Electrical connector assembly with a connection indicator for a motor vehicle

Abstract

An electrical connector arrangement (114) for a motor vehicle (100), the electrical connector arrangement (114) comprising: a pair of electrical connectors (116, 118) for electrical connection to each other in order to close a circuit (104); and a connection indicator (120) attached to at least one of the electrical connectors (116, 118), wherein the connection indicator (120) generates feedback in response to the electrical connectors (116, 118) either being connected to each other or disconnected from each other; wherein the connection indicator (120) is separate from the electrical circuit (104); and the feedback consists of at least one high-frequency signal, RF signal, electronic signal, visible light, and acoustic signal; where the connection indicator (120) includes: a first support section (122) which is attached to one of the electrical connectors (116, 118); a second support section (124) to engage with the other of the electrical connectors (116, 118) when the electrical connectors (116, 118) are connected to each other; and a fragile section (128) connecting the first support section (122) and the second support section (124), wherein the fragile section (128) is designed to break in response to the second support section (124) engaging with one of the electrical connectors (116, 118) and the electrical connectors (116, 118) connecting to each other.

Description

introduction

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automotive electronics and in particular to an electrical connector arrangement with multiple connectors and a connection indicator that provides feedback that the connectors have been connected to each other or disconnected from each other.

[0002] Modern vehicles have multiple electronic systems, and each electronic system can contain several electronic components with electrical connectors that link the components together. Non-restrictive examples of electronic systems include an engine management system, an ignition system, a radio system, a telematics system, an entertainment system, and other electronic systems. While the electrical connectors may be connected during the vehicle's manufacture, a technician may not have applied sufficient force to fully connect the electrical connectors and close the electrical circuit. The missing electrical connection between the connectors may not be discovered until the electronic system is tested and / or operated.

[0003] US 9 711 903 B2 describes a connector with integrated RFID circuitry. Before the connector is plugged into a corresponding plug, the RFID circuitry is configured so that it does not function as intended at the desired frequency. Once the plug is connected, the RFID circuitry is configured so that it functions as intended at the desired frequency.

[0004] US 5,174,787 A describes an electrical connector consisting of a socket and a plug. The socket comprises a socket housing with a receptacle; at least one main signal terminal arranged in the socket housing such that contact portions of it project into the receptacle; and a test signal terminal arranged in the plug housing such that a contact portion of it projects into the receptacle. The plug comprises a plug housing; and at least one contact terminal in the plug housing for connecting to the contact portion of the main signal terminal and the test signal terminal. The contact portion of the test signal terminal and the contact terminal are designed such that they only make contact when the contact portion of the main signal terminal is fully engaged with the contact terminal.

[0005] DE 600 28 859 T2 describes connector arrangements, such as electrical connectors, fiber optic connectors, and the like. In particular, it describes a system for restricting the movement of a connector relative to a plate in a given joining direction and for releasing the restrictions when a given joining force on the connector is exceeded.

[0006] While existing electrical connectors fulfill their purpose, there is a need for new and improved electrical connectors that solve these problems. Description of the invention

[0007] According to the invention, an electrical connector arrangement is provided for an electronic system of a motor vehicle, wherein the electronic system comprises several electrical components. The arrangement includes a pair of electrical connectors for each electrical component, which are electrically connected to each other to close an electrical circuit. The arrangement further includes a connection indicator attached to one or more of the electrical connectors. The connection indicator generates feedback in response to the electrical connectors being connected or disconnected. The connection indicator is separate from the electrical circuit, and the feedback consists of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal, an electronic signal, a visible light, or an audible signal.

[0008] In one aspect, the connection indicator comprises a first support section attached to one of the electrical connectors. The connection indicator further comprises a second support section for engaging with the other of the electrical connectors when the electrical connectors are connected. The connection indicator also includes a breakable section connecting the first and second support sections. The breakable section is designed to break in response to the second support section engaging with one of the electrical connectors and the electrical connectors connecting to each other.

[0009] In another aspect, the first support section and the second support section have an associated first thickness and second thickness, respectively, and the fragile section has a third thickness that is less than the first thickness and the second thickness.

[0010] In another aspect, the first support section, the second support section, and the fragile section are integral sections of a single body.

[0011] In another aspect, one of the electrical connectors defines a recess, and the connection indicator is positioned within this recess. The other electrical connector includes a surface adapted to engage with the second support section of the connection indicator when the electrical connectors are connected.

[0012] In another aspect, the arrangement further includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag with an integrated circuit connected to the breakable section. The integrated circuit breaks in response to the breakage of the breakable section, preventing the RFID tag from transmitting the RF signal to a wireless transceiver.

[0013] In another aspect, the RFID tag is able to transmit the RF signal to the wireless transmit / receive device before the electrical connectors are connected and the integrated circuit breaks.

[0014] In another aspect, the connection indicator emits the acoustic signal in response to the breaking of the fragile section.

[0015] In another aspect, the connection indicator includes a light source for emitting light, a first polarizing filter for transmitting the light along a first transmission plane, and a second polarizing filter for transmitting the light along a second transmission plane. The second polarizing filter is movable between a first and a second position relative to the first polarizing filter. The connection indicator further includes a gear train attached to the second polarizing filter for moving the second polarizing filter to the second position in response to the electrical connectors being connected.

[0016] In another aspect, the gear train moves the second polarization filter into the second position, so that the first transmission plane and the second transmission plane are arranged at right angles to each other in order to block light in response to the electrical connectors being connected to each other.

[0017] In another aspect, the gear train moves the second polarizing filter into the second position, so that the first and second transmission planes are not at right angles to each other and the first and second polarizing filters allow light to pass through when the electrical connectors are connected.

[0018] In another aspect, the gear train includes a gear set attached to one of the electrical connectors and a pinion rotatably mounted on the other electrical connector. The pinion is driven by the rack when the electrical connectors are connected. The gear train further includes a first bevel gear coupled to the pinion, the first bevel gear being driven by the pinion. The gear train also includes a second bevel gear meshing with the first bevel gear and the second polarizing filter. The first bevel gear drives the second bevel gear, which in turn moves the second polarizing filter from the first position to the second position.

[0019] In another aspect, the second bevel gear is connected to a drive shaft, which in turn is connected to the center of the second polarization filter.

[0020] In another aspect, the second bevel gear is a ring gear that is coupled to a peripheral section of the second polarization filter.

[0021] In another aspect, the connection indicator includes one or more wireless pressure sensors attached to one or more of the electrical connectors. The wireless pressure sensor transmits the electronic signal when the electrical connectors are connected.

[0022] In another aspect, one of the electrical connectors defines a recess in which the wireless pressure sensor is located. The other electrical connector includes a surface for engaging the wireless pressure sensor.

[0023] In another aspect, the pair of electrical connectors has an associated first and second fastener, wherein the first and second fasteners interlock to keep the electrical connectors connected. The wireless pressure sensor is attached to one of the first and second fasteners, such that the other of the first and second fasteners actuates the wireless pressure sensor to send the electronic signal in response to the interlocking of the first and second fasteners.

[0024] In another aspect, the connection indicator comprises an RFID tag with an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a first section attached to one of the electrical connectors and a second section attached to the other electrical connector. The first and second sections of the integrated circuit are electrically connected to complete the circuit for transmitting the RF signal when the electrical connectors are connected.

[0025] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle comprises an electronic system with an electrical circuit containing a plurality of electrical components. The electrical components include at least one power source, a control unit, and at least one load, as well as an electrical connector arrangement. The arrangement includes a pair of electrical connectors for electrically connecting them to close the electrical circuit. The arrangement further includes a connection indicator attached to at least one of the electrical connectors. The connection indicator generates feedback when the electrical connectors are connected or disconnected. The connection indicator is separate from the electrical circuit, and the feedback consists of at least one radio frequency (RF) signal, an electronic signal, a visible light, or an audible signal.

[0026] According to an example, a method for assembling an electrical connector arrangement is provided, comprising a pair of electrical connectors and a connection indicator attached to at least one of the electrical connectors. The method includes electrically connecting the electrical connectors to each other to create an electrical circuit, with the connection indicator being separate from the electrical circuit. The method further includes generating feedback using the connection indicator. The feedback comprises at least one radio frequency signal, an electronic signal, a visible light signal, and an audible signal in response to the electrical connectors being connected or disconnected.

[0027] Further areas of application will become apparent from the present description. It should be understood that the description and specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a motor vehicle with an electronic system comprising several electrical components that are electrically connected to each other by associated electrical connectors. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. 1, illustrating the arrangement with a pair of electrical connectors, a connection indicator and a pair of fasteners to hold the connectors connected to each other. Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. 2, before the electrical connectors are electrically connected to each other, and shows the connection indicator, which has a one-piece body with a fragile section. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged side view of the one-piece body of the connection indicator. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged front view of the one-piece body of the connection indicator. Fig. 3, which shows that the connection indicator further features a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the fragile section of the one-piece body. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the fragile section will break and the RFID tag will be broken when the electrical connectors are electrically connected. Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of another example of the connection indicator from Fig. 2, showing the connection indicator with a light source and a pair of polarizing filters attached to one of the electrical connectors to block the light emitted by the light source before the electrical connections are joined together. Fig. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection indicator of Fig. 7, which shows that the connection indicator further comprises a rack extending from one of the electrical connectors and a gear train supported by the other electrical connector, the gear train engaging with the rack to move at least one of the polarizing filters to transmit light when the electrical connectors are connected together. Fig. Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of yet another example of the connection indicator of Fig. 2, which shows the connection indicator with a pair of polarizers and a gear train with a ring gear surrounding one of the polarizers. Fig. Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection indicator of Fig. Figure 9 shows how the toothed ring moves one of the polarizing filters relative to the other polarizing filter to transmit light emitted when the electrical connectors are connected together. Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. Figure 3 shows that the connection indicator is a wireless pressure sensor arranged in a recess formed in an electrical connector and engaging with a projection extending from another electrical connector. Fig. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. 11, which shows the projection included in the recess for actuating the wireless pressure sensor in response to the connection of the electrical connectors to each other. Fig. Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the fastening elements of the electrical connectors of Fig. 2, which shows another example of the connection indicator with multiple wire pressure sensors attached to one or more of the fasteners. Fig. Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. 2, showing the connection indicator which includes a radio frequency identification tag with an integrated circuit, wherein a first section is attached to a projection extending from one of the electrical connectors and a second section is positioned next to a recess formed in the other of the electrical connectors. Fig. Figure 15 is a schematic end view of the projection of Fig. 14. Fig. Figure 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical connector of Fig. 14, wherein the electrical connector has arranged the second section of the circuit next to the recess. Fig. Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. Figure 14 shows the first and second sections of the integrated circuit, which are electrically connected to each other to close the electrical circuit when the electrical connectors are connected together. Fig. Figure 18 is a flowchart of an example of a method for operating the electrical connector arrangement of Fig. 2. Detailed description

[0029] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use.

[0030] The present disclosure describes a non-limiting example of an electrical connector arrangement for an electronic system of a motor vehicle. The arrangement comprises two or more electrical connectors and a connection indicator that provides feedback and / or notification that the electrical connectors have been electrically connected or disconnected. While these non-limiting examples provide feedback for the connection indicator in the form of a radio frequency (RF) signal, an electronic signal, a visible light, an audible signal, or any combination thereof, it is conceivable that the connection indicator could also provide other suitable forms of feedback and / or notification. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the electrical connector arrangement could be integrated into any electronic system for motor vehicles or non-motor vehicles.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 1 comprises an example of a motor vehicle 100, an electronic system 102 with an electrical circuit 104, and a plurality of electrical components 106. Non-restrictive examples of the electronic system 102 may include an engine management system, an ignition system, a radio system, a telematics system, an entertainment system, and other suitable electronic systems. The components 106 may include at least a power source 108, a control unit 110, and one or more consumers 112. It is conceivable that the electronic system may include other suitable electrical components.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 2 The electronic system 102 further comprises an electrical connector arrangement 114 (“arrangement”) with a pair of electrical connectors 116, 118 for an associated electrical component 106 ( Fig. 1) and to electrically connect them together to form the electrical circuit 104 ( Fig. 1) to close. The arrangement 114 further comprises a connection indicator 120 attached to at least one of the electrical connectors 116, 118, wherein the connection indicator 120 generates feedback and / or notification when the electrical connectors 116, 118 are connected to or disconnected from each other. As described in detail below, the connection indicator 120 is isolated from the electrical circuit 104, and the feedback and / or notification is at least one of a radio frequency (RF) signal ( Fig. 3-6), an electronic signal ( Fig. 11-15), a visible light ( Fig. 7-10) and an acoustic signal ( Fig. 3-6).

[0033] Now, referring to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6. The connection indicator 120 includes a first support section 122 attached to one of the electrical connectors 118, and a second support section 124 into which a projection 126 engages, extending from the other electrical connector 116 when the electrical connectors 116, 118 are connected. In this example, the connection indicator 120 further includes a fragile section 128 connecting the first and second support sections 122, 124. Furthermore, in this example, the first and second support sections 122, 124 have a first and a second thickness T1, T2, and the fragile section 128 has a third thickness T3, which is less than the first and second thicknesses T1, T2. The first and second support sections 122, 124 and the fragile section 128 are integral parts of a single body 130. As in Fig. As best illustrated in Figure 5, the connection indicator 120 in this example further comprises a radio frequency identification tag 132 (RFID tag) with an integrated circuit 134 connected to the breakable section 128. The RFID tag 132 is capable of transmitting an RF signal to a wireless transceiver 136 before the integrated circuit 134 is broken when the electrical connectors 116 and 118 are connected. In this non-restrictive example, one of the electrical connectors 118 defines a recess 138 in which the connection indicator 120 is positioned, and the other electrical connector 116 has the projection 126 with a surface 140 suitable for engaging the second support section 124 of the connection indicator 120 when the electrical connectors 116 and 118 are connected. As shown in Figure 5, the connection indicator 120 is connected to the breakable section 128. Fig. As best illustrated in Figure 6, the fragile section 128 is designed to break, and the integrated circuit is designed to break so that the RFID tag 132 does not transmit the RF signal to the wireless transceiver 136 when the surface 140 of the protrusion 126 engages the second support section 124 when the connectors 116 and 118 are connected. Also in this example, the connection indicator 120 emits an audible signal or other noise that can be heard by a technician connecting the electrical connectors 116 and 118 when the fragile section 128 breaks. In other examples, it is conceivable that the connection indicator 120 only includes the single-piece body 130 without the RFID tag 132, so that the feedback consists only of the acoustic signal generated by breaking the fragile section 128.

[0034] Now, with reference to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In another example of a connection indicator 220, a light source 242 is attached to the electrical connector 218 to emit light indicating that the electrical connectors have been electrically connected. The connection indicator 220 further comprises a first polarizing filter 244 attached to the electrical connector 218 to transmit the light along a first transmission plane. The connection indicator 220 further comprises a second polarizing filter 246 attached to the electrical connector 218 to transmit the light along a second transmission plane, and the second polarizing filter 246 is positioned between a first position ( Fig. 7) and a second position ( Fig. 8) movable relative to the first polarizing filter 244. The connection indicator 220 further includes a gear train 248, which is attached to the electrical connector 218 and the second polarizing filter 246, to move the second polarizing filter 246 into at least one of the first and second positions in response to the connection of the electrical connectors 216, 218 to each other. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 8, and in response to the electrical connectors 216 and 218 being connected, the gear train 248 moves the second polarizing filter 246 to the second position, so that the first and second transmission planes are not perpendicular to each other. This allows the first and second polarizing filters to transmit the light from the light source 242 to a technician who can determine whether the electrical connectors 216 and 218 have been connected. However, it is conceivable that the gear train 248 could instead move the second polarizing filter 246 to the second position, so that the first and second transmission planes are at right angles to each other, thus blocking the light when the electrical connectors 216 and 218 are connected.In other words, the gear train 248 and the first and second polarization filters 244, 246 can be configured to transmit light visible to the technician to indicate that the electrical connectors are connected or disconnected.

[0035] While the connection indicator 120 of Fig. 2. The connecting indicator 220, which has a projection 126 without any teeth, comprises the gear train 248, which has a rack 250 attached to the electrical connector 216. The gear train 248 further comprises a pinion 252, which is rotatably mounted on the other electrical connector 218, and the pinion 252 is driven by the rack 250 when the electrical connectors 216 and 218 are connected. The gear train 248 further comprises a first bevel gear 254, which is rotatably mounted on the electrical connector 218 and engages with the pinion 252. The first bevel gear 254 is driven by the pinion 252. The gear train 248 further comprises a second bevel gear 256, which is rotatably mounted on the electrical connector 218 and engages with the first bevel gear 254.The second bevel gear 256 is driven by the first bevel gear 254, and the second polarizing filter 246 is moved by the second bevel gear 256. In this example, the second bevel gear 256 is connected to a drive shaft 258, which in turn is connected to a central section 260 of the second polarizing filter 246. It is conceivable that the gear train could also include other suitable gears and / or a preload element, e.g., a torsion spring, to return the second polarizing filter from the second position to the first position.

[0036] With regard to the Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows another example of a gear train 348 for a connection indicator 320, which corresponds to the gear train 248 for the connection indicator 220 of the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 resembles, and the gear train 348 has similar components, identified by the same reference numerals increased by 100. However, while the gear train 248 of the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 containing the second bevel gear 256, the gear train 348 includes a bevel ring gear 356, which is attached to a circumferential section 362 of the second polarizing filter 346. While each of the in the Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. While the 10 illustrated examples comprise two pairs of meshing gears, it is conceivable that other examples of the connection indicator might include more or fewer than two pairs of gears. As a non-restrictive example, the gear train could include a ball screw with a threaded shaft featuring a helical raceway for ball bearings acting as a precision spindle.

[0037] Now, referring to the Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 is another example of an electrical connector arrangement 414 with a connection indicator 420 of the electrical connector arrangement 114. Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 with connection indicator 120 similar. Assembly 414 has similar components, which are identified by the same reference numerals, increased by 300. However, while connection indicator 120 of the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6. The RFID tag 132, which is attached to the one-piece body 130 and positioned in the recess 138 of the electrical connector 118, and the connection indicator 420, a wireless pressure sensor 464, which is positioned in the recess 438 of the electrical connector 418, are shown in Figure 6. Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the electrical connector 416 includes a projection 426 with a surface 440 that is received in the recess 438 to engage with the wireless pressure sensor 464 when the first and second electrical connectors 416, 418 are electrically connected. The wireless pressure sensor 464 transmits the electronic signal to a wireless transmitter / receiver to inform the technician that the connectors 416, 418 have been electrically connected.

[0038] With reference to Fig. Figure 13 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of another example of fasteners 566, 568 for an electrical connector assembly 514. The fasteners 566, 568 are similar to the fasteners 166, 168 for the electrical connector assembly 114 of Fig. 2, and the arrangement 114 has the same components, which are identified by the same reference numerals increased by 400. However, while the electrical connector arrangement 114 of Fig. 2. The electrical connector arrangement 514 has a connection indicator 520 in the form of a projection 126 for engaging the one-piece body 130 in order to break the fragile section 128 and the integrated circuit 134 attached to the fragile section 128. The electrical connector arrangement 514 has a connection indicator 520 in the form of one or more wireless pressure sensors 564, 565 attached to an associated fastener 566, 568. More precisely, the pair of electrical connectors 516, 518 has an associated first and second fastener 566, 568, e.g., a pair of hook and snap fasteners, wherein the first and second fastener 566, 568 interlock to hold the electrical connectors 516, 518 connected to each other.The wireless pressure sensors 564, 565 are attached to one of the first and second fasteners 566, 568, such that the other of the first and second fasteners 566, 568 actuates the associated wireless pressure sensor in response to the engagement of the first and second fasteners 566, 568. At least one of the wireless pressure sensors 564, 565 sends the electronic signal in response to the electrical connectors being connected and the fasteners 566, 568 engaging. The electrical connector 516 defines a recess 538 with a wireless pressure sensor 564 positioned within the recess 538, and the other electrical connector 518 comprises a surface 540 for engagement with the wireless pressure sensor 565.

[0039] Now, with reference to the Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. 17 is another example of an electrical connector arrangement 614 similar to the electrical connector arrangement 114 in the Fig. 3-6 and has similar components, which are identified by the same reference symbols increased by 500. However, while the connection indicator 120 of the Fig. 3-6 The integrated circuit 134, which is interrupted in response to the electrical connection of the electrical connectors 116, 118 to each other, the connection indicator 620 comprises an RFID tag 632 with an integrated circuit 634 having a first section 670 attached to the projection 626 of the first electrical connector 616, and a second section 672 positioned next to the recess 638 of the second electrical connector 618. The first and second sections 670, 672 are electrically connected to each other to complete or close the integrated circuit 634 and to transmit the RF signal to the wireless transmit / receive device 636 when the projection 626 is engaged in the recess 638 when the first and second electrical connectors 616, 618 are connected to each other.

[0040] Now, with reference to Fig. Figure 18 is a flowchart of an example of a method 700 for operating the electrical connector arrangement 114 of Fig. 2 provided. Procedure 700 begins in block 702 with connecting the electrical connectors 116, 118 to each other. In this example, the projection 126 ( Fig. 2-6), which extends from the electrical connector 116, is aligned with the recess 138 formed in the other electrical connector 118, so that the recess 138 receives the projection 126 when the electrical connectors 116, 118 are electrically connected to each other.

[0041] In block 704, the connection indicator 120 generates feedback, comprising a radio frequency signal, an electronic signal, visible light, and / or an audible signal, in response to the electrical connectors 116 and 118 either being connected or disconnected. Continuing the previous example, the surface 140 of the projection 126 engages the second support section 124 of the one-piece body 130 to break the fragile section 128 and destroy the integrated circuit 134 attached to the fragile section 128, in response to the electrical connection of the electrical connectors 116 and 118. In other examples ( Fig. 7-10) The connection indicator comprises a first and a second polarizing filter with associated first and second transmission planes and a gear train for moving the second polarizing filter relative to the first polarizing filter so that visible light is emitted to a technician when the technician electrically connects the first and second electrical connectors. In further examples ( Fig. 11-13) The connection indicator comprises one or more wireless pressure sensors attached to one or more of the electrical connectors, such that the wireless pressure sensor is activated to transmit an electronic signal to a wireless transmit / receive device when the electrical connectors are electrically connected. In another example ( Fig.14-17) the connection indicator comprises an RFID tag with an integrated circuit having a first section supported by the projection extending from one of the electrical connectors and a second section positioned adjacent to the recess formed in the other electrical connector, such that the first and second sections are electrically connected to each other to transmit the RF signal in response to the electrical connection of the electrical connectors to each other.

[0042] Accordingly, it should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples are obvious to the person skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should not be determined by reference to the above description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, together with the full scope of the equivalents to which those claims refer. It is expected and intended that future developments will take place in the fields discussed herein and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it should be understood that the invention can be modified and varied and is limited only by the following claims.

[0043] All terms used in the claims have their simple and ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art, unless expressly stated otherwise. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a", "the", "said", etc., should be understood to denote one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim contains an express limitation to the contrary.

Claims

[1] An electrical connector arrangement (114) for a motor vehicle (100), the electrical connector arrangement (114) comprising: a pair of electrical connectors (116, 118) for electrical connection to each other in order to close a circuit (104); and a connection indicator (120) attached to at least one of the electrical connectors (116, 118), wherein the connection indicator (120) generates feedback in response to the electrical connectors (116, 118) either being connected to each other or disconnected from each other; wherein the connection indicator (120) is separate from the electrical circuit (104); and the feedback consists of at least one high-frequency signal, RF signal, electronic signal, visible light, and acoustic signal; where the connection indicator (120) includes: a first support section (122) which is attached to one of the electrical connectors (116, 118); a second support section (124) to engage with the other of the electrical connectors (116, 118) when the electrical connectors (116, 118) are connected to each other; and a fragile section (128) connecting the first support section (122) and the second support section (124), wherein the fragile section (128) is designed to break in response to the second support section (124) engaging with one of the electrical connectors (116, 118) and the electrical connectors (116, 118) connecting to each other. [2] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 1, wherein the first support section (122) has an associated first thickness, the second support section (124) has an associated second thickness and the fragile section (128) has a third thickness which is less than the first thickness and less than the second thickness. [3] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 2, wherein the first support section (122) and the second support section (124) and the fragile section (128) are integral parts of a one-piece body. [4] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 3, wherein one of the electrical connectors (116, 118) defines a recess (138), wherein the connection indicator (120) is positioned within the recess (138), and wherein the other of the electrical connectors (116, 118) comprises a surface adapted to engage in the second support section (124) of the connection indicator (120) when the electrical connectors (116, 118) are connected to each other. [5] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 4, further comprising: a radio frequency identification tag, RFID tag, with an integrated circuit (134) coupled to the breakable section (128), wherein the integrated circuit (134) breaks in response to the breaking of the breakable section (128) so that the RFID tag does not transmit the RF signal to a wireless transmit / receive device. [6] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 5, wherein the RFID tag is able to transmit the RF signal to the wireless transmit / receive device before the electrical connectors (116, 118) are connected to each other and the integrated circuit (134) breaks. [7] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 4, wherein the connection indicator (120) emits the acoustic signal in response to the breaking of the fragile part. [8] An electrical connector arrangement (114) for a motor vehicle (100), the electrical connector arrangement (114) comprising: a pair of electrical connectors (116, 118) for electrical connection to each other in order to close a circuit (104); and a connection indicator (120) attached to at least one of the electrical connectors (116, 118), wherein the connection indicator (120) generates feedback in response to the electrical connectors (116, 118) either being connected to each other or disconnected from each other; wherein the connection indicator (120) is separate from the electrical circuit (104); and the feedback consists of at least one high-frequency signal, RF signal, electronic signal, visible light, and acoustic signal; where the connection indicator (120) includes: a light source (242) for emitting light; a first polarizing filter (244) for transmitting the light along a first transmission plane; a second polarizing filter (246) for transmitting the light along a second transmission plane, which is movable between a first and a second position relative to the first polarizing filter (244); and a gear train (248) attached to the second polarizing filter (246) for moving the second polarizing filter (246) into the second position in response to the connection of the electrical connectors (116, 118) to each other. [9] The electrical connector arrangement (114) according to claim 8, wherein the gear train (248) moves the second polarization filter (246) into the second position, so that the first transmission plane and the second transmission plane are arranged at right angles to each other in order to block light in response to the connection of the electrical connectors (116, 118) to each other.

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