Connector with a Connector Position Assurance Mechanism

Abstract

To provide a connector having a CPA that provides information that the connector and a mating connector are correctly connected to each other.SOLUTION: A connector 100 includes a transmission element 120 that extends along a mating direction and is movably attached to a connector housing between a mating position in which the connector 100 and a mating connector 200 are connected and a disconnection position in which the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are disconnected. An unlocking element 129 prevents a CPA 400 from being moved to a lock position at the disconnection position of the transmission element 120. The unlocking element 129 allows the CPA 400 to move to the lock position in the mating position of the transmission element 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein generally relates to connectors having a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) mechanism. In particular, the subject matter relates to connectors for connection to a mating connector, such as a pin header. Such connectors are particularly used for high voltage connections, such as those required in the automotive industry, for example.

Background Art

[0002] The CPA is designed to interlock, for example, latch, a correctly connected connector and a mating connector. The interlock is to effect an intentional, and in some cases necessary, prevention. The CPA moves from an open position to a locked position, for example, by actuation by a user. In the open position of the CPA, the connector and the mating connector are separable. In the locked position, the connector and the mating connector are locked.

[0003] In the CPA, a coupling mechanism is used when the connector is connected to the mating connector to hold both the connector and the mating connector together when an electrically conductive connector connection is formed. The coupling mechanism is designed to withstand the forces at the locked position of the CPA that attempt to disconnect the connection by pulling the connector and the mating connector apart.

[0004] Thus, in the locked position of the CPA, it is possible to prevent undesired states, such as an unsafe contact position between the connector and the mating connector. It is also intended to prevent accidental operations that could cause damage. Releasing the interlock usually requires careful operation. The interlock is designed so that it cannot be accidentally released. However, at the same time, the locking mechanism itself should not be (too easily) actuated accidentally. This could, for example, give a false sense of security that the connector and the mating connector are correctly connected, even though they are not.

[0005] To convey information that the connector and the mating connector are properly connected, the CPA may be installed near the mating connector receptacle. For example, the CPA is disposed near the connection point between the connector and the mating connector. The CPA cannot be moved to the locked position unless the connector and the mating connector are connected. Only a portion of the mating connector that engages the CPA when the connector and the mating connector are connected enables the CPA to be moved to the locked position.

[0006] However, in some connectors, the available installation space prevents the CPA from being installed near the mating connector receptacle. In this case, more complex means are required to convey the information that the connector and the mating connector are properly connected, or the information that the connector and the mating connector are properly connected is not conveyed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector having a CPA that provides information that a connector and a mating connector are properly connected. Further, it is an object to be able to provide the CPA away from the mating connector receptacle. Further, it is an object to reduce the complexity for transmitting the information that the connector and the mating connector are properly connected. Further, with respect to a connector that is large due to providing, for example, a latch element, it is an object to transmit the information that the connector and the mating connector are properly connected. Further, it is an object to enable modification of a known connector so that it is possible to transmit the information that the connector and the mating connector are properly connected without changing the installation space specifications for the known connector.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0008] The above problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0009] These problems are solved by a transmission element, for example a release rod, being attached to the connector. The transmission element moves when a mating connector, for example a header, is connected to the connector. This is possible because the transmission element interacts with the mating connector such that when the mating connector and the connector are connected, the transmission element moves from the release position to the engaged position. Thus, the transmission element transmits to the connector the information that the connector and the mating connector are correctly connected. When the connector and the mating connector are fully engaged, the CPA is unlocked. That is, when the transmission element moves to its maximum reach position, it becomes possible to move the CPA. Thus, the transmission element interacts with both the mating connector and the CPA, whereby the CPA can move to the locked position only when the connector and the mating connector are correctly connected.

[0010] The detailed aspects of the connector having the CPA described herein will be detailed below.

[0011] The first aspect relates to a connector for connection to a mating connector. The connector and the mating connector are connecting parts that together form a connector system. The connector system is used in particular for separating and connecting electric wires and, further, for example, lines for optical signals. By form-fitting these connecting parts, the connecting parts can be properly aligned.

[0012] The connector of the first aspect comprises a housing. The housing functions to accommodate the lines. The connector and the mating connector are movable relative to each other in the mating direction in order to fit the connecting parts together. Usually, the mating direction is the same as, for example, the direction of the pin contacts arranged in the connector or the mating connector.

[0013] The connector housing includes a mating connector receptacle at one mating connector end. The mating connector receptacle enables the connector to form a form fit with the mating connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing extends in the connector direction up to the connector end on the side opposite the mating connector end. In other words, the connector end is the housing region of the connector remote from the mating connector end. This makes it possible to provide an installation space for further components of the connector between the connector end and the mating connector end. There is a side wall between the connector end and the mating connector end that extends parallel to the mating direction. The side wall provides, for example, an installation space for a cable region for routing a wire from the connector. The side wall can also provide an installation space for a latch region for arranging a latch element.

[0015] The connector of the first aspect comprises a connector position assurance mechanism (CPA) for fixing the contact position of the connector relative to the mating connector. The CPA is provided at the connector end. In other words, the CPA is provided remote from the mating connector end. This makes it possible to meet the space-related requirements between the CPA and the mating connector receptacle, i.e., in the side wall. By providing a connector having a CPA at the connector end, it becomes possible to use common parts for connectors of various sizes and types.

[0016] As already explained above, the CPA is configured to be movable between an open position where the connector and the mating connector are separable and a locked position where the connector and the mating connector are locked.

[0017] The connector of the first aspect comprises at least one transmission element or a plurality of transmission elements. The transmission element is provided within and / or on the housing. Thus, if the transmission element does not protrude beyond the housing periphery, the existing connector can be modified without changing the installation space specifications for the connector. In particular, all interface outer shapes of the known connector can be kept the same. The transmission element may be realized as a simple component, such as a rod, and in some cases can be easily installed in an existing housing using a conversion kit. Here, the rod is particularly understood as a thin and long, in particular non-elastic, object having, for example, a round or substantially square cross-section.

[0018] The transmission element extends along the mating direction. Thus, the transmission element can transmit information along the mating direction regarding whether the connector and the mating connector are correctly connected. Further, the transmission element is movably mounted with respect to the housing between a mating position where the connector and the mating connector are connected and a disconnection position where the connector and the mating connector are disconnected. With this support, the transmission element movable with respect to the housing can move within the guide. For example, the transmission element is movably mounted in a channel serving as a guide for the housing. The channel is, for example, a tube. A tube is usually an elongated hollow body whose length is significantly larger than its diameter.

[0019] The connector of the first aspect further comprises a mating connector passage at the mating connector end of the housing. The mating connector passage is configured to enable the mating connector to cooperate with the transmission element.

[0020] In other words, the movement of the mating connector in the mating direction causes the movement of the transmission element. For example, the mating connector passage allows at least a part of the transmission element to project from the guide in the mating direction through the mating connector passage, and / or allows at least a part of the mating connector to project to the guide in the mating direction through the mating connector passage. The mating connector passage is further arranged to move the transmission element from the disconnection position to the mating position when the mating connector is connected to the connector. Therefore, the transmission element can transmit information regarding whether the connector and the mating connector are correctly connected as soon as the connector and the mating connector are connected or disconnected.

[0021] The connector of the first aspect further includes a connector end passage at the connector end of the housing for passing a lock release element connected to the transmission element. For example, the lock release element is the lock release end of the transmission element. Alternatively, the lock release element is the lock release part of the CPA.

[0022] In the disconnection position of the transmission element, the lock release element prevents the CPA from being movable to the locked position. For example, the lock release end does not project through the connector end passage and is retracted into the guide. Alternatively, the lock release part of the CPA may project through the connector end passage.

[0023] In the mating position of the transmission element, the lock release element allows the CPA to move to the locked position. For example, the lock release end projects through the connector end passage. Alternatively, the lock release part of the CPA does not have to project through the connector end passage. Therefore, the transmission element can convey information regarding whether the connector and the mating connector are correctly connected to the CPA by mechanical operation as soon as the connector and the mating connector are connected or disconnected.

[0024] The second aspect relates to the connector of the first aspect, and the connector comprises a locking element at the connector end. The locking element may be provided on the CPA or on the outer surface of the connector. The locking element can be moved by an unlocking element between a non-released position and a released position, and the released position of the locking element enables the CPA to move to the locked position. For example, the locking element is a spring element that flexes by the force transmitted by the unlocking element. Therefore, the locking element is more elastic than the unlocking element.

[0025] In particular, the unlocking element and the locking element form a lock that holds the position of the movable locking element relative to the connector, such as the CPA or a blocking element in the connector, until the unlocking element reaches the mating position. It is advantageous for the locking element to be attached to the CPA. This is because the modification to the connector housing is minimized.

[0026] The third aspect relates to the connector described above in the first aspect to the second aspect, and the connector comprises a blocking element at the connector end, and the blocking element prevents the CPA from moving to the locked position when the transmission element is in the disconnected position. For example, the blocking element is provided on the CPA or on the outer surface of the connector. It is advantageous for the blocking element to be provided on the CPA. This is because the modification to the housing is minimized. For example, the blocking element may be used to interact with the locking element. The blocking element may prevent the CPA from moving to the locked position when the locking element is in the non-released position. For example, the blocking element protrudes from the connector end in the connection direction of the mating direction, which is hereinafter referred to as the mating connection direction.

[0027] The fourth aspect relates to the connector described above in the first to third aspects. The connector includes an engaging element at the connector end. The engaging element and the CPA in the locked position of the CPA lock the connector to the mating connector. In particular, the engaging element is provided on the housing and extends in the fitting connection direction. The CPA includes an opposing engaging portion for cooperating with the engaging element, and the opposing engaging portion extends in the fitting connection release direction, i.e., the opposite direction of the fitting connection direction. Further, the engaging element and the opposing engaging portion include a groove extending perpendicular to the fitting direction.

[0028] The fifth aspect relates to the connector described above in the first to fourth aspects. The unlocking element includes a chamfered edge. Thus, the unlocking element has a chamfered surface. The chamfered edge is configured to move the locking element perpendicularly to the fitting direction from the non-released position to the released position. The chamfered edge enables the locking element to be moved perpendicularly to the fitting direction by the unlocking element, thereby enabling a flat design of the CPA.

[0029] The sixth aspect relates to the connector described above in the first to fifth aspects, further including a latching element. The latching element is at least partially disposed at the connector end of the housing and is arranged to move the mating connector in the fitting direction, i.e., the fitting connection direction, by moving from the disengaged position to the latched position. To connect the connector and the mating connector, a mechanical force can be transmitted by the latching element. By attaching the latching element to the connector end, the CPA can interact with a part of the latching element located at the connector end. Attaching the latching element to the connector end can save space. Further, the latching element enables the CPA to be effectively used, particularly in a simple manner, i.e., without additional mechanical components. The latching element can be closed when not inserted, but the CPA cannot move and thus remains locked. In particular, at this time, the locking element of the CPA does not receive a load due to mass.

[0030] Aspect 7 relates to the connector according to Aspect 6. The latch element is a lever, and the lever is rotatably mounted so as to move about a lever axis perpendicular to the mating direction such that the lever is movable between the disengaged position and the latched position. The lever mechanism may reduce the available installation space on the side wall of the housing. Thus, the CPA disposed at the connector end realizes an optimized solution for space. Further, the lever enables the use of this force to connect the connector and the mating connector.

[0031] Aspect 8 relates to the connector described above in Aspects 6 and 7. The latch element includes a handle, and the handle abuts against the connector end of the housing when the latch element is in the latched position. By attaching the handle of the latch element to the connector end, the CPA can interact with the handle located at the connector end. This means that the CPA can be effectively used in a particularly simple way, i.e., without additional mechanical components, and since the user needs to unlock the CPA with the handle, it can be notified to the user in a particularly simple way when the handle of the latch element is not driven as intended.

[0032] Aspect 9 relates to the connector according to Aspect 8. The CPA is disposed on the handle, the handle has a handle passage, and the unlocking element can pass through the handle passage. Thus, the CPA can be disposed in a particularly space-saving manner, and elements such as the locking element of the second aspect can be provided on the CPA.

[0033] Aspect 10 relates to the connector described above in Aspects 8 to 9, the connector comprising a locking element according to Aspect 2 and / or a blocking element according to Aspect 3, the locking element and / or the blocking element being arranged on the handle. For example, the blocking element may project in the mating direction when the latch element is in the latched position. The blocking element and the locking element in the CPA enable both parts to be manufactured integrally, i.e., as part of the CPA, thereby simplifying manufacture.

[0034] Aspect 11 relates to the connector described above in Aspects 1 to 10, the transmission element, which is, for example, rod-shaped, extending between the mating connector end and the connector end, the mating connector end of the transmission element projecting through the mating connector passage and comprising a fixing element, the fixing element projecting perpendicular to the mating direction so as to limit movement of the transmission element in the mating direction. This enables the transmission element to be fixed to the connector housing. No further modification to the mating connector is required.

[0035] Aspect 12 relates to the connector described above in Aspects 1 to 11, the CPA being movable perpendicular to the mating direction between an open position and a locked position at the connector end. This enables the CPA to be constructed flat, which is achieved by the perpendicular movement of the CPA.

[0036] Aspect 13 relates to the connector described above in Aspects 1 to 12. The connector includes a channel, the transmission element is supported by the channel, and the channel is provided in a state blocked from the wires in the housing. The channel having the transmission element opens to the surroundings through a passage. The channel is a transfer path closed within the housing from the connector end of the housing to the mating connector end. Solids such as dust, fluids such as water, or electromagnetic radiation such as light may enter from the outside. Since the contact points can be particularly protected from external influences by means of a barrier, for example an electrical, airtight, electromagnetic and / or optical barrier, the channel is advantageous for applications, for example in high-voltage applications and / or information transmission.

[0037] Aspect 14 relates to a connector system comprising the connector described above in Aspects 1 to 13 and a mating connector.

[0038] Aspect 15 relates to the connector system according to Aspect 14. The mating connector includes a pin header or is a pin header. Here, since the connector already includes a CPA, a pin header without additional devices with safety requirements can be connected to the connector. Thus, the mating connector can be a simple one, namely a pin header.

[0039] The pin header is, for example, a mating connector having a plurality of pin contacts arranged in series. The purpose is to establish connections with a large number of contacts from the mating connector to the connector.

[0040] For a better understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail in connection with the embodiments shown in the following drawings. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals and the same component names. Furthermore, some features or combinations of features in the various embodiments illustrated and described may correspond to independent inventive solutions or solutions according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Here, with the help of the drawings, the connector will be described. FIGS. 1 to 3 show perspective views of a connector system 10 having a connector 100 and a mating connector 200.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the connector system 10 with the latch element 300 in the disengaged position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector system of FIG. 1 with the latch element in the latched position and the CPA 400 in the open position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connector system of FIG. 2 with the CPA 400 in the locked position.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 100 has a housing 110. The housing 110 extends in the mating direction 20 between a mating connector end 112 to which the mating connector 200 is connected in FIGS. 1 - 3 and an opposite connector end 114. In FIGS. 1 - 3, the mating connector receptacle of the connector 100 is completely blocked by the mating connector 200.

[0045] The housing 110 has an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. The inner surface surrounds an internal space, whereby the internal space is used to bring the lines of the connector into contact with the lines of the mating connector.

[0046] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 110 has side walls that extend parallel to the mating direction 20. Here, the side walls parallel to the mating direction include cable side walls 116 having a cable region for routing lines away from the connector 100. Further, the housing 110 has a first lever contact wall 118 having a latch region for disposing the latch element 300. The rear side wall opposite the cable side wall 116 and the second lever contact wall opposite the first lever contact wall are hidden in the perspective view. Thus, since the connector end 114 is on the opposite side of the mating connector end 112, it is the housing region of the connector 100 that is away from the mating connector end 112.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the latch element 300 is at least partially disposed at the connector end 114 of the housing, i.e., in the latched position, the handle 310 abuts against the connector end 114. The handle 310 is for driving by the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the latch element is also arranged to take an unlatched position and can be moved, for example by the user, to the latched positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the latch element 300 may be a lever, and the lever is rotatably mounted about a lever axis 30 perpendicular to the mating direction 20 so that the lever is movable between the unlatched position and the latched position.

[0049] Furthermore, the connector 100 includes a connector position assurance mechanism (CPA) 400 provided at the connector end 114 for fixing the contact position. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPA 400 may be in an open position where the connector and the mating connector are separable. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPA 400 may be in a locked position where the connector and the mating connector are locked.

[0050] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, first, the transmission element 120 of the connector 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the connector system of FIG. 2 along line V-V, where the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are not connected, unlike FIG. 2. Thus, the locked position of the CPA is not released. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the mating connector receptacle 102 provided at the mating connector end 112 of the connector 100 does not fully receive the mating connector 200. Therefore, the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are not properly connected. In particular, this may occur even when the latch element 300 is in the engaged positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0051] Next, FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector system along the cutting axis V-V of FIG. 2. Here, the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are correctly connected. At this time, the transmission element 120 enables the release of the locking position of the CPA 400.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the transmission element 120 extends along the fitting direction 20. FIG. 4 shows the transmission element 120 in the disconnected position where the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are disconnected. FIG. 5 shows the transmission element 120 in the mated position where the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are connected.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows the detail VI of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 shows the detail VII of FIG. 5. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the transmission element 120 is movably mounted in the channel 122 of the connector 100. The position of the transmission element 120 is fixed by the mating connector 200. The channel 122 may be provided in a state of being blocked from a line (not shown) in the housing, for example, a high-voltage electrical connection part.

[0054] As shown here, the transmission element 120 may be in the shape of a rod. This extends between the mating connector end 125 of the transmission element and the connector end 128 of the transmission element. The rod is long in the fitting direction 20 and thin in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction 20.

[0055] The mating connector passage 124 is provided at the mating connector end 112 of the housing. In other words, the channel 122 opens to the mating connector receptacle 102 at the mating connector end 112. The mating connector passage 124 enables the mating connector 200 to interact with the transmission element 120.

[0056] The mating connector end portion 125 of the transmission element may protrude through the mating connector passage 124 and may include a fixing element 126 at the mating connector end portion 124 of the transmission element. The fixing element 126 protrudes perpendicular to the mating direction 20 so as to limit the movement of the transmission element 120 in the mating direction 20. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the fixing element 126 is perpendicular to the mating direction 20 and the lever axis.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission element 120 may be in the disconnected position. The mating connector 200 is not in contact with the transmission element 120. In other words, the mating connector 200 is not fully received in the mating connector receptacle 102. In other words, the mating connector 200 does not contact the transmission element 120, particularly the mating connector end portion 124 of the transmission element.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7, the transmission element 120 may be in the mated position. The mating connector 200 and the connector 100 are correctly connected. Thus, the mating connector receptacle is blocked by the mating connector 200. In other words, the mating connector is in contact with the transmission element 120, particularly the mating connector end portion 124 of the transmission element.

[0059] The connector end passage 127 is provided in the connector end 114 of the housing. In other words, the channel 122 opens to the outer surface of the housing at the connector end 114. The connector end passage 127 allows the unlocking element 129 to pass through. The unlocking element 129 is connected to the transmission element 120. Here, the unlocking element 129 is formed integrally with the transmission element 120.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6 and as described later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the unlocking element 129 prevents the CPA 400 from moving to the locked position when the transmission element 120 is in the disconnected position. In particular, here, the transmission element connector end portion 128 does not protrude from the housing at the connector end 114. The CPA 400 is not affected by the action of the unlocking element 129.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7 and as will be described later in conjunction with FIGS. 8-10, the unlocking element 129 at the fitting position of the transmission element 120 enables the CPA 400 to move to the locked position. Here, the transmission element connector end 128 projects from the housing at the connector end 114, that is, toward the CPA 400. Thus, the CPA 400 is subject to the action of the unlocking element 。

[0062] Here, the CPA of the connector 100 will be described in particular in conjunction with FIGS. 8-10. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the connector system of FIG. 2 along line IX-IX, where the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are not connected and the locked position of the CPA is not released. This means that each component is in the same position as described in FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector system along the cutting axis IX-IX of FIG. 2, where the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are correctly connected. The transmission element 120 enables the locked position of the CPA to be released. This means that each component is in the same position as described in FIGS. 5 and 7.

[0064] In FIGS. 8-10, the CPA is disposed on the handle 310. The handle 310 has a handle passage 311, and the unlocking element 129 can pass through the handle passage 311. In particular, the handle passage 311 is aligned with the connector passage when the latch element 300 is in the engaged position so that the unlocking element 129 can pass through.

[0065] In particular, the CPA has a locking element 410 for interacting with the unlocking element 129. FIG. 8 shows the locking element 410 in the non-released position. FIG. 9 shows the locking element 410 in the released position. As shown in FIG. 9, the unlocking element 129 moves the locking element 410 from the non-released position and the released position.

[0066] In order for the unlocking element 129 to move the locking element 410 from the non-released position to the released position perpendicular to the connector direction, the unlocking element has a chamfered edge 130. Thus, with this arrangement, it is possible to make the CPA movable between the open position and the locked position perpendicular to the fitting direction at the connector end.

[0067] Furthermore, the CPA includes a blocking element 420. The blocking element 420 is connected to the handle 310 via the CPA. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the blocking element 420 protrudes in the fitting direction when the latch element is in the latched position.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, when the transmission element is in the disconnection position, the blocking element 420 blocks the movement of the CPA to the locked position. Thus, here, the unlocking element 129 does not protrude into the CPA. As shown in FIG. 9, when the transmission element is in the fitting position, the blocking element 420 does not block the movement of the CPA to the locked position. Thus, here, the unlocking element 129 protrudes into the CPA. Therefore, the locking element 410 is in the released position, and the movement of the CPA to the locked position shown in FIG. 10 is possible.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the connector includes an engaging element 140 at the connector end. The CPA includes a corresponding opposing engaging portion 440. The engaging element 140 and the opposing engaging portion 440 have a groove perpendicular to the fitting direction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, the engaging element 140 and the opposing engaging portion 440 interact at the locked position of the CPA so that the connector is locked to the mating connector. In particular, it becomes impossible to move the handle 310 to the disengaged position. The user needs to intentionally move the CPA from the locked position to the open position.

[0071] Figure 11 is a further perspective view of Figure 5. Figure 12 shows detail XII of Figure 11. In particular, it can be seen from Figure 12 that the blocking element 420 may be manufactured integrally with the handle 310. The locking element 410 may also be manufactured integrally with the handle 310.

[0072] Furthermore, it can be seen that the CPA 400 comprises a finger drive unit for facilitating movement of the CPA by the user's finger. Here, the CPA 400 may be non-removably connected to the handle 310. Non-removably connected means that the two components cannot be disconnected without using force, for example, without destroying the parts.

[0073] Furthermore, it can be seen that the fixing element 126 and the opposing fixing element 126' limit the movement of the transmission element between the mating position and the disconnected position. In particular, the transmission element and the housing are non-removably connected.

[0074] Even if not shown in the drawings, the latch element does not necessarily have to be provided. Furthermore, instead of a lever as the latch element, an alternative latch element such as a sliding element may be provided as the latch element.

[0075] Even if not shown in the drawings, the unlocking element does not necessarily have to be formed integrally with the transmission element. This may be part of the CPA.

[0076] Although not shown in the drawings, the mating connector may comprise a pin header or may be a pin header.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 10 Connector System 20 Mating Direction 30 Lever Shaft 100 Connector 102 Mating Connector Receptacle 110 Housing 112 Mating Connector End 114 Connector end 116 Cable side panel 118 Lever system wall 120 Transmission element 122 Channel 124 Mate connector passageway 125 Transmission element mate connector end 126 Fixing element 126` Opposing fixing element 127 Connector end passageway 128 Transmission element connector end 129 Unlock element 130 Chamfered edge 140 Engaging element 200 Mate connector 300 Latch element 310 Handle 311 Handle passageway 400 CPA 410 Locking element 420 Blocking element

Claims

1. A connector for connecting to a mating connector (200), wherein the connector (100) comprises: - a housing (110) extending in a mating direction (20) between a mating connector end portion (112) for connection to the mating connector (200) and a connector end portion (114) opposite to the mating connector end portion (112); - a connector position assurance mechanism, CPA (400), for fixing a contact position of the connector (100) to the mating connector (200), the CPA (400) being provided at the connector end portion (114), the CPA (400) being configured to be movable between an open position where the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) are separable and a locked position where the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) are locked; - a transmission element (120) extending along the mating direction (20) and movably mounted relative to the housing (110) between a mating position where the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) are connected and a disconnection position where the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) are disconnected; - a mating connector passage (124) at the mating connector end portion (112) of the housing (110), the mating connector passage (124) being arranged to cooperate with the transmission element (120) such that the transmission element (120) moves from the disconnection position to the mating position when the mating connector (200) and the connector (100) are connected; - a connector end passage (127) at the connector end portion (114) of the housing (110) for passing a lock release element (129) connected to the transmission element (120), wherein at the disconnection position of the transmission element (120), the lock release element (129) prevents the CPA (400) from being movable to the locked position, and at the mating position of the transmission element (120), the lock release element (129) allows the CPA (400) to be movable to the locked position; and comprising The connector (100) further includes a latch element (300), the latch element (300) is at least partially disposed at the connector end (114) of the housing (110) and is arranged to move the mating connector (200) in the fitting direction (20) by moving from the disengaged position to the latched position, the latch element (300) of the connector (100) includes a handle (310), the handle (310) is configured to abut against the connector end (114) of the housing (110) at the latched position of the latch element (300), the CPA (400) is disposed on the handle (310), connector (100). **Claim 2** the connector (100) includes a locking element (410) at the connector end (114) for cooperating with the unlocking element (129), the locking element (410) is movable by the unlocking element (129) between a non-released position and a released position, the released position of the locking element (410) enables the movement of the CPA (400) to the locked position, The connector (100) according to claim 1. **Claim 3** the connector (100) includes a blocking element (420) at the connector end (114), the blocking element (420) blocks the movement of the CPA (400) to the locked position when the transmission element (120) is in the disconnection position, The connector (100) according to claim 1. **Claim 4** the connector (100) includes an engaging element (140) at the connector end (114), the engaging element (140) and the CPA (400) lock the connector (100) to the mating connector (200) at the locked position of the CPA (400), The connector (100) according to claim 1. **Claim 5** the unlocking element (129) includes a chamfered edge (130), the chamfered edge (130) is configured to move the locking element (410) from the non-released position to the released position perpendicular to the fitting direction (20), The connector (100) according to claim 1. **Claim 6** The transmission element (120) has a rod shape. The connector (100) according to claim 1. **Claim 7** the latch element (300) is a lever, The lever is rotatably mounted so as to be movable about a lever axis (30) perpendicular to the fitting direction (20) such that the lever is movable between the engagement release position and the latch position. The connector (100) according to claim 1.

8. The CPA (400) is non-removably connected to the handle (310). The connector (100) according to claim 1.

9. The handle (310) has a handle passage (311). The unlocking element (129) is capable of passing through the handle passage (311). The connector (100) according to claim 1.

10. The connector (100) includes a locking element (410) at the connector end (114) for cooperating with the unlocking element (129). The locking element (410) is movable by the unlocking element (129) between a non-released position and a released position. The released position of the locking element (410) is configured to enable movement of the CPA (400) to the locked position. The locking element (410) is disposed on the handle (310) and protrudes in the fitting direction (20) at the latch position of the latch element (300). The connector (100) according to claim 1.

11. The transmission element (120) extends between a transmission element mating connector end (125) and a transmission element connector end (128). The transmission element mating connector end (125) protrudes through the mating connector passage (124) and includes a fixing element (126) at the transmission element mating connector end (125). The fixing element (126) protrudes perpendicular to the fitting direction (20) so as to limit movement of the transmission element (120) in the fitting direction (20). The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The CPA (400) at the connector end (114) is movable perpendicular to the fitting direction (20) between the open position and the locked position. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. The connector (100) includes a channel (122). The transmission element (120) is supported by the channel (122). The channel (122) is provided in a state blocked from the wires in the housing (110). The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A connector system (10) comprising the connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a mating connector (200).

15. The mating connector (200) comprises a pin header, and the connector system (10) according to claim 14.

16. The connector (100) comprises a blocking element (420) at the connector end (114). The blocking element (420) is configured to prevent the movement of the CPA (400) to the locking position when the transmission element (120) is in the disconnection position. The blocking element (420) is disposed on the handle (310) and protrudes in the fitting direction (20) at the latch position of the latch element (300). The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images