Device for determining placement of electrical connector terminals

• US 4,849,743 A
• Filed: 08/09/1988
• Issued: 07/18/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Limited (Sumitomo Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems Limited (Sumitomo Corporation)
• Inventors: Ohno, Kengo
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US07/230,302
• Time in Patent Office: 343 Days
• Field of Search: 324/538, 324/158 F, 340/687, 439/488, 439/489, 439/490
• US Class Current: 340/687
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/64 Means for preventing incorrect coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/703 operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling partH01R13/71 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 43/20 for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve

Abstract

A device for detecting and indicating the position of a terminal wherein a first detector circuit indicates that the terminal is in the proper receptacle and a second circuit indicates that the terminal is locked in place.

Claims

1. A device for detecting and indicating a contact position and a locking position of a terminal in an electrical connector comprising

an electrically conducting hollow receptacle having a longitudinal receptacle axis, an outer end remote from said terminal, and an inner end toward said terminal,

an electrical contact mounted in said receptacle adjacent said outer end and electrically isolated from said receptacle, a probe in said receptacle between said electrical contact and said terminal and slidable along said axis, said probe comprising an outer contact toward said outer end and an inner contact toward said terminal, said probe fitting slidably in said receptacle and in contact therewith,

said terminal adapted to touch said probe in said contact position and to cause said probe to touch said electrical contact in said locking position,

a first electrical circuit extending from said receptacle through a contact indicator to said terminal, there being a power source in said first circuit,

a second electrical circuit extending from said electrical contact through a locking indicator to a point in said first circuit between said contact indicator and said power source,

whereby, when said terminal contacts said inner contact in said contact position, current flows through said terminal, said probe, said receptacle, and said first circuit to cause said contact indicator to be activated and, when said outer contact contacts said electrical contact in said locking position, current flows through said terminal, said probe, said electrical contact, and said second circuit to cause said locking indicator to be activated.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said probe comprises an outer spindle extending toward said outer end, an inner spindle extending toward said terminal, and a flange slidably fitting in said receptacle and in contact therewith.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said terminal has a longitudinal terminal axis substantially aligned with said receptacle axis, an opening in said terminal, a resilient arm extending substantially parallel to said terminal axis and carrying a projection thereon, an opening in said terminal complementary to said projection and extending longitudinally of said terminal.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said terminal is in a cavity in a housing, said housing having a front surface nearest said receptacle, said arm is on an inner wall of said cavity, whereby said projection enters said opening when said terminal is in an initial position before said terminal contacts said step.

5. The device of claim 4 which satisfies the relationships

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said probe is urged toward said terminal.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein there is a flange between said inner contact and said outer contact, a bearing between said flange and said electrical contact, and a resilient means between said flange and said bearing urging said probe toward said terminal.