Electrical connector with mating verification switch

Abstract

An electrical connector (100) includes a housing (110) holding contacts (150) and having a securing element configured to be latchably coupled to a mating securing element (140) of a mating electrical connector when the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a mating verification switch (52) coupled to the housing, the mating verification switch having a first verification contact (60) and a second verification contact (70) both coupled to the housing. The second verification contact is configured to be physically separated from the first verification contact before the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector, but is configured to engage the first verification contact when the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector, and the matching verification switch is used for sending a verification signal indicating that the electric connector is matched with the matching electric connector.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Indian Application No. 202441002377, filed on Jan. 12, 2024, entitled "ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE WITH A SPRING ON THE DEVICE" and U.S. Application No. 63 / 641,567, filed on May 2, 2024, entitled "ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR HAVING A MATED VERFICIATION SWITCH", the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter herein generally relates to electrical connectors. Background Art

[0004] Communication systems include electrical connectors that mate to electrically connect the various components of the system. For example, a socket connector may be mounted to a device, such as a circuit board, for mating with a plug connector, which may be terminated to a wire harness or another circuit board. Electrical connectors typically include a latch to hold the electrical connectors together once mated. However, when improperly mated, the latch may separate, allowing the electrical connectors to inadvertently become unmated over time. To avoid this, some electrical connectors include a connector position assurance (CPA) device that is used to ensure proper latching of the electrical connectors. CPA devices are typically mechanical devices that are mechanically actuated during assembly, providing visual and / or tactile feedback to the installer. However, the installer may not properly verify the actuation of the CPA device.

[0005] Some known electrical connectors use an electrically - activated connector verification system that uses an electrical signal through a verification circuit to verify proper connection. For example, an electrical connector may include a last - mating contact in the plug connector and the socket connector that mates after the plug connector and the socket connector are fully mated, creating a verification circuit when the plug connector and the socket connector are fully mated. Such systems increase the overall cost of the communication system by redesigning the two electrical connectors to include additional contacts.

[0006] There is still a need for a cost - effective and reliable mating verification system for electrical connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided, and the electrical connector includes a housing having a wall extending between a mating end and a termination end. The mating end is configured to mate with a mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes contacts held by the housing. Each contact extends between the mating end and the termination end. The mating end of the contact is configured to mate with a mating contact of the mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a fixing element configured to be latchably coupled to a mating fixing element of the mating electrical connector when the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a mating verification switch coupled to the housing. The mating verification switch includes a first verification contact and a second verification contact both coupled to the housing. The second verification contact is configured to be physically separated from the first verification contact before the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector. The second verification contact is configured to engage the first verification contact when the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector to send a verification signal indicating that the electrical connector is mated to the mating electrical connector through the mating verification switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mating verification switch according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the mating verification switch coupled to the socket housing.

[0014] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 shows one of the plug contacts according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing the plug connector mated with the socket connector.

[0017] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a mating verification switch in an open position.

[0019] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a mating verification switch in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a communication system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication system 10 includes a first electrical connector 100 and a second electrical connector 200 configured to mate with the first electrical connector 100. The communication system 10 may include multiple electrical connectors 100 and / or multiple electrical connectors 200. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple electrical connectors 200 are configured to mate with a single electrical connector 100. The electrical connector 200 is a mating electrical connector for the first electrical connector 100. Similarly, the first electrical connector 100 is considered a mating electrical connector for the second electrical connector 200.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical connector 100 is a socket connector and may hereinafter be referred to as the socket connector 100. The socket connector 100 is mounted to a component, such as a main circuit board 20. However, in alternative embodiments, the component may be a non-electrical component, such as a panel or wall of a device for holding the socket connector 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector 100 is a board-mounted connector that is mounted to and electrically connected to the main circuit board 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the socket connector 100 is a right-angle connector having a mounting end oriented perpendicular to the mating end. In alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible, such as a through-hole connector, such as a vertical connector. In various other embodiments, the socket connector 100 is a cable connector disposed at the end of one or more cables.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the second electrical connector 200 is a plug connector and may hereinafter be referred to as the plug connector 200. The plug connector 200 is configured to be inserted into a socket or slot of the socket connector 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug connector 200 is a cable connector disposed at the end of one or more cables 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 202 extends from an end opposite the mating end of the plug connector 200. In various other embodiments, the plug connector 200 may be a right-angle connector having a cable 202 extending perpendicular to the mating end. In various other embodiments, the plug connector 200 may be a board-mounted connector configured to be mounted to a circuit board.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 10 includes a mating verification system 50 that provides an electrical signal to provide mating assurance for the electrical connectors 100, 200. For example, when the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated or when the electrical connectors 100, 200 are unmated, the mating verification system 50 provides a verification signal to the communication system 10. For example, when the electrical connectors 100, 200 are unmated, the mating verification system 50 has an open circuit (or a closed circuit, depending on the arrangement of the circuit components). When the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated, the mating verification system 50 has a closed circuit for transmitting the verification signal. The electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated when all the contacts of the electrical connectors 100, 200 are mated and the latch members of the electrical connectors 100, 200 are latched. Before the latch members are latched, the electrical connectors 100, 200 are considered unmated even if the contacts of the electrical connectors 100, 200 are mated. Thus, the mating verification system 50 forms a connector position assurance (CPA) device for the communication system 10.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating verification system 50 includes a mating verification switch 52 configured to open and close based on the relative positions of the electrical connectors 100, 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating verification switch 52 is normally open. The mating verification switch 52 is configured to close when the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated. Alternatively, the mating verification switch 52 is normally closed and is configured to open when the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated. In an exemplary embodiment, the components of the mating verification switch 52 form part of the socket connector 100. For example, none of the components of the mating verification switch 52 are part of the plug connector 200. However, in an alternative embodiment, all of the components of the mating verification switch 52 may be part of the plug connector 200 and none of the components of the mating verification switch 52 are part of the socket connector 100. Providing all of the components on the socket connector 100 or the plug connector 200 eliminates the need to redesign the electrical connectors 100, 200, thereby reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the communication system 10. Providing all of the components on the socket connector 100 or the plug connector 200 reduces the complexity of the system. Providing all of the components on the socket connector 100 and the plug connector 200 eliminates the need for contact components at the mating interface between the electrical connectors 100, 200, which would increase the complexity and tolerance of the mating interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating verification switch 52 is configured to dock with a mating electrical connector for actuating the mating verification switch 52. For example, when the mating verification switch 52 is part of the socket connector 100, when the plug connector 200 is fully mated with the socket connector 100, one or more components of the mating verification switch 52 dock with the plug connector 200 to actuate and close the mating verification switch 52 to send a verification signal only after the plug connector 200 is fully mated with the socket connector 100.

[0025] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the socket connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view of the socket connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket connector 100 includes a mating verification switch 52. In various embodiments, the socket connector 100 may include multiple mating verification switches 52, such as for ensuring mating connections with multiple plug connectors 200 (as Figure 1 shown).

[0026] The socket connector 100 includes a socket housing 110 that holds a plurality of socket contacts 150. The socket connector 100 includes a socket fixing element 140 (shown in dashed lines), and the socket fixing element 140 is used to firmly couple the plug connector 200 to the socket connector 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket fixing element 140 is a latch and may hereinafter be referred to as the latch 140. The latch 140 includes a latch element 142, such as a locking surface. In addition to the latch, other types of fixing elements may be used in alternative embodiments, such as fasteners, clips, or other types of fixing elements.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 110 is made of a dielectric material. For example, the socket housing 110 may be molded from a plastic material. The socket housing 110 includes a plurality of walls 112 that form a cavity 114 for receiving the plug connector 200. The socket housing 110 extends between a mating end 116 and a termination end 118. The plug connector 200 is configured to be coupled to the mating end 116. The cavity 114 is open at the mating end 116 to receive the plug connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the termination end 118 is configured to be mounted to a main circuit board 20 (as Figure 1 shown). In alternative embodiments, the termination end 118 is configured to be coupled to one or more cables.

[0028] The socket housing 110 includes a front portion 120 and a rear portion 122. The socket housing 110 includes a top 124 and a bottom 126. The socket housing 110 includes sides 128 between the top 124 and the bottom 126. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 116 is provided at the front portion 120. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible, such as the top 124. The cavity 114 is open at the front portion 120 to receive the plug connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 140 is provided at the top 124. For example, the latch 140 is positioned along the inner surface of the top wall at the top 124 of the socket housing 110. In alternative embodiments, other locations are also feasible. In an exemplary embodiment, the termination end 118 is provided at the bottom 126. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible, such as the rear portion 122. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 110 includes an inner wall, such as a partition wall, that divides the cavity 114 into different chambers, each chamber configured to receive a corresponding plug connector 200. The partition wall may extend between the top 124 and the bottom 126. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket housing 110 includes guiding features 130 to guide the plug connector 200 into mating in the cavity 114. The guiding features 130 may define keying features for keyed mating with a specific plug connector 200.

[0029] The latch 140 extends from one of the walls 112 of the socket housing 110, such as the top wall. Optionally, the latch 140 can be integral with the socket housing 110, such as co-molded with the socket housing 110. In various embodiments, the latch feature 142 is a fixed latch feature having a ramp surface 144 and a latching surface 146. In alternative embodiments, the latch feature 142 can be a deflectable latch, such as a deflectable latch arm.

[0030] The socket contacts 150 are coupled to the socket housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 150 are coupled to one or more of the walls 112 of the socket housing 110. For example, the contacts 150 can be coupled to the rear wall at the rear portion 122 of the socket housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 150 are stamped contacts. Each contact 150 extends between a mating end 152 and a termination end 154. The mating end 152 is configured to mate with the plug connector 200. The termination end 154 is configured to be electrically coupled to the main circuit board 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the contacts 150 are right-angle contacts having a mating end 152 perpendicular to the termination end 154. For example, the mating end 152 can extend horizontally and the termination end 154 can extend vertically. In alternative embodiments, other orientations are possible. The mating end 152 extends through the rear wall into the cavity 114 for mating with the plug connector 200. Optionally, the contact 150 can include pins at the mating end 152. In other embodiments, the contact 150 can include slots or other types of mating ends. The termination end 154 extends through the bottom wall of the socket housing 110 for connection to the main circuit board 20. The bottom wall can form a contact organizer for holding the relative positions of the termination ends 154 of the contacts 150. Optionally, the termination end 154 can include solder tails. In other embodiments, the contact 150 can include compliant pins or other types of termination ends. The contacts 150 can be arranged in one or more rows and one or more columns. The contacts 150 can include signal contacts and / or ground contacts and / or power contacts.

[0031] Also refer to Figure 4 and 5 , Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mating verification switch 52, and Figure 5A perspective view of a portion of the receptacle connector 100, showing the mating verification switch 52 coupled to the receptacle housing 110. The mating verification system 50 includes the mating verification switch 52. The mating verification switch 52 forms part of a mating verification circuit 54 that sends an electrical signal to the communication system 10 to provide mating assurance for the electrical connectors 100, 200. For example, when the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated or when the electrical connectors 100, 200 become unmated, the mating verification system 50 provides a verification signal via the mating verification circuit 54. The mating verification circuit 54 can be formed by one or more conductors of the main circuit board 20 and / or one or more electrical components on the main circuit board 20, such as a microprocessor configured to process the verification signal. The mating verification switch 52 is coupled to the receptacle housing 110. For example, the mating verification switch 52 can be coupled to the rear wall and / or the top wall of the receptacle housing 110.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the mating verification switch 52 includes a first verification contact 60 and a second verification contact 70, both coupled to the receptacle housing 110. The second verification contact 70 is configured to physically separate from the first verification contact 60 before the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated. For example, when the verification contacts 60, 70 are physically separated or disconnected, the mating verification circuit 54 is opened. The second verification contact 70 is configured to engage the first verification contact 60 when the plug connector 200 is fully mated to the receptacle connector 100, such as when the housings are fully mated and / or when the contacts are fully mated and / or when the latch is fully engaged. For example, when the verification contacts 60, 70 are physically connected, the mating verification circuit 54 is closed. The mating verification circuit 54 sends a verification signal indicating that the electrical connectors 100, 200 are mated through the mating verification switch 52. A visual or audible indicator can be provided when the verification signal indicating that the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated is received. The mating verification circuit can operate in a manner opposite to normally closed and is configured to open when the electrical connectors are fully mated.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the first verification contact 60 is a stamped contact. In various other embodiments, the first verification contact 60 can be a plated plastic conductor, such as a plated portion of the receptacle housing 110 that forms a circuit. The first verification contact 60 extends between a mating end 62 and a termination end 64. The mating end 62 is configured to mate with the second verification contact 70 and / or the plug connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the first verification contact 60 includes a mating portion 66 at the mating end 62, and the mating portion 66 is configured to dock with the second verification contact 70. The termination end 64 is configured to be electrically coupled to the main circuit board 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the first verification contact 60 is a right-angle contact. The mating end 62 extends through the rear wall into the cavity 114. The termination end 64 extends through the bottom wall of the receptacle housing 110 for connection to the main circuit board 20.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the second verification contact 70 is a stamped contact. In various other embodiments, the second verification contact 70 may be a plated plastic conductor, such as a plated portion of the socket housing 110 that forms a circuit. The second verification contact 70 extends between a mating end 72 and a termination end 74. The mating end 72 is configured to mate with the mating portion 66 of the first verification contact 60 and / or the plug connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the second verification contact 70 includes a connection tab 76 at the mating end 72, and the connection tab 76 is configured to dock with the first verification contact 60. The termination end 74 is configured to be electrically coupled to the main circuit board 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the second verification contact 70 is a right-angle contact. The mating end 72 extends through the rear wall into the cavity 114. The termination end 74 extends through the bottom wall of the socket housing 110 for connection to the main circuit board 20.

[0035] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a plug connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The plug connector 200 includes a plug housing 210 that holds a plurality of plug contacts 250 (as Figure 7 shown). The plug connector 200 includes a plug fixing element 240 for firmly coupling the plug connector 200 to the socket connector 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the socket fixing element 240 is a latch and may hereinafter be referred to as the latch 240. The latch 240 includes a latch element 242, such as a locking surface. In addition to latches, other types of fixing elements may be used in alternative embodiments, such as fasteners, clips, or other types of fixing elements.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 210 is made of a dielectric material. For example, the plug housing 210 may be molded from a plastic material. The plug housing 210 includes a plurality of walls 212. The plug housing 210 includes contact cavities 214 that receive corresponding plug contacts 250. The plug housing 210 extends between a mating end 216 and a termination end 218. The mating end 216 is configured to be inserted into the cavity 114 of the socket housing 110 (as Figure 2 shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the termination end 218 is a cable end, where a cable 202 extends from the termination end 218. In an alternative embodiment, the termination end 218 is configured to be mounted to a circuit board.

[0037] The plug housing 210 includes a front portion 220 and a rear portion 222. The plug housing 210 includes a top portion 224 and a bottom portion 226. The plug housing 210 includes side surfaces 228 between the top portion 224 and the bottom portion 226. In an exemplary embodiment, the mating end 216 is provided at the front portion 220. In alternative embodiments, other locations are possible, such as the top portion 224. The contact cavity 214 is open at the front portion 220 to receive the socket contact 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the termination end 218 is provided at the rear portion 222. However, the termination end 218 can be at other locations, such as at the bottom portion 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 240 is provided at the top portion 224. For example, the latch 240 is positioned along the outer surface of the top wall at the top portion 224 of the plug housing 210. In alternative embodiments, other locations are feasible. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug housing 210 includes guiding features 230 to guide the mating of the plug connector 200 with the socket connector 100. The guiding features 230 can define keying features for keyed mating with the socket housing 110.

[0038] The latch 240 extends from one of the walls 212 of the plug housing 210, such as the top wall. Optionally, the latch 240 can be integral with the plug housing 210, such as co-molded with the plug housing 210. In various embodiments, the latching feature 242 includes a deflectable latch arm 244 having a latch opening 245 that receives the latching feature 142 of the socket connector 100 to latchably couple the plug connector 200 to the socket connector 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch arm 244 includes a ramp 246 configured to engage the socket connector 100, such as to deflect the latch arm 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 240 includes an actuator 248 for releasing the latch 240, such as a push tab. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch 240 is configured to dock with a mating verification switch 52 (as Figure 4 shown) to activate the mating verification switch 52. For example, the latch 240 can press against a second verification contact 70 to move the second verification contact 70 into engagement with the first verification contact 60 to close the mating verification circuit 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the latch 240 is configured to engage the mating verification switch 52 only when the latch 240 is latchably coupled to the latch 140 of the socket connector 100, such as when the latching element 142 is received in the latch opening 245.

[0039] Additionally refer to Figure 7, which shows one of the plug contacts 250 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the contact 250 is configured to be terminated to the cable 202, for example, crimped to the end of the cable 202. The contact 250 is configured to be received in the contact channel 214. Each plug contact 250 extends between a mating end 252 and a termination end 254. The mating end 252 is configured to mate with a corresponding socket contact 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating end 252 includes a socket; however, in alternative embodiments, other types of contacts can be provided, such as pins, blades, spring beams, or other types of contacts. The termination end 254 is configured to be electrically coupled to the cable 202. For example, the termination end 254 can include a crimp barrel configured to be crimped to the cable 202.

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the communication system 10, showing the plug connector 200 mating with the socket connector 100. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the communication system 10. A portion of the plug connector 200 is removed to show the interface with the socket connector 100.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiment, the socket contacts 150 are coupled to the rear wall and the bottom wall of the socket housing 110. The mating end 152 extends into the cavity 114 for mating with the plug connector 200. The termination end 154 extends through the contact organizer at the bottom wall for termination to the main circuit board 20. The contacts 150 can include signal contacts and / or ground contacts and / or power contacts.

[0042] In the exemplary embodiment, both the first verification contact 60 and the second verification contact 70 are coupled to the socket housing 110. The termination ends 64, 74 pass through the contact organizer of the bottom wall for termination to the main circuit board 20. The mating ends 62, 72 pass through the rear wall of the socket housing 110 into the cavity 114, for example, to dock with the plug connector 200 to verify the mating of the plug connector 200 with the socket connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating ends 62, 72 are located at the top of the cavity 114, for example, along the top wall of the socket housing 110. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection tab 76 of the second verification contact 70 is configured to dock with the plug connector 200, for example, the latch 240 of the plug connector 200. The latch 240 is used to press or move the connection tab 76 to a closed position to physically engage the mating portion 66 of the first verification contact 60 to close the mating verification circuit 54 to send a verification signal indicating that the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated and / or to send a signal when the electrical connectors 100, 200 become unmated. In the exemplary embodiment, the second verification contact 70 is configured to engage the first verification contact 60 only after the latch element 242 of the plug latch 240 is latchably coupled to the latch element 142 of the socket latch 140.

[0043] During mating, the plug connector 200 is inserted into the cavity 114 of the socket housing 110, and the plug latch 240 is latchably coupled to the socket latch 140 to fix the plug connector 200 to the socket connector 100. When the plug connector 200 is fully mated with the socket connector 100, the latches 140, 240 are latchably coupled to each other. Before full mating, the latches 140, 240 are not locked. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug latch 240 is deflectable and movable between a deflected position and a released position. For example, during initial loading of the plug connector 200 into the cavity 114 of the socket housing 110, the plug latch 240 can be pressed downwardly towards the top wall of the plug housing 210 to the deflected position. For example, the ramp surface 144 of the socket latch 140 can engage the latch arm 244 of the plug latch 240 to press the latch arm 244 downwardly. In the deflected position, the plug latch 240 does not actuate or close the mating verification switch. Once the latch opening 245 no longer obstructs the latch element 142, the plug latch 240 is released and moves to a latched position where it is latchably coupled to the socket latch 140. When the latch arm 244 is released, the plug latch 240 freely moves upwardly to the released position( Figure 9 ). In the released position, the plug latch 240 engages the second verification contact 70 to move the second verification contact 70 to a closed position. For example, the ramp 246 engages the connection tab 76 to press the connection tab 76 upwardly to the closed position to physically engage the mating portion 66 of the first verification contact 60.

[0044] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the communication system 10, showing the mating verification switch 52 in an open position. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the communication system 10, showing the mating verification switch 52 in a closed position. The second verification contact 70 is physically separated from the first verification contact 60 in the open position( Figure 10 ). The second verification contact 70 engages the first verification contact 60 in the closed position( Figure 11 ). When the mating verification circuit 54 is closed, a verification signal is configured to be sent through the mating verification switch 52, indicating that the electrical connectors 100, 200 are mated.

[0045] The second verification contact 70 is configured to physically separate from the first verification contact 60 before the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated. For example, when the verification contacts 60, 70 are physically separated or disconnected, the mating verification circuit 54 is disconnected. The second verification contact 70 is configured to engage the first verification contact 60 when the plug connector 200 is fully mated to the socket connector 100, such as when the housings 110, 210 are fully mated and / or when the contacts 150, 250 are fully mated and / or when the latches 140, 240 are fully engaged. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug latch 240 is used to actuate or close the second verification contact 70. For example, the plug latch 240 presses the second verification contact 70 upward to close the mating verification circuit 54 by physically contacting the verification contacts 60, 70. However, in an alternative embodiment, other portions of the plug connector 200 may interface with the second verification contact 70 to actuate or move the second verification contact 70. For example, a portion of the housing may engage the second verification contact 70. A protrusion, actuator, tab, etc. extending from the housing may engage the second verification contact 70. A connector position assurance (CPA) component may engage the second verification contact 70. The mating verification circuit 54 sends a verification signal indicating that the electrical connectors 100, 200 are mated through the mating verification switch 52. A visual or audible indicator may be provided when a verification signal indicating that the electrical connectors 100, 200 are fully mated is received. In an alternative embodiment, such as when the mating verification switch 52 is normally closed instead of normally open, the plug latch 240 may be used to separate the verification contacts 60, 70 upon full mating to disconnect the mating verification circuit 54 to indicate the mating status of the electrical connectors 100, 200.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (100) comprising: a housing (110) having a wall (112) extending between a mating end (116) and a termination end (118), the mating end being configured to mate with a mating electrical connector; contacts (150) held by the housing, each contact extending between a mating end (152) and a termination end (154), the mating ends of the contacts being configured to mate with mating contacts of the mating electrical connector; a fixing element (140) configured to be firmly coupled to a mating fixing element of the mating electrical connector when the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector; and a mating verification switch (52) coupled to the housing, the mating verification switch including a first verification contact (60) and a second verification contact (70) both coupled to the housing, the second verification contact being configured to physically separate from the first verification contact before the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector, and the second verification contact being configured to engage the first verification contact when the housing is fully mated to the mating electrical connector to send a verification signal indicating that the electrical connector is mated to the mating electrical connector through the mating verification switch.

2. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second verification contact (70) is movable between an open position and a closed position, the second verification contact being configured to physically separate from the first verification contact (60) in the open position and the second verification contact being configured to engage the first verification contact in the closed position to send the verification signal through the mating verification switch (52).

3. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The mating verification switch (52) forms a mating verification circuit (54) in the closed position to send the verification signal.

4. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second verification contact (70) is configured to move into contact with the first verification contact (60) by docking with the mating electrical connector.

5. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The wall (112) of the housing (110) defines a cavity (114) configured to receive the mating electrical connector, and the first verification contact (60) and the second verification contact (70) extend into the cavity to dock with the mating electrical connector.

6. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first verification contact (60) includes a mating portion (66), and the second verification contact (70) includes a connection tab (76), the connection tab (76) being configured to engage the mating portion of the first verification contact to electrically connect the first verification contact and the second verification contact, thereby sending a verification signal through the mating verification switch (52).

7. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second verification contact (70) is configured to engage the first verification contact (60) only after the fixing element (140) is firmly coupled to the mating fixing element of the mating electrical connector.

8. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The second verification contact (70) is configured to dock with the mating fixing element (140) of the mating electrical connector to engage the first verification contact (60) when the mating fixing element is firmly coupled to the fixing element.

9. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first verification contact (60) and the second verification contact (70) are stamped contacts.

10. The electrical connector (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first verification contact (60) and the second verification contact (70) include electroplated plastic conductors.

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