Sealed electrical connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric connector assembly. The electric connector assembly comprises a sealing connector shell and a matching auxiliary rod; the side wall of the sealed connector shell comprises an inner side wall and an outer side wall parallel to the inner side wall, and a gap is limited between the inner side wall and the outer side wall; the mating assist lever includes at least one first gear element. The rod is mounted between the inner side wall and the outer side wall, on the inner side of the outer side wall, such that a gap is left between the rod and the outer side of the inner side wall, the gap being adapted to allow insertion of a portion of a housing of the mating connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an electrical connector assembly. More specifically, it relates to an electrical connector assembly comprising connector modules from a set of connector modules, wherein the connector assembly is matingly connected to a corresponding mating electrical connector assembly by operating a lever of the electrical connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A common "rod-type" electrical connector includes a first connector assembly or housing and a second connector assembly or plug assembly. To mate the connector assemblies together, the connector has an actuating rod or auxiliary rod mounted for pivoting on the first connector assembly, wherein pivoting of the rod causes the first and second connector assemblies to switch between an unfitted configuration and a fully fitted configuration. For example, the actuating rod and the second connector assembly may have a cam groove and cam follower configuration for pulling the second connector assembly into a mating state with the first connector assembly in response to the pivoting of the rod. This type of connector is commonly used in the automotive industry but requires complex mechanics.

[0003] A typical example of this type of rod-type electrical connector is a generally U-shaped rod structure with a pair of relatively thin-walled lever sidebars positioned on opposite sides of the housing connector. These lever sidebars may have cam grooves for engaging cam follower protrusions or posts on opposite sides of the plug assembly. These types of rod-type connectors are typically used in situations requiring relatively large forces to engage and disengage paired connector assemblies. For example, frictional forces encountered during connecting and disconnecting connector assemblies can make the process difficult to perform manually. In some cases, relatively large electrical connectors with a high pin count, such as those with 90 or more pins, require at least approximately 300 N to engage or disengage. Furthermore, automotive industry standards specify a maximum user input force of 75 N to perform such engagement and disengagement of the connector.

[0004] An example of such a rod-type connector assembly with a U-shaped rod engaging a cam groove is disclosed in patent document US10,374,356B2.

[0005] Patent document EP 2274800 B1 describes an electrical connector device having a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly, the first connector being mounted to the second connector assembly. The first connector assembly includes a generally U-shaped rod and a drive gear, wherein a rod lug extends from one side and the drive gear extends from the other side. During mating of the connector assemblies, the rod lug is received in horizontal cam tracks on each longitudinal side of the plug. The drive gear and rod lug are positioned inside the housing of the first connector assembly, while the rod is primarily positioned outside the housing. Therefore, this connector requires a complex installation process and has an increased dimension in the lateral direction.

[0006] The problem with all such rod-type electrical connection assemblies is that, due to the position of the rod, a seal cannot be established between the first connector assembly and the second mating connector assembly. Therefore, these rod-type connectors are difficult to use for sealed connections and require sophisticated or complex sealing solutions.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome some or all of the disadvantages of existing connectors, and in particular to provide a sealed electrical connector that is safe to use, can be easily mated and unmated, provides a reliable design, can be easily installed, and has only a small footprint. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved, at least in part, by the electrical connector assembly of claim 1 and by the mating assembly of claim 12.

[0009] Specifically, the above objective is achieved by an electrical connector assembly comprising: a sealed connector housing having sidewalls including an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall parallel thereto, with a gap defined between the two; and a mating auxiliary rod including at least one first gear element, the rod being mounted between the inner and outer sidewalls and located inside the outer sidewall, such that a gap exists between the rod and the outer side of the inner sidewall, the gap being adapted to allow insertion of a portion of the housing of the mating connector assembly.

[0010] In other words, the rod is mounted on the inner side of the outer wall facing the gap. The inner wall has no attachment mechanism that could compromise the proper seal of the connector housing.

[0011] Preferably, the connector housing includes two to eight slots for holding a corresponding number of connector modules from a group of connector modules. Therefore, the electrical connector can be easily configured with a variety of different contact options.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the sealed connector housing includes two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall comprising an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall parallel thereto, defining a gap between them. While the two sidewalls with the gap are not absolutely necessary, they allow for a symmetrical connection of the rods to better distribute mating forces on the components and improve the user experience. The better-distributed mating forces also reduce the forces applied to the interface between the housing and the rods.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the auxiliary rod allows for such symmetrical connections. In this embodiment, the auxiliary rod is a U-shaped rod, including a crossbar and two side rods extending from the end of the crossbar, wherein a set of first gear elements are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of each side rod, and wherein the first gear elements and the ends of each side rod are respectively mounted on the inner side of the outer side wall between the inner side wall and the outer side wall.

[0014] Mating the electrical contacts of an electrical connector assembly with a mating connector assembly may require high mating forces. For example, a 26-way module with a 0.50 rating may require a mating force of 65 N, while a 4-way module with a 2.80 rating may require a mating force of 40 N. The mating force applied by the user to the crossbar of the rod is distributed to the two side bars, thereby facilitating the mating process. Furthermore, because the rod is designed to assist in the mating process, an auxiliary effect is generated on both sides of the rod and on the connector housing, ensuring a symmetrical and straight mating with the mating connector assembly, preventing tilting during mating.

[0015] However, different connector modules within the same connector can also experience an imbalance of mating forces on the mating surfaces. A U-shaped bar can compensate for this imbalance to facilitate mating.

[0016] Another way to distribute the mating force between the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly is to add at least one second gear element to the connector assembly, wherein the second gear element is associated with the first gear element and configured to assist the mating of the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly.

[0017] Because the second gear is associated with the first gear, any movement of the rod will also trigger movement of at least one second gear. Clearly, a connector assembly arranged symmetrically may include two second gears disposed in the gap between opposing sidewalls.

[0018] Preferably, the second gear element meshes with and is driven by the first gear element. Therefore, when the lever rotates, the second gear element rotates in the opposite direction to the first gear element.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one second gear element is a gear segment, preferably at most a half-gear, more preferably a quarter-gear. Restricting the gear element to a gear segment has the advantages of limited space requirements while maintaining a sufficient radius to utilize the mating force from the rod to the mating connector housing. In any case, since the rod can only perform limited rotation in use, and the rotation of the second gear is also limited and does not need to function over its entire circumference, a gear segment is usually sufficient.

[0020] To associate at least one first gear element with at least one second gear element, both preferably include a set of first gear teeth for meshing with the set of first gear teeth of the corresponding other gear element.

[0021] To associate at least one first gear element and / or at least one second gear element with the mating connector assembly, the at least one gear element may include a set of second gear teeth adapted to engage with the toothed rack of the electrical mating connector assembly. For connection, the second gear teeth include one full tooth and two half teeth, although more teeth are possible. Preferably, the second gear teeth are attached to each first gear element and each second gear element, thereby biasing the mating connector assembly to engage with at least two different points on each side of the connector assembly. Furthermore, since the set of gear teeth is used to engage with the toothed rack of the mating connector assembly, the force introduced during the mating process is always parallel to the mating direction. Therefore, no lateral force is applied to the electrical connector, which would increase friction during the mating process. This prevents the mating connector assembly from tilting during assembly and prevents the mating process from being hindered by positioning bending of the mating connector assembly.

[0022] Therefore, the gear element may include a "dual-gear configuration" that integrates two different gears into one unit. Each of the first gear elements includes a first set of gear teeth for meshing with the second gear element. Furthermore, each of the first gear elements includes a second set of gear teeth for meshing with a toothed rack of a mating electrical connector;

[0023] The first set of gear teeth may include a first radius of rotation of the first gear element about the first rotating pin; the second set of gear teeth may include a second radius of rotation of the first gear element about the first rotating pin. Thus, the first radius of rotation may differ from the second radius of rotation. In any case, the radius of rotation can accommodate the necessary engagement force and the necessary stroke. When the lever rotates, the smaller the first radius of rotation or length of the selected first set of gear teeth, the greater the engagement force. Furthermore, the engagement of the gear teeth with the toothed rack provides rolling contact of the contact surfaces, which generates almost no friction. Therefore, the force introduced by the lever is almost entirely transmitted as a force for engaging or disengaging, without the significant loss of friction generated in prior art designs.

[0024] Furthermore, the second set of gear teeth includes a second radius of rotation of the first gear element about the first rotating pin, wherein the first radius of rotation may differ from the second radius of rotation. In practice, the second radius of rotation can be selected based on the desired distance between the first and second gear elements driven by the first gear element and the rod. Preferably, the second gear element also introduces a mating force between the electrical connector assembly and its mating connector assembly. A larger second radius of rotation results in a greater distance between the force introduction points, providing a good balance of mating forces. Preferably, the electrical connector assembly provides four force introduction points, two on each lateral side of the electrical connector assembly, which are spaced apart from each other to ensure parallel mating between the electrical connector assembly and its mating connector assembly by means of the rotating rod.

[0025] The sealed connector housing preferably includes a seal at least partially disposed in the gap to form a tight, sealed connection with the mating connector assembly when the connector assemblies mate. This seal seals the connection between the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly at a defined point. The seal can be inserted into a recess in the inner wall of the connector assembly and is held within the recess by a flange inserted into the recess. Advantageously, the seal surrounds the connector housing at a location designed to receive the end region of the mating connector assembly. This avoids potential gaps caused by seal misalignment, as the seal covers the entire perimeter. The seal can also be pre-stressed by setting the seal size slightly smaller than the perimeter of the connector assembly to be covered and by selecting a suitable material for the seal.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one sidewall is connected to a pouch-like edge wall at each end of the sidewall. Similar to the sidewall, each edge wall includes an inner edge wall and an outer edge wall. The inner sidewall is connected to the inner edge wall, and the outer edge wall is connected to the outer edge wall. Furthermore, the edge wall includes an edge wall connection portion connecting the inner edge wall to the outer edge wall and defining a pouch-like space. This pouch-like space opens in the mating direction of the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly, allowing at least a portion of the mating connector assembly housing to be inserted into the pouch-like space. By designing a double-layered edge wall similar to the sidewall, the connector assembly can mate with a mating connector assembly having straight edges. Therefore, the inner sidewall, outer edge wall, and edge wall are held together by the edge wall connection portion.

[0027] At least one sidewall gap may have a generally rectangular cross-section and open towards the bottom and top of the gap. The opening at the bottom allows insertion of a mating connector assembly, while the opening at the top allows insertion of a rod and related mechanisms, such as a second gear element. The gap is sized to accommodate the rod mechanism and part of the wall of the mating connector assembly. In particular, the gap may be sized such that, for example, at the seal protrusion, the edge of the mating connector wall abuts against the inner wall of the connector assembly.

[0028] Alternatively, the gap can be tapered, causing the edges of the mating connector assembly to abut against the sidewalls of the connector assembly during mating.

[0029] Similarly, the pocket-shaped space of the flange may have a generally rectangular cross-section or be tapered in the mating direction. However, the pocket-shaped space of the flange only opens towards the bottom to allow assembly with the mating connector, while the top serves as the flange connection portion connecting the inner and outer walls of the entire connector assembly.

[0030] To allow the gear element to rotate while being connected to the outer wall, the gear element is connected to the inner side of the outer wall via a corresponding rotating pin that defines the axis of rotation of the gear element. Depending on the specific circumstances, the rotating pin can be chosen in different ways. One option is to make the rotating pin integral with the corresponding gear element, and the outer wall has a hole for receiving the rotating pin. Another option is to make the rotating pin integrally formed with the inner side of the outer wall. In this case, the gear element itself has a hole for receiving the rotating pin. In a third option, the rotating pin is a separate element that is received in both the hole in the gear element and the hole in the inner side of the outer wall.

[0031] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​feature ensures that the individual rotating pin does not slip off its engagement with the gear element or sidewall. Thus, the rotating pin includes an integral locking device for retaining the rotating pin on the gear element and / or the sidewall, respectively. Therefore, the first gear element and / or the second gear element are securely held on the corresponding rotating pin without the need for additional mounting devices that might be lost or require manual attachment.

[0032] The first rotary pin is conveniently offset from the center of the outer wall as seen in the longitudinal extension direction of the wall. The longitudinal extension direction of this wall is perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector. By arranging the rotary pin off-center, the effective lever length can be increased compared to, for example, a rotary pin in a central position, without increasing the total space required for the connector.

[0033] The rod can be easily mounted onto the connector housing by inserting the corresponding pin into the hole in the first gear of the rod or the outer wall of the connector housing, without complicated installation steps or excessive bending of the side rod. The generally flat design of the side rod also facilitates the transmission of force from the manually driven crossbar to the integral first gear element via the two side rods. Therefore, the overall lateral dimension of this electrical connector is reduced compared to more complex prior art designs.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall on which at least one first gear element and at least one second gear element are mounted includes: an elongated first hole along a long axis, and a pivot point or second hole located at a distance from the first hole along the long axis. A pivot pin of at least one first gear element extends through the first elongated hole, and at least one second gear element is associated with a pivot pin extending from the pivot point or extending through the second hole. When the first gear element is mounted at the first end of the elongated hole, the set of first gear teeth of the first and second gear elements are engaged; when the first gear element is mounted at the second end of the elongated hole, the set of first gear teeth of the first and second gear elements are disengaged. When at least the first hole, which is connected to the pivot pin of the gear element of the rod, is an elongated hole, the steps of inserting and positioning the gear in the sidewall gap are separate from the steps of engaging the first and second gear elements. This facilitates the mounting of the rod and the second gear element on the outer wall and their proper positioning to ensure that the lever action is correctly converted into a mating force.

[0035] The aforementioned objective is further achieved through a mating assembly comprising an electrical connector assembly and a mating connector assembly. With the aid of a lever, the mating connector is configured to mate with the electrical connector assembly to form an electrical connection.

[0036] To allow the mating connector assembly to engage with the rod-assisted mating of the connector assembly, the mating connector assembly may include a toothed rack that meshes with a first set of second gear teeth of the first gear element and / or a second set of second gear teeth of the second gear element. As described above, when this set of gear teeth from the gear element of the connector assembly meshes with the toothed rack of the mating connector assembly, the force introduced during the mating process is always parallel to the mating direction. Therefore, no lateral force is applied to the electrical connector, which would increase friction during the mating process.

[0037] When the connector assembly mates with the mating connector assembly, the gap in the connector housing accommodates the gear element, and the remaining spacing within the gap substantially corresponds to the thickness of the mating connector assembly wall, so that the mating connector assembly fits tightly with the connector assembly.

[0038] Preferably, the electrical connector further includes a cover attached to the top side of the connector housing, wherein the cover includes a cover locking element that locks against the connector housing when the rod is in the fully closed position, where the electrical connector assembly is fully engaged with its mating electrical connector assembly. Even under harsh conditions, i.e., in automotive applications, the cover and rod together securely maintain the mating of the electrical connector assembly. For added security, the electrical connector assembly may include a CPA element to ensure proper positioning of the cover and rod and prevent the rod from being in a locked engagement. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate:

[0040] Figure 1 a to Figure 1 c is a three-dimensional view of a prior art rod connector assembly, showing the steps from connecting the rod and gear elements to the rod being in a fully engaged position;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a first three-dimensional exploded view of the main components of an embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a second three-dimensional exploded view of the main components and other components of the connector assembly of another embodiment of the electrical connector assembly disclosed herein;

[0043] Figure 4 This is a third three-dimensional exploded view of a first embodiment of the electrical connector disclosed herein;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a fourth three-dimensional view of the assembled first embodiment of the electrical connector of this disclosure, wherein the rod is in the fully engaged position;

[0045] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view passing through the connector housing along the first plane;

[0046] Figure 7 It is along the perpendicular to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the second plane of the first plane passing through the connector housing, cover, and rod;

[0047] Figure 8 a to Figure 8 d is a detailed view of the second elongated hole and the rotating pin of the second gear element, wherein the rotating pin is shown in a first position of insertion and a second position of rotation, in which the gear element is not engaged and in which the gear element is engaged.

[0048] Figure 9 a, Figure 9 b is a detailed view of the first elongated hole and the rotating pin of the first gear element in the first and second positions, where the gear element is not engaged in the first position and is engaged in the second position;

[0049] Figure 10 a, Figure 10 b is the first gear element and the second gear element in the non-meshing position and the rod in the pre-stop position, wherein the gears are shown in sectional view and from the outside;

[0050] Figure 11 a, Figure 11b is the first gear element and the second gear element in the meshing position and the rod in the pre-stop position, wherein the gears are shown in sectional view and from the outside;

[0051] Figure 12 a, Figure 12 b is the first gear element and the second gear element in the meshing position and the rod in the fully engaged position, wherein the gears are shown in a sectional view and from the outside;

[0052] Figure 13 This is a further embodiment of the connector assembly, showing... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The details show the alternative installation order;

[0053] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the embodiment shows the installed and meshed gears, with the rod in the fully engaged position;

[0054] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the mating components, showing the connector assembly, the meshing gears, with the rod in a pre-locked position, and the mating connector assembly ready to mate with the connector assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] exist Figure 1 The prior art rod-type connector assembly is shown in a three-dimensional view of the steps of connecting rod and gear elements (step a); pre-stop position, in which the mating connector can mate with the connector housing of the connector assembly (step b); and the step of the rod being in the fully mated position (step c). Figure 1 The mating connector assembly is not shown.

[0057] Rods, especially U-shaped rods, have the advantage of reducing the mating force required for users to mate connector assemblies with mating connector assemblies.

[0058] The first and second gear elements of the rod are connected to the connector housing via a rotating pin located outside the connector housing. Due to this configuration, when the mating connector assembly mates with the connector assembly, the gear elements are positioned between the connector housing and the mating connector housing. Because the rod and gear elements rotate and change position during the mating of the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly, it is impossible to seal the space between the sidewalls of the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly.

[0059] This disclosure aims to provide an electrical connector assembly that can mate with a mating connector assembly while sealing the interface between the connector assembly and the corresponding mating connector assembly.

[0060] Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 A first preferred embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 A second preferred embodiment of the electrical connector assembly of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 Both embodiments are applicable. Although both preferred embodiments shown have a U-shaped rod and a second gear element, this is by no means necessary to obtain the advantages of the invention as defined in claim 1.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown in the three-dimensional exploded view, the electrical connector assembly 1 includes a connector housing 10, a mating auxiliary rod 20 pivotally connected to the connector housing 10, and a pair of second gear elements 40, 40'. The rod 20 includes a first set of gear elements 30, 30'. The housing 10 includes sidewalls 14, 14', each sidewall having an inner sidewall 141, 141' and an outer sidewall 142, 142' defining a gap 143, 143' therebetween. The housing 10 includes a main slot 13 adapted to receive a connector module 70. The outer sidewalls 142, 142' are provided with first holes 17, 17' and second holes 18, 18' for pivotally receiving rotating pins of the gear elements.

[0062] Figure 3 An exploded view of a second embodiment of the electrical connector assembly is shown, which is consistent with... Figure 2 The difference lies in the attachment of the rod and the second gear elements 40, 40' to the connector housing 10*. Figure 3 The view relative to Figure 2 The view has been rotated 180°. Specifically, the position of rod 20 relative to... Figure 2 The positions of the middle rods are reversed. In both embodiments, rod 20 is connected to the first holes 17, 17' of connector housing 10* and 10, respectively. Connector housing 10* further includes a rotating pin 15 integrally formed with the outer wall 142. In this view, a seal 19 in the form of a closed loop can also be seen.

[0063] Figure 4 It shows the result after rotating 180° Figure 2The connector assembly 1 is shown. It can be seen that the assembly is symmetrical, and the apostrophe (') in the attached figures indicates corresponding symmetrical parts. The assembly further includes a cable cover 50 and a CPA 60 for attaching and locking the rod in a mating position. The rod 20 is U-shaped, having a crossbar 22 and two parallel side rods 24, 24'. Gear elements 30, 30' are respectively provided at the distal ends of the side rods, each including a first set of first gear teeth 31 and a first rotating pin 34, 34' adapted to first holes 17, 17'. Similarly, second gear elements 40, 40' include a second set of first gear teeth 41 and are provided with second rotating pins 44, 44' adapted to second holes 18, 18'. The rod and the second gear elements are mounted in gaps 143, 143'.

[0064] Figure 5 It shows the relationship with Figure 4 Same view, with the connector assembly already assembled. Rod 20 is in the mating position.

[0065] Figure 6 A 3D cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 10 is shown. The location of the seal 19 can be seen. The seal is preferably a closed loop surrounding the perimeter of the inner sidewalls 141, 141' at a location where the mating connector assembly housing edge is in a fully mated position. The seal 19 may be made of rubber and / or silicone.

[0066] Figure 7 A side sectional view is shown of connector assembly 1 and mating connector assembly 80 in a fully installed state. Figure 7 Applicable to both embodiments. The pouch-shaped rim walls 16 are visible. Each rim wall 16 includes an inner rim wall 161, an outer rim wall 162, and a rim wall connection portion 164 connecting the inner rim wall 161 and the outer rim wall 162, thereby defining a pouch-shaped space 163. The pouch-shaped space 163 opens in the mating direction of the connector assembly 1 and the mating connector assembly 80, allowing a portion of the housing of the mating connector assembly 80 to be inserted into the pouch-shaped space 163 and the gaps 143, 143'. The pouch-shaped space 163 communicates with the gaps 143, 143'.

[0067] Details of the pin hole connection according to the first embodiment are as follows: Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the gear element in the first embodiment is mounted as follows: Figures 10 to 12 As shown.

[0068] The function of the elongated hole will now be described using hole 18 as an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that this principle applies to all three holes. The general shape of the elongated hole 18 (and therefore holes 17, 17', and 18') according to the first embodiment is as follows: Figure 8As shown in Figure a, the elongated hole 18 includes a housing groove 184 located at a first end 181 of the elongated hole 18 and a pivot hole 185 located at a second end or opposite end 182 of the elongated hole 18. The housing groove 184 preferably has a flat surface 183 that cooperates with a flat feature 441 of the corresponding rotating pin 44, such that the gear element 40 can only be inserted into the elongated hole in a predetermined direction. The flat surface 183 of the housing groove is flat in the direction of the elongated axis of the elongated hole 18 and protrudes from the outer sidewall 142 surface. When the gear element 40 is mounted to the connector housing in the housing groove 184, it also prevents unnecessary rotation of the gear element. More generally, the shape of the flat surface 183 protruding from the outer sidewall 142 surface is complementary to the shape of the second rotating pin 44 of the second gear element. The elongated hole further includes a locking protrusion 186 designed to retain the pin 44 within the pivot hole 185.

[0069] As the rotating pin 44 moves from the housing groove 184 at the first end 181 of the elongated bore 18 to the pivot hole 185 at the second end 182 of the elongated bore 18, it passes through a locking protrusion 186 designed to hold the pin 44 within the pivot hole 185. To pass through the locking protrusion 186, a certain resistance must be overcome until the pin 44 engages in the pivot hole 185. This ensures that the pin will not shift back under harsh conditions, such as in automotive applications. This is important because the gear element 40 is only engaged when the rotating pin 44 is in the pivot hole. Shifting the pin 44 back would result in the second gear element disengaging from the first gear element. Since the second gear element is held in the engaged position via a lever locking to the connector housing, and since the lever does not hold the second gear element when disengaged, the engagement between the connector assembly and the mating connector assembly would become loose, creating a safety issue.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown in Figure b, pin 44 has a flat feature 441 that cooperates with the flat surface 183 of connector housing 10 to ensure proper positioning of the second gear element. The flat feature 441 allows the second rotating pin 44 to be inserted into the housing groove 184 only at a predetermined position, such as... Figure 8 As shown in c. Pin 44 further has a retaining skirt 442, which has flaps projecting from the cylindrical pivot 443 of pin 44.

[0071] like Figure 8 As shown in diagram d, once the pins 44, 44' of the second gears 40, 40' are in the pivot holes 175, 175', 185, 185', they are secured in place by the retaining skirts 442, 442'. Thus, the outer walls 142, 142' are clamped between the retaining skirts 442, 442' and the second gear segment, and will not disengage if subjected to vibration, for example.

[0072] exist Figure 9 a and Figure 9 In diagram b, the pivot attachment of the rod is shown. It is evident that when the first gear element is connected to the connector housing, this retaining skirt is unnecessary because the U-shaped rod 20 with side rods 22 prevents any disengagement of the first gears 30, 30' from the outer side walls 142, 142'. To mount the rod 20 onto the connector housing 10, rotating pins 34, 34' are inserted into elongated holes 17, 17' by pressing the side rods 24, 24' together and inserting them into the gaps 143, 143' of the side walls 14, 14'. Thus, the rotating pins 34, 34' are inserted under preload and do not disengage.

[0073] In practice, the first elongated holes 17, 17' do not require flat surfaces 173, 173' for proper positioning of the rod. They don't even need to be elongated, although elongated holes have the advantage of separating the installation steps of the rod 20 on the connector housing 10 from the steps of engaging the gear elements 30, 30', 40, 40', thus allowing for simpler and more controlled positioning. Similarly, it is not strictly required that the second elongated holes 18, 18' be able to accommodate the second gear elements 40, 40'. However, the advantage of a connector housing with two (pairs) of elongated holes 17, 17', 18, 18' is that the connector housing can be used in both directions, with the rod and second gear elements able to be installed in either pair of elongated holes. Therefore, this configuration avoids installation errors.

[0074] like Figure 10 a and Figure 10 As shown in Figure b, to mount the lever mechanism onto the connector housing 10, the rotating pins 34 and 34' of the gear elements 30 and 30' of the lever 20 are installed in the elongated holes 17 and 17'. On the other side of the connector housing 10, the second rotating pins 44 and 44' of the second gears 40 and 40' are installed in the holes 18 and 18'. Figure 10 As shown in Figure a, the first gear elements 30 and 30' define a first rotation radius r1, and the second gear elements 40 and 40' define a second rotation radius r2. In the position shown, the first gear teeth 31 and 31' of the first gear elements 30 and 30' do not mesh with the first gear teeth 41 and 41' of the second gear elements 40 and 40' because the distance between the first ends 171 and 171' of the first elongated holes 17 and 17' and the first ends 181 and 181' of the second holes 18 and 18' is greater than the sum of the first rotation radius r1 and the second rotation radius r2.

[0075] When the first gear elements 30, 30' and the second gear elements 40, 40' are pushed into the pivot holes 175, 175' on the second ends 172, 172' of the first elongated holes 17, 17' and the pivot holes 185, 185' on the second ends 182, 182' of the second elongated holes 18, 18', as Figure 11 a and Figure 11 As shown in b, the first gear teeth 31, 31' of the first gear elements 30, 30' and the first gear teeth 41, 41' of the second gear elements 40, 40' will mesh. In this position, the distance between the second ends 172, 172' of the first elongated holes 17, 17' and the second holes 18, 18' is less than the sum of the first rotation radius r1 and the second rotation radius r2.

[0076] exist Figure 10 a and Figure 10 b and Figure 9 a and Figure 9 In step b, when the first gear elements 30, 30' and the second gear elements 40, 40' are pushed into engagement, they are in a pre-stopped position. Since the gear elements only use segments of gears, not every engagement position of the gear elements allows the rod to subsequently rotate to the fully engaged position. To ensure proper positioning of the rod, it has pre-stopped abutments 25, 25' that rest on the edge of the connector housing 10, thereby defining the housing grooves 174, 174' (e.g., when the rod is pushed into engagement from the first elongated holes 17, 17')... Figure 10 (as shown in b) Slide to the pivot holes 175, 175' of the first elongated holes 17, 17' (see...) Figure 11 b) is the position of the rod.

[0077] exist Figure 3 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the second preferred embodiment shown, a combination of rotating pins 34, 34' integral with the rod and rotating pin 15 integral with the connector housing is illustrated. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The installation procedure is shown, which differs from the installation procedure of the first preferred embodiment described above. The rod can be snapped into holes 17*, 17*', while the rotating holes 43, 43' of the second gears 40, 40' are connected to rotating pins 15, 15' on the connector housing 10*. Gears 40, 40' have cutouts 431, 431' that determine their position for connection to the rotating pins 15, ensuring proper engagement of the first gear teeth 31, 31', 42, 42'. In contrast to the first embodiment where gear element engagement occurs at the pre-stopped position of the rod, in the second preferred embodiment, the gear elements engage at the fully engaged position of the rod 20. In practice, proper positioning of the first gear elements 30, 30' relative to the second gear elements 40, 40' is crucial. Once the gear elements 40, 40' are inserted from below into the gaps 143, 143' of the sidewalls 14, 14' and are in the correct position, they are pushed onto the rotating pins 15, 15'.

[0078] Figure 14It is shown Figure 13 A side sectional view of the meshing gears in the embodiment. The second gear elements 40, 40' include a second set of gear teeth 42, 42' for engaging with the toothed racks 82, 82' of the mating connector assembly, respectively. Similarly, the first gear elements 30, 30' include a first set of second gear teeth 32, 32' for engaging with the toothed racks 82, 82' of the mating connector assembly, respectively.

[0079] Figure 15 The interaction between the toothed racks 82, 82' and the mating connector assembly 80 is illustrated. By rotating the rod 20, teeth 31 engage with teeth 41, and the second gear element 40 is rotated. Both the first gear element 30 and the second gear element 40 engage with the toothed rack 82, thereby pulling the two connector housings towards each other during mating engagement.

[0080] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0081] 1 Electrical connector assembly

[0082] 10 Connector Housing

[0083] 11 Main locking device

[0084] 13 main slots

[0085] 14, 14' sidewalls

[0086] 141, 141' inner sidewall

[0087] 142, 142' outer sidewall

[0088] 143' gap

[0089] 15. Rotary pin integrated with the outer wall

[0090] 16. Edge of the wall

[0091] 161 Inner edge wall

[0092] 162 Outer wall

[0093] 163 bag-shaped space

[0094] 164 Edge wall connection

[0095] 17, 17' First Hole

[0096] 171, 171' First end of the first slender hole

[0097] 172, 172' The second end of the first slender hole

[0098] 173, 173' Flat surface at the first end of the first slender hole

[0099] 174, 174' First slender hole housing groove

[0100] Pivot holes of the first slender holes 175 and 175'

[0101] Locking protrusions of the first elongated holes 176 and 176'

[0102] 18, 18' second hole

[0103] 181, 181' The first end of the second slender hole

[0104] 182, 182' The second end of the second slender hole

[0105] 183, 183' Flat surface at the first end of the second elongated hole

[0106] 184, 184' second elongated hole housing groove

[0107] Pivot holes of the second slender holes 185 and 185'

[0108] Locking protrusions of the second elongated holes 186 and 186'

[0109] 19. Seals

[0110] 20 strokes

[0111] 22 crossbars

[0112] 24, 24' side poles

[0113] 25, 25' Pre-stop abutment parts

[0114] 30, 30' First gear element

[0115] 31 First gear teeth of the first group

[0116] 32 First group of second gear teeth

[0117] 34, 34' First Rotating Pin

[0118] 40, 40' Second Gear Element

[0119] 41 Second group of first gear teeth

[0120] 42 Second group of second gear teeth

[0121] 43' Rotary Hole

[0122] 431, 431' positioning incision

[0123] 44, 44' Second Rotating Pin

[0124] 441, 441' Flat Feature Section

[0125] 442, 442' Keep the skirt

[0126] 443, 443' cylindrical pivot

[0127] 50 caps

[0128] 51 Connecting device

[0129] 53. Bar contact section

[0130] 54-bar retains protrusion

[0131] 60 Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Component

[0132] 70 Connector Module

[0133] 80 mating connector assembly

[0134] 82, 82' toothed rack

[0135] r1 Radius of the first gear element

[0136] r2 Radius of the second gear element

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly (1), comprising: - A sealed connector housing (10), the sidewalls (14) of the sealed connector housing (10) including inner sidewalls (141, 141') and parallel outer sidewalls (142, 142'), a gap (143, 143') defined between the inner sidewalls (141, 141') and the outer sidewalls (142, 142'); and - A mating auxiliary rod (20) comprising at least one first gear element (30, 30') is mounted between the inner sidewall (141, 141') and the outer sidewall (142, 142'), on the inner side of the outer sidewall (142, 142'), such that a gap is provided between the rod (20) and the outer side of the inner sidewall (141, 141'), the gap being adapted to allow insertion of a portion of the housing of the mating connector assembly (80).

2. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealed connector housing includes two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall including an inner sidewall (141, 141') and an outer sidewall (142, 142') parallel thereto, defining a gap (143, 143') between the inner sidewall (141, 141') and the outer sidewall (142, 142').

3. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The auxiliary rod (20) is a U-shaped rod (20), which includes a crossbar (22) and two side rods (24, 24') extending from the end of the crossbar (22). A set of first gear elements (30, 30') are connected to the corresponding end of each side rod (24, 24'), and the first gear elements (30, 30') and the end of each side rod (24, 24') are respectively mounted on the inner side of the outer side wall (142, 142') between the inner side wall (141, 141') and the outer side wall (142, 142').

4. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The connector assembly (1) further includes at least one second gear element (40, 40'), which is associated with the first gear element (30, 30') and configured to assist the connector assembly (1) in mating with the mating connector assembly (80).

5. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least one second gear element (40, 40') is a gear segment, preferably at most a half-gear, more preferably a quarter-gear.

6. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The at least one first gear element (30, 30') and the at least one second gear element (40, 40') each include a set of first gear teeth (31, 31', 41, 41') for meshing with the set of first gear teeth (41, 41', 31, 31') of the corresponding other gear element (40, 40', 30, 30').

7. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The gear element (30, 30', 40, 40') includes a set of second gear teeth (32, 32', 42, 42') adapted to engage with the toothed protrusions (82) of the electrical docking connector assembly (80), wherein optionally, the second gear teeth (32, 32', 42, 42') may include one full tooth and two half teeth.

8. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The sealed connector housing (10) includes a seal (19) which is at least partially disposed in the gap (143, 143') to form a tight, sealed connection with the mating connector assembly when the connector assembly is mated, wherein the seal is preferably positioned around the connector housing (10) at a location designed to receive the end region of the mating connector assembly (80).

9. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The gaps (143, 143') of the sidewall (14) have a generally rectangular cross-section and open toward the bottom and top of the gaps (143, 143').

10. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The at least one first gear element and optionally the at least one second gear element (30, 30', 40, 40') are connected to the inner side of the outer sidewall (142, 142') by means of corresponding rotating pins (34, 34', 44, 44') that define the axis of rotation of the gear elements. The rotating pins (34, 34', 44, 44') are integrally formed with the corresponding gear elements (30, 30', 40, 40'), or The rotating pin (15) is integrally formed with the inner side of the outer wall (142, 142'), or The rotating pin is a separate element connected to the gear elements (30, 30', 40, 40') and the inner side of the outer sidewalls (142, 142').

11. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 10, claim 6, or any claim referencing claim 6, characterized in that, The outer wall (142, 142') on which the at least one first gear element (30, 30') and the at least one second gear element are mounted includes: a first hole (17, 17') which is elongated along an elongated axis; and a rotation point or a second hole (18, 18') located at a distance from the first hole (17, 17') along the elongated axis. The at least one first gear element (30, 30') includes a rotating pin (34, 34') extending through the first elongated hole (17, 17'), and the at least one second gear element (40, 40') is associated with a rotating pin (44, 44', 15) extending through or from the second hole (18, 18'); and When the first gear element (30, 30') is installed at the first end (171, 171') of the elongated hole (17, 17'), the first gear teeth (31, 31') of the first gear element (30, 30') and the first gear teeth (41, 41') of the second gear element (40, 40') are engaged; when the first gear element is installed at the second end (172, 172') of the elongated hole (17, 17'), the first gear teeth (31, 31') of the first gear element (30, 30') and the first gear teeth (41, 41') of the second gear element (40, 40') are disengaged.

12. A mating assembly comprising an electrical connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a mating connector assembly (80), the mating connector assembly (80) being configured to mate with the electrical connector assembly to form an electrical connection.

13. The mating component according to claim 12, characterized in that, The docking connector assembly (80) includes toothed racks (82, 82') that mesh with a first set of second gear teeth (32, 32') of the first gear element (30, 30') and / or a second set of second gear teeth (42, 42') of the second gear element (40, 40').

14. The mating component according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The gaps (143, 143') of the connector housing (10) accommodate the gear elements (30, 30'), and the remaining spacing within the gaps (143, 143') substantially corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the mating connector assembly (80), such that the mating connector assembly (80) fits tightly with the connector assembly (1).

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