Connector Arrangement

Abstract

To provide a connector arrangement comprising a CPA member and a detection device that has a switchable electric circuit.SOLUTION: A connector arrangement comprises: a connector 3 and a corresponding mating connector configured to be mated with the connector; a CPA member 1 configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, where in the closed state the CPA member is adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector and the mating connector and prevents the connector and the mating connector from accidental unmating; and a detection device 5 for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electric circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a connector arrangement comprising a connector and a corresponding mating connector configured to mate with the connector, a CPA member configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, the CPA member being adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector and the mating connector in the closed state and preventing accidental disengagement of the connector and the mating connector, and a detection device for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electrical circuit. [Background technology]

[0002] A connector position assurance ("CPA") member of the connector arrangement is provided to ensure that the electrical connectors are fully mated. The CPA member is a secondary lock that cannot be engaged until the connectors are fully mated. To further certify that the CPA member has been properly installed and deployed, an electrical circuit such as a radio frequency identification ("RFID") tag is used.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an RFID-enabled electrical connector with a connector position assurance feature. The RFID tag can only be read after the CPA feature is fully deployed. The electrical connector consists of at least two parts: a socket and a plug. A connector housing is located between the socket and the plug, and both the socket and the plug are connected to the connector housing. The RFID tag is covered with a conductive material, preferably a conductive plastic, until the CPA feature has been fully deployed. The RFID tag can only be properly read after the CPA feature has been fully deployed.

[0004] Signal leakage can be an issue with coated RFID tags. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 1,152,2319 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It may be an object to provide a connector arrangement comprising a CPA member and a detection device comprising a switchable electrical circuit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is achieved by the connector arrangement of claim 1. The dependent claims describe embodiments.

[0008] The connector arrangement includes a connector and a corresponding mating connector configured to mate with the connector, and a CPA member configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the closed state the CPA member is adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector and the mating connector and prevent accidental disengagement of the connector and the mating connector. The connector arrangement further includes a detection device for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device having an electric circuit and a spring contact for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit, the spring contact comprising a resilient member or at least one resilient member, the resilient member being deflected by at least one of the connector and the mating connector when the CPA member moves from the open state to the closed state, the resilient member including a conductor portion of the electric circuit.

[0009] A detection device having an electrical circuit and spring contacts for connecting and disconnecting the electrical circuit is advantageous because it can be switched on and off. A change in state of the electrical circuit by connecting or disconnecting the electrical circuit thus indicates that the CPA member has moved from an open state to a closed state. The electrical circuit may include a transmitting antenna and / or a logic block for wirelessly indicating that the CPA member has moved from an open state to a closed state. The electrical circuit may particularly include an RFID tag and an RFID antenna. Connecting and disconnecting the electrical circuit thus may result in activation or deactivation of one or both of the transmitting antenna and the logic block, or a change in the information transmitted by the transmitting antenna and the logic block. An operator or supervisor is thus notified that the CPA member has moved from an open state to a closed state, which also indirectly confirms that the connector has properly mated with the mating connector. The notification may also be recorded for verification purposes.

[0010] A connector and a corresponding mating connector are typically used to establish electrical connections, such as high-voltage connections. The CPA member refers to a connection position assurance member, which is a secondary lock on the connector arrangement that cannot be engaged until the connector and mating connector are properly mated. The open and closed states of the CPA member represent the positions of the CPA member, with the open state meaning the CPA member is not engaged and the closed state meaning the CPA member is engaged, confirming proper mating between the connector and the mating connector and preventing accidental disengagement of the connector and the mating connector. A detection device for detecting the closed state of the CPA member may also be described as detecting the closed or open state of the CPA member. The resilient member of the spring contact has the advantage that spring tension due to flexing maintains the electrical circuit in either a connected or disconnected state. The resilient member including the conductor portion of the electrical circuit means that the resilient member can be the conductor portion or the conductor portion can be attached to the resilient member.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the detection device may be arranged only in the CPA member. The detection device may be a modular component that is connected to the CPA member, for example by a snap-fit ​​connection. Alternatively, the detection device may be integrated into the CPA member. Still alternatively, the detection device may be arranged partially in the connector and the CPA member.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the electric circuit has two contact portions electrically insulated from each other, the elastic member is adapted to bridge the two contact portions, and the conductor portion connects or disconnects the electric circuit when the CPA member is in the closed state. When the CPA member is in the closed state, the spring tension of the bent elastic member can press the conductor portion against or away from the two contact portions. The two contact portions can be disposed in the connector, and the elastic member can be disposed in the CPA member. In particular, at least a portion of the electric circuit is disposed on a circuit board, and the circuit board is disposed in the connector. The two contact portions connected to the electric circuit on the circuit board can be attached to locking arms of the connector.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the elastic member has two legs, the conductor portion extending from one leg to the other leg, each leg adapted to bring one of the two contact portions into contact with the conductor portion.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the detection device comprises two resilient members, each of which includes a conductor portion of an electric circuit. The electric circuit has an electrically insulated contact bridge, and the resilient member is adapted to connect or disconnect the electric circuit by bridging the two conductor portions by bringing the contact bridge into contact with both conductor portions when the CPA member is in the closed state. When the CPA member is in the closed state, the spring tension of the bent resilient member can press the conductor portion against or away from the contact bridge.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the two elastic members may be disposed on the connector and the contact bridge may be disposed on the CPA member. At least a portion of the electrical circuit may be disposed on a circuit board, the two elastic members may be attached to the circuit board, and the circuit board may be disposed on the connector.

[0016] At least one of the conductor portion, bridge portion, and contact portion of one or two of the described embodiments may be provided as a conductive paint or foil. The resilient member may be a conductive spring, for example a metal spring, forming one or more conductor portions. The resilient member may be a solid metal wire or a flat metal wire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the illustrations are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a connector with a CPA member according to a first embodiment of a connector arrangement; [Figure 2] 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a connector with a CPA member according to a first embodiment of a connector arrangement; [Figure 3] 2 shows the detection device of the CPA member of FIG. 1 in a different view; [Figure 4] 2 shows the detection device of the CPA member of FIG. 1 in a different view; [Figure 5] 1A-1D show cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in an open and closed state. [Figure 6] 1A-1D show cross-sectional views of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in an open and closed state. [Figure 7] 10 shows a perspective view of a connector with a CPA member according to a second embodiment of the connector arrangement; [Figure 8] 8A and 8B show perspective views of the detection device and CPA member of FIG. 7 in different states. [Figure 9] 8A and 8B show perspective views of the detection device and CPA member of FIG. 7 in different states. [Figure 10] 8A and 8B show side views of the detection device and CPA member of FIG. 7 in different states. [Figure 11] 8A and 8B show side views of the detection device and CPA member of FIG. 7 in different states. [Figure 12] 10 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a connector arrangement in detail. [Figure 13] 13 shows a detail of the embodiment of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 10 shows a perspective view of a CPA member according to a fourth embodiment of a connector arrangement; [Figure 15] 10A and 10B show different perspective views of a connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B show different perspective views of a connector according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in an open and closed state. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in an open and closed state. [Figure 19] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector with a CPA member according to a fifth embodiment of the connector arrangement. [Figure 20] 20 shows a perspective view of the CPA member of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in a closed state. [Figure 22] 10 shows a detection device according to a sixth embodiment from different perspectives; [Figure 23] 10 shows a detection device according to a sixth embodiment from different perspectives; [Figure 24] 10 shows a detection device according to a sixth embodiment from different perspectives; [Figure 25] 23 shows details of the detection device of FIG. 22. [Figure 26] 10 shows different views of a CPA member according to a sixth embodiment with and without a detection device; [Figure 27] 10 shows different views of a CPA member according to a sixth embodiment with and without a detection device; [Figure 28] 10 shows different views of a CPA member according to a sixth embodiment with and without a detection device; [Figure 29] 10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of a sixth embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in an open and closed state. [Figure 30]10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of a sixth embodiment of a connector arrangement with a CPA member in an open and closed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a connector 3 including a CPA member 1 according to a first embodiment of a connector arrangement. The connector 3 is also illustrated in an exploded perspective view in FIG. 2. FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described together. The CPA member 1 is configured to be movable between an open state shown in FIG. 1 and a closed state, and a locking arm 6 of the connector 3 is configured to interact with the CPA member 1 when the CPA member 1 moves from the open state to the closed state, as described below. A detection device 5 is provided on the CPA member 1 for detecting the closed state of the CPA member 1. The connector 3 has a terminal receiving portion 24 for receiving an electrical terminal (not shown). The terminal receiving portion 24 will be largely omitted from the following description of the connector 3. Where appropriate in the following figures, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate three orthogonal directions in Cartesian space.

[0019] The detection device 5 comprises an electric circuit 8 and a spring contact 7 for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit 8. The spring contact 7 comprises an elastic member 9, for example a metal spring. The electric circuit 8 has two contact portions 11 that are electrically insulated from each other, and the elastic member 9 is adapted to bridge the two contact portions 11 when bent to connect the electric circuit 8. The elastic member 9 thereby forms a conductor portion of the electric circuit. However, the elastic member may alternatively support the conductor portion, for example if the elastic member 9 is a dielectric material to which a conductive bridge is attached.

[0020] 3 and 4 depict the detection device 5 of the CPA element 1 from different perspectives. FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described together. In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device 5 is located only on the CPA element 1. Furthermore, the detection device 5 is a modular element that is attached to the CPA element 1 by fastening clips 14 or other suitable means. The electrical circuit 8 includes a transmitting antenna 27, e.g., an RFID antenna, mounted on a surface of the modular detection device 5 that faces away from the CPA element 1 when installed to improve reception quality for wireless transmissions. The electrical circuit 8 may further include a logic block 26, e.g., an RFID tag.

[0021] The detection device 5 is adapted to wirelessly indicate when the CPA member 1 has moved from an open state to a closed state, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , which show a first embodiment of a connector arrangement including the CPA member 1 in an open state (FIG. 5 ) and a closed state (FIG. 6 ), each depicted in a cross-section in a plane defined by the X and Z spatial directions. The connector 3 is only partially depicted because the terminal receiving portion 24 has been omitted. The same applies to the mating connector 4 configured to mate with the connector 3. In the unmated position of the connector arrangement shown in FIG. 5 , the arm 2 of the CPA member 1 has a protrusion 28 that is blocked by the beam 29 of the locking arm 6, preventing the CPA member 1 from moving from the open state to the closed state. The resilient member 9 of the detection device 5 is not bent, and a gap between the resilient member 9 and the contact portion 11 of the electrical circuit 8 prevents premature closure of the electrical circuit 8.

[0022] The mating connector 4 is attached to the mating connector 4 by inserting the connector 3 into the mating connector 4 in the Z direction while the CPA member 1 is still in the open state shown in Figure 5 to reach the mated position of the connector arrangement shown in Figure 6. During the mating process until the locking arm 6 snaps freely onto the fixed arm 15, that is, when the beam 29 passes the head 31 of the fixed arm 15, which has a larger extension in the X direction than the rest of the fixed arm 15, the fixed arm 15 of the mating connector 4 flexes the locking arm 6 of the connector 3 and the arm 2 of the CPA member 1 in the X direction. The locking arm 6 snaps into a position that establishes a secure shape lock in the Z direction between the head 31 of the fixed arm 15 and the beam 29. During the mating process, the free end 30 of the locking arm 6 is away from the elastic member 9, which is not yet bent. Only in the mated position does the head 31 of the fixing arm 15 cause the arm 2 of the CPA member 1 to bend in the X direction, and the locking arm 6 returns to its initial position, so that the protrusion 28 is no longer blocked by the beam 29. Only then does the CPA member 1 move in the Z direction from the open state to the closed state.

[0023] When the CPA member 1 reaches the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6 , the arm 2 is released, and the protrusion 28 is positioned on the opposite side of the beam 29 in the Z direction from before. When the CPA member 1 returns to the open position, the arm 2 again flexes. Because the CPA member 1 can only move to the closed position when the connector 3 and the mating connector 4 are properly mated, the detection device 5 indirectly indicates that the connector 3 and the mating connector 4 are properly mated when it detects and indicates the closed position of the CPA member 1. Moving the CPA member 1 to the closed position causes the free end 30 of the locking arm 6 to flex the resilient member 9, reducing the gap between the resilient member 9 and the contact portion 11 of the electrical circuit 8 until the resilient member 9 presses against the contact portion 11 of the electrical circuit 8, closing the electrical circuit 8. Because the free end 30 of the locking arm 6 is blocked in the X direction by the resilient member 9, the CPA member 1 prevents the connector 3 and the mating connector 4 from accidentally becoming unmated. The two contact portions 11 are electrically insulated from each other. The elastic member 9 bridges the two contact portions 11, thereby connecting the electric circuit 8. A change in state of the electric circuit 8 by connecting the electric circuit 8 indicates, among other things, that the CPA member 1 has moved from an open state to a closed state by sending a signal generated by a logic block 26 via a transmitting antenna 27. In an alternative embodiment, the change in state of the electric circuit 8 is an interruption of the electric circuit 8, and the end of the transmission of the signal indicates the closed state of the CPA member 1.

[0024] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a connector 3 including a CPA member 1 according to a second embodiment of the connector arrangement. The CPA member 1 is in a closed state, with the arm 2 mated with the locking arm 6. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the connector arrangement is in an engaged state even if the mating connector 4 is not depicted. FIGS. 8-11 show different perspectives of the CPA member 1 and the detection device 5. In this embodiment, the detection device 5 is partially disposed on the connector 3 and the CPA member 1. The connector 3 is not depicted. The electrical circuit 8 is partially disposed on a circuit board 16 disposed on the connector 3. The detection device 5 includes two resilient members 9 and 10 that contain conductor portions of the electrical circuit 8. In the depicted embodiment, the two resilient members 9 and 10 are conductive springs connected to the electrical circuit via contact pads 25. The electrical circuit 8 includes an electrically insulated contact bridge 12 disposed on a plate member 32 of the CPA member 1. The contact bridge 12 can be a metal plate or a conductive coating in the form of foil or paint. Figures 8 and 10 show the CPA member 1 in the open state, and Figures 9 and 11 show the CPA member in the closed state. By moving the CPA member 1 in the Z direction relative to the circuit board 16 attached to the connector 3, the plate member 32 of the CPA member 1 engages the corresponding ramps 33 of both resilient members 9 and 10, deflecting the resilient members until the corresponding contact portions 34 of both resilient members 9 and 10 slide along the surface of the plate member 32 and into the contact bridge 12 when the CPA member 1 reaches the closed state depicted in Figures 9 and 11. The resilient members 9 and 10 establish electrical contact by contacting the contact bridge 12 and connecting the electrical circuit 8 when the CPA member 1 is in the closed state. The spring tension of the deflected resilient members 9 and 10 presses the conductor portions against the contact bridge 12. The change in state of the electrical circuit 8, resulting from connecting the electrical circuit 8, indicates that the CPA member 1 has moved from the open state to the closed state, for example, by sending a signal generated by a logic block 26 via a transmitting antenna 27. In an alternative embodiment, the change of state of the electrical circuit 8 may be an interruption of the electrical circuit 8, with the end of transmission of the signal indicating the CPA member 1 being closed.

[0025] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a CPA element 1 and a detection device 5 according to a third embodiment of the connector arrangement. This third embodiment differs from the second embodiment described above in terms of the material of the resilient elements 9 and 10, which are shown in detail in FIG. 13. The resilient elements 9 and 10 are typically made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The resilient elements 9 and 10 can be manufactured in one piece, for example by molding. A corresponding conductive coating 18 is applied to both resilient elements 9 and 10, forming the conductors of the electrical circuit 8. The conductive coating 18 is connected to the electrical circuit 8 via contact pads 25. The electrical circuit 8 has an electrically insulated contact bridge 12 on the plate element 32 of the CPA element 1. FIG. 12 shows the CPA element 1 in the open state. By moving the CPA member 1 in the Z direction relative to the circuit board 16 mounted in the connector 3, the plate member 32 of the CPA member 1 engages the respective ramped portions 33 of both resilient members 9, 10, causing the resilient members 9, 10 to flex until the respective contact portions 34 of both resilient members 9, 10 slide onto the surface of the plate member 32 and into the contact bridge 12 when the CPA member 1 reaches the closed state (not shown). The conductive coatings 18 of the resilient members 9, 10 establish electrical contact by making contact with the contact bridge 12 and connecting the electrical circuit 8 when the CPA member 1 is in the closed state. The spring tension of the flexed resilient members 9, 10 presses the conductor portion formed by the conductive coating 18 against the contact bridge 12.

[0026] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a CPA member 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the connector arrangement configuration. Figures 15 and 16 show different perspective views of a connector 3 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, two contact portions 11 are arranged on the connector 3, and an elastic member 9 is arranged on the CPA member 1. The two contact portions 11 are formed on the surface of the locking arm 6 of the connector 3 in the form of a conductive coating 18, and the two contact portions 11 are connected to an electric circuit 8 of a circuit board 16, for example, via the conductive coating 18 applied to the surface of the locking arm 6. The circuit board 16 is mounted on the connector 3.

[0027] The detection device 5 is adapted to wirelessly indicate when the CPA member 1 has moved from an open state to a closed state, as described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 , which show a fourth embodiment of a connector arrangement including the CPA member 1 in an open state (FIG. 17 ) and a closed state (FIG. 18 ), each depicted in cross-section in a plane defined by the X and Z spatial directions. The connector 3 is only partially depicted because the terminal receiving portion 24 has been omitted. The mating connector 4 is not depicted. In the unmated position of the connector arrangement shown in FIG. 17 , the CPA member 1 cannot move from the open state to the closed state. The single resilient member 9 of the detection device 4 is unbent and spaced apart from the contact portion 11 of the electrical circuit 8 of the locking arm 6. In the mated position of the connector arrangement shown in FIG. 18 , which does not include the mating connector 4, the CPA member 1 has moved in the Z direction from the open state to the closed state. When the CPA member 1 is in the closed state, the free end 30 of the locking arm 6 deflects the resilient member 9, and the spring tension of the deflected resilient member 9 presses the conductor portions against the two contact portions 11, bridging the contact portions 11 and thus closing the electrical circuit 8. Because the free end 30 of the locking arm 6 is blocked in the X direction by the resilient member 9, the CPA member 1 prevents accidental unmating of the connector 3 and the mating connector 4. A change in state of the electrical circuit 8 by connecting the electrical circuit 8, among other things, causes a signal generated by the logic block 26 to be sent via the transmitting antenna 27, indicating that the CPA member 1 has moved from an open state to a closed state. In an alternative embodiment, the change in state of the electrical circuit 8 can be an interruption of the electrical circuit 8, and cessation of transmission of the signal indicates the closed state of the CPA member 1.

[0028] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector including a CPA element according to a fifth embodiment of the connector arrangement. FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the CPA element of FIG. 19. The detector 5 according to the fifth embodiment is integrated into the CPA element 1 and is attached only to the CPA element 1. The electrical circuit 8 is largely disposed on a plate element 32 including a transmitting antenna 27. A single elastic element 9 is a metal spring, e.g., a solid metal wire, that forms a conductor and is disposed in a slot in the arm 2. A protrusion 35 of the elastic element 9 protrudes from the slot. A contact portion 34 contacts a single contact portion 11 of the electrical circuit 8. According to the fifth embodiment, the electrical circuit 8 is connected in the open state of the CPA element shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the connector arrangement in which the CPA element 1 is in a closed state. The CPA element 1 is moved in the Z direction from the open state to the closed state. With the CPA member 1 in the closed state, the resilient member 9 is deflected by the fixed arm 15 of the mating connector 4, which interacts with the protrusion 35 to lift the contact portion 34 from the contact section 11 and break the electrical circuit 8. The change in state of the electrical circuit 8 by breaking the electrical circuit 8 indicates that the CPA member 1 has moved from the open state to the closed state, inter alia, by cutting off the transmission of the signal transmitted via the transmitting antenna 27.

[0029] FIGS. 22 to 24 show different views of a detection device 5 according to a sixth embodiment. As described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28, the detection device 5 is a modular component that can be mounted on a CPA component 1. FIG. 25 shows details of the detection device 5. The resilient member 9 has two legs 20 and 21 and a conductor extending from the first leg 20 to the second leg 21, with each leg 20 and 21 adapted to contact one of the two contact portions 11. The resilient member 9 may be a conductive metal spring that forms the conductor portion. The resilient member 9 is mounted in a modular housing 19 that also houses an electrical circuit 8. The electrical circuit 8 is mounted on a small circuit board 16, as shown in FIG. 25. The electrical circuit 8 includes a logic block 26, a transmitting antenna 27, and two contact portions 11 that are electrically insulated from each other and disposed on opposite surfaces of the circuit board 16. One of the contact portions 11 is adapted to make contact with the first leg 20, and the other of the contact portion 11 is adapted to make contact with the second leg 21, thereby closing the electrical circuit 8 via the elastic member 9. The module detection device 5 is inserted into a slot 22 of the CPA member 1, which is depicted in FIG. 26 without the detection device 5. When the module detection device 5 is attached to the CPA member 1, the slot 22 is occupied by the electrical circuit 8 and the transmitting antenna 27 is positioned on the surface of the CPA member 1, advantageously increasing the transmittable signal strength. The module housing 19 is fastened to the CPA member 1 by snap-fitting into the fixing clip 14. The first and second legs 20, 21 extend into the free space of the CPA member 1, and the contact portion 34 is located adjacent to the contact portion 11.

[0030] The detection device 5 is adapted to wirelessly indicate when the CPA member 1 has moved from the open state to the closed state, as described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, which show a sixth embodiment of a connector arrangement with the CPA member 1 in the open state of FIG. 29 and the closed state of FIG. 30, respectively, depicted in cross-section in a plane defined by the Y and Z spatial directions. In the unmated position of the connector arrangement shown in FIG. 29, the CPA member 1 cannot move from the open state to the closed state. The first and second legs 20, 21 of the resilient member 9 of the detection device 5 are unbent and extend in cross section. The contact portions 34 of the first and second legs 20, 21 are spaced apart from the contact portion 11. Thus, the electrical circuit 8 is open. In the mated position of the connector arrangement shown in FIG. 30, the mating connector is mated with the connector 3, and the CPA member 1 has moved in the Z direction from the open state to the closed state. With the CPA member 1 in the closed state, the first and second legs 20, 21 of the resilient member 9 are deflected by the locking sidewall 23 of the locking arm 6 towards the contact portions 11, and the spring tension of the deflected first and second legs 20, 21 presses the conductor portion 34 against the two contact portions 11, bridging the contact portions 11 and thus closing the electrical circuit 8. The locking sidewall 23 extends in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the X and Z spatial directions. A change in state of the electrical circuit 8 by connecting the electrical circuit 8 causes, among other things, a signal generated by a logic block 26 to be sent via a transmitting antenna 27 indicating that the CPA member 1 has moved from the open state to the closed state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 1 CPA components 2 Arms 3 Connectors 4 Mating Connectors 5. Detection equipment 6 Locking Arm 7 Spring contacts 8 Electrical Circuits 9 Elastic member 10 Elastic member 11 Contact part 12 Contact Bridge 14 Retaining clip 15 Fixed arm 16 Circuit Board 17 Base part 18 Conductive Coating 19 Module Housing 20 leg, 1st leg 21 Leg, 2nd leg 22 slots 23 Locking side wall 24 Terminal receiving part 25 contact pads 26 Logical Blocks, RFID Tags 27 Transmitting antenna, RFID antenna 28 Protrusion 29 Beam 30 Free end 31 Head 32 Plate member 33 Sloped section 34 Contact point 35 Protrusion X, Y, Z spatial directions, Cartesian coordinates

Claims

1. A connector (3) and a corresponding mating connector (4) configured to mate with the connector (3); a CPA member (1) configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, the CPA member (1) adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4) in the closed state and to prevent accidental disengagement of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4); a detection device (5) for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electric circuit (8) and a spring contact (7) for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit, the spring contact comprising an elastic member (9, 10), the elastic member being deflected by at least one of the connector (3) and the mating connector (4) when the CPA member (1) moves from the open state to the closed state, the elastic member including a conductor portion of the electric circuit; Equipped with The electrical circuit (8) has two contact portions (11) electrically insulated from each other, the elastic member (9) is adapted to bridge the two contact portions, and the conductor portion connects or disconnects the electrical circuit (8) when the CPA member (1) is in the closed state; The elastic member (9) has two legs (20, 21), the conductor portion extends from one leg to the other leg, and each leg is adapted to bring one of the two contact portions (11) into contact with the conductor portion. Connector arrangement configuration.

2. A connector (3) and a corresponding mating connector (4) configured to mate with the connector (3); a CPA member (1) configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, the CPA member (1) adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4) in the closed state and to prevent accidental disengagement of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4); a detection device (5) for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electric circuit (8) and a spring contact (7) for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit, the spring contact comprising an elastic member (9, 10), the elastic member being deflected by at least one of the connector (3) and the mating connector (4) when the CPA member (1) moves from the open state to the closed state, the elastic member including a conductor portion of the electric circuit; Equipped with The electrical circuit (8) has two contact portions (11) electrically insulated from each other, the elastic member (9) is adapted to bridge the two contact portions, and the conductor portion connects or disconnects the electrical circuit (8) when the CPA member (1) is in the closed state; The two contact portions (11) are disposed on the connector (3), and the elastic member (9) is disposed on the CPA member (1). Connector arrangement configuration.

3. 3. A connector arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the CPA member (1) is in the closed state, the spring tension of the bent elastic member (9) presses the conductor portion against or away from the two contact portions (11).

4. a connector (3) and a corresponding mating connector (4) configured to mate with said connector (3); a CPA member (1) configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, the CPA member (1) adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4) in the closed state and to prevent accidental disengagement of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4); a detection device (5) for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electric circuit (8) and a spring contact (7) for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit, the spring contact comprising an elastic member (9, 10), the elastic member being deflected by at least one of the connector (3) and the mating connector (4) when the CPA member (1) moves from the open state to the closed state, the elastic member including a conductor portion of the electric circuit; Equipped with The electrical circuit (8) has two contact portions (11) electrically insulated from each other, the elastic member (9) is adapted to bridge the two contact portions, and the conductor portion connects or disconnects the electrical circuit (8) when the CPA member (1) is in the closed state; At least a part of the electric circuit (8) is disposed on a circuit board (16), the circuit board is placed in the connector (3), the two contact portions (11) are attached to the locking arms (6) of the connector (3), and the two contact portions are connected to the electric circuit (8) of the circuit board (16). Connector arrangement configuration.

5. A connector (3) and a corresponding mating connector (4) configured to mate with the connector (3); a CPA member (1) configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, the CPA member (1) adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4) in the closed state and to prevent accidental disengagement of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4); a detection device (5) for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electric circuit (8) and a spring contact (7) for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit, the spring contact comprising an elastic member (9, 10), the elastic member being deflected by at least one of the connector (3) and the mating connector (4) when the CPA member (1) moves from the open state to the closed state, the elastic member including a conductor portion of the electric circuit; Equipped with The detecting device (5) has two elastic members (9, 10), each of which has a conductor portion of the electric circuit (8); the electrical circuit (8) has an electrically insulated contact bridge (12), and when the CPA member (1) is in the closed state, the elastic members (9, 10) are adapted to bring the contact bridge into contact with both conductor portions, thereby establishing an electrical contact between the two conductor portions and connecting or disconnecting the electrical circuit; The elastic members (9, 10) are disposed on the connector (3), and the contact bridge (12) is disposed on the CPA member (1). Connector arrangement configuration.

6. 6. A connector arrangement according to claim 5, wherein when the CPA member (1) is in the closed state, the spring tension of the bent elastic members (9, 10) presses the conductor portions against or away from the contact bridge (12).

7. A connector (3) and a corresponding mating connector (4) configured to mate with the connector (3); a CPA member (1) configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, the CPA member (1) adapted to confirm proper mating of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4) in the closed state and to prevent accidental disengagement of the connector (3) with the mating connector (4); a detection device (5) for detecting the closed state of the CPA member, the detection device comprising an electric circuit (8) and a spring contact (7) for connecting and disconnecting the electric circuit, the spring contact comprising an elastic member (9, 10), the elastic member being deflected by at least one of the connector (3) and the mating connector (4) when the CPA member (1) moves from the open state to the closed state, the elastic member including a conductor portion of the electric circuit; Equipped with The detecting device (5) has two elastic members (9, 10), each of which has a conductor portion of the electric circuit (8); At least a part of the electric circuit (8) is disposed on a circuit board (16), the two elastic members (9, 10) are attached to the circuit board (16), and the circuit board is disposed in the connector (3). Connector arrangement configuration.

8. A connector arrangement configuration as described in claim 4, wherein the contact portion (11) is provided as a conductive coating (18).

9. A connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5 or 7, wherein the resilient member (9) is a metal spring in the form of a solid or flat metal wire forming the conductor portion.

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