EP4641845A1

EP4641845A1 - Reusable and expandable lever arrangement having anti-overlocking feature

Info

Publication number: EP4641845A1
Application number: EP24172753.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nithish Sukumar; Norbert Dobernig
Original assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
Current assignee: Aptiv Technologies AG
Priority date: 2024-04-26
Filing date: 2024-04-26
Publication date: 2025-10-29

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector assembly set which comprises a connector housing and a U-shaped mate assist device comprising two interconnectable arms. Each arm comprises one or more locking elements to form a form-locked connection with one or more counterpart locking elements on the respective other arm. Each arm also comprises an interlocking portion, on which the locking elements are arranged on at least two positions, to allow at least two interlocking positions of the arms for adjusting the width of the U-shaped mate assist device. Additionally, the interlocking portions of the interconnected arms form the bowl of the U-shaped form of the mate assist device when connected to each other. Moreover, the locking elements have two or more locking orientations, where one orientation is inhibiting movement in one axial direction of the bowl and the other orientation is inhibiting movement in the other axial direction. The set further comprises a mounting tool adapted to release at least one of the locking orientations, to allow adjustment of the width of the U-shaped mate assist device.

Description

1. Field of the invention

This invention relates to an electrical connector assembly set where a connector is connected with a mate assistance device to a corresponding counter electrical connector with a dedicated anti-overlocking feature.

2. Background

In the automotive industry, the rise of the number of electronic components in vehicles is constantly increasing, which increases the number of electrical connections that need to be made within a vehicle. These connections are crucial for linking electrical parts and safeguarding them against accidental disengagements or environmental threats like water and dust. Moreover, the typical mechanical stress caused by vibrations during regular driving scenarios, such as in urban areas, places a significant strain on maintaining the integrity of these electrical connections.
Conventionally, to address these challenges, and also to facilitate mating of connectors with a large number of terminals, such connectors are joined using mate-assist devices, often involving a lever mechanism. This mechanism functions by pulling one connector housing towards another through, for example, the rotational movement of a lever, generating a cam-like movement within the connectors. The lever must be sturdy enough to endure the forces applied when activating the mate-assist feature through lever rotation, yet sufficiently flexible to attach securely to the connector, typically requiring elastic bending of parts of the lever. These levers are usually constructed from multiple components.
EP 3 955 395 A1 discloses a connector assembly which comprises a connector housing adapted to engage with a corresponding counter connector housing. A lever comprising a first lever arm and a second lever arm is pivotably and sealingly mounted to the connector housing. Each lever arm comprises interlocking means for connecting the first lever arm to the second lever arm at a first location. The interlocking means of each of the first lever arm and the second lever arm are configured to define complementary symmetrical surfaces that interlock with one another when the lever arms are pivotably mounted to the connector housing. On mounting the lever arms to the connector housing, the lever is configured to move about the connector housing between an open state and a closed state to secure the counter connector housing to the connector housing.
In WO 2010/076592 A1 a connector assembly is disclosed comprising a first connector housing and a complementary second connector housing and a mate assist device. The mate assist device comprises an actuating arm movably mountable to the first connector housing, wherein the actuating arm comprises a cam slot and the second connector housing comprises a corresponding cam peg to engage the cam slot, such that upon actuating of the mate assist device the cam slot can draw the cam peg towards the first connector housing to move the second connector housing towards the first connector housing.
It is disadvantageously here, that in the case of mate assist devices assembled from two parts, like the two arms of a U-shaped device, the lever arms of the mate assist device might be interlocked at a too short width during assembly, as the arms can be pushed too far into each other in a squeeze-like assembly movement of an assembler. This is referred to as an overlocking of the arms. In case of overlocking, the lever has a too short width which leads to unnecessary strain on the lever components and thus reduced operational lifetime. Thus, there is a demand for lever types of the kind that is assembled from two or more parts, which prevent overlocking.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved mate assist device. It is thus an object of the present invention to overcome some or all the deficiencies of the prior art. It is in particular an object to provide mate assist devices that can be utilized on connector housings without facing the risk of overlocking during assembly.

3. Summary

The above objects are at least partially achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, and the skilled person will find clues to other suitable aspects of the present invention in the overall disclosure of the present application.
An aspect of the invention relates to a connector assembly set which comprises a connector housing and a U-shaped mate assist device comprising two interconnectable arms. Each arm comprises one or more locking elements to form a form-locked connection with one or more counterpart locking elements on the respective other arm. Each arm also comprises an interlocking portion, on which the locking elements are arranged on at least two positions, to allow at least two interlocking positions of the arms for adjusting the width of the U-shaped mate assist device. Additionally, the interlocking portions of the interconnected arms form the bowl of the U-shaped form of the mate assist device when connected to each other. Moreover, the locking elements have two or more locking orientations, where one orientation is inhibiting movement in one axial direction of the bowl and the other orientation is inhibiting movement in the other axial direction. The set further comprises a mounting tool adapted to release at least one of the locking orientations, to allow adjustment of the width of the U-shaped mate assist device.
Practically, such an embodiment could be particularly advantageous in applications where the mate assist device needs to be adaptable to fit different sizes of connector housings or where secure but adjustable connections are essential. For instance, in the assembly of electronic connectors, where space is scarce and connectors must be both secure and capable of accommodating varying component sizes, such a connector assembly set provides a versatile solution. The ability to adjust the width of the U-shaped mate assist device allows for a customizable fit, ensuring a secure connection while also allowing for quick and easy adjustments as needed. The inclusion of a mounting tool that can release the locking orientation adds further convenience, making it easier to adjust or disassemble the connection without compromising on security or damaging the device by applying excessive force during assembly or disassembly. Due to the different orientations of the locking elements, the movement in the axial directions of the bowl of the U-shape can be inhibited, thus not only preventing an accidental disengagement of the interconnectable arms, but also avoiding an "over-engagement" of the arms by accidentally squeezing them too tightly together during assembly, thus providing an anti-overlocking feature.
Generally speaking, the locking elements are designed that e.g., they may be locked in a first position without the tool, but it is not possible to push them into a second or third position without the help of the tool. Thus, e.g., the first position may offer the broadest width of the U-shape device. If a narrower width is desired, the two arms need to be mounted in a second position, but the locking elements are designed to prevent a movement into the second position. The tool may be used to release the engagement of the locking elements in the first position, in which the elements lock in both axial directions, and only after release of the engagement, the two arms may be moved to the second, more narrow position. The tool may be designed to release the engagement in only one axial direction or in both axial directions.
In a preferred embodiment, each of the interconnectable arms comprises an interlocking portion and a stem portion, forming an L-shaped form, wherein the stem portion forms the stem, and the interlocking portion forms the leg of the L-shaped form.
In such an embodiment, the L-shaped form of the interconnectable arms could significantly improve the ease of assembly and the robustness of the connection in various applications. The stem portion could be designed to fit into or onto another component, for example the connector housing, while the interlocking portion with its locking elements ensures a secure connection to another arm that can be adjusted or disassembled as needed. The clear division between the stem and the interlocking leg of the L-shape makes it ergonomically easier for assemblers to fit the arms together, contributing to a user-friendly assembly process. Moreover, the L-shaped design allows for compactness and efficiency in the use of space, which is particularly beneficial in confined spaces.
Such an embodiment can be further improved, when the interlocking portions of the interconnected arms form the bowl of the U-shaped form of the mate assist device when connected to each other, while the stem portions form the stems of the U-shaped form.
This arrangement offers significant advantages in applications requiring adjustable and secure connections. The U-shaped mate assist device, with its adjustable width, can provide a versatile and secure holding mechanism. The bowl of the U-shape, formed by the interconnected arms' interlocking portions, can be adapted to hold connector housings of various sizes securely, while the stem portions provide the necessary support and alignment for the entire assembly. This reduces the risk of disconnection or damage of the connector assembly. Additionally, the ability to adjust the width of the U-shape by repositioning the arms allows for customization according to the specific requirements of the connector assembly, offering a practical solution that can be tailored to a wide range of scenarios.
Another embodiment comprises locking orientations that are realized by stopping surfaces to form a form-locked connection with a locking element of the respective other arm, to inhibit relative movement of the interlocking portions in one axial direction.
Such a mechanism could provide substantial benefits in contexts requiring secure, yet adjustable, connections. For example, the form-locked connection facilitated by the stopping surfaces ensures that components stay firmly attached to each other, eliminating the risk of accidental disassembly or loosening under stress. This feature is particularly advantageous in environments subject to vibrations or movements, such as the conventional vehicle use, where the integrity of connections can significantly impact safety and functionality. The precision of the form-locked connection, achieved through the interaction between the stopping surfaces and locking elements, allows for a reliable assembly that can withstand external forces while still offering the flexibility to adjust the configuration as needed without compromising the connection's strength.
In a further embodiment the locking element(s) are oriented in a way to reversibly block the movement in the axial direction of the bowl.
This is beneficial when the distance between the interlocking portions of the arms needs to be flexible, as the ability to reversibly block and unblock the axial movement allows for easy customization of the width of the U-shaped mate assist device without compromising the stability of the connection. Assemblers can quickly and reversibly adjust the width of the U-shaped mate assist device to accommodate different connector housing sizes by means of the tool. This functionality is particularly useful in environments where configurations need to be frequently changed or adjusted, providing a balance between flexibility and security in assembly design.
In another preferred embodiment, the interlocking portion on one arm is provided in form of a shaft and the interlocking portion on the other arm is provided in form of a corresponding receptacle.
Such a shaft and receptacle configuration could offer significant advantages in applications requiring quick and reliable assembly and disassembly. The shaft and receptacle design allows for straightforward alignment and secure fitting, ensuring that structures can be rapidly assembled, adjusted, and disassembled as needed, without compromising on stability or safety. This mechanism provides a practical solution for fast and secure assembly, enabling self-alignment of the arms.
Such an embodiment can be further adapted, when the shaft is provided with at least two snaping teeth and interior walls of the receptacle are provided with at least one counterpart that allow a connection of teeth and counterparts, for realizing the at least two variable interlocking positions of the lever arms for adjusting the width of the U-shaped mate assist device.
The capability to adjust the width of the U-shaped mate assist device through such variable interlocking positions offers significant advantages in fields requiring customizable and flexible assembly solutions. This ensures an elevated level of adaptability and reliability in assembly processes, enhancing product functionality.
Furthermore, such an embodiment might be adapted in a way that the shaft is at least partially covered by a cap that is adapted to at least partially receive the interlocking portion of the other arm when the arms are connected with each other.
The inclusion of a cap that at least partially receives the interlocking portion of the other arm could provide substantial advantages in applications where environmental protection for the interlocking connection is a concern. For instance, in outdoor settings where connectors are exposed to dust, moisture, or other contaminants, the cap can help to prevent debris from entering the interlocking mechanism, thereby preserving the integrity and functionality of the connection. Furthermore, the cap can also provide an ergonomic assembly feature, to ease the interlocking procedure for assemblers.
In another embodiment according to the invention, the interlocking portion comprises one or more flexible stopping cantilevers with stopping elements.
The incorporation of flexible stopping cantilevers with stopping elements could offer significant advantages: The stopping elements ensure that once engaged, the connection is secure and resistant to accidental dislodgment, while the flexibility of the cantilevers allows for gentle engagement and disengagement by the tool, minimizing the risk of damage to the components. For instance, the flexible stopping cantilevers can be flexed into a disengaging position by the mounting tool, thus allowing the assembly of the interlocking portions of the arms, as the unflexed cantilever will block axial movement with its stopping elements.
Such an embodiment can be improved, when the stopping cantilevers comprise one or more ramps adapted for interacting with the mounting tool.
Ramps on the stopping cantilevers that are adapted for interaction with a mounting tool could be particularly beneficial in applications requiring frequent adjustments or in environments where manual adjustments may be challenging. The ability to use a mounting tool to precisely engage and disengage the connector assembly's locking mechanism can significantly streamline these processes. This feature ensures that adjustments can be made quickly, accurately, and without the need for excessive force or direct manual manipulation, reducing the risk of damage to the components, especially during the assembly process.
Further improvement can be achieved, when the mounting tool is adapted to force the stopping cantilevers in a release direction to facilitate a disengagement of the stopping elements.
This functionality of the mounting tool to force the stopping cantilevers in a release direction is particularly advantageous in settings where ease of use is critical, as this design provides a simple way of disengaging the stopping elements from their counterparts. Such a tool-assisted release mechanism ensures that these types of operations can be performed quickly and safely.
A further improvement can be achieved when the mounting tool, for embodiments comprising locking portions with receptacle, comprises a cross-section in form of a semi-arch adapted to deflect the stopping cantilever when inserted into a corresponding receptacle; and the receptacle preferably comprises one or more stopping indentations on the inner surface to accommodate stopping elements.
In such an embodiment, the semi-arch cross-section of the mounting tool and the receptacle equipped with stopping indentations could provide significant advantages. The semi-arch cross-section of the mounting tool can provide a means of deflection to flex the stopping cantilever out of engagement during tool operation. During disengagement of the stopping cantilever, the cantilever is flexed out of the engagement with the stopping indentations on the receptacle, thus allowing movement of the shaft inside the receptacle. The mounting tool's interaction with the stopping cantilevers offers a method for quick and precise positional adjustments, ensuring that the stopping cantilever can be securely locked in place or easily removed as needed.
In another embodiment, the locking elements comprise snap-fit hooks and corresponding snap-fit counterparts.
The use of snap-fit hooks and counterparts as locking elements could be particularly advantageous, when components need to be assembled quickly and securely. For instance, in the assembly of a mate assist device, where components must be securely fastened but also easily accessible for repair or replacement, the snap-fit mechanism facilitates a streamlined assembly process. This not only speeds up the assembly and maintenance but also contributes to the mate assist device's overall compactness and durability. The snap-fit design ensures a tight and secure fit that can withstand the demands of daily use while still allowing for the possibility of disassembly without causing damage to the components, providing a balance between durability, ease of assembly, and maintainability.
In a further embodiment according to the invention, at least one interlocking portion comprises receptacle in form of a through hole adapted to receive the tool therein.
A through hole adapted to receive the tool could significantly benefit applications requiring frequent adjustments. A through hole offers an alignment support for the use of the mounting tool, as this gives a clear guidance for the assembler during the assembling process.
In another embodiment according to the invention, each arm comprises a connection means to connect the arm to the connector housing.
Such a connection means could take various forms, such as snap-fit mechanisms, screw threads, clips, or any other suitable mechanical fastening methods, depending on the requirements for strength, ease of assembly, and disassembly. It allows for an easier assembly of the arms onto the housing.

4. Brief description of the figures

In the following, a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed by reference to the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1:: illustrates a connector assembly set according to the invention in a perspective view.
Fig. 2:: shows the connector assembly set of Fig. 1 where the mate assist device is mounted thereon, in a front view.
Fig. 3A:: shows the tip of the mounting tool in a perspective view.
Fig. 3B:: illustrates the mounting of the mounting tool onto the shaft of a male arm in a position before engaging the stopping cantilever in a side view.
Fig. 3C:: depicts the application of the mounting tool onto the shaft of a male arm engaging the stopping cantilever.
Fig. 4:: shows the receptacle of a female arm of the embodiment in a perspective view.
Fig. 5:: illustrates the application of the mounting tool in the embodiment before engaging the stopping cantilever in a cross-sectional view.
Fig. 6:: depicts the assembly steps of the embodiment of the connector assembly set.

5. Detailed description of the figures

The subsequent sections provide a detailed description of the invention, referencing the accompanying illustrations for clarity. The descriptions represent examples only and are not intended to limit the invention's scope. Identical reference numerals across the figures and text denote the same components. The illustrations may not reflect actual size or scale; their dimensions, proportions, and depictions of elements might be enhanced for better understanding and visual convenience.
Figure 1 illustrates a connector assembly set 1 according to the invention. It shows a connector housing 2, a mounting tool 3, an L-shaped male arm 100 and an L-shaped female arm 200. The L-shape provides a robust, yet versatile structure and is thus beneficial for the assembly of the U-shaped mate assist device 10. The male arm 100 comprises a cap 104 and connection means 122 for connecting the arm 100 with housing 2. It further comprises an interlocking portion 110 comprising a shaft 102. The female arm 200 comprises a corresponding connection means 222 and an interlocking portion 220 comprising a receptacle 202 adapted to receive the shaft 102. When connected, the arms 100, 200 form a U-shaped mate assist device 10 in the form of a rotary lever. The function of such rotary mate-assist levers is well known in the art, and it is therefore refrained from giving a detailed explanation thereof.
The arms 100, 200 can be mounted to the connector housing 2 by their corresponding connection means 122, 222. For the assembly of the arms into the mate assist device 10, the mounting tool needs to be engaged into the receptacle 202, which is in the shown embodiment in form of a through-hole. Then, the shaft 102 of the male arm 100 can be introduced into the receptacle 202 from the opposite opening and the ensemble of the arms 100, 200 can be aligned into the desired position. During the mounting procedure, the cap 104 cannot just provide an ergonomic feature for the assembler, but a mechanical protection of the shaft 102 as well.
The embodiment is shown in Figure 2 in a front view, where the distinct U-shape of the assembled mate assist device 10 mounted on the connector housing 2 is shown. In the configuration of Figure 2, the arms 100, 200 are interlocked thereby forming the U-shaped device 10. The male arm 100 comprises two distinct portions, a stem portion 120 and an interlocking portion 110. The portions form an L-shape, where the stem portion 120 corresponds to the stem of the L-shape and the interlocking portion 110 corresponds to the leg of the L-shape. The female arm 200 also comprises two distinct portions, a stem portion 220 and an interlocking portion 210. The portions form an L-shape, where the stem portion 220 corresponds to the stem of the L-shape and the interlocking portion 210 corresponds to the leg of the L-shape. The interconnected arms form a U-shape, where the interconnected interlocking portions 110 and 210 form the bowl 12 of the U-shape and the stem portions form the stems 14 of the U-shape. One can see that the width of the bowl 12 matches the width of the connector housing 2.
In Figure 3A, the tip 30 of the mounting tool 3 is depicted. The tip 30 is adapted to be inserted into the receptacle 202. It comprises a semi-arch cross-section as well as a deflection means in form of a notch 32 to deflect a stopping cantilever (shown in Fig. 3C) when operated during assembly.
Figures 3A and 3B show the shaft 102 of the male arm 100 being partially inserted into the tip 30 of the tool 3. The figures are perspective views as seen from above. The cap 104 partially covers the shaft 102. The female arm 200 is not shown for clarity reasons. The shaft 102 comprises a number of locking elements 112, of which two are visible in Figs. 3A and 3B. It further comprises a stopping cantilever 106, that comprises a stopping element 108. In Fig. 3A the stopping cantilever 106 is not deflected and in its default position.
In Figure 3B the shaft 102 is only partially sheathed by the tip 30 of the mounting tool 3 and the notch 32 of the tool 3 is not yet in engagement with the stopping cantilever 106. The tip 30 can only be sheathed onto the shaft 102 until it is inhibited from further movement (to the left in the figure) by a mounting edge 116.
In Figure 3C the mounting tool 3 is pushed further to the left in the figure until the tip 30 is stopped by the mounting edge 116. Thereby, a defined positioning of the tool 3 relative to the shaft 102 is secured. In this position, the notch 32 of the mounting tool 3 deflects the stopping cantilever 106 downwards, thus moving the stopping element 108 out of its default position.
Figure 4 depicts the interlocking portion 210 of the female arm 200 in a perspective view. The receptacle 202 is realized in form of a through hole with two opposing open ends. One end provides the access of the mounting tool 3 for the assembly operation. The other end receives the shaft 102 of the male arm 100. On the inner wall of the receptacle stopping indentations 204 are arranged, adapted to engage with the stopping element 108 of the male shaft 102. The locking elements 212 are positioned on the inner wall of the receptacle 202 as well at the open end adapted to receive the shaft 102.
In Figure 5, the interconnected male 100 and female arms 200 are partially depicted in a cut side view. One can see the stopping indentations 204 inside the receptacle 202. Further, one can see the locking element 212. The shaft 102 is partially arranged inside receptacle 202. A movement in insertion direction (to the right in Fig. 5) is prevented by the interaction of stopping indentation 204 and stopping element 108. A movement against the insertion direction (to the left in Fig. 5) is prevented by the interaction of the locking element 112 of the shaft 102 and the locking element 212 of the receptacle 202. The stopping element 108 on the stopping cantilever 106 is in the shown configuration engaged with the second indentation 204, as seen from the left in Fig. 5. Thus, in the shown configuration it is not possible to move the shaft 102 in either direction.
The stopping cantilever 106 remains in position, thus inhibiting a movement of the shaft 102 further into the receptacle 202. Thus, the arms are locked in the shown position, and it is not possible to accidentally "overlock" the arms by pushing the shaft 102 too far into the receptacle 202. Thus, the width of the U-shaped device 10 cannot be accidentally changed by inserting the shaft 102 too far.
This anti-overlocking can only be cleared upon insertion of the tool 3 onto the shaft 102, until the notch 32 of the tool deflects the stopping cantilever 106 (as shown in Fig. 3C), thus disengaging the stopping element 108 from the indentation 204.
Figure 6 depicts the assembly steps of the connector assembly set 1. In a first step, the female arm 200 and the connector housing 2 are provided. Next, the female arm 200 is mounted on the connector housing 2 in a second step. In a third step, the male arm 100 and the mounting tool 3 are provided. In a fourth step, the mounting tool 3 is introduced into the receptacle 202 of the female arm 200. Next, the male arm 100 is mounted on the housing 2 and the shaft 102 of the male arm 100 is introduced into receptacle 202 of the female arm 200 and thus partially into the tip of the mounting tool 3, which deflects the stopping cantilever upon insertion (not shown). Thereby, it is possible to introduce the shaft 102 further into the receptacle 202 and over the first stopping indentation 204 (as seen from the left in Fig. 5), until it reaches e.g., the second or third indentation 204. Without the inserted tool 3, the shaft 102 would already be stopped by the first indentation 204, as will be understood by the skilled person upon considering the cut view of Fig. 5. Once the shaft 102 is in its desired position, the tool 3 is removed (Step 6) and the two arms 100, 200 are secured to each other providing a defined width of the device 10. Without the tool 3, it is not possible to change the width of the device.
The skilled person will recognize that it is easily possible to use the same principle on the same tool to disengage also the locking elements 112. To this end, one could e.g., provide the tool tip 30 with another notch opposite the notch 32 to e.g., deflect also the part of the shaft 102 carrying the locking elements 112 (not shown). Thereby, the locking element 112 could be brought out of engagement in the same way as the stopping element 108.

Reference list:

1: connector assembly set
2: connector housing
3: mounting tool
10: mate assist device
12: bowl of the U-shape
14: stem of the U-shape
30: tip of mounting tool
32: notch
100: male arm
102: shaft
104: cap
106: stopping cantilever
108: stopping element
110: interlocking portion
112: locking element
116: mounting edge
120: stem portion
122, 222: connection means
200: female arm
202: receptacle
204: indentation
210: interlocking portion
212: locking element
220: stem portion

Claims

A connector assembly set (1) comprising:
a connector housing (2);

a U-shaped mate assist device (10), comprising two interconnectable arms;

each arm comprising:
one or more locking element(s) (112, 212) to form a form-locked connection with one or more counterpart locking element(s) (112, 212) on the respective other arm; and

an interlocking portion (110, 210), on which the locking element(s) (112, 212) are arranged on at least two positions, to allow at least two interlocking positions of the arms for adjusting the width of the U-shaped mate assist device (10); and

the interlocking portions (110, 210) of the interconnected arms form the bowl (12) of the U-shaped form of the mate assist device (10) when connected to each other; and

the locking element(s) (112, 212) have two or more locking orientations, where one orientation is inhibiting movement in one axial direction of the bowl (12) and the other orientation is inhibiting movement in the other axial direction; and

the set further comprising a mounting tool (3) adapted to release at least one of the locking orientations, to allow adjustment of the width of the U-shaped mate assist device (10).
A connector assembly set (1) according to claim 1, where each of the interconnectable arms comprises an interlocking portion (110, 210) and a stem portion (120, 220), forming an L-shaped form, wherein the stem portion (120, 220) forms the stem, and the interlocking portion (110, 210) forms the leg of the L-shaped form.
A connector assembly according to claim 2, where the interlocking portions (110, 210) of the interconnected arms form the bowl (12) of the U-shaped form of the mate assist device (10) when connected to each other, while the stem portions (120, 220) form the stems (14) of the U-shaped form.
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking orientations are realized by stopping surfaces to form a form-locked connection with a locking element (112, 212) of the respective other arm, to inhibit relative movement of the interlocking portions (110, 210) in one axial direction.
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element(s) (112, 212) are oriented in a way to reversibly block the movement in the axial direction of the bowl (12).
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where the interlocking portion (110, 210) on one arm is provided in form of a shaft (102) and the interlocking portion (110, 210) on the other arm is provided in form of a corresponding receptacle (202).
A connector assembly set (1) according to claim 6, where the shaft (102) is provided with at least two snaping teeth and interior walls of the receptacle (202) are provided with at least one counterpart that allow a connection of teeth and counterparts, for realizing the at least two variable interlocking positions of the lever arms for adjusting the width of the U-shaped mate assist device (10).
A connector assembly set (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the shaft (102) is at least partially covered by a cap (104) that is adapted to at least partially receive the interlocking portion (110, 210) of the other arm when the arms are connected with each other.
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interlocking portion (110, 210) comprises one or more flexible stopping cantilever(s) (106) with stopping element(s) (108).
A connector assembly set (1) according to claim 9, wherein the stopping cantilever(s) (106) comprise(s) one or more ramps adapted for interacting with the mounting tool (3).
A connector assembly set (1) according to claims 9 to 10, where the mounting tool (3) is adapted to force the stopping cantilever(s) (106) in a release direction to facilitate a disengagement of the stopping element(s) (108).
A connector assembly set (1) according to claim 6 in combination with any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the mounting tool (3) comprises a cross-section in form of a semi-arch adapted to deflect the stopping cantilever (106) when inserted into the corresponding receptacle (202); and the receptacle (202) preferably comprises one or more stopping indentations (204) on the inner surface to accommodate stopping elements (108).
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where the locking elements (112, 212) comprise snap-fit hooks and corresponding snap-fit counterparts.
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where at least one interlocking portion (110, 210) comprises a receptacle (202) in form of a through hole adapted to receive the tool therein.
A connector assembly set (1) according to one of the preceding claims, where each arm comprises a connection means (120, 220) to connect the arm to the connector housing (2).