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Connector position assurance element with lock protection feature

  • US 6,261,116 B1
  • Filed: 11/22/1999
  • Issued: 07/17/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A connector assembly comprising:

  • a first connector housing having an open end, an inner cavity and a locking protrusion extending from an upper wall into the inner cavity;

    a second connector housing having a top wall and a flexible lock arm extending along the top wall, the second connector housing and lock arm being sized to be received in the inner cavity of the first connector housing, the lock arm having a locking aperture for receiving the locking protrusion when the second connector housing is fully inserted in the first connector housing, the lock arm further having a free end terminating in a release tab which remains outside the first connector housing when the second connector housing is fully inserted in the first connector housing, the release tab being in a raised position when the locking protrusion on the first connector housing is in the locking aperture on the lock arm, the release tab capable of being depressed so as to move the lock arm downwardly and disengage the locking aperture from the locking protrusion; and

    an assurance element adapted to be inserted between the top wall and lock arm to a preset position and adapted to be fully inserted between the top wall and lock arm to a fully locked position, the assurance element including a seat adapted to be positioned under the release tab to prevent the release tab from being depressed so as to disengage the locking aperture from the locking protrusion when the second connector housing is fully inserted in the first connector housing and the assurance element is fully inserted between the top wall and lock arm.

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