ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY

An electrical assembly may include a first housing unit, a second housing unit, and a locking member. The first housing unit may include a guide portion. The second housing unit may be releasably connectable to the first housing unit. The locking member may be configured to slidably engage the guide portion. The locking member may be adjustable relative to the first housing unit and the second housing unit to an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the second housing unit may be removable from the first housing unit. When the locking member is in the locked position, the second housing unit may be secured to the first housing unit via the locking member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to electrical assemblies, including electrical assemblies that may include electrical units, electrical unit housings, and/or electrical connectors that may, for example, be used in connection with vehicles.

BACKGROUND

This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure.

Some electrical assemblies may be relatively complex to use and/or to assemble. For example, with some designs, connecting a first housing unit and a second housing unit may be a complex process, may include many different components, and/or may not result in a sufficiently secure connection.

There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of electrical assemblies. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a disavowal of scope.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, an electrical assembly may include a first housing unit, a second housing unit, and/or a locking member. The first housing unit may include a guide portion. The second housing unit may be releasably connectable to the first housing unit. The locking member may be configured to slidably engage the guide portion. The locking member may be adjustable relative to the first housing unit and the second housing unit to an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the second housing unit may be removable from the first housing unit. When the locking member is in the locked position, the second housing unit may be secured to the first housing unit via the locking member.

In embodiments, an electrical assembly may include a first housing unit, a second housing unit, and a locking member. The first housing unit may include a guide portion having a groove. The second housing unit may be releasably connectable to the first housing unit. The second housing unit may include a connector, a tab, a hook member, and/or a hook connector. The locking member may include a slot configured to receive the connector, a flange configured to slidably engage the groove of the guide portion, and/or a latch configured to engage the tab. The connector may be slidably disposed in the slot. The locking member may be adjustable relative to first housing unit and the second housing unit to an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the second housing unit may be removable from the first housing unit, the connector may be disposed in a first slot portion of the slot, the hook connector may be engaged with the locking member, and/or the locking member may be connected to the second housing unit via the connector and the hook connector. When the locking member is in the locked position, the flange may be engaged with the groove and may connect the locking member to the first housing unit, the connector may be disposed in a second slot portion of the slot, the latch may be engaged with the tab and may resist adjustment of the locking member toward the unlocked position, the hook member may be engaged with the locking member, and/or the second housing unit may be secured to the first housing unit via the locking member.

In embodiments, a method of assembling an electrical assembly may include releasably connecting a first housing unit and a second housing unit. The method may include restricting the first housing unit and the second housing unit from disconnecting from one another via adjusting a locking member from an unlocked position to a locked position. Adjusting a locking member from the unlocked position to the locked position may include engaging the locking member with a guide portion of the first housing unit.

The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.1A-2and9-11C, an electrical assembly100may include a first housing unit200(e.g., a power distribution box), a second housing unit300(e.g., a fuse box), and/or a locking member400. An electrical assembly100may be configured to receive and/or distribute electrical power to one or more other components (e.g., vehicle components/systems). A first housing unit200may be connectable to and/or mountable on a support structure, such as of a vehicle. A second housing unit300may be connectable to and/or mountable on a first housing unit200, which may establish a mechanical connection and/or an electrical connection therebetween. A locking member400may be releasably connectable to a first housing unit200and/or a second housing unit300, such as to secure, lock, and/or fix the second housing unit300to the first housing unit200.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.1A-3B, a first housing unit200may have a generally rectangular shape and/or may be configured to receive and/or retain one or more first electrical components202, such as circuit boards, relays, fuses, switches, controllers, capacitors, resistors, inductors, diodes, etc. (see, e.g.,FIGS.9,10B,10D, and11B). One or more first electrical components202may include one or more first electrical contacts202a(see, e.g.,FIGS.3A and10D). A first housing unit200may have a first base204and a first cover220. A first cover220may be releasably connectable (e.g., via one or more connectors, fasteners, latches, etc.) to a first base204, such as to close the first base204and/or define a first internal space206(see, e.g.,FIGS.9,10B,10D, and11B). One or more first electrical components202may be disposed in the first internal space206.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B, a first cover220may include a first main portion222and one or more first wall portions224. A first main portion222may be generally planar and/or have a generally rectangular shape. One or more first wall portions224may project away from the first main portion222generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the first main portion222), and/or may be configured to engage, contact, and/or abut a first base204. A first main portion222may have a first external surface222a, which may face generally in a Z-direction.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B, a first cover220and/or a first main portion222may include an electrical connector aperture230and/or one or more aperture walls232. An electrical connector aperture230may be configured to receive at least a portion of a second housing unit300(e.g., a first electrical connector308and/or a second electrical contact302a—seeFIG.4B), such as to facilitate establishing a mechanical connection and/or electrical connection between the first housing unit200and the second housing unit300. An electrical connector aperture230may be disposed in a first external surface222aof a first main portion222of a first cover220and/or may extend through a first main portion222to a first internal space206of a first housing unit200(see, e.g.,FIG.9). In some examples, an electrical connector aperture230may be defined by and/or extend through a portion of a first main portion222that defines a receptacle240. An electrical connector aperture230may be at least partially defined by a first main portion222of a first cover220and/or one or more aperture walls232. One or more first electrical components202disposed in the first housing unit200, such as one or more first electrical contacts202a, may be disposed in and/or project into the electrical connector aperture230(see, e.g.,FIGS.3A and10D). When a first electrical connector308of a second housing unit300is engaged with and/or disposed/received in the electrical connector aperture230, a first electrical contact202aof the first housing unit200may engage, contact, and/or abut one or more second electrical contacts302aof the second housing unit300(see, e.g.,FIG.10D), which may establish an electrical connection between the first housing unit200and/or the second housing unit300.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B, a first cover220and/or a first main portion222may include a receptacle240, one or more receptacle walls242, and/or a flange244. A receptacle240may be configured to receive at least a portion of a second housing unit300(e.g., a second base304and/or a second cover320). A receptacle240may be at least partially defined by a first external surface222aof a first main portion222and/or one or more receptacle walls242a-d. In at least some embodiments, a receptacle240may be configured as a depression disposed in a first external surface222aof a first cover220.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B, one or more receptacle walls242a-dmay be configured to engage, contact, and/or abut a second housing unit300. One or more receptacle walls242a-dmay project away from a first main portion222(e.g., a first external surface222a) generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the first main portion222) and/or extend along the first main portion222generally in an X-direction and/or a Y-direction. One or more receptacle walls242a-dmay extend partially or completely around an outer periphery of a receptacle240and/or may at least partially define the receptacle240. One or more receptacle walls242a-dmay be configured as and/or defined by a portion of a first wall portion224of the first cover220. One or more receptacle walls242a-dmay include a first receptacle wall242a, a second receptacle wall242b, a third receptacle wall242c, and/or a fourth receptacle wall242d. A first receptacle wall242aand a second receptacle wall242bmay be disposed opposite one another and/or extend generally in an X-direction. A third receptacle wall242cand a fourth receptacle wall242dmay be disposed opposite one another, may extend generally in a Y-direction, and/or may extend between and/or connect an end of a first receptacle wall242ato an end of a second receptacle wall242b. A third receptacle wall242cmay be disposed closer to a second end200bof the first housing unit200than a fourth receptacle wall242d. A fourth receptacle wall242dmay be disposed closer to a first end200aof the first housing unit200than a third receptacle wall242c.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B, a flange244may protrude from a fourth receptacle wall242dgenerally toward a third receptacle wall242c(e.g., generally in a X-direction). A flange244may be spaced apart from the first main portion222and/or the first external surface222a(e.g., at a free end of the fourth receptacle wall242d). A flange244may extend longitudinally generally in a Y-direction (e.g., along the free end of the fourth receptacle wall242d). A flange244may extend between and/or connect a first receptacle wall242a, a second receptacle wall242b, and/or a fourth receptacle wall242d. A flange244, a first receptacle wall242a, a second receptacle wall242b, and/or a fourth receptacle wall242dmay at least partially define an opening246, which may open toward a third receptacle wall242c(e.g., generally in an X-direction). An opening246may be configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of a second housing unit300(e.g., a first end300aof a second housing unit300) (see, e.g.,FIGS.9,10B, and11B).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3A and3B, a first cover220may include one or more guide portions258a,258b(e.g., a first guide portion258aand/or a second guide portion258b), which may be configured to engage, contact, and/or receive at least a portion of a locking member400. A guide portion258a,258bmay project away from a first main portion222(e.g., a first external surface222a) of a first cover220generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the main portion). A guide portion258a,258bmay be disposed adjacent and/or proximal to a receptacle240and/or one or more receptacle walls242a,242b. A guide portion258a,258bmay additionally and/or alternatively be integrally formed with and/or defined by a portion of one or more receptacle walls242a,242b. A guide portion258a,258bmay include one or more guide sections260a-d, which may be configured to engage a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a locking member flange410a-d) and/or guide a movement/adjustment of a locking member400.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.3B,10B, and11B, a guide section260a-dmay be configured to engage a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a locking member flange410a-d) and/or guide a movement/adjustment of a locking member400. A guide section260a-dmay include a groove262a-dconfigured to receive at least a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a locking member flange410a-d). A groove262a-dmay extend generally in an X-direction and/or may protrude into a guide portion258a,258b(e.g., generally in a Y-direction) such that the groove262a-dopens towards a receptacle240of the first cover220. A guide section260a-dmay include a notch264a-d. A notch264a-dmay extend through a guide portion258a,258bgenerally in a Z-direction to the groove262a-dand/or may facilitate moving, adjusting, and/or inserting a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a locking member flange410a-d) into the groove262a-d(e.g., generally in Z-direction). A guide section260a-dmay include a protrusion266a-dthat may at least partially define a groove262a-dand/or a notch264a-d. A protrusion266a-dmay be disposed spaced apart from a first main portion222and/or one or more receptacle walls242a,242b. A protrusion266a-dmay include a guide surface268a-d, which may at least partially define a groove262a-dand/or may face generally toward a first cover220and/or a receptacle wall242a,242b(e.g., generally in a Z-direction). A guide surface268a-dmay include a first surface portion270a-d(e.g., a sloped portion) and/or a second surface portion272a-d(e.g., a flat portion). A first surface portion270a-dmay extend from a notch264a-dto the second surface portion272a-d. A first surface portion270a-dmay be sloped and/or angled toward a first housing unit200(e.g., a first internal space206). In some examples, a height of the groove262a-d(e.g., generally in a Z-direction) may decrease as the first surface portion270a-dapproaches the second surface portion272a-d, such as generally in an X-direction. A first surface portion270a-dmay be configured to guide, move, adjust, etc. a locking member400toward a first housing unit200(e.g., generally in a Z-direction) when adjusting a locking member400toward a locked position, which may adjust and/or press the second housing unit300toward/against a first housing unit200, which may provide a tight mechanical connection between the first housing unit200and the second housing unit300.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIG.3B, a first guide portion258amay be disposed adjacent to, connected to, and/or formed by a portion of a first receptacle wall242a. A first guide portion258amay include a first guide section260aand/or a second guide section260b. A first guide section260amay be disposed adjacent and/or proximate to a fourth receptacle wall242d. A first guide section260amay be configured to engage a first locking member flange410a. A first guide section260amay include a first groove262a, a first notch264a, a first protrusion266a, and/or a first guide surface268ahaving a first surface portion270aand/or a second surface portion272a. A second guide section260bmay be disposed adjacent and/or proximate to a third receptacle wall242c. A second guide section260bmay be configured to engage a second locking member flange410b. A second guide section260bmay include a second groove262b, a second notch264b, a second protrusion266b, and/or a second guide surface268bhaving a first surface portion270band/or a second surface portion272b.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.10B and11B, a second guide portion258bmay be disposed adjacent to, connected to, and/or formed by a portion of a second receptacle wall242b. A second guide portion258bmay include a third guide section260cand/or a fourth guide section260d. A third guide section260cmay be disposed adjacent and/or proximate to a fourth receptacle wall242d. A third guide section260cmay be configured to engage a third locking member flange410c. A third guide section260cmay include a third groove262c, a third notch264c, a third protrusion266c, and/or a third guide surface268chaving a first surface portion270cand/or a second surface portion272c. A fourth guide section260dmay be disposed adjacent and/or proximal to a third receptacle wall242c. A fourth guide section260dmay be configured to engage a fourth locking member flange410d. A fourth guide section260dmay include a fourth groove262d, a fourth notch264d, a fourth protrusion266d, and/or a fourth guide surface268dhaving a first surface portion270dand/or a second surface portion272d.

With embodiments, one or more guide portions258a,258band/or one or more guide sections260a-dmay not project from a first main portion222generally upward in a Z-direction and/or may not be easily visible when the first housing unit200and the second housing unit300are assembled. For example, a guide portion258a,258band/or one or more portions thereof may be defined by and/or configured as a portion of a first main portion222of a first cover220. A notch264a-dof the guide portion258a,258bmay be disposed (e.g., directly) in a first external surface222aof the first main portion222(e.g., adjacent to a receptacle240) and/or a protrusion266a-dof the guide portion258a,258bmay be defined by and/or configured as a portion of a first main portion222(e.g., a portion of a first external surface222amay define and/or form an external surface of a protrusion266a-d). Additionally and/or alternatively, a guide portion258a,258band/or one or more portions thereof may be disposed substantially within a receptacle240, may be disposed in and/or defined by one or more surfaces that define the receptacle240, and/or may be defined by and/or configured as a portion of a receptacle wall242a-d. In such examples, at least a portion of a locking member400(e.g., one or more locking member wall portions404and/or one or more locking member flanges410a-d) may be insertable into a receptacle240, such as to engage the one or more guide portions258a,258b.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.1A-2and4A-4C, a second housing unit300may have a generally rectangular shape and/or may be configured to receive and/or retain one or more second electrical components302, such as circuit boards, relays, fuses, switches, controllers, capacitors, resistors, inductors, diodes, etc. (see, e.g.,FIG.9). A second electrical component302may include one or more second electrical contacts302a(see, e.g.,FIGS.4C and10D) and/or one or more third electrical contacts302b(see, e.g.,FIGS.4A,10C, and11C). A second housing unit300may have a second base304and a second cover320. A second cover320may be releasably connectable (e.g., via one or more connectors, fasteners, latches, etc.) to a second base304, such as to close the second base304and/or define a second internal space306(see, e.g.,FIG.9). One or more second electrical components302may be disposed in the second internal space306.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.4B,4C,7,9, and10D, a second housing unit300may include a first electrical connector308configured to engage and/or be received in an electrical connector aperture230of a first housing unit200to, for example, facilitate establishing a mechanical connection and/or an electrical connection between the first housing unit200and the second housing unit300. A first electrical connector308may be disposed on, integrally formed with, and/or connected to a second base304. A first electrical connector308may extend from a second base304generally in a Z-direction. One or more second electrical components302, such as one or more second electrical contacts302a, may be disposed in and/or project into the first electrical connector308(e.g., generally in a Z-direction). When a first electrical connector308is engaged with and/or disposed/received in an electrical connector aperture230of a first housing unit200, one or more second electrical contacts302amay engage, contact, and/or abut one or more first electrical contacts202aof the first housing unit200, which may establish an electrical connection between the first housing unit200and/or the second housing unit300. In some examples, a sealing member102(e.g., a ring seal, gasket, grommet, etc.) may be disposed and/or pressed at least partially between a first electrical connector308and one or more aperture walls232, which may facilitate establishment of a sealed connection between a first housing unit200and a second housing unit300. A sealing member102may be initially disposed in an electrical connector aperture230(see, e.g.,FIGS.2,3A, and3B) and/or on a first electrical connector308(see, e.g.,FIGS.4C and9) prior to connecting a first housing unit200and a second housing unit300to one another.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.1A-2,4A-4C,10A-10C, and11A-11C, a second housing unit300may include a second electrical connector310configured to engage one or more external components (e.g., a wire harness, adapter, a cable, etc.), such as to electrically connect one or more first electrical components202and/or one or more second electrical components302to one or more external components, elements, and/or devices. A second electrical connector310may be disposed on, integrally formed with, and/or connected to a second cover320. A second electrical connector310may extend from a second cover320generally in a Z-direction. One or more second electrical components302disposed in the second housing unit300, such as one or more third electrical contacts302b, may be disposed in and/or project into the second electrical connector310.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B, a second cover320may include a second main portion322and one or more second wall portions324. A second main portion322may be generally planar and/or have a generally rectangular shape. One or more second wall portions324may project away from the second main portion322generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the second main portion322), and/or may be configured to engage, contact, and/or abut a second base304. A second main portion322may have a second external surface322a, which may face generally in a Z-direction (e.g., away from the first housing unit200).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.4A,4B,6-8,10A-10C, and11A-11C, a second cover320may include one or more hook members330configured to engage and/or receive a portion of a locking member400, such as when the locking member400is disposed in a locked position. A hook member330may project away from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a) generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the second main portion322). A hook member330may include a hook member protrusion332that may be disposed at a free end of the hook member330and/or may be spaced apart from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a), such as in a Z-direction. A hook member protrusion332may extend toward a second end300bof the second housing unit300(e.g., generally in an X-direction) such that the hook member330defines a space334for receiving a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a portion of a first end400aof a locking member400). A hook member330may engage a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a portion of a first end400aof a locking member400) when a locking member400is disposed in a locked position, which may connect the locking member400to the second housing unit300. A hook member330may not engage a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a portion of a first end400aof a locking member400) when a locking member400is not disposed in a locked position, such as when the locking member400is disposed in a removal position and/or in an unlocked position.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.4A,4B,6-8,10A-10C, and11A-11C, a second cover320may include one or more tabs340configured to engage a latch430of a locking member400and/or to be received in a latch recess432of the latch430, such as when the locking member400is disposed in a locked position. A tab340may not be engaged with a latch430and/or a latch recess432of a locking member400when the locking member400is not disposed in a locked position, such as when the locking member400is disposed in a removal position and/or an unlocked position. A tab340may project away from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a) generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the second main portion322). A tab340may include a stop surface342, which may face generally toward a first end300aof the second housing unit300(e.g., generally in an X-direction). A stop surface342of the tab340may engage, contact, and/or abut a latch430of a locking member400when the locking member400is in a locked position, which may restrict and/or prevent (i) the locking member400from being adjusted out of the locked position (e.g., toward an unlocked position and/or a removal position) and/or (ii) the latch430from disengaging the tab340. A tab340may include a sloped surface344, which may extend obliquely relative to a second external surface322aand/or a stop surface342. A sloped surface344may be configured to engage, contact, and/or deflect a latch430of the locking member400(e.g., away from the second housing unit300generally in a Z-direction) as the locking member400is adjusted toward a locked position, which may facilitate inserting a tab340into a latch recess432and/or engaging the latch430with the stop surface342.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.4A,4B,6-8,10A-10C, and11A-11C, a second cover320may include one or more hook connectors350a,350b(e.g., a first hook connector350aand/or a second hook connector350b) that may be configured to engage and/or receive a portion of a locking member400, such as when the locking member400is disposed in an unlocked position. A hook connector350a,350bmay project away from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a) generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the second main portion322). A hook connector350a,350bmay include a hook connector protrusion352a,352bthat may be disposed at a free end of the hook connector350a,350band/or may be spaced apart from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a). A hook connector protrusion352a,352bmay extend toward a first end300aof the second housing unit300(e.g., generally in an X-direction) such that the hook connector350a,350bdefines a space354a,354bfor receiving a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a first locking member edge446aand/or a second locking member edge446b). A hook connector350a,350bmay engage a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a first locking member edge446aand/or a second locking member edge446b) when a locking member400is disposed in an unlocked position, which may connect the locking member400to the second housing unit300. A hook connector350a,350bmay not engage a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a first locking member edge446aand/or a second locking member edge446b) when a locking member400is not disposed in an unlocked position, such as when the locking member400is disposed in a removal position and/or a locked position. In some examples, a first hook connector350aand a second hook connector350bmay be disposed on opposite sides of a tab340relative to a Y-direction.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.4A,4B,6-8,10A-10C, and11A-11C, a second cover320may include one or more connectors360that may be configured to adjustably (e.g., slidably) engage a locking member400. A connector360may be configured to be insertable into and/or removable from a slot416of a locking member400(e.g., via an expanded slot portion416c). A connector360may be adjustable (e.g., slidable) within and/or along the slot416, such as when adjusting a position of the locking member400. A connector360may project away from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a) generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the second main portion322). A connector360may include one or more lateral protrusions362,364(e.g., a first lateral protrusion362and/or a second lateral protrusion364) that may be disposed at a free end of the connector360and/or may be spaced apart from a second main portion322(e.g., a second external surface322a). A lateral protrusion362,364may extend outward from the connector360(e.g., generally in a Y-direction) such that the connector360defines one or more spaces366a,366bfor receiving a portion of a locking member400. In some examples, a first lateral protrusion362and/or a second lateral protrusion364may extend from a connector360generally in opposite directions such that at least a portion of the connector360has a T-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an X-direction. A lateral protrusion362,364may be configured to engage and/or contact a locking member400, such as when a locking member400is disposed in an unlocked position and/or a locked position, to restrict removal of the connector360from a slot416of the locking member400and/or connect the locking member400to the second housing unit300.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.1A,2,5A-10C, and11A-11C, a locking member400may be releasably connectable to a first housing unit200and/or a second housing unit300, such as to secure, lock, and/or fix the second housing unit300to the first housing unit200. A locking member400may be movable (e.g., adjustable, rotatable, pivotable, slidable, etc.) relative a first housing unit200and/or a second housing unit300. A locking member400may be movable to a locked position in which the locking member400may secure, lock, and/or fix a second housing unit300to a first housing unit200to restrict and/or prevent removal of the second housing unit300from the first housing unit200. A locking member400may be movable to an unlocked position in which the locking member400may not secure, lock, and/or fix a second housing unit300to a first housing unit200, which in turn may allow for the second housing unit300to be disconnected and/or removed from the first housing unit200. When in an unlocked position, a locking member400may be connected to and/or mounted on a second housing unit300and, therefore, may be removable from the first housing unit200(e.g., simultaneously) with the second housing unit300. A locking member400may be movable to a removal position in which the locking member400may be connectable to and/or disconnectable from a first housing unit200and/or a second housing unit300.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, a locking member400may include a locking member main portion402and one or more locking member wall portions404. A locking member main portion402may be generally planar and/or have a generally rectangular shape. One or more locking member wall portions404may project away from the locking member main portion402generally in a Z-direction (e.g., perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the locking member main portion402), and/or may be configured to engage, contact, and/or abut a first cover220, a second cover320, and/or a guide portion258a,258b. A locking member400may include a grip portion406via which a user may grab the locking member400, such as when adjusting a position of the locking member400.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, a locking member400may include one or more locking member flanges410a-d(e.g., a first locking member flange410a, a second locking member flange410b, a third locking member flange410c, and/or a fourth locking member flange410d) that may be configured to engage a corresponding guide portion258a,258band/or a corresponding guide section260a-dof a first housing unit200. A first locking member flange410amay be configured to engage a first guide section260aand/or to adjust/slide in a first groove262a. A second locking member flange410bmay be configured to engage a second guide section260band/or to adjust/slide in a second groove262b. A third locking member flange410cmay be configured to engage a third guide section260cand/or to adjust/slide in a third groove262c. A fourth locking member flange410dmay be configured to engage a fourth guide section260dand/or to adjust/slide in a fourth groove262d. A first locking member flange410aand a third locking member flange410cmay be disposed opposite one another at or about a second end400bof a locking member400. A second locking member flange410band a fourth locking member flange410dmay be disposed opposite one another at or about a first end400aof a locking member400. A locking member flange410a-dmay be disposed on, connected to, and/or integrally formed with a locking member400(e.g., one or more locking member wall portions404). A locking member flange410a-dmay protrude from a locking member400and/or one or more locking member wall portions404generally in a Y-direction and/or may extend along a portion of the locking member400generally in an X-direction. One or more locking member flanges410a-d(e.g., all locking member flanges410a-d) may not engage its corresponding guide section260a-dand/or groove262a-dwhen the locking member400is in an unlocked position. One or more locking member flanges410a-d(e.g., all locking member flanges410a-d) may engage its corresponding guide section260a-dand/or groove262a-dwhen the locking member400is not in an unlocked position, such as when the locking member400is in a removal position and/or a locked position.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, a locking member400may include a slot416configured to adjustable receive and/or engage a connector360of a second housing unit300. A slot416may extend longitudinally in an X-direction and/or extend through a locking member400(e.g., a locking member main portion402) generally in a Z-direction. A slot416may include a first slot portion416a, a second slot portion416b, and/or an expanded slot portion416c. A first slot portion416amay be disposed at an end of the slot416disposed closer to a first end400aof a locking member400. A second slot portion416bmay be disposed at an opposite end of the slot416disposed closer to a second end400bof a locking member400. A first slot portion416aand/or a second slot portion416bmay be configured to restrict and/or prevent removal of a connector360of the second housing unit300from the slot416(e.g., due to the connector360and/or one or more lateral protrusions362,364contacting the locking member main portion402). An expanded slot portion416cmay be disposed between the first slot portion416aand the second slot portion416brelative to an X-direction. An expanded slot portion416cmay be configured to allow a connector360of the second housing unit300to be inserted into and/or removed from the slot416. For example, a distance from a free end of the first lateral protrusion362to a free end of the second lateral protrusion364may be (i) equal to or smaller than a width of an expanded slot portion416c(e.g., generally in a Y-direction) and/or (ii) greater than a width of the slot416outside of the expanded slot portion416c(e.g., a width of the first slot portion416aand/or a width of a second slot portion416b). Additionally and/or alternatively, an expanded slot portion416cmay have a shape complimentary and/or similar to a connector360(e.g., generally triangular). Due to the varying widths of the slot416, a connector360may be inserted into and/or removed from an expanded slot portion416cof the slot416(e.g., when the locking member400is disposed in a removal position), and/or removal of the connector360from the slot416may be restricted and/or prevented when the connector360is disposed in the first slot portion416aand/or the second slot portion416b(e.g., when the locking member400is not disposed in the removal position). A connector360may be disposed in and/or aligned with the expanded slot portion416cwhen the locking member400is disposed in a removal position. A connector360may be disposed in a first slot portion416awhen the locking member400is disposed in an unlocked position. A connector360may be disposed in a second slot portion416bwhen the locking member400is disposed in a locked position.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, a locking member400may include a latch430and/or a latch stop434. A latch430may be configured to engage a tab340of a second housing unit300, such as to secure the locking member400in a locked position. A latch430may include a latch recess432configured to receive a tab340of a second housing unit300. A latch430may be configured to elastically deform (e.g., generally in a Z-direction). A latch430may be configured to be deflected away from a second housing unit300toward a deflected position via a sloped surface344of a tab340when the locking member400is adjusted toward a locked position and/or to return to an undeflected position when the locking member400reaches the locked position and the latch430transitions from contacting the sloped surface344to contacting the stop surface342of the tab340. Additionally and/or alternatively, a latch430may be configured to be actuated and/or deflected by a user to disengage the latch430and the tab340from one another, which may enable the locking member400to be adjusted out of the locked position (e.g., toward a removal position and/or an unlocked position). For example and without limitation, the latch430may latch the locking member400in the locked position until released by user. A latch stop434may be configured to contact and/or abut a latch430to restrict flexing and/or deflection of the latch430beyond a certain point, such as when the latch430is actuated by a user (e.g., to prevent damage to the latch430). A latch stop434may be disposed at least partially above a latch430and/or a locking member opening440relative to a Z-direction, and/or may extend from a first side of a locking member400to a second side of a locking member400(e.g., generally in a Y-direction). The latch stop434may, for example, include a U-shaped configuration that may open toward the latch430. The latch stop434may be configured such that the hook connectors350a-bcan move and/or slide under the latch stop434as the locking member400moves between positions.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, a locking member400may include a locking member opening440configured to receive one or more hook connectors350a,350band/or a tab340of a second housing unit300. A locking member opening440may extend through a locking member400(e.g., a locking member main portion402) generally in a Z-direction. A latch430of the locking member400may project into the locking member opening440, such as generally in an X-direction. A locking member opening440may include a first opening portion440a, a second opening portion440b, and/or a third opening portion440c(e.g., a notched opening portion). A first opening portion440aand/or a second opening portion440bmay be disposed and/or defined on opposite sides of a latch430relative to a Y-direction, and/or may extend adjacent to the latch430generally in an X-direction. A first opening portion440amay be defined at least partially by a first locking member edge446aof the locking member400. A second opening portion440bmay be defined at least partially by a second locking member edge446bof the locking member400. A third opening portion440cmay be disposed between the first opening portion440aand/or the second opening portion440b(e.g., relative to a Y-direction). A first opening portion440amay be configured to adjustably receive a first hook connector350a, a second opening portion440bmay be configured to adjustably receive a second hook connector350b, and/or a third opening portion440cmay be configured to adjustably receive a tab340. The openings440a-cmay, for example, be configured to function as tracks that receive the tab340and/or the hook connectors350a-bto restrict movement of the locking member400relative to the second housing unit300and/or the first housing unit200, such as to restrict X-direction, Y-direction, and/or Z-direction movement of the locking member400.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIG.7, a locking member400may be moved (e.g., adjusted, rotated, pivoted, slid, etc.) to a removal position. When a locking member400is in a removal position, (i) a connector360may be disposed in and/or aligned with an expanded slot portion416c, which may allow for the connector360to be removed from the slot416(e.g., in a Z-direction), (ii) a first hook connector350amay be disposed in a first opening portion440aand may not engage a first locking member edge446a, (iii) a second hook connector350bmay be disposed in a second opening portion440band may not engage a second locking member edge446b, (iv) a tab340may be disposed in a third opening portion440cand may not engage a latch430and/or a latch recess432, and/or (v) a hook member330may not engage the locking member400. As such, a locking member400may be connectable to and/or disconnectable from a second housing unit300(e.g., a second cover320) when the locking member400is disposed in a removal position. A locking member400may be connected to and/or disconnected from a second housing unit300before the second housing unit300is disposed on and/or connected to a first housing unit200, which may facilitate assembly of the electrical assembly100. Additionally and/or alternatively, a locking member400may be connected to and/or disconnected from a second housing unit300after the second housing unit300is disposed on and/or connected to a first housing unit200. In some examples, when a locking member400is in a removal position, the locking member400may substantially restrict, block, and/or prevent a second housing unit300from being disposed in a receptacle240and/or connected to a first housing unit200(e.g., via one or more locking member flanges410a-dbeing misaligned with a corresponding notch264a-d, contacting a corresponding guide section260a-d, and/or contacting a corresponding protrusion266a-d). When in a removal position, a locking member400may also substantially restrict, block, and/or prevent a second housing unit300from being removed from a receptacle240and/or disconnected from a first housing unit200(e.g., via one or more locking member flanges410a-dbeing misaligned with a corresponding notch264a-d, contacting a corresponding guide section260a-d, and/or contacting a corresponding protrusion266a-d).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.8-10C, a locking member400may be moved (e.g., adjusted, rotated, pivoted, slid, etc.) to an unlocked position. When a locking member400is disposed in an unlocked position, (i) a connector360may be disposed in a first slot portion416a, which may restrict and/or prevent removal of the connector360from the slot416, (ii) a first hook connector350amay be disposed in a first opening portion440aand may engage a first locking member edge446a, (iii) a second hook connector350bmay be disposed in a second opening portion440band may engage a second locking member edge446b, (iv) a tab340may be disposed in a third opening portion440cand may not engage a latch430, (v) a hook member330may not engage the locking member400, and/or (vi) one or more locking member flanges410a-d(e.g., all locking member flanges410a-d) may be disposed relative to a second housing unit300and/or a first electrical connector308such that (a) the locking member flanges410a-dare insertable through a notch264a-dand into a groove262a-dof the corresponding guide section260a-dof a first housing unit200when inserting the first electrical connector308into an electrical connector aperture230of the first housing unit200, and/or (b) the locking member flanges410a-dare removable from the groove262a-d(via the notch264a-d) of the corresponding guide section260a-dwhen removing the first electrical connector308from the electrical connector aperture230. As such, when a locking member400is disposed in an unlocked position, the locking member400may be connected to and/or mounted on a second housing unit300(e.g., a second cover320) but may not be engaged with and/or connected to a first housing unit200.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated inFIGS.1A and11A-11C, a locking member400may be moved (e.g., adjusted, rotated, pivoted, slid, etc.) to a locked position. When a locking member400is disposed in a locked position, (i) a connector360may be disposed in a second slot portion416bof the slot416, which may restrict and/or prevent removal of the connector360from the slot416, (ii) a first hook connector350amay be disposed in a first opening portion440aand may not engage a first locking member edge446a, (iii) a second hook connector350bmay be disposed in a second opening portion440band may not engage a second locking member edge446b, (iv) a tab340may engage a latch430and/or may be disposed in a latch recess432, (v) a hook member330may engage a portion of the locking member400(e.g., a first end400aof the locking member400), and/or (vi) one or more locking member flanges410a-d(e.g., all locking member flanges410a-d) may be (a) disposed relative to a second housing unit300and/or a first electrical connector308such that the locking member flanges410a-dare disposed in a groove262a-dof a corresponding guide section260a-dof a first housing unit200and/or (b) engaged with a protrusion266a-d(e.g. a first surface portion270a-dand/or a second surface portion272a-d) of the corresponding guide section260a-d, which may restrict and/or prevent removal of the locking member flanges410a-dfrom the grooves262a-d(e.g., via the notches264a-d). As such, when a locking member400is disposed in a locked position, the locking member400may be connected to, engaged with, and/or mounted on a first housing unit200(e.g., a first cover220) and/or a second housing unit300(e.g., a second cover320). Additionally, the second housing unit300may be pressed and/or sandwiched between the locking member400(e.g., the main portion of the locking member400) and/or the first housing unit200(e.g., the first cover220) generally in a Z-direction, which may connect, secure, lock, and/or fix the second housing unit300to the first housing unit200to restrict and/or prevent removal of the second housing unit300from the first housing unit200.

An embodiment of a method of assembling at least a portion of an electrical assembly100is generally illustrated inFIGS.6-11C. The method may include connecting a locking member400to a second housing unit300as generally illustrated inFIGS.6-8. Optionally, the method may include connecting a second housing unit300to a first housing unit200after connecting the locking member400to the second housing unit300, as generally illustrated inFIGS.9-11C. Alternatively, the method may include connecting the second housing unit300to the first housing unit200prior to connecting the locking member400to the second housing unit300(see, e.g.,FIG.1B). An embodiment of a method of disassembling at least a portion of an electrical assembly100may include disengaging the latch430from the tab340(e.g., via actuating and/or deflecting the latch430) and/or performing one or more of the steps described below, such as in performing one or more of the steps in the opposite direction and/or performing one or more of the steps in the reverse order.

With embodiments, connecting a locking member400to a second housing unit300and/or a second cover320may include aligning (e.g., generally in a Z-direction) a connector360with an expanded slot portion416c, a first hook connector350awith a first opening portion440a, a second hook connector350bwith a second opening portion440b, and/or a tab340with a third opening portion440c(see, e.g.,FIG.6). Once aligned, the locking member400may then be adjusted and/or moved onto the second housing unit300(e.g., generally in a Z-direction) such that the locking member400is disposed in a removal position (see, e.g.,FIG.7). Adjusting and/or moving the locking member400onto the second housing unit300may include inserting a connector360into an expanded slot portion416c, inserting a first hook connector350ainto a first opening portion440a, inserting a second hook connector350binto a second opening portion440b, and/or inserting a tab340into a third opening portion440c. The locking member400may then be moved and/or adjusted (e.g., generally in an X-direction) from the removal position (see, e.g.,FIG.7) toward and/or to an unlocked position (see, e.g.,FIG.8), such as by sliding, rotating, pivoting, etc. Moving and/or adjusting a locking member400from a removal position toward and/or into an unlocked position may include sliding a connector360within the slot416from an expanded slot portion416cto a first slot portion416a, engaging a first hook connector350awith a first locking member edge446a, and/or engaging a second hook connector350bwith a second locking member edge446b, which may connect the locking member400to the second housing unit300and/or restrict removal of the locking member400from the second housing unit300.

With embodiments, such as generally depicted inFIG.9, connecting a second housing unit300to a first housing unit200may include inserting (e.g., generally in an X-direction) a portion of a first end300aof the second housing unit300into a receptacle240and/or an opening246of the first housing unit200and subsequently adjusting, moving, rotating, pivoting, etc. (e.g., generally in a Z-direction) a second end300bof the second housing unit300into the receptacle240. Adjusting and/or moving a second end300bof the second housing unit300into the receptacle240may include engaging and/or inserting a first electrical connector308into an electrical connector aperture230, which may include engaging and/or contacting one or more first electrical contacts202awith one or more second electrical contacts302ato establish an electrical connection between the first housing unit200and/or the second housing unit300(see, e.g.,FIG.10D). Additionally and/or alternatively, adjusting and/or moving a second end300bof the second housing unit300into the receptacle240may include inserting (e.g., generally in a Z-direction) a first locking member flange410athrough a first notch264aand into a first groove262aof a first guide section260a, a second locking member flange410bthrough a second notch264band into a second groove262bof a second guide section260b, a third locking member flange410cthrough a third notch264cand into a third groove262cof a third guide section260c, and/or a fourth locking member flange410dthrough a fourth notch264dand into a fourth groove262dof a fourth guide section260dto a position generally illustrated inFIGS.10A-10C.

With embodiments, the locking member400may then be moved from the unlocked position (see, e.g.,FIGS.10A-10C) to a locked position (see, e.g.,FIGS.11A-11C), which may connect the locking member400to the first housing unit200, which may in turn secure, lock, and/or fix the second housing unit300to the first housing unit200via the locking member400to restrict and/or prevent removal of the second housing unit300from the first housing unit200. Adjusting a locking member400from the unlocked position to the locked position may include adjusting and/or sliding (e.g., generally in an X-direction) a first locking member flange410athrough a first groove262ato engage a first protrusion266a, a second locking member flange410bthrough a second groove262bto engage a second protrusion266b, a third locking member flange410cthrough a third groove262cto engage a third protrusion266c, and/or a fourth locking member flange410dthrough a fourth groove262dto engage a fourth protrusion266d, which may connect the locking member400and/or the second housing unit300to the first housing unit200. Adjusting a locking member flange410a-dthrough a groove262a-dmay include engaging, contacting, and/or sliding the locking member flange410a-dalong a first surface portion270a-dof the protrusion266a-d(e.g., generally in an X-direction) to engage the second surface portion272a-d, which may adjust and/or move at least a portion of the locking member400toward the first housing unit200(e.g., generally in a Z-direction) and/or push the second housing unit300toward and/or against the first housing unit200, which may ensure a tight and secure connection between the first housing unit200and the second housing unit300. Additionally and/or alternatively, adjusting a locking member400from the unlocked position to the locked position may include sliding a connector360within the slot416from a first slot portion416ato a second slot portion416b, adjusting a first hook connector350awithin a first opening portion440ato disengage the first hook connector350afrom a first locking member edge446a, adjusting a second hook connector350bwithin a second opening portion440bto disengage the second hook connector350bfrom a second locking member edge446b, engaging at least a portion of a locking member400(e.g., a first end400a) with a hook member330, and/or engaging a latch430with a tab340. Engaging a latch430with a tab340may include deflecting the latch430away from the second housing unit300via sliding the latch430along a sloped surface344of the tab340, inserting the tab340into a latch recess432of the latch430, and/or engaging/contacting a stop surface342of the tab340with the latch430, which may restrict and/or prevent the locking member400from adjusting and/or moving out of the locked position (e.g., toward a removal position and/or an unlocked position).

While embodiments are generally illustrated with the first housing unit200including one or more guide portions258a,258band the locking member400including one or more locking member flanges410a-d, embodiments may also include the opposite configuration or a combination/mixture of guide portion/flange configurations. While embodiments are generally illustrated with the second housing unit300including one or more connectors360, tabs340, hooks members330, and/or hook connectors350a,350b, and the locking member400including one or more slots416, openings440, latches430, and/or edges446a,446b, embodiments may also include the opposite configuration or a combination/mixture of the connector/slot, tab/latch, and/or hook/edge configurations.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the examples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or direct contact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. Connections of electrical components, if any, may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and/or wireless connections, among others. Uses of “e.g.” and “such as” in the specification are to be construed broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical.