Abstract:
A two-part electrical connector, each part having an associated locking member. Locking members engage respective connector parts in a two-step, press-fit relationship. First step engagement secures the locking members to the respective connector parts in loose engagement. Second step engagement locks a plurality of wires or cables and the locking member tightly into the connector parts. Thereafter, the two connector parts are latched together in releasable contact and a good electrical connection is achieved.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to electrical connectors and in particular to a two part releaseably engageable electrical connector each part having two elements adapted to engage each other in two-step press-fit engagement. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Reliable inexpensive electrical connectors are required in a wide variety of applications. Where such connectors are used in mass manufacturing operations, it is particularly important that a minimum amount of assembly of the connectors is performed at the place where the connectors are used. Therefore, any reduction in the number of steps required to finally assemble the connectors and perform the connection is highly advantageous. The present invention requires minimal assembly at the user&#39;s facility. Instead, the user simply inserts wires or cables into male and female housings, respective locking caps are pushed into place and the connection can then be performed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The connector of this invention is assembled from a male and female housing each having an associated locking member. Locking members are secured to the respective housings in two-step press fit engagement utilizing tabs on the locking member which cooperate with grooves within the housings. 
     When the locking members are pushed into first-step engagement with their respective housings they are loosely attached to the housings. The connector parts would typically be shipped at this stage of assembly. 
     Second-step engagement is performed after wires or cables have been inserted into the housings. At this point the locking members are then pushed into second-step engagement with the respective housings which causes locking mechanisms within each housing to engage collars located proximate to the inserted ends of the wires or cables. Retraction of the wires or cables from the housings is thereby prevented. The male and female housings are then mated in releasable sliding engagement and a good electrical connection is achieved. Seals may be placed on the wires or cables and on the housing locking mechanism to ensure a watertight or moisture resistance connection. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the present invention before assembly; 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross sections of the components of the present invention in first-step engagement; 
     FIG. 3 is a cross section of the present invention in second-step engagement; and 
     FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a female housing 10, a female activating member 12, and a seal 14 are shown. In addition, a male housing 16 and a male activating member 18 are illustrated. Both male and female housings 10, 16 and activating members 12, 18 are constructed of an electrically non-conductive material, typically a plastic material. A female receiving member 20 integrally formed within the female housing 10 receives the wedged spine 22 of the female activating member 12. First and second pairs of opposing tabs 24 and 26 protruding from the female activating member 12 coact with a groove located within the female receiving member 20. Keyways 29 are also provided for cooperation with keys 28 on member 20. The seal 14 is peripherally mounted on the female receiving member 20. The face 30 of the female activating member 12 has a plurality of holes 32 therethrough in predetermined pattern to hold in spaced relationship a plurality of electrical sockets 34. Tubular conduits 36 maintain a spaced relationship of the electrical sockets 34 and associated wires 38 within the female housing 10. The face 42 of the male activating member 18 has holes 44 therethrough in predetermined pattern to maintain a plurality of male electrical terminals 46 in spaced relationship. The predetermined pattern of the male activating member holes 44 corresponds to the predetermined pattern of the female activating member holes 32 permitting the male electrical terminals 46, when the female activating member 12 and male activating member 18 are in opposed contact, to protrude through the male activating member holes 44 and engage the electrical sockets 34 to ensure a good electrical connection. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2A, the female housing 10 is illustrated with the female activating member 12 in first-step engagement. At this stage, the first pair of opposing tabs 24, as shown in FIG. 1, of the female activating member 12 cooperates with a groove located within the female receiving member 20 to prevent separation of the female activating member 12 from the female housing 10. The seal 14 is shown peripherally mounted on the female receiving member 20 of the female housing 10. In first-step engagement of the male activating member 18 with the male housing 16, a first pair of clasping tabs 50 secure the male activating member 18 in frictional engagement with shoulders 52 of a male receiving member 54 integrally formed with the male housing 16. Tubular conduits 56 ensure that a plurality of male connecting ends 46 and the second plurality of wires 48 are maintained in separated spaced relationship within the male housing 16. Seals 58 on the second plurality of wires 48 prevent moisture entering the male housing tubular conduits 56. A latch 60 on the female housing 10 cooperates with a latching shoulder 62 on the male housing 16 to hold the male and female housings 16 and 10 in releasable sliding engagement. The upper corners of the housing 16 are relatively sharp to serve as polarized keys cooperative with the matable corners of housing 10. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, the female housing 10 and male housing 16 are shown in releasable sliding engagement. At this stage the latch 60 abuts the male housing shoulder 62 to prevent separation of the male and female housings 16 and 10. The female activating member 12 is shown in second step engagement with the female housing 10. The plurality of electrical sockets 34 has been fully inserted into the female housing 10. Second-step engagement of the female activating member 12 into the female housing 10 activates the prongs 64 of the female locking member 65 into frictional engagement with collars 66 adjacent to the electrical sockets 34. Thus, extraction of the plurality of electrical sockets 34 from the female housing 10 is prevented. The male activating member 18 is shown in second-step engagement with the male housing 16. In second-step engagement of the male activating member, a second pair of clasping tabs 68 on the male activating member 18 is in frictional engagement with the shoulder 52 of the male receiving member 54 and the wedged spine 70 of the male activating member 18 activates prongs 72 of the male locking member 73. The prongs 72 engage collars 74 adjacent to the male electrical terminals 46. Thus, extraction of the male electrical terminals 46 from the male housing 16 is prevented. The male electrical terminals 46 are shown protruding through the holes 44 of the male activating member 18 and in engagement with the electrical sockets 34. Seals 76 and 78 on the first and second pluralities of wires, 38 and 48, cooperate with the seal 14 to prevent moisture entering the engaged male and female housings 16, 10. A dry electrical connection is thereby achieved. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4E, a variety of activating member face hole configurations is illustrated. These activating members may be utilized to facilitate the connection of differing quantities of wires. The structure of the male housing and female housing would be altered accordingly to accommodate the required number of wires. For example, referring now to FIG. 4C, if four connections are desired, both male activating member face and female activating member face would have four holes in predetermined corresponding pattern. In addition, both male housing and female housing would have four tubular conduits. Other appropriate alterations to the structure of these embodiments would, of course, also be necessary. 
     Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated in the appended claims.