U.S. patent application number 15/941421 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for sealed electronic control module housing with integral terminal carrier design.
The applicant listed for this patent is VEONEER US INC.. Invention is credited to Floyd J. Malecke, Luis F. Sanchez.
Application Number | 20190306998 15/941421 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65952189 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190306998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malecke; Floyd J. ; et
al. |
October 3, 2019 |
SEALED ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE HOUSING WITH INTEGRAL TERMINAL
CARRIER DESIGN
Abstract
An apparatus includes a terminal carrier and a housing shell.
The terminal carrier generally comprises a plurality of terminals
and a plurality of fastening tabs. The terminals have a first end
with a shoulder on a first side of the terminal carrier and a
second end on a second side of the terminal carrier with a bend
formed a predetermined distance from the second side of the
terminal carrier. The housing shell generally has an integral
support. The integral support generally comprises a plurality of
ports through which the second ends of the terminals extend, with
the shoulders on the first end of the terminals providing support
to the terminals for a press fit force applied to the first end of
the terminals during assembly to a printed circuit board.
Inventors: |
Malecke; Floyd J.; (South
Lyon, MI) ; Sanchez; Luis F.; (Commerce Twp.,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VEONEER US INC. |
SOUTHFIELD |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65952189 |
Appl. No.: |
15/941421 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/061 20130101;
H05K 5/0069 20130101; H01R 13/743 20130101; H01R 43/20 20130101;
H01R 12/58 20130101; B60R 16/0231 20130101; H01R 13/415 20130101;
H01R 13/748 20130101; H05K 5/0047 20130101; H01R 13/518 20130101;
H01R 12/585 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00; H01R 13/415 20060101 H01R013/415; H01R 13/74 20060101
H01R013/74; H01R 13/518 20060101 H01R013/518 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a terminal carrier comprising a
plurality of terminals and a plurality of fastening tabs, wherein
the terminals have a first end with a shoulder on a first side of
the terminal carrier and a second end on a second side of the
terminal carrier with a bend formed a predetermined distance from
the second side of the terminal carrier; and a housing shell having
an integral support, wherein the housing shell and the integral
support are formed as a single integrated structure, the integral
support comprises one or more tiers, each having a plurality of
ports through which the second ends of the terminals extend when
the terminal carrier is assembled to the housing shell, with the
shoulders on the first end of the terminals providing support to
the terminals for a press fit force applied to the first end of the
terminals during assembly to a printed circuit board.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
terminal alignment plate configured to align the second ends of the
terminals extending through the ports of the integral support of
the housing.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the integral support
of the housing is configured to provide support to the terminals
for the press fit force applied to the first end of the terminals
during assembly to the printed circuit board by supporting the bend
in the second end of the terminals.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
fastening tabs of the terminal carrier are configured to provide a
snap fit with the integral support of the housing.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
plurality of fastening tabs of the terminal carrier is configured
to fastened the terminal carrier to the integral support of the
housing with a threaded fastener.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder of each
terminal comprises two tabs extending in opposite directions from
the terminal.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder of each
terminal comprises two curved tabs extending in opposite directions
from the terminal.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder of each
terminal comprises two curved tabs extending from the terminal in a
U-shape.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each terminal
comprises a tapered portion within the terminal carrier that
narrows toward the second end of each terminal.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
terminals are stitched into the terminal carrier.
11. A sealed restraint control module comprising: a terminal
carrier comprising a plurality of terminals and a plurality of
fastening tabs, wherein the terminals have a first end with a
shoulder on a first side of the terminal carrier and a second end
on a second side of the terminal carrier with a bend formed a
predetermined distance from the second side of the terminal
carrier; and a housing shell having an integral support, wherein
the housing shell and the integral support are formed as a single
integrated structure, the integral support comprises one or more
tiers, each having a plurality of ports through which the second
ends of the terminals extend when the terminal carrier is assembled
to the housing shell, with the shoulders on the first end of the
terminals providing support to the terminals for a press fit force
applied to the first end of the terminals during assembly to a
printed circuit board.
12. The sealed restraint control module according to claim 11,
further comprising a terminal alignment plate configured to align
the second ends of the terminals extending through the ports of the
integral support of the housing.
13. The sealed restraint control module according to claim 11,
wherein the integral support of the housing is configured to
provide support to the terminals for the press fit force applied to
the first end of the terminals during assembly to the printed
circuit board by supporting the bend in the second end of the
terminals.
14. The sealed restraint control module according to claim 11,
wherein the plurality of fastening tabs of the terminal carrier are
configured to provide a snap fit with the integral support of the
housing.
15. The sealed restraint control module according to claim 11,
wherein at least one of the plurality of fastening tabs of the
terminal carrier is configured to fastened the terminal carrier to
the integral support of the housing with a threaded fastener.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to automotive control assemblies
generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for
implementing a sealed electronic control module housing with
integral terminal carrier design.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A restraint control module enclosure generally contains some
type of housing and a connector. The automotive industry requires a
restraint control module be sealed to the environment in some
applications. Thus, the restraint control module connector needs to
eliminate potential leak paths. International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) standard 60529, "Degrees of Protection Provided by
Enclosures (IP Codes)," Ed. 2.2 (Geneva: International
Electrotechnical Commission, 2013), classifies the degrees of
protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects
(including body parts like hands and fingers), dust, accidental
contact, and water in electrical enclosures. The standard aims to
provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms
such as waterproof. The automotive industry requirements vary from
sealing a module from a light water spray (e.g., IP 53) to complete
immersion to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes (e.g., IP 67/68). In
some applications customers require sealing to pressures up to 6
psi (e.g., IP 68). In some cases the pressure differential is
created due to a customer requirement to preheat the module to
85.degree. C. prior to conducting the water spray or immersion
testing.
[0003] It would be desirable to implement a sealed electronic
control module housing with integral terminal carrier design.
SUMMARY
[0004] The invention concerns an apparatus including a terminal
carrier and a housing shell. The terminal carrier generally
comprises a plurality of terminals and a plurality of fastening
tabs. The terminals have a first end with a shoulder on a first
side of the terminal carrier and a second end on a second side of
the terminal carrier with a bend formed a predetermined distance
from the second side of the terminal carrier. The housing shell
generally has an integral support. The integral support generally
comprises a plurality of ports through which the second ends of the
terminals extend, with the shoulders on the first end of the
terminals providing support to the terminals for a press fit force
applied to the first end of the terminals during assembly to a
printed circuit board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] Embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the
following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings
in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a housing in accordance
with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit board mounted
within the housing of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an interior view of the
housing of FIG. 2 with the circuit board removed;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a view looking into
connectors of the housing of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of
the housing in accordance with an example embodiment of the
invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of
an integral support within the housing in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal
carrier installed in a housing in accordance with an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the
housing of FIG. 7;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an integral support
structure of the housing of FIG. 8;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first step in
manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second step in
manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a third step in
manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a fourth step in
manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process
flow in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating an example
in-and-out terminal pin shoulder in accordance with an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams illustrating an example
U-shaped terminal pin shoulder in accordance with an example
embodiment of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example tapered
terminal pin body in accordance with an example embodiment of the
invention; and
[0023] FIGS. 20-22 are diagrams illustrating another example
housing in accordance with another example embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention include providing a
sealed electronic control module housing with integral terminal
carrier design that may (i) utilize stitched compliant terminals,
(ii) provide a 90 degree bend in the terminals, (iii) support
printed circuit board (PCB) pressfit force, (iv) support mating
connector insertion force, (v) provide a terminal carrier that may
be fastened using a snap fit, some type of weld, and/or screws,
(vi) utilize terminal pins with in-and-out shoulders, (vii) utilize
terminal pins with U-shaped shoulders, (viii) utilize terminal pins
with tapered bodies, (ix) utilize a terminal alignment plate to
insure true position of terminals, and/or (x) be implemented as one
or more connectors in a housing of an electronic control unit.
[0025] A restraint control module enclosure typically contains some
type of housing and a connector. If the connector can be designed
integral to the housing, a potential leak path can be eliminated
and potentially the cost of the enclosure is decreased. One
difficulty in designing an integral connector housing is to be able
to support a pressfit force associated with assembling a printed
circuit board (PCB) to the integral connector of the housing. By
designing a housing/terminal carrier with the features of the
invention, the pressfit force may be supported by a bend in the
terminals and/or shoulders of the terminals. In embodiments
utilizing stitched terminals, the shoulders on the terminals at the
pressfit end and the direction of stitching the terminal may
further support the pressfit force. The terminal carrier housing
design in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may
decrease cost by removing labor and/or expensive insert molding
from a supplier. The terminal carrier may be fastened to the
housing by various methods including, but not limited to, snap
fits, screws, or some type of welding. In various embodiments,
terminal alignment plates may also be used to ensure true
positioning of the terminals.
[0026] Compliant pins generally need some insertion (or pressfit)
force in order to be assembled to plated holes on a printed circuit
board (PCB). In various embodiments, an electronic control unit
(ECU) design may be provided that utilizes compliant pins. In
general, compliant pins need to be supported in order to slide
inside plated holes of a PCB. In various embodiments, all or some
of the terminal support may come from an interaction between the
terminal carrier and the terminal. In various embodiments, the
invention provides a terminal carrier, a housing with integral
support, and novel pin designs.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram is shown illustrating a
housing 100 in accordance with an example embodiment of the
invention. In various embodiments, the housing (or enclosure) 100
may be part of an electronic control unit (or module). In an
example, the electronic control unit (ECU) may be configured for
application in a motor vehicle. In an example, the housing 100 may
be configured to enclose a restraint control module. In various
embodiments, the housing (or enclosure) 100 comprises an upper
housing 102 and a lower housing (or cover or baseplate) 104. In
various embodiments, the upper housing 102 generally comprises a
plastic or resin based material. In various embodiments, the
plastic material may include, but is not limited to polyamide
(NYLON), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polypropylene,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), and/or various alloys and/or fillers of these resins. In
various embodiments, the upper housing 102 generally includes one
or more connectors integrated into the housing. Molding or
otherwise incorporating the connectors as part of the enclosure
(housing) eliminates the need for sealing the connector/housing
interface. In various embodiment, the housing 100 generally
includes an integral connector feature to reduce or eliminate
potential leak paths.
[0028] In an example, the lower housing (or cover or baseplate) 104
may be implemented as a die cast aluminum baseplate. In another
example, the lower housing (or cover or baseplate) 104 may be
implemented as a stamped steel baseplate. Implementing the lower
housing 104 with a metallic material may aid in dissipating heat
generated by circuitry within the seated enclosure 100. In various
embodiments, the lower housing 104 may be machined to create a
sealing surface against which a gasket placed between the upper
housing 102 and the lower housing 104 may form a seal when the
upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104 are fastened together.
The lower housing 104 is generally configured to provide a mounting
footprint for the sealed electronic control module housing 100. In
an example, the lower housing 104 may be implemented with an RCM8
mounting footprint to simplify testing. However, other footprints
may be implemented to meet the design criteria of a particular
application. In an example, the housing 100 may be implemented
similarly to a housing described in co-pending U.S. Non-provisional
application Ser. No. 15/925,665, which is incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
[0029] In an example, the upper housing 102 may incorporate a 52
pin connector 106 and a 104 pin connector to provide electrical
connections to a circuit board sealed within the enclosure 100. In
an example, the connectors may be implemented as 1.8 mm pitch Nano
connectors. However, other types and sizes of connectors may be
implemented to meet the design criteria of a particular
implementation. In an example, the enclosure 100 and the enclosed
circuit board may implement a sealed restraint control module that
can meet international standards for intrusion protection (e.g., an
IP 67 Intrusion Protection Rating as specified in International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60529).
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram is shown illustrating a
circuit board mounted within the housing 100 of FIG. 1. In various
embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) 90 may be installed in
the upper housing 102. The PCB 90 generally implements a design of
an electronic control unit (ECU). In various embodiments, the ECU
may implement a controller configured to control various operations
and/or safety systems of a motor vehicle. In an example, the PCB 90
may implement a control circuit for a passenger restraint system
(e.g., air bag, seatbelt retractor, etc.) of a motor vehicle. In
various embodiments, the PCB 90 may be assembled to pins of an
integral connector assembly. In various embodiments, the integral
connector assembly is configured to support a pressfit force
associated with assembling the PCB 90 to the integral connector of
the housing 100.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, a diagram is shown illustrating an
interior view of the upper housing 102 of FIG. 2 with the circuit
board 90 removed. In various embodiments, the upper housing 102
includes an integral connector assembly comprising a terminal
carrier 110. In various embodiments, the terminal carrier 110 may
further comprise a plurality of pins 112 and a number of spring
tabs 114. In some embodiments, the terminal carrier 110 may also
comprise a screw tab 116. In various embodiments, the terminal
carrier 110 may be configured to slide into an integral support
structure of the upper housing 102 until the pins 112 extend out of
the upper housing 102 into the connectors 106 and 108. In various
embodiments, the integral support structure in the upper housing
102 generally includes a plurality of ports into which the pins 112
may be slid. In an example, the ports may be slightly smaller than
the pins 12 in order to form a tight fit to the pins 112 extending
into the connectors 106 and 108. In various embodiments, when the
terminal carrier 110 is slid into a final position, the spring tabs
114 may engage features 120 of the upper housing 102. The features
120 are generally configured to lock the terminal carrier 110 into
position.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram is shown illustrating a side
view looking into connectors 106 and 108 of the upper housing 102
of FIG. 1. In various embodiments, the connectors 106 and 108 may
include terminal alignment plates 130a and 130b, respectively. The
terminal alignment plates may be configured to ensure alignment of
the pins 112 extending through the ports of the integral support of
the housing 102.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram is shown illustrating a
cross-sectional view of the upper housing 102 in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention. The pins 112 generally have a
first end that extends from a first (top) side of the terminal
carrier 110. A second end of the pins 112 on a second side of the
terminal carrier 110 generally comprise a bend (e.g., 90 degrees)
formed a predetermined distance from the second side of the
terminal carrier 110. The second end of the pins 112 extend through
ports in the upper housing 102 and holes in the terminal alignment
plates 130.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, a diagram is shown illustrating a
cross-sectional view of an integral support within the upper
housing 102 in accordance with an example embodiment of the
invention. In various embodiments, the upper housing 102 includes
an integral terminal support 122. The integral terminal support 122
includes a plurality of ports 124, through which the pins 112 may
extend. The integral terminal support 122 may also include a
feature 126 allowing the terminal carrier 110 to be further locked
into position (e.g., by a threaded fastener).
[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, a diagram is shown illustrating an
example of a terminal carrier 110 installed in the upper housing
102 in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In
an example, when the terminal carrier 110 is installed in the upper
housing 102, the spring tabs 114 engage the features 120 holding
the terminal carrier 110 in place. A screw 118 may be installed
through the screw tab 116 into the feature 126 to further lock the
terminal carrier 110 into position.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, a diagram is shown illustrating an
exploded view of the upper housing 100 of FIG. 7. In an example,
assembly of the housing 100 may comprise inserting the terminal
carrier 110 into the upper housing 102, snapping the terminal
carrier 110 into position, and locking the assembly together using
the threaded fastener 118. Prior to the insertion of the terminal
carrier 110, the terminal alignment plates 130a and 130b are
inserted into the openings of the connectors 106 and 108.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 9, a diagram is shown illustrating an
interior view of the upper housing 102 looking toward the integral
support structure 122. In various embodiments, the upper housing
102 and the integral support structure 122 are generally molded
together in a single molding step. The integral support structure
122 is generally configured to provide one or more tiers of ports
126 matching an arrangement of pins 112 in the terminal carrier
110. The terminal carrier 110 and the integral support structure
122 generally have complementary shapes, allowing the two
structures to fit together tightly.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 10, a diagram is shown illustrating an
example first step in manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly
in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In a
first step of a manufacturing process flow, a first row of the
terminals (or pins) 112 are inserted (stitched) into the terminal
carrier 110 and bent 90 degrees. In an example, the terminals 112
of the first row are generally inserted into a first side of the
terminal carrier 110 and the bend is formed a first predetermined
distance from a second side of the terminal carrier 110.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 11, a diagram is shown illustrating a
second step in manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In a second
step of a manufacturing process flow, a second row of the terminals
(or pins) 112 are inserted (stitched) into the terminal carrier 110
and bent 90 degrees. In an example, the terminals 112 of the second
row are generally inserted into the first side of the terminal
carrier 110 and the bend is formed a second predetermined distance
from the second side of the terminal carrier 110.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 12, a diagram is shown illustrating a
third step in manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In a third
step of a manufacturing process flow, a third row of the terminals
(or pins) 112 are inserted (stitched) into the terminal carrier 110
and bent 90 degrees. In an example, the terminals 112 of the third
row are generally inserted into the first side of the terminal
carrier 110 and the bend is formed a third predetermined distance
from the second side of the terminal carrier 110.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 13, a diagram is shown illustrating a
fourth step in manufacturing a terminal carrier subassembly in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In a fourth
step of a manufacturing process flow, a fourth row of the terminals
(or pins) 112 are inserted (stitched) into the terminal carrier 110
and bent 90 degrees. In an example, the terminals 112 of the fourth
row are generally inserted into the first side of the terminal
carrier 110 and the bend is formed a fourth predetermined distance
from the second side of the terminal carrier 110. The process
illustrated in FIGS. 10-13 may be repeated for additional rows of
terminals if desired.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 14, a diagram is shown illustrating a
manufacturing process flow in accordance with an example embodiment
of the invention. In an example, a process (or method) 200 may be
implemented to manufacture a terminal carrier in accordance with an
example embodiment of the invention. In an example, the process 200
may comprise a step (or stage) 202, a step (or stage) 204, a step
(or stage) 206, a step (or stage) 208, and a step (or stage) 210.
In the step 202, raw carriers may be prepared as an input feed to a
stitching station. In an example, the raw carriers may be fed at a
rate of 180 parts per hour. In the step 204, reels of pins (or
terminals) may be prepared as a second input feed to the stitching
machine. In an example, the pins may be fed at a rate of 18,000
pins per hour. In the step 206, the stitching station may stitch a
row of 25 pins into a raw carrier from the input feed 202. In an
example, the stitching station may stitch the row of pins in 5
seconds. The stitching station then passes the stitched carrier to
a form station. In the step 208, the form station forms an
appropriate bend for the current row. In an example, the form
station may form the row of pins in 5 seconds. The steps 204 and
206 may be repeated until the number or rows of terminals desired
have been stitched and formed. When the desired number of rows are
stitched and formed, the process 200 moves to the step 210, where
the completed carrier may be binned for subsequent assembly steps.
In an example, the process 200 may be able to produce 180 parts
(e.g., 100 pin carriers) per hour. The process 200 may be scaled to
produce other size pin carriers.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, diagrams are shown
illustrating an example in-and-out terminal pin shoulder in
accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In various
embodiments, the full load of the compliant pin insertion is
generally handled by the shoulders 304 on terminal pins 302. The
shoulders 304 need to have enough surface so the shoulders do not
"dig in" or "cut in" the plastic header of the terminal carrier 300
when a force is applied to the terminal 302. One way to prevent the
shoulders 304 from digging in is to maximize the surface area
between the shoulders 304 of the pins 302 and the surface of the
terminal carrier 300. In an example, the surface area between the
terminal carrier 300 and the shoulders 304 may be maximized by
increasing a length of the shoulders 304 on each side of the pin
302 and bending the respective shoulders 304 of each pin 302 in
opposite directions (e.g., forming an ogee or "S" shape). Since the
pitch between terminals is small, enlarging the shoulders 304 may
result in the shoulders 304 of adjacent pins 302 touching or being
close to touching if the shoulders 304 remain just straight. By
bending the shoulders 304 of the terminals 302, there will be
enough support surface and also the terminal shoulder 304 will not
touch or be very close to adjacent shoulders 304.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, diagrams are shown
illustrating an example U-shaped terminal pin shoulder in
accordance with another example embodiment of the invention.
Similar to the example illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the entire
insertion force of a compliant pin 312 is supported by shoulders
314 of the terminals 312 engaging a surface of a terminal carrier
310. In contrast to the example illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16,
shoulders 314 of the terminals 312 may be bent in a "U" shape. The
"U" shape bend of the shoulders 314 also helps to reduce the chance
of shorting or touching adjacent terminal shoulders.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 19, a diagram is shown illustrating an
example tapered terminal pin body in accordance with still another
example embodiment of the invention. In an example, a terminal
carrier 320 may have pins 322 inserted. A shoulder 324 of the
terminal 322 will seat flat to the top surface of the plastic
carrier or header 320, like in many other applications. The
difference is that a side of the terminal 322 may have angles,
allowing the pin 322 to be assembled into a tapered cavity in the
terminal carrier 320. When a force is applied (arrow), the support
force is distributed between the shoulder 324 and the tapered sides
of the terminal 322.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 20-22, diagrams are shown illustrating
another example housing in accordance with another example
embodiment of the invention. In another example, a housing 400 may
comprise an upper housing shell 402 having a plurality of
connectors 404a-404n. Referring to FIG. 20, a diagram is shown
illustrating an interior view of the housing 400. In various
embodiments, the upper housing shell 402 may include an integral
support structure 406. The integral support structure 406 may have
a plurality of slots, where each slot is configured to receive a
respective snap fit terminal carrier 410a-410n. The terminal
carriers 410a-410n may include spring tabs similar to the spring
tabs 114 described above. Each of the terminal carriers 410a-410n
may be configured to slide into a corresponding one of the slots in
the integral support structure 406 of the upper housing shell 402.
The terminal carriers 410a-410n may be snapfit (locked) into the
slots in the integral support structure 406 by the spring tabs. The
terminal carriers 410a-410n may comprise a plurality of rows of
pins, where each row includes a plurality of pins.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 21, a diagram is shown illustrating the
upper housing shell 402 viewed from the side with the connector
404a-404n. In an example, each of the connectors 404a-404n may
include a pin alignment plate similar to the alignment plates
130a-130b described above.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 22, a diagram is shown illustrating spring
tabs of an exemplary terminal carrier 410i engaging features of the
integral support structure 406 of the upper housing shell 402.
[0049] The terms "may" and "generally" when used herein in
conjunction with "is(are)" and verbs are meant to communicate the
intention that the description is exemplary and believed to be
broad enough to encompass both the specific examples presented in
the disclosure as well as alternative examples that could be
derived based on the disclosure. The terms "may" and "generally" as
used herein should not be construed to necessarily imply the
desirability or possibility of omitting a corresponding
element.
[0050] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and details may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *