Energy, Inc. Bulkhead interface and cable connector
CN204516961U (en) * 2015-04-07 2015-07-29 泰科电子(上海)有限公司 Electric connector
US9948028B2 (en) 2016-01-15 2018-04-17 J.S.T. Corporation Catch structure of latch for connector
US9876323B1 (en) * 2016-12-12 2018-01-23 Avx Corporation Hermaphroditic pin and socket connector
CN107132627B (en) * 2017-07-03 2022-08-12 沈阳雷卓激光医疗器械有限公司 Detectable optical fiber interface structure of medical equipment
US10249975B2 (en) 2017-08-10 2019-04-02 J.S.T. Corporation Invertible numbering scheme for hermaphroditic connector
CN109301621B (en) * 2018-09-28 2024-03-12 温州深极电子科技有限公司 Anti-misoperation anti-loose automobile connector
CN109449683A (en) * 2018-11-06 2019-03-08 上海航天测控通信研究所 A kind of anti-error connector assembly of electric connector
JP7026072B2 (en) * 2019-03-19 2022-02-25 富士通フロンテック株式会社 Misconnection prevention device
JP7313185B2 (en) * 2019-04-30 2023-07-24 タイコエレクトロニクスジャパン合同会社 connector housing
CN217306878U (en) * 2021-12-01 2022-08-26 上海峰飞航空科技有限公司 Aircraft and connector thereof
TWI810940B (en) * 2022-05-19 2023-08-01 周文三 Power cord connector for vehicle

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3129993A (en) * 1961-03-08 1964-04-21 Joseph I Ross Hermaphroditic electrical connectors
US3794957A (en) * 1973-01-22 1974-02-26 Anderson Power Products Plural-poled, genderless electrical connector
US3840839A (en) * 1973-02-01 1974-10-08 Akzona Inc Asymmetrical electrical connector with aligning means
US4778411A (en) 1987-04-24 1988-10-18 Amp Incorporated Retention system for connector key member
EP0418782A2 (en) 1989-09-18 1991-03-27 High Voltage Engineering Corporation Keyed electrical connector with main and auxiliary electrical contacts
US5370557A (en) 1993-10-22 1994-12-06 The Whitaker Corporation Keying system for low profile connector
DE29618214U1 (en) * 1996-10-22 1996-12-05 Maxi System Int Sa plug
US6089898A (en) * 1998-03-06 2000-07-18 The Whitaker Corporation Electrical connector having an improved latch member

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3654586A (en) * 1970-03-20 1972-04-04 Anderson Power Products Indexing means for electrical connectors
US3909099A (en) * 1974-06-14 1975-09-30 Anderson Power Products Electrical connector with movably mounted cable clamp
US4227762A (en) 1979-07-30 1980-10-14 Vaughn Corporation Electrical connector assembly with latching bar
US4781626A (en) 1982-09-24 1988-11-01 Amp Incorporated Keying system for connector families
US4596436A (en) * 1985-03-25 1986-06-24 Amp Incorporated Electrical connector housing assembly comprising housing frame containing housing modules
FR2590085B1 (en) * 1985-07-04 1987-12-11 Labinal IMPROVEMENTS ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
US4820193A (en) 1988-04-04 1989-04-11 Thomas & Betts Corporation Panel mounted electrical connector including means for providing an indication of correct conductor termination
JP2896783B2 (en) * 1989-03-01 1999-05-31 日本航空電子工業株式会社 Double lock structure of connector housing
US5106320A (en) * 1991-04-09 1992-04-21 Kinnear Joseph D Power cable connector
US5236375A (en) * 1991-05-09 1993-08-17 Molex Incorporated Electrical connector assemblies
US5370556A (en) 1993-09-20 1994-12-06 The Whitaker Corporation Keying system for electrical connectors
JP2573399Y2 (en) * 1993-10-05 1998-05-28 矢崎総業株式会社 Super multi-pole connector
US5427549A (en) * 1994-09-21 1995-06-27 The Whitaker Corporation Electrical cable assembly with improved latch
US5660567A (en) 1995-11-14 1997-08-26 Nellcor Puritan Bennett Incorporated Medical sensor connector with removable encoding device
DE19709694C2 (en) 1997-03-10 1999-01-28 Herbert Amrhein Marking agent for marking the connections of electrical connectors and socket strips, as well as components of physical technology
DE10243313B4 (en) 2002-09-18 2005-02-24 Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg Codable connector

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3129993A (en) * 1961-03-08 1964-04-21 Joseph I Ross Hermaphroditic electrical connectors
US3794957A (en) * 1973-01-22 1974-02-26 Anderson Power Products Plural-poled, genderless electrical connector
US3840839A (en) * 1973-02-01 1974-10-08 Akzona Inc Asymmetrical electrical connector with aligning means
US4778411A (en) 1987-04-24 1988-10-18 Amp Incorporated Retention system for connector key member
EP0418782A2 (en) 1989-09-18 1991-03-27 High Voltage Engineering Corporation Keyed electrical connector with main and auxiliary electrical contacts
US5370557A (en) 1993-10-22 1994-12-06 The Whitaker Corporation Keying system for low profile connector
DE29618214U1 (en) * 1996-10-22 1996-12-05 Maxi System Int Sa plug
US6089898A (en) * 1998-03-06 2000-07-18 The Whitaker Corporation Electrical connector having an improved latch member

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2637263A1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-11 HONDA TSUSHIN KOGYO Co., Ltd. Erroneous insertion prevention structure of electric connectors
US11063393B2 (en) 2018-07-06 2021-07-13 Hubbell Incorporated Electrical plug connector and wiring device with keying features

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101116230A (en) 2008-01-30
US20060178029A1 (en) 2006-08-10
JP2008530735A (en) 2008-08-07
US7108534B2 (en) 2006-09-19
EP1844530A1 (en) 2007-10-17
TW200642191A (en) 2006-12-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7108534B2 (en) Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements
US7153170B1 (en) Electrical connector assembly having at least two keying arrangements
EP0702429B1 (en) Polarizing system for a blind mating electrical connector assembly
EP0519577B1 (en) A latching system
US4764129A (en) Electrical connector assemblies
US6805605B2 (en) Electrically conductive block toy
US5002504A (en) Electrical connector latch construction
EP0104755B1 (en) Connector assembly having compact keying and latching system
EP0147956B1 (en) "connector having means for positively seating contacts"
US6004158A (en) Electrical connector with secondary locking plates
EP0386742B1 (en) Electrical connector with socket contacts of different sizes having means for preventing erroneous connection
EP0216784B1 (en) Multicontact electrical connector
US6159054A (en) Arrangement for preventing mis-mating of connector assembly
US6881102B2 (en) Terminal locking mechanism for hybrid electrical connector
JP2822223B2 (en) Connector housing
US6093061A (en) Electrical connector having terminal insert subassembly
EP0954064B1 (en) Male and female connector pair and set of mating connectors
EP3729567B1 (en) Hermaphroditic electrical cable connector
US4952175A (en) Key retention system
EP0637103B1 (en) Break away key and latch assembly
EP0903813B1 (en) Connector provided with a retainer
CA1291230C (en) Key retention system
US6036553A (en) Connector provided with a retainer
EP0410491B1 (en) Hinge joint and electrical connector having a latch arm joined thereto at a hinge joint
EP0208778B1 (en) Detachable sealed multicontact electrical connector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200680004142.9

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 5651/DELNP/2007

Country of ref document: IN

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2006720033

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2007554174

Country of ref document: JP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE