Seismically stable connection system with self-retracting ergonomic feedback mechanism

Abstract

A connector assembly includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be removably connected to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The CPA device is slidably positioned adjacent the connector body and is movable from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position, wherein the CPA device interacts with the at least one external detent feature located on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a connector position assurance feature that limits vibration. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are prominently used in automotive applications. Typically, the connector body includes a latch or retention assembly that holds the two halves of the connector (i.e., the male and female connectors) in a fully mated position. In some applications, a connector position assurance (CPA) feature is used to ensure that the connector is fully mated. Generally, a CPA is a feature that moves to a closed position only when the two halves of the connector are fully mated. Thus, a closed CPA provides visual assurance that the two halves of the connector are fully mated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, a connector assembly is provided that includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be removably connected to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The connection position assurance (CPA) device is slidably positioned adjacent to the connector body and is movable from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position, wherein the CPA device interacts with the at least one external detent feature located on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body.

[0004] According to another aspect, a method for operating a connector assembly includes mating a connector body with a corresponding mating connector body, wherein the connector body includes a deflectable latch member configured to interact with a latch prong located on the corresponding mating connector body, and moving a connector position assurance (CPA) device from a pre-stage position that allows deflection of the latch member to a full-stage position that prevents deflection of the latch member, wherein the CPA device interacts with an external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body in the full-stage position.

[0005] According to another aspect, a connector assembly includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be detachably connected to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The connection position assurance (CPA) device includes a spring overstress protection feature and a ring spring surrounding the spring overstress protection feature, wherein the ring spring is deflected by the latch member when the CPA device moves from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position. When in the full-stage position, the ring spring engages the deflectable latch member, and the spring overstress protection feature interacts with the deflectable latch member to prevent deflection of the latch member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A and 1B 1B is a perspective view of a connector assembly 100 with a sliding connector position assurance (CPA) sleeve 106 according to some embodiments, and 1B is a perspective view of a connector body with a sliding CPA sleeve according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views illustrating a sliding CPA sleeve in an open position and a mated position, respectively, according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3A and 3B is a perspective view of a connector body having a sliding CPA sleeve and a spring element configured to provide a rebound function when the connector assembly is not fully mated, according to some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4A and 4B is a perspective view of a connector assembly including a self-retracting CPA spring according to some embodiments; Figure 4C and 4D is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly including a self-retracting CPA spring according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present invention generally relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body mates with a corresponding mating connector body. The CPA device is used to ensure that the connector body is fully engaged with another connector body by sliding from a first, preparatory stage position (preparatory position) to a second, complete stage position (fully engaged position). In particular, the CPA device provides tactile feedback to the operator indicating whether the CPA device is fully closed or in place in the complete stage position. Additionally, in some embodiments, the CPA device deflects the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body, essentially "snapping" the connectors together to reduce the effects of vibration on the connector assembly. In some embodiments, additional features, such as a self-retracting spring feature, may be utilized to provide additional, visual feedback that the CPA device is not fully in place in the complete stage position.

[0011] Now refer to Figure 1A and 1B , a connector assembly 100 is provided that includes a sliding connection position assurance (CPA) sleeve 106 according to some embodiments. The connector assembly 100 includes a connector body 104 and a corresponding mating connector body 102 that is configured to be removably connected to the connector body 104. Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 104 includes a plurality of walls, including a top wall 108, side walls 110 and 114, and a bottom wall 112, which define a cavity for receiving the corresponding mating connector body 102. In some embodiments, one or more of the walls includes a deflectable latch (not shown) for securing the connector body 104 to the corresponding mating connector body 102. Similarly, the corresponding mating connector body 102 includes a plurality of walls, including side walls 130, 132, a top wall 134, and a bottom wall 136. In some embodiments, the corresponding mating connector body 102 further includes a pair of guide walls 138 and 141 extending perpendicularly from the top wall 134. The corresponding mating connector body 102 is configured to fit within the cavity defined by the plurality of walls associated with the connector body 104.

[0012] In addition, the connector body 104 includes one or more deflectable latch members (e.g., a deflectable latch member 116 located on the top wall 108) that are configured to interact with corresponding features (e.g., not shown in this embodiment) located on a corresponding mating connector body 102. The deflectable latch members 116 deflect in response to engagement of the connector body 104 with corresponding features on the corresponding mating connector body 102. When fully engaged, the deflectable latch members 116 capture corresponding features on the corresponding mating connector body 102, providing a mechanical connection between the connector body 104 and the corresponding mating connector body 102. For example, in some embodiments, the deflectable latch members 116 are located on the top wall 108 of the connector body 104, while the corresponding features are located on the top wall 134 of the corresponding mating connector body 102.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of walls 108, 110, 112, and / or 114 includes an inertial braking feature that interacts with the sliding CPA sleeve 106. For example, Figure 1B In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of walls 108, 110, 112, and 114 includes an inertial braking feature. Figure 1B In the illustrated view, the inertia braking feature is associated with a deflectable latch member 116. Additionally, an additional inertia braking feature 118 can be seen on the sidewall 110. The inertia braking feature 118 includes a raised portion that extends or protrudes from the surface of the corresponding wall. In some embodiments, the inertia braking feature includes a ramp on a side facing the CPA sleeve 106 that interacts with a corresponding inertia braking feature on the inner surface of the CPA sleeve 106 to allow movement between the respective inertia braking features.

[0014] The CPA sleeve 106 is utilized to ensure that the connector body 104 is fully engaged and connected to the corresponding mating connector body 102. In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 is slidably positioned adjacent the connector body 104 and is movable in a longitudinal direction from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position. Generally, the purpose of the CPA sleeve 106 is to provide tactile, audible, and / or visual confirmation that the connector body 104 and the corresponding mating connector body 102 are fully engaged. To this end, the CPA sleeve 106 can only be placed in the full-stage position when the connector bodies are fully engaged. If the connector bodies are not fully engaged, the CPA sleeve 106 will not be able to slide to the full-stage position.

[0015] In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 further includes one or more ergonomic grips 120, 122 that an operator utilizes to slide the CPA sleeve 106 from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position. In some embodiments, additional ergonomic ribs 124 are located on the outer surface of the CPA sleeve 106 that an operator utilizes to push the CPA sleeve from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 is positioned to surround the connector body 104. For example, the connector body 104 includes a plurality of walls 108, 110, 112, and 114, with the CPA sleeve 106 surrounding the plurality of walls comprising the connector body 104. In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 slides in a longitudinal direction between the pre-stage position and the full-stage position. Figure 1B The CPA sleeve 106 is shown in a pre-stage position. As discussed in detail below, when in the pre-stage position, the deflectable latch member 116 can be deflected by engaging a corresponding feature on the corresponding mating connector body 102. Slidably moving the CPA sleeve 106 from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position requires full engagement between the connector body 104 and the corresponding mating connector body 102. If not fully engaged with each other, the deflected latch member 116 prevents the CPA sleeve 106 from longitudinal movement. When in the full-stage position, the CPA sleeve 106 prevents the deflectable latch member 116 from being deflected, thereby preventing the connector body 104 from being disengaged from the corresponding mating connector body 102.

[0016] Furthermore, the CPA sleeve 106 includes a plurality of corresponding inertia braking features that interact with inertia braking features (e.g., inertia braking features 118) located on the exterior surface of one or more of the plurality of walls during transition from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position. The interaction between the inertia braking features located on one or more of the plurality of walls and the corresponding inertia braking features located on the CPA sleeve 106 presents a resistance to the CPA sleeve 106 that must be overcome by a threshold level of force from the operator / technician in order for the inertia braking features to slide past each other to reach the full-stage position. The resistance provided by the interaction of the inertia braking features and their corresponding release as they move past each other provide a tactile response (e.g., an ergonomic "inertia release") that is detectable by the operator to confirm that the CPA sleeve 106 is fully seated in the full-stage position. Furthermore, when the CPA sleeve 106 is fully seated in the full-stage position, the CPA sleeve 106 deflects one or more walls of the connector body 104 inwardly toward corresponding walls of the mating connector body 102. This deflection of one or more walls of the connector body 104 toward corresponding walls of the mating connector body 102 provides additional force (eg, a clipping force) that reduces vibration between the respective connectors.

[0017] In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 is manufactured using additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing technology), which allows the CPA sleeve 106 to be built around the connector body 104. In some embodiments, the material and / or dimensions of the CPA sleeve 106 are selected to provide a higher stiffness relative to the walls of the connector body 104. This ensures that a force applied by the CPA sleeve 106 causes one or more walls of the connector body 104 to deflect toward a corresponding mating connector body 102, rather than causing the CPA sleeve 106 to deflect. In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 completely surrounds the connector body 104. In other embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 only partially surrounds the connector body 104.

[0018] Now refer to Figure 2A and 2B , the cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 100 is taken along a horizontal plane. Figure 2A and 2B In the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding mating connector body 102 includes side walls 130 and 132 positioned relative to each other. In this example, coupling the connector body 104 with the corresponding mating connector body 102 includes sliding the side walls 130 and 132 within a cavity at least partially defined by the side walls 110 and 114 of the connector body 104. In some embodiments, one or more seals 128 positioned within the interior cavity of the connector body 104 engage the inner surfaces of the side walls 130 and 132 to prevent liquid and / or debris from degrading the performance of the connector. Although in Figure 2A One or more deflectable latch members, not visible in or 2B, but located on one or more of the multiple walls associated with the connector body 104, will engage with one or more corresponding latch tip features (e.g., shark fin features) associated with the corresponding mating connector body 102.

[0019] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, the CPA sleeve 106 is in a pre-stage position. In some embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 surrounds the connector body 104 and is configured to allow the CPA sleeve 106 to slide in a longitudinal direction. As described above, in some embodiments, the connector body 104 includes one or more inertia braking features 118 that protrude from an outer surface of one or more of the plurality of walls (e.g., sidewalls 110 and / or 114). Similarly, the CPA sleeve 106 includes one or more corresponding inertia braking features 126 that extend from an inner surface toward the connector body 104. In the pre-stage position, the inertia braking features 118 do not interact with the corresponding inertia braking features 126. For example, as Figure 2A As shown, the inertia braking feature 118 is located adjacent to or external to the CPA sleeve 106 .

[0020] In some embodiments, the connector body 104 can further include a recessed feature 140 that corresponds to the position of the inertia braking feature 126 in the preparatory position. The alignment between the inertia braking feature 126 and the recessed feature 140 prevents the CPA sleeve 106 from deflecting or otherwise grabbing against one or more walls associated with the connector body 104. This allows the corresponding mating connector body 102 to couple with the connector body 104.

[0021] After the corresponding mating connector body 102 is fixed to the connector body 104, the CPA sleeve 106 can be moved along the axis of the connector assembly from the preparatory stage position (eg, Figure 2A Slide longitudinally to the full stage position (as shown) Figure 2B (shown in Figure 1). In some embodiments, the interaction between the inertia braking feature 118 associated with the outer surface of the connector body 104 and the corresponding inertia braking feature 126 associated with the inner surface of the CPA sleeve 106 provides ergonomic resistance to sliding of the CPA sleeve 106. That is, an operator sliding the CPA sleeve 106 is required to apply a perceptible level of force when engaging the corresponding braking feature. In some embodiments, the inertia braking feature 118 includes a ramp that allows the corresponding inertia braking feature to slide over the inertia braking feature 118. When the inertia braking feature 118 interacts with the corresponding inertia braking feature 126, the force applied by the CPA sleeve 106 causes one or more walls associated with the connector body 104 to deflect inwardly. The deflection of the one or more walls results in the storage of spring energy.

[0022] like Figure 2BAs shown, the CPA sleeve 106 reaches the full-stage position when the corresponding inertia braking feature 126 slides to the opposite side of the inertia braking feature 118. The inertia braking feature 126 associated with the CPA sleeve 106 remains engaged with the outer surface of the connector body 104. However, the operator can perceive an "inertia release" as the corresponding inertia braking feature 126 slides past the inertia braking feature 118. This "inertia release" provides tactile feedback to the operator indicating that the CPA sleeve 106 is in the full-stage position. In some embodiments, the corresponding inertia braking feature 126 remains in contact with the outer surface of the connector body 104. In some embodiments, in the full-stage position, the contact between the inertia braking feature 126 and the outer surface of the connector body 104 provides at least some deflection of one or more walls associated with the connector body 104. As a result, the multiple walls associated with the connector body 104 are deflected toward the corresponding mating connector body 102, effectively snapping the connector body 104 with the corresponding mating connector body 102. One of the benefits of snapping the connector body 104 with the corresponding mating connector body 102 is that vibrations between the connector body 104 and the corresponding mating connector body 102 are limited during operation.

[0023] In some embodiments, an inertia braking feature is located on each of the plurality of walls associated with the connector body 104 and, correspondingly, the CPA sleeve 106, such that each of the plurality of walls deflects inward to buckle the connector body 104 against the corresponding mating connector body 102. However, in other embodiments, an inertia braking feature is not required on each of the plurality of walls. For example, in some embodiments, the inertia braking feature is located on only two of the plurality of walls. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to locate the inertia braking features on opposing walls (and, correspondingly, on opposing sides of the CPA sleeve 106) to ensure that deflection on one side corresponds to deflection on the other side. In other embodiments, the CPA sleeve 106 may not need to completely surround the connector body 104. For example, the CPA sleeve 106 may only partially surround the connector body, as long as the same functional interaction between the CPA sleeve 106 and the connector body 104 is achieved.

[0024] Figure 3A and 3Bis a perspective view of a connector assembly 300 according to some embodiments. Connector assembly 300 includes a connector body 304, a corresponding mating connector body 302, and a CPA sleeve 306. As described above, CPA sleeve 306 is slidably engaged with connector body 304 and slides longitudinally between a pre-stage position and a full-stage position. In the pre-stage position, the corresponding mating connector body 302 engages connector body 304. Once engaged, CPA sleeve 306 slides in the longitudinal direction indicated by arrow 310 from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position. One or more inertia braking features (not shown in this view) located on the outer surface of connector body 304 interact with one or more corresponding inertia braking features (also not shown in this view) to provide ergonomic resistance to sliding of CPA sleeve 306. That is, an operator sliding CPA sleeve 306 is required to apply a perceptible level of force when engaging the corresponding braking features. The interaction of the inertia braking features causes multiple walls associated with connector body 304 to deflect inward, thereby storing spring energy. The full-stage position is reached when the inertia braking feature associated with the CPA sleeve 306 slides past the inertia braking feature associated with the connector body 304. At least some of the energy stored in the deflected walls of the connector body 304 is released, providing an ergonomic "inertia release" tactile response to indicate to the operator that the CPA sleeve 306 has fully engaged (i.e., reached the full-stage position). In the full-stage position, the corresponding inertia braking portion prevents the CPA sleeve 306 from disengaging (i.e., moving from the full-stage position to the pre-stage position). Furthermore, the inertia braking feature associated with the CPA sleeve 306 can maintain contact with the outer surface of the connector body 304 to provide continuous deflection of one or more of the plurality of walls associated with the connector body 304 toward the corresponding mating connector body 302. This provides a "clip" of the connector body 304 to the corresponding mating connector body 302, reducing vibration-induced movement between the respective bodies.

[0025] exist Figure 3A and 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 304 further includes a spring element 308 that interacts with the CPA sleeve 306 during the closure of the CPA sleeve 306 (i.e., the CPA sleeve 306 moves from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position). In some embodiments, the spring element 308 functions to self-recoil an improper or partial closure of the CPA sleeve 306. Figure 3A As shown, when the CPA sleeve 306 moves toward the full stage position, the spring element 308 deforms, thereby storing elastic energy. In response to the CPA sleeve 306 reaching the full stage position, the spring element 308 engages or releases the stored energy (e.g., Figure 3B). However, before reaching the full stage position, if the CPA sleeve 306 is released by the operator, the energy stored in the spring element 308 will repel the CPA sleeve 306, causing the CPA sleeve to return to the pre-stage position. That is, if the CPA sleeve 306 is not fully engaged in the full stage position, the spring element 308 will cause the CPA sleeve 306 to rebound. The interaction between the CPA sleeve 306 and the spring element 308 located on the connector body 304 can utilize corresponding detent features (a first detent located on the spring element 308 and a second detent feature located on the inner surface of the CPA sleeve 306). The force applied to move the CPA sleeve 306 to the full stage position overcomes the spring force applied by the spring element 308, causing the CPA sleeve 306 to snap onto the spring element 308, as shown. Figure 3B As shown. Figure 3B As shown, the spring element is no longer deflected and therefore no longer stores any elastic energy.

[0026] Figure 3A and 3B An advantage of the embodiment shown in FIG is that the CPA sleeve 306 is self-retracting, i.e., if the corresponding connector body is not fully engaged and the CPA sleeve 306 is not fully engaged in the full-stage position, the CPA sleeve is retracted to the preparatory-stage position (or approximately to the preparatory-stage position). This provides visual feedback to the operator regarding the status of the CPA sleeve 306 (i.e., whether it is fully engaged).

[0027] Now refer to Figures 4A-4D , a connector assembly 400 having a self-retracting CPA 406 is provided. The connector assembly 400 further includes a connector body 404 (e.g., a female connector) and a corresponding mating connector body 402 (e.g., a male connector) that interacts with the connector body 404. The connector body 404 includes a plurality of walls that form a cavity for receiving the corresponding mating connector body 402 (e.g., Figure 4B In some embodiments, the connector body 404 includes a deflectable latch member 410 (e.g., Figure 4C and 4D ), configured to engage with a corresponding latch tip feature 411 (e.g., a shark fin, as shown Figure 4C and 4D ) interact to engage / lock the connector body 404 to the corresponding mating connector body 402. For example, Figure 4C and 4D In the illustrated embodiment, the deflectable latch members 410 are secured on opposite sides of corresponding latch tip features 411 to prevent disengagement of the corresponding connector body.

[0028] A self-retracting CPA device 406 is utilized to ensure proper engagement between the connector body 104 and the corresponding mating connector body 102. The self-retracting CPA device 406 includes an inner arm 412 (sometimes referred to as an overstress protection feature), a ring spring 414, and a tab 416 used by an operator to push the self-retracting CPA device 406 from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position. Figure 4A As shown, the inner arm 412 extends into the inner portion of the ring spring 414, which surrounds the inner arm 412. The distal end of the ring spring 414 includes a detent feature 418 that interacts with the connector body 404 during engagement of the CPA device 406 from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position.

[0029] Now refer to Figure 4C and 4D In the cross-sectional view shown, the interaction between the CPA device 406 and the connector body 404 is shown in more detail. Figure 4C In the illustrated embodiment, the connector body 404 is fully engaged with the corresponding mating connector body 402. In particular, the deflectable latch member 410 associated with the connector body 404 is positioned on opposite sides of the corresponding latch tip feature 411 to deflect and capture the deflectable latch member 410. In the event that the connector body 404 is not fully mated with the corresponding mating connector body 402, the deflectable latch member 410 will remain in the deflected position, which will interfere with and prevent the CPA device 406 from moving to the full stage position. However, when the CPA device 406 is fully coupled, the detent feature 418, particularly at the distal end of the ring spring 414, is able to slide past the corresponding latch tip feature 411, as shown. Figure 4D As shown in FIG. , the interaction between the detent feature 418 and the corresponding latching prong feature 411 causes the ring spring 414 to deflect. When the detent feature 418 passes over the latching prong feature 411 and the deflectable latch member 410, the energy stored in the deflected ring spring 414 causes it to snap closed. In this manner, the ring spring 414 provides audible feedback to the operator, assuring the operator that the CPA device 406 is in the full-stage position. Furthermore, the elastic energy stored in the ring spring when deflected provides a self-retraction feature for the CPA device 406. For example, if the operator only partially engages the CPA device 406 from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position, the elastic energy stored in the ring spring 414 causes the CPA device 406 to move back to the pre-stage position upon release by the operator. Thus, the CPA device 406 also provides easy visual confirmation that the connector is fully engaged, as the CPA device 406 is either in the full-stage position or has been retracted and pushed to the pre-stage position.

[0030] Although the present invention has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, various modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its broad scope. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment(s) disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0031] Discussion of possible implementations

[0032] The following is a non-exclusive description of possible embodiments of the invention.

[0033] According to one aspect, a connector assembly is provided that includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be removably connected to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The connection position assurance (CPA) device is slidably positioned adjacent to the connector body and is movable from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position, wherein the CPA device interacts with the at least one external detent feature located on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body.

[0034] The connector assembly of the preceding paragraph may optionally, additionally and / or alternatively include one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0035] For example, in some embodiments, the CPA device may include an inner braking feature located on an inner surface of the CPA device that interacts with an outer braking feature located on an outer surface of the connector body, wherein the inner braking feature interacts with the outer braking feature when moving from the preparatory stage position to the full stage position.

[0036] In some embodiments, the CPA device may be a sleeve that surrounds the connector body.

[0037] In some embodiments, the corresponding mating connector body may include a latching prong, wherein the deflectable latch member is deflected by engagement with the latching prong.

[0038] In some embodiments, the deflectable latch member and latch prongs can inhibit movement of the CPA device from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position until the connector body is fully mated with a corresponding mating connector body.

[0039] In some embodiments, the CPA device can prevent deflection of the deflectable latch member in the full-stage position.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connector body may further include at least one spring element that deflects in response to slidable movement of the CPA device from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position, wherein the spring element snaps in response to the CPA device reaching the full-stage position.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one spring element may store energy in response to longitudinal movement of the CPA device from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position, wherein the energy stored in the spring element causes the CPA device to rebound when not in the full-stage position.

[0042] In some embodiments, the connector body can include a first plurality of walls, and wherein the external detent feature is located on one or more of the first plurality of walls.

[0043] In some embodiments, the corresponding mating connector body may include a second plurality of walls that are positioned within the first plurality of walls when the corresponding mating connector body is connected to the connector body, wherein movement of the CPA device from the preparatory stage position to the full stage position causes one or more of the first plurality of walls to deflect toward the second plurality of walls.

[0044] According to another aspect, a method for operating a connector assembly includes mating a connector body with a corresponding mating connector body, wherein the connector body includes a deflectable latch member configured to interact with a latch prong located on the corresponding mating connector body. The method further includes moving a connector position assurance (CPA) device from a pre-stage position that allows deflection of the latch member to a full-stage position that prevents deflection of the latch member, wherein the CPA device interacts with an external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body in the full-stage position.

[0045] The method of the preceding paragraph may optionally, additionally and / or alternatively include one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0046] For example, in some embodiments, the method may further include providing tactile feedback to an operator based on interaction of the CPA device with an external detent feature of the connector body, wherein the tactile feedback indicates whether the CPA device is in the full-stage position.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method may further include providing visual feedback to the operator based on the position of the CPA device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the CPA device may be a sleeve that surrounds the connector body.

[0049] In some embodiments, the connector body may be a female connector and the corresponding mating connector body may be a male connector.

[0050] In some embodiments, a self-exiting feature located on the connector body can interact with the CPA device so that the CPA device springs back to the pre-stage position if it does not move completely to the full-stage position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the self-exiting feature can be a spring located on an outer surface of the connector body, wherein the spring stores energy when the CPA device is moved from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position, wherein the spring engages when the CPA device is fully moved to the full-stage position.

[0052] According to another aspect, a connector assembly includes a connector body, a corresponding mating connector body, and a connection position assurance (CPA) device. The connector body includes a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature located on an outer surface of the connector body. The corresponding mating connector body is configured to be detachably connected to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body. The connection position assurance (CPA) device includes a spring overstress protection feature and a ring spring surrounding the spring overstress protection feature, wherein the ring spring is deflected by the latch member when the CPA device moves from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position. When in the full-stage position, the ring spring engages the deflectable latch member, and the spring overstress protection feature interacts with the deflectable latch member to prevent deflection of the latch member.

[0053] The connector assembly of the preceding paragraph may optionally, additionally and / or alternatively include one or more of the following features, configurations and / or additional components.

[0054] For example, in some embodiments, the ring spring may provide audible feedback in response to the CPA device reaching the full stage position.

[0055] In some embodiments, the CPA device may provide visual feedback in response to the CPA device reaching the full stage position.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: a connector body comprising a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature on an exterior surface of the connector body; a corresponding mating connector body configured to be removably coupled to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body; as well as a connection position assurance device slidably positioned adjacent the connector body and movable from a pre-stage position to a full-stage position, wherein the connection position assurance device interacts with the at least one external detent feature on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body, wherein the connector body comprises a first plurality of walls, and wherein the external braking feature is located on one or more of the first plurality of walls, wherein the corresponding matching connector body includes a second plurality of walls, and when the corresponding matching connector body is connected to the connector body, the second plurality of walls are located within the first plurality of walls, and wherein the movement of the connection position assurance device from the preparatory stage position to the complete stage position causes one or more walls of the first plurality of walls to deflect toward the second plurality of walls.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connection position assurance device includes an inner braking feature on an inner surface of the connection position assurance device, the inner braking feature interacting with the outer braking feature on the outer surface of the connector body, wherein the inner braking feature interacts with the outer braking feature when moving from the preparatory stage position to the complete stage position.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connection position ensuring device is a sleeve surrounding the connector body.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The corresponding mating connector body includes a latching prong, wherein the deflectable latch member is deflected by engagement with the latching prong.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The deflectable latch member and the latch prong inhibit movement of the connection position assurance device from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position until the connector body is fully mated with the corresponding mating connector body.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The connected position assurance device prevents deflection of the deflectable latch member when in the full-stage position.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The connector body further includes at least one spring element that deflects in response to slidable movement of the connection position assurance device from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position, wherein the spring element snaps in response to the connection position assurance device reaching the full-stage position.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one spring element stores energy in response to longitudinal movement of the connection position assurance device from the pre-stage position to the full-stage position, wherein the energy stored in the spring element causes the connection position assurance device to rebound if not in the full-stage position.

9. A method for operating a connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising: mating a connector body with a corresponding mating connector body, wherein the connector body includes a deflectable latch member configured to interact with a latch prong located on the corresponding mating connector body; The connector position assurance device is moved from a preparatory stage position allowing deflection of the latch member to a full stage position preventing deflection of the latch member, wherein the connector position assurance device interacts with an external detent feature located on the outer surface of the connector body to deflect the connector body toward the corresponding mating connector body in the full stage position.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein Also includes: Tactile feedback is provided to an operator based on interaction of the connection position assurance device with the outer detent feature of the connector body, wherein the tactile feedback indicates whether the connection position assurance device is in the full stage position.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein Also includes: Visual feedback is provided to the operator based on the position of the connection position assurance device.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein The connection position ensuring device is a sleeve surrounding the connector body.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The connector body is a female connector, and the corresponding mating connector body is a male connector.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein A self-exiting feature on the connector body interacts with the connection position assurance device to cause the connection position assurance device to spring back to the preparatory stage position if it has not fully moved to the full-stage position.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The self-exit feature is a spring located on the outer surface of the connector body, wherein the spring stores energy when moving the connection position assurance device from the preparatory stage position to the full stage position, wherein the spring engages when the connection position assurance device is fully moved to the full stage position.

16. A connector assembly, comprising: a connector body comprising a deflectable latch member and at least one external detent feature on an exterior surface of the connector body; a corresponding mating connector body configured to be removably coupled to the connector body, wherein the deflectable latch member is configured to secure the connector body to the corresponding mating connector body; as well as A connection position assurance device having a spring overstress protection feature and a ring spring surrounding the spring overstress protection feature, wherein the ring spring is deflected by the latch member when the connection position assurance device moves from the preparatory stage position to the full stage position, wherein when in the full stage position, the ring spring is engaged on the deflectable latch member, and the spring overstress protection feature interacts with the deflectable latch member to prevent deflection of the latch member.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The ring spring provides audible feedback in response to the connected position assurance device reaching the full-stage position.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The connection position assurance device provides visual feedback in response to the connection position assurance device reaching the full stage position.

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