Patent Publication Number: US-9899761-B2

Title: Connector system with connector position assurance

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to connector systems, and more specifically to connector systems that provide connector position assurance. 
     In some connector systems, a coupling mechanism is used when a first connector is mated to a second connector to secure the first and second connectors together. The first and second connectors are secured together to ensure that the connector system can withstand forces that would tend to pull the connectors apart and break the conductive pathway that is formed between the connectors when mated to each other. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism is defined by a latch on one connector that engages a catch of a mating connector to fully mate the two connectors. 
     It is important to ensure that the mated connectors in a respective connector system are fully mated to one another to avoid operating errors due to breaks in the conductive pathway. The connector system may be used in a complex manufactured product, such as an automobile for example. If the connectors in the connector system are not fully mated to each other during assembly of the automobile, the error eventually caused by the break in the conductive pathway may be difficult to discover and/or difficult and costly to fix. For example, it may be difficult to access the faulty connectors in the automobile. 
     Due to physical characteristics such as small size and shielded conductors, it may be difficult for a worker (or even a machine) to accurately identify whether two mating connectors are fully mated together at an assembly facility. For example, two connectors that are not fully mated to each other may only be a fraction of an inch off from the fully mated positions of the connectors, which may be difficult for the worker and/or the machine to identify. A need remains for a connector system that provides assurance that two connectors are fully mated to each other in order to avoid errors caused by breaks in the conductive pathway defined by the connectors. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a housing, a connector position assurance (CPA) element, and an actuator. The housing has a front end and defines a socket at the front end that is configured to receive a mating connector therein. The CPA element is mounted on the housing. The CPA element is slidable relative to the housing between a released position and a locked position. The CPA element includes a base and at least a first runner extending from the base. The actuator is mounted on the housing in operable engagement with the CPA element. The actuator has at least a first leg. The actuator is movable between a blocking position and a clearance position. The first leg of the actuator engages the first runner when the actuator is in the blocking position to mechanically block the CPA element from being moved between the released position and the locked position. The CPA element is movable between the released position and the locked position when the actuator is in the clearance position. The actuator is moved from the blocking position to the clearance position by the mating connector as the mating connector is loaded into the socket. The actuator attains the clearance position responsive to the mating connector being fully loaded in the housing. 
     In an embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a housing, a CPA element, and an actuator. The housing has a front end and defines a socket at the front end that is configured to receive a mating connector therein. The housing further includes a deflectable primary latch that engages a catch of the mating connector when the mating connector is fully loaded in the socket to secure the housing to the mating connector. The CPA element is mounted on the housing. The CPA element is slidable relative to the housing between a released position and a locked position. The CPA element in the released position is pivotable relative to the housing about a fulcrum. The CPA element includes a base and at least a first runner extending from the base. A portion of the first runner between the fulcrum and a distal end of the first runner extends under the primary latch. Downward movement of the base pivots the CPA element such that the portion of the first runner lifts the primary latch over the catch of the mating connector to at least one of secure the housing to the mating connector or disconnect the housing from the mating connector. The actuator is mounted on the housing in operable engagement with the CPA element. The actuator is movable between a blocking position and a clearance position. The actuator in the blocking position is configured to engage the first runner to mechanically block the CPA element from being moved between the released position and the locked position. The CPA element is movable between the released position and the locked position when the actuator is in the clearance position. The actuator is moved from the blocking position to the clearance position by the mating connector as the mating connector is loaded into the socket. The actuator attains the clearance position responsive to the mating connector being fully loaded in the housing. 
     In an embodiment, a connector system is provided that includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector has a male housing extending from a mating end to a back end. The male housing includes a rib protruding outward from an outer surface thereof. The second electrical connector includes a female housing, a CPA element, and an actuator. The female housing extends from a front end to a rear end. The female housing defines a socket that is open at the front end. The socket is configured to receive the male housing therein to mate the first and second electrical connectors. The CPA element is mounted on the female housing. The CPA element is slidable relative to the female housing between a released position and a locked position. The CPA element includes a base and at least a first runner extending from the base. The actuator is mounted on the female housing in operable engagement with the CPA element. The actuator is movable between a blocking position and a clearance position. The actuator is biased towards the blocking position. The actuator has at least a first leg that engages the first runner when the actuator is in the blocking position to mechanically block the CPA element from being moved between the released position and the locked position. The CPA element is movable between the released position and the locked position when the actuator is in the clearance position. The rib of the male housing engages the actuator and moves the actuator from the blocking position to the clearance position as the male housing is loaded into the socket. The actuator attains the clearance position responsive to the male housing being fully loaded in the female housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a connector system formed in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of a female connector of the connector system according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a housing assembly of the female connector in an assembled state according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view of an actuator and a CPA element relative to a platform of the female housing in a pre-mated stage. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side view of the actuator and the CPA element relative to the platform of the female housing in an initial mated stage. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side view of the actuator and the CPA element relative to the platform of the female housing in a final mated stage. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a portion of the housing assembly in the pre-mated stage. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly in the pre-mated stage taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly in the pre-mated stage taken along line  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a male housing of a male connector of the connector system being loaded in the housing assembly of the female connector according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly and the male housing in the final mated stage taken along line  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly and the male housing in the final mated stage taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a portion of the housing assembly in the final mated stage. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly in a pre-mated stage taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 3  according to an alternative embodiment of the housing assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     One or more embodiments described herein provide a connector system having an electrical connector that includes a connector position assurance (CPA) element. The CPA element is movable between a released position and a locked position. For example, the CPA element can move from the released position to the locked position and from the locked position to the released position. The CPA element is configured to only be movable between the released position and the locked position in response to a mating electrical connector being fully mated to the electrical connector. For example, until the mating electrical connector is fully mated with the electrical connector, the CPA element is restricted from moving from the released position to the locked position, or vice-versa depending on the particular embodiment. The CPA element is used to verify that the electrical connectors are fully mated by providing sensory (for example, tactile, visual, audible, etc.) feedback to a worker or a robot assembling the connector system. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a connector system  100  formed in accordance with an embodiment. The connector system  100  includes a first electrical connector  102  and a second electrical connector  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical connector  102  is a male connector, and the second electrical connector  104  is a female connector, such that a portion of the first electrical connector  102  is received within a socket  106  of the second electrical connector  104  during a mating operation. More specifically, a male housing  108  of the first connector  102  is received within the socket  106 , which is defined by a female housing  110  of the second connector  104 . Although shown as un-mated in  FIG. 1 , the first and second connectors  102 ,  104  are poised for mating along a mating axis  112 . As used herein, the first electrical connector  102  is referred to as male connector  102  or mating connector  102 , and the second electrical connector  104  is referred to as female connector  104  or connector  104 . 
     The connector system  100  may be used in numerous applications across various industries, such as the automotive industry, the home appliance industry, the aviation industry, and the like, to electrically couple two or more devices and/or electrical components. For example, in the automotive industry, the electrical connectors  102 ,  104  may be used for radio frequency communications, such as to electrically connect an antenna to a controller and/or processing device. 
     The male connector  102  and the female connector  104  each electrically connect to different electrical components and provide a conductive pathway between the corresponding electrical components. In the illustrated embodiment, the male connector  102  is edge-mounted on a printed circuit board  114 , and the female connector  104  is electrically connected to a conductive cable or wire  116 , such as a coaxial cable. In an alternative embodiment, the female connector  104  may be mounted to a circuit board and/or the male connector  102  may be terminated to a cable. The printed circuit board  114  and the cable  116  are each electrically terminated (e.g., crimped, soldered, etc.) to electrical contacts (not shown) of the respective connectors  102 ,  104  that engage each other when the connectors  102 ,  104  are mated. Various electrical signals conveying power, control, data, or the like, may be transmitted through the connectors  102 ,  104  between the printed circuit board  114  and the cable  116 . 
     The female connector  104  has a right angle shape, although the angle defined by the female connector  104  need not be approximately 90°. For example, the mating axis  112  along which the male connector  102  is loaded into the socket  106  is generally perpendicular to the orientation of the cable  116  exiting the female connector  104 . Due to the right angle shape, the female connector  104  has a limited length along the mating axis  112 . Thus, there is limited available area along the length for installing a connector position assurance (CPA) device that is used to verify whether the male connector  102  and the female connector  104  are fully mated during a mating operation. 
     The female housing  110  of the female connector  104  extends between a front end  128  and a rear end  130 . The front end  128  is a mating end that faces the male connector  102 . The socket  106  extends through the female housing  110  between the front end  128  and the rear end  130 . The socket  106  is open at the front end  128 . In one or more embodiments, the female connector  104  includes a CPA element  118  that is mounted to the female housing  110 . The CPA element  118  is disposed radially outward of the socket  106 , as opposed to being in-line with the socket  106 . The CPA element  118  is disposed above the socket  106  in the illustrated orientation. The CPA element  118  is operably coupled to a deflectable primary latch  120  of the female housing  110 . The primary latch  120  is configured to engage a catch  122  of the male connector  102  to secure the female housing  110  to the male connector  102 . The engagement between the primary latch  120  and the catch  122  is designed to absorb and withstand forces incidental to normal use that pull the connectors  102 ,  104  apart. The primary latch  120  is configured to deflect radially relative to the socket  106 . The primary latch  120  may deflect responsive to engagement with the male housing  108  as the male connector  102  is loaded into the socket  106 . Additionally, or alternatively, the primary latch  120  may deflect due to pivoting or rotation of the CPA element  118 , as described in more detail below. 
     The male housing  108  extends between a mating end  132  and a back end  134 . The male housing  108  is loaded in the socket  106  such that the mating end  132  is received in the socket  106  first. The back end  134  may or may not enter the socket  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the male housing  108  is a nose cone that has a generally cylindrical shape. The male housing  108  includes a rib  124  that projects from an outer surface  126  thereof. The rib  124  is configured to engage the primary latch  120 . The rib  124  includes a catch surface  136  that defines the catch  122 . The catch surface  136  faces the back end  134 . The rib  124  may deflect the primary latch  120  as the male connector  102  is loaded. For example, a top side  138  of the rib  124  may define a ramp  140  that gradually increases the deflection of the primary latch  120  as the male connector  102  moves along the mating axis  112  towards a fully loaded position. The male housing  108  also includes at least one keying ridge  142  that projects from the outer surface  126 . Each keying ridge  142  is configured to be received in a corresponding key groove  144  in the socket  106  to ensure that the male housing  108  properly aligns with the female housing  110  during the mating operation. 
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of the female connector  104  according to an embodiment. The female connector  104  includes a housing assembly  146  and a contact assembly  148 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing assembly  146  is exploded, and the contact assembly  148  is intact. The housing assembly  146  includes the female housing  110 , the CPA element  118 , an actuator  162 , and an optional retainer clip  164 . The contact assembly  148  may include a center contact (not shown), a dielectric  150  surrounding the center contact, an outer contact  152  surrounding the dielectric  150 , a front shield  154 , and a rear shield  156 . The dielectric  150  provides insulation between the center contact and the outer contact  152 . The front and rear shields  154 ,  156  are electrically conductive and provide shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference such as cross-talk that could degrade the signal quality of the signals transmitted through the connector  104 . The contact assembly  148  is terminated to the cable  116  by a ferrule  158  that is crimped around the front and rear shields  154 ,  156  and an outer jacket  160  of the cable  116 . The ferrule  158  may also be crimped around a cable braid (not shown) of the cable  116 . 
     The connector  104  is assembled by inserting a contact segment  166  of the contact assembly  148  into the female housing  110  through the rear end  130 . The contact segment  166  includes the center contact, the dielectric  150 , and the outer contact  152 . The contact segment  166  is configured to engage corresponding components of the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to electrically connect the male connector  102  and the female connector  104  when the male connector  102  is fully loaded into the socket  106 . The retainer clip  164  is inserted into the female housing  110  subsequent to the contact segment  166  in order to secure the contact assembly  148  to the housing  110 . For example, the retainer clip  164  may engage a flange  168  of the front shield  154  to retain the contact segment  166  in the housing  110 . 
     The components of the housing  110 , CPA element  118 , and actuator  162  are described in detail below. The interoperability of the components will be explained with reference to succeeding figures. In an embodiment, the housing  110 , CPA element  118 , and actuator  162  are electrically insulative and composed of one or more dielectric materials, such as plastics. Alternatively, the CPA element  118  and/or the actuator  162  are electrically conductive and composed of one or more metals. The housing  110 , CPA element  118 , and actuator  162  may be formed of a molding process. 
     The housing  110  includes a bottom wall  170 , a first side wall  172 , and an opposite second side wall  174 . A top end  176  of the housing  110  is at least partially open. As used herein, relative or spatial terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “first,” and “second” are only used to distinguish the referenced elements of the connector system  100  and do not require particular positions or orientations relative to the direction of gravity and/or relative to the surrounding environment of the connector system  100 . The housing  110  defines a latching zone  178  above the socket  106  (for example, between the socket  106  and the top end  176 ). The primary latch  120  and both the actuator  162  and the CPA element  118  (when mounted to the housing  110 ) are disposed in the latching zone  178 . A platform  180  separates the latching zone  178  from the socket  106  such that the platform  180  is disposed between the primary latch  120  and the socket  106 . The platform  180  defines a notch  182  extending rearward from the front end  128 . The notch  182  is configured to accommodate the rib  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the male housing  108  ( FIG. 1 ) therein as the male housing  108  enters the socket  106 . 
     The housing  110  also includes a cantilevered beam  184  along each of the first side wall  172  and the second side wall  174 . Each cantilevered beam  184  extends from a fixed end  186  that is attached to the respective side wall  172 ,  174  to a distal, free end  188  that is not attached to the respective side wall  172 ,  174 . In the illustrated embodiment, the free end  188  is disposed more proximate to the front end  128  of the housing  110  than the proximity of the fixed end  186  to the front end  128 . Optionally, the cantilevered beams  184  are formed integral to the respective side walls  172 ,  174 . For example, instead of coupling discrete beams onto the walls  172 ,  174 , the cantilevered beams  184  are formed by removing portions of the walls  172 ,  174  surrounding the beams  184 . Thus, the cantilevered beam  184  extends into a window  190  defined in the respective wall  172 ,  174 . The cantilevered beams  184  are configured to deflect relative to the housing  110  within the respective window  190 . In an alternative embodiment, only one of the first side wall  172  or the second side wall  174 , but not both, includes a cantilevered beam  184 . 
     The actuator  162  includes a first leg  192  and a second leg  194 . The first and second legs  192 ,  194  both extend from a cross-bar  196 . For example, the legs  192 ,  194  may extend from opposite first and second ends  198 ,  200  of the cross-bar  196 . The legs  192 ,  194  are oriented to extend generally parallel to one another and in the same general direction from the cross-bar  196 . The legs  192 ,  194  are spaced apart from each other along the length of the cross-bar  196  such that the legs  192 ,  194  are configured to straddle the primary latch  120 . In an embodiment, the legs  192 ,  194  each include a ledge  202  that protrudes outward from an outer side  204  of the respective leg  192 ,  194 . The ledge  202  is disposed proximate to a bottom (or distal end)  206  of the respective leg  192 ,  194 . When mounted to the housing  110 , the outer side  204  of the first leg  192  faces the first side wall  172 , and the ledge  202  of the first leg  192  is received in the window  190  of the first side wall  172 . The cantilevered beam  184  along the first side wall  172  engages and applies a biasing force on a top  208  of the ledge  202  of the first leg  192 . Although not shown, the ledge  202  of the second leg  194  may similarly engage the cantilevered beam  184  along the second side wall  174 . 
     In an embodiment, the actuator  162  further includes a post  210  disposed between the first and second legs  192 ,  194 . The post  210  extends from the cross-bar  196  in approximately the same direction as the legs  192 ,  194 . The post  210  is configured to be engaged by the rib  124  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the male connector  102  ( FIG. 1 ) during the mating operation. 
     The CPA element  118  includes a base  212  and first and second runners  214 ,  216  extending from the base  212 . The runners  214 ,  216  have similar, if not identical, shapes that mirror each other. The runners  214 ,  216  extend generally parallel to one another and in the same general direction from the base  212 . The base  212  is a bulbous, knob-like structure that may be at least partially curved. The large, curved structure of the base  212  provides a place of contact for an operator to grip and/or hold the CPA element  118  in order to actuate (for example, slide and/or pivot) the CPA element  118 , as described in more detail herein. The first and second runners  214 ,  216  are spaced apart from each other to straddle the primary latch  120  when mounted to the housing  110 . The first and second runners  214 ,  216  are spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to a distance separating the first and second legs  192 ,  194  of the actuator  162 . Each runner  214 ,  216  has a top side  218  and an opposite bottom side  220 . The bottom side  220  is configured to contact and slide along the platform  180  of the housing  110 . The top side  218  has a contoured surface. For example, the top side  218  includes a detent  222  proximate to a distal end  224  of the respective runner  214 ,  216 . The top side  218  also defines a step  226  disposed between the detent  222  and the base  212 . The area of the top side  218  between the detent  222  and the step  226  defines a seat  228 . The seat  228  is configured to accommodate the bottom  206  of a corresponding leg  192 ,  194 , as described in more detail herein. 
     At least a portion of each runner  214 ,  216  extends towards the opposing runner  214 ,  216 . In an embodiment, both runners  214 ,  216  include a lug  230  that defines the portion that extends toward the opposing runner  214 ,  216 . Only the lug  230  of the second runner  216  is visible in  FIG. 2 . The lug  230  is disposed more proximate to the distal end  224  of the respective runner  214 ,  216  than the proximity of the lug  230  to the base  212 . The lug  230  protrudes from an inner side  232  of the respective runner  214 ,  216  that faces the opposing runner  214 ,  216 . Upon mounting the CPA element  118  to the housing  110 , the lugs  230  are configured to extend underneath the primary latch  120  between the latch  120  and the platform  180 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator  162  includes two legs  192 ,  194  and the CPA element  118  includes two runners  214 ,  216 . In an alternative embodiment, however, the actuator  162  may include only one leg and the CPA element  118  may include only one runner. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the housing assembly  146  in an assembled state according to an embodiment. The housing assembly  146  is oriented with respect to a vertical or elevation axis  191 , a lateral axis  193 , and the mating axis  112 . The axes  191 ,  193 ,  112  are mutually perpendicular. Although the elevation axis  191  appears to extend in a generally parallel to gravity, it is understood that the axes  191 ,  193 ,  112  are not required to have any particular orientation with respect to gravity. 
     The actuator  162  and the CPA element  118  are mounted to the housing  110  in the latching zone  178 . The primary latch  120  is generally centrally located along the lateral axis  193  between the first and second side walls  172 ,  174 . The first leg  192  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the second leg  194  of the actuator  162  straddle the primary latch  120  such that the first leg  192  is disposed between the latch  120  and the first side wall  172  and the second legs  194  is disposed between the latch  120  and the second side wall  174 . The first runner  214  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the second runner  216  of the CPA element  118  also straddle the primary latch  120 . In an embodiment, the primary latch  120  defines an aperture  236  that extends through the latch  120  from a top side  238  to a bottom side  240  of the latch  120 . The aperture  236  is elongated along the mating axis  112 . The cross-bar  196  is disposed above the top side  238  of the primary latch  120 . The post  210  of the actuator  162  extends downward into the aperture  236 . 
     The actuator  162  is movable relative to the housing  110  between a blocking position (depicted in  FIGS. 3, 4, and 7-9 ) and a clearance position (depicted in  FIGS. 5, 6, and 10-13 ). The actuator  162  is in the blocking position in  FIG. 3 . The actuator  162  is configured to move vertically between the blocking position and the clearance position. For example, each of the first and second side walls  172 ,  174  defines a groove  234  that extends along the vertical axis  191  and receives a corresponding one of the first and second legs  192 ,  194  therein. The grooves  234  define a track for the actuator  162  to allow movement of the actuator  162  along the vertical axis  191  while preventing movement of the actuator  162  along the mating axis  112  and the lateral axis  193 . 
     The CPA element  118  is movable relative to the housing  110  between a released position (depicted in  FIGS. 3-5 and 7-10 ) and a locked position (depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 11-13 ). The CPA element  118  is in the released position in  FIG. 3 . The CPA element  118  is configured to move along the mating axis  112  between the released and locked positions. The runners  214 ,  216  of the CPA element  118  slide along the platform  180 . The CPA element  118  is moved via operator involvement, such as by an operator pushing or pulling the base  212 . 
     In an embodiment, the actuator  162  is in the blocking position and the CPA element  118  is in the released position when the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is not fully loaded in the socket  106  of the female housing  110 . For example, the actuator  162  is biased towards the blocking position. When the actuator  162  is in the blocking position, the actuator  162  mechanically blocks the CPA element  118  from moving from the released position to the locked position. Thus, the CPA element  118  is not permitted to be moved from the released position to the locked position. As the male connector  102  is loaded into the socket  106  along the mating axis  112 , the male connector  102  engages the actuator  162  and moves the actuator  162  from the blocking position towards the clearance position. The actuator  162  does not attain the clearance position until the male connector  102  reaches a fully loaded position relative to the housing  110 . In the fully loaded position, the male connector  102  is properly connected to the female connector  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the primary latch  120  does not engage the catch surface  136  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the rib  124  ( FIG. 1 ) until the male connector  102  is in the fully loaded position. 
     When the actuator  162  is in the clearance position, the actuator  162  does not block movement of the CPA element  118  from the released position to the locked position. Thus, an operator is able to move the CPA element  118  to the locked position. Since the actuator  162  is only in the clearance position when the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is fully loaded in the female housing  110 , the CPA element  118  is movable from the released position to the locked position when the male connector  102  is fully loaded. Therefore, the ability to move the CPA element  118  to the locked position after a mating operation between a male connector  102  and a female connector  104  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) indicates that the connectors  102 ,  104  are fully and properly mated to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the locked position of the CPA element  118  represents an assurance position of the connector system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) because the state of the CPA element  118  in the locked position provides assurance that the connectors  102 ,  104  are fully and properly mated. The movement of the CPA element  118  provides a sensory notification to the operator, such as a visual (seeing the CPA element  118  in the locked position), tactile (feeling the CPA element  118  move to the locked position), and/or audible (hearing the CPA element  118  move to the locked position) indicator. In an alternative embodiment, such as described below with reference to  FIG. 14 , the CPA element  118  may be initially located in the locked position, and may move from the locked position to the released position upon the actuator  162  attaining the clearance position. In this alternative embodiment, the released position of the CPA element  118  represents the assurance position of the connector system  100 . 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate schematic side views of the actuator  162  and the CPA element  118  relative to the platform  180  of the female housing  110  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) at various stages during a mating operation according to an embodiment. In the illustrated side views, only the first leg  192  of the actuator  162  is visible. Similarly, only the first runner  214  and the base  212  of the CPA element  118  are visible. The following description of the first leg  192  and the first runner  214  may also apply to the second leg  194  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the second runner  216  ( FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 4  shows a pre-mated stage before the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is mated to the female housing  110  ( FIG. 3 ). The actuator  162  is in the blocking position, and the CPA element  118  is in the released position. When the actuator  162  is in the blocking position, the leg  192  rests on the platform  180  such that the bottom  206  of the leg  192  engages a top surface  242  of the platform  180 . The leg  192  is located in a path of the runner  214 . Therefore, attempted movement of the CPA element  118  from the released position to the locked position would cause the distal end  224  of the runner  214  to abut against a first side  244  of the leg  192 , which mechanically blocks further movement of the CPA element  118  towards the locked position. 
       FIG. 5  shows an initial mated stage in which the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is fully mated to the female housing  110  ( FIG. 3 ). The male connector  102  has moved the actuator  162  vertically in an unblocking direction  246  (parallel to the vertical axis  191 ) from the blocking position to the clearance position. The male connector  102  also supports and retains the actuator  162  in the clearance position. For example, the rib  124  (shown in phantom) of the male housing  108  ( FIG. 1 ) engages the post  210  ( FIG. 2 ) of the actuator  162  to lift and hold the actuator. In the clearance position, the bottom  206  of the leg  192  is spaced apart vertically from the platform  180  by a height that is sufficient to allow at least a portion of the runner  214  to pass under the leg  192 . In the initial mated stage of the  FIG. 5 , although the CPA element  118  is allowed to move to the locked position, the CPA element  118  remains in the released position. 
       FIG. 6  shows a final mated stage. The actuator  162  is in the clearance position, and the CPA element  118  is in the locked position. The CPA element  118  has been moved (by an operator or a machine) in a locking direction  248  parallel to the mating axis  112  from the released position to the locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the runner  214  of the CPA element  118  slides under the bottom  206  of the leg  192  along the platform  180  until the leg  192  aligns with the seat  228  of the runner  214 . For example, the distal end  224  of the runner  214  and the detent  222  both protrude beyond a second side  250  of the leg  192  (that is opposite the first side  244 ). The detent  222  may engage the bottom  206  of the leg  192  as the detent  222  passes the leg  192  to provide tactile and/or audible feedback to an operator. The actuator  162  is biased downwards, so the bottom  206  of the leg  192  engages the top side  218  of the runner  214  at the seat  228 . The step  226  of the runner  214  may engage the first side  244  to provide a hard stop that prevents further movement of the CPA element  118  in the locking direction  248 . The detent  222  may be configured to engage the second side  250  of the leg  192  to provide a soft stop that restricts the CPA element  118  from unintentionally returning back to the released position. The soft stop provided by the detent  222  is configured to be overcome by a sufficient force to allow the CPA element  118  to be intentionally moved from the locked position to the released position. 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate various views of portions of the housing assembly  146  in the pre-mated stage schematically shown in  FIG. 4 , in which the actuator  162  is in the blocking position and the CPA element  118  is in the released position.  FIG. 7  is a side view of a portion of the housing assembly  146 .  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly  146  taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly  146  taken along line  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the cantilevered beam  184  of the first side wall  172  of the housing  110  engages the ledge  202  that protrudes from the first leg  192  of the actuator  162 . The free end  188  engages the top  208  of the ledge  202  and applies a biasing force in a downward direction  252  towards the bottom wall  170  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the housing  110 . The cantilevered beam  184  biases the actuator  162  towards the blocking position. The cantilevered beam  184  is configured to deflect upwards as the actuator  162  is lifted to the clearance position by the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), as depicted in  FIG. 13 . The cantilevered beam  184  maintains engagement with the ledge  202  throughout the mating operation and thereafter. 
     The cross-section in  FIG. 8  extends through the first leg  192  of the actuator  162  and the first runner  214  of the CPA element  118 . The illustrated embodiment resembles the schematic shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first leg  192  engages the platform  180  of the housing  110  in the path of the first runner  214 , such that movement of the CPA element  118  in the locking direction  248  is not permitted beyond the first side  244  of the leg  192 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the cross-section extends through the post  210  of the actuator  162 , the primary latch  120  of the housing  110 , and the base  212  of the CPA element  118 . The second runner  216  is visible, but the first runner  214  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is not. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  110  includes a shoulder  254  that extends from the platform  180  at the rear end  130  of the housing  110 . The primary latch  120  extends forward from the shoulder  254  and is spaced apart from the platform  180 . The primary latch  120  extends generally parallel to the platform  180  when in an undeflected position, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The post  210  is received in the aperture  236  of the primary latch  120 . A bottom  256  of the post  210  is disposed at approximately the same height from the platform  180  as the bottom side  240  of the primary latch  120 . The primary latch  120  has a latching surface  258  that engages the catch or catch surface  136  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the male connector  102  ( FIG. 1 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the latching surface  258  is a front wall of the aperture  236  that faces the rear end  130  of the housing  110 . The latching surface  258  faces the post  210  in the aperture  236 . The primary latch  120  extends more proximate to the front end  128  of the housing  110  than the proximity of the actuator  162  to the front end  128 , so the male connector  102  is configured to engage or at least extend beyond a front end  270  of the primary latch  120  prior to engaging the actuator  162 . The post  210  is proximate to the latching surface  258  such that the male connector  102  engages the post  210  at the same time that the catch surface  136  engages the latching surface  258 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the base  212  of the CPA element  118  extends beyond the rear end  130  of the housing  110  when the CPA element  118  is in the released position. In an embodiment, the CPA element  118  is pivotable relative to the housing  110 . The CPA element  118  pivots about a fulcrum  260  that is disposed between the base  212  and the distal end  224  of the runner  216 . A portion of the runner  216  between the fulcrum  260  and the distal end  224  extends under the primary latch  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the portion that extends under the primary latch  120  is the lug  230 . A downward force on the base  212  pivots the CPA element  118  such that the base  212  moves in a downward arc  262  while the lug  230  moves in an upward arc  264 . The lug  230  engages the bottom side  240  of the primary latch  120  and lifts the latch  120  upwards away from the platform  180 . In an embodiment, the fulcrum  260  is a peg  266  of the CPA element  118  that extends from the inner side  232  of the runner  216 . In addition to, or as an alternative to, serving as the fulcrum  260 , the peg  266  may be configured to abut a back wall  268  of the shoulder  254  to provide a hard stop that limits the available movement of the CPA element  118  in the rearward direction. The peg  266  may engage the bottom side  240  of the primary latch  120 , the top surface  242  of the platform  180 , and/or the back wall  268  of the shoulder  254  when the CPA element  118  pivots. In an alternative embodiment, instead of using the peg  266  of the CPA element  118 , the fulcrum  260  may be a component of the housing  110 . 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the male housing  108  of the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) being loaded in the housing assembly  146  of the female connector  104  ( FIG. 1 ) according to an embodiment. The cross-section is taken along line  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 3 . As the male housing  108  is loaded in the socket  106  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the rib  124  is received in the notch  182  of the platform  180 . The ramp  140  of the rib  124  deflects the primary latch  120  upwards as the rib  124  moves in a mating direction  272  along the mating axis  112  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the ramp  140  may first engage a beveled front edge  274  of the primary latch  120  that is complementary to the angle of the ramp  140 . In the illustrated stage, the primary latch  120  is in a fully-deflected position, such that the bottom side  240  of the latch  120  rests on a planar crest  276  of the top side  138  of the rib  124  that is between the ramp  140  and the catch surface  136 . As the rib  124  moves beyond the latching surface  258  of the primary latch  120 , the ramp  140  engages the post  210  of the actuator  162 . In the illustrated embodiment, the post  210  has a beveled bottom edge  278  that complements the ramp  140 . Thus, movement of the male housing  108  in the mating direction  272  causes the beveled bottom edge  278  to slide along the ramp  140  to gradually lift the actuator  162  towards the clearance position. 
     The CPA element  118  in  FIG. 10  is in the released position and is pivoted relative to the housing  110 . The pivoting of the CPA element  118  may be used to deflect the primary latch  120  instead of, or in addition to, the movement of the rib  124  of the male housing  108 . For example, the CPA element  118  may be pivoted to deflect the latch  120  upwards out of the path of the rib  124 , such that the rib  124  does not engage the latch  120  as the male housing  108  is moved in the mating direction  272 . The CPA element  118  also may be pivoted such that only a top portion of the ramp  140  of the rib  124  engages the latch  120 , and, as such, both the CPA element  118  and the rib  124  apply forces on the primary latch  120  to deflect the latch  120 . Although the CPA element  118  is shown in a pivoted state, it is understood that the CPA element  118  does not need to be pivoted during the mating operation, as the male housing  108  does not require the assistance of the CPA element  118  to deflect the primary latch  120 . 
       FIGS. 11-13  illustrate various views of portions of the housing assembly  146  and the male housing  108  in the final mated stage schematically shown in  FIG. 6 , in which the actuator  162  is in the clearance position and the CPA element  118  is in the locked position.  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly  146  and the male housing  108  taken along line  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly  146  and the male housing  108  taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 13  is a side view of a portion of the housing assembly  146 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the male housing  108  is fully loaded in the female housing  110  such that the primary latch  120  is undeflected and the latching surface  258  of the primary latch  120  engages the catch surface  136  of the rib  124  to secure the female housing  110  to the male housing  108 . The post  210  of the actuator  162  rests on the crest  276  along the top side  138  of the rib  124  which holds the actuator  162  in the clearance position. The CPA element  118  has been allowed to move to the locked position from the released position because the actuator  162  is in the clearance position. In the locked position, at least a majority of the base  212  of the CPA element  118  is disposed above the primary latch  120  and does not protrude rearward from the rear end  130  of the housing  110 . In such a position, the CPA element  118  is not pivotable because the base  212  abuts the latch  120  and/or the shoulder  254  to block such movement. 
     In  FIG. 12 , the cross-section extends through the first leg  192  of the actuator  162  and the first runner  214  of the CPA element  118 . The illustrated embodiment resembles the schematic shown in  FIG. 6 . The first leg  192  sits on the top side  218  of the runner  214  between the detent  222  and the step  226 .  FIG. 13  shows the cantilevered beam  184  of the first side wall  172  in a fully deflected state. For example, the force that the male housing  108  exerts on the actuator  162  to raise the actuator  162  to the clearance position overcomes the downward biasing force exerted by the cantilevered beam  184  on the ledge  202  of the actuator  162 . The cantilevered beam  184  is deflected upwards towards the top end  176  of the housing  110  relative to the position of the beam  184  shown in  FIG. 7  when the actuator  162  is in the blocking position. The cantilevered beam  184  maintains the biasing force on the ledge  202  such that the cantilevered beam  184  moves the actuator  162  from the clearance position to the blocking position once the force exerted by the male housing  108  on the actuator  162  is removed. 
     In an embodiment, the male housing  108  can be uncoupled and removed from the female housing  110  using the CPA element  118 . For example, referred to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the CPA element  118  can be moved from the locked position to the released position by engaging the base  212  and sliding the CPA element  118  in an unlocking direction  280  towards the released position. The detent  222  engages the actuator  162  and provides a small amount of resistance that gives sensory feedback to the operator as the detent  222  moves past the actuator  162 . Once in the released position, the CPA element  118  is pivoted, as shown in  FIG. 10 , to lift the primary latch  120  such that the latching surface  258  clears the catch surface  136  of the rib  124 . With the latching surface  258  of the deflected primary latch  120  disposed above the catch surface  136 , the male housing  108  is able to be moved in an un-mating direction  282  relative to the female housing  110  to remove the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) from the female connector  104  ( FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the housing assembly  146  in a pre-mated stage taken along line  8 - 8  shown in  FIG. 3  according to an alternative embodiment of the housing assembly  146 . Unlike the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4-13 , in the illustrated embodiment the released position of the CPA element  118  represents an assurance position of the connector system  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) that indicates that the male connector  102  and female connector  104  (both shown in  FIG. 1 ) are fully mated together.  FIG. 14  represents a pre-mated stage prior to the male connector  102  being received in the housing  110 . The actuator  162  is in a blocking position, and the CPA element  118  is in the locked position. The actuator  162  in the blocking position blocks movement of the CPA element  118  from the locked position to the released position. For example, the first runner  214  includes a catch  302  in place of the detent  222  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). In the blocking position according to this embodiment, the first leg  192  engages the top side  218  of the first runner  214 , so attempted movement of the CPA element  118  in the unlocking direction  280  towards the released position is blocked by the catch  302  abutting against the leg  192 . Only displacement of the actuator  162  upwards from the blocking position to the clearance position allows the CPA element  118  to slide in the unlocking direction  280  because the catch  302  moves under the leg  192 . 
     In an embodiment, after removing the male connector  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) from the housing  110 , the housing assembly  146  can be reset by moving the CPA element  118  in the locking direction  248  back to the locked position. In order for the distal end  224  of the runners  214 ,  216  to extend past the actuator  162 , the legs  192 ,  194  define beveled rear edges  304  (only the edge  304  of the first leg  192  is visible in  FIG. 14 ). The runners  214 ,  216  define complementary beveled front edges  306  that are configured to engage the beveled rear edges  304  to lift the actuator  162  out of the path of the runners  214 ,  216  as the CPA element  118  is moved in the locking direction  248  relative to the actuator  162 . 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.