Separable clasp connectors and die sets and methods for locking and unlocking such connectors

Abstract

A separable clasp connector is provided that has first and second parts that are pivotable with respect to one another by a die set. The clasp connector includes one or more die alignment features to ensure proper alignment with the die set so as to apply an unlocking force in a predetermined direction. Die sets and methods also provided to move a separable clasp connector back-and-forth among a locked position and an unlocked position.

Claims

1. A die set for locking and unlocking first and second parts of a separable clasp connector, the die set comprising: at least one top die having a contact region configured to contact a connector body of the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector; and at least one bottom die having a pair of spaced apart support arms, the pair of spaced apart support arms being configured to contact a connector barrel of the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector.

2. The die set of claim 1, wherein the pair of spaced apart support arms define a space sufficient to receive the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector when in an unlocked position.

3. The die set of claim 2, wherein the at least one bottom die is a single bottom die.

4. The die set of claim 1, wherein the at least one bottom die comprises a locking bottom die and an unlocking bottom die.

5. The die set of claim 4, wherein the pair of spaced apart support arms of the unlocking bottom die are longer than the pair of support arms of the locking bottom die.

6. The die set of claim 5, wherein the pair of spaced apart support arms of the unlocking bottom die define a space sufficient to receive the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector when in an unlocked position.

7. The die set of claim 1, further comprising one or more stops to prevent over pivoting of the separable clasp connector during movement to a locked position.

8. The die set of claim 7, wherein the one or more stops are formed or secured to the at least one top die and/or at least one bottom die.

9. A die set for locking and unlocking first and second parts of a separable clasp connector, the die set comprising: at least one top die having a contact region configured to contact a connector body of the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector; a first bottom die having a first pair of support arms configured to contact a connector barrel of the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector; and a second bottom die having a second pair of support arms configured to contact the connector barrel of the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector, wherein the second pair of support arms are longer than the first pair of support arms.

10. The die set of claim 9, wherein the second pair of support arms define a space between the second set of support arms sufficient to receive the first and second parts of the separable clasp connector when in an unlocked position.

11. The die set of claim 9, further comprising one or more stops to prevent over pivoting of the separable clasp connector to a locked position.

12. The die set of claim 11, wherein the one or more stops are formed or secured to the at least one top die, the first bottom die, the second bottom die, and any combinations thereof.

13. The die set of claim 9, wherein the at least one top die is only one top die.

14. The die set of claim 9, wherein the at least one top die comprises a first top die and a second top die.

15. The die set of claim 14, wherein the first top die and the first bottom die define a locking die set and wherein the second top die and the second bottom die define an unlocking die set.

16. A separable clasp connector, comprising: a first part and a second part each having a connector body and a connector barrel, the connector barrels being configured to secure the first and second parts to different electrical conductors, the connector bodies having a plurality of corresponding features that are configured to initially couple the first and second parts to one another in an angled position in which the first and second parts are not mechanically locked to one another and are configured to allow the first and second parts to pivot with respect to one another between the angled position and an in-line position, the first and second parts being both mechanically locked and electrically connected to one another in the in-line position, wherein the first and/or second parts further comprise a die alignment feature, the die alignment feature indicating an application direction of force to move the first and second parts from the angled position to the in-line position and/or from the in-line position to the angled position.

17. The separable clasp connector of claim 16, wherein the die alignment feature is selected from a group consisting of an indentation, a protrusion, and any combinations thereof.

18. The separable clasp connector of claim 16, wherein the first and second parts are identical to one another.

19. The separable clasp connector of claim 16, wherein the plurality of corresponding features are selected from the group consisting of pins, cam slots, blades, blade slots, reliefs, chamfers, and any corresponding combinations thereof.

20. The separable clasp connector of claim 16, wherein the plurality of corresponding features are configured so that the first and second parts can only pivot from the in-line position to the angled position upon application of the force in a single direction, wherein the die alignment feature indicates the single direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a separable clasp connector according to the present disclosure shown in a separated position;

(2) FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is an end view of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 1 shown in an unlocked position;

(4) FIG. 4 is a first side view of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 5 is a second, opposite side view of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 6 is a top view of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 1 in a locked position;

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 6;

(8) FIG. 8 is a side view of a first part of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first part of FIG. 8;

(10) FIG. 10 is a side view of a second part of the separable clasp connector of FIG. 1;

(11) FIG. 11 is a magnified view of the pins of the second part of FIG. 10;

(12) FIG. 12 is an end view of the first and second parts of FIGS. 8 and 10;

(13) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a locking die set according to the present disclosure before use;

(14) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the locking die set of FIG. 13 having the separable clasp connector positioned therein in the angled or unlocked position;

(15) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the locking die set of FIG. 13 after movement of the locking die set into contact with the separable clasp connector;

(16) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the locking die set of FIG. 13 after the locking die set has moved the separable clasp connector to the inline or locked position;

(17) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the locking die set of FIG. 13 after the locking die set has been moved out of contact with the separable clasp connector;

(18) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the locking die set of FIG. 13 after removal of the separable clasp connector;

(19) FIG. 19 is a perspective view during conversion from the locking die set of FIG. 13 to the unlocking die set of FIG. 20;

(20) FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an unlocking die set according to the present disclosure before use;

(21) FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the unlocking die set of FIG. 20 having the separable clasp connector positioned therein in the inline or locked position;

(22) FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the unlocking die set of FIG. 20 after movement of the unlocking die set into contact with the separable clasp connector;

(23) FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the unlocking die set of FIG. 20 after the unlocking die set has moved the separable clasp connector to the angled or unlocked position;

(24) FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the unlocking die set of FIG. 20 after the unlocking die set has been moved out of contact with the separable clasp connector; and

(25) FIG. 25 is a first perspective view of the unlocking die set of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(26) Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-12, an exemplary embodiment of a separable clasp connector according to the present disclosure is shown and is generally referred to by reference numeral 10. Advantageously, separable clasp connector 10 is configured for use with one or more die sets that allow the connector to be easily and reproducibly moved back-and-forth among locked and unlocked positions without damage to the connector.

(27) Connector 10 includes a first part 12 and a second part 14 each having a connector body 16 and a connector barrel 18. For ease of description, parts 12, 14 are illustrated as being identical to one another. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for parts 12, 14 to be different from one another.

(28) Bodies 16 are configured to allow first and second parts 12, 14 to have a separated position 20 as shown in FIG. 1, initially coupled to one another in an unlocked position 22 shown in FIGS. 2-5where the parts are not mechanically locked to one another, and then rotated into a locked position 24 shown in FIGS. 6-7 whereby the parts 12, 14 are both mechanically and electrically connected to one another. Thus, connector 10 is described herein as being movable among separated position 20, unlocked position 22, and locked position 24.

(29) Barrel 18 is configured to secure first and second parts 12, 14 to different electrical conductors (not shown). In some embodiments, barrel 18 can be crimped to the electrical conductor in a known manner. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for barrel 18 to be configured for connection to the electrical conductor in any desired manner.

(30) Body 16 includes a set of pins 26 and cam slots 28 that allow the two parts 12, 14 to be initially coupled to one another from the separated position 20 to unlocked position 22. Additionally, pins 26 and cam slots 28 are configured to guide the two parts 12, 14 during rotation to/from unlocked and locked position 22, 24.

(31) Body 16 includes a blade 30 and a blade slot 32 that are configured so that the blade of one part 12, 14 is received in the slot of the other part 12, 14 when the parts are in locked position 24with the blade and slot acting to secure the parts in the locked position. For example, blade slot 32 can have a width that is smaller than the width of blade 30 received therein. In this manner, the movement of parts 12, 14 to locked position 24 requires blade 30 to deform blade slots 32 and/or to deform the blade itselfso that the blades from an interference or press fit connection with the blade slots when in the locked position.

(32) In some embodiments, blade 30 includes a chamfer 34 at a leading edge to assist in deforming blade slot 32. In other embodiments alone or in combination with the aforementioned embodiments, blade 30 include reliefs 36 that can allow the blade to resiliently deform when forced into blade slot 32. The resilient deformation can apply a spring force to parts 12, 14 to assist maintaining the parts in locked position 24.

(33) In embodiments where first and second parts 12, 14 are identical to one another, the parts in the separated position 20 of FIG. 1 are rotated 180 degrees from one another to allow pin 26, cam slot 28, blade 30, and blade slot 32 of one of the parts to mate with the pin, cam slot, blade, and blade slot of the other part.

(34) Barrel 18 can be made of brass or any other sufficiently ductile material for crimping onto the electrical conductor. Preferably, barrel 18 is platedat least in regions where the barrel contacts the electrical conductor, with an electrically conductive material such as, but not limited to, silver.

(35) Body 16 can be made of copper or any other sufficiently ductile and strong material for receiving blades 30 in blade slots 32. Preferably, body 16 is platedat least in regions where first and second parts 12, 14 contact one another with an electrically conductive material such as, but not limited to, silver.

(36) Connector 10 is moved to locked position 24 from unlocked position 22 by applying a locking force F.sub.L in a first direction 38 and is moved to the unlocked position from the unlocked position by applying an unlocking force F.sub.U in a second direction 40. It should be recognized that first and second directions 38, 40 are illustrated as linear application of the forces F.sub.L, F.sub.U on connector 10, which imparts the desired pivoting movement on first and second parts 12, 14 back-and-forth among unlocked and locked positions 22, 24.

(37) As discussed briefly above and in more detail below, connector 10 is configured to be easily and reproducibly moved back-and-forth among unlocked and locked positions 22, 24 without damage by use with a locking die set 42 (FIG. 13) and/or an unlocking die set 44 (FIG. 20). Thus, connector 10 advantageously includes one or more die alignment features 46 to ensure that the operator properly aligns the connector with unlocking die set 44 so as to apply unlocking force F.sub.U in second direction 40.

(38) Connector 10due to the configuration of one or more of pins 26, cam slots 28, blade 30, and blade slot 32is unidirectional, namely can only be moved from unlocked position 44 by application of the unlocking force F.sub.U in second direction 40 and can only be moved from locked position 24 by application of the locking force F.sub.L in first direction 38, otherwise damage to the connector can result.

(39) However, it has been determined by the present disclosure that the operator cannot easily determine which direction to apply the unlocking force F.sub.U because connector 10, when in the locked position 24, has first and second parts 12, 14 in-line with one another. Stated another way, the in-line position of second parts 12, 14 with respect to one another when in locked position 24 makes it difficult for the operator to discern the proper orientation of connector 10 with respect to unlocking die set 44a problem that is resolved by die alignment feature 46.

(40) Of course and although connector 10, when in unlocked position 22, has first and second parts 12, 14 angled with respect to one another and therefore easier to discern the proper direction for application of the locking force F.sub.L, it is further contemplated by the present disclosure for connector 10 to include one or more other die alignment features (not shown) to ensure that the operator properly aligns the connector with locking die set 42 so as to apply locking force F.sub.L in first direction 38.

(41) Die alignment feature 46 can be any desired feature such as, but not limited to, an indentation, a protrusion, and any combinations thereofwhich cooperate with corresponding features of the top and/or bottom die of the locking and/or unlocking die sets 42, 44, respectively.

(42) It should be recognized that connector 10 is described above by way of example only as an exemplary embodiment having a particular configuration of body 16, barrel 18, pins 26, cam slots 28, blade 30, blade slot 32, chamfer 34, and reliefs 36. Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for connector 10 to have any desired configuration capable of securing connector parts 12, 14 to different electrical conductors and being movable back-and-forth from the angled, unlocked position 22 and the inline, locked position 24using die alignment feature 46.

(43) Locking die set 42 and methods of use are shown in FIGS. 13-18. Unlocking die set 44 and methods of use are shown in FIGS. 20-28. Conversion between locking and unlocking die sets 42, 44 is shown in FIGS. 18-20. Here, die sets 42, 44 are illustrated in use with a die press 48, which has C-shaped jaw. Die press 48 can be actuated by electrical assist, hydraulic assist, pneumatic assist, or any combinations thereof.

(44) Thus, locking die set 42, in combination with die press 48, is configured to move connector 10 from unlocked position 22 to locked position 24, while unlocking die set 44, in combination with the die press, is configured to move the connector from the locked position to the unlocked position.

(45) The locking of connector 10 is described with reference to FIGS. 13-18. Locking die set 42 includes a top die 50 and a first bottom die 52. Top die 50 has a contact region 54 and first bottom die 52 includes a pair of support arms 56.

(46) Die press 48 is moved to the open position shown in FIG. 13 and top and bottom dies 50, 52 of locking die set 42 are installed in the die press. Connector 10, in unlocked position 22, is then placed on support arms 56 of first bottom die 52 as shown in FIG. 14 in an orientation such that contact region 54 of top die 50 can apply locking force F.sub.L to the connector in first direction 38.

(47) Die press 48 is then activated until contact region 54 of top die 50 contacts connector 10 and applies locking force F.sub.L to the connector in first direction 38 as shown in FIG. 15. Activation of die press 48 is continued until first and second parts 12, 14 move to locked position 24 as shown in FIG. 16. Die press 48 is then returned to the open position shown in FIG. 17 so that connector 10, in locked position 24, can be removed.

(48) As discussed above, connector 10due to the configuration of one or more of pins 26, cam slots 28, blade 30, and blade slot 32is unidirectional. Additionally, connector 10 can alsodue to the aforementioned configurationsbe damaged if first and second parts 12, 14 are pivoted past unlocked position 22 and/or locked position 24. Thus, locking die set 42 and/or unlocking die set 44 can include one or more stops to prevent over pivoting of first and second parts 12, 14. For example, and with reference to locking die set 42 of FIG. 16, the die set can include a stop 58 that prevents die press 48 from over pivoting first and second parts 12, 14.

(49) Stop 58 can be secured to die press 48, top die 50, first bottom die 52, second bottom die 62, and any combinations thereof. Advantageously, stop 58 can allow die press 48 to be a full cycle tool, in which the operator would not have to monitor and stop the press at a particular location to prevent over pivoting connector 10. Rather, stop 58 and die press 48 can be configured so that upon completion of moving connector to locked position 24 or unlocked position 22the hydraulic pressure/force would blow off once the stop bottoms out the die press.

(50) The conversion from locking die set 42 to unlocking die set 44 is described with reference to FIGS. 18-20.

(51) Die press 48 is first moved to the open position shown in FIG. 18 so that first bottom die 52 is removed from the die press as shown in FIG. 19 and replaced with second bottom die 62 as shown in FIG. 20.

(52) Second bottom die 62, like first bottom die 52 discussed above, includes pair of support arms 66. Here, support arms 66 are longer than support arms 56 to provide sufficient clearance in a space 68 between the arms to receive connector 10 when in unlocked position 22.

(53) Of course, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for second bottom die 62 to be used during both the locking and unlocking of connector 10provided that die press 48 has sufficient clearance to receive the connector in unlocked position 22 in the orientation shown in FIG. 14. Additionally, it is contemplated by the present disclosure for top die 50 of locking die set 42 to differ from the top die of unlocking die set 44. Simply stated, locking and unlocking die sets 42, 44 can have the same or different top dies and/or the same or different bottom dies as required by the size of connector 10, the clearance available from die press 48, and any other variable in the process.

(54) The unlocking of connector 10 is described with reference to FIGS. 20-24. Again, unlocking die set 44 includes top die 50 and second bottom die 62.

(55) Die press 48 is moved to the open position shown in FIG. 20 and top and bottom dies 50, 62 of unlocking die set 44 are installed in the die press. Connector 10, in locked position 24, is then placed on support arms 66 of second bottom die 62 as shown in FIG. 21 in an orientation such that contact region 54 of top die 50 can apply unlocking force F.sub.U to the connector in second direction 40.

(56) Die press 48 is then activated until contact region 54 of top die 50 contacts connector 10 and applies unlocking force F.sub.U to the connector in second direction 40 as shown in FIG. 22. Activation of die press 48 is continued until first and second parts 12, 14 move to unlocked position 22 as shown in FIG. 23. Die press 48 is then returned to the open position shown in FIG. 24 so that connector 10, in unlocked position 22, can be removed. Various details of unlocking die set 44 can be seen in FIG. 25.

(57) It should also be noted that the terms first, second, third, upper, lower, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

(58) While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

(59) TABLE-US-00001 separable clasp connector 10 first part 12 second part 14 connector body 16 connector barrel 18 separated position 20 unlocked position 22 locked position 24 pins 26 cam slots 28 blade 30 blade slot 32 chamfer 34 reliefs 36 locking force F.sub.L first direction 38 second direction 40 locking die set 42 unlocking die set 44 die alignment features 46 die press 48 top die 50 first bottom die 52 contact region 54 support arms 56 stop 58 second bottom die 62 pair of support arms 66 space 68