Connector position guaranteeing device, limiting mechanism thereof and connector assembly

By introducing a limiting mechanism and a pressing part into the connector position guarantee device, the problems of easy cutting of the flexible locking arm and its unfavorable impact on miniaturization are solved, thus realizing a connector assembly design that is safe to operate and miniaturized.

CN223680498UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-16TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422720115.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-07
Publication Date
2025-12-16
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The flexible locking arm of the existing connector positioning device is prone to cutting fingers and deforming, and is not conducive to miniaturization.

Method used

A connector position guarantee device is designed, comprising a base, a flexible locking arm, and a limiting mechanism. The limiting mechanism is provided with a pressing part to facilitate finger operation and avoid direct contact with the flexible locking arm. Locking and unlocking are achieved through the sliding connection of the limiting base.

Benefits of technology

It avoids cutting fingers on the flexible locking arm, reduces the space required for pressing, helps to miniaturize the device, and simplifies the locking and unlocking process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The connector position assurance device comprises a base portion fixed on a connector, a flexible locking arm connected with the base portion and a limiting mechanism, a containing space used for containing a locking portion of a matched connector matched with the connector is formed between the limiting mechanism and the base portion, the flexible locking arm is located in the containing space, and the limiting mechanism is located in the containing space. The flexible locking arm is configured to engage with the locking portion of the mating connector when the connector is inserted into the mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector. The limiting mechanism comprises a limiting base, the limiting base is in sliding connection with the base part in the insertion direction of the connector, the limiting mechanism has a locking position and an unlocking position, a pressing part is formed on the limiting base, and the pressing part is constructed to be capable of pressing the flexible locking arm downwards at the unlocking position; the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the mating connector are coupled to each other to release engagement of the flexible locking arm. The utility model further provides a limiting mechanism for the connector position assurance device and a connector assembly comprising the connector position assurance device.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a connector position assurance device, and also relate to a limiting mechanism for a connector position assurance device, and a connector assembly comprising the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the prior art, a connector assembly generally comprises a connector and a counterpart connector which are plugged together, and a connector position assurance device (CPA) which prevents the connector and the counterpart connector from being separated. The connector position assurance device generally comprises a flexible locking arm which is configured to engage with a locking portion of the counterpart connector when the connector is inserted into the counterpart connector to lock the connector and the counterpart connector. When being unlocked, the flexible locking arm generally needs to be pressed by a finger to disengage from the locking portion of the counterpart connector, however, since the finger directly contacts the flexible locking arm, the finger is easily cut by the flexible locking arm, and the flexible locking arm is generally deformed after being pressed for several times, so that it is difficult to lock and unlock again. In addition, the space required for pressing the flexible locking arm is large, which is not conducive to the miniaturization of the connector position assurance device. SUMMARY

[0003] One object of the present disclosure aims to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present disclosure, a connector position assurance device is provided. The connector position assurance device comprises a base fixed on a connector, a flexible locking arm connected with the base, and a limiting mechanism, a receiving space for receiving a locking portion of a counterpart connector cooperating with the connector is formed between the limiting mechanism and the base, the flexible locking arm is located in the receiving space, the flexible locking arm is configured to engage with the locking portion of the counterpart connector when the connector is inserted into the counterpart connector to lock the connector and the counterpart connector, wherein the limiting mechanism comprises a limiting base which is slidingly connected with the base in an insertion direction of the connector, the limiting mechanism has a locking position and an unlocking position, a pressing portion is formed on the limiting base, the pressing portion is configured to be able to press the flexible locking arm downward in the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism to release the engagement between the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0005] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible locking arm includes a locking arm body and a locking protrusion protruding from a middle portion of the locking arm body in an insertion direction of the connector, the locking portion of the counterpart connector is formed with a locking hole, and the locking protrusion is configured to be caught in the locking hole of the locking portion of the counterpart connector to lock the connector and the counterpart connector.

[0006] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a first end of the flexible locking arm close to the counterpart connector is fixed to the base, and the pressing portion is configured to press a portion of the flexible locking arm close to the locking protrusion in the unlocked position of the limiting mechanism.

[0007] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the limiting mechanism further includes a supporting portion connected with the limiting base, and the supporting portion is configured to support a second end of the flexible locking arm opposite to the first end when the limiting mechanism is in the locked position.

[0008] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible locking arm further includes an extension portion extending from the second end of the flexible locking arm in a plane where the locking arm body is located and perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the supporting portion is configured to support the extension portion of the flexible locking arm when the limiting mechanism is in the locked position.

[0009] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing portion is connected with an end of the limiting base away from the counterpart connector via a connecting portion, and opposite sides of the pressing portion and the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and a side of the pressing portion away from the connecting portion are all spaced apart from the limiting base via grooves.

[0010] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the limiting mechanism is integrally formed, an end of the limiting base away from the counterpart connector is formed with an opening, the limiting mechanism is formed with a blocking portion at the opening, and the blocking portion is configured to prevent a tool from entering the receiving space to release the engagement of the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0011] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing portion includes a pressing body protruding into the receiving space and an operating portion protruding from the pressing body out of a top portion of the limiting base.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a limiting mechanism for a connector position assurance device, the connector position assurance device comprising a base fixed on a connector and a flexible locking arm, a first end of the flexible locking arm being connected with the base, the flexible locking arm being configured to engage with a locking portion of a counterpart connector when the connector is inserted into the counterpart connector to mate with the connector, to lock the connector and the counterpart connector. The limiting mechanism comprises a limiting base, the limiting base being slidingly connected with the base in an insertion direction of the connector, the limiting mechanism having a locked position and an unlocked position, a pressing portion being formed on the limiting base, the pressing portion being configured to press down the flexible locking arm in the unlocked position of the limiting mechanism, to release the engagement between the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing portion is configured to press a portion of the flexible locking arm close to the locking protrusion in the unlocked position.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the limiting mechanism further comprises a supporting portion connected with the limiting base, the flexible locking arm further comprises an extension portion extending from a second end of the flexible locking arm opposite to the first end in a plane where the locking arm body lies and perpendicular to the insertion direction, the supporting portion being configured to support the extension portion of the flexible locking arm when the limiting mechanism is in the locked position.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing portion is connected with an end of the limiting base away from the counterpart connector via a connecting portion, opposite sides of the pressing portion and the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and a side of the pressing portion away from the connecting portion are all spaced apart from the limiting base via a groove.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the limiting mechanism is integrally formed, an end of the limiting base away from the counterpart connector is formed with an opening, a blocking portion is provided at the opening, the blocking portion being configured to prevent a tool from entering via the opening and releasing the engagement between the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing portion comprises a pressing body protruding into the receiving space and an operating portion protruding out of a top portion of the limiting base from the pressing body.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a connector assembly including a connector and a counterpart connector that mates with the connector, characterized in that the connector assembly further includes the connector position assurance device as described above.

[0019] According to the connector position assurance device and the limiting mechanism thereof and the connector assembly according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a pressing portion is provided on the limiting mechanism so as to facilitate pressing of the flexible locking arm from the outside by a finger via the pressing portion, which is advantageous for the operator to operate by the finger, while avoiding the finger from contacting the flexible locking arm to prevent the finger from being cut by the flexible locking arm. In addition, there is no need to provide a space for the finger to enter into the receiving space to press the flexible locking arm, which is advantageous for miniaturization of the connector position assurance device.

[0020] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and help to understand the present disclosure from the following description of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of a connector assembly before assembly.

[0023] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a connector assembly, in which a limiting mechanism of a connector position assurance device is in an unlocked position.

[0024] Figure 4 is Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a connector assembly, in which a limiting mechanism of a connector position assurance device is in a locked position.

[0025] Figure 5 is Figure 1 is a partial sectional view of a connector assembly, in which a limiting mechanism of a connector position assurance device is in an unlocked position and a pressing portion of the limiting mechanism is in a pressed state.

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 1 is a partial view of a connector assembly, in which another angle of a structural schematic view of a connector position assurance device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, it will be understood that those having ordinary skill in the art can modify the disclosure described herein without departing from the technical concept of the disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the exemplary embodiments described herein but rather providing a full and enabling disclosure as described herein.

[0028] In addition, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the underlying principles of the embodiments.

[0029] According to the general inventive concept of the present disclosure, a connector position assurance device is provided. The connector position assurance device includes a base fixed to a connector, a flexible locking arm connected to the base, and a limiting mechanism, a receiving space for receiving a locking portion of a counterpart connector mating with the connector is formed between the limiting mechanism and the base, the flexible locking arm is located in the receiving space, and the flexible locking arm is configured to engage with the locking portion of the counterpart connector when the connector is inserted into the counterpart connector to lock the connector and the counterpart connector, wherein the limiting mechanism includes a limiting base that is slidingly connected to the base in an insertion direction of the connector, the limiting mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, a pressing portion is formed on the limiting base, and the pressing portion is configured to be able to press down the flexible locking arm in the unlocked position of the limiting mechanism to release the engagement of the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0030] According to another general inventive concept of the present disclosure, a limiting mechanism for a connector position assurance device is provided. The connector position assurance device includes a base fixed to a connector and a flexible locking arm, a first end of the flexible locking arm is connected to the base, and the flexible locking arm is configured to engage with a locking portion of a counterpart connector mating with the connector when the connector is inserted into the counterpart connector to lock the connector and the counterpart connector. The limiting mechanism includes a limiting base that is slidingly connected to the base in an insertion direction of the connector, the limiting mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, a pressing portion is formed on the limiting base, and the pressing portion is configured to be able to press down the flexible locking arm in the unlocked position of the limiting mechanism to release the engagement of the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0031] According to still another general inventive concept of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector assembly including a connector and a counterpart connector mating with the connector, characterized in that the connector assembly further includes a connector position assurance device as described above.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6 The connector position assurance device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base 310 fixed on the connector 100, a flexible locking arm 320 connected with the base 310, and a limiting mechanism 330. A receiving space for receiving a locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200 mating with the connector 100 is formed between the limiting mechanism 330 and the base 310. The flexible locking arm 320 is located in the receiving space, and the flexible locking arm 320 is configured to engage with the locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200 when the connector 100 is inserted into the counterpart connector 200 to lock the connector 100 and the counterpart connector 200. The limiting mechanism 330 includes a limiting base 331 which is slidingly connected with the base 310 in the insertion direction X of the connector 200. The limiting mechanism 330 has a locking position (as shown in Figure 4 ) and an unlocking position (as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 The limiting base 331 is formed with a pressing portion 332 configured to be able to press downward the flexible locking arm 320 in the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism 330 to disengage the flexible locking arm 320 from the locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the pressing portion 332 on the limiting mechanism 330, the flexible locking arm 320 can be pressed by a finger from outside via the pressing portion 330, which is advantageous for the operator to operate by the finger, and at the same time, the finger can be prevented from directly contacting the flexible locking arm to prevent the finger from being cut by the flexible locking arm. In addition, there is no need to provide a space for the finger to enter the receiving space to press the flexible locking arm, thus being advantageous for the miniaturization of the connector position assurance device.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5As shown, the flexible locking arm 320 includes a locking arm body 321 and a locking protrusion 322 protruding from the locking arm body 321 at a substantially middle portion of the locking arm body 321 in the insertion direction X of the connector 100. The locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200 is formed with a locking hole 202, and the locking protrusion 322 is configured to be clamped in the locking hole 202 of the locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200 to lock the connector 100 and the counterpart connector 200. It should be noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking protrusion 322 of the flexible locking arm 320 can also be in the form of a spring sheet. In addition, in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking protrusion 322 of the flexible locking arm 320 can also be in the form of a locking hole, and correspondingly, the locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200 is formed with a locking protrusion or a locking sheet that cooperates with the locking hole. In addition, although in this embodiment, the locking protrusion 322 is at the substantially middle portion of the flexible locking arm, the present disclosure does not limit the position of the locking protrusion 322, which should be designed according to specific conditions.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the first end of the flexible locking arm 320 close to the counterpart connector 200 is fixed on the base 310, and the pressing portion 332 is configured to press the portion of the flexible locking arm 320 close to the locking protrusion 322 at the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism 330. In this way, a smaller pressing range can make the locking protrusion 322 of the flexible locking arm 320 disengage from the locking hole 202 of the counterpart connector 200, and at the same time, the deformation of the flexible locking arm 320 can be reduced or avoided to facilitate subsequent relocking and unlocking. However, it should be noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressing portion 332 can also be configured to press other positions of the flexible locking arm 320 at the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism 330, for example, the free end of the flexible locking arm 320, etc.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 4 As shown, the limiting mechanism 330 further includes a supporting portion 334 connected with the limiting base 331, and the supporting portion 334 is configured to support the free end of the flexible locking arm 320 (i.e., the second end of the flexible locking arm 320 opposite to the first end) when the limiting mechanism 330 is at the locking position. In this way, when the limiting mechanism 330 is at the locking position, even if the pressing portion 332 is accidentally pressed, the flexible locking arm 320 will not change due to the support of the free end of the flexible locking arm 320 by the supporting portion 334, and thus the locking protrusion 322 cannot disengage from the locking hole 202 of the counterpart connector 200.

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6As shown, the flexible locking arm 320 further comprises an extension 323 extending from the free end of the locking arm body 321 in the plane in which the locking arm body 321 lies, i.e. the XZ plane in the XZ plane, and perpendicular to the insertion direction X, the support portion 334 being configured to support the extension 322 of the flexible locking arm 320 when the limiting mechanism 330 is in the locking position. In this embodiment, two support portions 334 are shown, which are integrally formed from opposite sides of the limiting base 331, respectively. It is noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, only one extension and corresponding support portion can be provided. Figure 6

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 2 to 6 the pressing portion 332 is connected to the end of the limiting base 331 distal from the mating connector 200 via a connecting portion 335, the opposite sides of the pressing portion 332 and the connecting portion 335 in the direction Z perpendicular to the insertion direction X of the connector 100, and the side of the pressing portion 332 distal from the connecting portion 335 are all separated from the limiting base 331 via a recess 336. As shown in Figures 2 to 6 the pressing portion 332 and the connecting portion 335 are T-shaped in the plane parallel to the insertion direction X of the connector 200, i.e. the XZ direction in the XZ plane. Figure 6

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5 the pressing portion 332 comprises a pressing body 332a protruding into the receiving space, and an operating portion 332b protruding from the pressing body 332a out of the top of the limiting base 331, the operating portion 332b being formed with a texture to prevent the fingers from slipping when pressed on the operating portion 332b. The pressing body 332a protrudes into the receiving space, so that a smaller amplitude of pressing can make the pressing body 33a press against the flexible locking arm 320.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 6 the limiting mechanism 330 is integrally formed, for example by molding, so that an opening 338 is formed at the end of the limiting base 331 distal from the mating connector 200, and therefore, in order to prevent tools from entering the receiving space via the opening 338 to release the engagement of the flexible locking arm 320 and the locking portion 201 of the mating connector 200, the limiting mechanism 330 further comprises a blocking portion 339 at the opening 338.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 1 to 6 ​​As shown, the base 310 of the connector position assurance device 300 is integrally formed with the housing of the connector 100. It is noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the base 310 of the connector position assurance device 300 and the housing of the connector 100 can also be two separately formed components.

[0041] In use, first the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 200 along the insertion direction X, when the mating connector 200 and the connector 100 are mated in place, at this time the connector position assurance device 300 is in the initial state, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3 As shown, the locking hole 202 of the locking portion 201 of the mating connector 200 is engaged with the locking protrusion 322 of the flexible locking arm 320 of the connector position assurance device, so as to lock the mating connector 200 and the connector 100 together. Then the limiting mechanism 330 of the connector position assurance device 300 is pushed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction X of the connector 100, so that the limiting mechanism 330 is located in its locking position, as shown in FIG. 2. Figure 4 As shown, at this time the extension 323 at the free end of the flexible locking arm 320 is supported by the supporting portion 334 of the limiting mechanism 330, so as to prevent the pressing portion 332 from being pressed accidentally to cause the locking protrusion 322 of the flexible locking arm 320 to disengage from the locking hole 202 of the locking portion 201 of the mating connector 200. When it is needed to unlock the mating connector 200 and the connector 100, the limiting mechanism 330 is pushed along the insertion direction X of the connector 100 to the unlocking position, as shown in FIG. 3. Figure 3 As shown, at this time the pressing portion 332 of the limiting mechanism 330 is pressed by the finger, so as to apply a force to the flexible locking arm 320, as shown in FIG. 4. Figure 5 As shown, at this time the pressing portion 332 of the limiting mechanism 330 is pressed by the finger, so as to apply a force to the flexible locking arm 320, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a limiting mechanism 330 for the connector position assurance device 300. Specifically, the connector position assurance device 300 comprises a base 310 fixed on the connector 100, and a flexible locking arm 320 connected with the base 310, the flexible locking arm 320 is configured to engage with the locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200 when the counterpart connector 200 is inserted into the connector 100 to mate with the connector 100, so as to lock the connector 100 and the counterpart connector 200. The limiting mechanism adopts the limiting mechanism as described above. Specifically, the limiting mechanism 330 comprises a limiting base 331 which is in sliding connection with the base 310 of the connector position assurance device 300, and the limiting mechanism 330 has a locking position and an unlocking position, and a pressing portion 332 is formed on the limiting base 331, the pressing portion 332 is configured to press downward the flexible locking arm 320 of the connector position assurance device 300 in the unlocking position, so as to release the engagement between the flexible locking arm 320 and the locking portion 201 of the counterpart connector 200.

[0043] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a connector assembly, which comprises the connector 100 and the counterpart connector 200 which is mated with the connector 100, and further comprises the connector position assurance device 300 as described above.

[0044] According to the connector position assurance device and the limiting mechanism thereof, and the connector assembly according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressing portion is arranged on the limiting mechanism, so as to facilitate the pressing of the flexible locking arm by the finger from the outside via the pressing portion, which is beneficial for the operation of the operator by the finger, and meanwhile, the finger is prevented from contacting the flexible locking arm, so as to prevent the finger from being cut by the flexible locking arm. In addition, the space for the finger to enter into the receiving space to press the flexible locking arm is not required, and thus the miniaturization of the connector position assurance device is facilitated. Furthermore, by arranging the blocking portion at the opening of the limiting mechanism, the tool is prevented from entering into the receiving space via the opening to release the engagement between the flexible locking arm and the locking portion of the counterpart connector.

[0045] Those skilled in the art can understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary, and those skilled in the art can make improvements thereon, and the structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without structural or principle conflicts.

[0046] Although the present disclosure is described in conjunction with the drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplarily illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0047] While some embodiments of the general inventive concept have been shown and described, one skilled in the art will readily devise many other variations that are

[0048] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed and the word "a" or "an" preceding the name of an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Furthermore, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connector position assurance device (300) characterized by, The connector position assurance device (300) comprises a base (310) fixed on the connector (100), a flexible locking arm (320) connected with the base (310), and a limiting mechanism (330), an accommodation space for accommodating a locking portion (201) of a counterpart connector (200) matched with the connector (100) is formed between the limiting mechanism (330) and the base (310), the flexible locking arm (320) is located in the accommodation space, the flexible locking arm (320) is configured to engage with the locking portion (201) of the counterpart connector (200) when the connector (100) is inserted into the counterpart connector (200) to lock the connector (100) and the counterpart connector (200), wherein the limiting mechanism (330) comprises a limiting base (331) which is slidingly connected with the base (310) in the insertion direction (X) of the connector (100), the limiting mechanism (330) has a locking position and an unlocking position, a pressing portion (332) is formed on the limiting base (331) and is configured to press downward the flexible locking arm (320) in the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism (330) to release the engagement between the flexible locking arm (320) and the locking portion (201) of the counterpart connector (200).

2. The connector position assurance device of claim 1, wherein, The flexible locking arm (320) comprises a locking arm body (321) and a locking protrusion (322) protruding from a middle portion of the locking arm body (321) in the insertion direction (X) of the connector (100), the locking portion (201) of the counterpart connector (200) is formed with a locking hole (202), and the locking protrusion (322) is configured to be clamped in the locking hole (202) of the locking portion (201) of the counterpart connector (200) to lock the connector (100) and the counterpart connector (200).

3. The connector position assurance device of claim 2, wherein, A first end of the flexible locking arm (320) close to the counterpart connector (200) is fixed on the base (310), and the pressing portion (332) is configured to press the portion of the flexible locking arm (320) close to the locking protrusion (322) in the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism (330).

4. The connector position assurance device of claim 3, wherein, The limiting mechanism (330) further comprises a supporting portion (334) connected with the limiting base (331), and the supporting portion (334) is configured to support a second end of the flexible locking arm (320) opposite to the first end when the limiting mechanism (330) is in the locking position.

5. The connector position assurance device of claim 4, wherein, The flexible locking arm (320) further comprises an extension (323) extending from the second end of the flexible locking arm (320) in the plane where the locking arm body (321) lies and perpendicular to the insertion direction (X), the supporting portion (323) being configured to support the extension (323) of the flexible locking arm (320) when the limiting mechanism (330) is in the locking position.

6. The connector position assurance device of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The pressing portion (332) is connected with one end of the limiting base (331) away from the counterpart connector (200) via a connecting portion (335), opposite sides of the pressing portion (332) and the connecting portion (335) in a direction (Y) perpendicular to the insertion direction (X) and a side of the pressing portion (332) away from the connecting portion (335) are all separated from the limiting base (331) via a groove (336).

7. The connector position assurance device of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The limiting mechanism (330) is integrally formed, an opening (338) is formed at one end of the limiting base (331) away from the counterpart connector (220), the limiting mechanism (330) is formed with a blocking portion (339) at the opening (338), the blocking portion (339) is configured to prevent tools from entering the receiving space to release the engagement of the flexible locking arm (320) and the locking portion (201) of the counterpart connector (200).

8. The connector position assurance device of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The pressing portion (332) comprises a pressing body (332a) protruding into the receiving space and an operating portion (332b) protruding from the pressing body (332a) out of the top of the limiting base (331).

9. A stop mechanism (330) for a connector position assurance device (300) comprising a base (310) fixed to a connector (100) and a flexible locking arm (320) having a first end connected to the base (310), the flexible locking arm (320) being configured to engage a locking portion (201) of a mating connector (200) when the connector (100) is inserted into the mating connector (200) to which the connector (100) mates to lock the connector (100) and the mating connector (200), characterized in that, The limiting mechanism (330) comprises a limiting base (331) which is slidingly connected with the base (310) in the insertion direction (X) of the connector (100), the limiting mechanism (330) has a locking position and an unlocking position, a pressing portion (332) is formed on the limiting base (331), the pressing portion (332) is configured to press downward the flexible locking arm (320) in the unlocking position of the limiting mechanism (330) to release the engagement of the flexible locking arm (320) and the locking portion (201) of the counterpart connector (200).

10. The limit mechanism of claim 9, wherein, The pressing portion (332) is configured to press the part of the flexible locking arm (320) close to the locking protrusion (322) in the unlocking position.

11. The limit mechanism of claim 9, wherein, The limiting mechanism (330) further comprises a supporting portion (334) connected with the limiting base (331), the flexible locking arm (320) further comprises an extension (323) extending from the second end of the flexible locking arm (320) opposite to the first end in the plane where the locking arm body (321) lies and perpendicular to the insertion direction (X), the supporting portion (334) is configured to support the extension (323) of the flexible locking arm (320) when the limiting mechanism (330) is in the locking position.

12. The stop mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The pressing part (332) is connected with one end of the limiting base (331) away from the counterpart connector (200) via a connecting part (335), and opposite sides of the pressing part (332) and the connecting part (335) in a direction (Y) perpendicular to the insertion direction (X) and one side of the pressing part (332) away from the connecting part (335) are all separated from the limiting base (331) via a groove (336).

13. The limit mechanism according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The limiting mechanism (330) is integrally formed, and one end of the limiting base (331) away from the counterpart connector (220) is formed with an opening (338), and a blocking part (339) is arranged at the opening (338) and is configured to prevent a tool from entering via the opening (338) and releasing the engagement of the flexible locking arm (320) and the locking part (201) of the counterpart connector (200).

14. The limit mechanism of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The pressing part (332) includes a pressing body (332a) protruding into the receiving space and an operating part (332b) protruding from the pressing body (332a) to the top of the limiting base (331).

15. A connector assembly comprising a connector (100) and a mating connector (200) cooperating with the connector (100), characterized in that, The connector assembly further comprises the connector position assurance device (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Citation Information

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