Electrical connector assembly

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector connectable to the first connector, the first connector including a connector retaining arm configured to hold the second connector, the connector retaining arm having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening; and a retainer slidably connectable to the first connector to restrict relative movement between the first connector and the second connector and to restrict relative movement between the first connector and a terminal. The retainer includes a retaining arm including a retaining tab. The retaining tab is configured to be at least partially located in the first opening, the second opening, or the third opening.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electrical connector assemblies, including electrical connector assemblies that can be used, for example, to connect cables to terminals.

[0002] EP 4 459 804 A1 discloses a connector arrangement with a TPA function integrated into a CPA element. US 4 971 580 A discloses an electrical connector with a terminal holder.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical connector assembly.

[0004] The object of the invention is solved by an electrical connector assembly according to claim 1. General description

[0005] The present disclosure contains the following non-limiting embodiments: An electrical connector assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector connectable to the first connector; and a holder slidably connectable to the first connector to limit the relative movement between the first connector and the second connector and to limit the relative movement between the first connector and a terminal.

[0006] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the holder is monolithic.

[0007] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the holder is configured to provide a terminal position lock (TPA) for the first connector relative to the terminal and a connector position lock (CPA) for the first connector and the second connector.

[0008] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the holder has a first holder position, a second holder position and a third holder position relative to the first connector.

[0009] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the first retainer position is an unlocked position; and in the second retainer position the retainer is configured to restrict the movement of the connector relative to the first connector.

[0010] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein in the first holder position the holder engages with the first connector, such that the relative movement of the holder and the first connector is restricted.

[0011] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein in the third holder position the holder is configured to restrict the movement of the connector and to restrict the movement of the second connector relative to the first connector.

[0012] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the first connector includes a connector retaining arm configured to hold the second connector; and in the third retainer position, the retainer is configured to restrict the movement of the connector retaining arm in order to restrict the movement of the second connector.

[0013] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the first connector includes a connector retaining arm configured to hold the connector; and in the second retainer position and the third retainer position, the retainer is configured to restrict the movement of the connector retaining arm in order to restrict the movement of the connector.

[0014] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the connector retaining arm comprises a first opening, a second opening and a third opening; the holder comprises a retaining arm including a retaining tab; in the first holder position the retaining tab is arranged at least partially in the first opening; in the second holder position the retaining tab is arranged at least partially in the second opening; and in the third holder position the retaining tab is arranged at least partially in the third opening.

[0015] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the connector retaining arm, the terminal retaining arm and the holder arm are configured to deflect about parallel axes.

[0016] The electrical connector assembly of one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the holder arm is a first holder arm; the holder includes a second holder arm configured to contact the connector holder arm; and the connector holder arm, the connector holder arm, the first holder arm and the second holder arm are configured to deflect about parallel axes.

[0017] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein in the third holder position the holder arm is accessible through at least one of the first opening or the second opening in order to remove the retaining tab from the third opening in order to facilitate the movement of the holder from the third holder position.

[0018] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the third opening is covered by the second connector when the holder is in the third holder position and the second connector is connected to the first connector.

[0019] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the second connector includes a second connector tab configured to engage with the connector retaining arm and to extend at least partially into the second opening.

[0020] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the second connector tab is configured to contact the retainer tab in order to release the retainer tab from the connector retaining arm and to facilitate movement of the holder into the third holder position.

[0021] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein the holder includes a holder projection; and in the third holder position, the holder projection restricts the movement of the connector holding arm.

[0022] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, further comprising the connector; wherein the holder includes a first holder position, a second holder position, and a third holder position relative to the first connector; wherein the holder in the second holder position is configured to restrict the movement of the connector relative to the first connector; wherein the holder in the third holder position is configured to restrict the movement of the connector and to restrict the movement of the second connector relative to the first connector; wherein the connector includes an inserted position and a partially inserted position; in the fully inserted position, a connector retaining arm of the first connector is configured to restrict the movement of the connector;In the partially engaged position, the connector is configured to restrict the movement of the holder from the first holder position to the second holder position; in the second holder position, the first connector is configured to restrict the movement of the holder from the second holder position to the third holder position; and in a connected position of the second connector, the second connector is configured to release the holder from the first connector to allow the holder to move from the second holder position to the third holder position.

[0023] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, wherein in the partially inserted position of the connector the connector is arranged such that at least one of the connector retaining arm or a rib of a connector retaining arm of the first connector restricts the movement of the holder from the first holder position to the second holder position.

[0024] The electrical connector assembly of a previous embodiment, further comprising the connection; wherein the connection is a first connection; the electrical connector assembly further comprising a second connection; the first connection is arranged at least partially in a connection channel of the first connector; the second connection is arranged at least partially in a connection channel of the second connector; and the first connection is in contact with the second connection.

[0025] A method for operating the electrical connector assembly of a preceding embodiment, wherein the method comprises: inserting the connector into a connection channel of the first connector such that the connector is positioned in a connector-inserted position; moving the retainer arm to release the retainer tab from the first opening of the connector retainer arm of the first connector; moving the holder from the first retainer position to the second retainer position such that the retainer tab engages with the second opening; restricting the movement of the connector retainer arm of the first connector over the holder to restrict the movement of the connector relative to the first connector;at least partial engagement of the first connector with the second connector, such that the second connector moves the retaining tab out of the second opening and a second connector tab engages with the second opening to restrict the relative movement of the first connector and the second connector; and moving the holder from the second holder position to the third holder position, such that the holder restricts the movement of the connector retaining arm to limit the release of the second connector tab from the second opening.

[0026] The method of a previous embodiment, wherein moving the holder from the first holder position to the second holder position includes pushing the holder further into the first connector.

[0027] The method of a previous embodiment, further comprising moving the retaining tab out of the third opening; moving the holder from the third holder position to the second holder position; and separating the first connector from the second connector.

[0028] The method of a previous embodiment, wherein moving the retaining tab out of the third opening includes contacting the retaining arm through at least one of the first opening or the second opening.

[0029] The method of a previous embodiment further comprises moving the holder from the second holder position to the first holder position and disconnecting the connection from the first connector.

[0030] This document describes various examples / designs of different devices, systems, and / or processes. Numerous specific details are presented to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / devices as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view that generally represents an embodiment of an electrical connector arrangement according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view, which generally represents an embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view which generally represents an embodiment of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view that generally represents an embodiment of a holder of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view which generally represents an embodiment of a first connector of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view which generally represents an embodiment of a second connector of an electrical connector assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. Figures 7C are perspective, first cross-sectional and second cross-sectional views, which generally represent an embodiment of an electrical connector assembly with a holder in a first holder position according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view which generally represents an embodiment of a first connector, a holder and a terminal of an electrical connector assembly, wherein the terminal is in a partially inserted position, according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B and Fig. Figures 9C are perspective, first cross-sectional and second cross-sectional views, which generally represent an embodiment of an electrical connector assembly with a holder in a second holder position according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 10A, Fig. 10B and Fig. Figures 10C are perspective, first cross-sectional and second cross-sectional views, which generally represent an embodiment of an electrical connector assembly with a holder in a second holder position according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart that generally represents an embodiment of a method for operating an electrical connector according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description presents numerous specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can also be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and / or networks have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0032] With reference to the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show an electrical connector assembly 20 comprising a holder 30, a first connector 32, and a second connector 34. The first connector 32 and the second connector 34 are connectable to each other. The holder 30 is slidably connected to the first connector 32, for example, to limit the relative movement between the first connector 32 and the second connector 34, and / or to limit the relative movement between the first connector 32 and one or more terminals 36. Fig. 3) For example, the holder 30 provides or acts as a connector position lock (CPA) for the first connector 32 and the second connector 34, and provides or acts as a terminal position lock (TPA) for the first connector 32 and the one or more terminals 36. The electrical connector assembly 20 includes a first dimension 20a (e.g., a length) measured in a first direction X, a second dimension 20b (e.g., a width) measured in a second direction Y, and a third dimension 20c (e.g., a depth) measured in a third direction Z. The first, second, and third directions X, Y, Z are perpendicular to each other. The electrical connector assembly 20 can be arranged in a variety of orientations.For example, the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z can each be a longitudinal, transverse, or vertical direction, or they can be angled relative to one or more of the vertical, longitudinal, or transverse directions. In a non-restrictive example, the third direction Z is vertical, and the holder 30 can slide downward into the first connector 32 and upward away from and / or out of the first connector 32. The third dimension 20c can be larger than one or both of the first dimension 20a or the second dimension 20b.

[0033] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the first connector 32, a body 50 and a connector retaining arm 52 extend from the body 50 to define at least a portion of a retaining slot 54 configured to at least a portion of the retainer 30. For example, the connector retaining arm 52 extends from a first end 56 of the first connector 32 to a second end 58 of the first connector 32. The first end 56 is configured for insertion into the second connector 34. The second end 58 is positioned opposite the first end 56. The connector retaining arm 52 is configured to deflect at least to some degree, for example, about an axis 60 located at or adjacent to the first end 56. The axis 60 is parallel to the second direction Y. One mounting direction of the electrical connector assembly 20 is parallel to the third direction Z.

[0034] The connector retaining arm 52 includes a first opening 70, a second opening 72, and a third opening 74, some or all of which may be through openings. The first, second, and third openings 70, 72, 74 are shown as rectangular openings but may also have other configurations. The first, second, and third openings 70, 72, 74 are configured to engage with the retainer 30. The second opening 72 is configured to engage with the retainer 30 and the second connector 34. The one or more terminals 36 are configured as a first terminal 90 and a second terminal 94. The first terminal 90 is connected to a first cable 92. The second terminal 94 is connected to a second cable 96. The body 50 of the first connector 32 defines a first terminal channel 100 of the first connector and / or a second terminal channel 102 of the first connector.The first connection channel 100 of the first connector is configured to at least partially accommodate the first connection 90 and the first cable 92. The second connection channel 102 of the first connector is configured to at least partially accommodate the second connection 94 and the second cable 96.

[0035] The second connector 34 includes a first connection channel 104 and / or a second connection channel 106, each of which is at least partially aligned with the first connection channel 100 and / or the second connection channel 102 of the first connector. The connection channels 100, 102, 104, and 106 extend parallel to the third direction Z. The electrical connector assembly 20 is shown with a third connection 110 connected to a third cable 112 and a fourth connection 114 connected to a fourth cable 116. The first connection channel 104 of the second connector is configured to accommodate at least the third connection 110 and the third cable 112. The second connection channel 102 of the second connector is configured to accommodate at least the fourth connection 114 and the fourth cable 116.

[0036] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows the electrical connector assembly 20 with the first terminal 90 and at least sections of the first cable 92 arranged in the first terminal channel 100 of the first connector, and with the third terminal 110 and at least sections of the third cable 112 arranged in the first terminal channel 104 of the second connector. The third terminal 110 is shown extending from the second connector 34 into the first connector 32 and into the first terminal 90, so that the first terminal 90 and the third terminal 110 are in contact and electrically connected. Additionally or alternatively, the first terminal 90 extends into the second connector 34 and the third terminal 110. For example, the electrical connector assembly 20 can be used to connect the first terminal 90 and the first cable 92 to the third terminal 110 and the third cable 112. Referring again to Fig. 2. The second terminal 94 and / or the second cable 96 can each be inserted into the second terminal channel 102 of the first connector in the same or a similar manner as the first terminal 90 and the first cable 92 are inserted into the first terminal channel 100 of the first connector. The fourth terminal 114 and the fourth cable 116 can each be inserted into the second terminal channel 106 of the second connector in the same or a similar manner as the third terminal 110 and the third cable 112 are inserted into the first terminal channel 104 of the second connector. For example, the electrical connector assembly 20 can be used to connect the first terminal 90 and the first cable 92 to the third terminal 110 and the third cable 112, and to connect the second terminal 94 and the second cable 96 to the fourth terminal 114 and the fourth cable 116.

[0037] Referring to Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the holder 30. The holder 30 comprises a body 130, a first holder arm 132, a second holder arm 134, a projection 136, and a flange 138. The first holder arm 132 extends from the body 130 generally in the assembly direction (e.g., the third direction Z). The first holder arm 132 includes a holder tab 140 that extends outward from a distal end of the first holder arm 132 in the first direction X. The holder tab 140 is configured to engage at least partially in the first opening 70, the second opening 72, or the third opening 74 of the connector holder arm 52 ( Fig. 2) is arranged, depending on the position of the holder 30. The first holder arm 132 is configured such that it deflects at least to a certain degree about an axis 154 which is parallel to the axis 60 ( Fig. 2) and / or extends in the second direction Y. The second support arm 134 generally extends from the body 130 in the third direction Z and is offset relative to the first support arm 132 in the first direction X and / or the second direction Y. The second support arm 134 is shown with an H-shaped configuration, which includes first and second projections 142, 144, connected by a central

[0038] Section 146 are connected, but the second support arm 134 can have other configurations. The second support arm 134 is configured to deflect about an axis 156 that is parallel to the axis 60 ( Fig. 2) to the axis 154 and / or to the second direction Y. The second support arm 134 optionally includes one or more support ribs 148 extending parallel to the first direction X. The projection 136 includes a first projection section 150 and / or a second projection section 152, which can be provided as sections of the body 130 extending in the third direction Z and having an enlarged dimension in the second dimension Y. The first projection section 150 and the second projection section 152 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y and / or are each at least partially aligned with the first and second projections 142, 144 in the third direction Z.

[0039] With reference to Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the first connector 32, the body 50, the connector retaining arm 52, the retaining slot 54, the first end 56, the second end 58, and the axis 60. The first connector 32 includes a connector retaining arm 170 extending in the third direction Z and configured to rotate at least to some degree about an axis 172 parallel to the second direction Y, the axis 60, and the axis 154 ( Fig. 4) and / or axis 156 ( Fig. 4) deflects. Regarding the view of Fig. 5. The connection holding arm 170, for example, steers during the use of the first connection 90 ( Fig. 3) to the right and / or steers in response to contact with the second support arm 134 ( Fig. 3) to the left. The connector retaining arm 52 includes a rib 180 extending into the retaining slot 54 and having a locking surface 182 perpendicular to the third direction Z and facing the second end 58. The first opening 70, the second opening 72, and the third opening 74 are spaced apart along the connector retaining arm 52 and arranged in a staggered configuration such that each is at least partially offset from the others in the first direction X, with the first opening 70 being the outermost and the third opening 74 being the innermost. The first connector includes a stop 184 extending from the body 50 and having a stop surface 186 perpendicular to the third direction Z and facing the first end 56.The stop surface 186 is configured to contact the second connector 34 in order to limit the insertion depth of the first connector 32 into the second connector 34. The in . Fig. View 5 shows the first connection channel 100 of the first connector. The second connection channel 102 of the first connector ( Fig. 2) is arranged in the second direction Y next to the first connection channel 100 of the first connector. The body 50 contains a channel wall 188 that runs parallel to an XZ plane and separates the first connection channel 100 of the first connector from the second connection channel 102 of the first connector ( Fig. 2) separates. Again referring to Fig. 2, the first connector 32 contains a second connector holder arm 174 ( Fig. 2), which extends at least partially into the second connection channel 102 of the first connector to control the movement of the second connection 94 ( Fig. 2) to restrict.

[0040] Referring to Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the second connector 34. The second connector 34 contains a body 200 that defines the first connection channel 104 of the second connector and the second connection channel 106 of the second connector ( Fig. 2) The body 200 contains a channel wall 202 that runs parallel to an XZ plane and separates the first connection channel 104 of the second connector from the second connection channel 106 of the second connector ( Fig. 2) The second connector 34 includes a terminal retaining arm 204 configured to restrict the movement of the third terminal 110 relative to the second connector 34. The terminal retaining arm 204 includes a locking rib 206 which contains a locking surface 208. The locking surface 208 is perpendicular to the third direction Z, faces a first end 210 of the body 200, and extends into the first terminal channel 104 of the second connector to engage with the third terminal 110 and restrict its movement ( Fig. 3) The second connector 34 can hold a second connection retaining arm 212 ( Fig. 2) included, which is configured to control the movement of the fourth port 114 ( Fig. 2) restricts and contains the same or a similar configuration as the connector retaining arm 204. The body 200 contains a connector receptacle 220, which is arranged at the first end 210 of the body 200 and is configured to accommodate the first end 56 of the first connector 32 ( Fig. 5) accommodates. The connector receptacle 220 is defined at least partially by a peripheral wall 222 of the housing 200. The body 200 contains a second connector tab 224, which extends inwards from the peripheral wall 222 in the first direction X to engage with the connector retaining arm 52, as well as the second opening 72 ( Fig. 5) to engage in order to connect the second connector 34 to the first connector 32 ( Fig. 3) to couple.

[0041] With reference to the Fig. Figures 7A-7C show the holder 30 in a first holder position relative to the first connector 32. In the first holder position, a section of the second holder arm 134 is in contact with the connecting holder arm 170. In the first holder position, the holder 30 is partially located in the holder slot 54, and the first holder arm 132 is positioned such that the holder tab 140 is at least partially located in the first opening 70, which restricts the movement of the holder 30 relative to the first connector 32. In examples where the holder 30 includes the one or more holder ribs 148, the one or more holder ribs 148 abut a second end face 240 of the first connector 32, which further restricts the movement of the holder 30 into the first connector 32.For example, the one or more retaining ribs 148 are configured to increase the minimum engagement force required to move the retainer 30 further into the first connector 32 and / or to limit unintentional movement of the retainer 30 further into the first connector 32. The one or more retaining ribs 148 and / or the second end face 240 incorporate a tapered surface to engage with each other.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Figure 8 shows the holder 30 in the first holder position, and the first connector 90 is shown in a partially inserted position, in which the first connector 90 is spaced in the third direction Z from a channel end face 242 of the first connection channel 100 of the first connector. Inserting the first connector 90 into the partially inserted position causes the connector retaining arm 170 to move away from the first connection channel 100 of the first connector in the first direction X and into the holder slot 54 (e.g., to the right). Fig. 8) deflects. This movement of the terminal retaining arm 170 reduces the dimension of the retaining slot 54, thereby restricting and / or preventing further use of the holder 30. Additionally or alternatively, the movement of the terminal retaining arm 170 can cause the second retaining arm 134 to move into alignment with and / or contact with the locking surface 182 of the rib 180, which restricts and / or prevents further use of the holder 30. The restriction of further use of the holder 30 is indicated by an indication that the first terminal 90 is in the partially inserted position (e.g., not properly inserted). For example, the holder 30 provides a terminal position lock (TPA) for the first terminal 90 relative to the first connector 32.

[0043] The first terminal 90 can be further inserted into the first connection channel 100 of the first connector until the first terminal 90 is in a fully inserted position in which the terminal 90 contacts the channel end face 242, as shown in the Fig. 9A-9C shown. In the fully inserted position, the first connector 90 is positioned to allow the connector retaining arm 170 to deflect back towards the first connection channel 100 of the first connector, which allows the second retaining arm 134 to detach from the rib 180 and move further into the first connector 32. The insertion of the second connector 94 of Fig. 2 can be achieved in the same or a similar manner. For example, in a partially inserted position, the second terminal 94 deflects the second terminal retaining arm 174 such that the second terminal retaining arm 174 locks the movement of the holder 30 into the second holder position. In a fully inserted position, the second terminal retaining arm 174 engages with the second terminal 94 to restrict the relative movement of the second terminal 94 and the first connector 32 (e.g., to limit the removal of the second terminal 94). For example, the holder 30 provides a TPA for the first terminal 90 and / or the second terminal 94.

[0044] With reference to the Fig. Figures 9A-9C show the holder 30 in a second holder position relative to the first connector 32 (e.g., a partially locked position) in which the holder 30 restricts the movement of the first terminal 90 relative to the first connector 32 and in which the holder 30 does not significantly restrict the movement of the second connector 34 ( Fig. 2) In the second holder position, the second holder arm 134 is in contact with the connection holder arm 170 and with the connector holder arm 52, so that the holder 30 restricts the movement of the connection holder arm 170 in the first direction X (e.g. to the right in Fig. 9B) restricts (e.g., prevents) the terminal retaining arm 170 from detaching from the first terminal 90, thus restricting the removal of the first terminal 90 from the first connector 32 (e.g., the first terminal 90 is locked to the first connector 32). The second terminal 94 can be locked in a similar manner.

[0045] In the second holder position, the first holder arm 132 is arranged such that the holder tab 140 is at least partially positioned in the second opening 72, which restricts the movement of the holder 30 relative to the first connector 32. Moving the holder 30 from the first holder position to the second holder position can involve applying a force in the third direction Z (e.g., downwards). Fig. 9A-9C) on the flange 138, which overcomes the frictional forces between the holder 30 and the first connector 32, such as between the holder tab 140 and the connector retaining arm 52 and / or between one or more holder ribs 148 ( Fig. 4) and the body 50. Optionally, at least one of the retaining tab 140 or the connector retaining arm 52 has a tapered surface to reduce friction between them and to facilitate further use of the holder 30. Additionally or alternatively, moving the holder 30 from the first holder position to the second holder position can apply a second force in the first direction X (e.g., to the left into the Fig. 9A-9C) on the first retaining arm 132, such as on the retaining tab 140, to move the retaining tab at least partially into the retaining slot 54 and at least partially out of the second opening 72, which can reduce the friction between the holder 30 and the first connector 32 to facilitate further use of the holder 30.

[0046] With reference to the Fig. Figures 10A-10C show the holder 30 in a third holding position relative to the first connector 32 (e.g., a locked position), in which the holder 30 restricts the movement of the first terminal 90 relative to the first connector 32 and in which the holder 30 restricts the movement of the second connector 34. In the third holding position, the second holding arm 134 is in contact with the terminal holding arm 170 and with the body 50 and / or the connector holding arm 52, so that the holder 30 restricts (e.g., prevents) the terminal holding arm 170 in the first direction X in the same or a similar way as in the second holding position, thus preventing the terminal holding arm 170 from releasing the first terminal 90, which restricts the removal of the first terminal 90 from the first connector 32.In the third holder position, the first holder arm 132 is arranged such that the holder tab 140 is at least partially positioned in the third opening 74, which restricts the movement of the holder 30 relative to the first connector 32. Moving the holder 30 from the second holder position to the third holder position can involve inserting the first connector 32 into the connector receptacle 220, so that the second connector tab 224 engages with the connector holder arm 52 at the second opening 72 and moves the holder tab 140 out of the second opening 72 (e.g., to the left). Fig. 10A-10C), and then applying a force in the third direction Z (e.g. downwards into the Fig. 10A-10C) onto the flange 138, which overcomes the frictional forces between the holder 30 and the first connector 32. For example, the second connector 34 is in the connected position of the second connector 34, as shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 10A-10C, it is configured to release the holder 30 (e.g., the first holder arm 132) from the connector holder arm 52 (e.g., the second opening 72) to facilitate and / or enable the movement of the holder 30 from the second holder position to the third holder position. The arrangement of the holder 30 in the third holder position also provides an indication that the second connector 34 is properly connected to the first connector 32 (e.g., for CPA functionality).

[0047] In the third holder position, the projection 136 is arranged between the connector holding arm 52 and the body 50 to restrict the movement of the connector holding arm 52 in the first direction X (e.g., to the left). Fig. 10A-10C) which can prevent the second connector tab 224 from releasing the connector retaining arm 52. For example, releasing the second connector tab 224 from the connector retaining arm 52 may involve moving (e.g., deflecting) the connector retaining arm 52 in the first direction X away from the second connector tab 224. If the holder 30 is in the third holder position and the first connector 32 is inserted into the second connector 34, and the second connector 34 covers the third opening 74, making the third opening 74 substantially inaccessible, and / or the second connector 34 covers at least a portion of the second opening 72 (e.g., over the second connector tab 224), and / or the first opening 70 is not covered by the second connector 34.For example, the first retaining arm 132 is accessible through the first opening 70 and / or the second opening 72 to allow the first retaining arm 132 to be moved out of engagement with the connector retaining arm 52 (e.g., to move the retaining tab 140 out of the third opening 74), which may allow the holder 30 to be moved into the second holder position, which may allow the connector retaining arm 52 to deflect away from the second connector tab 224, and then allow the first connector 32 to be removed and / or released from the second connector 34.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 11 contains a method 400 for operating the electrical connector assembly 20 of the Fig. 1-10 the partial insertion of the holder 30 into the holder slot 54 of the first connector 32 (block 402).

[0049] The method includes inserting one or more terminals, such as the first terminal 90, the second terminal 94, the third terminal 110 and / or the fourth terminal 114, into one or more terminal channels, such as the terminal channels 100106, so that the one or more terminals are arranged in fully inserted positions (Block 404).

[0050] Method 400 includes moving a retaining arm of the holder 30, such as the first retaining arm 132, to release the retaining tab 140 from the first opening 70 of the connector retaining arm 52 of the first connector 32 (Block 406).

[0051] Method 400 includes moving the holder 30 from the first holder position to the second holder position, so that the holder tab 140 engages with the second opening 72 (block 408). Moving the holder 30 from the first holder position to the second holder position includes moving the holder 30 further into the first connector 32.

[0052] Method 400 includes the restriction of the movement of one or more terminals, such as the first and second terminal 90, 94, relative to the first connector 32 (block 410), such as via the holder 30, which restricts the movement of the first and second terminal holding arm 170, 174 of the first connector 32.

[0053] Method 400 includes at least partially inserting the first connector 32 into the second connector 34, such that the second connector 34 moves the retaining tab 140 out of the second opening 72 and the second connector tab 224 engages with the second opening 72 to limit the relative movement of the first connector 32 and the second connector 34 (Block 412).

[0054] Method 400 includes, after the second connector 34 moves the retaining tab 140 out of the second opening 72, moving the holder 30 from the second holder position to the third holder position, so that the holder 30 restricts the movement of the connector retaining arm 52 to limit the release of the second connector tab 224 from the second opening 72 (Block 414) (e.g., the holder 30 provides CPA for the connection of the first connector 32 and the second connector 34). For example, in the third holder position, the projection 136 is arranged between the connector retaining arm 52 and the body 50 to restrict the movement of the connector retaining arm 52 in the first direction X, which can prevent the second connector tab 224 from releasing the connector retaining arm 52.

[0055] Optionally, method 400 further comprises separating the first connector 32 and the second connector 34 (block 416), which may include moving the retaining tab out of the third opening, moving the holder from the third holder position to the second holder position, and separating the first connector from the second connector. Moving the retaining tab 140 out of the third opening 74 includes contacting the connector retaining arm 52 through at least one of the first opening 70 or the second opening 72.

[0056] Optionally, procedure 400 includes moving the holder 30 from the second holder position to the first holder position (block 418) and disconnecting the connection from the first connector 32 (block 420).

[0057] Optionally, the electrical connector assembly 20 is transported after the holder 30 is inserted into the first connector 32 in block 402, and the procedure 400 includes the temporary insertion of the first connector 32 into the second connector 34, so that the holder, the first connector 32, and the second connector 34 are connected, at least temporarily, for transport (e.g., to a final assembly location). The first connector 32 can be removed from the second connector 34 before the execution of block 408.

[0058] Optionally, one or more of the holders 30, the first connector 32 or the 34 are monolithic components (e.g., single, uniform components) and / or include electrically insulating material, such as plastic.

[0059] Embodiments of the electrical connector assembly 20 may be less complex and / or contain fewer components than other connector assemblies. For example, the holder 30 may provide both TPA and CPA instead of having separate components that are mounted differently to provide TPA and CPA. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical connector assembly 20 may hold the holder 30 in an unlocked and engaged position (e.g., the first holder position), thus limiting accidental removal or loss of the holder 30 and / or limiting accidental insertion of the holder 30 further into the first connector 32, which may partially or completely simplify assembly.

Claims

[1] An electrical connector assembly (20) comprising: a first connector (32); a second connector (34) that can be connected to the first connector (32), wherein the first connector (32) includes a connector retaining arm (52) configured to hold the second connector (34), and wherein the connector retaining arm (52) includes a first opening (70), a second opening (72), and a third opening (74); and a holder (30) which can be slidably connected to the first connector (32) in order to restrict the relative movement between the first connector (32) and the second connector (34) and the relative movement between the first connector (32) and to restrict one connection (36, 90, 94), wherein the holder (30) includes a holder arm (132) including a holder tab (140), wherein the retaining tab (140) is configured to be located at least partially in one of the first openings (70), in the second opening (72) or in the third opening (74). [2] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the holder (30) is monolithic. [3] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holder (30) is configured to provide a terminal position lock (TPA) for the first connector (32) relative to the terminal (36, 90, 94) and a connector position lock (CPA) for the first connector (32) and the second connector (34). [4] The electrical connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder (30) comprises a first holder position, a second holder position and a third holder position relative to the first connector (32). [5] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first holder position is an unlocked position; and in the second holder position the holder (30) is configured to restrict the movement of the connector (36, 90, 94) relative to the first connector (32). [6] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the first holder position the holder (30) engages with the first connector (32) in such a way that the relative movement of the holder (30) and the first connector (32) is restricted. [7] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the holder (30) in the third holder position is configured to restrict the movement of the connector (36, 90, 94) and the movement of the second connector (34) relative to the first connector (32). [8] The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein in the third holder position the holder (30) is configured to restrict the movement of a connector holding arm (170) in order to restrict the movement of the second connector (34). [9] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first connector (32) includes the connector retaining arm (170) configured to hold the connector (36, 90, 94); and in the second retainer position and the third retainer position, the retainer (30) is configured to restrict the movement of the connector retaining arm (170) in order to restrict the movement of the connector (36, 90, 94). [10] The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein in the first holder position the holder tab (140) is at least partially arranged in the first opening (70); in the second holder position the holder tab (140) is at least partially arranged in the second opening (72); and in the third holder position the holder tab (140) is at least partially arranged in the third opening (74). [11] The electrical connector assembly according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the connector retaining arm (52), the connection retaining arm (170) and the holder arm (132) are configured to deflect about parallel axes (60, 154, 156, 172). [12] The electrical connector assembly according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the retaining arm (132) is a first retaining arm (132); the holder (30) includes a second holder arm (134) configured to contact the connector holder arm (170); and the connector retaining arm (52), the connection retaining arm (170), the first retaining arm (132) and the second retaining arm (134) are configured to deflect about parallel axes (60, 154, 156, 172). [13] The electrical connector assembly according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the third holder position the holder arm (132, 134) is accessible through at least one of the first opening (70) or the second opening (72) in order to remove the holder tab (140) from the third opening (74) in order to facilitate the movement of the holder (30) from the third holder position. [14] The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the third opening (74) is covered by the second connector (34) when the holder (30) is in the third holder position and the second connector (34) is connected to the first connector (32). [15] The electrical connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector (34) has a second connector tab (224) configured to engage with the connector retaining arm (52) and to extend at least partially into the second opening (72). [16] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein the second connector tab (224) is configured to contact the retainer tab (140) to release the retainer tab (140) from the connector retaining arm (52) and to facilitate the movement of the holder (30) to the third holder position. [17] The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein the holder (30) has a holder projection (136); and in the third holder position the holder projection (136) restricts the movement of the connector holding arm (52). [18] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the connection (36, 90, 94); wherein the holder (30) includes a first holder position, a second holder position and a third holder position relative to the first connector (32); in the second holder position the holder (30) is configured to restrict the movement of the connector (36, 90, 94) relative to the first connector (32); in the third holder position the holder (30) is configured to restrict the movement of the connector (36, 90, 94) and to restrict the movement of the second connector (34) relative to the first connector (32); the connection (36, 90, 94) has a fully inserted position and a partially inserted position; In the fully inserted position, a connector retaining arm (170) of the first connector (32) is configured to restrict the movement of the connector (36, 90, 94); in the partially inserted position the connection (36, 90, 94) is configured in such a way that it restricts the movement of the holder (30) from the first holder position to the second holder position; in the second holder position, the first connector (32) is configured to restrict the movement of the holder (30) from the second holder position to the third holder position; and in a connected position of the second connector (34) the second connector (34) is configured to release the holder (30) from the first connector (32) to allow the holder (30) to move from the second holder position to the third holder position. [19] The electrical connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein in the partially inserted position of the connector (36, 90, 94) the connector (36, 90, 94) is arranged such that at least one of the connector retaining arm (170) or a rib (180) of a connector retaining arm (52) of the first connector (32) restricts the movement of the holder (30) from the first holder position to the second holder position. [20] The electrical connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a second connection (110, 114); where the terminal (36, 90, 94) is a first terminal (90, 94); the first connection (90, 94) is at least partially arranged in a first connection channel (100, 102) of the first connector (32); the second connection (110, 114) is at least partially arranged in a second connection channel (104, 106) of the second connector (34); and the first connection (90, 94) is in contact with the second connection (110, 114).

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