High temperature sensor housing with thermocouple connector and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A connector assembly for a temperature sensor assembly comprising a housing (12), a connector housing (28) integrally formed as part of the housing (12), at least one bore (30a, 30b, 30c) integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28), and a lead assembly (32a), wherein a lead connector (38) is part of the lead assembly (32a). The lead connector (38) comprises a housing portion (46), and the housing portion (46) is located in the bore (30a, 30b, 30c) of the connector housing (28), and a locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28). The lead connector (38) is connected with the connector housing (28) by a first connection. The locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28) by a second connection. The first connection prevents the lead connector (38) from being separated from the connector housing (28), and the second connection prevents the locking element (58) from being separated from the connector housing (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a high-temperature sensor housing with a thermocouple connector and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a connector assembly for a housing as part of a temperature sensor assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Temperature sensors are commonly used in many different applications. Typically, a temperature sensor includes one or more leads connected to a sensing probe. The leads are also attached to a connector, and the connector is electrically connected to the vehicle's ECU. There is a need for a temperature sensor with a connector that more securely connects to the one or more leads, and where tampering with the temperature sensor can be detected by physical or visual inspection.

[0003] An example of a temperature sensor is known in patent FR3053465 entitled "Protective Casing For A Temperature Sensor In A Vehicle".

[0004] Another example of a temperature sensor is patent WO 2020 / 193597 entitled "Protective Casing For A Vehicle Temperature Sensor". Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a high-temperature sensor housing with a thermocouple connector and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, to a connector assembly for a housing as part of a temperature sensor assembly.

[0006] This objective can be achieved by the connector assembly according to independent claim 1 and the method according to independent claim 11. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] In one embodiment, the invention is a connector assembly having at least two connections, and possibly three connections, for preventing disassembly. The connector assembly has a plurality of wire assemblies, and each wire assembly is connected to a housing via a first connection, which may be a snap-fit ​​or interference-fit type connection. A locking element is also connected to the housing via a second connection, which may also be a snap-fit ​​or interference-fit type connection. Once the locking element is attached to the housing, the wire assemblies and the locking element may not be removable without causing catastrophic damage to the components of the connector assembly. In some embodiments, when the locking element is attached to the housing, the wire assemblies abut against the locking element such that when a tensile force is applied to one or more of the wire assemblies, the tensile force is distributed between the first connection, the second connection, and the locking element, which receives the force from one or more of the wire assemblies.

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, a connector assembly for a temperature sensor assembly is provided, comprising a housing, a connector housing integrally formed as part of the housing, at least one hole integrally formed as part of the connector housing, and a wire assembly including a wire connector having a portion of the housing located in at least one hole of the connector housing, the wire connector being connected to the connector housing via a first connection, and a locking element being connected to the connector housing via a second connection. The first connection prevents the wire connector from separating from the connector housing, and the second connection prevents the locking element from separating from the connector housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connector assembly further includes at least one through-hole integrally formed as part of a locking element. During assembly of the connector assembly, the wire connector is in a first position and moves through the through-hole such that the wire connector moves through the locking element, and the wire connector rotates to a second position and is then inserted into the hole until the wire connector is connected to the connector housing via a first connection.

[0010] In one embodiment, during the assembly of the connector assembly, the wire connector is in a first position and moves laterally along the axis through the through hole, and the wire connector rotates about the axis to a second position and is then inserted into the hole.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wire connector is rotated about the axis to change from the first position to the second position, and then inserted into the at least one hole. In one embodiment, the wire connector rotates about the axis in the range of about 70° to about 110°, more preferably in the range of about 80° to about 100°, and most preferably about 90°.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connector assembly includes a cavity formed in a locking element. During assembly of the connector assembly, the locking element moves toward the connector housing such that the connector housing is inserted into the cavity of the locking element, and the locking element is connected to the connector housing via a second connection.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one locking flange is integrally formed as part of the locking element, and the outer flange is integrally formed as part of the housing portion. When the locking element is connected to the connector housing, the outer flange contacts at least one locking flange and prevents the wire connector from disconnecting from the connector housing.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one locking protrusion is integrally formed as part of the housing portion, and at least one receiving hole is integrally formed as part of the connector housing. The first locking protrusion extends at least partially into the receiving hole to provide a first connection.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one external locking protrusion is integrally formed as part of a locking element, and at least one locking protrusion is integrally formed as part of a connector housing. The at least one locking protrusion contacts the at least one external locking protrusion to provide the second connection.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one guide wall is integrally formed as part of the locking element and located inside the locking element, and a shield portion is integrally formed as part of the connector housing, wherein the hole is integrally formed as part of the shield portion. When the locking element is attached to the connector housing, the shield portion is adjacent to at least one guide wall.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first connection is detachable. In another embodiment, the second connection is permanent.

[0018] In one embodiment, the circumferential flange integrally forms part of the locking element, and the inner circumferential flange integrally forms part of the connector housing. Any damage to the circumferential flange or the inner circumferential flange provides an indication that the connector assembly has been tampered with.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first connection also serves as a first adjacent region, and the second connection also serves as a second adjacent region. The outer flange of the wire assembly, which contacts the locking flange of the locking element, serves as a third adjacent region. When a tensile force is applied to the wire assembly, the force is distributed among the three adjacent regions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a connector assembly, comprising the steps of: providing a housing; providing a connector housing integrally formed as part of the housing; providing at least one hole integrally formed as part of the connector housing; providing a wire assembly; providing a wire connector as part of the wire assembly, the wire connector having a housing portion; providing a locking element connected to the connector housing, the locking element having a cavity; and providing at least one through-hole integrally formed as part of the locking element. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention includes placing the wire connector in a first position; moving the wire connector through the at least one through-hole such that the wire connector moves along a longitudinal axis through the locking element; rotating the wire connector to a second position; connecting the wire connector to the connector housing by a first connection by inserting the wire connector into the at least one hole; inserting the connector housing into the cavity by moving the locking element toward the connector housing; and connecting the locking element to the connector housing by a second connection.

[0021] Other applications of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are intended for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a side view of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a partial top cross-sectional view of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the locking element is shown in cross section;

[0031] Figure 9 This is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a rear view of a locking element as part of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 This is a rear cross-sectional view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12A This is a first exploded view of a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12B A second exploded view is a portion of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0036] Figure 12C This is a third exploded view of a part of a temperature sensor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application, or use.

[0038] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a temperature sensor having a connector assembly according to the invention is generally shown as 10. The temperature sensor assembly 10 includes a housing 12, a cover 14, and a cavity, generally shown as 16, located within the housing 12. Mounted in the cavity 16 is a printed circuit board (PCB) 18, to which various circuits are mounted. The circuits are electrically connected to a connector surrounded by a sheath 20. A plurality of pins 22 extend through the PCB 18, each pin being L-shaped. The pins 22 extend through a rib 24 integrally formed as part of the housing 12. Each pin 22 has an outer end 26 extending out of the rib 24. Integrally formed as part of the housing 12 is a connector housing, generally shown as 28, and the connector housing 28 includes several sheath portions 28a, 28b, 28c. Each sheath portion 28a, 28b, 28c includes holes 30a, 30b, 30c, wherein the outer ends 26 of two pins 22 extend into one of the holes 30a, 30b, 30c, as shown below. Figure 11As shown in the diagram. In this embodiment, there are six pins 22 and three holes 30a, 30b, and 30c, wherein holes 30a, 30b, and 30c are integrally formed as part of the corresponding shield portions 28a, 28b, and 28c.

[0039] Refer again Figures 7-9 The temperature sensor assembly 10 includes multiple wire assemblies, typically shown as 32a, 32b, and 32c. The components of wire assembly 32a are described, while the remaining wire assemblies 32b and 32c have similar structures. Figures 3-9 As shown, the lead assembly 32a has at least one jack pin 34, and each jack pin 34 has a recessed portion 36 for securing the jack pin 34 to a lead connector typically shown as 38. The lead connector 38 is made of a molding material such as plastic, and a portion of the lead connector 38 extends into the recessed portion 36, thereby securing the lead connector 38 to the jack pin 34. Each jack pin 34 also has a corresponding crimp portion 40 for clamping the jack pin 34 onto a corresponding lead wire 42 and a portion of a corresponding single-lead sealing element 44, such that each lead wire 42, jack pin 34, and single-lead sealing element 44 are held together by the crimp portion 40. The jack pin 34 and the single-lead sealing element 44 are then inserted together into the lead connector 38.

[0040] The wire connector 38 includes a housing portion 46, within which a socket pin 34, a single-wire sealing element 44, and a portion of a wire 42 are located. An outer flange 48 is integrally formed as part of the housing portion 46, as are a first locking protrusion 50 having an inclined guide surface 82 and a sealing flange 52. When assembled, the housing portion 46 is located within a hole 30a. A receiving hole 54 is integrally formed as part of a shield portion 28a. A first locking protrusion 56a and a second locking protrusion 56b are also integrally formed on the outer surface of the shield portion 28a. The first locking protrusion 56a includes an inclined guide surface 88a, and the second locking protrusion 56b also includes an inclined guide surface 88b. Other shield portions 28b, 28c also include corresponding receiving holes and locking protrusions.

[0041] Referring again generally to the accompanying drawings, the temperature sensor assembly 10 also includes a locking element 58. Integrated into the locking element 58 are a plurality of through-holes, generally shown as 62a, 62b, 62c, and each through-hole 62a, 62b, 62c is in fluid communication with a cavity within the locking element 58, generally shown as 78.

[0042] The locking flange is adjacent to the through hole 62a and is also integrally formed as part of the locking element 58. (See reference...) Figures 8-12AThe first locking flange 64a and the second locking flange 64b are adjacent to one of the through holes 62a, and have similar locking flanges 64c, 64d, 64e, and 64f integrally formed as part of the locking element 58 and adjacent to the other through holes 62b and 62c. Several guide walls 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d are also integrally formed as part of the locking element 58. The guide walls 66a, 66b, 66c, and 66d are located within the cavity 78, as shown... Figures 8-10 and Figure 12A As shown in the figure. Multiple locking protrusions are also integrally formed as part of the locking element 58 and located within the cavity 78, wherein the first external locking protrusion 68a and the second external locking protrusion 68b shown in the figure are used to secure the locking element 58 to the cover portion 28a, and other external locking protrusions 68c, 68d, 68e, and 68f are used to connect the locking element 58 to other cover portions 28b and 28c, respectively. The locking element 58 also includes several inclined guide walls 80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d, which are integrally formed as part of the locking element 58 and located within the cavity 78. The external locking protrusions 68a, 68b, 68c, 68d, 68e, and 68f and the inclined guide walls 80a, 80b, 80c, and 80d are integrally formed with a circumferentially inclined surface 86. The circumferentially inclined surface 86 defines the inner side of the locking element 58, as shown in the figure. Figure 10 As shown in the image.

[0043] refer to Figure 12A The diagram illustrates the connection between the wire assembly 32a and the connector housing 28, with the remaining wire assemblies 32b and 32c assembled to the connector housing 28 in a similar manner. During the assembly of the temperature sensor assembly 10, the housing portion 46 of the wire assembly 32a is initially placed in a first position, as shown... Figure 12A As shown in the diagram, the housing portion 46 moves laterally along axis 70a toward the shield portion 28a in the direction of arrow 96 through hole 62a, as... Figure 12B As shown. Similarly, as... Figure 12B As shown, when the housing portion 46 is in the first position, the housing portion 46 cannot be inserted into the hole 30a. Then, the housing portion 46 rotates to the second position, as shown... Figure 12C As shown in the diagram. In one embodiment, the housing portion 46 is rotated by an angle 70b about axis 70a to change from a first position to a second position. When viewed in the direction of arrow 96, the housing portion 46 rotates clockwise. In one embodiment, angle 70b is 90°.

[0044] Once the housing portion 46 is in the second position, it is inserted into the hole 30a of the shield portion 28a. As the housing portion 46 is inserted into the hole 30a, the shield portion 28a deflects because the inclined guide surface 82 of the first locking protrusion 50 contacts the upper flange 84 of the shield portion 28a, causing the upper flange 84 of the shield portion 28a to deflect and slide along the inclined guide surface 82. As the housing portion 46 is further inserted into the hole 30a, the upper flange 84 moves past the inclined guide surface 82, and then the first locking protrusion 50 slides along the inner surface of the upper flange 84. Once the housing portion 46 is inserted into the hole 30a such that it contacts the rear wall 72 of the hole 30a, the first locking protrusion 50 extends at least partially into the receiving hole 54, and the deflection of the shield portion 28a is eliminated. Additionally, the outer end 26 of the pin 22 is located in a portion of the socket pin 34, and the sealing flange 52 also contacts the inner surface of the hole 30a to provide a sealing function.

[0045] After the housing portion 46 is inserted into the hole 30a, the locking element 58 moves toward the connector housing 28. As the locking element 58 moves toward the connector housing 28, the protective cover portion 28a moves into the cavity 78, and the inclined guide surface 88a of the first locking protrusion 56a contacts the circumferential inclined surface 86, and the inclined guide surface 88b of the second locking protrusion 56b also contacts the circumferential inclined surface 86. The locking element 58 deflects as the inclined guide surfaces 88a and 88b move past the circumferential inclined surface 86. As the locking element 58 moves further toward the connector housing 28, causing the protective cover portion 28a to move further into the cavity 78, the first locking protrusion 56a and the second locking protrusion 56b move past the circumferentially inclined surface 86, the deflection of the locking element 58 is eliminated, the locking surface 90a of the first locking protrusion 56a contacts the locking surface 92a of the first external locking protrusion 68a, and the locking surface 90b of the second locking protrusion 56b contacts the locking surface 92b of the second external locking protrusion 68b, as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. This causes the locking element 58 to... Figures 1-7 and Figure 11Positioned as shown. Other shield portions 28b, 28c are connected to the locking element 58 in a similar manner. In the illustrated embodiment, shield portions 28a, 28b, 28c are substantially elliptical, and when the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, guide walls 66a, 66b are adjacent to shield portions 28a, 28b, and guide walls 66c, 66d are adjacent to shield portions 28b, 28c. Furthermore, when the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, inclined guide walls 80a, 80b contact the first shield portion 28a, and inclined guide walls 80c, 80d contact the shield portion 28c. When the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, guide walls 66a, 66b, 66c, 66d and inclined guide walls 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d guide the movement of the locking element 58.

[0046] When the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, the locking surface 90a of the first locking protrusion 56a contacts the locking surface 92a of the first external locking protrusion 68a, and the locking surface 90b of the second locking protrusion 56b contacts the locking surface 92b of the second external locking protrusion 68b. Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. Similarly, when the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, the outer flange 48 of the wire assembly 32a contacts the first locking flange 64a and the second locking flange 64b.

[0047] The first connection is provided by a first locking protrusion 50 extending into the receiving hole 54. The first connection is used to connect the housing portion 46 to the shield 28a of the connector housing 28. In one embodiment, the first connection is releasable. The second connection is provided by contact between the locking surface 90a of the first locking protrusion 56a and the locking surface 92a of the first external locking protrusion 68a, and between the locking surface 90b of the second locking protrusion 56b and the locking surface 92b of the second external locking protrusion 68b. The second connection is used to connect the locking element 58 to the connector housing 28. In one embodiment, the second connection is permanent. In this embodiment, the first and second connections are used as an interference fit or a "click-fit" connection. However, other types of connections may be used within the scope of the invention.

[0048] The first connection also serves as a first adjacent region, and the second connection also serves as a second adjacent region. The outer flange 48 of the conductor assembly 32a, which contacts the first locking flange 64a and the second locking flange 64b, serves as a third adjacent region. When a pulling force is applied to the conductor assembly 32a, the force is distributed among the three adjacent regions and is not distributed to the pin 22 or the PCB 18.

[0049] Once the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, a second connection prevents the locking element 58 from separating from the connector housing 28. The lead assembly 32a includes a sleeve member 94, and the lead wire 42 is surrounded by the sleeve member 94. If a force, such as a pulling force, is applied to the lead assembly 32a in a direction away from the connector housing 28, and more specifically to the sleeve member 94 of the lead assembly 32a, three adjacent regions prevent the lead assembly 32a from separating from the connector housing 28. This provides three areas of force distribution when a force is applied to the lead assembly 32a. Other lead assemblies 32b, 23c have similar connection and adjacent regions. In one example, the pulling force on the sleeve member 94 could be the result of a person gripping and pulling the sleeve member 94.

[0050] Once the locking element 58 is attached to the connector housing 28, since the second connection is permanent, none of the wire assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c can be removed without catastrophic damage to the locking element 58, the housing portions 28a, 28b, and 28c, or the wire assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c. Any damage to one of the housing portions 28a, 28b, and 28c, the locking element 58, or the wire assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c provides an indication that the temperature sensor assembly 10 has been tampered with.

[0051] The temperature sensor assembly 10 also includes several tamper-proof features. A circumferential flange 74 is integrally formed as part of the locking element 58. An inner circumferential flange 76 is integrally formed with the connector housing 28. If an attempt is made to disconnect the locking element 58 from the connector housing 28 using a tool such as a screwdriver, both the circumferential flange 74 and the inner circumferential flange 76 are easily deflected and broken, so that any damage to either the circumferential flange 74 or the inner circumferential flange 76 provides an indication that the temperature sensor assembly 10 has been tampered with.

[0052] This invention is not limited to use with the temperature sensor assembly 10 described above. The connector assembly of this invention can also be used with other types of sensors or circuit assemblies. The connector assembly of this invention includes at least two connections that prevent separation of the lead wire assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c and the locking element 58. The contact between the outer flange 48 of the lead wire assembly and the first locking flange 64a and the second locking flange 64b of the locking element 58 also prevents the lead wire assembly 32a from separating from the connector housing 28. This, together with the two connections, provides three positions where the tension applied to the sleeve member 94 is distributed, such an attempt to disconnect the locking element 58 or the lead wire assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c would result in catastrophic damage to the temperature sensor assembly 10.

[0053] The description of this invention is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore any modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be within its scope. These modifications should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: Shell (12); The connector housing (28) is integrally formed as part of the housing (12); At least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c) is integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28); A wire assembly (32a) includes a wire connector (38) having a housing portion (46) located in at least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c) of the connector housing (28), the wire connector (38) being connected to the connector housing (28) via a first connection; A locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28) via a second connection; The first connection prevents the wire connector (38) from separating from the connector housing (28), and the second connection prevents the locking element (58) from separating from the connector housing (28); and The connector assembly further includes: At least one through hole (62a, 62b, 62c), the at least one through hole being integrally formed as part of the locking element (58); and During the assembly of the connector assembly, the wire connector (38) is in a first position and moves through the at least one through hole (62a, 62b, 62c), such that the wire connector (38) moves through the locking element (58), and the wire connector (38) rotates to a second position and is then inserted into the at least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c) until the wire connector (38) is connected to the connector housing (28) through the first connection.

2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein during assembly of the connector assembly, the wire connector (38) is in the first position and moves laterally along the axis (70a) through the at least one through hole (62a, 62b, 62c), and the wire connector (38) is rotated about the axis (70a) to the second position and then inserted into the at least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c).

3. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, The wire connector (38) rotates about the axis (70a) to change from the first position to the second position, and is then inserted into the at least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c).

4. The connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the wire connector (38) rotates about the axis (70a) in the range of 70° to 110°.

5. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: A cavity (78) is formed in the locking element (58); During the assembly of the connector assembly, the locking element (58) moves toward the connector housing (28) such that the connector housing is inserted into the cavity (78), and the locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28) via the second connection.

6. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: At least one locking flange (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f), the at least one locking flange being integrally formed as part of the locking element (58); The outer flange (48) is integrally formed as part of the housing portion (46); as well as The outer flange (48) contacts at least one locking flange (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f) when the locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28), and prevents the wire connector (38) from disconnecting from the connector housing (28).

7. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: At least one locking protrusion (50) whose integral topography becomes part of the housing portion (46); as well as At least one receiving hole (54) is integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28); The at least one locking protrusion (50) extends at least partially into the receiving hole (54) to provide the first connection.

8. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: At least one external locking protrusion (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d, 68e, 68f), the at least one external locking protrusion being integrally formed as part of the locking element (58); At least one locking protrusion (56a, 56b) is integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28); The at least one locking protrusion (56a, 56b) contacts the at least one external locking protrusion (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d, 68e, 68f) to provide the second connection.

9. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: At least one guide wall (66a, 66b, 66c, 66d) is integrally formed as part of the locking element (58) and located inside the locking element; as well as The shield portions (28a, 28b, 28c) are integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28), and the at least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c) is integrally formed as part of the shield portions (28a, 28b, 28c). When the locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28), the shield portion (28a, 28b, 28c) is adjacent to the at least one guide wall (66a, 66b, 66c, 66d).

10. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connection is releasable.

11. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second connection is permanent.

12. The connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The circumferential flange (74) has an integral topography that forms part of the locking element (58); as well as The inner circumferential flange (76) is integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28); Damage to the circumferential flange (74) or the inner circumferential flange (76) provides an indication that the connector assembly has been tampered with.

13. The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein the wire connector (38) rotates about the axis (70a) in the range of 80° to 100°.

14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the wire connector (38) is rotated 90° about the axis (70a).

15. A method relating to assembling a connector assembly, comprising the following steps: Provide housing (12); A connector housing (28) provides an integral topography that is part of the housing (12); At least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c) is provided, said at least one hole being integrally formed as part of the connector housing (28); Provides wire assembly (32a); A wire connector (38) is provided as part of the wire assembly (32a), the wire connector (38) having a housing portion (46); A locking element (58) is provided for connection to the connector housing (28), the locking element (58) having a cavity (78); as well as At least one through hole (62a, 62b, 62c) is provided, and the at least one through hole is integrally formed as part of the locking element (58); Place the wire connector (38) in the first position; Move the wire connector (38) through the at least one through hole (62a, 62b, 62c) so that the wire connector (38) moves along the longitudinal axis (70a) through the locking element (58); Rotate the wire connector (38) to the second position; The wire connector (38) is connected to the connector housing (28) by means of a first connection by inserting the wire connector (38) into the at least one hole (30a, 30b, 30c); The connector housing (28) is inserted into the cavity (78) by moving the locking element (58) toward the connector housing (28); as well as The locking element (58) is connected to the connector housing (28) via a second connection.

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