Connector assembly apparatus with connector position assurance device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector assembly apparatus (100, 300) comprising: a connector element (102, 302) including a first locking device (132) and configured to be inserted into and locked thereto in a complementary connector (200); and a connector position guarantee device (104, 304), also referred to as a CPA device, mounted to move relative to the connector element (102, 302) between a first position referred to as a transfer position and a second position referred to as a locking position, the CPA device (104, 304) including a flexible locking lance (110, 310) having a first locking device (118, 318) associated with the first locking device (132, 332) of the connector element (102, 302) and configured to achieve a form-fit connection with the first locking device (132, 332) of the connector element (102, 302) in the locking position so as to lock the connector element (102, 302) when it mates with the mating connector (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a connector assembly apparatus, which includes connector elements and a connector positioning assurance (CPA) device. Background Technology

[0002] Such a device, which can be used in motor vehicles, is known from DE20201710774U1. The device of DE202017105774U1 includes a connector element configured to insert into and lock with a complementary connector. Furthermore, the connector includes a connector position guarantee (CPA) device, which checks and ensures proper mating with the complementary connector, particularly when the connector is used in environments subject to frequent shock or vibration, as is commonly the case when used in motor vehicles. When the connector element mates with the complementary connector, and when the CPA device is in the assembled position relative to the connector assembly, proper mating is maintained by a central lance equipped with a latch that achieves a form-fit connection with the retaining element of the connector element.

[0003] The CPA device also includes auxiliary elements, distinct from the shank, arranged on the side of the CPA device to hold it in a position relative to the connector element, known as the pre-assembly position, before insertion into the complementary connector. Holding the CPA device in the pre-assembly position is achieved through cooperation between the auxiliary elements and the crossbars present in the connector element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Starting from the known device, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved assembly device that meets the compactness standards required by motor vehicle manufacturers and enables more efficient locking of complementary connectors and connector elements.

[0005] The present invention provides a connector assembly apparatus, comprising: a connector element including a first locking device and configured to be inserted into and locked thereto in a complementary connector; and a connector position guarantee device, also referred to as a CPA device, mounted to move relative to the connector element between a first position referred to as a delivery position and a second position referred to as a locking position, the CPA device including a flexible locking shank having a first locking device associated with the first locking device of the connector element and configured to achieve a form-fit connection with the first locking device of the connector element in the locking position, so as to lock the connector element when it is inserted into the complementary connector, thereby preventing any movement of the CPA device in the direction from the locking position toward the delivery position; the connector assembly apparatus is characterized in that the connector element is provided with a second locking device, the locking shank is provided with a second locking device associated with the second locking device of the connector element, and configured to achieve a second form-fit connection with the second locking device of the connector element in the locking position, thereby preventing any movement of the CPA device in the direction from the locking position toward the delivery position; and the form-fit connection between the first locking device and the associated first locking device and the form-fit connection between the second locking device and the associated second locking device occur in different planes.

[0006] The stability and reliability of the lock can be improved by using a second locking device and its associated locking devices, because the force applied to the CPA device is shared at different locations between the two locking devices, thus making the lock more robust.

[0007] The invention can be further improved in terms of providing the apparatus through the following embodiments.

[0008] In one embodiment, the form-fit connection between the first locking device and its associated first locking device, and the form-fit connection between the second locking device and its associated second locking device, can occur in different planes parallel to the direction between the locking position and the transfer position. Therefore, the locking reliability of the CPA device in the assembly apparatus is even stronger than the unlocking direction from the locking position toward the transfer position.

[0009] In one embodiment, in the transfer position and without a complementary connector, the first and / or second locking devices of the connector element can prevent the associated first and / or second locking devices of the CPA device from being positioned in the direction from the transfer position toward the locking position via a form-fit connection. Therefore, when the connector element is not inserted with the complementary connector, the CPA device is prevented from accidentally moving toward the locking position.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the transfer position and without a complementary connector, the free end of the locking shank of the CPA device can abut against the second locking device of the connector element. Therefore, the second locking device of the connector element is used to secure the CPA device in both the transfer and locking positions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first and second locking devices of the connector element may be protrusions (protrusions) that project in different directions, particularly in opposite directions. Therefore, a more robust locking can be achieved using a relatively low-complexity design.

[0012] In one embodiment, the protrusion may project perpendicularly to the direction from the delivery position toward the locking position. By using the opposite direction, the force distribution is further optimized.

[0013] In one embodiment, the associated first locking device may be a spearhead latch. In another embodiment, the associated second locking device may be a recess, particularly a through hole. By using a recess on the spearhead side and a protrusion on the connector element side, a form-fit connection that operates in multiple directions, particularly in the plane of the spearhead, can be achieved. This makes the locking more secure, especially vibration-resistant. Furthermore, by using the recess, the same curvature of the spearhead is utilized to position the two form-fit connections in place.

[0014] In one embodiment, the spearhead latch may be located at the free end of the locking spear, and a recess is adjacent to the spearhead latch on its side. Therefore, compared to the prior art, a second-shape-fit connection can be provided without enlarging the spear.

[0015] In one embodiment, the associated second locking device may include a second recess located on the opposite side of the spearhead latch. Therefore, locking can occur in three different locations.

[0016] In one embodiment, the recess can be arranged further away from the free end of the locking spear than the spearhead latch. Therefore, the form-fit connection is also implemented in two different planes perpendicular to the direction from the delivery position to the locking position.

[0017] In one embodiment, the CPA device may include two locking lances, particularly parallel to each other, each lance being provided with an associated first locking device and an associated second locking device. Therefore, the force on the CPA device is even more effectively distributed, thereby preventing accidental release of the restraint, i.e., unlocking.

[0018] In one embodiment, the CPA device may further include a stop, specifically located on the side of the CPA device, parallel to the direction from the delivery position to the locking position, to prevent the connector element and the CPA device from being disassembled. Therefore, the CPA device will not be accidentally removed from the connector element or lost. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention and its advantages will now be described in more detail with the aid of preferred embodiments, and especially with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1A This is a top view of a first embodiment of the connector assembly apparatus of the present invention when the CPA device is in the transfer position;

[0021] Figure 1B This is a side view of a first embodiment of the connector assembly apparatus of the present invention when the CPA device is in the transfer position;

[0022] Figure 1C This is a CC cross-sectional view of FIG1 of a first embodiment of the connector assembly apparatus of the present invention when the CPA device is in the transfer position;

[0023] Figure 1D This is a DD cross-sectional view of FIG1 of the first embodiment of the connector assembly apparatus of the present invention when the CPA device is in the transfer position;

[0024] Figure 1E This is a front view of a connector element in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the connection portion enlarged;

[0025] Figure 1F This is a top view of the CPA device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 1G This is a side view of the CPA device in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2A When the CPA device is in the locked position, in the presence of a complementary connector, it is in conjunction with the connector assembly device of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1C Same CC section view;

[0028] Figure 2B When the CPA device is in the locked position, it is assembled with a connector having a complementary connector. Figure 1D The same DD cross-sectional view;

[0029] Figure 3A This is a top view of the CPA device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3BThis is a side view of the CPA device in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3C This is a front view of a connector element according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connection portion of the connector element is enlarged;

[0032] Figure 4 When the CPA device is in the transfer position, but in the presence of a complementary connector, it is used in conjunction with the connector assembly apparatus of the present invention having a complementary connector, according to the first embodiment. Figure 1A The same DD cross-sectional view; and

[0033] Figure 5 From Figure 4 The view from above. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The invention is now described in more detail using advantageous embodiments, illustrated by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments represent possible configurations, and it should be remembered that, when implementing the invention, the various features described above may be provided independently of each other or omitted entirely.

[0035] Figures 1A to 1G 2A, 2B, 4 and 5 show the same first embodiment of the assembly device 100 of the present invention in two different states. Figures 1A to 1G The assembly device 100 is shown in its state without the mating connector 200, and Figures 2A to 2B An assembly device 100 is shown in a locked state, locked with mating connector 200.

[0036] Figure 1A An assembly apparatus 100 is shown, which includes a connector element 102 and a connector position guarantee (CPA) device 104, which is inserted into the connector element 102, and more specifically into the connection portion 106 of the connector element 102. Figures 1A to 1D In this configuration, the CPA device 104 is positioned at a location referred to as the transfer position. The CPA device 104 is mounted relative to the connector element 102 at... Figures 1A to 1D The teleportation location shown is Figure 2A and 2B The movement is between the second position, which is referred to as the locking position.

[0037] Figure 1B , 2A and 2B and Figure 4 The second locking element 108 shown may also be present in the assembly device 100. The second locking element 108 is not related to the locking mechanism of the CPA device of the present invention. Therefore, locking the CPA device of the present invention is not required.

[0038] CPA device 104 has a contact or push surface 114, which is a surface on which a user can apply pressure to insert CPA device 104 into connection portion 106 of connector element 102.

[0039] For example, especially in Figure 1A , 1C And in 1D or actually in Figure 1F and 1G As shown, the CPA device 104 includes a locking shank 110 that extends from the body 112 of the CPA device 104 along the insertion direction 136, as... Figure 1F As shown. Insertion direction 136 corresponds to the direction from the transfer position of CPA device 104 toward the locking position.

[0040] The locking spear 110 extends from the center of the body 112. The locking spear 110 includes a first locking device 118 and a second locking device 120.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first locking device 118 is a spearhead latch, i.e., a protrusion perpendicular to the plane of the locking spearhead 110. Figure 1F and 1G In this configuration, the spearhead latch 118 is located at the free end 122 of the locking spear 110, opposite to the end 124 connected to the body 112. Furthermore, the spearhead latch 118 is centrally located on the locking spear 110 in the Y direction.

[0042] In one variation, the first locking device may also include multiple latches. In another variation, the latches may be positioned at a different location on the locking shank.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second locking device 120 is the recess in the locking spear 110, specifically the through hole, such as... Figure 1F and 1G As shown. In this example, the second locking device 120 includes two recesses. In a variation, the second locking device 120 may include only one recess.

[0044] like Figure 1F and 1G As shown, the recess 120 is adjacent to the spearhead latch 118 on either side. The second locking device 120 is arranged further away from the free end 122 of the locking spear 110 than the spearhead latch 118.

[0045] Locking shank 110 is a flexible element, allowing it to bend downwards when the CPA device 104 is inserted into the connector element 102 from the delivery position to the locking position, or vice versa. Figure 4As shown. In practice, the locking shank 110 can be deflected so that the CPA device 104 can be inserted from its delivery position toward the locking position in the complementary connector 200 when the connector element 102 is inserted into the complementary connector 200, which can lock with the connector element 102, as... Figure 2A and 2B As shown. In particular, the locking of connector element 102 with complementary connector 200 occurs through a form-fitting connection or latching with the locking region 116 of connector element 102, especially through snap fastening. Furthermore, the locking of connector element 102 with complementary connector 200 also occurs through the first locking device 118 of the locking spear 110 of CPA device 104.

[0046] The CPA device 104 also includes a stop 126 laterally positioned on either side of the shank 110 on the body 112 of the CPA device 104. The stop 126 may be a latch, such as a protrusion extending outward from the sides 128, 130 of the body 112 of the CPA device 104. The stop 126 is configured such that when the CPA device 104 is inserted into the connector element 102 to its delivery position, the stop 126 prevents it from withdrawing from the connection portion 106 once the CPA device 104 has been inserted to its delivery position. Therefore, the CPA device 104 remains assembled with the connector element 102.

[0047] Connector element 102 includes a first locking device 132 configured to provide locking with the complementary connector 200 as described above.

[0048] The first locking device 118 of the CPA device 104 is also referred to as the associated locking device because it is associated with the first locking device 132 of the connector element 102 and configured to achieve a form-fit connection with the first locking device 132 of the connector element 102 in the locked position, so as to lock the connector element 102 when it is inserted into the complementary connector 200, thereby preventing the CPA device 104 from moving in the direction from the locked position toward the delivery position, such as... Figure 2A As shown.

[0049] Connector element 102 includes a second locking device 134. The second locking device 134 is associated with the second locking device 120 (also referred to as the associated second locking device) of the locking shank 110 of CPA device 104 and is configured to achieve a second form-fitting connection with the second locking device 120 of CPA device 104 in the locked position, thereby preventing movement of CPA device 104 in a direction from the locked position toward the transfer position, such as... Figure 2B As shown.

[0050] The first locking device 132 and the second locking device 134 of the connector element 102 are protrusions that project in different directions, particularly in opposite directions. For example... Figure 1E As shown in the enlarged view of the connection portion 106 of connector element 102, protrusions 132 and 134 protrude in opposite directions perpendicular to the direction from the delivery position toward the locking position. Specifically, in Figure 1E In the connector element 102, the protrusion of the first locking device 132 is a protrusion extending outward from the top surface 106a of the connecting portion 106, while the protrusion of the second locking device 134 is a protrusion extending outward from the bottom surface 106b of the connecting portion 106. The first locking device 132 and the second locking device 134 of the connector element 102 function as supports.

[0051] The first locking device 118 of the CPA device 104 is arranged and configured such that, in the absence of the complementary connector 200, the CPA device 104 is in its transmission position (which is...). Figures 1A to 1D The position shown is maintained within the connector element 102, i.e., movement is prevented. In the transfer position, the first locking device 118 of the CPA device 104 is located in the locking region 116 of the connection portion 106 of the connector element 102, such that a portion of its protrusion extends outward from the top surface 106a of the connection portion 106 of the connector element 102 and abuts against the first locking device 132, thereby preventing the CPA device 104 from advancing in the insertion direction 136. Figure 1B , 1C As shown in Figure 1D.

[0052] Furthermore, in its transmission position, the CPA device 104 of the device 100 of the present invention is also prevented in the insertion direction 136, i.e., movement is prevented, because the free end 122 of the locking spear 110 of the CPA device also abuts against the second locking device 134 of the connection portion 106 of the connector element 102, i.e., against the protrusion or support 134, as shown. Figure 1C and 1D As shown.

[0053] In its transfer position, the CPA device 104 can no longer be inserted into the connector element 102, particularly into the connection portion 106. Thus, the CPA device 104 is reliably prevented (i.e., latched) in its transfer position, and is also prevented from moving by the stop device 126 of the CPA device 104 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 136 (which is the direction from the transfer position toward the locking position).

[0054] The form-fit connection between the first locking device 132 of the connector element 102, which prevents the CPA device 104 from being inserted into the locking position, and the corresponding first locking device 118 of the CPA device 104, and the form-fit connection between the second locking device 134 of the connector element 102 and the corresponding second locking device 120 of the CPA device 104, occur in different planes. Furthermore, the plane of the form-fit connection is parallel to the direction between the locking position and the transfer position, such as... Figure 1C and 1D As shown.

[0055] exist Figures 1A to 1D In the first embodiment shown, the device 100 does not mate with the complementary connector 200, and thus the protruding latch of the first locking device 118 of the locking spear 110 of the CPA device 104 is fastened to the locking region 116 of the connector element 102.

[0056] When the complementary connector 200 is inserted into and locked with the connector element 102, the complementary connector 200 is locked in the locking region 116 of the connector element 102, as shown below. Figure 2A and 2B As shown. The complementary connector 200 includes a protrusion 202 that engages with a first locking device 132 of the locking region 116 of the connector element 102 in a manner known in the art, thereby providing a reliable connection. In the presence of the protrusion 202, the first locking device 132 initially bends downward and then returns upward once the protrusion 202 has passed, and is received in the recess 206 of the complementary connector 200.

[0057] When the complementary connector 200 is placed on the connector element 102 and positioned for insertion and locking, its protrusion 202 also abuts against the first locking device 118 of the locking spear 110 of the CPA device 104, causing the locking spear 110 to deflect inward toward the connecting portion 106, thereby allowing the CPA device 104 to be inserted from its delivery position toward the locking position in the connector element 102, as... Figure 4 As shown. Therefore, the protrusion 202 of the complementary connector 200 is snapped into the locking region 116 of the freed connection portion 106, and the complementary connector 200 is held inserted into and locked to the connector element 102. The CPA device 104 is inserted until it reaches the locked position.

[0058] Therefore, when the complementary connector 200 is locked to the connector element 102, the first locking device 118 of the CPA device 104 causes the CPA device 104 to be released, i.e., the latch is released, allowing the CPA device 104 to be inserted into the locked position. In other words, according to the invention, the CPA device 104 is released from its delivery position only by interacting with the complementary connector 200, particularly only when the complementary connector 200 has been inserted sufficiently far into the connector element 102.

[0059] The CPA device 104 can only be advanced to a position arranged to lock the connector element 102 as it is inserted into the complementary connector 200 by releasing the latch (i.e., releasing the latch). This is only possible when the connector element 102 is inserted into and locked to the complementary connector 200.

[0060] exist Figure 4 Although the CPA device 104 is no longer prevented from moving in the insertion direction 136, it is still prevented from moving in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 136 because the first locking device 118 of the locking spear 110 is no longer against the first locking device 132 and has become free, i.e., released. Figure 5 As shown.

[0061] In the locked position of CPA device 104 and as Figure 2A As shown, the first locking device 118 of the CPA device passes the first locking device 132 of the connector element in the insertion direction 136, and now achieves a shape-fitting connection with it in the direction opposite to the insertion direction 136.

[0062] In addition, such as Figure 2B As shown, in the locked position of the CPA device 104, the second locking device 120 associated with the second locking device 134 of the connector element 102 also achieves a form-fit connection with the second locking device 134 of the connector element 102, thereby preventing any movement of the CPA device 104 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction 136. In fact, the protrusion of the second locking device 134 engages in the recess 120 in a form-fit manner. By inserting the latch 134 into the recess 120, blocking is achieved in two directions in the plane perpendicular to the cross-section DD, thereby improving the reliability of the lock even in the presence of vibration.

[0063] Therefore, the locking position is achieved through multiple shaped connections, thereby increasing resistance to accidental release, i.e., accidental unlocking of the latch. In particular, by placing the connections in different planes relative to the insertion direction 136, the force is better distributed and the reliability of the device is increased.

[0064] In the locked position of CPA device 104 within connector element 102, a retaining force exists at the locking shank 110. Therefore, the locking of CPA device 104 is increased. This also applies to unlocking.

[0065] The locking position of the CPA device 104 can be achieved with or without continuous stress on the CPA device 104.

[0066] exist Figures 3A to 3C In the second embodiment of the invention shown, the CPA device 304 may include two locking lances 310 centered in a central recess of the body 312 of the CPA device 304 and separated from each other by a central recess 308. Specifically, the two locking lances 310 are parallel to each other, each including an associated first locking device 318 (a latch in this example) and an associated second locking device 320 (a recess in this example). Therefore, the first locking device 318 and the second locking device 320 of the second embodiment substantially correspond to those described for the first embodiment, and they perform the same function as the connector element 302 having complementary first locking devices 332 and second locking devices 334.

[0067] Therefore, as Figure 3C As shown, connector element 302 includes a connection region 306 having two first locking devices 332 associated with a first locking device 318 positioned on a corresponding locking shank 310 and two second locking devices 334 associated with a second locking device 320 positioned on a corresponding locking shank 310. The two pairs of locking devices 332, 334 are spaced equidistant from the shank 310 by the same distance 308.

[0068] In the presence of a complementary connector, the blocking, i.e., latching, in the transfer position and the blocking, i.e., latching, in the lock position occur in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0069] The described embodiments are merely possible configurations, and it should be remembered that individual features of the various embodiments may be combined or provided independently of each other.

[0070] List of reference numerals

[0071] 100: Assembly device

[0072] 102: Connector Component

[0073] 104: CPA device

[0074] 106: Connection part

[0075] 106a: Top surface of the connecting part

[0076] 106b: Bottom surface of the connecting part

[0077] 108: Second locking element

[0078] 110: Locking the spear shaft

[0079] 112: Main Body

[0080] 114: The pushing surface of the CPA device

[0081] 116: Locked Area

[0082] 118: First locking device of CPA device

[0083] 120: The second locking device of the CPA device

[0084] 122: Locking the free end of the spear shaft

[0085] 124: Lock the end of the spear shaft

[0086] 126: Stop device of CPA device

[0087] 128, 130: Side of the CPA device

[0088] 132: First locking device for connector components

[0089] 134: Second locking device for connector components

[0090] 136: Insertion direction

[0091] 138: Latch

[0092] 200: Complementary Connector

[0093] 202: Protrusion of complementary connector

[0094] 206: Excavation Department

[0095] 300: Assembly equipment

[0096] 302: Connector Component

[0097] 304: CPA device

[0098] 308: Lock the distance between spear shafts

[0099] 310: Locking Spear Shaft

[0100] 312: Main Body

[0101] 318: First locking device of CPA device

[0102] 320: Second locking device of CPA device

[0103] 332: First locking device for connector components

[0104] 334: Second locking device for connector elements

Claims

1. A connector assembly apparatus (100, 300), comprising: Connector elements (102, 302) configured to insert into and lock with complementary connector (200) and including first locking devices (132, 332), wherein the connector elements include a connecting portion (106); and A connector position guarantee device (104, 304), also known as a CPA device (104, 304), is mounted to move relative to the connector elements (102, 302) between a first position called a transfer position and a second position called a locking position. The CPA device (104, 304) includes a flexible locking lance (110, 310) having a first locking device (118, 318) associated with a first locking device (132, 332) of the connector elements (102, 302) and configured to achieve a form-fit connection with the first locking device (132, 332) of the connector elements (102, 302) in the locking position so as to lock the connector elements (102, 302) when they are inserted into the complementary connector (200), thereby preventing any movement of the CPA device (104, 304) in the direction from the locking position toward the transfer position. Its features are: The connector elements (102, 302) include a second locking device (134, 334), and the locking shank (110, 310) includes a second locking device (120, 320) associated with the second locking device (134, 334) of the connector elements (102, 302), and is configured to achieve a second form-fit connection with the second locking device (134, 334) of the connector elements (102, 302) in the locked position, thereby preventing any movement of the CPA device (104, 304) in the direction from the locked position toward the delivery position; and The complementary shape connection between the first locking device (132, 332) and the associated first locking device (118, 318) and the complementary shape connection between the second locking device (134, 334) and the associated second locking device (120, 320) occur in different planes, wherein the first locking device (132, 332) and the second locking device (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302) are protrusions (132, 332, 134, 334) protruding from the connecting portion (106) in opposite directions.

2. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The form-fit connection between the first locking device (132, 332) and the associated first locking device (118, 318) and the form-fit connection between the second locking device (134, 334) and the associated second locking device (120, 320) occur in different planes parallel to the direction between the locking position and the transfer position.

3. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the absence of a complementary connector (200) and in the transfer position, the first and / or second locking devices (132, 332, 134, 334) of the connector elements (102, 302) are connected by form-fitting connection in the direction from the transfer position toward the locking position to prevent the associated first and / or second locking devices (118, 318, 120, 320) of the CPA device (104, 304).

4. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the transmission position and without the complementary connector (200), the free end (122) of the locking spear (110, 310) of the CPA device (104, 304) abuts against the second locking device (134, 334) of the connector element (102, 302).

5. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusions (132, 332, 134, 334) protrude perpendicularly from the direction from the transfer position toward the locking position.

6. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The relevant first locking device (118, 318) is a spearhead latch (118, 318).

7. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The relevant second locking device (120, 320) is a recess (120, 320).

8. The assembly apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The relevant second locking device (120, 320) is a through hole.

9. The assembly apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The relevant second locking device (120, 320) is a recess (120, 320), the spearhead latch (118, 318) is located at the free end (122) of the locking spear (110, 310), and the recess (120, 320) is adjacent to the spearhead latch (118, 318) on the side of the spearhead latch (118, 318).

10. The assembly apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The associated second locking device (120, 320) includes a second recess (120, 320) on the other side of the spearhead latch (118, 318).

11. The assembly apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The recesses (120, 320) are arranged further away from the free end (122) of the locking spear (110, 310) than the spearhead latch (118, 318).

12. The assembly apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The CPA device (304) includes two locking spears (310), each of which is provided with a first locking device (318) and a second locking device (320).

13. The assembly apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The two locking spears (310) are parallel to each other.

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