Claims:We Claim:
1. An assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) for latching a connector end (210) of a wire harness (200) with a socket (30), the assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) includes the socket (30) for accommodating the connector end (210a or 210b) of the wire harness (200), the assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) characterized in that:
a latching unit (50a or 50b or 50c or 50d) arranged with the socket (30), the latching unit (50a or 50b or 50c or 50d) has a latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) movable between an operating position (62) and a non-operating position (64);
Wherein when the connector end (210) is accommodated inside the socket(30) in an accommodating space (32), the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is moved to the operating position (62) to have physical contact with the connector member(210), thereby restricting relative movements of the connector end(210) with the socket(30), thereby latching the wire harness(200) with the socket (30) and the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is moved to the non-operating position(64) for allowing relative movements of the connector end(210) with the socket(30), thereby unlatching the wire harness(200) with the socket(30) contact, the non-operating position(64) is a position of the latching member(20) at which the latching member(20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is not in physical contact with the connector end (210) and the physical contact here refers to contact between the surfaces, which (surface) are not conducting electricity.
2. The assembly (100a) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching member (20a) moves between the operating position (62) and the non-operating position (64) by a linear movement (22a).

3. The assembly (100b) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching member (20b) moves between the operating position (62) and the non-operating position (64) by a rotational movement (22b).

4. The assembly (100c) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the latching member (20c) is at the operating position (62), the latching member (20c) have physical contact with an outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210a) for restricting relative movements of the connector end (210a) with the socket (30).

5. The assembly (100d) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the latching member (20d) is at the operating position (62), the latching member (20d) have physical contact with an engaging section (212b) of the connector end (210b) for restricting relative movements of the connector end (210b) with the socket (30).

6. The assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is moving from the non-operating position (64) to the operating position (62), the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) moves through a hole (70) of the socket (30) to the accommodate space (32).

7. The assembly (100a) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the latching member (20a) is moved linearly by a linear actuator (80).

8. The assembly (100b) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the latching member (20b) is moved rotatably by a rotary actuator (90).

9. The assembly (100a) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the linear actuator (80) is powered by a battery (40a).

10. The assembly (100b) as claimed in claim 8 wherein the rotary actuator (90) is powered by a battery (40b).

11. The assembly ((100a or 100b or 100c or 100d)) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hole (70) is arranged at a side portion (36) of the socket (30), and an axis (70a) of the hole (70) is perpendicular to an extension (30a) of the socket (30).

12. The assembly (100a) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the linear actuator (80) is connected to a controller (42a) to control the movements of the linear actuator (80), and the controller (42a) is connected to a user interface (not shown) to control the operations of the controller (42a).

13. The assembly (100b) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rotary actuator (90) is connected to a controller (42b) to control the movements of the rotary actuator (90) and the controller (42b) is connected to a user interface (not shown) to control the operations of the controller (42b).

14. The assembly (100b) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the assembly (100a) includes a linear bearing (25) connected with the latching member (20a) for facilitating smooth forward and backward movements of the latching member (20a).
, Description:Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly for latching. More specifically, the present invention relates to an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket.

Background of the invention:

[0002] Wire harnesses (es) are typically used to provide electrical connectivity or any such connectivity and transmit signals (control signals) between functional units of devices in an aircraft, a spacecraft, a vehicle, a boat, etc. The wire harness can be used in wide applications such as connecting electronic devices, home appliances, home automation systems, automobiles, construction machinery, and the like. Typically, a wire harness includes one or more wire segments, and two or more connector ends. Generally, two or more connector ends connect one or more wire segments.

[0003] Generally, a wire harness is connected to a socket on a test rig to test current continuity by supplying current through the socket. Specifically, the connector end of the wire harness is connected to the socket. Patent applications IN202121035064, WO2018203215A1, CN205038320U describe some of such rigs for a wire harness.

[0004] The socket is made so that when a connector end of the wire harness is inserted into the socket, the connector end positively fits in the socket. The socket may have the arrangement to fasten the connector end with the socket.

[0005] Such arrangements or locks are used to prevent the connector from being pulled out of the socket. It can also assure complete insertion of the wire harness to the socket.

[0006] If the connection is not done properly, there may be a chance of losing the electrical continuity between the connector end and the socket. Especially while moving the wire harness from one place to another, the movement may cause loosening of the locks and lead to wire harness failure.

[0007] Presently, some latching mechanisms are provided to latch the wire harness with the socket. Patent applications such as US2010148014A1, CN209266724U, and KR101091945B1 describe such mechanisms. But these latching mechanisms are complex in construction. The powering methods that power the latching mechanisms are generally wired connections, which may not allow the user to use these in mobile applications.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an assembly or mechanism for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket, which overcomes the limitations of the prior art.

Objects of the invention
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket, wherein the assembly can assure complete insertion of the wire harness to the socket.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket, wherein the assembly is simple in construction and easy in operation.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket, wherein the assembly allows the user to use these in mobile applications.

Summary of the invention:

[0013] According to the present invention, an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket is provided. The assembly includes a socket and a latching unit. The latching unit is arranged with the socket. The latching unit has a latching member, which is movable between an operating position and a non-operating position. The operating position is a position of the latching member at which the latching member is in physical contact with the connector end, and a non-operating position is a position of the latching member at which the latching member is not in physical contact with the connector end. The physical contact here refers to contact between the surfaces, which (surface) are not conducting electricity.

[0014] When the connector end is accommodated inside the socket in an accommodated space, the latching member is moved to the operating position to have physical contact with the connector member. Thus, the physical contact will restrict the movements of the connector end with the socket, thereby latching the wire harness with the socket. Similarly, when the latching member is moved to the non-operating position, the latching member will allow the relative movements of the connector end with the socket, thereby unlatching the wire harness with the socket. The latching member is movable from the non-operating position to the operating position through a hole of the socket to accommodate space. The hole is arranged at a side portion of the socket. An axis of the hole is nearly (substantially) perpendicular to an extension of the socket.

[0015] In one of the embodiments of the assembly, the latching member moves between the operating position and the non-operating position by a linear movement. The latching member is moved linearly by a linear actuator. The linear actuator is powered by a battery. The assembly includes a controller to control the movements of the linear actuator. The controller is connected to the linear actuator. The linear actuator is powered by a battery. The controller is connected to a user interface (not shown). Through the user interface, a user can control the operations of the controller. The assembly includes a linear bearing connected with the latching member for facilitating smooth forward and backward movements of the latching member.

[0016] In other embodiments of the assembly, the latching member moves between the operating and non-operating positions by a rotational movement. The latching member is moved rotatably by a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator is powered by a battery. The assembly includes a controller to control the movements of the rotary actuator. The controller is connected to a user interface (not shown). Through the user interface, a user can control the operations of the controller.

[0017] In one of the embodiments of the assembly, the latching member has physical contact with an outer surface of the connector end at the operating position for restricting relative movements of the connector end with the socket.

[0018] In another embodiment of the assembly, when the latching member is at the operating position, the latching member is having physical contact with an engaging section of the connector end for restricting relative movements of the connector end with the socket.

Brief description of drawings:

[0019] The advantages and features of the present invention will be understood better with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0020] Figure 1a shows a schematic view of an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket in accordance with the present invention with a latching member of the assembly at a non-operating position;

[0021] Figure 1b shows another schematic view of the assembly shown in the figure 1a with the latching member at an operating position;

[0022] Figure 2a shows a schematic view of one more embodiment, an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket in accordance with the present invention with a latching member of the assembly at a non-operating position;

[0023] Figure 2b shows another schematic view of the assembly shown in the figure 2a with the latching member at an operating position;

[0024] Figure 3a shows a schematic view of one more embodiment, an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket in accordance with the present invention with a latching member of the assembly at an operating position;

[0025] Figure 3b shows a schematic view of one more embodiment, an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket in accordance with the present invention with a latching member of the assembly at an operating position;

[0026] Figure 4a shows a schematic view of the assemblies shown in figures 1a, 2a with a latching unit of the assemblies arranged (positioned) aside of a front end of the socket with the latching member at an operating position; and

[0027] Figure 4b shows a schematic view of the assemblies shown in figures 1a, 2a with a latching unit of the assemblies arranged (positioned) aside of a front end of the socket with the latching member at a non-operating position;

Detailed description of the invention

[0028] An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0029] The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

[0030] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0031] The present invention provides an assembly for latching a connector end of a wire harness with a socket. The assembly can facilitate the complete insertion of the wire harness into the socket. The assembly is simple in construction and easy in operation. The assembly allows the user to use these in mobile applications. Mobile applications here refer that the assembly is movable anywhere due to its wireless, simple and straightforward construction.

[0032] The present invention provides an assembly (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) (refer figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) for latching a connector end (210) of a wire harness (200) with a socket (30). A Wire Harness (200), also known as a cable harness or wiring assembly, can be a grouping of wires, cables, or subassemblies designed to transmit signals or electrical power. The sockets (30) can be connected to an electrical circuit (34). The electric circuit (34) can be a circuit adapted for testing the wire harness (200). The main function of an electric circuit (34) is to transfer and convert electrical energy and to transfer and process signals.

[0033] The assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) includes a socket (30) and a latching unit (50a or 50b or 50c or 50d). The socket (30) is made in such a way that the socket (30) will accommodate the connector end (210a or 210b) of the wire harness (200). The latching unit (50a or 50b or 50c or 50d) is arranged with the socket (30). The latching unit (50a or 50b or 50c or 50d) has a latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d), which is movable between an operating position (62) and a non-operating position (64). The operating position (62) is a position of the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) at which the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is in physical contact with the connector end (210). The physical contact here refers to a contact between the surfaces, which (surface) are not conducting electricity. The non-operating position (64) is a position of the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) at which the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is not in physical contact with the connector end (210).

[0034] When the connector end (210) is accommodated inside the socket (30) in an accommodating space (32), the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is moved to the operating position (62) to have physical contact with the connector end (210). Specifically, the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is physically contacted to a portion (212a or 212b) of the connector end (210) to restrict the movements of the connector end (210) with the socket (30), thereby latching the wire harness (200) with the socket (30). Similarly, when the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is moved to the non-operating position (64), the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) allows the relative movements of the connector end (210) with the socket (30), thereby unlatching the wire harness (200) with the socket (30).

[0035] In the preferred embodiments (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) (refer figures 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b), the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) is movable from the non-operating position (64) to the operating position (62) through a hole (70) of the socket (30) to the accommodate space (32). The hole (70) is arranged at a side portion (36) of the socket (30). An axis (70a) of the hole (70) is nearly (substantially) perpendicular to an extension (30a) of the socket (30). This perpendicular extension facilitates latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20c) movements in a normal direction to an attaching direction (not shown) of the wire harness (200) with the socket (30). When the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20c) is at the operating position (62), a latching surface (not shown) is normal to the extension (30a) of the socket (30). This normal latching surface improves the efficiency of a latch. The efficiency of the latch here refers to the firmness of the latching of the wire harness (200) with the socket (30).

[0036] Referring to figures 1a and 1b, the schematic views of one of the embodiments of the assembly (100a) are illustrated. The latching member (20a) is movable between the operating position (62) (figure 1b) and the non-operating position (64) (figure 1a) by a linear movement (22a). In this embodiment (100a), the latching member (20a) is an elongated member with an elongated profile to have physical contact with the connector end (210). The latching member (20a) is moved linearly by a linear actuator (80). The linear actuator (80) creates motion in a straight line. The assembly (100a) includes a controller (42a) to control the movements of the linear actuator (80). The controller (42a) is connected to the linear actuator (80). The linear actuator (80) is powered by a battery (40a). The controller (42a) is connected to a user interface (not shown).

[0037] Through the user interface, a user can control the operations of the controller (42a). The user interface can be keys, switches, IoT (Internet of Things) user interface, microphone, touch screen. The controller (42a) can be operated manually also. One (21a) of the ends of the latching member (20a) is connected to the linear actuator (80), and another end (23a) of the latching member (20a) is adapted to engage with the outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210) while actuating the linear actuator (80).

[0038] In one of the embodiments, the linear actuator (80) is a solenoid. If the linear actuator (80) is a solenoid, the latching member (20a) is connected to a plunger that is free to move or slide “in” and “out” of the solenoid. The solenoid is powered by a battery (40a).

[0039] In another embodiment, the linear actuator (80) is a hydraulic actuator (cylinder). In this embodiment, the latching member (20a) is connected to a piston (52) of the hydraulic cylinder, which uses compressed fluid. If the linear actuator (80) is a pneumatic cylinder, the latching member (20a) is connected to the piston (52) of the cylinder, which uses compressed air or gas. The Compressor of the hydraulic cylinder or the pneumatic cylinder is powered by the battery (40a).

[0040] The linear actuator (80) actuates the forward movement of the latching member (20a) during operating position (62). During the non-operating position (64), the latching member (20a) is moved backward, thereby unlatching the latching unit (50a) from the connector end (210). The assembly (100a) includes a linear bearing (25) connected with the latching member (20a) for facilitating smooth forward and backward movements of the latching member (20a).

[0041] Referring to figures 2a and 2b, the schematic views of one of the embodiments of the assembly (100b) are illustrated. The latching member (20b) is movable between the operating position (62) (Figure 2b) and the non-operating position (64) (Figure 2a) by a rotational movement (22b). In this embodiment (100b), the latching member (20b) is a curved member, with a curved profile to have physical contact with the connector end (210). The latching member (20b) is moved rotationally by a rotary actuator (90), which is an actuator that creates a rotational motion that helps the latching member (20b) to move rotationally to engage with the connector end (210). The assembly (100b) includes a controller (42b) to control the movements of the rotary actuator (90). The controller (42b) is connected to a user interface (not shown).

[0042] Through the user interface, a user can control the operations of the controller (42b). Also, the rotary actuator (90) is powered by a battery (40b). One (21b) of the ends of the latching member (20b) is connected to the rotary actuator (90), and another end (23b) of the latching member (20b) is adapted to engage with the outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210), while actuating the rotary actuator (90). The rotary actuator (90) is an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery (40b).

[0043] In another embodiment, the rotary actuator (90) is a hydraulic /pneumatic rotatory actuator (90). The hydraulic /pneumatic rotatory actuator (90) is a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor. The hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor is connected to a fluid supply or a compressed air supply. The flow between the fluid supply or a compressed air supply and the hydraulic motor is governed by a valve. The valve is powered by the battery (40b). The rotary actuator (90) actuates the anti-clockwise movement of the latching member (20b) during operating position (62). During non-operating position (64), the latching member (20b) is moved clockwise, thereby unlatching the latching unit (50b) from the connector end (210) and vice versa.

[0044] Referring to figures 3a and 3b, the schematic views one of the embodiments of the assembly (100c) is illustrated. The latching member (20c) has a physical contact (Figure 3a) with an outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210a) at the operating position (62) for restricting relative movements of the connector end (210a) with the socket (30). For example, the latching member (20c) is rotatably actuated or linearly actuated to have a physical contact with the outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210a). When the latching member (20c) contacted the outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210a), the friction between them restricts the further movement, thereby restricting relative movements of the connector end (210a) with the socket (30). The force applied on the outer surface (212a) of the connector end (210a) by the latching member (20c) is more than the pulling force exerted on the wire harness (200), So that the connector end (210a) of the wire harness (200) will be locked within the socket (30), restricting the relative movement of the connector end (210a) with the socket (30). The physical contact can be surface contact, line contact, or point contact.

[0045] In figure 3b, the latching member (20c) is having a physical contact with an engaging section (212b) of the connector end (210b) at operating position (62) for restricting relative movements of the connector end (210b) with the socket (30). The engaging section (212b) is a groove or a slot configured on a portion of the connector end (210b). When the latching member (20d) is actuated rotatably or linearly, the latching member (20d) moves towards the connector end (210b) and engages with the engaging section (212b) of the connector end (210b). When the latching member (20d) engages with the engaging section (212b), one portion of the latching member (20d) partially goes inside the engaging section (212b) to restrict the further movement of the connector end (210b).

[0046] Referring to figures 4a and 4b, the schematic views one of the embodiments of the assembly (100a or 100b or 100c) is illustrated. In such embodiment, the latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d) extends through a front end (33) of the socket (30). The latching unit (50a or 50b or 50c or 50d) has a latching member (20a or 20b or 20c or 20d), which is movable between the operating position (62) (Figure 4a) and the non-operating position (64) (Figure 4b).

[0047] Similarly, the latching unit can be arranged at various locations with the socket for latching the wire harness. Based on the availability of space, constructive elements and powering mechanisms, a user (person skilled in the art) can configure various types of assemblies (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) as shown in figures 1a, 1b,2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b.

[0048] Therefore, the present invention provides an assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) for latching a connector end of a wire harness (200) with a socket (30). The assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) can facilitate the complete insertion of the wire harness (200) to the socket (30). The assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) is simple in construction and easy in operation as it is powered by a battery (40a or 40b).

[0049] The assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) allows the user to use mobile applications. Mobile applications here refer to the assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) being movable anywhere due to its simple and wireless construction. The battery (40a or 40b) powering provides an assembly (100a or 100b or 100c or 100d) with simple and less complex construction.

[0050] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention best and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilise the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.