Connector assembly, connector system and method

Abstract

A connector assembly (1) comprises a conductor guide (10), a lever (100), and a CPA device (200). The conductor guide (10) is configured to form a plug connection with a socket such that electrical conductors guided in the conductor guide (10) contact electrical contacts of the socket. The lever (100) is located on the conductor guide (10) and is movable between a locking position, in which the lever (100) locks the conductor guide (10) in the plug connection with the socket, and an unlocking position, in which the conductor guide (10) can be released from the socket. The CPA device (200) is located on the conductor guide (10) and is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position.In its locking position, the CPA device (200) forms a positive locking connection with the lever (100) to secure and / or fix the lever (100) in its locking position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a conductor guide, a lever, and a CPA device. The invention further relates to a plugging system comprising a connector assembly and a slot, as well as a method for securing a connector assembly to a slot.

[0002] Electrical connectors can be configured as a CPA connector assembly with multiple elements and / or modules, and include a conductor guide as a main module and / or element and / or component of the connector. The conductor guide contains electrical conductors and / or electrical contacts. The connector assembly includes at least one lever as a second module and / or element and / or component, which locks the conductor guide into a plug connection with a socket. The locking mechanism is configured to prevent accidental disconnection of the connector. As a third element and / or module and / or component, the connector assembly also includes a CPA device. "CPA" is an abbreviation for "connector position assurance." The CPA device is used to secure the lever in the locked position.This prevents the lever from moving from its locking position to an unlocking position, which would unlock the conductor guide and thus the connector assembly, allowing it to detach from the slot.

[0003] Such connectors with CPA devices are used particularly in the automotive sector, e.g. as ABS connectors, i.e. anti-lock braking system connectors.

[0004] CPA connector assemblies are known from the prior art in which the lever is fixed in its locking position by a detent formed on the conductor guide. However, under sufficient force, the lever can be moved back from its locking position to its unlocking position, deflecting the detent and releasing the lever. In these previously known connector assemblies, a CPA device is used to prevent this deflection of the detent and thereby secure the lever in its locked position. Only when the CPA device is moved away from the detent and releases it can the lever be moved out of its locked position.

[0005] The previously known CPA devices have the disadvantage that they act on the locking lug, which is elastically movable and is subjected to stress by this action. This can lead to wear and, with repeated use, even to the locking lug breaking off.

[0006] Document US 9,281,614 B1 discloses a connector arrangement comprising a housing and a cover. The cover includes a receiving section for a locking element and a lever retaining section. A lever is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The lever is positioned in the lever retaining section when it is in the locked position. The locking element is movably held in the receiving section. The locking element is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. A portion of the locking element is positioned in the lever retaining section when the locking element is in the locked position. The locking element interacts with the lever when it is in the locked position.

[0007] Document US 9,680,256 B1 discloses an electrical connector comprising a housing and a CPA element. The CPA element includes a beam that is deflected from a blocked position to a free-space position by a mating connector inserted into a cavity of the housing. When the beam is in the blocked position, the movement of the CPA element from an extended position to a retracted position is mechanically blocked by a projection of the housing that abuts the beam. When the beam of the CPA element is moved into the free-space position, it releases the projection, allowing the CPA element to move from the extended position to the retracted position. The housing may include a pair of such deflectable beams, each having a slot with an opening at its distal end.The opening of one of the beams is aligned with the projection when the beam is deflected into its free-space position.

[0008] Document DE 10 2018 121 399 A1 discloses an electrical connector comprising a connector housing, a locking element, and an actuating element movable between a home position and a locking position, configured to lock the electrical connector to a corresponding mating electrical connector. The connector housing has a locking mechanism for guiding the locking element between a home position and a locking position. In the locking position, the locking element engages with the actuating element in such a way that the actuating element is blocked in the locking position.The locking element has at least one detent and the locking device has at least one first stop for the at least one detent to initially block the locking element in the starting position towards the locking position, wherein the actuating element has at least one release body designed to penetrate a recess in the locking device and to displace the at least one detent of the locking element relative to the at least one first stop of the locking device in order to release the displacement path of the locking element from the starting position to the locking position.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved connector assembly with CPA capability. For example, the objective may be to provide an alternative, improved and / or less wear-resistant connector assembly with CPA capability.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] One aspect concerns a connector assembly with a conductor guide, a lever, and a CPA device. The conductor guide is configured to form a plug connection with a socket such that electrical conductors guided within the conductor guide contact the electrical contacts of the socket. The lever is located on the conductor guide and is movable between a locking position, in which the lever locks the conductor guide in the plug connection with the socket, and an unlocking position, in which the conductor guide can be detached from the socket. The CPA device is located on the conductor guide and is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In its locking position, the CPA device forms a positive connection with the lever to secure and / or fix the lever in its locking position.

[0012] The connector assembly can be configured as a CPA connector assembly of the type mentioned above and / or as a multi-pole connector, in particular as a multi-pole connector for the automotive sector. The connector assembly can, in particular, be configured as an ABS connector assembly, i.e., a connector assembly for the anti-lock braking system of a motor vehicle. The connector assembly has a minimum of three parts, with the conductor guide forming the base component and / or main component of the connector assembly, to which both the lever and the CPA device are attached and arranged as the second and third components, respectively. A plurality of electrical conductors are guided inside the conductor guide, leading to a plug-in and / or connection end of the conductor guide.At this plug-in and / or connection side of the conductor guide, the conductor guide is designed to be plugged into the slot in such a way that the electrical conductors guided inside make electrical and / or mechanical contact with the electrical contacts of the slot. The slot can, for example, be designed as a socket and / or complementary connector and / or have a circuit board to which the connector assembly can be electrically connected.

[0013] The lever is movably attached to the conductor guide, in particular pivotably on and / or about a pivot axis and / or at least one pivot point. The lever can, for example, be U-shaped and pivotally attached to the conductor guide at two pivot points on its pivot axis. The lever is movable between its locking position and its unlocking position. The lever is reversibly movable, meaning that the connector assembly can be both locked and unlocked at the socket using the lever.

[0014] In the unconnected and therefore unplugged state, the lever is normally in its unlocked position. At the same time, the CPA device is in its unlocked position. To establish the connection, the conductor guide is first placed onto the socket with its plug-in and / or connection side facing outwards. The lever is then moved from its unlocked position to its locking position. In this locking position, the lever locks the conductor guide into the socket. The connector assembly can be configured so that the connection itself is only established upon locking. In this case, the conductor guide cannot be unplugged from the socket without damage as long as the lever is in its locking position.In the locked position, a mechanical and / or positive and / or force-fit connection exists between the conductor guide and the socket. In the locked position, the lever thus prevents the plug connection from being unintentionally disconnected.

[0015] Since the lever can be moved reversibly back and forth between the locked and unlocked positions, it can unintentionally release itself from its locked position. Such unlocking can be caused, for example, by shaking and / or vibration from a vehicle engine and / or driving movements. Therefore, the lever can be secured to the conductor guide device by at least a certain force-fit, friction-fit, and / or positive-locking connection. However, this connection is only designed to withstand a predetermined, relatively small lever release force, since the lever movement is intended to be reversible. For example, the predetermined lever release force for releasing the lever from its connection to the conductor guide device can be from approximately 15 N to approximately 150 N, preferably from approximately 80 N to approximately 120 N. Since such a lever release force, for example,To prevent unintentional contact with the lever during vehicle movements, the connector assembly also features the CPA device.

[0016] The CPA device is also movably attached to the conductor guide. The CPA device is reversibly movable between the locked and unlocked positions. At least when the lever is in its locked position, the CPA device can be moved from its unlocked position to its locked position, in which a positive connection is formed between the CPA device and the lever. This positive connection prevents unintentional movement of the lever out of the locked position and thus unintentional unlocking of the conductor guide.

[0017] The connector assembly offers the advantage that the positive locking mechanism between the CPA device and the lever directly blocks the lever's unlocking movement, preventing it from moving from its locked to its unlocked position. This means the lever is not secured indirectly (as with conventional CPA connector assemblies) by acting on a locking lug of the conductor guide, but rather by directly fastening and / or fixing the lever. This reduces and / or eliminates stress on moving and therefore wear-prone parts, such as a locking lug of the conductor guide.

[0018] The CPA device can also be moved back from its locked position to its unlocked position. This means that the positive locking mechanism between the lever and the CPA device can be released, allowing the unlocked lever to be moved back from its locked position to its unlocked position. The unlocking movement can be performed, if necessary, by applying the required lever release force. This enables reversible locking and unlocking of the connector between the connector assembly, particularly the conductor guide, on the one hand, and the socket on the other.

[0019] In addition to positive locking, the CPA device can also provide a force-fit and / or friction-fit connection between the lever and the CPA device in the locked position. This reinforces the locking of the lever in its locked position.

[0020] The CPA device can be mounted to the conductor guide such that it is fixed to the guide in one unlocking direction. The unlocking direction corresponds to the direction in which the lever is moved from its locked position to unlock the conductor guide. This type of CPA mounting ensures that the positive locking mechanism prevents the lever, secured by the CPA device, from being moved out of its locked position relative to the conductor guide. This positive locking mechanism can be particularly effective in the unlocking direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, the CPA device has at least one first projection element which, in the locked position, is at least partially arranged on a side of the lever facing away from the conductor guide, thereby providing the positive locking connection between the CPA device and the lever. In the locked position, i.e., when the lever is in its locking position and the CPA device is in its locked position, the first projection element engages behind the lever on a side facing away from the conductor guide. The side facing away from the conductor guide is a side of that section of the lever which forms the positive locking connection with the CPA device. This section can, for example, be designed as a projection tongue of the lever.In the secured position, the lever can thus be positioned, at least partially, between the CPA device on one side and the conductor guide and / or another part of the CPA device on the other. The positive locking mechanism prevents the secured lever from being moved away from the conductor guide. This movement of the lever away from the conductor guide can be part of the unlocking movement, i.e., the movement of the lever from the locked position to the unlocked position. The positive locking mechanism blocks and / or hinders the movement of the lever from its locked position to its unlocked position via the first projection element.

[0022] According to the invention, the CPA device has at least one second projection element, and the lever has a through-opening. The second projection element is visible through the through-opening in the locked position. This provides a visual indication of whether the CPA device is in its locked position or not. The second projection element can be at least partially colored in a signal color, such as red, to increase its visibility through the through-opening. If the second projection element is not visible through the through-opening, the CPA device is not yet in its locked position. In this case, the second projection element can be located directly adjacent to the through-opening in the locked position.The second projection element can have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole. This allows the second projection element to fully engage and / or fill the through-hole in the locked position. It is not necessary for the second projection element to ever actually engage the through-hole. It may be sufficient for the second projection element to be positioned adjacent to and / or in contact with a portion of the lever that is penetrated by the through-hole when in the locked position. Thus, an effective indicator for verifying the locking of the plug connection can be provided using simple mechanical means.

[0023] In a further development of this embodiment, the second projection element is, in the locking position, at least partially arranged on one side of the lever facing away from the conductor guide device, thereby providing at least partial positive locking between the CPA device and the lever. In this embodiment, the second projection element can fulfill a dual function.

[0024] However, this dual function is not absolutely necessary; the positive locking can also be provided by another component, such as the aforementioned first projection element.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the CPA device has at least one receptacle for receiving a protruding tongue of the lever. In this embodiment, the positive locking is achieved by inserting the protruding tongue of the lever into the receptacle of the CPA device. The protruding tongue can be located, in particular, at one end of the lever opposite the pivot axis. This can maximize the locking effect of the positive locking due to the lever principle. The protruding tongue can be received into the receptacle of the CPA device by moving the CPA device from its unlocked position to its locked position, whereby the conductor guide and the lever can essentially remain in their position, meaning they hardly need to be moved at all. During this locking process, however, the position of the lever can change slightly to precisely insert the protruding tongue into the receptacle.

[0026] In a further development, the first projection element limits the insertion in a direction of action opposite to that of the conductor guide device and, in the locking position, forms a positive locking connection with the projection tongue in this direction of action. The direction of action can be the direction of the positive locking connection and / or the unlocking direction. In this process, the projection tongue of the lever is positively engaged and / or fixed by the first projection element of the CPA device in the locking position. This also secures and / or fixes the lever in its locking position.

[0027] According to a further development, the second projection element limits the insertion in a direction facing the conductor guide. This direction can be opposite to the direction of action of the positive locking mechanism and / or the unlocking direction. The first and second projection elements can be designed to hold the lever's projection tongue securely on both sides. This enables particularly secure insertion and thus fixation of the lever in its locking position.

[0028] In this further development, the protruding tongue is positioned in the receptacle in the locking position such that the lever is essentially free of play relative to the cable guide in the locking position. Conventional connector assemblies have the disadvantage that the lever exhibits play relative to the cable guide in its locking position. This can be caused, for example, by the fact that the lever is secured in its locking position by a movable detent of the cable guide. The movement of the detent can lead to play in the lever. This play can also cause the lever to vibrate and oscillate, which, for example, can lead to unintentional release of the lever in the case of resonance. This further development solves this problem by holding the protruding tongue essentially free of play in the receptacle of the CPA device.This ensures that the lever is positioned without play on the cable guide in its locking position. This reduces the risk of the lever unintentionally unlocking due to vibrations and / or similar forces.

[0029] According to a further development, the receptacle has a widening outward from the receptacle and / or the protruding tongue has a tapering away from the lever and / or toward the receptacle. The widening and / or tapering is / are configured such that threading and / or inserting the protruding tongue into the receptacle is facilitated and / or supported. In particular, if the lever is held with some play in its locking position, its position, and thus the position of the protruding tongue, is not clearly defined. This can complicate threading and / or inserting the protruding tongue into the receptacle of the CPA device. Insertion is facilitated by the widening and / or tapering. Preferably, the receptacle has both the widening and the protruding tongue the tapering. The widening and tapering can each include an inclined surface, such as...inclined surfaces that slide against each other when the protruding tongue is threaded in, ensuring that the protruding tongue is safely inserted into its intended position in the receptacle.

[0030] In one embodiment, the CPA device has at least one slide rail with which the CPA device is movable along a rail guide of the cable management device between the locking position and the unlocking position. Alternatively, the CPA device can have the rail guide and the cable management device can have the slide rail. Preferably, the CPA device has two slide rails arranged in two rail guides. The rail guides can be configured such that they only allow movement of the CPA device between the locking position and the unlocking position and back. This movement can be essentially one-dimensional, with the rail guide preventing and / or reducing movement in the other two dimensions, i.e., in the directions perpendicular to this locking movement direction.The movement of the CPA device between the locking and unlocking positions can be linear and, in particular, may involve a displacement of the CPA device along an outer surface of the guide rail. One or more end stops can be provided to limit this one-dimensional, approximately linear movement of the CPA device along the guide rail on one or both sides, e.g., in the unlocking position and / or in the locking position of the CPA device.

[0031] In a further development, at least one guide rail has an outer configuration that is movable along an inner configuration of the rail guide. The outer configuration of the guide rail is matched to the inner configuration of the rail guide in such a way that a predetermined force is defined for moving the CPA device. This force may be necessary to move the CPA device. This force can prevent and / or reduce unintentional movement of the CPA device out of the locking position. In this embodiment, for example, the guide rails of the CPA device can have a structured outer surface facing the rail guide, e.g., rounded projections and / or indentations that can interact with rounded projections and / or indentations of the rail guide when the CPA device is moved. This, i.e.,The precise shape of the protrusions and / or indentations allows for the definition of a frictional force that must be overcome to move the CPA device. If necessary, an elastic force can also be defined, for example, to deform the guide rail and / or the rail guide when moving the CPA device. This allows the CPA device to be secured, particularly in its locking position.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the connector assembly has a CPA locking mechanism that secures the CPA device to the cable guide in a loss-proof manner. The CPA locking mechanism can, for example, include a locking element that secures the CPA device to the cable guide. The locking element can, for example, comprise a locking lug formed on the cable guide and / or a locking recess formed in the CPA device. The CPA locking mechanism can, in particular, stop and / or prevent movement of the CPA device beyond the unlocked position along the rail guide.

[0033] In one embodiment, the CPA device can only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the lever is in its locked position. This prevents the CPA device from being unintentionally moved to the locked position before the lever is locked. If it were, the CPA device could obstruct and / or prevent the locking movement of the lever. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by at least one stop on the CPA device, which can be interrupted and / or deflected by the locked lever in such a way that the CPA device can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. Without the deflection and / or interruption of the stop, the CPA device cannot be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0034] One aspect concerns a plug-in system with a connector assembly as described above and a slot with which the conductor guide forms a plug connection such that the electrical conductors guided in the conductor guide contact the electrical contacts of the slot. In the plug connection, the lever is arranged in its locking position, and the CPA device can be arranged in its locking position to secure the lever and thus the conductor guide in the plug connection. The slot can be designed, for example, as a corresponding complementary connector, a socket, and / or a circuit board with a connector. The plug connection can be reversibly secured by means of the CPA device of the connector assembly. Furthermore, the plug connection can be reversibly locked by means of the lever of the connector assembly.

[0035] One aspect concerns a procedure for securing a connector assembly with a cable guide, a lever and a CPA device at a slot, comprising the following steps: Establishing a plug connection between the conductor guide and the socket such that electrical conductors guided in the conductor guide contact electrical contacts of the socket; moving the lever, which is arranged on the conductor guide and has a pivot end located at an end of the lever spaced apart from pivot points, from an unlocking position, in which the conductor guide can be detached from the socket, to a locking position, in which the lever locks the conductor guide in the plug connection with the socket; moving the CPA device, which is arranged on the conductor guide, from an unlocking position to a locking position;and securing and / or fixing the lever in its locking position by forming a positive fit between the CPA device and the lever, wherein the CPA device positively locks the pivoting end of the lever while the CPA device is in the locking position, wherein in the locking position a second projecting element of the CPA device is visible through a through-opening in the lever which completely penetrates the pivoting end.

[0036] The process can be implemented, in particular, with a connector assembly as described above. Therefore, all features and / or properties described in connection with the connector assembly also apply to the process, and vice versa.

[0037] The steps of the procedure do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order described above and / or do not necessarily have to be performed separately. For example, the connection can be established by moving the lever. Thus, when establishing the connection, the conductor guide can first be placed onto the socket, creating only a mechanical contact without an electrical one. The electrical connection can then be established, for example, when the lever is flipped, i.e., when the lever is moved from its unlocked position to its locked position. Moving and thus locking the lever can also cause and / or involve moving the conductor guide in the direction of insertion onto the socket.Only after the lever is locked can a reliable electrical contact be established between the electrical conductors of the connector assembly and the electrical contacts of the socket. Thus, the steps of making a connection and moving the lever can occur at least partially simultaneously.

[0038] One aspect concerns the use of the connector assembly described at the beginning to create a plug connection with a slot.

[0039] Within the scope of this invention, the terms "essentially" and / or "approximately" may be used to include a deviation of up to 5% from a numerical value following the term, a deviation of up to 5° from a direction following the term and / or from an angle following the term.

[0040] Terms such as above, below, over, under, lateral, etc. refer - unless otherwise specified - to the position of the object shown in the figures, not necessarily to the Earth's reference system.

[0041] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Here, identical or similar reference numerals may denote identical or similar features of the embodiments. Individual features shown in the figures may be implemented in other exemplary embodiments. The figures show: Figure 1A: A perspective view of a connector assembly whose lever is in its unlocked position and whose CPA device is in its unlocked position; Figure 1: Legs: Side view of the in Fig. 1Aconnector assembly shown; Figure 2A a perspective view of the connector assembly, whose lever is in its locking position and whose CPA device is in its unlocked position; Figure 2Legs side view of the in Fig. 2A connector assembly shown; Figure 3A a perspective view of the connector assembly, whose lever is in its locking position and whose CPA device is in its secured position; Figure 3Legs side view of the in Fig. 3AFigure 4 shows a perspective view of a section of a conductor guide of the connector assembly; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a lever of the connector assembly; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a section of the lever; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a CPA device of the connector assembly; Figure 6 shows a top view of the CPA device in the mating direction; Figure 6 shows a side view of the CPA device approximately perpendicular to the mating direction; Figure 7 shows a sectional view through a slide rail of the CPA device of the connector assembly, with the lever in its unlocked position and the CPA device in its unlocked position; Figure 7 shows a sectional view through a slide rail of the CPA device of the connector assembly, with the lever in its locked position and the CPA device in its unlocked position;Figure 7C a sectional view through a slide rail of the CPA device of the connector assembly, wherein the lever is in its locking position and the CPA device is in its secured position; Figure 8A a sectional view centrally through the CPA device of the connector assembly, wherein the lever is in its unlocked position and the CPA device is in its unlocked position; Figure 8B a sectional view centrally through the CPA device of the connector assembly, wherein the lever is in its locking position and the CPA device is in its unlocked position; Figure 8C a sectional view centrally through the CPA device of the connector assembly, wherein the lever is in its locking position and the CPA device is in its secured position;Figure 9 is a perspective view of a section of the secured connector assembly, and Figure 10 is a sectional view through the CPA device guided in a rail guide of the conductor guidance device in the unlocked position.

[0042] The Figures 1A and 1B Each figure shows a perspective view and a side view of a connector assembly 1. The connector assembly 1 is essentially composed of three components, elements and / or modules, namely a conductor guide device 10, a lever 100 and a CPA device 200.

[0043] Therefore, connector assembly 1 can also be referred to as a CPA-secured connector assembly and / or CPA connector assembly.

[0044] The conductor guide 10 forms a base body and / or a basic component of the connector assembly 1. The conductor guide 10 can have a housing that is approximately cuboid in shape and which encloses and / or contains electrical conductors not shown in the figures. These electrical conductors, guided inside the conductor guide 10, are guided to a mating side 11 of the conductor guide 10. Figures 1A and 1BThe plug-in side 11 is designed as the lower side of the conductor guide 10. The conductor guide 10 is designed to be plugged into a socket (not shown) with the plug-in side 11 facing forward in the plug-in direction S, in order to establish electrical connections between the guided electrical conductors and the electrical contacts of the socket, i.e., to create a plug connection between the conductor guide 10 and the socket. The plug-in direction S is approximately perpendicular to the plug-in side 11.

[0045] The conductor guide 10 extends essentially from the plug-in side 11 to a mounting side 12, which limits the conductor guide 10 in a direction opposite the plug-in side 11. Generally, the mounting side 12 is the side of the conductor guide 10 against which the lever 100 is applied in its locking position and / or to which the CPA device 200 is attached. The mounting side 12 can be arranged approximately perpendicular to the plug-in direction S. The conductor guide 10 can further comprise at least two side walls 17, which externally limit the conductor guide 10 between the plug-in side 11 and the mounting side 12. The side walls 17 can be arranged approximately parallel to the plug-in direction S.

[0046] The lever 100 is attached to the ladder guide device 10 on two opposite side walls 17. The lever 100 can be pivoted about two pivot points 110, only one of which is located in the Figures 1A and 1B shown.

[0047] The second pivot point 110 is formed on the side wall 17 facing away from the viewer. Normals to these two side walls 17, to which the lever 100 is attached to the conductor guide device 10, are referred to as lateral directions in this description. These lateral directions are arranged approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction S and thus approximately parallel to the insertion side 11.

[0048] In the Figures 1A and 1BIn the situation shown, the lever 100 is arranged in its unlocked position, in which it is supported against at least one unlocking stop 14. The unlocking stop 14 can be formed on one or more of the side walls 17. The unlocking stop 14 limits the pivoting movement of the lever 100 in the unlocked position.

[0049] The lever 100 further comprises a pivoting end 120, which is arranged at an end of the lever 100 spaced apart from the pivot points 110. The lever 100 is attached to the ladder guide device 10 such that its pivoting end 120 can pivot about the pivot points 110, in particular pivoting towards the mounting side 12 of the ladder guide device 10. In the Figure 1 In the unlocking position shown, the pivoting end 120 is pivoted away from the conductor guide device 10 and / or the fastening side 12 and is thus arranged, for example, at a distance from it in the direction of insertion S.

[0050] The CPA device 200 is also attached to the ladder guide device 10, in a movably mounted manner. In the Figure 1 In the situation shown, the CPA device is arranged in its unlocked position. The CPA device 200 is generally designed to be slidable along a section of the mounting side 12. However, in the embodiment shown, the CPA device cannot be easily moved from its unlocked position to the locked position, in order to avoid unintentionally blocking the locking of the lever 100. As shown in the Figure 1 As shown, the CPA device 200 can, for example, be arranged adjacent to a cable guide 13. The cable guide 10 can have the cable guide 13 for guiding cables, for example, to electrically connect electrical cables to the conductors guided inside the cable guide 10.

[0051] Figures 2A and 2Bshow the same connector assembly 1 as the Figure 1 Unlike the Figure 1 Is the lever 100 in the Figures 2 pivoted into its locking position. To move lever 100 from the to the Figure 1 shown unlocking position in the Figures 2 In the locking position shown, the lever 100 can, for example, be pivoted at its pivot end 120 around at least one pivot point 110 onto an outer surface of the conductor guide device 10, here onto the mounting side 12. When the lever 100 is pivoted from the unlocking position to the locking position, i.e., when the lever 100 is locked, the connector assembly 1 is locked to the socket (not shown) by a mechanism not shown in the figures and thus attached to it.

[0052] While the connector assembly 1 is in the Figure 1In the unlocking position shown, with the plug-in side 11 facing forward, the connector can be inserted into the slot (not shown). However, this connection is not yet locked and can therefore be easily removed from the slot. Only after the connector assembly 1 is locked, i.e., after moving the lever 100 into the position shown, can the connector be securely inserted into the slot. Figures 2 In the locking position shown, the connector assembly 1 is so firmly connected to the slot that it cannot be detached from it without damage. For example, the connector assembly 1 can be configured to be positively and / or frictionally connected to the slot in the locked state.

[0053] In the locked position, at least one locking lug 15 formed on a side wall 17 of the conductor guide 10 can engage in a recess of the lever 100 and thus secure the lever 100 somewhat against a lever release force. However, this is an easily releasable lock, not a sufficiently stable lock for automotive applications. A sufficiently strong lock against lever release forces of, for example, more than approximately 100 N or 200 N can only be provided by means of the CPA device 200.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the lever 100 is pivotable about a pivot axis which is arranged approximately parallel to the plug-in side 11 in a lateral direction. This pivot axis SW is, for example, in Figure 5AThe pivot axis SW extends through the ladder guide 10 and through the two pivot points 110 of the lever 100. The illustrated attachment of the lever 100 to the two pivot points 110, i.e., to the two opposing side walls 17 of the ladder guide 10, increases the stability and durability of the lever movement. In an alternative embodiment, the lever 100 could also be pivotably connected to the ladder guide 10 at only a single pivot point 110, e.g., only at one side wall 17.

[0055] The lever 100 can generally be designed in a U-shape. The lever 100 extends from the first pivot point 110 along a first lever arm to the pivot end 120, which forms a U-shaped head. The pivot end 120 extends approximately parallel to the pivot axis SW of the lever 100 between the lever arm ends spaced apart from the pivot axis SW. From the pivot end 120, the lever 100 continues along the second lever arm back to the second pivot point 110, which is hidden in the figures. While the pivot points 110 are formed on opposite side walls 17 of the ladder guide device 10, the pivot end 120 connects the two lever arms of the lever 100.

[0056] In the locked position, the pivoting end 120 is pressed against the mounting side 12, in a space approximately adjacent to the CPA device 200. Figures 2The CPA device 200 remains in its unlocked position, just as in the Figure 1 This means that the lever 100 is indeed in its locking position, but is not yet secured there by the CPA device 200.

[0057] Figures 3A and 3B show in a perspective view and in a side view the in the Figure 1 and 2 Connector assembly 1 shown. In contrast to the figures described above, in the Figures 3A and 3B However, the CPA device 200 was moved into its secured position. In doing so, the CPA device 200 was moved from the position in the Figure 1 and 2 The unlocking position shown is moved towards the pivoting end 120 in such a way that it positively locks the pivoting end 120.

[0058] The movement of the CPA 200 device from its unlocked position to the one in the Figures 3The locking position shown is achieved by sliding along the mounting side 12. More generally, the movement of the CPA device 200 can be effected by sliding it along an outer surface of the conductor guide 10. In the illustrated embodiment, this sliding movement is a movement in a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction S (and here also perpendicular to the lateral directions) along the mounting side 12 facing away from the insertion side 11. The CPA device 200 is preferably arranged on this outer surface facing away from the insertion side 11, i.e., in the exemplary embodiment, on the mounting side 12, in order to form a particularly effective positive locking connection with the lever 100, more precisely with the pivot end 120 of the lever 100. Due to its long lever travel, the pivot end 120 is particularly well suited for securing the lever 100 in its locking position.

[0059] Is connector assembly 1 as shown in the Figures 3A and 3BWhen the connector assembly 1 is locked (i.e., lever 100 is in its locking position) and secured (i.e., CPA device 200 is in its securing position), it can no longer be removed from the slot without damage. However, this only applies as long as CPA device 200 is not moved back to its unlocked position and lever 100 is not moved back to its unlocked position.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, both the locking movement of the CPA device 200 and the locking movement of the lever 100 are reversible. This means that the locked and secured plug connection of the connector assembly 1 can also be released again, i.e., unlocked by moving the CPA device 200 into its unlocking position and unlocked by moving the lever 100 into its unlocking position.

[0061] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of the conductor guide 10 of the connector assembly 1, to which the CPA device 200 can be attached. The section is shown without the CPA device 200. Figure 4 shows a section of the conductor guidance device 10 adjacent to the cable guide 13. In particular, in Figure 4 A section of the mounting side 12 is shown, on which the pivoting end 120 of the lever 100 is placed in the locking position (see figure). Figures 1 to 3 On the mounting side 12, the ladder guide device 10 has a lever assembly 30. The lever assembly 30 is designed as a projection on which and / or around which the pivoting end 120 is placed on the mounting side 12. It may also be possible to establish a detent connection between the lever assembly 30 and the pivoting end 120 of the lever 100 to define the unsecured lever release force.

[0062] Adjacent to this, in the illustrated embodiment between the lever assembly 30 and the cable guide 13, a rail guide 20 is formed on the mounting side 12, between which a sliding surface 21 is formed. The sliding surface 21 is designed as a substantially flat outer surface of the mounting side 12. The sliding surface 21 serves as a base and / or support for the CPA device 200 (see figure). Figures 1 to 3 The CPA device 200 can be easily moved on and along the sliding surface 21. A CPA locking element 16 can also be provided approximately in the center of the sliding surface 21. The CPA locking element 16 can be designed as a locking lug, in particular as a pivotable locking lug, with which the CPA device 200 can be attached to the conductor guide 10. The CPA locking element 16 can thus be designed as a CPA locking device.

[0063] The sliding surface 21 is bounded on opposite sides by a rail guide 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductor guide 10 has two rail guides 20 that run approximately parallel to each other. Each of the two rail guides 20 runs substantially parallel to and / or in the plane of one of the two side walls 17 of the conductor guide 10. The rail guides 20 serve to guide slide rails of the CPA device 200, which are described in more detail in the following figures. The rail guides 20 are designed as elongated projections on the mounting side 12, which block movement of the CPA device 200 in at least one lateral direction. For example, each rail guide 20 can include a kind of outer wall that prevents lateral movement of the CPA device 200 from the mounting side 12 beyond the immediately adjacent side wall 17.

[0064] Furthermore, each of the rail guides 20 can have an overlap which, in the assembled state, at least partially overlaps the CPA device 200 such that the CPA device 200 is clamped between the mounting side 12 (more precisely, the sliding surface 21) and this overlap of the rail guides 20. The overlap of the rail guide 20 is arranged on a side of the CPA device 200 facing away from the mounting side 12 such that the overlaps point towards the other rail guide 20. The overlaps thus prevent the CPA device from moving away from the mounting side 12, i.e., from lifting off the mounting side 12 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the mounting side 12.The overlaps can, in particular, limit movement of the CPA device 200 against the insertion direction S, while the fastening side 12, or more precisely the sliding surface 21, limits movement of the CPA device 200 in the insertion direction S. The overlaps at the end of the outer walls of the rail guides 20 facing away from the fastening side 12 can thus make an important contribution to fixing the CPA device 200 in the direction of the positive locking with the pivoting end 120 and / or in the unlocking direction.

[0065] The elements of the rail guide 20 and the sliding surface 21 described so far thus limit the movement possibilities of the CPA device 200 in two lateral directions perpendicular to the insertion direction S beyond the side walls 17 and both in and against the insertion direction S. Furthermore, the CPA device 200 can be attached to the conductor guide 10 in such a way that the sliding movement of the CPA device 200 is limited in both the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the CPA device 200 can therefore essentially only perform a linear movement, but neither beyond the locked position nor beyond the unlocked position. For this purpose, stops can be provided, for example, against which the CPA device 200 abuts in the locked position and / or in the unlocked position. At least one of these stops can be an unlocking stop 24, which is located in Figure 4 The release stop 24 is, in the illustrated embodiment, designed as a curved projection between the rail guide 20 and the lever assembly 30 on the mounting side 12, in particular adjacent to and / or laterally adjoining the sliding surface 21. The function of the release stop 24, which here is formed on both lateral sides, i.e., on the two opposite side walls 17, is described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0067] A safety stop 23 can also be formed on the rail guide 20, extending as a procession of the overlap on the outer wall of the rail guide towards the interior of the ladder guide device 10 on a side of the CPA device 200 facing away from the mounting side 12. Here, the safety end stop 23 is designed as an extension of the overlap of the rail guide 20 described above in the direction towards the other rail guide 20. The function of the safety end stop 23 is also described in more detail below with reference to the following figures.

[0068] The ladder guide 10 has two pivoting spaces 22 approximately parallel to the outer walls of the rail guides 20. These spaces are formed as recesses in the sliding surface 21 and are adjacent to the outer walls of the rail guides 20. The pivoting spaces 22 serve to pivot out slide rails of the CPA device 200, which are described in more detail with reference to the following figures. In the illustrated embodiments, both the rail guides 20 and the pivoting spaces 22 extend approximately parallel to each other, specifically parallel to the linear direction of movement of the CPA device 200, in which the CPA device can be moved from its locked position to its unlocked position and back.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the ladder guide device 10 has exactly two rail guides 20, two safety end stops 23, two unlocking end stops 24 and two swing-out spaces 22.

[0070] Figure 5A Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the lever 100 of the connector assembly 1. As already described, the lever 100 is pivotably mounted and attached to the connector assembly 1 with respect to its pivot axis SW. The pivot axis SW extends through the two pivot points 110, which, in the assembled state, are located on opposite sides, more precisely on the side walls 17, of the conductor guide 10.

[0071] The lever 100 has two lever arms 140, each extending approximately from one of the pivot points 110 to the pivot end 120. A detent receptacle 141 can be formed in each of the lever arms 140 as a recess for receiving the [missing information - likely a specific component or element]. Figures 2 The locking nose 15 shown is formed.

[0072] Near and / or adjacent to the pivot axis SW, a toothed section 150 is formed on each of the lever arms 140. The toothed section 150 can comprise several teeth and, in particular, be designed similarly to a segment of a gear. The toothed section 150 is configured to engage with a counterpart (not shown in the figures) at the socket such that the plug-in side 11 is locked at the socket, and thus the connector assembly 1 is locked at the socket. The toothed section 150 is arranged at each end of the lever arms 140 facing away from the pivot end 120.

[0073] At the pivot end 120, the lever 100 has a bearing surface 160. The bearing surface 160 is slightly angled with respect to the direction of extension of the lever arms 140. The bearing surface 160 is angled with respect to the lever arms 140 such that it is in the Figures 2 and 3The locking position of the lever 100 shown is designed and aligned approximately parallel to the outer surface of the conductor guide device 10, more precisely to the mounting side 12. This allows the bearing surface 160 to be at least partially in contact with the mounting side 12 in the locking position, cf. Figures 2 and 3 .

[0074] At the pivot end 120, a projecting tongue 130 is formed approximately in the center of the lever 100. The projecting tongue 130 can encompass the pivot point of the lever 100 that is furthest from the pivot axis SW. The projecting tongue 160 can be designed as an extension of the pivot end 120 and / or the support surface 160 in a direction approximately away from the pivot axis SW.

[0075] Figure 5BFigure 1 shows a perspective view magnifying the pivot end 120 of the lever 100. It illustrates how the projecting tongue 130 is formed as a flat extension of the pivot end 120 and / or the bearing surface 160. Immediately adjacent to, or even extending through, the projecting tongue 130, a through-opening 131 is formed at the pivot end 120, completely penetrating the pivot end 120. In the locked position, the through-opening 131 is arranged essentially parallel to the insertion direction S. In the locked position, the projecting tongue 130 is arranged essentially parallel to, and / or at least partially abutting, the mounting side 12. The projecting tongue 130 can encompass the point of the lever 100 furthest from the pivot points 110.

[0076] Figures 6A, 6B and 6CThe figures show the CPA 200 system in a perspective view, in a top view in the insertion direction S, and in a side view in a lateral direction.

[0077] The CPA device 200 has a sliding base 260 which is movable on the sliding surface 21 of the ladder guide device 10 (see also Figure 4 The sliding base 260 can be essentially completely flat to allow for easy displacement relative to the sliding surface 21. The CPA device 200 is designed to be arranged with the sliding base 260 on the sliding surface 21 of the ladder guide device 10.

[0078] The CPA device 200 further comprises a base 250, which is designed as a thickening and extends from the sliding base 260 in the opposite direction of insertion S. Essentially all components of the CPA device 200 are formed on the base 250. Furthermore, the base 250 is designed to be thickened in such a way that it can be contacted by an operator's finger for easy movement of the entire CPA device 200.

[0079] The CPA device 200 has two slide rails 240, which in an assembled state of the connector assembly 1 inside the in Figure 4The guide rails 20 shown are arranged in the rail guides 20. The guide rails 240 extend approximately parallel to each other from the base 250 along the sliding surface 260. In the assembled state, each of the guide rails 240 is arranged approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction S. In the assembled position, the guide rails 240 extend from the base 250 approximately along the mounting side 12 and towards the lever 100 (see also Figures 3 ).

[0080] The slide rails 240 each have a thickening 241 at their end furthest from the base 250, which extends away from the sliding surface 260 in the opposite direction of insertion S. Each of the slide rails 240 is only attached to the base 250 on one side, while the other end, furthest from the base 250, can pivot freely as a free end. The thickening 241 is formed at the free end of each of the slide rails 240.

[0081] Furthermore, each slide rail 240 has a stop step 242 on the side of the thickening 241 that faces the free end and thus, in the assembled state, the lever 100. On the side facing the base 250, each thickening 241 has a shoulder 243. The function of the thickening 241, the shoulder 243, and the stop step 242 is described in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0082] Extending from the base 250 towards the lever 100, i.e., in the assembled state approximately parallel to the fastening side 12, are a first projection element 210 and a second projection element 220 of the CPA device 200. The second projection element 220 extends essentially along the sliding base 260. The second projection element 220 can (e.g., together with the undersides of the slide rails 240) essentially form the sliding base 260. The first projection element 210 can be arranged at a distance from the second projection element 220, opposite to the insertion direction S, and extend approximately parallel to the second projection element 220, i.e., in the assembled state towards the lever 100.

[0083] The two projection elements 210 and 220 form (cf. e.g. the in Figure 6C(side view shown) a receptacle 230 is located between it. The receptacle 230 extends in the insertion direction S between the two projection elements 210 and 220. The receptacle 230 serves to receive the projection tongue 130 of the lever 100 (cf. Figures 5 Each of the two projection elements 210 and 220 is essentially plate-shaped, with the plates being essentially parallel to the mounting side 12 and thus to an outer surface of the conductor guide 10 when assembled. The second projection element 220 has a locking recess 261 which, when assembled, engages with, for example, the Figure 4 shown CPA-Rasmittel 16 interacts with each other.

[0084] The receptacle 230 is designed to widen towards the lever 100 and / or away from the base 250. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by a chamfer 211 on the first projection element 210. The chamfer 211 enlarges the receptacle 230 towards the lever 100.

[0085] Each of the slide rails 240 has an outer contour 244, which is designed, for example, as a bulge and / or a projection in the direction that, in the assembled state, faces the side walls of the rail guide 20. In the illustrated embodiment, this outer contour 244 can be formed at the end of the slide rails 240 that is attached to the base 250.

[0086] From above, the Figure 6BThe outer contours 244 are therefore shown as projections in lateral directions. These lateral directions are directions perpendicular to the insertion direction S, which also form approximately normals to the opposite side walls 17 (see, e.g., [reference]). Figure 1A ). The outer contours 244 can be designed as rounded projections, i.e. without hooks and / or step-free, to enable safe sliding and / or pushing in the rail guides 20.

[0087] Figures 7A, 7B and 7C Each figure shows a section through a cutout of the connector assembly 1. The cut is made through one of the two guide rails 240 of the CPA device 200. The three figures show... Figures 7A, 7B and 7C The connector assembly 1 is shown in a different state in each case: In Figure 7A The lever 100 is unlocked and the CPA device 200 is disengaged, just as in the Figure 1 . In Figure 7BThe lever 100 is locked and the CPA device 200 is unlocked, just as in the Figures 2 . In Figure 7C The lever 100 is locked and the CPA device 200 is secured, just as in the Figures 3 .

[0088] The section in the figures is made exactly in the middle through one of the slide rails 240 such that the insertion direction S is parallel to the cutting plane. The cutting plane is also essentially parallel to and between the two side walls 17 of the connector assembly 1 (see [reference]). Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0089] In the Figures 7A to 7C Only a section of the connector assembly 1 is shown, namely the section on which the CPA device 200 is arranged and, in the locking position, also the pivoting end 120 of the lever 100.

[0090] In Figure 7A The lever 100 is in its unlocked position, just as in the Figures 1A and 1Bshown. That's why the lever is 100% different from the one in Figure 7A The section shown has been swung away and is therefore not shown. However, the CPA device 200 and the section through its base 250 and its guide rail 240 are shown. The CPA device 200 is arranged on the mounting side 12 of the conductor guide device 10 such that all elements of the CPA device 200 extend away from the base 250 in the direction of the lever 100 and / or the lever assembly 30, i.e., in particular the guide rails 240, the first projection element 210, and the second projection element 220. The latter are not shown in Fig. 7 shown, for that purpose in the following Figure 8 .

[0091] Each slide rail 240 is positioned in the assembled state directly above its respective pivoting space 22. This means that the slide rail 240 can pivot into the pivoting space 22, particularly with its free end, at which the thickening 241 is also located. However, since no sufficient pivoting force acts on the slide rail 240 directed into the pivoting space 22, the slide rail 240 itself is essentially arranged in a straight line and is not pivoted. The sliding base 260 (see figure) is located in this position. Figure 6 ) flat on the sliding surface 21 of the ladder guide device 10 (see also Figure 4 ).

[0092] In the Figure 7AIn the depicted state, the CPA device 200 is arranged in its unlocked position. Each of the slide rails 240 is guided in its respective rail guide 20 such that the slide rail 240 is held in the insertion direction S between the overlap of the rail guide 20 and the mounting side 12. From above, i.e., from the side facing away from the conductor guide assembly 10, the locking stop 23 engages over the slide rail 240 and thus prevents the CPA device 200 from lifting off in the opposite direction S. Furthermore, both overlaps of the rail guides 20 engage over the two slide rails 240 arranged therein, so that the CPA device 200 is held essentially over its entire surface on the mounting side 12 of the conductor guide assembly 10.

[0093] Figure 7AThe diagram further shows that the slide rail 240, with its stop step 242, abuts an edge of the release stop 24 of the ladder guide device 10 facing the CPA device. This prevents the CPA device 200 from unintentionally moving from its release position into the secured position, i.e., in this case, towards the lever assembly 30.

[0094] The section 243 of the thickening 241 can, at least in part, abut the safety end stop 23 to prevent movement of the CPA device 200 in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the lever stop 30 and towards the cable guide 13. The safety end stop 23 can thus contribute to defining the unlocking position.

[0095] Figure 7B shows how, in contrast to Figure 7B the lever 100 is pivoted into its locking position, just as in the Figures 2shown. In its locking position, the pivoting end 120 rests against the lever assembly 30. The lever assembly 30 serves to define the locking position of the lever 100.

[0096] A deflection extension 121 is also formed at the pivoting end 120. The deflection extension 121 is formed on the side of the pivoting end 120 facing the conductor guide device 10 and points towards the mounting side 12 in the insertion direction S. The deflection extension 121 presses in the Figure 7BThe position shown is approximately in the insertion direction S on the thickening 241 of the slide rail 240. Generally, the deflection extension 121 can act on the slide rail 240 anywhere near its free end in such a way that the slide rail 240 is pivoted at least at its free end a short distance into the pivoting space 22. In doing so, the slide rail 240 is deflected at least to such an extent that the stop step 242 no longer rests against the release stop 24. This releases the blockage of the CPA device 200. This allows the CPA device 200 to be released from the Figure 7B shown unlocking position in the Figure 7CThe locking position shown can be moved along the surface of the mounting side 12 of the conductor guide 10 towards the lever 100 and towards the lever stop 30 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the insertion direction S. When locking the CPA device 200, i.e., when moving the CPA device 200 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the guide rails 240 slide along the rail guides 20. Furthermore, the sliding base 260 of the CPA device 200 slides along the sliding surface 21.

[0097] The CPA device 200 can be pushed towards the lever stop 30 until the base 250 abuts the safety end stops 23. These thus define the safety position as shown in Figure 7CAs shown. In the locking position, the slide rail 240 is pivoted back into its rest position, since the deflection extension 121 no longer rests on the thickening 241, but on a thinner section of the slide rail 240. This prevents any deflection of the slide rail 240.

[0098] In the locked position, the shoulder 243 of the thickened section 241, with its side facing the base 250, remains in contact with the unlocking stop 24. In this situation, the unlocking stop 24 thus simultaneously acts as a stop for the locked position. In the locked position, the unlocking stop 24 interacts with the shoulder 243 in such a way that it provides a certain resistance against unintentional opening of the CPA device 200 from the locked position to the unlocked position. With sufficient force, i.e., during an intentional opening and thus unlocking, the CPA device 200 can be pulled away from the pivot end 120 at the base 250, e.g., towards the cable guide 13. In this process, the step 243, with its inclined surface, interacts with a counter-angled chamfer of the release stop 24 in such a way that the slide rail 240 is guided into the pivoting space 22, similar to the one in Figure 7BThe situation shown. This allows the CPA 200 device to be opened and unlocked.

[0099] In the Figure 7C In the locked and secured position of the connector assembly 1, the release end stop 24 is received in a recess in the lever end 120 facing the mounting side 12. The release end stop 24 is surrounded by the pivoting end 120 on at least three sides.

[0100] Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show exactly those also in the Figures 7A to 7C The states of connector assembly 1 shown, but along a different section plane. In the Figures 8A to 8C The cut is made approximately in the middle through the CPA device 200, the lever 100 and the ladder guide device 10, parallel to the one in the Figures 7A to 7C shown section plane. Thus, the section plane lies within the Figure 8The section plane shown no longer passes through one of the sliding rails 240, but rather through the center of both the first projection element 210 and the second projection element 220 of the CPA device 200 exactly between the side walls 17.

[0101] In Figure 8A Lever 100 is not shown because it is in its unlocked position. Therefore, lever 100 is not included in the Figures 8A The section shown is swung into view. The second projection element 220 rests on the sliding surface 21 with its side facing the ladder guide device 10. In particular, the second projection element 220 rests on the CPA locking device 16 (see figure). Figure 4) whose locking lug engages in the locking recess 261 in the sliding base 260 of the CPA device 200. The CPA locking device 16 secures the CPA device 200 to the conductor guide 10 in a loss-proof manner. In particular, the locking lug of the CPA locking device 16 prevents the CPA device 200 from being moved towards the cable guide 13 and away from the lever stop 30. The CPA locking device 16 is thus designed as a stop that defines the unlocked position of the CPA device 200 in the direction away from the lever 100.

[0102] Figure 8BFigure 1 shows the connector assembly 1, where the lever 100 is pivoted in its locking position onto the mounting side 12 of the conductor guide 10. The projection 130 of the pivoting end 120 rests on the second projection 220, which in turn rests on the mounting side 12. The through-hole 131 does not yet rest on the second projection 220. In the locking position, the through-hole 131 penetrates the pivoting end 120 essentially parallel to the insertion direction S. In this state, a cavity is formed between the end of the through-hole 131 facing the conductor guide 10 and the conductor guide 10.

[0103] Figure 8CFigure 1 shows how the CPA device 20 is pushed towards the lever 100 such that the projection tongue 130 is received in the receptacle 230, which the CPA device 200 forms between the first projection element 210 and the second projection element 220. The receptacle 230 extends in particular in the insertion direction S, i.e. in a direction approximately perpendicular to the fastening side 12 of the conductor guide device 10.

[0104] The one in Figure 8BThe locking position of the lever 100 shown is not necessarily free of play. This means that the projection tongue 130 may not have to rest completely on the second projection element 220, but may be positioned slightly apart from it. This play in the insertion direction S of the pivot end 120 is reduced and / or eliminated in the illustrated embodiment at the latest when the locking position is set. In the locking position, the projection tongue 130 is held in the receptacle 230 with essentially no play between the first projection element 210 and the second projection element 220. The first projection element 210 and the projection tongue 130 form a positive fit that prevents and / or counteracts the unlocking of the lever 100.

[0105] When moving the CPA device 200 from the unlocked position to the locked position, i.e., when inserting the protruding tongue 130 into the receptacle 230, the chamfer 211 can simplify the insertion of the protruding tongue 130. During insertion, the chamfer 211 acts on a protruding tongue 130 that tapers towards the tip, for example, in such a way that the protruding tongue 130 is guided securely into the interior of the receptacle 230.

[0106] In the Figure 8C In the secured position shown, the second projection element 220 is arranged so that it is visible through the through-opening 131. This provides a mechanical and clearly visible indication that the connector assembly 1 is both locked and secured.

[0107] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a section of the connector assembly 1 in a locked and secured position. The perspective view also shows how the second projection element 220 is visible through the through-opening 131 in the pivot end 120. The through-opening 131 is located at the end of the projection tongue 130 that is adjacent to the side of the projection tongue 130 facing away from the CPA device 200. This is precisely the direction in which the second projection element 220 is pushed when the CPA device 200 is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. The second projection element 220 can, for example, be a signal color such as red to improve its visibility.

[0108] In Figure 9The perspective view shows how the base 250, in the secured position, engages the two securing end stops 23 of the rail guides 20. Furthermore, it shows how the pivoting end 120 engages the lever assembly 30 from one of the pivot axes SW (cf. Fig. 5A ) opposite side, that the lever stop 30 defines the locking position of the lever 100.

[0109] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows a sectional view through the CPA device 200, guided in the rail guide 20 of the conductor guide device 10, in the unlocked position. The sectional view is essentially oriented in the insertion direction S towards the section shown. The section plane is arranged approximately parallel to the surface of the fastening side 12 and runs through both the rail guides 20 and the slide rails 240.

[0110] Figure 10Figure 16 shows how the CPA locking device 16 engages in the locking recess 261 to secure the CPA device 200 in its unlocked position. The guide rails 240 are each arranged above the pivoting space 22. The pivoting spaces 22 are slightly longer than the guide rails 240 themselves to prevent displacement of the CPA device 200, as shown in Figure 261. Figure 7B shown pivoted slide rails 240 in the direction of the lever stop 30.

[0111] As already mentioned in Figure 6B As shown, the slide rails 240 are not completely flat on their outer surfaces facing the rail guides 20, but each has an outer contour 244, which can, for example, be designed as a bulge. The outer contours 244 of the slide rails 240 interact with the inner contours of the rail guides 20 in such a way that they define a displacement force necessary to move the CPA device 200 from its position in Figure 10The guide rail 20 can be moved from its unlocked position to its locked position and / or vice versa. For this purpose, the guide rail 20 can have two indentations: one to define the unlocked position and a second, offset indentation which, in the locked position, accommodates the outer contour 244 of the adjacent slide rail 240. The outer contours 244 and the inner contours of the guide rails 20 thus define the displacement force for moving the CPA device 200 in a simple and mechanical manner.

[0112] The embodiment shown in the figures enables a very user-friendly connector assembly 1 with CPA function. The positive locking between the first projection 210 and the projection tongue 130, i.e., between the CPA device 200 and the lever 100, prevents unintentional unlocking of the lever 100 and thus of the connector assembly 1.

[0113] In the safety position, the CPA device 200, more precisely the first projection 210, engages the lever 100, more precisely the projection tongue 130, on one side of the pivoting end 120 facing away from the ladder guide device 10. Reference symbol list

[0114] 1 Connector assembly 10 Ladder guide device 11 Plug-in side 12 Mounting side 13 Cable guide 14 Release stop 15 Locking lug 16 CPA detent 17 Side wall 20 Rail guide 21 Sliding surface 22 Swing-out space 23 Safety end stop 24 Release end stop 30 Lever system 100 Lever 110 Pivot point 120 Pivot end 121 Deflection extension 130 Projection tongue 131 Through opening 140 Lever arm 141 Detent mount 150 Toothing 160 Bearing surface 200CPA device 210first projection element 211chamfer 220second projection element 230receptacle 240slide rail 241thickening 242stop step 243shoulder 244outer contour 250base 260sliding base 261lock recess SS direction SW swivel axis

Claims

1. Connector assembly (1) with a conductor guiding device (10), a lever (100) and a CPA device (200), wherein: - the conductor guiding device (10) is configured to enter into a plug connection with a slot in such a way that electrical conductors guided in the conductor guiding device (10) contact electrical contacts of the slot; - the lever (100) is arranged on the conductor guiding device (10), has a pivot end (120) which is arranged at an end of the lever (100) spaced apart from pivot points (110), and is movable between a locking position, in which the lever (100) locks the conductor guiding device (10) in the plug connection with the slot, and an unlocking position, in which the conductor guiding device (10) is detachable from the slot; - the CPA device (200) is arranged on the conductor guiding device (10) and is movable between a securing position and an unsecuring position; and - the CPA device (200), in its securing position, positively locks the pivot end (120) of the lever (100) for securing and / or fixing the lever (100) in its locking position; - the CPA device (200) has at least one second projection element (220); - the lever (100) has a through-opening (131) which completely penetrates the pivot end (120); and - the second projection element (220), in the securing position, is visible through the through-opening (131).

2. Connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the CPA device (200) has at least one first projection element (210), which in the securing position is arranged at least partially on a side of the lever (100) facing away from the conductor guiding device (10), whereby the positive locking between the CPA device (200) and the lever (100) is provided.

3. Connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second projection element (220), in the securing position, is arranged at least partially on a side of the lever (100) facing away from the conductor guiding device (10), whereby the positive locking between the CPA device (200) and the lever (100) is provided.

4. Connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA device (200) has at least one receptacle (230) for receiving a projection tongue (130) of the lever (100).

5. Connector assembly according to claims 2 and 4, wherein the first projection element (210) delimits the receptacle (230) in an effective direction facing away from the conductor guiding device (10) and, in the securing position, forms the positive locking with the projection tongue (130) acting in this effective direction.

6. Connector assembly according to claims 2 and 5 or according to claim 6, wherein the second projection element (220) delimits the receptacle (230) in a direction facing toward the conductor guiding device (10).

7. Connector assembly according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the projection tongue (130), in the securing position, is arranged in the receptacle (130) in such a way that the lever (100), in the locking position, is arranged substantially without play relative to the conductor guiding device (10).

8. Connector assembly according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein - the receptacle (230) has a widening in the direction out of the receptacle (230) and / or - the projection tongue (130) has a tapering in the direction away from the lever (100) and / or into the receptacle (230).

9. Connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA device (200) has at least one slide rail (240), with which the CPA device (240) is movable along at least one rail guide (20) of the conductor guiding device (10) between the securing position and the unsecuring position.

10. Connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein the slide rail (240) has an outer configuration (244) which is movable along an inner configuration of the rail guide (20), and wherein the outer configuration (244) of the slide rail (240) is matched to the inner configuration of the rail guide (20) in such a way that a predetermined force for moving the CPA device (200) is defined thereby.

11. Connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, with a CPA retention (16), which captively secures the CPA device (200) on the conductor guiding device (10).

12. Connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA device (200) is movable from the unsecuring position into the securing position only when the lever (100) is arranged in its locking position.

13. Plug system with a connector assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a slot, with which the conductor guiding device (10) enters into a plug connection in such a way that the electrical conductors guided in the conductor guiding device (10) contact electrical contacts of the slot.

14. Method for securing a connector assembly (1) with a conductor guiding device (10), a lever (100) and a CPA device (200) on a slot, with the steps: - establishing a plug connection between the conductor guiding device (10) and the slot in such a way that electrical conductors guided in the conductor guiding device (10) contact electrical contacts of the slot; - moving the lever (100), which is arranged on the conductor guiding device (10) and has a pivot end (120), which is arranged at an end of the lever (100) spaced apart from pivot points (110), from an unlocking position, in which the conductor guiding device (10) is detachable from the slot, into a locking position, in which the lever (100) locks the conductor guiding device (10) in the plug connection with the slot; - moving the CPA device (200), which is arranged on the conductor guiding device (10), from an unsecuring position into a securing position; and - securing and / or fixing the lever (100) in its locking position by forming a positive locking between the CPA device (200) and the lever (100), wherein the CPA device (200) positively locks the pivot end (120) of the lever (100) while the CPA device (200) is arranged in the securing position, wherein, in the securing position, a second projection element (220) of the CPA device (200) is visible through a through-opening (131) of the lever (100), which completely penetrates the pivot end (120).

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