Connector Assembly

Abstract

The first connector housing 1 comprises a first connection section 2 and at least one first housing 3 in which a first electrical contact element can be positioned; the second connector housing 4 comprises a second connection section 5 and at least one second housing 6 in which a second electrical contact element can be positioned; and the second connector housing 4 comprises a locking element 7 positioned to be displaceable between a released position and a locked position, wherein the two connector housings 1,4 can be inserted into each other via the connection sections 2,5 during insertion, and the locking element 7 comprises at least one locking tab 8. A connector assembly wherein at least one locking tab 8 engages with at least one locking receiver 9 located in a first connector housing 1 when the locking element 7 is in a locked position 8, and one of two connector housings 1,4 includes a stopper 10 which can move from a stopper position to a pass position during or after the insertion process, in the stopper position the stopper 10 is positioned to prevent the locking element 7 from moving from a released position to a locked position, and in the pass position the stopper 10 is positioned to allow the locking element 7 to move from a released position to a locked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly according to claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] Connector assemblies are known from the prior art. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector assembly having a fixing element for fixing a connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the problem of defining a connector assembly having a locking mechanism between two connector housings, which locking mechanism does not have an adverse effect on or interfere with the actual insertion process. In particular, a particularly preferred problem of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly having a locking mechanism between two connector housings and being lockable only when the two connector housings are correctly connected to each other.

[0005] These and other problems are solved by the connector assembly described in claim 1. Thus, the connector assembly comprises a first connector housing having a first connection section and at least one first housing in which a first electrical contact element can be positioned; a second connector housing having a second connection section and at least one second housing in which a second electrical contact element can be positioned; and one or at least one locking element disposed in the second connector housing so as to be movable between a released position and a locked position. The two connector housings can be connected to each other via the connection section during the insertion process. The locking element comprises at least one locking tab, the at least one locking tab engaging with at least one locking receiver disposed on the first connector housing when the locking element is in the locked position. Furthermore, one of the two connector housings comprises a stopper that can be moved from a stopper position to a pass-through position during or after the insertion process. In the stopper position, the stopper is positioned to prevent the locking element from moving from the released position to the locked position. At the passing position, the stopping section is positioned so that the locking element can move from the released position to the locked position.

[0006] The stopper ensures that the movement of the locking element is released only during or after the insertion process is completed. Prior to the insertion process, the movement of the locking element is prevented by the stopper, and therefore the insertion process is not adversely affected.

[0007] During the insertion process, the stop section moves from the stop position to the pass position due to the relative movement of the two connector housings. At the latest, the stop section will be in the pass position after the insertion process is completed.

[0008] In other words, this means that the stopper is positioned at the passage position such that the locking element can move from the released position to the locked position, or the stopper no longer prevents the locking element from moving from the released position to the locked position.

[0009] The housing and the contact sections located within it are positioned so that when the connector housings are inserted into each other, the two contact sections make electrical contact with each other. This means that the two contact sections can come into contact with each other during the insertion process, and an electrical contact can be established between the two contact sections. Preferably, one of the contact sections is designed as a contact socket, and the other of the two contact sections is designed as a contact pin. Preferably, a contact component is placed between the two contact sections, and this contact component establishes an electrical contact between the two contact sections.

[0010] The stopping section preferably includes a stopping surface, which is positioned such that the locking element contacts the stopping surface at the stopping position.

[0011] The stopper is preferably located in the same connector housing as the locking element. This means that the stopper is located in the second connector housing.

[0012] Preferably, at least one locking tab is designed as a rigid locking tab. A rigid locking tab is understood as a locking tab that does not deform during the intended movement from the released position to the locked position. The locking receiver is designed so that the locking tab is guided within the receiver without deformation of the locking receiver or the locking tab.

[0013] The locking tab extends along a central axis oriented parallel to the direction of movement of the locking element from the released position to the locked position.

[0014] Preferably, the stopper is positioned on the spring tab, and the spring tab, and in particular the stopper, can contact the release surface on the first connector housing during the insertion process. The relative movement of the two connector housings and the contact between the spring tab or stopper and the release surface cause the spring tab to pivot, thereby moving the stopper from the stop position to the pass position.

[0015] After or during the separation process of the two connector housings, the spring tab returns to its initial position, thereby causing the stopper to return to the stopper position.

[0016] Preferably, the locking element has a stopping surface on the locking element side, and this stopping surface causes the locking element to abut against the stopping portion. Preferably, the stopping portion has a surface on the stopping portion side, and the stopping surface on the locking element side abuts against this surface on the stopping portion side.

[0017] Preferably, at least one longitudinal guide is provided between the locking element and the second connector housing. The locking element is connected to the second connector housing via the longitudinal guide so that it can move in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The longitudinal guide causes the locking element to be displaced along linear longitudinal movement. This means that the operational movement of the locking element relative to the second connector housing is brought about in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0019] The longitudinal guide is preferably provided by at least one guide receiving portion on the second connector housing and at least one locking tab that engages with the at least one guide receiving portion.

[0020] This design has the advantage that an element already present in some form on the locking element, in this case the locking tab, can be used as a guide element for the guide receiver.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting section defines the plug insertion direction, which is inclined at a predetermined angle, particularly 90°, with respect to the direction of movement of the locking element from the released position to the locked position. This has the advantage that the insertion process is not adversely affected by the locking process because the plug insertion direction is different from the direction of movement.

[0022] The locking element is preferably latched to the second connector housing via a latch connection, at least at the locking position and preferably also at the release position. When the latch connection is released, the locking element can move relative to the second connector housing.

[0023] The latch connection fixes the locking element at a predetermined position on the second connector housing, both at the locking position and particularly at the release position.

[0024] Preferably, the latch connection includes at least one latch tab having at least one latch section and at least one latch recess, and in the latched state, at least one latch section engages with at least one latch recess.

[0025] The latch tab is preferably movably mounted on a guide track on the second connector housing. Here, the guide track is oriented in the same direction as the longitudinal guide described above.

[0026] Preferably, at least one latch section engages with at least one first latch recess of the latch recesses when the locking element is in the release position. The latch section includes an operating surface having an inclination angle. When the locking element is moved, the operating surface can contact the contact surface of the latch recess and can move out of the latch recess. The angular inclination of the operating surface having an inclination angle is inclined at an angle with respect to the moving direction from the release position to the locking position.

[0027] Preferably, at least one latch section engages with at least one second latch recess of the latch recesses when the locking element is in the locking position. The latch section includes a holding surface, and the second latch recess includes a facing surface. When a force is applied to the locking element in the direction of its release position, the holding surface is pressed against the facing surface, and the holding surface and the facing surface are oriented such that the latch section remains engaged with the latch recess when the force is applied.

[0028] The second latch recess preferably comprises a trough-shaped recess surrounding the latch recess. The trough-shaped recess can improve access to the latch section, so that the latch section can be moved from the latch recess by applying pressure with a finger.

[0029] Preferably, the first connector housing comprises at least one first guide element, and the second connector housing comprises at least one second guide element. The guide elements guide the two connector housings during the insertion process, and the guide elements provide longitudinal guidance. In a further development, coding elements are arranged on some of the guide elements to provide coding of the connectors.

[0030] Preferably, the locking element comprises a base section, and at least one locking tab and a stop project from the base section or the second connector housing in the same direction. If there is the above-mentioned spring tab where the stop is arranged, the spring tab extends in the above direction.

[0031] Preferably, the locking element has a surface structure that can be easily gripped by the user and can exert a good force between the user's finger and the locking element. This surface structure improves manual gripability. The surface structure is preferably provided by a plurality of grooves. The surface structure is preferably arranged on the base section.

[0032] Preferably, the base section is a rectangular frame having four side walls, a first locking tab of the locking tabs projects from the first side wall, and a second locking tab of the locking tabs projects from the second side wall opposite to the first side wall.

[0033] The stop surface on the locking element side preferably projects from a third side wall connecting the first side wall and the second side wall to each other.

[0034] The locking tab preferably protrudes from a fourth side wall that connects the first side wall and the second side wall to each other.

[0035] Preferably, the base section surrounds a portion of the second connector housing from the outside in both the released and locked positions.

[0036] Preferably, the connector assembly further comprises at least one first electrical contact element disposed within at least one first housing and at least one second electrical contact element disposed within at least one second housing. The number of first contact elements corresponds to the number of second contact elements. A single-pole connector assembly having one first contact element and one second contact element, or a multi-pole connector assembly having multiple first contact elements and multiple second contact elements can be provided.

[0037] Further embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a connector assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in Figure 1 before the insertion process. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 after the insertion process, where the locking element is in the released position. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view relating to Figure 3, where the locking element is in the locking position. [Figure 5a] Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in the above figure during the insertion process. [Figure 5b]Figure 5b is a further cross-sectional view relating to Figure 5a. [Figure 5c] Figure 5c is a detailed perspective view of the connector housing at the positions shown in Figures 5a and 5b. [Figure 6a] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown in the above figure after the insertion process. [Figure 6b] Figure 6b is a further cross-sectional view relating to Figure 6a. [Figure 6c] Figure 6c is a detailed perspective view of the connector housing at the positions shown in Figures 6a and 6b. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] The drawings show a connector assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly comprises a first connector housing 1, a second connector housing 4, and a locking element 7.

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 show two connector housings 1 and 4 in a non-inserted state. The first connector housing 1 comprises a first connection section 2 and at least one first housing 3 in which a first electrical contact element can be positioned. The second connector housing 4 comprises a second connection section 5 and at least one second housing 6 in which a second electrical contact element can be positioned. Furthermore, each of the two connector housings comprises a cable housing section 35 in which a cable can be routed to its respective contact element. The two connector housings 1 and 4 can be connected to each other via the connection sections 2 and 5 during the insertion process. Once connected, electrical contact is established between the two contact elements.

[0042] The locking element 7 is positioned in the second connector housing 4. In Figure 1, the locking element 7 is shown in its state before being attached to the second connector housing 4. In Figure 2, the locking element 7 is shown in its attached state. The locking element 7 can move from the released position shown in Figures 2, 3, 5a, 5b, and 5c to the locked position shown in Figures 4, 6a, 6b, and 6c. The locking element 7 interacts with the first connector housing 1 and the second connector housing 4. When the locking element 7 is in the released position, the two connector housings 1 and 4 can be connected or separated from each other. When the locking element 7 is in the locked position and the two connector housings 1 and 4 are connected, the two connector housings 1 and 4 cannot be separated from each other.

[0043] The locking element 7 comprises at least one locking tab 8. In the illustrated embodiment, two locking tabs 8 are arranged. When the locking element 7 is in the locking position 8, at least one locking tab 8 engages with at least one locking receiver 9 located on the first connector housing. This engagement will be described in more detail below.

[0044] At least one longitudinal guide 13 is provided between the locking element 7 and the second connector housing 4. The locking element 7 is connected to the second connector housing 4 via the longitudinal guide 13 so that it can move longitudinally. This means that the locking element 7 can move relative to the second connector housing 4 along a linear longitudinal path. The longitudinal guide 13 is provided by at least one guide receiver 14 positioned on the second connector housing 4 and at least one locking tab 8. The locking tab 8 protrudes into the guide receiver 14 and is guided along the guide receiver 14. The guide receiver 14 functions as a guide track or guide groove.

[0045] Furthermore, one of the two connector housings, in this case the second connector housing 4, is provided with a stopper 10. The stopper 10 can move from a stop position to a pass position during or after the insertion process. In the stop position, the stopper 10 is positioned to prevent the locking element 7 from moving from the release position to the locking position. In the pass position, the stopper 10 is positioned to allow the locking element 7 to move from the release position to the locking position. During or after the insertion process between the first connector housing 1 and the second connector housing 4, the stopper 10 moves to the pass position. This prevents the locking element from becoming operational before the insertion process.

[0046] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show that the stopper 10 prevents the locking element 7 from moving relative to the second connector housing 4. Here, the stopper 10 is in the stop position. Here, the locking element 7 has a stop surface 30 on the locking element side, and the stop surface 30 allows the locking element 7 to abut against the stopper 10. The stopper 10 itself has a stopper side surface 31, and the stop surface 30 on the locking element side can abut against the stopper side surface 31. Referring to Figure 5a, this means that the locking element cannot move from the illustrated released position to the locked position. This movement is prevented by the stopper 30. This is especially true when the insertion operation with the first connector housing 1 has not been performed, or when the insertion operation with the first connector housing is incomplete, or when the wrong first connector housing 1 is being used.

[0047] Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c show that the stopper 10 no longer prevents the movement of the locking element 7 relative to the second connector housing 4. During the insertion process, the stopper 10 contacts the release surface 12 located on the first connector housing 1. The stopper 10 pivots due to the relative movement of the two connector housings 1 and 4 and the contact between the stopper 10 and the release surface 12, thereby moving the stopper 10 from the stop position to the pass position. Here, the stopper 10 is positioned with a stopper-side surface 31 at the front end of a spring tab 11 and bends upward so that the locking element 7 can pass through the stopper 10, as can be seen in Figures 6a and 6c.

[0048] The stop portion 10 itself is slightly wider than the stop surface 30 on the locking element side. The first connector housing 1 includes a recess 32, and when the locking element 7 moves, the stop surface 30 on the locking element side moves into the recess 32. Preferably, the stop portion 10 has a chamfered portion 38 to facilitate insertion of the stop portion 10 into the recess 32. The release surface 12 is located on the left and right sides of the recess 32.

[0049] Figure 6b shows the engagement of the locking tab 8 with the locking receiver 9. The locking tab 8 protrudes into the locking receiver 9 and engages with the locking receiver 9.

[0050] Further preferred features of the illustrated embodiment will be described below with reference to all the figures.

[0051] Connection sections 2 and 3 define the plug insertion direction S. The two connector housings 1 and 4 are inserted into each other along this plug insertion direction S during the insertion process. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug insertion direction S is oriented at an angle α (alpha) with respect to the direction B in which the locking element 7 moves from the released position to the locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α (alpha) is 90°.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 7 is locked to the second connector housing 4 via a latch connector in both the locked and unlocked positions. In other embodiments, the locking element may latch to the second connector housing 4 only in the locked position and not in the unlocked position. The latch connector 15 is designed so that when the latch connector 15 is released, the locking element 7 can be moved relative to the second connector housing 4.

[0053] The latch connection portion 15 preferably comprises a latch tab 16 having a latch section 17 and a latch recess 18. The latch tab 16 is part of the locking element 7, and the latch recess 18 is located on the second connector housing 4. In the latch engaged state, the latch section 17 engages with the latch recess 18.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the two latch recesses 18 are spaced apart from each other.

[0055] The latch section 17 engages with the first latch recess of the latch recess 18 when the locking element 7 is in the released position. This is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The latch section 17 includes an operating surface 19 with an inclined angle. The operating surface 19 is designed to be able to contact the contact surface 20 of the latch recess 18 and move away from the latch recess 18 when the locking element 7 is moved or when a force is applied to the locking element. For this purpose, the operating surface 19 is oriented at a slight angle to the operating movement.

[0056] Furthermore, the latch section 17 engages with the second latch recess of the latch recess 18 when the locking element 7 is in the locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch section 17 has a retaining surface 21 and the second latch recess has an opposing surface 22. When a force is applied to the locking element 7 in the direction of its release position, the retaining surface 21 is pressed against the opposing surface 22. The retaining surface 21 and the opposing surface 22 are oriented such that the latch section 17 remains engaged with the latch recess when the above force is applied. Preferably, the retaining surface 21 and the opposing surface 22 are oriented perpendicular to the operating movement.

[0057] Preferably, the first connector housing 1 comprises at least one first guide element 23, and the second connector housing 4 comprises at least one second guide element 24. The guide elements 23, 24 are designed here as grooves or comb-like portions that engage with grooves. The guide elements 23, 24 guide the two connector housings 1, 4 during the insertion process and provide longitudinal guides oriented in the plug insertion direction S. It is also conceivable that coding elements be inserted within the guide elements 23, 24. Such coding elements can prevent misconnections.

[0058] The locking element 7 preferably comprises a base section 25. At least one locking tab 8 and a stop 10 protrude from the base section 25 in the same direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the base section 25 is a rectangular frame having four side walls 26, 27, 28, and 29, wherein the first locking tab of the locking tab 8 protrudes from the first side wall 26, and the second locking tab of the locking tab 8 protrudes from the second side wall 27 opposite to the first side wall 26. The stop surface 30 on the locking element side protrudes from a third side wall 28 that connects the first side wall 26 and the second side wall 27 to each other.

[0059] The latch tab 16 preferably protrudes from a fourth side wall 29 that connects the first side wall 26 and the second side wall 27 to each other. The base section 25 surrounds a portion of the first connector housings 1, 4 from the outside in both the released and locked positions.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector housing 1 has at least one mounting opening 33, and the first connector housing 1 can be fastened to an electrical device by passing a screw through the mounting opening 33. The locking element 7 has a notch 34. When the locking element 7 is in the locked position, the notch 34 surrounds the mounting opening 33.

[0061] The locking element 7 preferably has a plurality of grooves 36 on two opposing side walls of the base section 25. The grooves 36 provide a surface structure that can be easily gripped by the user and allow good force to be applied between the user's fingers and the locking element.

[0062] The locking tab 8 and the locking receiver 9 preferably each have a chamfered portion 37. The two chamfered portions 37 can come into contact with each other during the process of inserting the locking tab 8 into the locking receiver 9. Even if the two connector housings 1 and 2 are not yet fully connected, they will be fully connected through the contact of the two chamfered portions 37. Furthermore, the chamfered portions 37 assist in the process of inserting the locking tab 8 into the locking receiver 9. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1. First connector housing 2. First connection section 3. First containment section 4. Second connector housing 5. Second Connection Section 6. Second containment section 7 Locking element 8 Locking tabs 9. Locking receiver 10 Stop part 11 Spring tabs 12 Release surface 13 Longitudinal Guide 14 Guide receiving section 15 Latch connection 16 Latch tabs 17 Latch Section 18 Latch recess 19 Working surface 20 Contact surface 21 Holding surface 22 Self-governing surface 23. First guide element 24. Second Guide Element 25 Base section 26 Side wall 27 Side wall 28 Side wall 29 Side wall 30 Stopping surface on the locking element side 31 Stop side surface 32 recesses 33 Mounting opening 34 Notch 35 Cable housing section 36 Groove 37 Chamfered section 38 Chamfered section S Plug insertion direction B Direction of movement

Claims

1. A first connector housing (1) having a first connection section (2) and at least one first housing (3) in which a first electrical contact element can be arranged, A second connector housing (4) having a second connection section (5) and at least one second housing (6) in which a second electrical contact element can be arranged, One or at least one locking element (7) is positioned in the second connector housing (4) so ​​as to be movable between a released position and a locked position, Equipped with, The two connector housings (1, 4) can be connected to each other via the connection sections (2, 5) during the insertion process. The locking element (7) comprises at least one locking tab (8), the at least one locking tab (8) engaging with at least one locking receiving portion (9) located on the first connector housing (1) when the locking element (7) is in the locking position, A connector assembly in which one of the two connector housings (1, 4) includes a stopper (10) which can move from a stop position to a pass position during or after the insertion process, in the stop position the stopper (10) is positioned to prevent the locking element (7) from moving from the release position to the locking position, and in the pass position the stopper (10) is positioned to allow the locking element (7) to move from the release position to the locking position.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stop portion (10) is positioned on a spring tab (11), and the spring tab (11), in particular the stop portion (10), can contact a release surface (12) on the first connector housing (1) during the insertion process, and the spring tab (11) pivots due to the relative movement of the two connector housings (1, 4) and the contact between the spring tab (11) or the stop portion (10) and the release surface (12), thereby moving the stop portion (10) from the stop position to the pass position.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking element (7) has a stop surface (30) on the locking element side, and the stop surface (30) allows the locking element (7) to abut against, be able to abut against, or be stationary against the stop portion (10), and the stop portion (10) has a stop portion side surface (31), and the stop surface (30) on the locking element side abuts against, is able to abut against, or is stationary against the stop portion side surface (31).

4. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one longitudinal guide (13) is provided between the locking element (7) and the second connector housing (4), and the locking element (7) is connected to the second connector housing (4) via the longitudinal guide (13) so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the longitudinal guide (13) is provided by at least one guide receiving portion (14) on the second connector housing (4) and at least one locking tab (8) that engages with at least one guide receiving portion (14).

6. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting sections (2, 3) define a plug insertion direction (S), and the plug insertion direction (S) is preferably inclined at an angle (α, alpha), particularly at an angle (α, alpha) of 90° with respect to the direction (B) of movement of the locking element (7) from the release position to the locking position.

7. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking element (7) is latched to the second connector housing (4) via a latch connection (15) at least in the locked position, and preferably in the released position, and when the latch connection (15) is released, the locking element (7) can be displaced relative to the second connector housing (4).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the latch connection portion (15) comprises at least one latch tab (16) having at least one latch section (17) and at least one latch recess (18), and in the latch engaged state, at least one latch section (17) engages with at least one latch recess (18).

9. At least one of the latch sections (17) engages with at least one first latch recess of the latch recess (18) when the locking element (7) is in the released position, the latch section (17) comprises an inclined working surface (19) which can contact and move away from the contact surface (20) of the latch recess (18) when the locking element (7) is moved, and / or The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the latch section (17) engages with at least one second latch recess of the latch recess (18) when at least one of the locking elements (7) is in the locked position, the latch section (17) comprises a retaining surface (21), the second latch recess comprises an opposing surface (22), the retaining surface (21) is pressed against the opposing surface (22) when a force is applied to the locking element (7) in the direction of its release position, and the retaining surface (21) and the opposing surface (22) are oriented such that the latch section (17) remains engaged with the latch recess when the force is applied.

10. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first connector housing (1) comprises at least one first guide element (23), and the second connector housing (2) comprises at least one second guide element (24), wherein the guide elements (23, 24) guide the two connector housings (1, 4) during the insertion process, and the guide elements (23, 24) provide longitudinal guidance.

11. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the locking element (7) comprises a base section (25), and at least one of the locking tabs (8) and the stop portion (10) protrude in the same direction from the base section (25) or from the second connector housing (4).

12. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the base section (25) is a rectangular frame having four side walls (26, 27, 28, 29), the first locking tab of the locking tab (8) protrudes from the first side wall (26), and the second locking tab of the locking tab (8) protrudes from the second side wall (27) opposite to the first side wall (26).

13. The connector assembly according to claim 3 and claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the stop surface (30) on the locking element side protrudes from a third side wall (28) that connects the first side wall (26) and the second side wall (27) to each other.

14. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the latch tab (16) protrudes from a fourth side wall (29) that connects the first side wall (26) and the second side wall (27) to each other.

15. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the base section (25) surrounds a portion of the second connector housing (4) from the outside in both the released position and the locked position.

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