Patent ID: 6435895
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
In a pair of interfitting first and second connectors selectively held in a mutually mated relationship by a clasp mechanism connected to the first and second connectors, the improvement thereto comprising: a connector position assurance device connected to the first connector, said connector position assurance device comprising:a slide slidable with respect to the first connector from a prestaged position to a staged position, wherein when said slide is at said prestaged position said clasp mechanism is operable between a clasped position for holding the first and second connectors at the mutually mated relationship and an unclasped position whereat the first and second connectors may enter into and be exited from the mutually mated relationship, and wherein when said slide is at said staged position said clasp mechanism is retained in the clasped position; and a connector position assurance actuation lock having a locked state and unlocked state, wherein said slide is only slidable to said staged position when said connector position assurance actuation lock is in the unlocked state, and wherein said unlocked state occurs only when the first and second connectors are mutually mated; wherein said connector position assurance actuation lock comprises: the first connector having a channel formed therein which defines a pair of acutely angled channel abutments; and a pair of resilient arms located on said slide, each said arm terminating in an acutely angled arm end; wherein said slide is slidable in said channel between said prestaged and staged positions; and wherein said locked state is defined by said acutely angled arm ends abutting said acutely angled channel abutments wherein an inclination angle of the acutely angled arm ends and channel abutments inhibits said pair of resilient arms from flexing inwardly toward each other, and wherein said unlocked state is defined by said resilient arms being resiliently bent out of abutment with said channel abutments by abutment with the second connector when said first and second connectors are mutually mated.