초록 ▼

A device (70) is provided for a pair of clip lock connectors (12, 14), wherein the device can be slid forward (F) from a release position to a locked position, only when the connectors are fully mated, and which then prevents connector unmating unless the device is slid back to its release position.

A device (70) is provided for a pair of clip lock connectors (12, 14), wherein the device can be slid forward (F) from a release position to a locked position, only when the connectors are fully mated, and which then prevents connector unmating unless the device is slid back to its release position. The device has a pair of bars (80) which, in the release position, lie rearward of spring sides (24, 26) of a spring clip (20). During initial mating of the connectors, the spring sides block forward movement of the bars. When full connector mating is reached and the spring sides snap into slots, the device can be slid forward to its locked position and the bars lie immediately outside the spring sides. The device has deflectable arms (92, 110) and is initially held in its release position by a wall (102) on an arm projection (90), which lies behind a barrier (94). As the connectors mate, a cam (96) on the second connector engages a cam follower (106) on the arm projection to deflect it so the wall disengages the barrier and the device can be slid forwardly to its locked position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a connector system that includes first and second connectors (12, 14) that have first and second housings (30, 34), respectively, wherein said connectors can be mated by moving said second connector rearwardly (R) along an axis relative to said first connector, where s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a connector system that includes first and second connectors (12, 14) that have first and second housings (30, 34), respectively, wherein said connectors can be mated by moving said second connector rearwardly (R) along an axis relative to said first connector, where said second connector housing forms a groove with a primarily forwardly-facing shoulder (54) and said first connector has a spring element (20) with a spring part (24, 26) that is movable on said first housing between an unlatched position prior to full mating of said connectors, and a latched position wherein said spring part lies in said groove to lie in line with said shoulder (54) when said connectors fully mate to prevent them from unmating, the improvement comprising:a connector position assurance device (70) which includes a handle and a device bar (80) which is slidably mounted into a passage formed in one of said connectors between unlock and lock positions, wherein when said device bar is in said unlock position, said spring part lies directly in line with said device bar (80) and prevents said device bar from sliding toward its lock position, but when said spring part (24, 26) lies in said latched position, said spring part lies out of line with said device bar to allow said device bar (80) to slide toward its lock position;said handle being moveable in opposite forward and rearward directions to slide said device bar in said opposite directions (F, R) without substantial bending, with said spring element being bendable.