EP4597762A1

EP4597762A1 - Position assurance member

Info

Publication number: EP4597762A1
Application number: EP24155702.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nithish Sukumar; Norbert Dobernig
Original assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
Current assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
Priority date: 2024-02-05
Filing date: 2024-02-05
Publication date: 2025-08-06

Abstract

A position assurance member 1, such as a terminal position assurance TPA member or a connector position assurance CPA member, for an electrical connector assembly 100, wherein the position assurance member 1 is adapted to be mounted to a connector housing 110 of the electrical connector assembly 100 and being movable relative to the connector housing 110 between a pre lock position 122 and a final-lock position 124 along a position assurance movement direction MD, the position assurance member 1 comprising at least one primary locking arm 10 extending from a base member 30, wherein the primary locking arm 10 comprises a primary latching hook 14 for providing a resistive force against movement from the final-lock position 124 to the pre-lock position i22 and from the pre-lock position i22 to the final-lock position 124; and a secondary locking arm 20 integrated into the primary locking arm 10, wherein the secondary locking arm 20 comprise a secondary latching hook 24 for providing a resistive force against movement from the pre-lock position 122 to an unmounted position 120; wherein the primary latching hook 14 and the secondary latching hook 24 point in opposite directions.

Description

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a position assurance (PA) member, in particular a terminal position assurance (TPA) member or a connector position assurance (CPA), which is securely held at a connector housing. The present invention further relates to an electrical connector assembly comprising such a PA member.

2. Technical background

Electrical connectors and electrical connector assemblies are commonly used to connect various cables, such as for example telecommunication cables, common networking cables, signaling cables or in general any electrical wiring. In this context electrical connectors are particularly used for joining electrical circuits, wherein a male ended plug of an electrical connector may be adapted to be connected to a respective female ended jack of a corresponding counter connector.
Many electrical connector assemblies are provided with a so-called terminal position assurance (TPA) member, which allows for assuring that a terminal or contact is securely held in a fully inserted position within an electrical connector housing to form the electrical connector. An electrical connector typically comprises one or more electrical terminals connected to electrical wires. Usually, the terminal or contact is inserted into the connector housing from the back side of the connector housing and then the TPA member is moved to a locking position to fix the terminal within the connector housing. After the TPA is brought into its locking position, the electrical terminal is fixed within the housing of the electrical connector such that the electrical connector can be used. To such an electrical connector, a corresponding connector may be mated from an end opposite to and end at which the terminal is inserted.
A TPA member is further utilized to detect incomplete insertion of contact terminals into a connector housing. They also assist in assuring that the contact terminals are properly positioned in the respective housing. A TPA member may thereby be mounted movably to the connector housing and may secure the terminal within the connector housing when being fully inserted.
Similarly, connector position assurance (CPA) members are often employed in electrical and electronic connectors, especially in the automotive industry and other applications where secure and reliable electrical connections is important. A CPA member is a feature or mechanism designed to ensure that a connector is properly and securely mated or fully engaged with the respective counter connector, preventing it from unintentional disconnection or loosening due to vibration, shock, or other external forces. CPA members can take various forms, but their primary purpose is to provide mechanical locking or latching of the female and male electrical connectors to maintain the connection's integrity.
Conventional TPA members and CPA members have various different ways of locking with the connector housing. In many TPA and CPA members latching hooks are employed for securing the TPA members and CPA members to the connector housing. However, many TPA and CPA members tend to unintentionally disconnect from the connector housing during transport prior to assembly or even after assembly. Further, in many conventional electrical connectors, it poses difficulties to remove a position assurance member from the final-lock position to the pre-lock position and from the pre-lock position to an unmounted position. Oftentimes, tools must used by users in order to remove a TPA/CPA member. However, this could lead to damages to the TPA/CPA member, which makes reusability of the TPA/CPA member during its lifetime more difficult.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a position assurance member, particularly a TPA member and/or a CPA member, for an electrical connector assembly which overcomes the above outlined disadvantages at least partially. It is, particularly, an object of the present invention to provide a position assurance member for an electrical connector assembly, which is on the one hand securely fixed to the connector housing and on the other hand can be easily removed by a user.

3. Summary of the invention

The above-mentioned objects are at least partially achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims, and the skilled person finds hints for other suitable aspects of the present invention through the overall disclosure of the present application.
The above mentioned problems are particularly solved by a position assurance member, such as a terminal position assurance (TPA) member or a connector position assurance (CPA) member, for an electrical connector assembly, wherein the position assurance member is adapted to be mounted to a connector housing of the electrical connector assembly and being movable relative to the connector housing between a pre-lock position and a final-lock position along a position assurance movement direction, the position assurance member comprising at least one primary locking arm extending from a base member, wherein the primary locking arm comprises a primary latching hook for providing a resistive force against movement from the final-lock position to the pre-lock position and from the pre-lock position to the final-lock position; and a secondary locking arm integrated into the primary locking arm, wherein the secondary locking arm comprise a secondary latching hook for providing a resistive force against movement from the pre-lock position to an unmounted position; wherein the primary latching hook and the secondary latching hook point in opposite directions.
By pointing in opposite directions, the primary latching hook and the secondary latching hook point ensure that the position assurance member is securely held at the connector housing in both operating positions. This is because bending the primary locking arm such that the primary latching hook releases from the connector housing enhances the locking force on the secondary locking arm and the secondary latching hook. Thus, when the user wants to move the position assurance member from the final-lock position to the pre-lock position it has to bend the primary locking arm which also bends the attachment point of the secondary locking arm at the primary locking arm. This movement and/or bending of the secondary locking arm increases the pressure onto the secondary latching hook. Thus, the resistive force against movement from the pre-lock position to an unmounted position provided by the secondary latching hook increases. This improves the resistance of the position assurance member against complete removal from the connector housing. Therefore, the position assurance member is not lost during removal of a terminal or transport of the electrical connector assembly prior to terminal assembly.
Preferably, the primary latching hook points to the inside of the position assurance member and the secondary latching hook points to the outside of the position assurance member. Thus, for a de-latching of the primary latching hook the primary latching arm has to be bent to the outside of the position assurance member and for a de-latching of the secondary latching hook of the secondary latching arm of the same primary latching arm the secondary latching arm has to bend to the inside of the position assurance member.
Preferably the primary locking arm comprises a primary elastic lever that extends from the base member in position assurance movement direction. Thus, the primary locking arm can be bent during assembly and disassembly such that the primary latching hook is pressed to its latching position.
Preferably, the primary latching hook is arranged at a leading end of the primary elastic lever. Thus, the primary latching hook is elastically supported by the primary elastic lever with the maximum elasticity.
Preferably, the primary locking arm comprises a generally flat shape and the secondary locking arm is arranged within a window of the primary locking arm. Thus, when the primary locking arm is bend and/or moved also the attachment point of the secondary locking arm moves. Further, the window ensures that the secondary locking arm can additionally be elastically bent and/or elastically moved independently from the primary locking arm.
Preferably, the secondary locking arm comprises a secondary elastic lever that extends from the primary locking arm against position assurance movement direction. The secondary elastic lever provides independent elasticity to the secondary locking arm. This elasticity ensures that, when the position assurance member in the pre-assembled position is pulled out from the connector housing the secondary latching hook is pushed against an edge of the connector housing with a higher force. Thus, since the secondary elastic lever points against the position assurance movement direction, the latching force increases, when the position assurance member experiences a pulling force out of the connector housing. Thus, the secondary elastic lever increases the resistive force against movement of the position assurance member from the pre-lock position to an unmounted position.
Preferably, the secondary latching hook is arranged at a free end of the secondary elastic lever. Thus, the secondary latching hook is elastically supported by the secondary elastic lever with the maximum elasticity.
Preferably, the secondary locking arm comprises an extension at the free end of the secondary elastic lever, for preventing outward bending of the secondary locking arm in the pre-lock position. Thus, the extension provides further support of the secondary latching hook against unintended release from the connector housing.
Preferably, the secondary locking arm is arranged to be pushed to the inside of the position assurance member for unlocking the position assurance member to be free to move from the pre-lock position to an unmounted position. Thus, by pushing the secondary locking arm to the inside the secondary latching hook comes out of engagement from the connector housing. This enables that the position assurance member can be moved from the pre-lock position to an unmounted position, i.e. is released from the connector housing.
Preferably, the secondary locking arm comprising an outer actuation surface, that enables pushing the secondary locking arm to the inside of the position assurance member by means of a human finger. The outer actuation surface enables the release of the position assurance member from the connector housing manually, i.e. without addition tools.
Preferably, the primary latching hook is distanced from the base member at a larger distance than the secondary latching hook.
Preferably, the position assurance member comprises two primary locking arms and two secondary locking arms, wherein the position assurance member forms a generally U-shape.
Preferably, the position assurance member further comprises at least one terminal locking pin for locking an electrical terminal within the electrical connector assembly. Thus, the position assurance member is a terminal position assurance member (TPA member).
Preferably alternatively, the position assurance member further comprises at least one connector blocking pin for locking two electrical connectors in mated condition. Thus, the position assurance member is a connector position assurance member (CPA member). The connector blocking pin or blocking arm, will be released only once the female connector is fully mated with the corresponding male connector or socket. Once the connector blocking arm is released, the CPA member can be moved from the pre-lock position to final-lock position. Thereby, the primary locking between female and male connector is guaranteed and secured.
Preferably, an electrical connector assembly comprises the position assurance member as explained above and a connector housing, wherein the secondary locking arm in the pre-lock position abuts a latching feature of the connector housing, wherein the latching feature has a slanted edge, that is pointed to the inside with a draft angle; and/or the secondary latching hook has a slanted edge, that that is pointed to the outside with a draft angle. The slanted edges further improve the latching security between the secondary latching hook and the latching feature of the connector housing.

4. Brief description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed by reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1:: shows a three-dimensional view of a position assurance member according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2A:: shows a partial three-dimensional view of preferred embodiment of an electrical connector assembly with a connector housing and the position assurance member the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a pre-lock position;
Fig. 2B:: shows a top view of the electrical connector assembly of Fig. 2A;
Fig. 2C: shows a partial three-dimensional view the electrical connector assembly of Fig. 2A with the position assurance member in a final lock position;
Fig. 2D: shows a top view of the electrical connector assembly of Fig. 2C;
Fig. 3A: shows a partial schematic top view of an electrical connector assembly in pre-lock condition;
Fig. 3B: shows a partial schematic top view of an electrical connector assembly in final lock condition;
Fig. 4: shows a shows a partial schematic top view of an electrical connector assembly in pre-lock condition;
Fig. 5A: shows a partial top schematic view of an electrical connector assembly in pre-lock condition and tools for releasing the position assurance member from the connector housing;
Fig. 5B: shows a partial top view of the electrical connector assembly and tools of Fig. 5A during releasing of the position assurance member from the connector housing;
Fig. 5C: shows a partial top view of the electrical connector assembly and tools of Fig. 5A during an alternative releasing of the position assurance member from the connector housing;
Fig. 6: shows a three-dimensional view of a position assurance member according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7A: shows a partial schematic top view of an electrical connector during releasing a position assurance member by the fingers of a user; and
Fig. 7B: shows a partial schematic top view of an electrical connector during releasing a position assurance member by the fingers of a user.

5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the subsequent passages, the preferred embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the accompanying figures in more detail. It is noted that further embodiments are certainly possible, and the below explanations are provided by way of example only, without limitation. Throughout the present figures and specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The figures may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.
It is noted that when features, aspects, and/or embodiments are described herein by the term "substantially", manufacturing tolerances must be taken into consideration. In this manner, minor deviations during any kind of manufacturing, assembling or the like may pertain. Further, manufacturing tolerances, aging effects, or other minor defects or the like may pertain. These are all encompassed by the term "substantially". Although not always explicitly expressed by using the term "substantially", it is understood that the elements, parts, units, shapes, and / or the like described herein may nevertheless comprise such manufacturing tolerances.
Fig. 1 shows a position assurance member 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The position assurance member 1 can be a terminal position assurance (TPA) member or a connector position assurance (CPA) member for an electrical connector assembly 100.
As shown in Figs. 2A to 2D the position assurance member 1 is movably mounted to a connector housing 110 of the electrical connector assembly 100. It is movable relative to the connector housing 110 between a pre-lock position 122 and a final-lock position 124 along a position assurance movement direction MD. In the pre-lock position 122 the position assurance member 1 is securely mounted to the connector housing 110 such that it cannot be unintentionally fall off.
In case the position assurance member 1 is a TPA and is in the pre-lock position 122 the position assurance member 1 ensures that electrical terminals (not shown) can be inserted into and released from the connector housing 110. In the final lock position 124 the position assurance member 1 locks the electrical terminals (not shown) securely within terminal receptacles 111 of the connector housing 110. Thus, during use of the electrical connector assembly 100 the position assurance member has to be in the final lock position 124. If the position assurance member 1 is a TPA it comprises preferably two terminal locking pins 50 for locking an electrical terminal with the electrical connector assembly 100. As shown in Fig. 2B, when the position assurance member 1 is in the pre-lock position 122, the terminal locking pins 50 are retracted from the terminal receptacles 111 allowing insertion and removal of the electrical terminal (not shown). In the final lock position 124, as shown in Fig. 2D, the connector locking pins 50 extend into the terminal receptacles 111 to engage the electrical terminal and to secure it within the connector housing 110.
Similarly, in case the position assurance member 1 is a CPA and is in the pre-lock position 122 the position assurance member 1 ensures that electrical connector assembly 10, e.g. a male electrical connector, can be inserted into and released from a corresponding counter electrical connector assembly, e.g. a female electrical connector (not shown). In the final-lock position 124 the position assurance member 1 locks the electrical connector assembly 100, e.g. a plug, securely with the counter electrical connector, e.g. a socket. Thereby, connector blocking pins 60 are extended to secure the main locking arm (not shown) of the connector housing110. The CPA 1 is typically mounted on the housing 110 of a female connector assembly 100 in the pre-lock position 122, wherein the preferably flexible blocking pin 60 blocks the CPA 1 against closing. Only when the female connecter assembly 100 is properly mated with a corresponding male connector assembly (not shown) the blocking pin 60 of the CPA 1 gets released and CPA 1 can be pushed from the pre-lock position 122 into the final-lock position 124. In the final-lock position 124, CPA 1 secures an unintentional opening of the connection via the main locking arm (not shown) of female housing. Only by bringing the CPA 1 into its pre-lock position, the main locking arm can be released.
As shown in Fig. 1 . the position assurance member 1 comprises substantially a U-shape with a base member 30 and two primary locking arms 10 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base member 30. The primary locking arms 10 comprise a generally flat shape The primary locking arms 10 comprises primary elastic levers 12 that extend from the base member 30 in position assurance movement direction MD. At respective ends 13 thereof, the primary locking arms comprise primary latching hooks 14. The primary latching hooks 14 elastically latch with corresponding first latching features 118 of the connector housing 110 for securely holding the position assurance member 1 at the connector housing in the final-lock position 124. Thereby, the primary latching hooks 14 provide a resistive force against movement from a final-lock position 124 to the pre-lock position 122. Further the primary latching hooks 14 elastically abut with the first latching features 118 for providing a resistive force against unintentionally moving the position assurance member 1 from the pre-lock position 122 into the final-lock position 124. This prevent unintentionally closing the position assurance member 1 during transport or assembly. As shown in Fig. 2A the second latching features 118 can preferably be first vertical edges 118 of the connector housing 110. The edges 118 can be additionally slanted to control or decrease the opening force from the final-lock position 124 to the pre-lock position 122 if required.
The position assurance member further comprises two secondary locking arms 20. Each one of the secondary locking arms 20 is integrated into one of the primary locking arms 10. Particularly each of the secondary locking arms 20 is arranged within a window 11 of the primary locking arm 10. Each one of the secondary locking arms 20 comprises a secondary elastic lever 22 that extends from the primary locking arm 10 against position assurance movement direction MD. The secondary locking arms 20 comprise secondary latching hooks 24 at the free ends 23 of the secondary locking arms 20. The secondary latching hooks 24 latch with a second latching features 116 of the connector housing 110 for providing a resistive force against movement of the position assurance member 1 from the pre-lock position 122 to an unmounted position 120.
As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2B each of the secondary locking arms 20 further comprises an extension 26 at a free end 23 of the secondary elastic lever 22, for preventing outward bending of the secondary locking arm 20 in the pre-lock position 122. Particularly, the extension 26 in the pre-lock position 122 engages behind the second latching features 116 such that the secondary locking arm 20 cannot be bent excessively outwards, and thus prevents damaging the secondary locking arm 20 if the position assurance member 1 is pulled unintentionally against mounting direction MD.
Further, the primary latching hook 14 is distanced from the base member 30 at a larger distance than the secondary latching hook 24. Thus, a two-stage latching can be realized wherein the position assurance member 1 when moved in mounting direction MD initially latches with the connector housing 110 in the pre-lock position 122 and thereafter in the final-lock position 124.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the primary latching hook 14 and the secondary latching hook 24 point in opposite directions. Preferably, the primary latching hook 14 points inwards for engagement with first vertical edge 118 of the connector housing 110. And preferably, the secondary latching hook 24 points outwards for engagement with the second latching feature 116 of the connector housing 110. Thus, the latching hooks 14, 24 latch in opposite directions. This arrangement ensures that particularly the latching force of the secondary latching hook 24 increases when the primary locking arm 10 is bend to release the primary latching hook from latching with the connector housing 110. Thus, if the primary latching hook 14 is released to move the position assurance member 1 from the final-lock position 124 to the pre-lock position 122 then the secondary latching hook 24 ensures that the position assurance member 1 is securely held at the connector housing 110. Thereby the pressure of the secondary latching hook 24 onto the second latching feature 116 increases, what improves the latching.
This effect is particularly shown in the schematical Figs. 3A and 3B. As shown in Fig. 3B, the primary locking arm 10 can be bend outwards, as indicated by arrow 15, for moving the position assurance member 1 from the final-lock position 124 to the pre-lock position 122. Thereby, that the primary latching hook 14 disengages from the first latching feature 118. Simultaneously the secondary latching hook 24 also moves outward and the engagement distance d between the secondary latching hook 24 and the second latching feature 116 increases. This increase of the distance d increases the latching force of the secondary latching hook 24 with the second latching feature 116.
In addition, as the secondary elastic lever 22 of the secondary locking arm 20 points against the position assurance movement direction MD and in removal direction 21 of the position assurance member 1, the locking force of the secondary latching hook 24 further increases. This is because during an attempt to remove the position assurance member 1 in removal direction 21 the secondary elastic lever 22 slightly bends outwardly which further increases the latching force. The more the position assurance member 1 is moved in removal direction 21 the higher the latching force will be. Thus, the orientation of the secondary locking arm 20 against the position assurance movement direction MD further prevents the position assurance member 1 from unintentional release from the pre-lock position 122 to the unmounted position 120.
Further, as shown in Fig. 4 the secondary locking arm 20 in the pre-lock position 122 abuts the second latching feature 116 of the connector housing 110, wherein the second latching feature 116 has a slanted edge 114, that is pointed to the inside with a draft angle α. Alternatively or in addition, the secondary latching hook 24 can also have a slanted edge, that is pointed to the outside with a draft angle β.
An intentional release of the position assurance member 1 from the pre-lock position 122 to the unmounted position 120 can be done by tools 210 as shown in Figs. 5A-5C and manually by hand as shown in Figs. 7A-7B.
By means of a tool 210, e.g. a special removal tool or a flat screwdriver, the secondary locking arm 20 can be pushed to the inside as indicated in Fig. 5B by secondary locking arm 20'. Thereby, the secondary latching hook 24 disengages from the second latching feature 116. When only the secondary locking arm 20 is actuated, the primary locking arm 10 can maintain its position, i.e. is not bend inwards. This has the advantage, that only a small actuation force for bending the secondary locking arm 20 is required.
In Fig. 5C, as an alternative, also both the primary locking arm 10 and the secondary locking arm 20 can be bent commonly to the inside. Thereby, likewise the secondary latching hook 24 disengages from the second latching feature 116. This has the advantage that excessive actuation forces onto the secondary locking arm 20 are prevented, what avoids any damage thereof.
Figs. 6 and 7A-B shows a second, alternative embodiment of the position assurance member 1 that comprises an outer actuation surface 28, that enables pushing the secondary locking arm 20 to the inside of the position assurance member 1 by means of a human finger 200 for releasing the secondary locking arm 20 from engagement with the connector housing 110 in the pre-lock position 122. The outer actuation surface 28 is preferably arranged at the outer sides of each one of the two secondary locking arms 20 and preferably knurled to improve gripping and manually moving the position assurance member 1. Likewise, as shown in Fig. 6, the outer surface of the primary locking arm 10 can be knurled to improve the manual gripping. The position assurance member 1 of this second embodiment may be larger than the position assurance member 1 of the first embodiment, such that manual actuation can be considered.
As shown in Figs. 7A and 7B the two outer actuation surfaces 28 can be actuated by the fingers 200 of an operator in different finger positions. This improves ergonomics and allows versatile use of the position assurance member 1.
Besides that, the position assurance member 1 generally corresponds to the first embodiment.

List of reference signs

1: position assurance member
10: primary locking arm
11: window
12: primary elastic lever
13: leading end
14: primary latching hook
15: arrow
20: secondary locking arm
21: removal direction
22: secondary elastic lever
23: free end
24: secondary latching hook
26: extension
28: outer actuation surface
30: base member
32: actuation cavity
50: terminal locking pins
60: connector blocking pins
100: connector assembly
110: connector housing
111: terminal receptacles
114: slanted edge
116: second latching feature / second edge
118: first latching feature / first edge
120: unmounted position
122: pre-lock position
124: final-lock position
200: human finger
210: release tool

Claims

A position assurance member (1), such as a terminal position assurance (TPA) member or a connector position assurance (CPA) member, for an electrical connector assembly (100), wherein the position assurance member (1) is adapted to be mounted to a connector housing (110) of the electrical connector assembly (100) and being movable relative to the connector housing (110) between a pre-lock position (122) and a final-lock position (124) along a position assurance movement direction (MD), the position assurance member (1) comprising:
- at least one primary locking arm (10) extending from a base member (30), wherein the primary locking arm (10) comprises a primary latching hook (14) for providing a resistive force against movement from the final-lock position (124) to the pre-lock position (122) and from the pre-lock position (122) to the final-lock position (124); and

- a secondary locking arm (20) integrated into the primary locking arm (10), wherein the secondary locking arm (20) comprise a secondary latching hook (24) for providing a resistive force against movement from the pre-lock position (122) to an unmounted position (120);

- wherein the primary latching hook (14) and the secondary latching hook (24) point in opposite directions.
The position assurance member according to claim 1, wherein the primary latching hook (14) points to the inside of the position assurance member (1) and the secondary latching hook (24) points to the outside of the position assurance member (1).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the primary locking arm (10) comprises a primary elastic lever (12) that extends from the base member (30) in position assurance movement direction (MD).
The position assurance member according to claim 3, wherein the primary latching hook (14) is arranged at a leading end (13) of the primary elastic lever (12).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the primary locking arm (10) comprises a generally flat shape and the secondary locking arm (20) is arranged within a window (11) of the primary locking arm (10).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the secondary locking arm (20) comprises a secondary elastic lever (22) that extends from the primary locking arm (10) against position assurance movement direction (MD).
The position assurance member according to claim 6, wherein the secondary latching hook (24) is arranged at a free end (23) of the secondary elastic lever (22).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 6 or 7, wherein the secondary locking arm (20) comprises an extension (26) at a free end (23) of the secondary elastic lever (22), for preventing outward bending of the secondary locking arm (20) in the pre-lock position (122).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the secondary locking arm (20) is arranged to be pushed to the inside of the position assurance member (1) for unlocking the position assurance member (1) to be free to move from the pre-lock position (122) to an unmounted position (120).
The position assurance member according to claim 9, wherein the secondary locking arm (20) comprising an outer actuation surface (28), that enables pushing the secondary locking arm (20) to the inside of the position assurance member (1) by means of a human finger (200).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the primary latching hook (14) is distanced from the base member (30) at a larger distance than the secondary latching hook (24).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 11, comprising two primary locking arms (10) and two secondary locking arms (20), wherein the position assurance member (1) forms a generally U-shape.
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 12, further comprising a terminal locking pin (50) for locking an electrical terminal within the electrical connector assembly (100).
The position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 13, further comprising a connector blocking pin (60) for locking two electrical connectors in mated condition.
Electrical connector assembly (100) comprising the position assurance member according to one of the claims 1 to 14 and a connector housing (110), wherein the secondary locking arm (20) in the pre-lock position (122) abuts a latching feature (116) the connector housing (110); wherein
the latching feature (116) has a slanted edge (114), that is pointed to the inside with a draft angle (α); and/or

wherein the secondary latching hook (24) has a slanted edge, that is pointed to the outside with a draft angle (β).