A CONNECTOR APPARATUS HAVING MALE AND FEMALE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES AND A METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE CONNECTOR APPARATUS

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a connector apparatus having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. In US 2012/0282791 A1 an electrical connector having a connector position assurance is described. US 5,759,058 A and US 5,628,649 A show further connectors with position assurance mechanisms. The connector position assurance (CPA) device is inserted into one of the connector assemblies to lock the male connector assembly and female connector assembly together as an additional locking assurance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In one aspect, the invention is a connector apparatus, comprising male and female connector assemblies as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1. In another aspect, the invention is a method of assembling a connector apparatus as it is defined by the features of independent claim 3. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0003] To ensure that the connector position assurance (CPA) device is available to connect to the female connector assembly, the CPA device can be engaged, in a pre-lock position, to the female connector assembly prior to transport of the female connector assembly.

[0004] The male connector assembly and female connector assembly are engaged together, and the engagement thereof is assured when the CPA device is placed at a full-lock position.

[0005] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention are set forth or are apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] 

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector apparatus of the present invention having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3, of the female connector assembly and the CPA device, when the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly and the CPA device is in the pre-lock position.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7, of the male connector assembly, the female connector assembly, and the CPA device, when the male connector assembly has been connected to the female connector assembly, the CPA device has been connected to the female connector assembly, and the CPA device is in the full-lock position.

FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the CPA device.

FIG. 12 is a rear end elevational view of the CPA device.

FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the CPA device.

FIG. 14 is a side end elevational view of the CPA device.

FIG. 15 is a front end elevational view of the CPA device.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 11, of the CPA device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the CPA device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the connector apparatus of the present invention having a male connector assembly, a female connector assembly, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. FIG. 1 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, the connector apparatus, generally referred to by reference number 1, which includes male connector assembly 100, female connector assembly 200, and CPA device 300.

[0008] The male connector assembly 100 has an opening 102 for accommodating the female connector assembly 200. The opening 102 can be referred to as the male connector opening 102. The female connector assembly 200 has an opening 202 for accommodating the CPA device 300. The opening 202 can be referred to as the female connector opening 202. The female connector assembly 200 includes a locking component 204. An aperture 220 is formed by the locking component 204, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. In FIG. 2, a tooth of the CPA device 300 is referred to by reference numeral 312, and a first curved upper region of the CPA device 300 is referred to by reference numeral 302.

[0010] On the female connector assembly 200, the locking component 204 includes at least a front portion 216 and two side portions 218, as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the first curved upper region 302 of the CPA device 300 is shown to be penetrating the aperture 220 of the locking component 204.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. The female connector assembly 200 has at least a first end 208 and a second end 210, at least one terminal aperture 212, and a top side 214. The female connector opening 202 is formed at the second end 210 of the female connector assembly 200. The first end 208 is to be inserted into the male connector opening 102 of the male connector assembly 100.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking component 204 of the female connector assembly 200 is located at the top side 214.

[0013] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. FIG. 4 shows multiple terminal apertures 212 of the female connector assembly 200, for receiving terminals (not shown). FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3, of the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300, when the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200 and the CPA device 300 is in the pre-lock position. As shown in FIG. 6, the female connector assembly 200 includes the locking component 204 having a front portion 216. The front portion 216 has a front edge denoted with reference numeral 216A and a rear edge denoted with reference numeral 216B, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 6, the CPA device 300 has been partially inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200, and this can be referred to as the pre-lock position. FIG. 6 demonstrates that, for the pre-lock position, the teeth 312 have gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the teeth 312 have passed beyond the front portion 216. The teeth 312 are abutting and directly contacting the front edge 216A of the front portion 216, for the arrangement as shown in FIG. 6. Only one tooth 312 is shown in FIG. 6, because FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, but it can be understood that the CPA device 300 has two teeth 312 abutting and directly contacting the front edge 216A of the front portion 216, for the arrangement as shown in FIG. 6.

[0016] Also, FIG. 6 shows that, for the pre-lock position, the first curved upper region 302 has gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the first curved upper region 302 has not passed beyond the front portion 216. The first curved upper region 302 is abutting and directly contacting the rear edge 216B of the front portion 216, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0017] In the pre-lock position shown in FIG. 6, the teeth 312 have already passed under the front portion 216, but the first curved upper region 302 has not passed under the front portion 216.

[0018] The arrangement shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to the pre-lock position, can be utilized during transport of the female connector assembly and at other times.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position. FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position. FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 7, of the male connector assembly 100, the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300, when the male connector assembly 100 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 has been connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 10, the female connector assembly 200 includes the locking component 204 having a front portion 216. Front edge 216A of the front portion 216 is shown in FIG. 10. Also, rear edge 216B of the front portion 216 is shown in FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 10 also shows that male connector assembly 100 has at least one latch 104. The male connector assembly 100 may also have additional latches. As shown in FIG. 10, the latch 104 will be at the rear edge 216B of the front portion 216 when the male connector assembly 100 is connected to the female connector assembly 200, the CPA device 300 is connected to the female connector assembly 200, and the CPA device 300 is in the full-lock position. As shown in FIG. 10, the latch 104 is located between the rear edge 216B and the second end 210 of the female connector assembly 200. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the latch 104 is located between the rear edge 216B and the back 322 of the CPA device 300.

[0023] The latch 104 engages the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200. In particular, the latch 104 engages the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200. The male connector assembly 100 has a housing 122. The housing 122 forms the male connector opening 102. The latch 104 is on the interior of the housing 122, inside the male connector opening 102. The female connector assembly 200 has a housing 222. The housing 222 forms the female connector opening 202.

[0024] The teeth 312 engage the locking component 204 in order to hold the CPA device 300 to the female connector assembly 200 in the pre-lock position. In particular, the teeth 312 engage the front edge 216A of the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 in order to hold the CPA device 300 to the female connector assembly 200 in the pre-lock position.

[0025] The first curved upper region 302 engages the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200 in the full-lock position. In particular, the first curved upper region 302 engages the front edge 216A of the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 in order to hold the male connector assembly 100 to the female connector assembly 200 in the full-lock position.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 10, the CPA device 300 has been fully inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200, and the female connector assembly 200 has been fully inserted into the male connector opening 102 of the male connector assembly 100. This can be referred to as the full-lock position. FIG. 10 demonstrates that the teeth 312 have gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the teeth 312 have passed beyond the front portion 216. FIG. 10 shows that first curved upper region 302 has gone into the female connector assembly 200 to a position such that the first curved upper region 302 has also passed beyond the front portion 216.

[0027] In the full-lock position as shown in FIG. 10, the first curved upper region 302 of the CPA device 300 is abutting and directly contacting the front edge 216A of the front portion 216. In the full-lock position shown in FIG. 10, the teeth 312 have passed under the front portion 216, and first curved upper region 302 has also passed under the front portion 216.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 12 is a rear end elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 13 is a bottom elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 14 is a side end elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 15 is a front end elevational view of the CPA device 300. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 11, of the CPA device 300. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the CPA device 300.

[0029] The CPA device 300 includes first curved upper region 302, second curved upper region 304, a pair of teeth 312, and other components as described herein. Although FIG. 17 shows an embodiment wherein the CPA device 300 has two teeth 312, it can be understood that, according to an alternative embodiment, the CPA device 300 can be modified to have only one tooth 312.

[0030] FIG. 11 shows that the CPA device 300 has a pair of arms 306. FIG. 17 shows an exterior surface 306A of one of the arms 306, and also shows an interior surface 306B of one of the arms 306. The exterior surfaces 306A of arms 306 have flat and smooth surfaces. The exterior surfaces 306A do not have protrusions extending outward away from the CPA device 300. Thus, the arms 306 can slide into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200.

[0031] The CPA device 300 includes a two-component locking system having an upper component 308 and a lower component 320.

[0032] The upper component 308 can also be referred to as a flexible beam. The upper component 308 is able to flex downward toward the lower component 320, for example. The upper component 308 extends forward from the second curved upper region 304 toward the front 316 of the CPA device 300. The upper component 308 has a front end 310 and side edges 324.

[0033] The lower component 320 extends forward from the back 322 toward the front 316 of the CPA device 300. The lower component 320 forms an aperture 314. Edges of the lower component 320 are curved upward. The edges of the lower component 320 are referred to by reference numeral 318.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the side edges 324 are flat and smooth, and do not have protrusions extending outward toward edges 318 of the lower component 320. FIG. 17 also shows side edge 324 to be flat and smooth.

[0035] When the CPA device 300 is being moved from the pre-lock position to the full-lock position, the front portion 204 forces the first curved upper region 302 to move downward towards aperture 314 or into aperture 314.

[0036] The front end 310 of the upper component 308 has a surface that has rounded, smooth edges, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. The front end 310 of the upper component 308 is not split into multiple different sections.

[0037] The CPA device 300, with the above-described features and structural arrangements, allows the CPA device 300 to be in the pre-lock position and the full-lock position when inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200. The full-lock position of the CPA device 300 assures the full engagement, and subsequent locking, of the female connector assembly 200 to the male connector assembly 100.

[0038] A method for assembling the connector apparatus 1 shall now be described. With reference to FIG. 1, the CPA device 300 is inserted into the female connector opening 202 of the female connector assembly 200. The teeth 312 will travel under the front portion 216 of the female connector assembly 200. When the teeth 312 travel beyond the front portion 216 of the female connector assembly 200, as shown in FIG. 6, and the first curved upper region 302 has not yet passed under the front portion 216, this can be referred to as the pre-lock position. In the pre-lock position, the first curved upper region 302 is directly contacting the rear edge 216B, and the teeth 312 are directly contacting the front edge 216A, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0039] Next, the male connector assembly 100 is connected to the female connector assembly 200, by inserting the female connector assembly 200 into the male connector opening 102 of the male connector assembly 100.

[0040] Last, the CPA device 300 is moved from the pre-lock position to the full-lock position as described herein. The first curved upper region 302 will travel under the front portion 216 of the locking component 204 of the female connector assembly 200. When the first curved upper region 302 travels beyond the front portion 216 of the locking component 204, as shown in FIG. 10, this is the full-lock position. In the full-lock position, the first curved upper region 302 is directly contacting the front edge 216A, and the latch 104 is at the rear edge 216B, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0041] Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the the scope of the invention as dislosed in the appended claims. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.

Claims

1. A connector apparatus (1), comprising a male connector assembly (100), a female connector assembly (200) and a connector position assurance (CPA) device (300), wherein
the female connector assembly (200) comprises a housing (222) having a first end (208), a second end (210) and a top side (214), wherein a female connector opening (202) configured to accommodate the CPA device (300) and at least one terminal aperture (212) are formed at the second end (210), and the top side (214) has a locking component (204) forming a front portion (216) and an aperture (220),
the male connector assembly (100) comprises a housing (122) forming a male connector opening (102) configured to accommodate the first end (208) of the female connector assembly (200), and a latch (104) formed on an interior of the housing (122) to hold the male connector assembly (100) to the female connector assembly (200) having the locking component (204), and
the CPA device (300) is configured to lock the male connector assembly (100) to the female connector assembly (200), wherein the CPA device (300) has a first curved upper region (302) and a second curved upper region (304), wherein the first curved upper region (302) is configured to penetrate
the aperture (220) of the locking component (204) of the female connector assembly (200), characterized in that
the front portion (216) of the locking component (204) of the female connector assembly (200) has a front edge (216A) towards the first end (208) of the housing (222) and a rear edge (216B) towards the second end (210) of the housing (222), and
the CPA device (300) has at least one tooth (312) configured to engage with the locking component (204), wherein
in a pre-lock position the CPA device (300) is partially inserted into the female connector opening (202), such that the locking component (204) engages with the CPA device (300) to hold the CPA device (300) to the female connector assembly (200) in that the at least one tooth (312) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216), and
in a full-lock position the CPA device (300) is fully inserted into the female connector opening (202), such that the locking component (204) engages with the CPA device (300) to hold the female connector assembly (200) to the male connector assembly (100) in that the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the latch (104) of the male connector assembly (100) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216), while the at least one tooth (312) is passed beyond the front portion (216).

2. The connector apparatus (1) as in claim 1, wherein the CPA device (300) includes a two-component locking system having an upper component (308) and a lower component (320), wherein the upper component (308) extends forward from the second curved upper region (304) towards a front (316) of the CPA device (300) and comprises the first curved upper region (302), and the lower component (320) extends forward from a back (322) of the CPA device (300) towards the front (316) of the CPA and comprises the at least one tooth (312).

3. A method of assembling a connector apparatus (1), comprising the steps of:
providing a female connector assembly (200) comprising a housing (222) having a first end (208), a second end (210) and a top side (214), wherein a female connector opening (202) configured to accommodate a connector position assurance (CPA) device (300) and at least one terminal aperture (212) are formed at the second end (210), and the top side (214) has a locking component (204) forming a front portion (216) and an aperture (220), wherein the front portion (216) has a front edge (216A) towards the first end (208) of the housing (222) and a rear edge (216B) towards the second end (210) of the housing (222);
providing a male connector assembly (100) comprising a housing (122) forming a male connector opening (102) configured to accommodate the first end (208) of the female connector assembly (200), and a latch (104) formed on an interior of the housing (122) to hold the male connector assembly (100) to the female connector assembly (200) having the locking component (204);
providing the (CPA) device (300) comprising a first curved upper region (302), a second curved upper region (304) and at least one tooth (312) configured to engage with the locking component (204),
accommodating the CPA device (300) in the female connector assembly (200) by partially inserting the CPA device (300) into the female connector opening (202) into a pre-locked position, wherein the first curved upper region (302) and the at least one tooth (312) penetrate the aperture (220) of the locking component (204) of the female connector assembly (200) and the at least one tooth (312) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216) to hold the CPA device (300) to the female connector assembly (200); and
accommodating the female connector assembly (200) into the male connector opening (102) of the male connector assembly (100) and fully inserting the CPA device (300) into the female connector opening (202) into a full-locked position, wherein the locking component (204) engages with the CPA device (300) such that the first curved upper region (302) is abutting the front edge (216A) of the front portion (216) and the latch (104) of the male connector assembly (100) is abutting the rear edge (216B) of the front portion (216), to hold the female connector assembly (200) to the male connector assembly (100) while the at least one tooth (312) is passed beyond the front portion (216).

4. The method of assembling the connector apparatus (1) as in claim 3,
wherein the step of accommodating the CPA device (300) in the female connector opening (202) of the female connector assembly (200) further comprises a step of sliding a pair of arms (306) of the CPA device (300) into the female connector opening (202) of the female connector assembly (200).

Ansprüche

1. Verbindervorrichtung (1), umfassend eine Steckverbinderanordnung (100), eine Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) und eine Verbinder-Lagesicherungs-(CPA-)Vorrichtung (300),

wobei die Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) ein Gehäuse (222) mit einem ersten Ende (208), einem zweiten Ende (210) und einer Oberseite (214) umfasst, wobei eine Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202), die dafür konfiguriert ist, die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) aufzunehmen, und mindestens eine Anschlussöffnung (212) am zweiten Ende (210) ausgebildet sind, und die Oberseite (214) eine Verriegelungskomponente (204) aufweist, die einen vorderen Abschnitt (216) und eine Öffnung (220) bildet,

wobei die Steckverbinderanordnung (100) ein Gehäuse (122) umfasst, das eine Steckverbinderöffnung (102) bildet, die dafür konfiguriert ist, das erste Ende (208) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) aufzunehmen, und wobei eine Verriegelung (104) auf einer Innenseite des Gehäuses (122) ausgebildet ist, um die Steckverbinderanordnung (100) an der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) mit der Verriegelungskomponente (204) zu halten, und

wobei die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) dafür konfiguriert ist, die Steckverbinderanordnung (100) mit der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) zu verriegeln, wobei die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) einen ersten gekrümmten oberen Bereich (302) und einen zweiten gekrümmten oberen Bereich (304) aufweist,

wobei der erste gekrümmte obere Bereich (302) dafür konfiguriert ist, die Öffnung (220) der Verriegelungskomponente (204) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) zu durchdringen,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

der vordere Abschnitt (216) der Verriegelungskomponente (204) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) eine Vorderkante (216A) in Richtung des ersten Endes (208) des Gehäuses (222) und eine Hinterkante (216B) in Richtung des zweiten Endes (210) des Gehäuses (222) aufweist, und

die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) mindestens einen Zahn (312) aufweist, der dafür konfiguriert ist, mit der Verriegelungskomponente (204) in Eingriff zu kommen,

wobei in einer Vorverriegelungsposition die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) teilweise in die Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202) eingeführt ist, sodass die Verriegelungskomponente (204) mit der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in Eingriff steht, um die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) an der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) zu halten, indem der mindestens eine Zahn (312) an der Vorderkante (216A) des Vorderabschnitts (216) anliegt und der erste gekrümmte obere Bereich (302) an der Hinterkante (216B) des Vorderabschnitts (216) anliegt, und

wobei in einer Vollverriegelungsposition die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) vollständig in die Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202) eingeführt ist, sodass die Verriegelungskomponente (204) mit der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in Eingriff kommt, um die Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) an der Steckerverbinderanordnung (100) dadurch zu halten, dass der erste gekrümmte obere Bereich (302) an der Vorderkante (216A) des Vorderabschnitts (216) anliegt und die Verriegelung (104) der Steckerverbinderanordnung (100) an der Hinterkante (216B) des Vorderabschnitts (216) anliegt, während der mindestens eine Zahn (312) über den Vorderabschnitt (216) hinausgeführt ist.

2. Verbindervorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) ein Zweikomponenten-Verriegelungssystem mit einer oberen Komponente (308) und einer unteren Komponente (320) aufweist, wobei sich die obere Komponente (308) von dem zweiten gekrümmten oberen Bereich (304) nach vorne in Richtung einer Vorderseite (316) der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) erstreckt und den ersten gekrümmten oberen Bereich (302) umfasst, und die untere Komponente (320) sich von einer Rückseite (322) der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) nach vorn in Richtung der Vorderseite (316) der CPA erstreckt und den mindestens einen Zahn (312) umfasst.

3. Verfahren zum Zusammenbau einer Verbindervorrichtung (1), umfassend die Schritte:

Bereitstellen einer Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200), umfassend ein Gehäuse (222), das ein erstes Ende (208), ein zweites Ende (210) und eine Oberseite (214) aufweist, wobei eine Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202), die so konfiguriert ist, eine Vorrichtung (300) zur Positionssicherung (CPA) des Verbinders aufzunehmen, und mindestens eine Anschlussöffnung (212) an dem zweiten Ende (210) ausgebildet sind, und wobei die Oberseite (214) eine Verriegelungskomponente (204) aufweist, die einen vorderen Abschnitt (216) und eine Öffnung (220) bildet, wobei der vordere Abschnitt (216) eine Vorderkante (216A) in Richtung des ersten Endes (208) des Gehäuses (222) und eine Hinterkante (216B) in Richtung des zweiten Endes (210) des Gehäuses (222) aufweist;

Bereitstellen einer Steckverbinderanordnung (100), umfassend ein Gehäuse (122), das eine Steckverbinderöffnung (102) bildet, die für die Aufnahme des ersten Endes (208) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) konfiguriert ist, und eine Verriegelung (104), die auf einer Innenseite des Gehäuses (122) ausgebildet ist, um die Steckverbinderanordnung (100) an der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) mit der Verriegelungskomponente (204) zu halten;

Bereitstellen der (CPA)-Vorrichtung (300), umfassend einen ersten gekrümmten oberen Bereich (302), einen zweiten gekrümmten oberen Bereich (304) und mindestens einen Zahn (312), der dafür konfiguriert ist, mit der Verriegelungskomponente (204) in Eingriff zu kommen,

Aufnehmen der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) durch teilweises Einführen der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in die Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202) in eine vorverriegelte Position, wobei der erste gekrümmte obere Bereich (302) und der mindestens eine Zahn (312) die Öffnung (220) der Verriegelungskomponente (204) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) durchdringen und wobei der mindestens eine Zahn (312) an der Vorderkante (216A) des vorderen Abschnitts (216) anliegt und der erste gekrümmte obere Bereich (302) an der Hinterkante (216B) des vorderen Abschnitts (216) anliegt, um die CPA-Vorrichtung (300) an der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) zu halten; und

Aufnehmen der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) in der Steckverbinderöffnung (102) der Steckerverbinderanordnung (100) und vollständiges Einsetzen der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in die Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202) in eine voll verriegelte Position, wobei die Verriegelungskomponente (204) mit der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) derart in Eingriff kommt, dass der erste gekrümmte obere Bereich (302) an die Vorderkante (216A) des vorderen Abschnitts (216) anstößt und die Verriegelung (104) der Steckverbinderanordnung (100) an die Hinterkante (216B) des vorderen Abschnitts (216) anstößt, um die Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) an der Steckverbinderanordnung (100) zu halten, während der mindestens eine Zahn (312) über den vorderen Abschnitt (216) hinausgeführt wird.

4. Verfahren zum Zusammenbau der Verbindervorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Schritt des Unterbringens der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in der Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) ferner einen Schritt des Schiebens eines Arm-Paares (306) der CPA-Vorrichtung (300) in die Buchsenverbinderöffnung (202) der Buchsenverbinderanordnung (200) umfasst.

Revendications

1. Appareil connecteur (1), comprenant un ensemble connecteur mâle (100), un ensemble connecteur femelle (200) et un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (CPA) (300),
dans lequel l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) comprend un boîtier (222) comportant une première extrémité (208), une seconde extrémité (210) et un côté supérieur (214), dans lequel une ouverture de connecteur femelle (202) configurée pour recevoir le dispositif CPA (300), et au moins une ouverture de borne (212) sont formées à la seconde extrémité (210), et le côté supérieur (214) comporte un composant de verrouillage (204) formant une partie avant (216) et une ouverture (220),
l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) comprend un boîtier (122) formant une ouverture de connecteur mâle (102) configurée pour loger la première extrémité (208) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200), et un verrou (104) formé sur l'intérieur du boîtier (122) pour maintenir l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) à l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) ayant le composant de verrouillage (204), et
le dispositif CPA (300) est configuré pour verrouiller l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) à l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200), dans lequel le dispositif CPA (300) comporte une première région supérieure incurvée (302) et une seconde région supérieure incurvée (304),
dans lequel la première région supérieure incurvée (302) est configurée pour pénétrer dans l'ouverture (220) du composant de verrouillage (204) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200),
caractérisé en ce que
la partie avant (216) du composant de verrouillage (204) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) comporte un bord avant (216A) vers la première extrémité (208) du boîtier (222) et un bord arrière (216B) vers la seconde extrémité (210) du boîtier (222), et
le dispositif CPA (300) comporte au moins une dent (312) configurée pour venir en prise avec le composant de verrouillage (204), dans lequel,
dans une position de pré-verrouillage, le dispositif CPA (300) est partiellement inséré dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle (202), de sorte que le composant de verrouillage (204) vienne en prise avec le dispositif CPA (300) pour maintenir le dispositif CPA (300) sur l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200), en ce que l'au moins une dent (312) vient en butée contre le bord avant (216A) de la partie avant (216) et la première région supérieure incurvée (302) vient en butée contre le bord arrière (216B) de la partie avant (216), et
dans une position de verrouillage total, le dispositif CPA (300) est totalement inséré dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle (202), de sorte que le composant de verrouillage (204) vienne en prise avec le dispositif CPA (300) pour maintenir l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) sur l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100), en ce que la première région supérieure incurvée (302) vient en butée contre le bord avant (216A) de la partie avant (216) et le verrou (104) de l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) vient en butée contre le bord arrière (216B) de la partie avant (216), tandis que l'au moins une dent (312) passe au-delà de la partie avant (216).

2. Appareil connecteur (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif CPA (300) comprend un système de verrouillage à deux composants comportant un composant supérieur (308) et un composant inférieur (320), dans lequel le composant supérieur (308) s'étend vers l'avant à partir de la seconde région supérieure incurvée (304) vers un avant (316) du dispositif CPA (300) et comprend la première région supérieure incurvée (302), et le composant inférieur (320) s'étend vers l'avant à partir d'un arrière (322) du dispositif CPA (300) vers l'avant (316) du CPA et comprend l'au moins une dent (312).

3. Procédé d'assemblage d'un appareil connecteur (1), comprenant les étapes de :

fourniture d'un ensemble connecteur femelle (200) comprenant un boîtier (222) comportant une première extrémité (208), une seconde extrémité (210) et un côté supérieur (214), dans lequel une ouverture de connecteur femelle (202) configurée pour loger un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (CPA) (300) et au moins une ouverture de borne (212) sont formées à la seconde extrémité (210), et le côté supérieur (214) comporte un composant de verrouillage (204) formant une partie avant (216) et une ouverture (220), dans lequel la partie avant (216) comporte un bord avant (216A) vers la première extrémité (208) du boîtier (222) et un bord arrière (216B) vers la seconde extrémité (210) du boîtier (222) ;

fourniture d'un ensemble connecteur mâle (100) comprenant un boîtier (122) formant une ouverture de connecteur mâle (102) configurée pour recevoir la première extrémité (208) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200), et un verrou (104) formé sur un intérieur du boîtier (122) pour maintenir l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) sur l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) comportant le composant de verrouillage (204) ;

fourniture du dispositif (CPA) (300) comprenant une première région supérieure incurvée (302), une seconde région supérieure incurvée (304) et au moins une dent (312) configurée pour venir en prise avec le composant de verrouillage (204),

logement du dispositif CPA (300) dans l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) par l'insertion partielle du dispositif CPA (300) dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle (202) dans une position pré-verrouillée, dans lequel la première région supérieure incurvée (302) et l'au moins une dent (312) pénètrent dans l'ouverture (220) du composant de verrouillage (204) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) et l'au moins une dent (312) vient en butée contre le bord avant (216A) de la partie avant (216) et la première région supérieure incurvée (302) vient en butée contre le bord arrière (216B) de la partie avant (216) pour maintenir le dispositif CPA (300) sur l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) ; et

logement de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) dans l'ouverture de connecteur mâle (102) de l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) et d'insertion totale du dispositif CPA (300) dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle (202) dans une position de verrouillage total, dans lequel le composant de verrouillage (204) vient en prise avec le dispositif CPA (300), de sorte que la première région supérieure incurvée (302) vienne en butée contre le bord avant (216A) de la partie avant (216) et que le verrou (104) de l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) vienne en butée contre le bord arrière (216B) de la partie avant (216), pour maintenir l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) sur l'ensemble connecteur mâle (100) tandis que l'au moins une dent (312) passe au-delà de la partie avant (216).

4. Procédé d'assemblage de l'appareil connecteur (1) selon la revendication 3, dans lequel l'étape de logement du dispositif CPA (300) dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle (202) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200) comprend en outre une étape de coulissement d'une paire de bras (306) du dispositif CPA (300) dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle (202) de l'ensemble connecteur femelle (200).

Drawing