Patent Description:
Electrical connectors can be used to electrically interconnect two mating housings together, each mating housing comprising wires coupled to male or female terminals. When the two mating housings are coupled together, the male and female terminals engage with one another to electrically interconnect the wires. To ensure and maintain the mating housings connected together, e.g. by means of a coupling screw, in particular when the electrical connector assembly is installed into a vehicle prone to vibrations, a bundle of screws and/or bolds, such as fixing screws are used for fixing the assembly to the vehicle.

However, the use of screws/bolds, in addition of increasing the number of detachable components per electrical connector assembly, involves assembly steps that may require at least two operators, the application of a specific torque is not easily controllable, and thus, does not allow saving assembly times. Moreover, during use, vibration or chocks might untighten the screws - the loose screws being able to cause severe damages.

An alternative solution for interlocking housings without screws relies on the use of a lever movably mounted around protrusions extending from opposite faces of a housing. Furthermore, as the coupling effort is essentially localised at the protrusions extending from the opposite faces of the housing when the lever is moved, such mechanism allows a restricted number of mating and unmating operations, as each operation may further weaken the lever. Furthermore, in a blind electrical connector assembly situation, like described in the document <CIT>, the mating of the terminals when coupling the two mating housings together is invisible to the operator. Thus, in blind connectors, the proper and complete coupling of the mating housings and of theirs terminals can be difficult realize and it remains difficult to check proper assembly.

Hence, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector assembly that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the art.

The object of the present invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

In particular, the object of the present invention is addressed by an electrical connector assembly according to claim <NUM>.

Hence, the use of screws or bolds for mating the electrical connector assembly is no longer needed and thus can be avoided. The use, instead, of the lever's shaft and the retaining means allow facilitating the assembly and the mating of the electrical connector assembly. Moreover, the use of a lever allows providing a more robust assembly than the known assemblies requiring fixing and/or coupling screws. Furthermore, one operator is enough for realizing the assembly by means of the lever. Moreover, there is no more need for a step wherein the torque applied to the screws is to be checked. Hence, the electrical connector assembly according to the present invention allows reducing both the workforce and the assembly time, thus allowing reducing the cost for assembling such an electrical connector assembly.

The shape of the opening ensures that the shaft is movable according to the trajectory implied by the shape of coupling hook portion.

The electrical connector assembly can be further improved according to various advantageous embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a cross-section of each opening transversal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft may be J-shape, and in the first position, the shaft may abut on a first end of each J-shape opening of the plug housing; and in the second position the shaft may abut on a second end, opposite to the first end, of each J-shape opening of the plug housing.

The J-shaped opening infers a specific trajectory to the shaft, complementary to the hook portion geometry so as to allow the shaft to be engaged within the hook portion of the retaining means. The J-shaped opening also contributes to allow the abutment of the shaft in the hook portion. The shaft's lever and the J-shape opening indicate to an operator that a position, i.e. first or second, is reached when the shaft is in abutment. Furthermore, depending on the position of the shaft's lever with respect to the ends of the opening, a visual indication is provided to an operator about the position of the lever (first or second position), thus visually indicating to the operator if the plug housing is locked with the receptacle housing or not.

According to an embodiment, the lever may comprises at least one oblong recess or an oblong through-hole, and the plug housing may comprise at least one protrusion, in particular of circular section; wherein the oblong recess or the oblong through-hole of the lever may cooperate with the at least one protrusion of the plug housing so as to allow a movement of the lever relative to the plug housing from the first position to the second position.

Hence, the lever is maintained to the plug housing and its motion is guided by means of a positive-fit connection, which does not require the use of screws and/or bolds.

According to an embodiment, the plug housing may comprise a locking means for locking the lever in the second position, in particular a spring loaded locking means.

Hence, the locking of the mated electrical connector assembly can be ensured.

According to an embodiment, the locking means may comprise a protruding portion configured to abut, in the second position, into an opening of the lever thereby preventing a movement of the lever with respect to the plug housing.

Hence, the protruding portion allows easily locking the lever by positive-locking, without the use of any screw.

According to an embodiment, the retaining means may be snap-fitted to the receptacle housing.

Hence, the snap-fit assembly of the retaining means with the receptacle housing allows using a quick, easy, and screwless assembly technique.

According to an embodiment, the electrical connector assembly may further comprise a fixation bracket frame comprising a retractable portion such that the dimensions of the fixation bracket frame may be adaptable from a primary position wherein the retractable portion is not or partially retracted with respect to the fixation bracket frame, so as to be mounted onto the receptacle housing; to a secondary position, wherein the retractable portion may be further retracted with respect to the primary position, so as to maintain panel between the receptacle housing and the fixation bracket frame, in particular in a sealed manner.

Hence, by means of the retractable fixation bracket frame, the electrical connector assembly is able to be tightened on the receptacle housing and could, for example, be used for tightening panels, e.g. panel with a thickness between <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>, between the receptacle housing and the fixation bracket frame.

According to an embodiment, the receptacle housing may comprise at least one protrusion; and the fixation bracket frame may comprise at least one groove; such that the at least one protrusion of the fixation bracket frame may cooperate with the at least one groove of the receptacle housing so as to allow a movement of the fixation bracket frame relative to the receptacle housing at least along two different directions not parallel to each other, from an unfixed position, not allowing a panel to be maintained between the receptacle housing and the fixation bracket frame, to the fixed position.

Hence, the fixation bracket frame is maintained to the plug housing and its motion along two different directions is guided by means of a positive-fit connection, which does not require the use of screws and/or bolds.

According to an embodiment, the fixation bracket frame may comprise at least one securing clip movable relative to the fixation bracket frame between the unfixed position to the fixed position; such that, in the fixed position, the at least one securing clip may be snap-fitted to the fixation bracket frame.

Hence, maintaining the fixation bracket frame to the receptacle housing can be achieved without using screws or bolts. Furthermore, the snap-fit assembly of the securing clip(s) with the fixation bracket frame allows a quick, easy, and screwless assembly. Moreover, the securing clips provide visual indicators for easily ascertaining the locking of the fixation bracket frame.

The plug housing of the electrical connector comprises a lever movable from a first position, wherein the plug housing is not locked with a mating receptacle housing, to a second position wherein the plug housing is locked with a mating receptacle housing; wherein the lever is rotatably mounted about a shaft arranged in and passing through the plug housing such that in the second position, the shaft is configured to come in abutment with a retaining means of a mating receptacle housing thereby allowing maintaining the plug housing in the second position by positive locking.

The use of screws or bolds for mating the plug housing with a mating electrical connector housing is no longer needed and thus can be avoided. Instead, the use of the lever's shaft allows facilitating the assembly and the mating. Furthermore, the use of a lever allows providing a more robust assembly than the known assemblies requiring fixing and/or coupling screws. Moreover, there is no more need for a step wherein the torque applied to the screws is to be checked. Hence, the assembly time can be reduced, thus allowing reducing the cost for assembling such a plug housing with a mating electrical connector housing.

According to an embodiment, the shaft passing through the plug housing may be movably received through an opening on both sides of the plug housing, a cross-section of each opening transversal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft being J-shape, such that in the first position, the shaft abuts on a first end of each J-shape opening of the plug housing; and in the second position the shaft abuts on a second end, opposite to the first end, of each J-shape opening of the plug housing.

The J-shaped opening infers a specific trajectory to the shaft and indicates to an operator that a position, i.e. first or second, is reached when the shaft is in abutment. Furthermore, depending on the position of the shaft's lever with respect to the ends of the opening, a visual indication is provided to an operator about the position of the lever (first or second position), thus visually indicating to an operator if the plug housing is locked with the mating electrical connector or not. The receptacle housing of the electrical connector assembly comprises a retaining means with a coupling hook portion. The retaining means can be snap-fitted to the receptacle housing; and the retaining means is configured for retaining a mating electrical connector housing, like the plug housing, such that the coupling hook portion of the retaining means is configured to engage with and provide an abutment to a shaft of the plug housing.

Hence, the hook portion of the retaining means of the receptacle housing allows maintaining a mating electrical connector housing in a screwless manner. In addition, the snap-fit assembly of the retaining means with the receptacle housing allows for a quick, easy, and screwless assembly technique.

The object of the present invention is also addressed by a method for assembling an electrical connector assembly according to claim <NUM>. The method comprises the steps of assembling the plug housing to the receptacle housing so as to engage the shaft of the plug housing within the hook portion of the retaining element of the receptacle housing; and moving the lever relative to the plug housing so that the lever abuts against the hook portion of the retaining element.

Hence, the method for assembly the electrical connector assembly does no longer need the use of screws or bolds. Therefore, the use of loose parts to screw can be avoided. The use, instead, of the lever's shaft and the retaining means allow facilitating the assembly and the mating of the electrical connector assembly. Furthermore, one operator is enough for realizing the assembly by means of the lever. Moreover, in contrast with the known techniques, the method according to the present invention does not need a step wherein the torque applied to the screws is to be checked.

Hence, the method according to the present invention allows for an easy and quick technique for assembling an electrical connector assembly.

The method for assembling an electrical connector assembly can be further improved according to various advantageous embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the method can comprise the prior steps of mounting the fixation bracket frame and a panel around the receptacle housing; and moving and snap fitting the securing clip(s) of the fixation bracket frame so as to maintain the panel between the fixation bracket frame and the receptacle housing.

Hence, the method according to the present invention allows maintaining the fixation bracket frame with the plug housing by means of a connection that does not require the use of screws and/or bolds. Furthermore, the snap-fit assembly of the securing clips with the fixation bracket frame allows a quick, easy, and screwless assembly. Moreover, the securing clips provide visual indicators for easily ascertaining the locking of the fixation bracket frame.

According to an embodiment, the step of mounting the fixation bracket frame and a panel around the receptacle housing can comprise pushing the at least one protrusion of the fixation bracket frame into the at least one groove of the receptacle housing.

Hence, the fixation bracket frame is maintained to the plug housing and its motion is guided by means of a positive-fit connection, which does not require the use of screws and/or bolds.

Additional features and advantages will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that are meant to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It is understood that such embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into the specification and form a part of the specification to illustrate several embodiments of the present invention. These drawings, together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are merely for the purpose of illustrating the preferred and alternative examples of how the invention can be made and used, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention to only the illustrated and described embodiments. Furthermore, several aspects of the embodiments may form - individually or in different combinations - solutions according to the present invention. The following described embodiments thus can be considered either alone or in an arbitrary combination thereof.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more particular description of the various embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like references refer to like elements, and wherein:.

<FIG> illustrates an electrical connector assembly <NUM> according to the present invention. The electrical connector assembly 10comprises a plug housing <NUM>, a mating receptacle housing <NUM> and a fixation frame bracket <NUM> (which will be described hereafter with respect to <FIG>). The plug housing <NUM> is configured to be mated with the receptacle housing <NUM> relative to an insertion direction shown by an arrow D1 in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the insertion direction D1 has been represented parallel to the axis Z of the Cartesian coordinate system.

The electrical connector assembly <NUM> is represented in a disassembled state in <FIG>. In the said disassembled state, the plug housing <NUM> is not mated with the receptacle housing <NUM>.

In the following, the plug housing <NUM> is described in greater detail with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, which illustrates an exploded view of the plug housing <NUM>.

The plug housing <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>. The body <NUM> is formed from a mold material made of thermoplastic composite, such as a resin lightweight composite. In a variant, the body <NUM> may be a metalized plastic housing.

The cross-sections of the body <NUM> in the planes defined by the axis (X,Y), (X, Z) and (Y, Z) of the Cartesian coordinate system illustrated in <FIG>, have an essentially rectangular form.

According to the present invention, the plug housing <NUM> comprises a lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is formed of an essentially U-shaped piece comprising a central section <NUM> from which extend perpendicularly two lateral sections <NUM>, <NUM> - so as to form the U-shape. Hence, the two lateral sections <NUM>, <NUM> have respective free ends 22a, 24a (24a is only visible in <FIG>). The lever <NUM> is preferably made of plastic and can be formed by injection molding in a one-shot process.

The central section <NUM> of the lever <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> and a handle <NUM> extending perpendicularly from the central section <NUM> to simplify manipulation of the lever <NUM> by an operator.

The lateral sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the lever <NUM> are symmetrical by mirror symmetry. Thus, the description hereafter of the lateral section <NUM> applies integrally to the lateral section <NUM> by symmetry. As a result, the same reference numerals are used to describe the characteristics of both the lateral sections <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the lateral sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the lever <NUM> may be asymmetrical. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lateral section <NUM> of the lever <NUM> comprises towards its free end 22a an oblong through-hole <NUM>. The oblong through-hole <NUM> is elongated in the direction of extension of the lateral section <NUM> from the central section <NUM>. In a variant, the lateral section <NUM> of the lever <NUM>, in particular the internal face 22b of the lateral section <NUM> facing the internal face 24b of the lateral section <NUM>, may comprise, instead of the oblong through-hole <NUM>, an oblong recess, that is to say a non-traversing opening.

The lateral section <NUM> further comprises, between the oblong through-hole <NUM> and the free end 22a, a through-hole <NUM>, in particular a chamfered circular through-hole <NUM> (only visible in <FIG>). The centre of the circular through-hole <NUM> is aligned with the elongated axis of the oblong through-hole <NUM>. Each circular through-hole <NUM> of the lateral sections <NUM>, <NUM> is designed and dimensioned for receiving a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is made of a main section <NUM> comprising a cylindrical axle <NUM> with a circular cross-section complementary to the circular through-hole <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> further comprises, at each of the free-ends 36a, 36b of the main section <NUM>, caps <NUM> having a cross-section greater than the area of the circular through-hole <NUM>. At least one of the caps <NUM> is a clip-on cap <NUM> such that the main section <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> can be inserted through one of the circular through-holes <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> can be maintained by clipping the cap(s) <NUM> to one or each free end 36a, 36b of the main section <NUM>, such that each lateral section <NUM>, <NUM> is interposed and is hold between the main section <NUM> and the corresponding cap <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>.

Hence, the shaft <NUM> can be advantageously mounted to the plug housing <NUM> without using any screws and/or bolts by means of a positive-fit assembly.

The body <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> further comprises two parallel and symmetrical lateral faces 16a, 16b, each being provided with an opening <NUM>. The body <NUM> and the two symmetrical openings <NUM> are configured for receiving therethrough the shaft <NUM>. <FIG> represents a view wherein the shaft <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is mounted within the openings <NUM> in a direction parallel to the axis X of the Cartesian coordinate system. As represented in <FIG>, in a plane defined by the axis (Y, Z) of the Cartesian coordinate system, i.e. in a plane being transversal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft <NUM> when the shaft <NUM> is accommodated through the openings <NUM> and the body <NUM>, the cross-section of each opening <NUM> is essentially J-shaped (see <FIG>). The dimension of the J-shaped opening <NUM> are proportional to the dimension of the shaft <NUM>, so that the shaft <NUM> can be movable within the openings <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is movable within the openings <NUM> from a first position, wherein the shaft abuts on a first end 40a of each J-shape opening <NUM> to a second position wherein the shaft <NUM> abuts on a second end 40b, opposite to the first end 40a, of each J-shape opening <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM>. As it will be explained in further details with respect to the <FIG>, the J-shaped openings <NUM> infer a specific trajectory to the shaft <NUM>, complementary to a coupling portion of the receptacle <NUM>. In a variant, instead of a J-shape, the openings <NUM> may have a V-shape, a U-shape, a C-shape or a hook shape.

Each lateral face 16a, 16b of the body <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> further comprises a circular protrusion <NUM> extending perpendicularly from the lateral face 16a, 16b (i.e. along a direction parallel to the axis X of the Cartesian coordinate system in <FIG>). The protrusions <NUM> are dimensioned so as to be accommodatable in the oblong through-holes <NUM> of the lever <NUM>. A bearing <NUM>, fitted around each protrusion <NUM> between the lateral face 16a (16b) and the lever <NUM> simplifies the movement of the lever <NUM> with respect to the plug housing (<NUM>). The bearing <NUM> of each lateral faces 16a, 16b is accommodated in a recess <NUM> of the lateral face 16a (16b) which surrounds the protrusion <NUM>.

Hence, the lever <NUM> is movably mounted to the plug housing <NUM> without using any screws and/or bolts by means of a positive-fit assembly.

Furthermore, the plug housing <NUM> comprises a locking button <NUM> with a protruding portion 48a, nose-shape, which serves as a locking means <NUM> for locking the lever <NUM> in a position wherein the electrical connector assembly <NUM> is mated. The locking button <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, is a distinct element from the plug housing <NUM> and is, in this embodiment, snap-fitted to the plug housing <NUM> when the protruding part 48a is arranged in and abuts on the opening <NUM> of the lever <NUM>. Hence, the locking button <NUM> can be advantageously mounted to the plug housing <NUM> without using any screws and/or bolts by means a snap-fit assembly. The locking button <NUM> corresponds to a spring loaded locking mechanism as it comprises a spring <NUM>, in particular a torsion spring <NUM> (only visible in <FIG>), so as to be pushable relative to the plug housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM> of the lever <NUM> by an operator for the purpose of allowing an unlocking of the lever <NUM>. The locking button <NUM> also serves as a visual indicator so that an operator can quickly and easily ascertain the locking of the electrical connector assembly <NUM>.

Each lateral faces 16a, 16b further comprises a protuberance <NUM> serving as a hard point at the beginning of movement of the lever <NUM>. Hence, the protuberance <NUM> helps to prevent unintentional movement of the lever <NUM> in the direction D0, for example during the transport of the connector.

The plug housing <NUM> further comprises two misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, only visible in <FIG>. The misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> allow preventing an operator from mating the plug housing <NUM> with the receptacle housing <NUM> in a wrong way. In the embodiment represented in <FIG>, the misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> can be oriented by an operator in six different positions. If one of the misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> is not correctly oriented, a mating of the plug housing <NUM> and the receptacle housing <NUM> is prevented, therefore avoiding an erroneous coupling.

The receptacle housing <NUM> will be described in the following with respect to the <FIG>.

The receptacle housing <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>. The body <NUM>, as the body <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM>, is formed from a mold material made of thermoplastic composite, such as a resin lightweight composite. In a variant, the body <NUM> may be a metalized plastic housing. The body <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM> has a shape and geometry complementary to the body <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM>, so that the receptacle housing <NUM> and the plug housing <NUM> can be mated together. In the embodiment represented by the <FIG>, the body <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM> comprises four hollow compartments 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d - each of them being configured for accommodating a module provided with electrical contact pins (not represented in <FIG>). The compartments 56a-d are complementary to compartments of the body <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> (which are not visible in <FIG> and <FIG>). The body <NUM> and the hollow compartments 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d are integrally formed together. The plug housing <NUM> and the receptacle housing <NUM> are adapted for scoop-proof connectors. Indeed, as can be seen in the <FIG>, the compartments 56a-56d of the body <NUM> provide scoop proof "domes", i.e. the compartment's walls, which are comprised in the body <NUM>, are dimensioned so as to be higher than the length of the contact pins accommodated into it - which prevent damage to exposed contact pins during mating. Hence, exposed contact pins of the modules are protected from being accidently bent during mating. The same is true for the plug housing <NUM>.

The receptacle housing <NUM> comprises a retaining means <NUM>. The retaining means <NUM> is a hollow elongated beam <NUM> having an essentially U-shaped cross-section and provided towards one end 60a of the beam <NUM> with a coupling hook portion <NUM>. The coupling hook portion <NUM> is dimensioned and configured to engage with the shaft <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM>. The coupling hook portion <NUM> comprises an open-end 62a and a closed end 62b.

An end 60b, opposite to the end 60a of the elongated beam <NUM>, is snap-fitted to a corresponding portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM>. Hence, the snap-fit assembly of the retaining means <NUM> with the receptacle housing <NUM> allows using a quick, easy, and screwless assembly technique.

The elongated beam <NUM> extends perpendicularly with respect to the portion <NUM> of the body <NUM> along a direction parallel to the insertion direction D1, i.e. parallel to a direction along the axis Z of the Cartesian coordinate system.

The body <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM> is surrounded by a support surface <NUM>, here in the form of a gutter <NUM>, upon which a panel can be laid. In this embodiment, an O-ring <NUM> can be inserted into the gutter <NUM> to improve the mounting of the assembly onto the panel, e.g. to reduce vibrations. The O-ring <NUM> can be made of a conductive material to provide electrical continuity despite the presence of a panel and to ensure electromagnetic shielding.

The body <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM> further comprises tabs 74a, 74b - each on both sides of the gutter <NUM>. The tabs 74a, 74b are protrusions that extend from the body <NUM> so as to allow maintaining a panel for example, on either side of the gutter <NUM> by snap-fit, in particular before the assembly is locked. Indeed, the receptacle housing <NUM> is designed such that a panel can be inserted along the insertion direction D1 from either side of the body <NUM>. That is why the tabs 74a, 74b are symmetrical by mirror symmetry relative to a plan defined by the gutter <NUM>. The body <NUM> further comprises oblong protrusions 76a, 76b and 78a, 78b extending perpendicularly from a lateral face <NUM> of the body <NUM> along a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction D1, i.e. along a direction parallel to the axis X of the Cartesian coordinate system. The oblong protrusions 76a, 76b and 78a, 78b are symmetrical by mirror symmetry relative to a plan defined by the gutter <NUM>. Oblong protrusions are also provided in a symmetrical manner on a lateral face opposite to the face <NUM>, which is not visible in <FIG>. Under and above the tabs 74a, 74b and the oblong protrusions 76a, 76b and 78a, 78b, the gutter <NUM> is partially recessed 79a, 79b, 79c for facilitating the molding of the receptacle housing <NUM>.

The greater axis A of the oblong protrusions 76a, 76b and 78a, 78b is essentially oriented at <NUM>° or <NUM>° with respect to the axis Z of the Cartesian coordinate system, i.e. with respect to the insertion direction D1.

The oblong protrusions 76a, 76b and 78a, 78b are dimensioned so as to be complementary to grooves of the fixation bracket frame <NUM> than can be mounted on the receptacle housing <NUM>.

The fixation bracket frame <NUM> is described hereafter with respect to <FIG>. The fixation bracket frame <NUM> is an essentially retractable rectangular frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is formed from a mold material made of thermoplastic composite, such as a resin lightweight composite. At least one <NUM> of the shorter sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the fixation bracket frame <NUM> comprises a U-shaped securing clip <NUM> movable relative to the longer sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in translation along a direction D2 represented by an arrow in <FIG>. Hence, a translation of the securing clip <NUM> with respect to the longer sides <NUM>, <NUM> allows modifying the length L1 of the longer sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In a primary position, wherein the frame <NUM> is not or partially retracted, the length L1 is greater than in a secondary position, wherein the frame <NUM> is further retracted by a translation of the securing clip <NUM>. In a variant, the retractable and securing clip may be provided instead on one of the longer sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the fixation bracket frame <NUM>. A position of the securing clip <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM> can be maintained by means of locking detents <NUM>, <NUM> provided on the longer sides <NUM>, <NUM>. Hence, the securing clip <NUM> can be advantageously locked in a predetermined position without using any screws and/or bolts, but by means of a snap-fit assembly using locking detents <NUM>, <NUM>. In <FIG>, the securing clip <NUM> is represented in an unlocked position. In a variant, both shorter sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be provided with securing clips.

The fixation bracket frame <NUM> further comprises, in the inner walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective longer sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, grooves 120a-d (only the groove 120a is visible in <FIG>). The grooves 120a (120b is not visible in <FIG>) on the side <NUM>, <NUM> are symmetrical by mirror symmetry to the grooves (120c, 120d is not visible in <FIG>) of the opposite side <NUM>, <NUM>. Each groove 120a-d comprises an open-end <NUM> and a closed end <NUM>. Towards the open-end <NUM>, each groove 120a-d comprises a first portion <NUM> with an essentially rectangular cross-section allowing a movement in the insertion direction D1 when the fixation bracket frame <NUM> is mounted on the receptacle housing <NUM>. Towards the closed end <NUM>, each groove 120a-d comprises a second elongated portion <NUM>. Each groove 120a-d is essentially arm-shaped, in particular an arm forming an angle B around <NUM>°-<NUM>°, in particular <NUM>°, so that the first portion <NUM> is not aligned with the second portion <NUM>. Hence, the fixation frame bracket <NUM> can be moved relative to the receptacle housing <NUM> according to two different directions that are not parallel to each other, as further explained with respect to <FIG>.

The receptacle housing <NUM> further comprises two misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> complementary to the misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> (only visible in <FIG>) of the plug housing <NUM>. The misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> allow preventing an operator from mating the plug housing <NUM> with the receptacle housing <NUM> in a wrong way. An operator can position the misplug-proof mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in different positions.

The grooves 120a-d are dimensioned so that the protrusions 76a-b and 78a-b of the receptacle housing <NUM> can be accommodated and slides into it, as further explained in reference to <FIG>.

The <FIG> illustrate the steps of a method for assembling the electrical connector assembly according to the present invention. Elements with the same reference numeral already described and illustrated in <FIG> will not be described in detail again but reference is made to their description above.

At the step illustrated by <FIG>, the receptacle housing <NUM> is inserted into a corresponding opening in a panel <NUM> along the insertion direction D1 until the panel <NUM> abuts on the gutter <NUM> (not visible in <FIG> but illustrated in <FIG>). The panel <NUM> is then maintained between the tab 74a and the gutter <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM>.

In a variant, the panel <NUM> may be inserted in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of D1. In this case, it will abut on the other side of the gutter <NUM>.

The electrical connector assembly according to the present invention is advantageously configured for different thickness of the panel <NUM>, in particular for a panel <NUM> having a thickness comprised between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>.

Then, the fixation bracket frame <NUM> is slide onto the receptacle housing <NUM> along the insertion direction D1 with the securing clip <NUM> in the unlocked position.

At the step illustrated by <FIG>, the fixation bracket frame <NUM> is further pushed along the insertion direction D1 so that the protrusions 76a-b are accommodated in the corresponding grooves 120c, 120d of the fixation bracket frame <NUM> (by symmetry, the same is true regarding the grooves 120a, 120b not visible in <FIG>). While inserting the fixation bracket frame <NUM>, the protrusions 76a-b are introduced via the open-end <NUM> of each groove 120a-b and slid first towards the first portion <NUM> along the insertion direction D1.

Then, an operator continues pushing the fixation bracket frame <NUM> so that the protrusions 76a-b slide through the second elongated portion <NUM> of each groove 120a-b. Hence, the fixation bracket frame <NUM> is shifted with respect to the receptacle housing <NUM> when the protrusions 76a-b slide through the second elongated portion <NUM> along a direction D1*, different from the direction D1. The arm-shaped profile of the grooves 120a-b allows a progressive tightening of the panel <NUM>. In <FIG>, the fixation bracket frame <NUM> is still in an unlocked position.

At the step illustrated by <FIG>, the fixation bracket frame <NUM> is in its locked position. In the locked position of the fixation bracket frame <NUM>, the protrusions 76a-b (not visible in <FIG>) of the receptacle housing <NUM> are in abutment with the close end <NUM> of each groove 120a-b (not visible in <FIG>) of the fixation bracket frame <NUM>. Further, the securing clip <NUM> of the fixation bracket frame <NUM> has been slid along the direction D2 so as to first retract the fixation bracket frame <NUM> from its primary position to its secondary position so as fit tightly around the body <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM>, and secondly to lock, by a snap-fit connection (using the locking detents <NUM>, <NUM> - not visible in <FIG>), the frame <NUM> around the receptacle housing <NUM>.

Moreover, at the step illustrated by <FIG>, the plug housing <NUM> is inserted along the insertion direction D1 on the receptacle housing <NUM>. The lever <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> is in an unlocked position, corresponding to a state wherein the plug housing <NUM> and the receptacle housing <NUM> are not mated and/or locked together. The shaft <NUM> of the lever <NUM> is engaged with the coupling hook portion <NUM> of the retaining means <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM> via the open-end 62a of the hook portion <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG> by transparency, a module <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> and a corresponding module <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> are not yet mated.

At the step illustrated by <FIG>, the lever <NUM> is moved, in particular by an operator by means of the handle <NUM>, along a direction D3 represented by an arrow in <FIG>. This movement is guided by the bearing <NUM>, the circular protrusion <NUM> and the oblong through-hole <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM>, as previously described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. The motion of the lever <NUM> along the direction D3 provides a displacement of the shaft <NUM> within the J-openings <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> so as to further engage the shaft <NUM> within the coupling hook portion <NUM> of the retaining means <NUM>.

In the step of <FIG>, the module <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> and the corresponding module <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> are not yet mated.

Furthermore, the misplug mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> are not yet connected with the corresponding misplug mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM>.

<FIG> represents the final step of the method for assembling the plug housing <NUM> to the receptacle housing <NUM>. <FIG> represents a transparent view of the assembly represented in <FIG>. Hence, <FIG> and <FIG> will be described together in the following. At the final step, the module <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> and the corresponding module <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> are mated and locked together.

For arriving to the final step, the lever <NUM> has been further rotated along the direction D3 so that the shaft <NUM> abuts on the close-end 62b of the coupling hook portion <NUM> of the retaining means <NUM> (see view in <FIG>) thereby maintaining the plug housing (<NUM>) and the receptacle housing (<NUM>) together by positive locking.

The central portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM> has partially passed over the locking button <NUM> so as to push (by means of springs not visible in <FIG>) the locking button <NUM> towards the plug housing <NUM> until a protruding portion 48a of the locking button <NUM> protrudes through the opening <NUM> of the lever <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. Hence, the position of the locking button <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> corresponds to the locking position of the lever <NUM> by means of the locking means <NUM>. A movement of the lever <NUM>, in a direction - D3, i.e. in a direction opposite to the direction D3, is thus prevented by the abutment of the protruding portion 48a on the opening <NUM>. A movement of the lever <NUM> in the direction - D3, allowing to unlock the lever <NUM>, is only permitted when a user presses the locking button <NUM> so as to disengage the protruding portion 48a from the opening <NUM> of the lever <NUM>.

At the final step illustrated in <FIG>, the misplug mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> of the plug housing <NUM> are correctly connected with the corresponding misplug mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM> of the receptacle housing <NUM>.

Hence, the method for assembling the plug housing <NUM> with a receptacle housing <NUM> of an electrical connector assembly does not require the use of any screws or bolds. Therefore, the use of loose parts that have to be screwed can be advantageously avoided. The use, instead, of the lever's shaft <NUM>, <NUM> and the retaining means <NUM> allow facilitating the assembly and the mating of such an electrical connector assembly. Moreover, in contrast with the known techniques, the method according to the present invention does not need an additional step wherein the torque applied to the screws has to be checked. Hence, the method according to the present invention allows providing an easier, quicker and cheaper method for assembling an electrical connector assembly, in particular a scoop proof electrical connector assembly.

Claim 1:
An electrical connector assembly comprising:
a receptacle housing (<NUM>), and
a plug housing (<NUM>) configured to be mated and locked with the receptacle housing (<NUM>); the plug housing (<NUM>) comprising a lever (<NUM>) movable from a first position, wherein the plug housing (<NUM>) and the receptacle housing (<NUM>) are unlocked, to a second position wherein the plug housing (<NUM>) is locked with the receptacle housing (<NUM>);
wherein the lever (<NUM>) is rotatably mounted about a shaft (<NUM>) arranged in and passing through the plug housing (<NUM>); and
the receptacle housing (<NUM>) comprises a retaining means (<NUM>) with a coupling hook portion (<NUM>), characterised in that
the coupling hook portion (<NUM>) is configured to engage with the shaft (<NUM>) of the plug housing (<NUM>);
the shaft (<NUM>) being movably received through an opening (<NUM>) on both sides (16a, 16b) of the plug housing (<NUM>), wherein a cross-section of the openings (<NUM>) transversal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft (<NUM>) has a complementary shape of the coupling hook portion (<NUM>) of the retaining means (<NUM>),
such that in the second position, the shaft (<NUM>) is in abutment in the coupling hook portion (<NUM>) of the retaining means (<NUM>) thereby maintaining the plug housing (<NUM>) and
the receptacle housing (<NUM>) together by positive locking.