JP2017506410A - Multi-function connector positioning guarantee device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a connector (2), a fitting connector (3) configured to be fitted to the connector (2) along the plug direction (P), and a connector positioning supported by the connector (2). A latching state (S) in which the connector (2) and the mating connector (3) resist separation in the plug direction (P) in the fully mated position (N). ) To the electrical connector assembly (1). Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector positioning assurance (CPA) device (4) for fixing an electrical connector assembly (1) comprising a connector (2) and a mating connector (3) in a fully mated position (N). . Finally, the invention relates to a connector (2) for an electrical connector assembly (1) configured to mate with a mating connector (3) of the connector assembly (1) in the plug direction (P). In order to facilitate the redesign in miniaturization of the connector assembly (1), the present invention relates to the opposing latch element (33) of the mating connector (2) when the CPA device (4) is in the latched state (S). Including a mating latch element (43a). [Selection] Figure 8

Description

  The present invention includes a connector, a mating connector configured to be mated with the connector along the plug direction, and a connector positioning assurance (CPA) device supported by the connector. In an electrical connector assembly, the connector and mating connector are secured in a latched manner against separation along the plug direction in the mated position.

  The present invention further relates to a CPA device for securing an electrical connector assembly including a connector and a mating connector in a fully mated position.

  Moreover, the present invention relates to a connector for an electrical connector assembly configured to mate with a mating connector of the connector assembly in the plug direction.

  The above types of electrical connector assemblies, CPA devices, and connectors are known. A connector assembly, also called a plug-in connector, is used, for example, to establish an electrical connection in a vehicle. For example, the connector of the connector assembly can be part of the central control and / or calculation unit of the vehicle, and the mating connector can terminate a harness to be connected to the control unit.

  According to the prior art, the connector assembly is generally first latched in a fully mated position, and the connector and mating connector, and therefore the terminals therein, are completely connected to each other by a latching element disposed on the connector. Engaged. This latch mechanism is also called a primary lock mechanism. In addition, CPA devices that can also act as locking members are commonly used to support the latch element, i.e., the primary lock, thereby preventing the latch element from disengaging and / or increasing the retention force of the latch element. increase. Thereby it is ensured that the fully mated position is reached and secured to protect the connection assembly from accidental disconnection of the connector and mating connector.

  For connector assemblies that include prior art CPA devices, changes or modifications to the connector design generally require redesign of the CPA device and hence the manufacture of new tooling for both the connector and the CPA device. There is a drawback of doing. Furthermore, the CPA device concept known from the prior art significantly increases the size of the connector assembly, thus compromising the miniaturization of the connector assembly.

  In view of the shortcomings of the prior art connector assembly described above, the object underlying the present invention is to provide a CPA mechanism that facilitates redesign and miniaturization of the connector assembly.

  This object is achieved according to the invention with respect to the connector assembly described at the beginning of the description, since the CPA device includes a latching element that engages the opposing latching element of the mating connector in the latched state.

  In the CPA device described at the beginning of the description, the problem is solved because the CPA device includes a latching element configured to engage the opposing latching element of the mating connector in the latched state.

  In the connector described at the beginning of the description, the object is solved by a guide configured to receive a CPA device according to the invention for latching the connector to the mating connector in the fully mated position.

  In other words, in the final state of the connector assembly, the connector can be in a fully mated position and latched state with the mating connector, and the CPA device is supported at least by the connector, and the connector and mating connector are It can be in a locked position that locks in the fully mated position. The CPA device includes a latch element that engages an opposing latch element of the mating connector in the latched state.

  The solution according to the invention provides a CPA device for both latching functions, ie primary locking. Therefore, the same CPA device design can be used when changing the connector design and size. Therefore, redesigning the CPA device and preparing the tooling to manufacture it are abolished.

  The solution according to the invention can be combined as desired and is further improved by the following further embodiments, which are in each case advantageous.

  In the latched state, the CPA device can be slidably supported by a connector relative to the mating connector. In other words, the position of the latch element and the opposing latch element, and thus the position of the CPA device relative to the mating connector and / or connector, can be changed without disengagement of the latch element and the opposing latch element, thereby It is possible to perform additional functions by or within the movement of the CPA device without utilizing the disengagement of the mating connector and the connector that can maintain a fully mated state. . The latch element and the opposing latch element may be displaceable relative to each other in the latched state.

  The latch subassembly of the connector assembly includes a protrusion and a slot for receiving the protrusion that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the plug direction. The latch subassembly includes a latch element and an opposing latch element. The nose can protrude along the height direction running perpendicular to the plug direction, the slot can face in the height direction or in the direction opposite to the height direction, and the width of the slot can be It exceeds the width of the nose measured perpendicular to the vertical direction and the plug direction. The nose can protrude into the slot for latching and can move within the slot to allow for displaceability of the latch element relative to the opposing latch element. The latch element can be formed as a slot and the opposing latch element can be formed as a nose protruding from the mating connector along the height direction. The nose can extend from the mating plug portion of the mating connector, essentially radially away from the central axis of the connector assembly.

  In the locked position, the locking element of the CPA device can be placed behind the opposing locking element of the mating connector in the plug direction. In other words, the locking element is engageable with the opposing locking element. Thereby, the secondary locking of the connector assembly in the fully mated position can be performed. The locking element can overlap an opposing locking element that has a protrusion along the plug direction.

  The locking element can be at least partly formed as a sliding bolt and the opposing locking element can be at least partly formed as a lock that overlaps and / or plugs into a protruding locking element along the plug direction. it can. The sliding bolt can easily slide behind the lock or pin formed on the connector when moving the CPA device from the pre-locking position to the locked position.

  The latch element can be arranged between at least two locking elements. Thereby, the force acting on the latch element in the plug direction and in the direction opposite to the plug direction can be minimized. The locking force applied by the locking element acts symmetrically, so that a safe and stable positioning of the connector relative to the mating connector can be achieved.

  Movement of the CPA device to the locked position can be prevented at the locking and / or opposing locking elements in the pre-mated position of the connector assembly. In the pre-mating position, the connector and the mating connector are fitted such that the latching element and / or a latching organ including the latching element abuts or is at least disposed in the vicinity of the opposing latching element. Combined. Thereby, premature movement of the CPA device to the locked position can be prevented, which enters or reaches the fully mated state before the connector and mating connector are locked by the locking element of the CPA device. Can be guaranteed.

  The CPA device can be slidably received in the guide of the connector extending in the working direction running essentially perpendicular to the plug direction. Thereby, the CPA device can be accurately displaced along the actuation direction when moved from the pre-lock position to the lock position.

  The guide may be disposed outside the connector internal space or the connector housing in a wall section of the connector that at least partially surrounds the internal space. Thereby, the interior space of the connector as well as the design of the wall section towards the interior can be redesigned without having to redesign the guide. Furthermore, in the fully mated state, the sealing element does not interfere with the function of the CPA device, and between the connector and the mating connector in the internal space, in particular, the inner circumference of the connector receptacle and the mating connector. Between the outer periphery of the fitting plug section.

  The latch element may be accessible through a gap provided in the casing that at least partially forms the guide. The casing can serve to protect the CPA device and its latching element. The latch element can be accessible at least in the locked position of the CPA device so that the latch can be deflected to separate the connector from the mating connector, if desired.

  At least one fastener formed on the CPA device may be engageable with at least one opposing fastener of the connector to secure the CPA device to the connector. Thereby, the CPA device may be held moored and / or inseparable from the connector. The CPA device can be latched to the connector in the locked position. Additional fasteners can be provided to latch the CPA device to the connector in the pre-lock position.

  The latch element and the opposing latch element can be at least part of the primary lock, the CPA device can further be at least part of the secondary lock, and the primary lock and secondary lock independent of each other are: Secure the connector and mating connector in the fully mated position. In a further embodiment of the CPA device according to the invention, the latching element is formed in a latching device which is held flexibly around a pivot axis running parallel to the actuation direction, and the CPA device is moved from the pre-lock position to the locked position. It is possible to realize that it is configured to. The pivot axis can be defined by a material bridge between the latch and the body portion of the CPA device. Thereby, a CPA device including a latching element can be easily formed integrally as a single piece. The latch can be formed like a frame and the opening in the frame defines the latch element.

  Correspondingly, in a further embodiment of the connector according to the invention, the connector can comprise a guide that defines the direction of operation of the CPA device, the guide extending essentially perpendicular to the plug direction. Can do. The guide may be at least partially configured to support the CPA device in a direction opposite to the plug direction. The connector can include a housing that can include an opening to the guide. The opening can be arranged laterally in the housing and can face in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plug direction for easy insertion of the CPA device into the guide.

  A mating connector according to the present invention is configured to engage a latch element of a CPA device so as not to move the mating connector relative to the connector in a direction opposite to the mating plug direction running at least in a direction opposite to the plug direction. A mating plug portion with a counter-opposed latching element.

  In the following, the invention will be described in detail by way of example using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are merely possible configurations, however, individual features can be implemented independently of one another or omitted as described above. Equal elements shown in the figures are provided with equal reference signs. Redundant parts of the description relating to identical elements shown in different figures are omitted.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a CPA device according to the present invention used in the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is another schematic perspective view of the CPA device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1 in a position before fitting. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective sectional view of the connector assembly at a pre-fitting position along a sectional line VV shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a fully mated position connector assembly with a CPA device in a pre-lock position. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the fully mated position connector assembly with the CPA device in the pre-lock position as shown in FIG. 6 along the cross-sectional line BB shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly in a final state with the connector in the fully mated position and the mating connector and the CPA device in the locked position. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the final state of the connector assembly having the connector in the fully-fitted position and the mating connector and the CPA device in the locked position, taken along section line CC shown in FIG. 8.

  In FIG. 1, a connector assembly 1 according to the invention is shown in a schematic perspective view. The connector assembly 1 includes a connector 2, a mating connector 3, and a connector positioning assurance (CPA) device 4. Furthermore, the connector assembly 1 can include a sealing element 5. The connector assembly 1 serves to engage a contact area 6 (not yet shown) associated with the connector 2 with a mating contact area 7 associated with the mating connector 3. The connector assembly 1 extends along a length direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a height direction Z that together define an orthogonal coordinate system. The connector 2 is moved by moving the connector 2 towards the mating connector 3 in the plug direction P and / or the mating connector 3 towards the connector 2 in the length direction X and the central axis C of the connector assembly 1. It can be fitted to the fitting connector 3 by moving along the fitting plug direction P ′ extending in parallel. The actuation direction A extends essentially perpendicular to the plug direction P and the mating plug direction P 'and essentially parallel to the transverse direction Y.

  The connector 2 includes a housing 20 that at least partially defines a plug portion 21. In this embodiment, the plug portion 21 is formed as a receptacle with an inner contour 22. The upper wall section 20 a of the housing 20 at least partially forms a guide 23 for the CPA device 4. The guide 23 has a bottom surface 23a, an upper surface 23b, and side surfaces 23c, 23d in the region of the upper wall section 22a, all of which run parallel to the operation direction A. The upper surface 23 b and at least a part of the side surfaces 23 c and 23 d are formed on the casing 24 to cover the guide portion 23. The casing 24 and the housing 20 are formed to have an insertion opening 25 that opens in a direction opposite to the operation direction A in order to insert the CPA device 4 into the guide 23. At the front edge of the opening 25, a first opposing fastener 26a is formed to latch the CPA device in the pre-lock position K as shown in FIG. A second opposing fastener 26 b is provided in the slit 27 that extends parallel to the operation direction A in the upper part of the casing 24. Furthermore, a gap 28 is formed in the casing 24 in order to be able to reach the CPA device 4 in the guide 23. In the upper surface 23b, a groove 29 is formed which serves to guide and receive a part of the CPA device 4 extending parallel to the actuation direction A and protruding in the height direction Z.

  The fitting connector 3 includes a fitting housing 30, and the fitting housing 30 includes a fitting plug portion 31 formed as a plug formed to be complementary to the plug portion 31. It comprises an outer contour 32 in which the sealing element 5 is arranged somewhat so as to surround it closely. The mating connector 3 comprises an opposing latch element 23, which in the mating plug direction P ′ so as to comprise an inclined 33a to facilitate engagement with the connector 2 and / or CPA device 4. Be skewed. The opposing latch element 33 may be formed as a nose or pin that protrudes from the housing 30 away from the central axis C and essentially parallel to the height direction Z. The opposing locking element 24 can likewise be formed as a nose or pin protruding from the housing 30 in the height direction Z. The counter-locking elements 24 are also diagonal in the mating plug direction P ′ so that the counter-locking elements 24 each comprise a ramp 24a that facilitates mating of the mating plug element 3 to the plug element 2 and / or CPA device 4. Is done. Furthermore, the mating contact region 7 held and / or housed in the mating connector 3 includes several mating contact elements 70. In this case, the mating contact region 7 is formed as a printed circuit board (PCB).

FIG. 2 shows the CPA device 4 in a schematic perspective view from above. The CPA device 4 has a main body 40 including two main body sections 34a and 34b connected to each other via a bridge 40c. In the main body 40, a tip 41a facing the operation direction A, an end 41b facing the direction opposite to the operation direction A, an upper surface 41c facing the height direction Z, and a back surface facing the direction opposite to the height direction Z. 41d is formed. A recess 42 is formed between the first main body section 40a and the second main body section 40b, and the latch device 43 is disposed. The latching device 43 comprises a latching element 43a, which is essentially in the form of a slot extending along the actuation direction A and having a width w _43a measured parallel to the actuation direction A. The latch element 43 a is surrounded by the frame 43 b of the latch device 43. The frame 43b is connected to the first body section 40a and the second body section 40b via a bridge element 43c in the form of a material bridge. With this arrangement, the bridge element 43c allows the latch element 43a to rotate at least slightly around the pivot axis R, thereby moving in the height direction Z and in the opposite direction relative to the body 40. To do. A release element 43d is formed in the upper part 41 of the CPA device 4 on the latch 43, in particular on the side of the frame 43b opposite the latch element 43a with respect to the pivot axis R, so that the latch 43 It can be easily manipulated by hand or instrument to remove it from the opposing latch element 33. The release element 43d is formed as a lock protruding from the latch device 43 in the height direction Z.

  The CPA device 4 includes a locking element 44. In particular, as shown herein, the two locking elements 44 can comprise a latch 43 disposed between them. One of each locking element 44 is formed in two body sections 40a, 40b. The locking element 44 protrudes from the body 40 in a direction opposite to the height direction Z and is formed as a sliding bolt that essentially extends along the operating direction A. Furthermore, in order to facilitate handling of the CPA device 4, an operating element 45 is provided that protrudes from the body 40 in the height direction Z in the form of a ridge that extends essentially perpendicular to the direction of operation A. The CPA device 4 can be gripped, pushed and / or pulled with the operating element 45. This can in particular make it easier to overcome the holding force generated by the first fastener 46a and the second fastener 46b of the CPA device 4. The fasteners 46a, 46b are configured to interact with the opposing fasteners 26a, 26b, and are disposed between the end 41b and the recess 42 in the second body section 41b. The fasteners 46a, 46b are each formed as a spring clip or lamella having a spring section 46c and a nose 46d protruding in the height direction Z from each of the spring sections.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective rear view of the CPA device 4. Here, each of the locking elements 44 again comprises a slope 44a, so that each of the locking elements 44 has a plug direction P to facilitate engagement with the mating connector 3, in particular its opposing locking element 34. It becomes clear that it is slanted. On the back side, facing the direction opposite to the plug direction P, the locking elements 44 each include a beveled section 44b leading to the abutment section 44c, so that the locking element 44 is arranged behind the counter-locking device 34. If the CPA device 4 is pushed in the operating direction A when it is in contact with the counter-locking device 34, the counter-locking element 34 can be further pulled in the mating plug direction P ′, so that the mating connector 3 When the CPA device 4 is transferred from the pre-lock position K to the lock position L until the lock device 44 is stopped by the opposed lock device 34 by the contact section 44c, it is pulled toward the connector 2. The retracting element 47 is provided at a distance from the locking element 44 in the actuation direction A. The retracting element 47 likewise comprises a slope 47a. Thereby, between the slope 44a of the locking element 44 and the slope 47a of the retracting element 47, a funnel-like retraction 48 for the opposing locking element 34 is formed. Moreover, the CPA device 4 comprises a rail 49, which extends along the body 40 parallel to the direction of operation A and is aligned with the bridge element 43c for enhanced stability and guidance of the CPA device 4. ing.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly 1 in the pre-mating position M with the CPA device 4 in the pre-locking position K. Since the connector 2 and the fitting connector 3 are fitted, the latch device 43 and the opposing latch device 33 are in contact with each other.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 1 in a pre-fitted state M having a CPA device in a pre-lock position K along the cross-sectional line BB shown in FIG. And in a sectional view running parallel to the height direction Z and passing through the opposing latch element 33. Here, the inclination 33a of the opposing latch element 33 abuts on the front side of the latch device 43, in particular, the front edge of the frame 43b, and the latch device 43 may be slightly inclined downward with respect to the pivot axis R. Becomes clear. By pushing the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 towards each other in the plug direction P and / or the mating plug direction P ′, respectively, the leading edge of the frame 43b together with the latch element 43a is bent upward. That is, when moving along the slope 33a of the opposing latch element 33, it will rotate about the pivot axis R, so that the opposing latch element 33 slides over the front edge of the frame 43b. Can enter the latch element 43a. Further, the mating plug portion 31 is inserted into the plug portion 21 so that the mating contact region 70 is disposed immediately before the contact region 6 including the contact element 60 for contacting the mating contact element 70.

  FIG. 6 shows, in another schematic perspective view, the connector assembly 1 with the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 in the fully mated state N and the CPA device 4 in the pre-lock position K. Opposing latch element 33 is received by latch element 43a. Therefore, the connector assembly is in the latched state S, and the connector 2 is latched to the mating connector 3 via the CPA device 4. The opposing locking element 34 enters the casing 24 through the opening 24a. The opening 24 a is formed in the casing 24 and faces the plug direction P.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 1 in the fully-fitted position N and in the latched state S having the CPA device 4 in the pre-lock position K along the cross-sectional line BB shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. I.e., running parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the height direction Z and shown in a cross-sectional view through the opposing latch element 33. In addition to the opposing latch element 33 received by the latch element 43a, a mating plug portion 31 is received by the plug portion 21. The sealing element 5 is received and clamped tightly between the inner contour 22 of the plug part 21 and the outer contour 32 of the mating plug part 31 so that the sealing element 5 is connected to the connector 2, in particular its plug. Formed between the portion 21 and the mating connector 3, it seals the internal space 10 of the connector assembly 1 in which the contact area 6 and the mating contact area 7 are received. In the fully mated state N, the contact region 6 and the mating contact region 7 are engaged with each other so that the contact element 60 is in conductive contact with the mating contact element 70.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly 1 having the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 in the fully mated state N and the latched state S and the CPA device 4 in the locked state L. The connector assembly 1 is in the final state F due to the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 in the fully engaged state M and the latched state S, and the CPA device 4 in the locked position L. The CPA device 4 is pushed, for example, in the actuation direction A by the operating element 45, thereby unlatching the fastener 46a from the opposing fastener 26a, and the latching device 43 for the opposing latching element 33 and the locking device 44 for the opposing locking device 34. Are moved to the lock position L. Thereby, the opposing latch element 33 is moved into the slot-like latch 43a. The locking element 44 is moved behind the opposing locking element 34 in the plug direction P, so that the locking element 44 and the opposing locking element 34 overlap with each other in the protection along the plug direction P. Thereby, the latch element 43a and the opposing latch element 33 act as primary locks. The locking element 44 and the opposing locking element 34 act as a secondary lock. Latch device 43 and opposing latch element 33 constitute a latch subassembly associated with the primary lock. Locker 44 and opposing locker 34 constitute a lock subassembly associated with the secondary lock. Furthermore, it becomes clear that the width w ₃₃ of the opposing latch element 33 measured parallel to the actuation direction A is smaller than the width w _43a of the latch element 43a.

  9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 1 in the final state F taken along the cross-sectional line CC shown in FIG. 8, that is, running parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the height direction Z, Shown in cross section through element 44 and opposing locking element 34. Here, it becomes clear that the locking element 44 is located behind the opposing locking element 34 in the plug direction P, thereby preventing the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 from being separated. Release element 43d and operating element 45 can be used to unlock and unlatch connector assembly 1. In order to unlock, the CPA device 4 must be moved in the direction opposite to the actuation direction A. For unlatching, the release element 43d is disengaged when the latch element 43a is disengaged from the opposing latch element 33 and the opposing latch element 33 is in a direction opposite to the mating plug direction P ′, ie in the plug direction P. It must be pushed down in the direction opposite the height direction Z so that it can be pulled away from the latch element 43a.

  Modifications from the above-described embodiment of the plug-in connector assembly 1 according to the invention are possible without departing from the scope of the invention or without contradicting the idea of the invention.

  The connector 2 can comprise a housing 20 having a plug portion 21 with an inner contour 22, which is optionally complementary to the mating housing 30 of the mating connector 30 with the respective outer contour 32. For example, the mating plug portion 31 can be formed so as to be engaged with the mating plug portion 31 formed. The guide 23 may comprise a bottom surface, a top surface, and side surfaces 23a-d, whatever the form and number required to guide the CPA device 4 in the desired actuation direction A. The casing 24 can be provided in any desired form to cover the guide 23 and protect the CPA device 4. In order to insert the CPA device 4 into the guide 23, the connector 2 can be provided with an insertion opening 25. In order to insert an optional opposing latch element 33 and opposing locking element 34 into the connector 2, the housing 20 and / or casing 20 may be provided with an opening 24a, an insertion opening 25, and / or any desired number and configuration. Alternatively, a gap 28 can be provided. The fasteners 26a, 26b may be shown in any desired number and form, for example, as shown herein, to interact with the respective fasteners 46a, 46b of the CPA device 4 at the pre-lock position K and the lock position L. Such slits 27 and edges can be provided. The grooves 29 can be provided in any desired number and form, for example to accommodate and guide portions protruding from the CPA device 4 such as the release element 43d.

  The mating connector 3 includes a mating housing 30 and can have a mating plug portion 31 that is shaped as desired so as to be mated with the connector 2. Have The opposing latch element 33 and the opposing locking element 34 can be provided in any number and form and can have slopes 33a and 34a as desired.

  The CPA device 4 can have a body 40 with body sections 40a, 40b whatever the desired number and configuration, the body sections 40a, 40b include a bridge 40c and a latch 43, in particular its bridge. They can be connected to each other via element 43c. The CPA device 4 can have a tip 41a, an end 41b, an upper surface 41c, and a back surface 41d whatever the desired number and form. The latching device 43 can be provided in any desired number and configuration to complementarily interact with the opposing latching element 33, and is received in the recess 42, whatever the desired number and configuration. Even there may be provided a latch element 43a, a frame 43b, a bridge element 43c, and a release element 43d. The locking elements 44 can be provided in any desired number and configuration for interacting with the opposing locking elements 34, with any inclination and angle 44a, whatever the desired number and configuration. A section 44b and a contact section 44c can be provided. The operating elements 45 can be provided in any desired number and form. The fasteners 46a, 46b can be provided in any desired number and form and can have a spring section 40c and a nose 46d. The retraction elements 47 can be provided in any desired number and form and can have a slope 47a to constitute the retraction portion 48. Other similar elements in the form of rails 49 or webs can be provided in any desired number and form to enhance the stability and guidance of the CPA device 4.

  Finally, contact area 6 and mating contact area 7 can comprise contact element 60 and mating contact element 70 whatever the desired number and form. They can be provided with an internal space 10 of the connector assembly 1, which can be sealed to the environment by the sealing element 5 whatever the desired number and form. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Connector assembly 2 Connector 3 Mating connector 4 CPA device 5 Sealing element 6 Contact area 7 Mating contact area 10 Inner space 20 Housing 21 Plug part 22 Inner outline 23 Guide part 23a Bottom face 23b Upper face 23c, 23d Side face 24 Casing 24a Opening 25 Insertion opening 26a 1st opposing fastener 26b 2nd opposing fastener 27 Slit 28 Gap 29 Groove 30 Fitting housing 31 Fitting plug part 32 Outer outline 33 Opposite latch element 33a Inclination 34 Opposing lock element 34a Inclination 40 Main body 40a First body section 40b Second body section 40c Bridge 41a Tip 41b End 41c Upper surface 41d Back 42 Recess 43 Latch device 43a Latch element 43b Frame 43c Bridge element 43d Release element 44 44a Inclined 44b Inclined section 44c Abutting section 45 Operating element 46a First fastener 46b Second fastener 46c Spring section 46d Nose 47 Retraction element 47a Inclination 48 Retraction part 49 Rail / web 60 Contact element 70 Fitting Joint contact element A Operating direction C Center axis F Final state K Pre-lock position L Lock position M Pre-fit position N Fully engaged position P Plug direction P 'Mating plug direction R Swing axis S Latch state w ₃₃ Width w _43b Width of latch element

Claims (15)

A connector (2), a fitting connector (3) configured to be fitted to the connector (2) along the plug direction (P), and a connector positioning guarantee supported by the connector (2) ( CPA) device (4) and in the fully engaged position (N), the connector (2) and the mating connector (3) are in a latched state that resists separation in the plug direction (P) An electrical connector assembly (1) fixed in (S), comprising:
The connector assembly (1), wherein the CPA device (4) includes a latching element (43a) that engages an opposing latching element (33) of the mating connector (2) in the latched state (S). .   The said CPA device (4) is supported by the said connector (2) slidable with respect to the said fitting connector (3) in the said latching state (S). Connector assembly (1). The latch subassembly of the connector assembly (1) includes a protrusion and a slot;
3. Connector assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the projection in the latched state (S) is received in the slot movable in a direction perpendicular to the plug direction (P). .   In the locking position (L), the locking element (44) of the CPA device (4) is arranged behind the opposing locking element (34) of the mating connector (3) in the plug direction (P). A connector assembly (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.   The locking element (44) is at least partly formed as a sliding bolt, and the opposing locking element (34) is inserted into the locking element (44) projecting along the plug direction (P). Connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it is at least partly formed as a tension.   6. Connector assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the latching element (43a) is arranged between at least two locking elements (44). Movement of the CPA device (4) to the locking position (L) may cause the locking element (44) and / or the opposing locking element (34) to move in the pre-fitting position (M) of the connector assembly (1). By the way,
In the pre-fitting position (M), the connector (2) and the fitting connector (3) are configured so that the latch element (43a) abuts against the opposed latch element (33) or the opposed latch element ( The connector assembly (1) according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it is fitted so as to be arranged at least in the vicinity of 33).   The CPA device (4) is slidably received in a guide (23) of the connector (2) extending in an operating direction (A) running essentially perpendicular to the plug direction (P). A connector assembly (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.   The guide portion (23) is disposed outside the internal space (10) of the connector (2) in a wall section of the connector (2) that at least partially surrounds the internal space (10). A connector assembly (1) according to claim 8.   10. The latch element (43a) is accessible through a gap (28) provided in a casing (24) that at least partially forms the guide (23). Connector assembly (1).   At least one fastener (46a, 46b) formed on the CPA device (4) is provided at least one opposing fastener of the connector (2) for securing the CPA device (4) to the connector (2). 11. Connector assembly (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is engageable with a tool (26a, 26b). The latch element (43a) and the opposing latch element (33) are at least part of a primary lock;
The CPA device (4) is further at least part of a secondary lock;
12. The at least one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the primary lock and the secondary lock independent of each other secure the connector (2) and the mating connector (3) in the fully mated position (N). A connector assembly (1) according to claim 1. A connector positioning assurance (CPA) device (4) for securing an electrical connector assembly (1) comprising a connector (2) and a mating connector (3) in a fully mated position (N),
Connector wherein the CPA device (4) includes a latch element (43a) configured to engage an opposing latch element (33) of the mating connector (2) in a latched state (S) Positioning Assurance (CPA) device (4). Said latching element (43a) is formed in a latching device (43) held flexibly around a pivot axis (R) running parallel to the actuation direction (A);
The CPA device (4) according to claim 13, wherein the CPA device (4) is configured to move from a pre-lock position (K) to a lock position (L). A connector (2) for said electrical connector assembly (1) configured to mate with a mating connector (3) of the electrical connector assembly (1) in a plug direction (P),
Guide (23) configured to receive a CPA device (4) according to claim 13 or 14 for latching the connector (2) to the mating connector (3) in a fully mated position (N). (2).

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