Patent ID: 8113871
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector, a second connector matable with the first connector along a mating direction, a mating assistance mechanism, a mating maintenance mechanism, and a detection mechanism, wherein the mating assistance mechanism has an operation member and is operable to mate the second connector with the first connector in accordance with an operation of the operation member, wherein the mating maintenance mechanism includes a stopper, an engagement portion and an elastic support, wherein the engagement portion is configured to be engaged with the stopper in a mating state of the first connector and the second connector so as to maintain the mating state, wherein the elastic support is configured to support the engagement portion, the elastic support being elastically deformed and moving the engagement portion along a direction different from the mating direction when the second connector is mated with the first connector, wherein the detection mechanism is operable to detect the mating state and includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a short-circuit member, wherein the first terminal has a first contacting section extending along the mating direction, wherein the second terminal has a second contacting section extending along the mating direction, and wherein the short-circuit member is arranged to establish a short circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal in the mating state, the short-circuit member having a first contact and a second contact which are brought into contact with the first contacting section and the second contacting section in the mating state, respectively, the first contact being directly/indirectly moved by movement and elastic deformation of the elastic support so that the first contact wipes the first contacting section during a mating operation of the first connector and the second connector, the second contact wiping the second contacting section independently of the elastic deformation of the elastic support during the mating operation.