A CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE LOCKING MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE LOCKING MECHANISM

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a connector position assurance (CPA) locking mechanism used to securely hold together a connector apparatus which has a male connector assembly and a female connector assembly. The connector position assurance (CPA) locking mechanism is inserted into one of the connector assemblies to lock the male connector assembly and female connector assembly together as an additional locking assurance. US 6,312,277 B1, EP 1 096 616 A2, US 2004/0067676 A1 and EP 3 016 213 A1 describe variants of connectors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In one aspect, the invention is a connector position assurance device as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1. In another aspect, the invention is a method of operating a connector assurance device as it is defined by the features of independent claim 10. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0003] In particular, the connector position assurance device according to the invention comprises a two-component locking system including an upper component and a lower component, wherein the lower component forms an aperture; at least one tooth formed at a front end of the lower component; a first curved upper region and a second curved upper region formed on the upper component, wherein the upper component extends forward from the second curved upper region toward a front of the connector position assurance device; a back being connected to the upper component and the lower component; and a pair of arms being connected to the back. The lower component has edges curved upward toward the upper component.

[0004] Preferably, each of the arms has an interior surface facing toward the two-component locking system and an exterior surface facing outward, wherein the exterior surface does not have protrusions extending outward.

[0005] To ensure that the connector position assurance locking mechanism is available to connect to the female connector assembly, the CPA locking mechanism can be engaged, in a pre-lock position, to the female connector assembly prior to transport of the female connector assembly.

[0006] The male connector assembly and female connector assembly are engaged together, and the engagement thereof is assured when the CPA locking mechanism is placed at a full-lock position. The CPA locking mechanism can also be referred to as a CPA device.

[0007] 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

[0008] 

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

[0009] 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) locking mechanism. The connector position assurance (CPA) locking mechanism can also be referred to as a CPA device.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the locking component 204 of the female connector assembly 200 is located at the top side 214.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The CPA device 300 includes a two-component locking system having an upper component 308 and a lower component 320.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

Claims

1. A connector position assurance device (300), comprising:

a two-component locking system including an upper component (308) and a lower component (320), wherein the lower component forms an aperture (314);

at least one tooth (312) formed at a front end of the lower component (320); and

a first curved upper region (302) and a second curved upper region (304) formed on the upper component (308), wherein the upper component (308) extends forward from the second curved upper region (304) toward a front (316) of the connector position assurance device (300);

characterized by further comprising:

a back (322) being connected to the upper component (308) and the lower component (320); and

a pair of arms (306) being connected to the back (322), wherein the lower component (320) has edges (318) curved upward toward the upper component (308).

2. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 1, wherein the aperture (314) is formed below the first curved upper region (302).

3. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 1, wherein each of the arms (306) has a flat exterior surface (306A) that does not have protrusions extending outward.

4. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 1, wherein the upper component (308) corresponds to a flexible beam.

5. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 4, wherein the flexible beam flexes down toward the lower component (320) when the first curved upper region (302) is pushed down.

6. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 1, wherein each of the arms (306) has an interior surface (306B) facing toward the two-component locking system and an exterior surface (306A) facing outward, wherein the exterior surface (306A) does not have protrusions extending outward.

7. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 1, wherein the teeth (312) are configured to engage a locking component when the connector position assurance device is in a pre-lock position.

8. The connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 1, wherein the first curved upper region (302) is configured to engage a locking component when the connector position assurance device is in a full-lock position.

9. The connector position assurance device (300) as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one tooth (312) is a pair of teeth (312) formed at a front end of the lower component (320).

10. A method of operating a connector position assurance device (300), comprising the steps of:

providing a female connector assembly having a housing forming a female connector opening and a locking component;

accommodating a connector position assurance device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in the female connector opening of the female connector assembly,
wherein the connector position assurance device (300) comprises:

a two-component locking system including an upper component (308) and a lower component (320), wherein the lower component forms an aperture (314);

at least one tooth (312) formed at a front end of the lower component (320);

a first curved upper region (302) and a second curved upper region (304) formed on the upper component (308), wherein the upper component (308) extends forward from the second curved upper region (304) toward a front (316) of the connector position assurance device (300);

a back (322) being connected to the upper component (308) and the lower component (320); and

a pair of arms (306) being connected to the back (322), wherein the lower component (320) has edges (318) curved upward toward the upper component (308);

providing a male connector assembly having a housing forming a male connector opening and at least one latch; and

accommodating the female connector assembly into the male connector opening of the male connector assembly.

11. The method of operating a connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 10, wherein the step of accommodating the connector position assurance device (300) in the female connector opening of the female connector assembly further comprises a step of engaging the at least one tooth (312) with the locking component of the female connector assembly, corresponding to a pre-lock position.

12. The method of operating a connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 11, further comprising a step of engaging the first curved upper region (302) with the locking component of the female connector assembly, corresponding to a full-lock position.

13. The method of operating a connector position assurance device (300) as in claim 12, wherein the step of accommodating the female connector assembly into the male connector opening of the male connector assembly further comprises a step of engaging the at least one latch of the male connector assembly with the locking component of the female connector assembly.

Ansprüche

1. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300), umfassend:

ein Zweikomponenten-Verriegelungssystem mit einer oberen Komponente (308) und einer unteren Komponente (320), wobei die untere Komponente eine Öffnung (314) bildet;

mindestens einen Zahn (312), der an einem vorderen Ende der unteren Komponente (320) ausgebildet ist; und

einen ersten gebogenen oberen Bereich (302) und einen zweiten gebogenen oberen Bereich (304), die an der oberen Komponente (308) ausgebildet sind, wobei sich die obere Komponente (308) von dem zweiten gebogenen oberen Bereich (304) nach vorne zu einer Vorderseite (316) der Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) erstreckt;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie ferner Folgendes umfasst:

eine Rückseite (322), die mit der oberen Komponente (308) und der unteren Komponente (320) verbunden ist; und

ein Paar Arme (306), die mit der Rückseite (322) verbunden sind, wobei die untere Komponente (320) Kanten (318) aufweist, die nach oben in Richtung der oberen Komponente (308) gebogen sind.

2. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Öffnung (314) unterhalb des ersten gebogenen oberen Bereichs (302) ausgebildet ist.

3. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jeder der Arme (306) eine flache Außenfläche (306A) aufweist, die keine nach außen ragenden Vorsprünge hat.

4. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die obere Komponente (308) einem biegsamen Balken entspricht.

5. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 4, wobei sich der biegsame Balken nach unten in Richtung der unteren Komponente (320) biegt, wenn der erste gebogene obere Bereich (302) nach unten gedrückt wird.

6. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jeder der Arme (306) eine dem Zweikomponenten-Verriegelungssystem zugewandte Innenfläche (306B) und eine nach außen gerichtete Außenfläche (306A) aufweist, wobei die Außenfläche (306A) keine sich nach außen erstreckenden Vorsprünge aufweist.

7. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Zähne (312) so konfiguriert sind, dass sie in eine Verriegelungskomponente eingreifen, wenn sich die Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung in einer Vorverriegelungsposition befindet.

8. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste gebogene obere Bereich (302) so konfiguriert ist, dass er in eine Verriegelungskomponente eingreift, wenn sich die Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung in einer Vollverriegelungsposition befindet.

9. Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der mindestens eine Zahn (312) ein Zahnpaar (312) ist, das an einem vorderen Ende der unteren Komponente (320) ausgebildet ist.

10. Verfahren zum Bedienen einer Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300), umfassend die folgenden Schritte:

Bereitstellen einer Buchsen-Baugruppe mit einem Gehäuse, das eine Buchsen-Öffnung und eine Verriegelungskomponente bildet;

Unterbringen einer Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 in der Buchsen-Öffnung der Buchsen-Baugruppe, wobei die Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) Folgendes umfasst:

ein Zweikomponenten-Verriegelungssystem mit einer oberen Komponente (308) und einer unteren Komponente (320), wobei die untere Komponente eine Öffnung (314) bildet;

mindestens einen Zahn (312), der an einem vorderen Ende der unteren Komponente (320) ausgebildet ist;

einen ersten gebogenen oberen Bereich (302) und einen zweiten gebogenen oberen Bereich (304), die an der oberen Komponente (308) ausgebildet sind, wobei sich die obere Komponente (308) von dem zweiten gebogenen oberen Bereich (304) nach vorne zu einer Vorderseite (316) der Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) erstreckt;

eine Rückseite (322), die mit der oberen Komponente (308) und der unteren Komponente (320) verbunden ist; und

ein Paar Arme (306), die mit der Rückseite (322) verbunden sind, wobei die untere Komponente (320) Kanten (318) aufweist, die nach oben in Richtung der oberen Komponente (308) gebogen sind;

Bereitstellen einer Stecker-Baugruppe mit einem Gehäuse, das eine Stecker-Öffnung und mindestens eine Verriegelung bildet; und

Unterbringen der Buchsen-Baugruppe in der Stecker-Öffnung der Stecker-Baugruppe.

11. Verfahren zum Bedienen einer Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Schritt des Unterbringens der Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) in der Buchsen-Öffnung der Buchsen-Baugruppe ferner einen Schritt des Eingreifens des mindestens einen Zahns (312) in die Verriegelungskomponente der Buchsen-Baugruppe entsprechend einer Vorverriegelungsposition umfasst.

12. Verfahren zum Bedienen einer Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 11, ferner umfassend einen Schritt des Eingreifens des ersten gebogenen oberen Bereichs (302) in die Verriegelungskomponente der Buchsen-Baugruppe, entsprechend einer Vollverriegelungsposition.

13. Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Steckverbinder-Positionssicherungsvorrichtung (300) nach Anspruch 12, wobei der Schritt des Unterbringens der Buchsen-Baugruppe in der Stecker-Öffnung der Stecker-Baugruppe ferner einen Schritt des Eingreifens der mindestens einen Verriegelung der Stecker-Baugruppe in die Verriegelungskomponente der Buchsen-Baugruppe umfasst.

Revendications

1. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300), comprenant :

un système de verrouillage à deux composants comportant un composant supérieur (308) et un composant inférieur (320), dans lequel le composant inférieur forme une ouverture (314) ;

au moins une dent (312) formée à une extrémité avant du composant inférieur (320) ; et

une première région supérieure incurvée (302) et une seconde région supérieure incurvée (304) formées sur le composant supérieur (308), le composant supérieur (308) s'étendant vers l'avant à partir de la seconde région supérieure incurvée (304) vers un avant (316) du dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) ;

caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre :

un arrière (322) relié au composant supérieur (308) et au composant inférieur (320) ; et

une paire de bras (306) reliés à l'arrière (322), le composant inférieur (320) ayant des bords (318) incurvés vers le haut vers le composant supérieur (308).

2. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'ouverture (314) est formée sous la première région supérieure incurvée (302).

3. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chacun des bras (306) a une surface extérieure plate (306A) qui ne présente pas de saillies s'étendant vers l'extérieur.

4. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le composant supérieur (308) correspond à un faisceau flexible.

5. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le faisceau flexible fléchit vers le bas vers le composant inférieur (320) lorsque la première région supérieure incurvée (302) est poussée vers le bas.

6. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chacun des bras (306) a une surface intérieure (306B) orientée vers le système de verrouillage à deux composants et une surface extérieure (306A) orientée vers l'extérieur, la surface extérieure (306A) ne présentant pas de saillies s'étendant vers l'extérieur.

7. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les dents (312) sont configurées pour venir en prise avec un composant de verrouillage lorsque le dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur est dans une position de pré-verrouillage.

8. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première région supérieure incurvée (302) est configurée pour venir en prise avec un composant de verrouillage lorsque le dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur est dans une position de verrouillage complet.

9. Dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'au moins une dent (312) est une paire de dents (312) formées à une extrémité avant du composant inférieur (320).

10. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300), comprenant les étapes de :

fourniture d'un ensemble connecteur femelle ayant un boîtier formant une ouverture de connecteur femelle et un composant de verrouillage ;

logement d'un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9 dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle de l'ensemble connecteur femelle, le dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) comprenant :

un système de verrouillage à deux composants comportant un composant supérieur (308) et un composant inférieur (320), le composant inférieur formant une ouverture (314) ;

au moins une dent (312) formée à une extrémité avant du composant inférieur (320) ;

une première région supérieure incurvée (302) et une seconde région supérieure incurvée (304) formées sur le composant supérieur (308), le composant supérieur (308) s'étendant vers l'avant à partir de la seconde région supérieure incurvée (304) vers un avant (316) du dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) ;

un arrière (322) relié au composant supérieur (308) et au composant inférieur (320) ; et

une paire de bras (306) reliés à l'arrière (322), le composant inférieur (320) ayant des bords (318) incurvés vers le haut vers le composant supérieur (308) ;

fourniture d'un ensemble connecteur mâle ayant un boîtier formant une ouverture de connecteur mâle et au moins un verrou ; et de

logement de l'ensemble connecteur femelle dans l'ouverture de connecteur mâle de l'ensemble connecteur mâle.

11. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel l'étape de logement du dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) dans l'ouverture de connecteur femelle de l'ensemble connecteur femelle comprend en outre une étape de mise en prise de l'au moins une dent (312) avec le composant de verrouillage de l'ensemble connecteur femelle, correspondant à une position de pré-verrouillage.

12. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 11, comprenant en outre une étape de mise en prise de la première région supérieure incurvée (302) avec le composant de verrouillage de l'ensemble connecteur femelle, correspondant à une position de verrouillage complet.

13. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif d'assurance de position de connecteur (300) selon la revendication 12, dans lequel l'étape de logement de l'ensemble connecteur femelle dans l'ouverture de connecteur mâle de l'ensemble connecteur mâle comprend en outre une étape de mise en prise de l'au moins un verrou de l'ensemble connecteur mâle avec le composant de verrouillage de l'ensemble connecteur femelle.

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