Patent ID: 6780045
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An electrical connector assembly comprising:a connector position assurance device (CPA) including a first beam including a retention assembly locking element and a second beam including a CPA retention element; first and second connector housings, one of said first and second connector housings having a body section with a mating interface on one end thereof and the other of said first and second connector housings having an opening to receive said mating interface; a retention assembly mounted to said first connector housing for securing said first and second connector housings when said housings are fully mated, said retention assembly including a first housing retention feature, arms, and a cross-member joining said arms, said cross-member including a CPA retention feature, and said arms including a locking contact surface, said retention assembly being movable between locked and unlocked positions; a second housing retention feature mounted to said second connector housing, said second housing retention feature cooperating with said first housing retention feature to secure said first and second connector housings when said housings are fully mated; and a CPA mounting assembly mounted to said first connector housing, said CPA being slidably mounted to said CPA mounting assembly and movable between first and second positions, said CPA permitting biasing of said retention assembly and engagement and disengagement of said first and second connector housings when in said first position, said retention assembly locking element underlying said locking contact surface to prevent said retention assembly from moving to said unlocked position when said CPA is in said second position, whereby said CPA prevents engagement and disengagement of said first and second connector housings when in said second position, said CPA retention element cooperating with said CPA retention feature to maintain said CPA in said second position.