ELECTRIC CONNECTOR

Abstract

 The invention relates to an electric connector (1) configured to be plugged to a mating electric connector (55) and to a connector system (69). The electric connector (1) improves prior art solutions in that the electric connector (1) comprises a housing (5), at least one retaining member (11) movable with respect to the housing (5) between an open position (15) and a retaining position (17), and a position assurance assembly (21) movable with respect to the housing (5) between a pre-lock position (23) and a locking position (25), wherein a movement of the position assurance assembly into the locking position (25) is blocked by the housing (5) if the electric connector (1) is not plugged to the mating electric connector (55) and by the at least one retaining member (11) if the at least one retaining member (11) is not in the retaining position (17). Connector system (69) comprises the electric connector (1) and the mating electric connector (55).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electric connector configured to be plugged to a mating electric connector.

[0002] In the field of electric connectors, position assurances are known as CPA. These position assurances ensure a proper connection between an electric connector and a mating connector and therefore contribute to improving secure assembly of electric connections.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to further improve the reliability and security of electric connections.

[0004] The electric connector mentioned above is improved by the invention in that the electric connector comprises a housing, at least one retaining member movable with respect to the housing between an open position and a retaining position and a position assurance assembly movable with respect to the housing between a pre-lock position and a locking position, wherein a movement of the position assurance assembly into the locking position is blocked by the housing if the electric connector is not plugged to the mating electric connector and by the at least one retaining member if the at least one retaining member is not in the retaining position.

[0005] The electric connector according to the invention has the advantage that the position assurance assembly can only be activated, e.g. moved or translated into the locking position if at least two conditions are met, namely a correct mechanical connection between the electric connector and the mating electric connector and a correct position of the retaining member. Any number of retaining members is conceivable. The number of retaining members corresponds to the number of conditions that can be checked or controlled with the position assurance assembly.

[0006] Thus, not only can the correct positioning of the housing of the electric connector and the housing of the mating electric connector be reliably indicated by the position assurance assembly being movable into the locking position, but also a further condition of an arbitrary element of the electric connector can be requested and reliably indicated. This further condition is represented by a position of the retaining member in particular.

[0007] The retaining member can, in particular, be a second position assurance assembly that can only be activated, e.g. moved into the retaining position if an interior element, which position to be assured by the second position assurance assembly, is in its correct position.

[0008] Consequently, if the interior element is not correctly assembled, the retaining member cannot be moved into the retaining position. Subsequently, the position assurance assembly can also not be moved in the locking position. An operator is thus reliably informed that the electric connector or the electric connection is not fully assembled and not yet operable.

[0009] The term 'correct position' is to be understood as a position of an element, respectively a relative position of two or more elements with respect to one another in which the entity that comprises said element or said elements is fully operational as intended.

[0010] The electric connector can be improved by further additional features that can be arbitrarily combined with one another. Further, individual features can be omitted if the technical effect of the omitted feature is not relevant to the present invention. Elements given in the singular or plural form can be present in plural or singular form in further embodiments.

[0011] In the electric connector, a separation of the electric connector from the mating electric connector can be blocked by the position assurance assembly in the locking position.

[0012] This position assurance function has the advantage that an unintentional disconnection of the electric connector from the mating electric connector can be prevented.

[0013] Further, a movement of the retaining member into the open position can be blocked by the position assurance assembly in the locking position.

[0014] This has the advantage that the retaining member cannot be moved unintentionally out of the retaining position. The position assurance assembly thus secures a relative position of a housing of the electric connector and a housing of the mating electric connector one to another as well as a relative position of the retaining member with respect to the housing of the electric connector.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the housing of the mating electric connector can prevent the retainer from moving out of the retaining position. This can be implemented by the mating electric connector at least partially surrounding the electric connector, in particular a portion of the electric connector that receives the retaining member. A movement of the retaining member out of the retaining position into the open position can be blocked by a wall of the mating electric connector. Accordingly, the retaining member being in the open position can prevent the electric connector from being pushed into the mating electric connector.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the electric connector, the retaining member can be configured to retain at least one sub-component of the electric connector, at least in the retaining position.

[0017] This has the advantage that a correct position of said sub-component can be reliably detected. Only if the sub-component is correctly positioned, e.g. fully assembled within the electric connector, the retaining member can be translated or moved into the retaining position. The retaining member being in the retaining position is thus indicative of a sub-component being correctly installed in the electric connector.

[0018] A sub-component can be one of an electric terminal, a circuit board, a plug insert, a sensor, a data or power transmission line, an indicator element or any kind of element that is required to be correctly positioned within the electric connector in order to guarantee its correct operability. An electric connector that operates correctly does not show any malfunction or defects that result from incorrect positioning of any of its components.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the position assurance assembly can be movable along a first direction and the retaining member can be movable along a second direction, wherein the first direction can be oriented essentially perpendicular to the second direction.

[0020] Thus, a trajectory or travel path of the position assurance assembly can perpendicularly cross a trajectory or travel path of the retaining member. Features that block a movement of one of the position assurance assembly and the retaining member can thus be conveniently moved into or out of the trajectory of the corresponding other one of the retaining member and the position assurance assembly.

[0021] The distinct directions along which the retaining member and the position assurance assembly can be moved, have the advantage of a clear indication if the retaining member is already in the correct position or not.

[0022] The position assurance assembly and the retaining member can therefore be provided at different side surfaces of the electric connector. The different side surfaces can be oriented perpendicular to one another. The position assurance assembly can be located underneath a latch. The retaining member can protrude from a housing of the electric connector in its open position. In the retaining position, the retaining member cannot protrude from the housing of the electric connector, but can be entirely received within a cubature of the housing of the electric connector. The electric connector can comprise a receiving opening configured to receive the retaining member that can be pushed into said receiving opening.

[0023] The electric connector can be improved in that the first direction can be oriented essentially parallel to a plug direction, along which the electric connector is plugged to the mating electric connector.

[0024] This has the advantage of a clear distinction between the retaining member and the position assurance assembly, mechanically, during operation as well as optically. Further, this arrangement of actuation directions allows for an easier interaction of the retaining member and the position assurance assembly as will be described in the following.

[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment, the position assurance assembly can have a U-shape. The position assurance assembly can comprise two opposing legs connected to one another by an actuation base that can be configured to be operated by a user.

[0026] The U-shape can be advantageous in terms of mechanical stability, wherein both legs of the U-shape can be configured to support and/or guide the position assurance assembly within the electric connector housing.

[0027] The retaining member can also comprise a U-shape. The position assurance assembly and the retaining member can overlap one another at least when the retaining member is in the retaining position and the position assurance assembly is in the locking position. In this positioning with respect to one another, one leg of the U-shape of the retaining member can be received between the two legs of the position assurance assembly and vice versa.

[0028] One of the two legs of the retaining member and/or the position assurance assembly can comprise elements having a first functionality being different from a second functionality of further elements that can be provided at the other of the two legs of the retaining member and/or the position assurance assembly.

[0029] The retaining member and/or the position assurance assembly can comprise at least one Poka-Yoke feature, e.g. a feature that prevents insertion or assembly of the retaining member and/or the position assurance member in an incorrect orientation to the housing of the electric connector.

[0030] The electric connector can be improved in that the position assurance assembly comprises a connector stop configured to block a movement of the position assurance assembly into the locking position if the electric connector is not plugged to the mating electric connector and a retainer stop configured to block a movement of the position assurance assembly into the locking position if the at least one retaining member is not in the retaining position.

[0031] The connector stop and the retainer stop can both provide a mechanical stop, thereby engaging a positive lock with the position assurance assembly.

[0032] The connector stop provides a positive lock between the position assurance assembly and the housing of the electric connector. The connector stop can comprise an arbitrary form, such as a beak, a rectangular protrusion, a pin or simply a front surface of a preferably resiliently deflectable latch.

[0033] The retainer stop can comprise a stop surface facing in the first direction. The retainer stop and the stop surface in particular can be configured to abut the retaining member, wherein said abutment is resolved once the retaining member is moved into the retaining position.

[0034] The connector stop and the retainer stop can be provided at two distinct longitudinal features of the position assurance assembly. This can be the case for a U-shaped position assurance assembly, wherein the connector stop and the retainer stop are provided preferably at the two opposing legs of the U-shape. This has the advantage of a clear spatial distinction between the two stops, while still allowing a common actuation of both of the stops upon actuation of the position assurance assembly.

[0035] The connector stop and the retainer stop can extend from the corresponding longitudinal features of the position assurance assembly, e.g. preferably the legs of the U-shaped position assurance assembly in opposite directions. These two opposite directions can be oriented essentially perpendicular to the first direction. Preferably, the opposite directions can further be oriented essentially perpendicular to the second direction along which the retaining member is actuated.

[0036] Due to the perpendicular arrangement of the first direction and second direction, it is easily feasible to move a stop element of the retaining member into an actuation trajectory of the retainer stop.

[0037] It can be advantageous if at least one longitudinal feature of the position assurance assembly can be deflectable towards the other longitudinal feature. It is particularly advantageous if the connector stop is provided at the resiliently deflectable leg of the U-shaped position assurance assembly.

[0038] A deflectable longitudinal feature of the position assurance assembly can be configured to be automatically deflected upon actuation of another element of the electric connector.

[0039] For example, one longitudinal feature that comprises the connector stop can be automatically deflected towards the second longitudinal feature of the position assurance assembly when the electric connector is mated with the corresponding mating electric connector. The deflection can be achieved by means of tilted surfaces or ramps that are oriented at an acute angle with respect to the first direction and that are configured to deflect said longitudinal feature.

[0040] Also the second longitudinal feature that comprises the retainer stop can be deflectable. Further, both longitudinal features can be deflectable towards one another.

[0041] The working principle of the connector stop and the retainer stop can be similar or can differ from one another.

[0042] Preferably, the longitudinal feature comprising the connector stop is deflectable and the longitudinal feature comprising the retainer stop is not deflectable. The positive fit between the connector stop and the housing of the electric connector can thus be disengaged by the mating electric connector pushing onto the longitudinal feature and thus deflecting it towards the second longitudinal feature.

[0043] The second longitudinal feature comprising the retainer stop can be received in the housing of the electric connector by or within guiding means that only allow for an actuation of the retaining member along or opposite the second direction. Disengaging a positive lock between the retainer stop provided on the second longitudinal feature and a position assurance assembly stop (short: PAA stop) provided on the retaining member thus comprises linearly moving the PAA stop along the second direction out of the trajectory of the retainer stop that is oriented along the first direction.

[0044] The electric connector can be improved in that the position assurance assembly and/or the retaining member comprise at least one locking member configured to engage with a corresponding counter locking member of the housing for locking the position assurance member and/or the retaining member to the housing.

[0045] This has the advantage that an unintentional removal, e.g. by unintentionally touching it or even by gravity, of the retaining member and/or the position assurance assembly from the electric connector can be prevented. Further, the locking member of the retaining member and/or position assurance assembly can secure each of those two elements in at least one of their positions, namely the retaining member in the open position and/or in the retaining position and the position assurance assembly in the pre-lock position and/or the locking position.

[0046] The locking member can comprise a locking beak, a locking recess, a resiliently deflectable locking element or a similar structure that prevents relocation of the retaining member and/or the position assurance assembly. The locking can be overcome if a threshold force is exceeded that disengages said locking.

[0047] In another embodiment of the electric connector, the retaining member can comprise an assurance assembly stop with a first stop surface and a second stop surface, wherein the first stop surface can be configured to block a movement of the position assurance assembly into the locking position and wherein the second stop surface can be configured to block a movement of the retaining member out of the retaining position.

[0048] The previously mentioned PAA stop can be referred to as an assurance assembly stop. The assurance assembly stop has therefore the advantage of securing the retaining member in the retaining position.

[0049] Further, the first stop surface and the second stop surface can both be adapted to interact with the retainer stop, wherein the first stop surface and the second stop surface can face in two directions being essentially oriented perpendicular to one another.

[0050] The assurance assembly stop can therefore have two effects or functions.

[0051] As long as the retaining member is not yet in the retaining position, the first stop surface can block a movement of the position assurance assembly into the locking position by abutting the retainer stop and engaging with said retainer stop in a positive fit. Upon actuation of the retaining member into the retaining position, said positive fit is disengaged and the first stop surface is no longer in mechanical contact with the retainer stop. The position assurance assembly can now be moved to its locking position. As explained above, also the electric connector needs to be fully plugged to the mating electric connector to allow actuation of the position assurance assembly.

[0052] During this movement, the retainer stop is moved or translated along the second stop surface of the assurance assembly stop and, in the locking position of the position assurance assembly, the second stop surface prevents a movement of the retaining member out of the retaining position.

[0053] The invention further relates to a connector system, wherein any of the above-described examples of the electric connector can be provided in the connector system together with a mating electric connector. Here, the retaining member is adapted to block the insertion of the electric connector into a housing of the mating electric connector if the retaining member is not in the retaining position.

[0054] This effect can easily be obtained if the position assurance assembly is movable along the first direction being perpendicular to the second direction, along which the retaining member can be moved. The retaining member, in the open position, can extend out of the housing of the electric connector. Said retaining member protruding from the housing can block insertion of the electric connector into the mating electric connector by physical abutment of the retaining member and a portion of a housing of the mating electric connector.

[0055] Once the retaining member is moved into the retaining position, it is preferably located entirely within the electric connector. The retaining member can also be within the electric mating connector when the connector system is fully assembled.

[0056] In the following, the invention is described in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The examples shown in the figures are purely exemplary. They are not intended to limit a possible scope of protection and are provided for explanation only. Technical features of the examples can be arbitrarily combined and/or omitted if the technical effect achieved by the omitted feature is not relevant to the present invention.

[0057] In the figures:

Fig. 1

shows an exemplary electric connector;

Fig. 2

shows the electric connector of Fig. 1 in a cut view;

Fig. 3

shows an exemplary connector system comprising the electric connector of Fig. 1 in an exploded view;

Figs. 4-7

show assembly steps of the connector system of Fig. 3 from an unassembled state into a fully assembled state.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows an electric connector 1. The electric connector 1 is an angled connector 3. In further embodiments (not shown), electric connector 1 can have a different shape, for instance the shape of a linear connector.

[0059] Electric connector 1 comprises a housing 5 that is formed by a first housing part 5a and a second housing part 5b. In further embodiments (not shown), housing 5 can be a single part.

[0060] First housing part 5a is a back cover 7 that is attached to second housing part 5b by latching means 9. In other embodiments, different latching means 9 can be provided. Any number of latching means 9 can be provided in other embodiments.

[0061] Electric connector 1 comprises one retaining member 11 that is received movably in a retainer receptacle 13 of the housing 5. The retaining member 11 is movable with respect to the housing 5 between an open position 15 (shown in Fig. 1) and a retaining position 17 (shown in Fig. 5) along or opposite to a second direction 19.

[0062] Electric connector 1 further comprises a position assurance assembly 21 that is movable with respect to the housing 5 between a pre-lock position 23 (shown in Fig. 1) and a locking position 25 (shown in Fig. 7). Position assurance assembly 21 is abbreviated as PAA 21 in the following.

[0063] PAA 21 is movable along or opposite to a first direction 27.

[0064] Both, retaining member 11 and PAA 21 are partially received in housing 5. Retaining member 11 is received in retainer receptacle 13 and PAA 21 is received in a PAA-receptacle 29. PAA-receptacle 29 is best seen in Fig. 2.

[0065] Housing 5 further comprises a first position assurance assembly latch member 31 (short: PAA latch member 31) and a second position assurance assembly latch member 33 (short: PAA latch member 33). Members 31, 33 are provided on a position assurance assembly latch 35 (short: PAA-latch 35) of housing 5.

[0066] The first PAA latch member 31 and the second PAA latch member 33 interact with a connector stop 37 as will be described in the following.

[0067] Electric connector 1 comprises a connector face 39 that is formed by the second housing part 5b and a connector insert 41. Connector insert 41 shown in the figures is exemplary. In different embodiments of electric connector 1, connector insert 41 can have a different shape (e.g. not rectangular) and comprise different keying features, keying recesses and receptacles (e.g. for electric terminals).

[0068] Fig. 2 shows electric connector 1 in a cut view. PAA-receptacle 29 is formed below PAA-latch 35 of housing 5.

[0069] In Fig. 2, a movement of PAA 21 along first direction 27 being blocked by housing 5 is shown.

[0070] Connector stop 37 of electric connector 1 mechanically abuts second PAA latch member 33 and thus blocks a movement of PAA 21 into locking position 25 without electric connector 1 being plugged to a mating electric connector (not shown).

[0071] The specific embodiment of the connector stop 37, the PAA-latch 35 as well as the first and second PAA latch members 31, 33 shown in the figures are exemplary. In other embodiments, different shapes are conceivable.

[0072] Further, PAA 21 comprises a retainer stop 43 that is in mechanical contact with an assurance assembly stop 45 of retaining member 11. Thus, retaining member 11 is also configured to block a movement of PAA 21 into locking position 25. This is the case as long as retaining member 11 is in the open position 15.

[0073] As can be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, connector stop 37 and retainer stop 43 are provided at two distinct longitudinal features 47 of PAA 21, namely a first longitudinal feature 49 and a second longitudinal feature 51. Connector stop 37 and retainer stop 43 extend in opposite directions from the corresponding longitudinal feature 47.

[0074] In the embodiment of electric connector 1 shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the first direction 27 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the second direction 19. Further, the first direction 27 is oriented essentially parallel to a plug direction 53, along which electric connector 1 can be plugged to a mating electric connector 55 (shown in subsequent Figs. 3 to 7).

[0075] Retaining member 11 is configured to retain at least one sub-component 57 of electric connector 1, at least in its retaining position 17 (Fig. 5). Exemplarily, sub-component 57 can be the connector insert 41 that comprises a retaining recess 59. By receiving retaining member 11 in said retaining recess 59, a position of the connector insert 41 is secured.

[0076] On the other hand, retaining member 11 can only be moved along second direction 19 if connector insert 41 is correctly positioned inside housing 5.

[0077] In other embodiments, different sub-components 57 can be retained by retaining member 11, for instance electric terminals or circuit boards.

[0078] PAA 21 comprises at least one locking member 61 in the form of a locking latch 63. Said locking member 61 is configured to engage with a corresponding counter locking member 65 of the housing 5. Counter locking member 65 is a locking protrusion 67.

[0079] Alternatively, second longitudinal feature 51 can comprise a locking protrusion 67 and housing 5 can comprise a locking recess (not shown). If PAA 21 is moved along first direction 27 (this is only possible under certain conditions that will be explained below), locking latch 63 can deflect towards first longitudinal feature 49 and can therefore be lifted above and (as seen along the first direction 27) beyond locking protrusion 67. Thus, PAA 21 can be locked to housing 5.

[0080] Locking position 25 of PAA 21 can be defined by said positive lock between locking latch 63 and locking protrusion 67. In the embodiment shown in the figures, pre-lock position 23 is defined or determined by a positive lock between connector stop 37 and second PAA latch member 33 limiting a movement of PAA 21 in first direction 27 and by abutment of PAA 21, in particular an actuation portion 21a thereof with a holding portion 6 of first housing 5a.

[0081] Further, retainer stop 43 is received in a guiding slot 8 of housing 5, thereby confining a movement of PAA 21 along or opposite first direction 27.

[0082] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a connector system 69. Connector system 69 comprises electric connector 1 as described above, whereas first housing part 5a is not shown, and mating electric connector 55. Retaining member 11 is adapted to block insertion of electric connector 1 into a housing 71 of the mating electric connector 55 as long as retaining member 11 is not in retaining position 17 (see also Fig. 4). In open position 15 (see Fig. 4), a retainer actuation portion 75 protrudes from housing 5 and in particular out of retainer receptacle 13. In this open position 15, retaining member 11 thus blocks insertion of electric connector 1 into mating electric connector 55 by abutment of retaining member 11 with a front edge 77 of a housing 71.

[0083] PAA 21 and retaining member 11 both comprise a U-shape 73. In the exploded view of Fig. 3, it can be seen that retaining member 11 also comprises locking members 61 formed as beaks at the end of two longitudinal features 47.

[0084] Corresponding counter locking members 65 can be provided in the form of locking recesses inside the electric connector 1. Preferably, a positive lock is engaged between the locking members 65 and the locking recesses in two positions of retaining member 11, wherein these two positions correspond to open position 15 and retaining position 17 of retaining member 11.

[0085] Assurance assembly stop 45 comprises two side surfaces 79 that are arranged perpendicular to one another. First stop surface 81 is facing in a direction opposite the first direction 27 and a second stop surface 83 is facing in a direction opposite the second direction 19. As long as retaining member 11 is in the open position 15, the first stop surface 81 abuts the retainer stop 43 and thus prevents movement of PAA 21 in the first direction 27.

[0086] Further, if retaining member 11 is in retaining position 17 and PAA 21 is in locking position 25, assurance assembly stop 45 is moved out of the linear trajectory of retainer stop 43, such that retainer stop 43 is moved alongside assurance assembly stop 45 in first direction 27. Second stop surface 83 abuts retainer stop 43, thereby blocking a movement of retaining member 11 opposite second direction 19, e.g. out of retainer receptacle 13. PAA 21 thus secures retaining member 11 in retaining position 17.

[0087] Assurance assembly stop 45 is thus configured to block movement of PAA 21 into locking position 25 and is further configured to block a movement of retaining member 11 out of retaining position 17.

[0088] In the following, four assembly steps of the connector system 69 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7.

[0089] In Fig. 4, connector system 69 is shown in an unassembled state 85. In the unassembled state 85, retaining member 11 is in the open position 15 and PAA 21 is in the pre-lock position 23.

[0090] In unassembled state 85 as shown in Fig. 4, electric connector 1 can not be inserted into the mating electric connector 55 because of retaining member 11 extending out of housing 5 of electric connector 1 and abutting front edge 77 of housing 71 of mating electric connector 55.

[0091] In the next step of the assembly shown in Fig. 5, retaining member 11 is moved along second direction 19 into retaining position 17. In retaining position 17, retaining member 11 is completely received in retainer receptacle 13 and does not extend out of a cubature 87 of housing 5. That is, retaining member 11 is completely received within electric connector 1 and thus does not abut front edge 77 of housing 71 of mating electric connector 55. Electric connector 1 can thus be plugged into mating electric connector 55 in plug direction 53. In retaining position 17, retaining member 11 does not protrude out of housing 5.

[0092] Electric connector 1 as shown in Fig. 5 is inserted into housing 71. Connector system 69 is shown in a pre-assembled state 89 in Fig. 6.

[0093] In pre-assembled state 89, housing 5 is received within housing 71 and a primary latching means 91 locks electric connector 1 to mating electric connector 55.

[0094] Primary latching means 91 comprises a deflectable latching bar 93 provided at housing 71 that is deflected away from housing 5 of electric connector 1 by the second PAA latch member 33 by sliding along a ramp surface 33a. Upon sufficient insertion of electric connector 1 into mating electric connector 55, latching bar 93 returns back into its initial state 93a after passing second PAA latch member 33. By returning to the initial state 93a, e.g. an undeflected state, the latching bar 93 presses onto connector stop 37, thereby deflecting first longitudinal feature 49 of PAA 21 (see Fig. 2) towards second longitudinal feature 51.

[0095] In pre-assembled state 89, latching bar 93 thus disengages the positive lock between connector stop 37 and second PAA latch member 33, such that a movement of PAA 21 along first direction 27 is now possible. In doing so, connector stop 37 is moved into a slot 33b of second PAA latch member 33.

[0096] Further, in pre-assembled state 89, retaining member 11 is neither visible nor accessible, and is thus secured against movement out of retaining position 17 by housing 71.

[0097] If PAA 21 is moved along first direction 27 into locking position 25, a fully assembled state 95 of connector system 69 is obtained. In this fully assembled state 95, the retaining member 11 is in retaining position 17 and PAA 21 is in locking position 25. As can be seen, the connector stop 37 extends through slot 33b and engages in a positive fit with the second PAA latch member 33. A separation of the electric connector 1 from the mating electric connector 55 is blocked by PAA 21 being in the locking position.

[0098] PAA 21 can be moved back into pre-lock position 23 by pressing actuation portion 21a in a release direction 97, thereby deflecting connector stop 37 in the same direction and disengaging the positive lock between connector stop 37 and second PAA latch member 33. After moving PAA 21 into pre-lock position 23, latching bar 93 can be lifted and electric connector 1 can be separated from mating electric connector 55.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0099] 

1

electric connector

3

angled connector

5

housing

5a

first housing part

5b

second housing part

6

holding portion

7

back cover

8

guiding slot

9

latching means

11

retaining member

13

retainer receptacle

15

open position

17

retaining position

19

second direction

21

position assurance assembly / PAA

21a

actuation portion

23

pre-lock position

25

locking position

27

first direction

29

PAA-receptacle

31

first PAA latch member

33

second PAA latch member

33a

ramp surface

33b

slot

35

PAA-latch

37

connector stop

39

connector face

41

connector insert

43

retainer stop

45

assurance assembly stop

47

longitudinal feature

49

first longitudinal feature

51

second longitudinal feature

53

plug direction

55

mating electric connector

57

sub-component

59

retaining recess

61

locking member

63

locking latch

65

counter locking member

67

locking protrusion

69

connector system

71

housing of the mating electric connector

73

U-shape

75

retainer actuation portion

77

front edge

79

side surface

81

first stop surface

83

second stop surface

85

unassembled state

87

cubature

89

pre-assembled state

91

primary latching means

93

latching bar

93a

initial state

95

fully assembled state

97

release direction

Claims

1. Electric connector (1) configured to be plugged to a mating electric connector (55), the electric connector (1) comprising

- a housing (5);

- at least one retaining member (11) movable with respect to the housing (5) between an open position (15) and a retaining position (17); and

- a position assurance assembly (21) movable with respect to the housing (5) between a pre-lock position (23) and a locking position (25) , wherein

a movement of the position assurance assembly (21) into the locking position (25) is blocked

- by the housing (5) if the electric connector (1) is not plugged to the mating electric connector (55) and

- by the at least one retaining member (11) if the at least one retaining member (11) is not in the retaining position (17).

2. Electric connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein a separation of the electric connector (1) from the mating electric connector (55) is blocked by the position assurance assembly (21) in the locking position (25).

3. Electric connector (1) according to claim 2, wherein a movement of the retaining member (11) into the open position (15) is blocked by the position assurance assembly (21) in the locking position (25).

4. Electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retaining member (11) is configured to retain at least one sub-component (57) of the electric connector (1), at least in the retaining position (17).

5. Electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the position assurance assembly (21) is movable along a first direction (27) and the retaining member (11) is movable along a second direction (19), wherein the first direction (27) is oriented essentially perpendicular to the second direction (19).

6. Electric connector (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first direction (27) is oriented essentially parallel to a plug direction (53), along which the electric connector (1) is plugged to the mating electric connector (55).

7. Electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the position assurance assembly (21) has a U-shape (73).

8. Electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the position assurance assembly (21) comprises a connector stop (37) configured to block a movement of the position assurance assembly (21) into the locking position (25) if the electric connector (1) is not plugged to the mating electric connector (55) and a retainer stop (43) configured to block a movement of the position assurance assembly (21) into the locking position (25) if the at least one retaining member (11) is not in the retaining position (17).

9. Electric connector (1) according to claim 8, wherein the connector stop (37) and the retainer stop (43) are provided at two distinct longitudinal features (47) of the position assurance assembly (21).

10. Electric connector (1) according to claim 9, wherein the connector stop (37) and the retainer stop (43) extend from the corresponding longitudinal features (47) of the position assurance assembly (21) in opposite directions.

11. Electric connector (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein at least one longitudinal feature (47) of the position assurance assembly (21) is deflectable towards the other longitudinal feature (47).

12. Electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the position assurance assembly (21) and/or the retaining member (11) comprise at least one locking member (61) configured to engage with a corresponding counter locking member (65) of the housing (5) for locking the position assurance member (21) and/or the retaining member (11) to the housing (5).

13. Electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the retaining member (11) comprises an assurance assembly stop (45) with a first stop surface (81) and a second stop surface (83), wherein the first stop surface (81) is configured to block a movement of the position assurance assembly (21) into the locking position (25) and wherein the second stop surface (83) is configured to block a movement of the retaining member (11) out of the retaining position (17).

14. Electric connector (1) according to claim 13, wherein the first stop surface (81) and the second stop surface (83) are both adapted to interact with the retainer stop (43), wherein the first stop surface (81) and the second stop surface (83) are facing in two directions being essentially oriented perpendicular to one another.

15. Connector system (69) comprising an electric connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a mating electric connector (55), wherein the retaining member (11) is adapted to block insertion of the electric connector (1) into a housing (71) of the mating electric connector (55) if the retaining member (11) is not in the retaining position (17).

Drawing