Abstract:
An electrical connector adapted to mate with a mating connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a housing; a wire dress cover pivotally connected to the housing; and a slide latch pivotally connected to the wire dress cover and slideably connected to the housing. The slide latch has a front end with a hole for snap lock connecting to a lock ramp on the mating connector. The housing includes at least one ramp for moving the front end of the slide latch relative to the lock ramp in response to the slide latch being slid relative to the housing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an electrical connector and, more particularly, to an electrical connector with a slide latch. 
     2. Brief Description of Prior Developments 
     Electrical connector assemblies utilized in automotive and other applications often comprise separate connectors that mate together to form a secure physical and electrical connection. To achieve this, the separate connectors must not only form an effective, properly aligned electrical connection, but the separate connectors must physically connect to avoid unwanted separation and undesired application of external physical forces to the electrical coupling. In addition, during mating, high mating forces may be required to form the secure connection. However, care must be taken to avoid damage to the connectors or terminals. 
     Conventional electrical connector assemblies often employ cams, slides, levers and a variety of mechanical devices to aid operators in joining the connectors. These mate-assist devices are often designed to make the connector mating operation more ergonomically manageable for an operator by reducing the manual forces. 
     Some of the mechanical devices employed in this manner are designed to work with preexisting connector designs. Thus, a newly designed connector may securely attach to a preexisting, or pre-installed, mating connector. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an electrical connector adapted to mate with a mating connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a housing; a wire dress cover pivotally connected to the housing; and a slide latch pivotally connected to the wire dress cover and slideably connected to the housing. The slide latch has a front end with a hole for snap lock connecting to a lock ramp on the mating connector. The housing includes at least one ramp for moving the front end of the slide latch relative to the lock ramp in response to the slide latch being slid relative to the housing. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical connector adapted to mate with a mating connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a housing; a wire dress cover pivotally connected to the housing; and a slide latch pivotally connected to the wire dress cover and slideably connected to the housing. The housing includes a shelf and the slide latch includes at least one latch tab for engaging the shelf. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, an electrical connector adapted to mate with a mating connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a housing; a wire dress cover pivotally connected to the housing; and a slide latch pivotally connected to the wire dress cover and slideably connected to the housing. The slide latch has at least one disconnection rail for engaging a front portion of the mating connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a 90° wire dress automotive harness connector incorporating aspects of the invention and a male mating header connector; 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are exploded perspective views of the automotive harness connector shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the harness connector housing shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the harness connector housing shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the slide latch shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of the slide latch shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  are perspective views of the wire dress cover  10  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the automotive harness connector and mating header connector in an unmated state with the harness connector housing shown in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the automotive harness connector and mating header connector in a pre-lock state with the harness connector housing shown in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the automotive harness connector and mating header connector in a final lock state with the harness connector housing shown in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the automotive harness connector and mating header connector in the final lock state with the harness connector housing shown normally; 
         FIG. 14  is a close up perspective view of the latch system of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the unmated state with the harness connector housing shown in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 15  is a close up perspective view of the latch system of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the pre-lock state with the harness connector housing shown in phantom lines; and 
         FIG. 16  is a close up perspective view of the latch system of an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the final lock state with the harness connector housing shown in phantom lines. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of an electrical connector  1  incorporating features of the present invention and a mating electrical connector  2 . Although the present invention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. 
     The teachings in accord with the exemplary embodiment of this invention provide an electrical connector enabled to couple with an existing mating connector that comprises one or more lock ramps. The internal slide latch component creates a mate-assist device to reduce overall connector mating force. The electrical connector is simple to tool for molding and assembly and comprises ergonomic actuation surfaces. Electrical connectors in accord with this invention can be packaged tightly side-by-side on multi-bay header connectors. 
     The connector  1  in the embodiment shown is a 90° wire dress automotive harness connector. In an alternate embodiment, features of the present invention could be used in any suitable type of electrical connector including, for example, an electrical connector for use other than in the automotive industry, or a connector other than a right angle or 90° connector. The mating connector  2  is male mating header connector. However, in an alternative embodiment, any suitable mating connector could be used. 
     In accordance with the invention, the connector  1  is designed to enable a secure electrical and physical connection with the mating connector  2 . The mating header connector  2  comprises a lock ramp  3 . The mate-assist feature of the connector  1  engages the lock ramp to connect the two connectors  1 ,  2  to each other. The mate-assist feature of the connector  1  reduces the overall connector mating force while ensuring a physical connection that protects the electrical connection from external physical forces. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  are exploded perspective views of the connector  1  shown in  FIG. 1 . The connector  1  generally comprises a terminal position assurance device (TPA)  4 , a perimeter seal  5 , a harness connector housing  6 , a mat seal  7 , a mat seal cover  8 , a slide latch  9 , and a wire dress cover  10 . In alternate embodiments, additional or alternative members could be provided. The TPA  4  and perimeter seal  5  are located inside a front portion of the harness connector housing  6 . The mat seal  7  and mat seal cover  8  are located inside a rear portion of the harness connector housing  6 . The slide latch  9  is located inside a latch bridge  11  (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) on a top portion of the harness connector housing  6 . The wire dress cover  10  is connected to the rear portion of the harness connector housing  6  and a rear portion of the slide latch  9  as explained below. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the housing  6  generally comprises a latch bridge  11 , slide latch ramps  12  under the latch bridge  11 , terminal cavities  13 , wire dress cover latch openings  14 , wire dress cover pivot snaps  15 , and a wire dress surface  16 . Electrical contacts or terminals are located in the terminal cavities  13 . Electrical wires are connected to the terminals. The wires exit from the rear end of the housing  6  and turn downward. A cable cover surrounding the wires can be located against the wire dress surface  16 . The TPA  4  is connected to the housing  6  to prevent the terminals from being inadvertently pulled out of the terminal cavities  13 . 
     The housing  6  is preferably a one-piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material. However, in an alternate embodiment the housing could be comprised of multiple members and any suitable materials could be used. The housing  6  comprises a top side with a slot  32  extending into its front end. The housing  6  comprises two of the slide latch ramps  12 . The ramps  12  are located on opposite sides of the slot  32 . The latch bridge  11  has a front section  34  and a rear section  36 . The front section  34  is taller than the rear section  36 . The front section  34  is located above the slot  32 , the slide latch ramps  12 , and guide rails  38  on opposite sides of the slot  32 . The rear section  36  of the latch bridge  11  forms a shelf  30  with less space or gap between the interior side of the shelf  30  and the top sides of the guide rails  38 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the slide latch  9  is preferably a one-piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material. However, in an alternate embodiment the slide latch could be comprised of multiple members and any suitable materials could be used. The slide latch  9  generally comprises a driving bar  17  located near a rear portion of the slide latch  9 , guide rails  18  located along lateral side portions of the slide latch  9 , latch tabs  19  located near a front portion of the slide latch  9 , disconnection rails  20  located along a bottom portion of the slide latch  9 , and a lock ramp opening  21  located towards the front portion of the slide latch  9 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 8 and 9  the wire dress cover  10  is preferably a one-piece member made of molded plastic or polymer material. However, in an alternate embodiment the wire dress cover could be comprised of multiple members and any suitable materials could be used. The wire dress cover  10  generally comprises an ergonomic actuation surface  22 , two wire dress cover latches  23 , a pivot bar  24 , ramped surfaces  25 ,  26 , and a driving bar reception area  27 . The wire dress cover latches  23  each have a cantilevered hook  28  and a cantilevered tab  29 . The latches  23  are located on opposite lateral sides of the cover  10 . 
     When the connector is initially assembled, the cover  10  is pivotably connected to the housing  6  by the pivot bar  24  and the pivot snaps  15 . The cover  10  is initially in an up position as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The slide latch  9  is located in the housing  6  with the latch tabs  19  of the slide latch  9  being located under the latch bridge  11  and on top of the guide rails  38 . Prior to connector mating, the slide latch  9  is located in a flat intermediate position. In this embodiment the only time the slide latch becomes elevated by the slide latch ramps is during the disconnection sequence when the wire dress cover is lifted; preferably above 90°. However, in alternate embodiments other system workings could be provided. The driving bar  17  of the slide latch  9  extends rearward out of the latch bridge  11  and is connected to the wire dress cover  10  at the driving bar reception area  27 . 
     The wire dress cover  10  can connect to the harness connector housing  6  at two locations. The pivot bar  24  of the wire dress cover  10  snaps into the wire dress cover pivot snaps  15  located at the rear portion of the harness connector housing  6  to form a first pivot-snap connection. The pivot-snap connection enables the wire dress cover  10  to pivot relative to the harness connector housing  6  about the pivot bar  24 . The pivot-snap connection, thus, additionally enables the wire dress cover  10  to achieve a plurality of states comprising a pre-lock state and a final lock state, as described below. The second connection can occur when the hooks  28  of the wire dress cover latches  23  engage the wire dress cover latch openings  14  of the harness connector housing  6  to form a second latch connection. 
     Of the two connections described between the wire dress cover  10  and the harness connector housing  6 , the pivot-snap connection is more permanent than the latch connection, although both connections may be reversible (i.e. the wire dress cover  10  may not be permanently and irreversibly attached to the harness connector housing  6 ). Specifically, the latch connection is releasable. An operator may release the latch connection by pressing the tabs  29  of the wire dress cover latches  23  together, inwards towards the actuation surface  22 . This action concurrently moves the hooks  28  outwards and disengages the hooks  28  from the wire dress cover latch openings  14  of the harness connector housing  6 , freeing the wire dress cover  10  and enabling it to pivot relative to the harness connector housing  6  about the pivot bar  24 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 10-12  and  14 - 16 , the harness connector housing  6  is shown in phantom lines such that the interior components of the harness connector housing  6  are visible.  FIG. 10  illustrates this more clearly as the TPA  4 , perimeter seal  5 , mat seal  7  and mat seal cover  8  are all visible and identified.  FIGS. 10 and 14  show the connector  1  and the mating header connector  2  in an unmated state where the two connectors are separate. The wire dress cover  10  is in its pre-lock state with the actuation surface  22  of the wire dress cover  10  being substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the automotive harness connector  1  and harness connector housing  6 . When the wire dress cover  10  is in its pre-lock state, the hooks  28  of the wire dress cover latches  23  are not engaging the wire dress cover latch openings  14  of the harness connector housing  6 . Alternate embodiments of the invention may not have the actuation surface  22  of the wire dress cover  10  be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the automotive harness connector  1  and harness connector housing  6  when the wire dress cover  10  is in its pre-lock state. In the unmated state, the slide latch  9  is not yet engaging the lock ramp  3  on the mating header connector  2 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 11 and 15 , the connector  1  and mating header connector  2  are shown in a pre-lock state. In achieving the pre-lock state from the unmated state, the automotive harness connector  1  is pushed onto the mating header connector  2 . In so doing, the unrestrained latch tabs  19  of the slide latch  9  allow the front portion of the slide latch  9  to flex upwards, over the lock ramp  3  on the mating header connector  2 . The lock ramp  3  is, thus, engaged by the lock ramp opening  21  of the slide latch  9  and the automotive harness connector  1  is initially connected to the mating header connector  2 . The wire dress cover  10  remains in its pre-lock state, as described above with respect to  FIG. 10 . In the pre-lock state, the disconnection rails  20  of the slide latch  9  engage a front lip  42  of the mating header connector  2 . 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 12 and 16 , the automotive harness connector  1  and mating header connector  2  are shown in a final lock state. In achieving the final lock state from the pre-lock state, the wire dress cover  10  of the automotive harness connector  1  is pivoted downward, about the pivot bar  24  as indicated by arrow  40 , into its final lock state. In its final state the hooks  28  of the wire dress cover latches  23  engage the wire dress cover latch openings  14  of the harness connector housing  6 , thus engaging the latch connection described above. The latch connection helps prevent undesired disengagement or release of the two connectors. To pivot the wire dress cover  10  downward, an operator pushes or exerts a force on the actuation surface  22  of the wire dress cover  10 . 
     In the final lock state, similar to the pre-lock state, the disconnection rails  20  of the slide latch  9  engage a front lip  42  of the mating header connector  2 . The latch tabs  19  of the slide latch  9  engage the shelf  30  on the latch bridge  11  of the harness connector housing  6 . The latch tabs  19  are, thus, prevented from moving upward relative to the latch bridge  11 . This helps prevent undesired disengagement or release of the two connectors by preventing the opening  21  from moving up and off of the lock ramp  3 . In achieving the final lock state, because of the offset pivot axes of connection of the cover  10  to the housing  6  and the latch  9 , the wire dress cover  10  pushes the housing  6  (and the terminals therein) deeper into the mating connector  2 . The driving bar reception area  27  on the wire dress cover  10  pulls on the driving bar  17  of the slide latch  9 , pressing the housing  6  in a direction toward the mating header connector  2 . This tensions the slide latch  9  between the lock ramp  3  on the mating header connector  2  and the driving bar&#39;s connection to the wire dress cover  10 . The ramped surfaces  25 ,  26  on the wire dress cover  10  assist camming the housing  6  inward due to their contact with the latch  9  and housing  6 . Thus, in the final lock state, the automotive harness connector  1  and mating header connector  2  are securely connected, electrically and physically, with various features of the automotive harness connector  1  collectively preventing undesired physical shifting between the two connectors. This also prevents external physical forces from acting upon the internal electrical connection.  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the connector  1  and mating connector  2  in the final lock state with the harness connector housing  6  shown normally (i.e. not in phantom lines). 
     From the final lock state shown in  FIGS. 12 ,  13  and  16 , the connector  1  may be released from its secure connection with the mating connector  2  to disengage and separate the two connectors. To disconnect the two connectors  1 ,  2 , the cover  10  is moved from its closed position to its open position. The latch connection of the cover  10  to the housing  6  is released by pressing on the two opposing tabs  29  of the wire dress cover latches  23 . The wire dress cover  10  is then pivoted into its pre-lock state reverse to direction  40  at the pivot bar  24 . This releases tension on the slide latch  9 . The latch  9  remains substantially stationary relative to the mating connector  2 . However, the surfaces  25 ,  26  of the cover  10  move closer to the mating connector  2 . This causes the housing  6  to move away from the mating header connector  2  with the disconnection rails  20  of the slide latch  9  located against the front lip  42  of the mating header connector  2  for support in keeping the slide latch  9  substantially stationary relative to the mating connector  2 . The movement of the housing  6  away from the mating connector  2  disconnects the terminals of the connector  1  from the terminals of the connector  2 . 
     As the housing  6  moves away from the mating connector  2 , the movement forces the latch tabs  19  of the slide latch  9  to travel up a portion of the slide latch ramps  12  under the latch bridge  11  of the harness connector housing  6 . The ramps  12  raise the front portion of the slide latch  9 . By raising the front portion of the slide latch  9 , the latching connection of the lock ramp  3  of the mating header connector  2  with the lock ramp opening  21  of the slide latch  9  is reduced. Hence, the automotive harness connector  1  can be disconnected from the mating header connector  2  with the slide latch  9  being substantially free to be pulled off the mating header connector  2  and disengage the connection. In such a manner, the two connectors may safely be separated from the final lock state. 
     Various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Although the wire dress cover-harness connector housing connection is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment above as a snap-pivot connection, alternate embodiments may comprise different types of connections, such as a slideable connection, as a non-limiting example. Alternate embodiments may comprise a different wire dress cover-slide latch connection. Alternate embodiments may comprise different means for the slide latch to connect to the mating header connector, based on the type of connection available in accordance with aspects or features of the mating header connector. Alternate embodiments may not comprise wire dress cover latches. Such alternate embodiments may comprise a different connection mechanism for that wire dress cover-harness connector housing connection. Other alternate embodiments may not comprise any such connection, with the wire dress cover only being connected to the harness connector housing at its movable connection. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention. 
     Furthermore, some of the features of the preferred embodiments of this invention could be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description should be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.