Connector assembly

Abstract

The connector assembly includes a first connector, a lever, and a second connector. The first connector includes a first locking surface. The lever is rotatably coupled to the first connector and includes a second locking surface and a release surface. The second locking surface is configured to engage the first locking surface in a locking direction. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 603,857, filed on November 29, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly, to a connector assembly having a lever lock and a pre - locking feature for the lever lock. Background Art

[0003] Modern vehicles (e.g., automobiles) rely on wires and electrical connections to facilitate communication between various electronic components within the vehicle. Connection systems (e.g., connectors and terminals) play an important role in ensuring the integrity of these electrical connections as well as the reliability and performance of the vehicle. Some connectors use a lever - type locking mechanism during assembly to securely fasten mating connectors together. In some cases, it is desirable to fix the lever in a specific orientation prior to final assembly. Current designs may require features on a slider, on a wire grommet cover, or human attention to fix the lever in the preferred direction. These known features and methods can lead to inefficiencies for assembly technicians during the assembly process. Given the above, while known lever - type locking mechanisms for vehicle connection systems have proven to serve their intended purposes, there is still a need for continuous improvement in the related art to address challenges associated with pre - assembly positioning of lever - type locking.

[0004] The background art provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors within the scope described in this background art section and aspects of the specification that are not otherwise considered prior art as of the filing date of the application are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first locking surface. A lever is rotatably coupled to the first connector and includes a second locking surface and a release surface. The second locking surface is configured to engage the first locking surface along a locking direction. The second connector is configured to mate with the first connector.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a connector assembly including a first connector and a lever. The first connector includes a first protrusion having a first locking surface. The lever is rotatably coupled to the first connector and includes a flexible locking arm having a second locking surface extending in a first direction. The second locking surface is configured to engage the first locking surface along a locking orientation to prevent rotation of the lever relative to the first connector.

[0007] Further applicable fields of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the connector assembly.

[0011] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure Figure 1 during a stage of the assembly process with a mating connector.

[0012] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure Figure 1 during another stage of the assembly process with a mating connector.

[0013] In the drawings, reference numerals may be reused to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION

[0014] A system and method are provided for mechanically assisting a lever of a connector assembly of a wire decorative cover to be locked in an open / prepared position during operation and after the connector assembly is installed on an electrical wiring. The lever can be kept locked in the prepared position (pre-stage position) until it is correctly inserted into a mating connector shroud. In some embodiments, the connector assembly includes features on the lever of the connector assembly (e.g., a locking arm) and features on the body of the connector assembly (e.g., a locking tab) to hold the lever in the pre-stage position. For example, these features can hold the lever in the open / prepared position and move the lever once the connector assembly is in the correct mating position. In particular, during insertion of the connector assembly into the mating shroud of the mating connector assembly, a locking arm feature of the mating shroud of the mating connector assembly can contact the locking arm of the lever. The contact between the locking arm feature and the locking arm can deflect the locking arm and (i) release the locking engagement between the locking arm and the body of the connector assembly, and (ii) apply a force on the lever such that the lever moves (e.g., rotates) in a direction that urges the connector assembly to mate with the mating connector assembly. This movement (e.g., rotation) of the lever can provide an indication to the operator that the connector assembly is in the correct position so that the lever can complete the movement (e.g., rotation) of the connector assembly in the mating direction with the mating connector assembly.

[0015] Reference Figure 1 , a connector assembly 10 is shown. As will be explained in more detail below, the connector assembly 10 can be installed in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) to facilitate electrical transmission between various electronic components within the vehicle. For example, the connector assembly 10 can be detachably coupled to a mating connector assembly 12( Figures 3A - 3B ), such that during operation of the vehicle, electrical power is transmitted between the connector assemblies 10, 12 and to various electronic components within the vehicle. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the connector assembly 10 can include a lever assembly 14 and a connector body 16. The lever assembly 14 can be rotatably coupled to the connector body 16.

[0016] The connector body 16 (i.e., the connector housing) can include a first end 18a, a second end 18b spaced apart from the first end 18a, a first end wall 20a, a second end wall 20b spaced apart from the first end wall 20a, a first side wall 22a disposed between the first end 18a and the second end 18b, and / or a second side wall 22b spaced apart from the first side wall 22a, etc. The first end wall 20a can be disposed near the first end 18a, and the second end wall 20b can be disposed near the second end 18b. The first end wall 20a, the second end wall 20b, the first side wall 22a, and the second side wall 22b can together define a cavity 24 and an opening 26 communicating with the cavity 24( Figure 3A) As will be explained in detail below, in the assembled configuration, the opening 26 and / or the cavity 24 can receive the mating connector assembly 12.

[0017] The connector body 16 can include locking tabs 28, alignment features 30, and one or more gear retention features 32a, 32b. The locking tabs 28 can project from one or more end walls 20a, 20b or side walls 22a, 22b. As Figure 1 shown, in some embodiments, a first locking tab 28 extends outwardly from the first side wall 22a and a second locking tab 28 extends from the second side wall 22b. In particular, the locking tab 28 can extend from the intersection of the first side wall 22a or the second side wall 22b with the first end wall 22a. The locking tab 28 can include a bottom surface 34 facing the opening 26 and / or the second direction 36.

[0018] The alignment features 30 can include a set of protrusions projecting from the first side wall 22a and / or the second side wall 22b and extending in a direction substantially (+ / - 10°) parallel to the first direction 36. In this regard, the alignment features 30 can be referred to herein as protrusions 30. In some embodiments, the protrusions 30 extend from the position where the first side wall 22a or the second side wall 22b meets the first end wall 20a and / or the second end wall 20b.

[0019] The gear retention features 32a, 32b can include cylindrical hubs extending from the first side wall 22a and / or the second side wall 22b. In this regard, the gear retention features 32a, 32b are referred to herein as gear hubs 32a, 32b. The gear hubs 32a, 32b can be disposed between the first end wall 20a and the second end wall 20b along the first side wall 22a and / or the second side wall 22b.

[0020] The lever assembly 14 can be detachably and rotatably coupled to the connector assembly 16 and can include a first lever arm 38a, a second lever arm 38b, a base 40, a body gear 42, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device 44. As Figure 2 shown, in some embodiments, multiple parts of the lever assembly 14 (e.g., the first lever arm 38a, the second lever arm 38b, the base 40, and the body gear 42) form an integral and / or monolithic structure.

[0021] The second lever arm 38b can be spaced apart from the first lever arm 38a and be substantially (e.g., + / - 10°) parallel to the first lever arm 38a. The base 40 can be disposed between the first lever arm 38a and the second lever arm 38b. In particular, the base 40 can be connected to the end of the first lever arm 38a and the end of the second lever arm 38b.

[0022] Each lever arm 38a, 38b may include a locking arm 46 and a lever arm gear 48. The locking arm 46 and the lever arm gear 48 may be disposed at the ends of the lever arms 38a, 38b. In particular, the locking arm 46 and the lever arm gear 48 may extend from the ends of the lever arms 38a, 38b opposite the base 40. The locking arm 46 may be disposed above the lever arm gear 48 such that the locking arm 46 and the lever arm gear 48 define a gap 50 therebetween.

[0023] The locking arm 46 may include a release surface 52 and a locking surface 54 extending transverse to the release surface 52. In this regard, the release surface 52 and the locking surface 54 may define an angle α ( Figure 3A ) therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle α is between 20 degrees and 60 degrees such that the release surface 52 and the locking surface 54 define a wedge shape. For example, the angle α may be substantially (+ / - 10 degrees) equal to 45 degrees.

[0024] The lever arm gear 48 may include a plurality of teeth 56 and a central portion 58. By inserting the gear retention features 32a, 32b through the central portion 58 of the lever arm gear 48, the lever arm gear 48 may be removably and rotatably coupled to the first sidewall 22a and / or the second sidewall 22b. As will be explained in more detail below, during the method of operating the connector assembly 10 and the lever assembly 14, when the lever arm 38 rotates about the gear retention feature 32a, the teeth 56 may interface with the body gear 42 and the mating connector assembly 12 to engage the connector body 16 with the mating connector assembly 12.

[0025] The body gear 42 may include a plurality of teeth 60 and a central portion 62. By inserting the gear retention features 32a, 32b through the central portion 62 of the body gear 42, the body gear 42 may be removably and rotatably coupled to the first sidewall 22a and / or the second sidewall 22b. As will be explained in more detail below, during the method of operating the connector assembly 10 and the lever assembly 14, the teeth 60 may interface with the teeth 56 of the lever arm gear 48 and the mating connector assembly 12 to engage the connector body with the mating connector assembly 12.

[0026] When the lever assembly 14 is fully in the engaged position, the CPA 14 may hold the lever assembly 14 in place. In the fully engaged position, the connector assembly 10 may be fully engaged with the mating connector assembly, and the lever assembly 14 may rest on top of the second end wall 20b of the connector body 16.

[0027] Reference Figure 3A and 3B, the mating connector assembly 12 can include one or more alignment features 64, locking arm engagement features 66, and gear engagement features 68a, 68b. The mating alignment features 64 can include one or more protrusions that project from the wall of the mating connector assembly 12 and extend in a direction that is substantially (+ / - 10 degrees) parallel to the first direction 36. In this regard, the mating alignment features 64 can be referred to herein as mating protrusions 64. During operation of the connector assembly 10, the protrusion 30 and the mating protrusions 64 can engage and / or otherwise mate with each other to ensure proper alignment and connection between the connector assembly 10 and the mating connector assembly 12. In this regard, during assembly of the connector assembly 10 and the mating connector assembly 12, the mating connector assembly 12 can be inserted into the cavity 24 and / or the opening 26 of the connector body 16.

[0028] The locking arm engagement features 66 can include protrusions that project from the wall of the mating connector assembly 12 and extend in a direction that is substantially (+ / - 10 degrees) parallel to the first direction. In this regard, the locking arm alignment features 66 can be referred to herein as locking arm protrusions 66. The locking arm protrusions 66 can include an engagement surface disposed at the end 70 of the protrusion 66.

[0029] Figure 3A The lever assembly 14 is shown in the open / prepared position. The lever assembly 14 can be locked (i.e., non-rotatable) in the prepared position by contact between features on the lever assembly 14 (e.g., the locking arm 46) and features on the connector body 16 (e.g., the locking tab). For example, the locking surface 54 of the locking arm 46 can engage the bottom surface 34 of the locking tab 28 to fix the lever assembly 14 in the prepared position. The lever assembly 14 can be in the prepared position prior to insertion of the mating connector assembly 12 into the connector assembly 10 and can remain in the prepared position during initial insertion of the mating connector assembly 12 into the connector assembly 10.

[0030] Figure 3BShows a mating connector assembly 12 partially inserted into the connector assembly 10. When the mating connector assembly 12 is inserted into the connector assembly 10, the locking arm 46 can engage the locking arm engagement feature 66. Specifically, when the connector assembly 10 and / or the mating connector assembly 12 are moved in a direction substantially (+ / - 10 degrees) parallel to the first direction 36, the release surface 52 of the locking arm 46 can engage the end 70 of the locking arm engagement feature 66. The configuration of the release surface 52 relative to the locking surface 54 (e.g., angle α) can allow the locking arm engagement feature 66 to slide relative to the release surface 52 during their engagement, such that the locking arm engagement feature 66 deflects the locking arm 46 in a direction towards the lever arm gear 48 and away from the locking tab 28. In this regard, when the connector assembly 10 and / or the mating connector assembly 12 are moved in a direction generally (+ / - 10 degrees) parallel to the first direction 36, the locking surface 54 of the locking arm 46 can disengage from the bottom surface 34 of the locking tab 28, such that the lever assembly 14 is released from the preparatory position.

[0031] The engagement of the locking arm 46 with the locking arm engagement feature 66 can apply a force on the lever assembly 14 in a direction generally parallel to the first direction 36, such that the lever assembly 14 moves (e.g., rotates) in a direction (e.g., relative to Figure 3B clockwise) that is conducive to the engagement of the connector assembly 10 with the mating connector assembly 12. Specifically, the locking arm engagement feature 66 can apply a torque on the lever assembly 14 that causes the lever assembly 14 to rotate about the gear engagement feature 68a. The rotation of the lever assembly 14 can provide an indication to the operator that the connector assembly 10 is in the correct position for the lever assembly to move (e.g., rotate) in one direction (e.g., relative to Figure 3B clockwise), thereby completing the mating of the connector assembly 10 with the mating connector assembly 12.

[0032] When the lever assembly 14 begins to rotate, the lever arm gear 48 can engage the body gear 42, and both gears 48, 42 can engage the gear engagement features 68a, 68b of the mating connector assembly 12. If the connector assembly 10 is in the correct position to complete the mating with the mating connector assembly 12, then the gears 48, 42 can only engage the gear engagement features 68a, 68b. The gears 48, 42 can include stop features 72a, 72b. When the connector assembly 10 is fully mated with the mating connector assembly 12, the stop features 72a, 72b can prevent the lever assembly 14 from moving in one direction (e.g., relative to Figure 3BRotate further clockwise). In this regard, the rotation of the lever assembly 14 can be completed when the lever assembly 14 rests on top of the second end wall 20b of the connector body 14 and / or when the stop features 72a, 72b contact the gear engagement features 68a, 68b on the mating connector assembly 12.

[0033] When the connector assembly 10 is fully engaged with the mating connector assembly 12, power can be transmitted between the connector assemblies 10, 12 and to various electronic components within the vehicle.

[0034] The following technical solutions provide exemplary configurations of the connector assembly and related methods as described above.

[0035] Technical Solution 1: A connector assembly, comprising: a first connector including a first locking surface; a lever rotatably coupled to the first connector and including a second locking surface and a release surface, the second locking surface configured to engage the first locking surface in a locking direction; and a second connector configured to mate with the first connector.

[0036] Technical Solution 2: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 1, wherein: the second locking surface extends in a first direction; and the release surface extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0037] Technical Solution 3: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein the second connector includes a protrusion configured to engage the release surface with the locking surface and disengage the second locking surface from the first locking surface.

[0038] Technical Solution 4: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the protrusion on the second connector is configured to apply a force on the release surface and rotate the lever in a third direction.

[0039] Technical Solution 5: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 4, wherein: the first connector includes a first alignment feature; and the second connector includes a second alignment feature configured to mate with the first alignment feature and align the first connector with the second connector.

[0040] Technical Solution 6: The connector assembly according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 5, wherein: the first connector includes a first gear; and the lever includes a second gear configured to mate with the first gear.

[0041] Technical Solution 7: The connector assembly according to Technical Solution 6, wherein: the first gear includes a first stop feature; the second gear includes a second stop feature; and the first stop feature and the second stop feature are configured to prevent rotation of the lever by contacting the second connector.

[0042] Technical solution 8: The connector assembly according to any one of technical solutions 1 to 7, wherein: the first connector includes a third locking surface; the lever includes a fourth locking surface and a second release surface; and the fourth locking surface is configured to engage the third locking surface along a locking direction.

[0043] Technical solution 9: The connector assembly according to technical solution 8, wherein: the first locking surface is located on a first side of the first connector; the third locking surface is located on a second side of the first connector; and the first side is opposite to the second side.

[0044] Technical solution 10: The connector assembly according to technical solution 8 or 9, wherein: the second locking surface is located on a first arm of the lever; and the fourth locking surface is located on a second arm of the lever.

[0045] Technical solution 11: A connector assembly, comprising: a first connector including a first protrusion having a first locking surface; and a lever rotatably coupled to the first connector and including a flexible locking arm having a second locking surface extending in a first direction, wherein the second locking surface is configured to engage the first locking surface along a locking direction to prevent rotation of the lever relative to the first connector.

[0046] Technical solution 12: The connector assembly according to technical solution 11, wherein the lever includes a release surface extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

[0047] Technical solution 13: The connector assembly according to technical solution 11 or 12, further comprising a second connector configured to mate with the first connector.

[0048] Technical solution 14: The connector assembly according to technical solution 13, wherein the second connector includes a second protrusion configured to engage the release surface with the first locking surface and disengage the second locking surface from the first locking surface.

[0049] Technical solution 15: The connector assembly according to technical solution 14, wherein the second protrusion is configured to apply a force on the release surface and rotate the lever in a third direction.

[0050] Technical solution 16: The connector assembly according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 15, wherein: the first connector includes a first alignment feature; and the second connector includes a second alignment feature configured to mate with the first alignment feature and align the first connector and the second connector.

[0051] Technical solution 17: The connector assembly according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 16, wherein: the first connector includes a first gear; and the lever includes a second gear configured to cooperate with the first gear.

[0052] Technical solution 18: The connector assembly according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 17, wherein: the first connector includes a third protrusion having a third locking surface; the lever includes a fourth locking surface and a second release surface; and the fourth locking surface is configured to engage the third locking surface in a locking direction.

[0053] Technical solution 19: The connector assembly according to technical solution 18, wherein: the first protrusion is located on a first side of the first connector; the third protrusion is located on a second side of the first connector; and the first side is opposite to the second side.

[0054] Technical solution 20: The connector assembly according to technical solution 18 or 19, wherein: the second locking surface is located on a first arm of the lever; and the fourth locking surface is located on a second arm of the lever.

[0055] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of forms. Thus, while the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. In the written description and the claims, one or more steps in a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, one or more instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be executed in a different order (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the numbering or other markings of instructions or method steps are for convenience of reference and are not intended to indicate a fixed order.

[0056] In addition, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of these features described for any embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with respect to each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may be intended to include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring execution in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0058] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected", "joined", "coupled", "adjacent", "close", "next to", "on", "above", "below", and "disposed". Unless explicitly described as "direct", when the relationship between a first element and a second element is described in the foregoing disclosure, the relationship encompasses both direct and indirect relationships, where in a direct relationship there are no other intervening elements between the first element and the second element, and in an indirect relationship there is one or more intervening elements between the first element and the second element. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0059] The term "set" does not necessarily exclude the empty set - in other words, in some cases, a "set" may have zero elements. The term "non-empty set" can be used to denote the exclusion of the empty set - in other words, a non-empty set will always have one or more elements. The term "subset" does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a "subset" of a first set can have the same scope (equal to) the first set. Additionally, the term "subset" does not necessarily exclude the empty set - in some cases, a "subset" may have zero elements.

[0060] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms used herein do not imply an order or sequence, unless expressly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary construction.

[0061] The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: a first connector, the first connector comprising a first locking surface; a lever rotationally coupled to the first connector and including a second locking surface and a release surface, the second locking surface being configured to engage the first locking surface in a locking direction; as well as A second connector is configured to mate with the first connector.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second locking surface extends in a first direction; and The release surface extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connector includes a protrusion configured to engage the release surface with the first locking surface and disengage the second locking surface from the first locking surface.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The projection on the second connector is configured to exert a force on the release surface and rotate the lever in a third direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first connector includes a first alignment feature; and The second connector includes a second alignment feature configured to mate with the first alignment feature and align the first connector with the second connector.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first connector includes a first gear; and The lever includes a second gear configured to cooperate with the first gear.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: the first gear comprising a first stop feature; The second gear includes a second stop feature; and The first stop feature and the second stop feature are configured to prevent rotation of the lever by contacting the second connector.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector includes a third locking surface; The lever includes a fourth locking surface and a second release surface; and The fourth locking surface is configured to engage the third locking surface in the locking direction.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: the first locking surface being located on a first side of the first connector; the third locking surface is located on a second side of the first connector; and The first side is opposite to the second side.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second locking surface is located on the first arm of the lever; and The fourth locking surface is located on the second arm of the lever.

11. A connector assembly comprising: a first connector including a first protrusion having a first locking surface; as well as A lever is rotatably coupled to the first connector and includes a flexible locking arm having a second locking surface extending in a first direction, wherein the second locking surface is configured to engage the first locking surface in a locking direction to prevent rotation of the lever relative to the first connector.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that The lever includes a release surface extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that Also included is a second connector configured to mate with the first connector.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that The connector includes a second protrusion configured to engage the release surface with the first locking surface and disengage the second locking surface from the first locking surface.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that The second protrusion is configured to exert a force on the release surface and rotate the lever in a third direction.

16. The connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first connector includes a first alignment feature; and The second connector includes a second alignment feature configured to mate with the first alignment feature and align the first connector with the second connector.

17. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The first connector includes a first gear; and The lever includes a second gear configured to cooperate with the first gear.

18. The connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that: The first connector includes a third protrusion having a third locking surface; The lever includes a fourth locking surface and a second release surface; and The fourth locking surface is configured to engage the third locking surface in the locking direction.

19. The connector assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that: the first protrusion being located on a first side of the first connector; The third protrusion is located on the second side of the first connector; and The first side is opposite to the second side.

20. The connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein: The second locking surface is located on the first arm of the lever; and The fourth locking surface is located on the second arm of the lever.

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