Lockable connector assembly and lockable connector

Abstract

A lockable connector assembly and a lockable connector are provided. The connector includes a first connector (10) and a second connector (20) that mate with each other. The first connector includes a connector position assurance member (12) pivotally supported on an insulating housing. The connector position assurance member is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The second connector includes an insulating housing (21) with a locking arm. The locking arm is always biased to a locked position. When the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the first position, the locking arm is allowed to move away from the locked position. When the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the second position, the locking arm is not allowed to move away from the locked position, thereby preventing the first connector and the second connector from being unlocked.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a lockable connector assembly that can prevent mating connectors from being separated. [Background technology]

[0002] Connectors equipped with a connector position assurance element (CPA) are well known in the art. The CPA functions to prevent mated connectors from separating from each other. This type of connector (usually a plug connector) is equipped with both a CPA element and a locking mechanism. For example, U.S. Pat. No. US11228130B2 discloses such a connector technology.

[0003] However, because both the connector position assurance member and the locking mechanism are located on the same connector, such a design makes it difficult to miniaturize the connector and difficult to apply where space is limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a lockable connector assembly that can prevent two mating connectors of the lockable connector assembly from becoming disengaged due to vibration or other factors.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lockable connector assembly that can meet the demand for miniaturization and is suitable for installation in places where space is limited.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lockable connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector, the second connector mating with the first connector along a first direction; The first connector is a first insulating housing having a mating opening into which at least a portion of the second connector is inserted; at least one first contact held by the first insulating housing; a connector position assurance member having a tongue, pivotally supported on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and pivotable between a first position and a second position; The second connector is a second insulating housing including a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and a gap being present between the locking arm and the housing body; at least one second contact held by the second insulating housing and in electrical contact with the at least one first contact when the second connector is mated with the first connector; The lock arm is formed with a first engagement means, the first engagement means is always biased to a lock position in the second direction; When the second connector is mated with the first connector, the first engaging means engages with the second engaging means formed on the first connector to prevent the second connector from being separated from the first connector; biasing the locking arm away from the locked position to disengage the first engaging means from the second engaging means and allow the second connector to be disengaged from the first connector; when the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the first position while the second connector is mated with the first connector and the lock arm is in the locked position, the tongue is positioned outside the gap to allow the lock arm to be disengaged from the locked position; When the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the second position, the tongue is positioned within the gap to prevent the locking arm from moving out of the locked position.

[0007] In the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the first connector further comprises a positioning means; The positioning means functions to position the connector position assurance member in either the first position or the second position.

[0008] In the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the connector position assurance member includes two side portions and a main body portion connecting the two side portions; the two side portions are parallel to the two side wall portions of the first insulating housing and are located outside the two side wall portions, respectively; an inner surface of each of the side portions is formed with a shaft portion parallel to the second direction; The tongue is formed on the lower surface of the main body.

[0009] In the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the positioning means includes first and second restriction ribs formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and protrusions formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position assurance member, the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib interfere with the protrusion on a movement path of the protrusion, The first and second restriction ribs and the protrusion position the connector position assurance member at the first or second position.

[0010] In the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the first insulating housing has a first foolproof structure formed within the mating opening, a second foolproof structure having a shape complementary to the first foolproof structure is formed on the housing body of the second insulating housing; The first foolproof structure and the second foolproof structure allow the second connector to mate with the first connector only in a defined orientation.

[0011] In the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, an opening is formed in the top wall of the first insulating housing, through which the tongue piece passes.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lockable connector for mating with a mating connector in a first orientation. The lockable connector comprises: a first insulating housing having a mating opening into which at least a portion of the mating connector is inserted; at least one first contact held by the first insulating housing; a connector position assurance member having a tongue, pivotally supported on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and pivotable between a first position and a second position; The mating connector is a second insulating housing including a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and a gap being present between the locking arm and the housing body; at least one second contact carried by the second insulating housing and in electrical contact with the at least one first contact when the mating connector is mated with the lockable connector; The lock arm is formed with a first engagement means, the first engagement means is always biased to a lock position in the second direction; When the mating connector is mated with the lockable connector, the first engaging means engages with second engaging means formed on the lockable connector to prevent disengagement of the mating connector from the lockable connector; biasing the locking arm away from the locked position to disengage the first engaging means from the second engaging means and permit disengagement of the mating connector from the lockable connector; when the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the first position while the mating connector is mated with the lockable connector and the lock arm is in the locked position, the tongue is positioned outside the gap, allowing the lock arm to be disengaged from the locked position; When the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the second position, the tongue is positioned within the gap to prevent the locking arm from moving out of the locked position.

[0013] The lockable connector of the present invention further comprises a positioning means, The positioning means functions to position the connector position assurance member in either the first position or the second position.

[0014] In the lockable connector of the present invention, the connector position assurance member includes two side portions and a main body portion connecting the two side portions; the two side portions are parallel to the two side wall portions of the first insulating housing and are located outside the two side wall portions, respectively; an inner surface of each of the side portions is formed with a shaft portion parallel to the second direction; The tongue is formed on the lower surface of the main body.

[0015] In the lockable connector of the present invention, the positioning means includes a first restriction rib and a second restriction rib formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position assurance member, the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib interfere with the protrusion on a movement path of the protrusion, The first and second restriction ribs and the protrusion position the connector position assurance member at the first or second position.

[0016] In the lockable connector assembly of the present invention, the CPA member and the locking mechanism are respectively provided on the first and second mating connectors, which reduces the design complexity of the connectors and simultaneously avoids an increase in the connector size.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will be able to fully understand the technical features, other objects and advantages of the present invention by reading the specification and accompanying drawings of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a lockable connector assembly in a mated state according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lockable connector assembly in an unmated state according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a socket connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is another exploded perspective view of the socket connector according to the embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] Schematic showing the mating and locking process of a lockable connector assembly [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8 [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 8 [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 8 [Figure 12] Cross section along line DD in Figure 8 [Figure 13] Cross section along line EE in Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The lockable connector assembly according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical components or components having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0020] A lockable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the lockable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in a mated state. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lockable connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unmated state. The lockable connector assembly is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. The lockable connector assembly 1 includes a socket connector 10 as a first connector and a plug connector 20 as a second connector. The plug connector 20 mates with the socket connector 10 in a first direction D1. In each drawing, the first direction D1 is the mating direction, the second direction D2 is the width direction perpendicular to the first direction D1, and the third direction D3 is the height direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0021] In this embodiment, the lockable connector assembly 1 is a wire-to-board connector assembly that functions to establish an electrical connection between a board and an electrical wire. The socket connector 10 is a board-side connector. The plug connector 20 is a wire-side connector. Note that this embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of application of the present invention.

[0022] A socket connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the socket connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the socket connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is another exploded perspective view of the socket connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. The socket connector 10 includes an insulating housing 11, a connector position assurance member 12, a plurality of contacts 13, and two metal members 14.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the insulating housing 11 has an upper wall 110, a bottom wall 112, and two side walls 111 connecting the upper wall 110 and the bottom wall 112. The upper wall 110, the bottom wall 112, and the side walls 111 define an accommodating space SP. The accommodating space SP is open at the front end of the socket connector 10 in the first direction D1 and is closed at the rear end in the first direction D1 by a rear wall 113. The accommodating space SP has a mating opening into which a portion of the mating connector (i.e., the plug connector 20) is inserted along the first direction D1. Each side wall 111 is formed with a shaft hole 1111, a first restriction rib 1112, a second restriction rib 1113, and a metal member holding portion 1114. The shaft hole 1111 functions to rotatably support the shaft portion of the connector position assurance member 12.

[0024] The first and second restriction ribs 1112 and 1113, which serve as positioning means, function to position the connector position assurance member 12. The first and second restriction ribs 1112 and 1113 are generally parallel to the first direction D1 and spaced apart from each other in the third direction D3 (height direction).

[0025] The contacts 13 are arranged in a row along the second direction D2 (width direction) and held by the insulating housing 11. Each contact 13 is made of copper or a copper alloy. The contact 13 has a connection terminal portion 131, a curved portion 132, a held portion 133, and a contact portion 134. The connection terminal portion 131 is pin-shaped. The contact portion 134 is plate-shaped and extends from one end of the held portion 133. The other end of the held portion 133 is connected to the connection terminal portion 131 via the curved portion 132. The held portion 133 has a barb structure. The held portion 133 is inserted into a contact holding hole (not shown) formed in the rear wall portion 113 of the insulating housing 11 by an interference fit. The contact portion 134 extends along the first direction D1 within the accommodation space SP. The connection terminal portion 131 is soldered to the board.

[0026] The metal member 14 includes a held portion 140 and a pin-shaped soldered portion 141. A barb structure is formed in the held portion 140. A metal member holding portion 1114 is formed in the side wall portion 111 of the insulating housing 11. A holding hole is formed in the metal member holding portion 1114. The held portion 140 of the metal member 14 is inserted into the holding hole of the metal member holding portion 1114 by an interference fit. By soldering the soldered portion 141 of the metal member 14 to the board, the socket connector 10 can be stably mounted on the board.

[0027] The connector position assurance member 12 includes two side portions 121 and a main body portion 120 connecting the two side portions 121. When viewed from a first direction D1, the connector position assurance member 12 is generally U-shaped. The connector position assurance member 12 is pivotally supported by the insulating housing 11 and can pivot between a first position P1 (see FIG. 8) and a second position P2 (see FIG. 8) with respect to the insulating housing 11. The connector position assurance member 12 prevents the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 from being unlocked, and can prevent the plug connector 20, inserted into the socket connector 10, from being removed from the socket connector 10.

[0028] The main body 120 of the connector position assurance member 12 has an operating portion 1201. This operating portion 1201 allows a user to easily operate the connector position assurance member 12 with their fingers to change its position. Two tongues 1202 are formed on the underside of the main body 120 of the connector position assurance member 12. These tongues 1202 can extend into the receiving space SP through openings 1101 formed in the upper wall 110. The interaction between the tongues 1202 and the plug connector will be described later.

[0029] Each side portion 121 has a shaft portion 1211 and a protrusion 1212 on its inner surface. The protrusion 1212, which serves as positioning means, is spaced a certain distance from the shaft portion 1211. The axis of the shaft portion 1211 is parallel to the second direction D2. The shaft portion 1211 is fitted into the shaft hole 1111 of the insulating housing 11 and is rotatably supported by the shaft hole 1111. In this way, the connector position assurance member 12 is pivotally supported by the insulating housing 11.

[0030] A plug connector 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the plug connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the plug connector according to the embodiment of the present invention. The plug connector 20 includes an insulating housing 21 and a plurality of contacts 22.

[0031] The insulating housing 21 includes a housing body 210 and two locking arms 211 formed on the housing body 210. The two locking arms 211 are located on either side of the housing body 210 in the second direction D2. A gap GP exists between each locking arm 211 and the housing body 210. One end of the locking arm 211 is connected to the housing body 210 near the front end (insertion end) of the housing body 210. The other end of the locking arm 211 is movable in the second direction D2. The insulating housing 21 has two guards 212. These guards 212 partially surround the two locking arms 211 and are positioned to protect the locking arms 211 from collisions and misoperation. An opening 2100 is formed at the front end of the housing body 210. When the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 are mated with each other, the contacts 13 of the socket connector 10 are inserted into the openings 2100 and are in electrical contact with the contacts 22 of the plug connector 20.

[0032] The contacts 22 are arranged in a row along the second direction D2 and held by the insulating housing 21. The contacts 22 are connected to the electric wires 23. As shown in FIG. 7 , the contacts 22 include a contact portion 221 and an insulation displacement portion 222. The electric wire 23 includes a conductor portion 231 and an insulating sheath 232 that covers the conductor portion 231. The contact portion 221 of the contact 22 is configured to be in electrical contact with the plate-shaped contact portion 134 of the contact 13 when the plug connector 20 is mated with the socket connector 10. The insulation displacement portion 222 of the contact 22 is pressure-welded to the conductor portion 231 of the electric wire 23 and is electrically connected to the conductor portion 231. The contact 22 pressure-welded to the electric wire 23 is inserted into a contact holding hole 2102 formed at the rear end of the housing main body 210 and is held by the housing main body 210.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5, a rib 1102 extending along a first direction is formed as a foolproof structure on the inner surface of the upper wall portion 110 of the insulating housing of the socket connector 10. As shown in Fig. 6, a groove 2101 extending along a first direction D1 is formed as a foolproof structure on the housing body 210 of the insulating housing of the plug connector 20. The rib 1102 and the groove 2101 ensure that the plug connector 20 can only be inserted into the socket connector 10 in a specific orientation. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the plug connector 20 is inserted into the socket connector 10 in the correct orientation.

[0034] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the mating and locking processes of the lockable connector assembly. In a first step S1, the plug connector 20 is aligned with the mating opening of the socket connector 10 in a specified orientation, and the connector position assurance member 12 is located at a first position P1. In a second step S2, the plug connector 20 is inserted into the socket connector 10 along a first direction D1. In a third step S3, the connector position assurance member 12 is switched from the first position to a second position P2.

[0035] The first restriction rib 1112, the second restriction rib 1113, and the protrusion 1212, which serve as positioning means, will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 8.

[0036] The first and second restriction ribs 1112, 1113 formed on the side wall 111 of the insulating housing 11 interfere with the protrusion 1212 on the movement path of the protrusion 1212. When the protrusion 1212 is located between the first and second restriction ribs 1112, 1113, the connector position assurance member 12 is located at the first position P1. In this case, the plug connector 20 is allowed to be inserted into the socket connector 10. Alternatively, if the plug connector 20 has already been inserted into the socket connector 10, the locked state between the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 is allowed to be released. When the protrusion 1212 is located below the first restriction rib 1112, the connector position assurance member 12 is located at the second position P2. In this case, the locked state between the socket connector 10 and the plug connector 20 is prohibited from being released.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the upper and lower outer edges of the first restriction rib 1112 are chamfered. These chamfers allow the protrusion 1212 to move upward or downward to overcome the first restriction rib 1112, switching the connector position assurance member 12 to the first position P1 or the second position P2. The lower outer edge of the second restriction rib 1113 is not chamfered, preventing the protrusion 1212 from moving upward to overcome the second restriction rib 1113. This prevents the connector position assurance member 12 from moving away from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The above positioning design allows the connector position assurance member 12 to be accurately positioned at the first position P1 or the second position P2 and prevents it from rotating upward from the first position P1.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 11, the locking arm 211 is formed with a locking portion 2111 as first engagement means. A protrusion 1115 as second engagement means is formed on the inner surface of the side wall portion 111 of the insulating housing of the socket connector 10. When the plug connector 20 is inserted into the socket connector 10, the locking portion 2111 engages with the protrusion 1115, preventing the plug connector 20 from being removed from the socket connector 10. In this case, the locking arm 211 is in the locked position. When the locking arm 211 is pressed inward in the second direction D2, the locking arm 211 moves inward and away from the locked position, and the locking portion 2111 disengages from the protrusion 1115. In this case, the plug connector 20 can be removed from the socket connector 10.

[0039] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 8 and 12, when the connector position assurance member 12 is in the first position P1, the tongue 1202 is not in the gap GP between the locking arm 211 and the housing body 210. Therefore, the locking arm 211 can be pressed inward in the second direction D2, urging the locking arm 211 away from the locked position. In this state, the locked state between the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10 can be released.

[0040] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 8 and 13, when the connector position assurance member 12 is located at the second position P2, the tongue 1202 extends into the gap GP between the locking arm 211 and the housing main body 210. The tongue 1202 prevents the locking arm 211 from moving inward in the second direction D2. Therefore, the locking arm 211 cannot move away from the locked position. In this state, the locked state between the plug connector 20 and the socket connector 10 cannot be released, and the plug connector 20 can be reliably prevented from being detached from the socket connector 10.

[0041] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art may make various modifications as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is subject to the scope of the utility model registration claims. In other words, equivalent changes and modifications that do not depart from the scope of the utility model registration claims of the present invention shall remain within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 Lockable Connector Assembly 10-socket connector 11 Insulating housing 110 Upper wall section 1101 Aperture 1102 Rib 111 Side wall 1111 Shaft hole 1112 First restriction rib 1113 Second restriction rib 1114 Metal member holding part 1115 Protrusion 112 Bottom wall 113 Rear wall 12 Connector position assurance member 120 Main body 1201 Operation unit 1202 Tongue piece 121 Side 1211 Shaft 1212 Protrusion 13 Contact 131 Connection terminal 132 Curved section 133 Holding part 134 Contact part 14 Metallic parts 140 Holding part 141 Soldering section 20 plug connector 21 Insulating housing 210 Housing body 2100 aperture 2101 Groove 2102 Contact holding hole 211 Lock Arm 2111 Locking part 212 Guard 22 Contacts 221 Contact part 222 Pressure welding part 23 Electric wire 231 Conductor 232 Insulating sheath D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction D3 Third direction GP Gap SP Containment Space P1 1st position P2 2nd position

Claims

1. 1. A lockable connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector, the second connector is mated with the first connector along a first direction, The first connector is a first insulating housing having a mating opening into which at least a portion of the second connector is inserted; at least one first contact held by the first insulating housing; a connector position assurance member having a tongue, pivotally supported on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and pivotable between a first position and a second position; The second connector is a second insulating housing including a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and a gap being present between the locking arm and the housing body; at least one second contact held by the second insulating housing and in electrical contact with the at least one first contact when the second connector is mated with the first connector; The lock arm is formed with a first engagement means, the first engaging means is always biased to a locked position in the second direction; When the second connector is mated with the first connector, the first engaging means engages with the second engaging means formed on the first connector to prevent the second connector from being separated from the first connector; biasing the locking arm away from the locked position to disengage the first engaging means from the second engaging means and allow the second connector to be disengaged from the first connector; when the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the first position while the second connector is mated with the first connector and the lock arm is in the locked position, the tongue is positioned outside the gap, allowing the lock arm to be disengaged from the locked position; When the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the second position, the tongue is positioned within the gap to prevent the locking arm from moving out of the locked position.

2. the first connector further comprises a positioning means; 2. The lockable connector assembly of claim 1, wherein said positioning means functions to position said connector position assurance member in either said first position or said second position.

3. the connector position assurance member includes two side portions and a body portion connecting the two side portions; the two side portions are parallel to the two side wall portions of the first insulating housing and are located outside the two side wall portions, respectively; an inner surface of each of the side portions is formed with a shaft portion parallel to the second direction; 3. The lockable connector assembly of claim 2, wherein said tongue is formed on the underside of said body portion.

4. the positioning means includes a first restriction rib and a second restriction rib formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position assurance member, the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib interfere with the protrusion on a movement path of the protrusion, 4. The lockable connector assembly of claim 3, wherein said first restraining rib, said second restraining rib, and said protrusion position said connector position assurance member in said first position or said second position.

5. The first insulating housing has a first foolproof structure formed within the mating opening, a second foolproof structure having a shape complementary to the first foolproof structure is formed on the housing body of the second insulating housing; 5. The lockable connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first foolproof structure and the second foolproof structure allow the second connector to mate with the first connector only in a specified orientation.

6. 5. A lockable connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein an opening is formed in an upper wall of the first insulating housing, through which the tongue piece passes.

7. 1. A lockable connector that mates with a mating connector in a first orientation, The lockable connector comprises: a first insulating housing having a mating opening into which at least a portion of the mating connector is inserted; at least one first contact held by the first insulating housing; a connector position assurance member having a tongue, pivotally supported on the first insulating housing about an axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and pivotable between a first position and a second position; The mating connector is a second insulating housing including a housing body and a locking arm, the locking arm being located on one side of the housing body in the second direction, and a gap being present between the locking arm and the housing body; at least one second contact carried by the second insulating housing and in electrical contact with the at least one first contact when the mating connector is mated with the lockable connector; The lock arm is formed with a first engagement means, the first engaging means is always biased to a locked position in the second direction; When the mating connector is mated with the lockable connector, the first engaging means engages with second engaging means formed on the lockable connector to prevent the mating connector from being disengaged from the lockable connector; biasing the locking arm away from the locked position to disengage the first engaging means from the second engaging means and permit disengagement of the mating connector from the lockable connector; when the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the first position with the mating connector mated with the lockable connector and the lock arm in the locked position, the tongue is positioned outside the gap, allowing the lock arm to be disengaged from the locked position; When the connector position assurance member is pivoted to the second position, the tongue is positioned within the gap to prevent the locking arm from moving out of the locked position.

8. Further comprising positioning means, 8. The lockable connector of claim 7, wherein said positioning means functions to position said connector position assurance member in either said first position or said second position.

9. the connector position assurance member includes two side portions and a body portion connecting the two side portions; the two side portions are parallel to the two side wall portions of the first insulating housing and are located outside the two side wall portions, respectively; an inner surface of each of the side portions is formed with a shaft portion parallel to the second direction; 9. The lockable connector of claim 8, wherein the tongue is formed on the underside of the body portion.

10. the positioning means includes a first restriction rib and a second restriction rib formed on the outer surface of each side wall of the first insulating housing, and a protrusion formed on the inner surface of each side of the connector position assurance member, the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib are spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; the first restriction rib and the second restriction rib interfere with the protrusion on a movement path of the protrusion, 10. The lockable connector of claim 9, wherein the first restraining rib, the second restraining rib, and the protrusion position the connector position assurance member in the first position or the second position.

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