Patent ID: 11876324
Assignee: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
Field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy (Electrical engineering)
Classification: CPC H | IPC H

Claim 13:
14. A method of connecting an electrical connector system which includes:
a first connector body defining a locking fin,
a second connector body configured to receive the first connector body,
a flexible locking arm defined by the second connector body configured to releasably engage the locking fin,
a plunger slidably attached to the second connector body and moveable from an engaged position in which the plunger holds the locking arm in engagement with the locking fin to a disengaged position in which the plunger disengages the locking arm from the locking fin, and
a spring disposed between the plunger and the second connector body and configured to urge the plunger into the engaged position, comprising;
engaging the second connector body with the first connector body;
moving the plunger from the engaged position to the disengaged position via contact between a push surface on a flexible arm of the plunger and a forward end of the first connector body as the first connector body is engaged with the second connector body;
compressing the spring as the plunger moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position;
moving the flexible locking arm to a released position to pass by the locking fin as the plunger moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position;
bending the flexible arm such that the push surface no longer contacts the forward end of the first connector body as the plunger reaches the disengaged position;
moving the plunger from the disengaged position to the engaged position as the spring decompresses because the push surface is no longer in contact with the forward end of the first connector body; and
lowering the locking arm over the locking fin such that the locking fin is received within an aperture within the locking arm as the plunger moves back to the engaged position, thereby securing the first connector body to the second connector body.