TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a connector module, that includes internal latch
engagement members and comprises a first connector housing that mates with a second
connector housing. A positive assurance member is attached to one of the connector
housings in a pre-locked mode. The positive assurance member assures that the housings
are fully mated, and contacts therein are fully engaged, in an engaged mode, and that
the housings are locked together, in a locked mode.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] It is occasionally desirable to provide electrical connectors that may be mechanically
and electrically connected together but not readily disconnected. For example, the
ability to easily disconnect an electrical connector module creates a potential safety
hazard in high voltage applications. Such a concern exists in some electrical connections
located under the hood of a motor vehicle. One known device to deter separation of
electrical connectors involves the use of mating connector housings that are snap
fit together, a lock disabler being provided to prevent unsnapping thereof. U.S. patent
no. 5,370,550 is an example of such a device. However, a device of this type may be
disconnected, if desired. Other known devices rely upon the use of connector position
assurance (CPA) members such as described in U.S. patent no. 5,236,373. In structures
of this type the CPA engages mating connector housings exterior thereof to lock such
housings together. Such a CPA is not designed for use with connectors having internal
latches that are not exposed to the outside of the connector. However, when internal
latches are provided, use of a CPA is desirable to assure that the connector housings
and contacts therein are mated, since there typically is no visual indication of such
mating. This may be a particular concern in view of the tendency towards smaller connector
bodies that house smaller connector contacts that make visual indication less likely.
Another concern in view of this tendency is the requirement that such smaller connector
bodies meet the same performance requirements as larger conventional embodiments.
In order to enhance the performance of such smaller connector bodies, it has been
determined that a preferred material is LCP (liquid crystal polymer) or a material
having the same characteristics. Hereinafter, the material will be referred to as
LCP. Connector bodies fabricated from this material must satisfy performance requirements
of the finished product. The performance characteristics of LCP material must also
be taken into consideration. Another concern is that during fabrication of LCP connector
housings by, for example, a conventional molding operation, the LCP material presents
problems regarding weld line strength and filling characteristics of the material.
Further, the flexible yet stiff nature of the LCP material presents concerns regarding
the ability to fabricate a practical smaller connector module having a CPA and an
internal latch.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector module that obviates
the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0004] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a connector module having
a connector positive assurance member that can only be actuated when the connector
module is fully engaged in an engaged mode.
[0005] It is another object of the present invention to provide a connector module having
a connector positive assurance member that is preinstalled in a pre-locked mode to
one of the connector housings of the connector module.
[0006] A further object of the present invention is to provide a connector module having
a connector positive assurance member and including a latch engagement member that
is hidden from view when fully engaged in an engaged mode.
[0007] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a connector module fabricated
from LCP that meets all of the foregoing objectives.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector module that may
be fabricated from LCP having the required weld line strength.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a relatively small connector
module fabricated from LCP and having a CPA that has satisfactory rigidity and resistance
characteristics.
[0010] This invention achieves these and other objects by providing a connector module comprising
a first and second connector housing and a positive assurance member. The first connector
housing extends from a first end portion to an opposite second end portion and comprises
a lug extending from a first connector housing surface. The second connector housing
extends from one end portion to an opposite end portion and comprises a resilient
locking tongue. The locking tongues comprises a first tongue portion extending from
a fixed end, attached to a second connector housing wall, to a first free end, and
a second tongue portion extending from the first free end to an opposite second free
end. The second free end comprises an engagement member. The second connector housing
is slidably engagable with the first connector housing in the direction of a longitudinal
axis to fully engage and disengage the lug and the engagement member in an engaged
and disengaged mode, respectively. The resilient locking tongue is structured and
arranged such that movement of the first tongue portion towards the longitudinal axis
causes movement of the engagement member away from the longitudinal axis, in a disengaged
mode, and release of the first tongue portion permits the engagement member to resile
towards the longitudinal axis, in an engaged mode. The positive assurance member is
movably attached to the second connector housing and is structured and arranged such
that in the engaged mode, movement of the positive assurance member in a locking direction
positions the positive assurance member in relation to the locking tongue to sufficiently
resist the movement of the first tongue portion towards, and the engagement member
away from, the longitudinal axis to lock engagement of the lug and the engagement
member in a locked mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] This invention may be clearly understood by reference to the attached drawings in
that like reference numerals designate like parts and in that:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the connector module of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an end view of the connector housing 14 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector housing 14 of FIG. 1 viewed from the
bottom;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connector housing 14 of FIG. 1 illustrating
the positive assurance member of one embodiment of the present invention in a pre-locked
mode;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating the positive assurance
member in a locked mode without the connector housing 12 attached to the connector
housing 14;
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the positive assurance member of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the positive assurance member illustrated in FIG.
6;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of the positive assurance member of FIG. 7 illustrated within
the connector housing 14 of FIG. 1 in a pre-locked mode;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the detents of the positive assurance member of FIG.
8; and
FIGS. 10a to 10d illustrate the operation of the connector module of FIG. 1.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further
objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference is made to the following disclosure
and appended claims taken in conjunction with the above-described drawings.
[0013] The embodiment of this invention that is illustrated in the drawings is particularly
suited for achieving the objects of this invention. FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a connector
module comprising a first connector housing 12 and a second connector housing 14.
Housings 12 and 14 are slidably engagable with each other as explained herein. The
connector module illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 also comprises a connector positive assurance
member 16.
[0014] The connector housing 12 extends in direction 18 of an axis 20 from an end portion
22 to an opposite end portion 24. Housing 12 comprises a cavity 26 therein and a housing
base 28 having holes 30 through that mounting members such as screws (not shown) may
be inserted for mounting the housing 12 to a support surface such as an automobile
panel. Housing 12 comprises a plurality of contacts therein(not shown) each of that
extends through a respective bore 32 in the base 28 and into cavity 26. The end of
each contact extending out of cavity 26 from the surface 34 of the base 28 may be
connected to a suitable conductor in a conventional manner. The contacts within housing
12 may be conventional male or female contacts. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1 to 3, the contacts within cavity 26 are male contacts. End portion 24 is structured
and arranged to mate with the housing 14. To facilitate such mating, the housing 12
comprises a key member. In particular, housing 12 comprises an elongated key 36 that
extends from surface 38. Key 36 is directed in the direction 18 of axis 20. The housing
12 comprises a lug 40 extending from a surface 42. Lug 40 comprises an angular lug
camming surface 44 and a lug abutment surface 46.
[0015] The connector housing 14 extends in the direction 48 of an axis 50 from an end portion
52 to an opposite end portion 54. Housing 14 comprises a cavity 56 therein and a cover
58 that encloses the end portion 52. Housing 14 comprises a plurality of contacts
therein (not shown). A plurality of conductors extend into housing 14, each conductor
being connected to a respective contact. In particular, each conductor (not shown)
extends through a respective bore 60 in cover 58 for conventional electrical and mechanical
attachment to a respective contact. For example, each conductor may be soldered to
a respective contact in the usual manner. The contacts within housing 14 may be conventional
male or female contacts. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the contacts within
cavity 56 are female contacts. Housing 14 comprises a cover 62 within cavity 56, such
cover having a plurality of bores 64 that are in alignment with the male contacts
within the housing 12. End portion 54 is structured and arranged to mate with the
end portion 24 of housing 12. To facilitate such mating, housing 14 comprises a key
member. In particular, housing 14 comprises an elongated keyway 66 that extends adjacent
wall 68 of cavity 56. Keyway 66 is directed in the direction 48 of axis 50. The key
36 and keyway 66 are structured and arranged to mate with one another to facilitate
the slidable engagement of the housings 12 and 14. The male and female contacts in
respective housings 12 and 14 are structured and arranged to mate with each other
in a conventional manner during such slidable engagement to provide electrical and
mechanical connection between each.
[0016] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the connector housing 14 comprises a resilient locking
tongue 70 comprising a first tongue portion 72 extending from a fixed end 74 attached
to a wall 76 of the housing 14 towards the first end portion to 52. The first tongue
portion 72 extends to a first free end 78. The locking tongue 70 comprises a second
tongue portion 80 that extends from the free end 78 towards the second end portion
54. The second tongue portion 80 extends to a second free end 82. The free end 82
comprises an engagement member 84. Such structure provides a latch member in the form
of the second tongue portion 80 that is connected to the connector housing 14 by a
separate flex member in the form of the first tongue portion 72 that is located at
a finger depression area. In this manner, extreme stress concentration is not built
up at the pivot point of the locking tongue 70. Such structure also allows for satisfactory
deflection of the latch member in a relatively small connector module. Further, such
structure permits the desired deflection at the thumb pad provided by the first tongue
portion 72 thereby creating the desired deflection of the second tongue portion 80.
Molding of the housing 14 is easier due to the structured features of the tongue 70.
[0017] The connector housing 12 and its lug 40 are slidably engagable with the connector
housing 14 and engagement member 84, in the directions 86 and 86', of a connector
module longitudinal axis 88 to fully engage the lug and the engagement member in an
engaged mode, and disengage the lug and the engagement member in a disengaged mode,
respectively, as described herein. When the housings 12 and 14 are in the engaged
mode, the axis 88 will be coincident with axes 20 and 50.
[0018] With reference to FIG. 4, the resilient locking tongue 70 is structured and arranged
such that depression of the first tongue portion 72 in the direction 90 towards axis
50 will urge the engagement member 84 in the direction 92 away from the axis 50. When
the housings 12 and 14 are attached to each other, such depression permits detachment
thereof in the disengaged mode as described herein.
[0019] The positive assurance member 16 is movably attached to the connector housing 14.
The positive assurance member 16 is structured and arranged such that in the engaged
mode, movement of the positive assurance member towards end portion 54 serves to position
the positive assurance member in a locking mode wherein the positive assurance member
will sufficiently resist movement of (a) the first tongue portion 72 in direction
90 towards axis 88 and (b) the engagement member 84 in direction 92 away from axis
88, to lock engagement of the lug 40 and engagement member 84 in the engaged mode;
that is, to prevent disengagement of the lug and the engagement member. To this end,
the positive assurance member of the present invention may comprise at least one first
abutment member and at least one second abutment member. The first and second abutment
members may be structured and arranged such that when in the locking mode, (a) at
least one first abutment member surface is positioned relative to the locking tongue
70 to resist movement of the tongue portion 72 towards the axis 88, and (b) at least
one second abutment member surface is positioned relative to the locking tongue to
resist movement of the engagement member 84 away from axis 88. For example, in the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the second tongue portion 80 of locking
tongue 70 comprises a first leg 94 and a second leg 96 each of that extends in the
direction 48 of axis 50 from the free end 78 to the engagement member 84. The legs
94 and 96 are spaced from each other to provide an opening 98 therebetween. The positive
assurance member 16 comprises a base 100 and a first abutment member in the form of
a resilient first arm 102 extending from the base in the direction 48 of axis 50 into
the opening 98. The first arm 102 is structured and arranged such that in the engaged
mode, movement of the positive assurance member 16 in a locking direction 104 relative
to axis 88 serves to position a surface of the first arm adjacent the engagement member
84 so as to sufficiently resist movement of the engagement member in direction 92
and out of engagement with the lug 40 as described in more detail hereinafter.
[0020] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the positive assurance member 16
comprises two second abutment members in the form of a first region 106 and a second
region 108. Only region 108 is visible in FIG. 5. The first and second regions 106,
108 are structured and arranged such that in the engaged mode, movement of the positive
assurance member 16 in the direction 104 serves to position the regions 106 and 108
relative to the first and second legs 94, 96 of the locking tongue 70 so as to sufficiently
resist movement of the first tongue portion 72 in direction 90 thereby further resisting
the urging of the engagement member 84 in direction 92.
[0021] If desired, the positive assurance member of the present invention may be structured
and arranged such that in the locking mode a first distal end surface of the first
abutment member engages a first surface of the engagement member so as to prevent
unlocking of the positive assurance member. For example, in the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 5, the first arm 102 comprises a hook-like distal end segment 110 that comprises
a first distal end surface 112. The resilient first arm 102 is structured and arranged
such that in the locking mode the surface 112 engages a surface 114 of the engagement
member 84 so as to prevent movement of the positive assurance member in the direction
104' thereby preventing unlocking of the engaged lug 40 and engagement member 84.
[0022] If desired, the positive assurance member of the present invention may comprise at
least one detent, and the second connector housing may comprise at least one detent
abutment member, the detent being structured and arranged to engage the detent abutment
member to attach the positive assurance member to the second connector housing in
a pre-locked mode. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, the
positive assurance member 16 comprises a resilient second arm 116 and an opposite
resilient third arm 118 extending from the base 100 in the direction 48 of axis 50.
Arms 116 and 118 provide resistance and rigidity useful in a relatively small connector
module. The arms 116 and 118 are spaced from each other to provide an opening 120
therebetween. The first arm 102 extends into opening 120 between the second arm 116
and third arm 118. With reference to FIG. 8, the arm 116 comprises a detent 122 and
the arm 118 comprises a detent 124. The second connector housing 14 comprises a first
detent abutment member 126 and an opposite second detent abutment member 128 extending
from respective walls 68 and 130 of cavity 56. The detents 122 and 124 are structured
and arranged to engage the detent abutment members 126 and 128, respectively, to attach
the positive assurance member 16 to the housing 14 in the pre-locking mode. Such arrangement
prevents movement of the positive assurance member in directions 104 and 104'.
[0023] If desired, the first abutment member of the positive assurance member may comprise
a second distal end surface that engages a second surface of the engagement member
in the pre-locking mode. In such embodiment, such second distal end surface and second
surface of the engagement member, and the detents and the detent abutment members,
may be structured and arranged to resist movement of the positive assurance member
in the directions 104 and 104' except in the engaged mode. For example, in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4, the distal end segment 110 may comprise a second distal end
surface 132 that is opposite the first distal end surface 112. The resilient first
arm 102 is structured and arranged such that in the pre-locked mode, the surface 132
engages a surface 134 of the engagement member 84. Surface 134 is opposite surface
114. In this embodiment, surface 132 is structured and arranged relative to the surface
134, and the detent 122 and 124 are structured and arranged relative to respective
detent abutment members 126 and 128, to provide resistance to movement of the positive
assurance member 16 in the directions 104 and 104' except when the housings 12 and
14 are being slidably engaged as described hereinafter.
[0024] The embodiment illustrated in the drawings may be fabricated from LCP by molding.
Heretofore, filling of the mold to form an LCP connector housing 14 created a weak
weld line that tended to cause the connector housing to split in the direction 48
of axis 50 along the wall portion 136 and the wall portion 138 that extends therefrom
and forms the first tongue portion 72. To overcome this problem, the housing 14 may
be molded from LCP in such a manner that the wall portions 136 and 138 comprise a
rib 140 that extends from end portion 54 towards end portion 52 in the direction 48
of axis 50. Rib 140 eliminates the tendency for the housing 14 to split at the surface
portions 136 and 138 and also provides reinforcement at the first tongue portion 72
that is flexed during use of the connector module.
[0025] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, the positive assurance member 16 comprises
a bridging member 142 that extends between the first arm 102 and the second arm 116,
and the first arm 102 and the third arm 118.
[0026] The positive assurance member of the present invention may be structured and arranged
to assure that in the pre-locked mode the positive assurance member remains in a fixed
position relative to the second connector housing, and in the engaged mode the positive
assurance member is moveable to a locked mode. For example, with reference to FIGS.
6 to 9, the detents 122 and 124 may each comprise a first detent surface 144, and
an opposite second detent surface 146, extending from a detent base 148. In such embodiment,
the first and second detent abutment members 126 and 128 extend between respective
detent surfaces 144 and 146 in the pre-locked mode. With reference to FIG. 9, each
first detent surface 144 extends from the detent base 148 a first length 150 and at
a first angle 152 that are sufficient to substantially permanently attach the positive
assurance member to the connector housing 14 in the pre-locked mode. Each second detent
surface 146 extends from the detent base 148 a second length 154 and at a second angle
156 that are sufficient to permit movement of the positive assurance member 16 in
the direction 104 relative to the longitudinal axis 88 when the connector module is
in the engaged mode, as described hereinafter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
6 to 9, angle 152 is 90° and the length 150 is such that in combination with the 90°
orientation of the detent surface 144, once in the pre-locked position illustrated
in FIG. 8, movement of the positive assurance member 16 in direction 104' is not possible.
The angle 156 is an acute angle and the length 154 is such that in combination with
the acute angular orientation of the detent surface 146, movement of the positive
assurance member 16 in direction 104 is possible when the housings 12 and 14 are in
the engaged mode.
[0027] The use of the connector module illustrated in the drawings is described hereinafter.
The connector housing 14 and positive assurance member 16 are first assembled in a
pre-locked mode. To this end, the positive assurance member 16 is inserted into opening
56 of housing 14 from end portion 52 in direction 104 as best illustrated in FIGS
3 and 8. In particular, the ends 82, 158 and 160 of arms 102, 116 and 118, respectively,
are inserted into the opening 56 such that legs 116 and 118 slide along channel surfaces
162 and 164 of housing 14, and leg 102 slides within opening 98 between legs 94 and
96 of the locking tongue 70. Sliding continues until the surface 132 of the end 82
of the arm 102 is adjacent the surface 134 of the engagement member 84, and the detent
abutment members 126 and 128 engage respective detents 122 and 124, in the pre-locked
mode illustrated in FIG. 8. In such position, the positive assurance member 16 is
locked to the connector housing 14. In particular, movement of the positive assurance
member 16 in direction 104 will be prevented by engagement of surfaces 132 and 134,
and movement in the direction 104' will be prevented by engagement of the detent abutment
members 126 and 128 with respective detent surfaces 144 of respective detents 122
and 124.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 10a to 10c, when it is desired to connect together
the connector housings 12 and 14, the key 36 is mated with the keyway 66, and the
end portion 26 of housing 12 is then inserted into opening 56 of housing 14 at end
portion 54. As the housing 12 is inserted into opening 56, the surface 44 of lug 40
engages the surface 114 of the engagement member 84 of the locking tongue 70 as illustrated
in FIG. 10a. Continued movement of the housing 12 into the opening 56 causes the surface
44 to cam the engagement member 84 in direction 92 until the engagement member rests
upon the upper surface 166 of the lug 40 as illustrated in FIG. 10b. Continued movement
of the housing 12 into the opening 56 causes (a) the engagement member 84 to resile
in direction 92' such that surface 134 of the engagement member 84 is adjacent surface
46 of the lug, and (b) the surface 44 to cam the distal end segment 110 of the arm
102 in direction 92 until the segment 110 rests upon the upper surface 166 of the
lug 40 as illustrated in FIG. 10c. When in the position illustrated in FIG. 10c, the
connector housings 12 and 14 are fully attached to one another in the engaged mode.
[0029] When in the position illustrated in FIG. 10c, the housings 12 and 14 may be disengaged
from each other by placing the locking tongue 70 in a disengaged mode by depressing
the first tongue portion 72 of the locking tongue 70 in direction 90 sufficiently
to cause the engagement member 84 to move in direction 92 to thereby move surface
134 out of the path of the surface 46 of the lug 40. In such position, the lug 40
will no longer engage the engagement member 84 when the housings are moved in direction
86' and therefore will no longer prevent disengagement of the housings 12 and 14.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10d, when it is desired to lock the connector housings
12 and 14 together after they are in the engaged mode, the positive assurance member
16 is urged in direction 104 with sufficient force that the resilient legs 116 and
118 flex sufficiently to overcome the resistance to movement in direction 104 provided
by the engagement of the detent surfaces 146 with respective detent abutment members
126 and 128. Continued movement of the positive assurance member 16 is direction 104
causes the distal end segment 110 of the arm 102 to resile in direction 92' such that
lug 40 enters opening 98 between legs 94 and 96, and surface 112 is adjacent surface
114 as illustrated in FIG. 10d. When in this position the surface 168 of the arm 102
is adjacent a surface 170 of the engagement member 84 of the locking tongue 70, and
the regions 106 and 108 of the positive assurance member 16 are adjacent surfaces
172 of respective legs 94 and 96 of the locking tongue. In this locked mode illustrated
in FIG. 10d, the connector housings 12 and 14 can not be disconnected because the
surface 134 of the engagement member of the locking tongue 70 of housing 14 can not
be removed from engagement with the surface 46 of the lug 40 of housing 12. Such removal
is prevented because the engagement of the regions 106 and 108 with the surfaces 172
prevents depression of the first tongue portion 72 in direction 90, and engagement
of the surface 168 with the surface 170 will prevent movement of the engagement member
84 in the direction 92.
[0031] The embodiments that have been described herein are but some of several that utilize
this invention and are set forth here by way of illustration but not of limitation.
It is apparent that many other embodiments that will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art may be made without departing materially from the spirit and scope
of this invention.
1. A connector module, comprising:
a first connector housing extending from a first end portion to an opposite second
end portion and comprising a lug extending from a first connector housing wall;
a second connector housing extending from one end portion to an opposite another end
portion and comprising a resilient locking tongue, said locking tongue comprising
a first tongue portion extending from a fixed end attached to a second connector housing
wall to a first free end and a second tongue portion extending from said first free
end to an opposite second free end, said second free end comprising an engagement
member, said second connector housing being slidably engagable with said first connector
housing in the direction of a longitudinal axis, to fully engage and disengage said
lug and said engagement member in an engaged and disengaged mode, respectively, said
resilient locking tongue being structured and arranged such that movement of said
first tongue portion towards said longitudinal axis causes movement of said engagement
member away from said longitudinal axis in a disengaged mode, and release of said
first tongue portion permits said engagement member to resile towards said longitudinal
axis, in an engaged mode; and
a positive assurance member movably attached to said second connector housing and
structured and arranged such that in said engaged mode, movement of said positive
assurance member in a locking direction positions said positive assurance member in
relation to said locking tongue to sufficiently resist said movement of said first
tongue portion towards, and said engagement member away from, said longitudinal axis
to lock engagement of said lug and said engagement member in a locked mode.
2. The connector module of claim 1 wherein said positive assurance member comprises at
least one first abutment member and at least one second abutment member, said first
and second abutment members being structured and arranged such that (a) at least one
first abutment member surface is positioned relative to said locking tongue to resist
said movement of said engagement member away from said longitudinal axis in said locked
mode, and (b) at least one second abutment member surface is positioned relative to
said locking tongue to resist said movement of said first tongue portion towards said
longitudinal axis in said locked mode.
3. The connector module of claim 2 wherein said at least one first abutment member comprises
a first distal end surface engagable with a first surface of said engagement member
in said locked mode so as to prevent movement of said positive assurance member in
a direction opposite to said locking direction.
4. The connector module of claim 3 wherein said positive assurance member comprises at
least one detent, and said second connector housing comprises at least one detent
abutment member, said detent being structured and arranged to engage said detent abutment
member to attach said positive assurance member to said second connector housing in
a pre-locked mode.
5. The connector module of claim 4 wherein said at least one first abutment member comprises
a second distal end surface engagable with a second surface of said engagement member
in said pre-locked mode, said second distal end surface and said second surface of
said engagement member, and said detent and said detent abutment member, being structured
and arranged to resist movement of said positive assurance member in the direction
of said longitudinal axis except in said engaged mode.
6. The connector module of claim 5 wherein said lug and said first abutment member are
structured and arranged such that said lug is engagable with said first abutment member
to displace said first abutment member away from said longitudinal axis to permit
movement of said positive assurance member in said locking direction.
7. The connector module of claim 1 wherein said second connector housing wall comprises
an outer surface comprising a rib that extends from said one end portion towards said
another end portion, said rib extending along an outer surface of said first tongue
portion.
8. The connector module of claim 1 wherein said second tongue portion comprises a first
leg and a second leg each extending from said first free end to said engagement member,
said first and second legs being spaced from each other to provide an opening therebetween,
and further wherein said positive assurance member comprises a base and a resilient
first arm extending from said base into said opening, said first arm structured and
arranged such that in said engaged mode, movement of said positive assurance member
in said locking direction serves to position said first arm adjacent said engagement
member so that said first arm resists said movement of said engagement member in said
locked mode.
9. The connector module of claim 8 wherein said positive resistance member comprises
a first region aligned with said first leg and a second region aligned with said second
leg, said first and second regions being structured and arranged such that in said
engaged mode, movement of said positive assurance member in said locking direction
serves to position said first and second regions adjacent said first and second legs,
respectively, so that said first and second regions resist said movement of said first
tongue portion, in said locked mode.
10. The connector module of claim 9 wherein said positive assurance member further comprises
a resilient second arm and an opposite resilient third arm spaced from said second
aim, said second and third arms extending from said base, said first arm extending
between said second and third arms, said second arm comprising a first detent and
said third arm comprising an opposite second detent, and further wherein said second
connector housing comprises a first detent abutment member and an opposite second
detent abutment member, said first and second detents being structured and arranged
to engage said first and second detent abutment members, respectively, to attach said
positive assurance member to said second connector housing in a pre-locked mode.
11. The connector module of claim 10 wherein said first arm comprises a first distal end
surface and an opposite second distal end surface, said first distal end surface being
engagable with a first surface of said engagement member in said locked mode so as
to prevent movement of said positive assurance member in a direction opposite to said
locking direction, and said second distal end surface being engagable with an opposite
second surface of said engagement member in a pre-locked mode, said second distal
end surface and said second surface of said engagement member, and said first and
second detents and respective first and second detent abutment members, being structured
an arranged to resist movement of said positive assurance member in the direction
of said longitudinal axis except in said engaged mode.
12. The connector module of claim 11 wherein said lug and said first abutment member are
structured and arranged such that said lug is engagable with said first abutment member
to displace said first abutment member away from said longitudinal axis to permit
movement of said positive assurance member in said locking direction.
13. The connector module of claim 12 wherein said second connector housing wall comprises
an outer surface comprising a rib that extends from said one end portion towards said
another end portion, said rib extending along an outer surface of said first tongue
portion.
14. The connector module of claim 13 wherein said first connector housing comprises a
first key member and said second connector housing comprising a second key member
matable with said first key member to facilitate slidable engagement of said first
connector housing with said second connector housing.
15. The connector module of claim 10 wherein said positive assurance member comprises
a bridging member extending between said first arm and said second arm, and said first
arm and said third arm.
16. The connector module of claim 12 wherein said first detent and said second detent
each comprise a first detent surface and an opposite second detent surface extending
from a detent base, said first and second detent abutment members extending between
respective first and second detent surfaces in said pre-locked mode, said first detent
surface extending from said detent base a first distance and at a first angle that
are sufficient to substantially permanently attach said positive assurance member
to said second connector housing in said pre-locked mode, and said second detent surface
extending from said detent base a second distance and at a second angle that are sufficient
to permit movement of said positive assurance member in said locking direction in
said engaged mode.