ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SYSTEM WITH MINIATURIZED CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE MEMBER

Abstract

An electrical connector system includes a plug connector and a secondary locking device. The plug connector mates with a corresponding counter connector and includes a plug connector housing having a terminal cavity for receiving an electrical contact terminal. The secondary locking device provides a secondary locking function when the plug connector mates with the corresponding counter connector and when the secondary locking device is in a closed position. The secondary locking device is movable relative to the plug connector housing from an open position to the closed position. The secondary locking device has a stem portion and a flexible leg. The stem portion extends in the closing direction. The flexible leg has a fixed end and a free end. The flexible leg connects to the stem portion at its fixed end. The flexible leg extends from the fixed end to the free end opposite the closing direction.

Claims

1. An electrical connector system, comprising: a plug connector and a secondary locking device, wherein the plug connector is configured to be mated with a corresponding counter connector and includes a plug connector housing having at least one terminal cavity, for receiving at least one electrical contact terminal, and wherein the secondary locking device is configured to provide a secondary locking function when the plug connector is mated with the corresponding counter connector and when the secondary locking device is in a closed position, wherein the secondary locking device is arranged movable relative to the plug connector housing to be moveable from an open position to the closed position along a closing direction, the secondary locking device having a stem portion and at least one flexible leg, wherein the stem portion extends substantially in closing direction, wherein the flexible leg has a fixed end and a free end, wherein the flexible leg is connected to the stem portion at its fixed end, and wherein the flexible leg extends from the fixed end to the free end in a direction against the closing direction.

2. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein when the flexible leg is in an unflexed condition, a distance between the free end of the flexible leg and the stem portion is less than a minimum wall thickness of the secondary locking device.

3. The electrical connector system according claim 1, wherein the secondary locking device comprises an anti-catch protrusion, the anti-catch protrusion protruding laterally from the free end of the flexible leg towards the stem portion.

4. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein a wall thickness of the flexible leg in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction is smaller than a wall thickness of the stem portion in said direction, thereby allowing the flexible leg to slide by a contact pin of a corresponding counter connector, when the plug connector is mated with the corresponding counter connector and the secondary locking device is in its closed position.

5. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein the plug connector housing has a flexible arm arranged in a sidewall of the plug connector housing and wherein the flexible arm has a primary locking means configured to provide a primary locking function when the plug connector is in a mated position with a corresponding counter connector.

6. The electrical connector system according to claim 5, wherein the primary locking means comprises a protrusion.

7. The electrical connector system according to claim 6, wherein said protrusion is configured to cooperate with a primary opening or recess in the counter connector that is arranged in a sidewall of the counter connector.

8. The electrical connector system according to claim 7, wherein the primary opening and the secondary opening are arranged in a common sidewall of the counter connector.

9. The electrical connector system according to claim 6, wherein the secondary locking device comprises a blocking means to provide a secondary locking function, the blocking means being configured to block the flexible arm of the plug connector in a rest condition, thereby preventing the flexible arm from releasing the primary locking means, when the secondary locking device is in its closed position.

10. The electrical connector system according to claim 5, wherein the flexible arm of the plug connector comprises a fixed end and a free end, and wherein the flexible arm extends from its fixed end to its free end in a direction opposite to the mating direction.

11. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein the flexible leg comprises a locking means configured to provide a further locking function when the plug connector is in the mated position with the corresponding counter connector.

12. The electrical connector system according to claim 11, wherein the locking means comprises a protrusion, wherein said protrusion is configured to cooperate with a secondary opening in the counter connector.

13. The electrical connector system according to claim 12, wherein the protrusion comprises a sloping ramp surface for bending the flexible leg with a sidewall of the counter connector.

14. The electrical connector system according to claim 11, wherein the plug connector housing comprises a pre-blocking means configured to block the secondary locking device from moving from the open to the closed position when the plug connector is in an unmated position with the counter connector and wherein the flexible leg of the secondary locking device comprises an abutment means configured to engage with the pre-blocking means for said blocking.

15. The electrical connector system according to claim 14, wherein the flexible leg is configured to flex in a secondary flex direction towards the stem portion, and wherein the abutment means protrudes from the flexible leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the secondary flex direction.

16. The electrical connector system according to claim 15, wherein the abutment means is received in a corresponding additional locking recess provided in the plug connector housing, when the secondary locking device is in the closed position, so as to secure the secondary locking device in the closed position.

17. The electrical connector system according to claim 15, wherein the abutment means includes an abutment face that is configured to contact the pre-blocking means of the plug connector housing for said blocking and wherein the abutment means further comprises a lock release face that is configured to engage with a corresponding lock release face provided on the plug connector housing, when the secondary locking device is moved from the closed position to the open position, so as to release the further locking function.

18. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein the plug connector housing comprises an elongated guiding means along the mating direction and wherein the secondary locking device comprises a corresponding guiding means that is configured to couple with the elongated guiding means, so as to guide movement of the secondary locking device from the open position to the closed position.

19. The electrical connector system according to claim 1, wherein when the secondary locking device comprises an engagement means, configured to engage with the plug connector housing, so as to prevent the secondary locking device from being decoupled from the plug connector housing, when the secondary locking device is in its open position.

20. A method for mating an electrical connector system with a counter connector, the counter connector configured to receive a plug connector and a secondary locking device of the electrical connector system at least partly, the method comprising: providing an electrical connector system including a plug connector and a secondary locking device, wherein the plug connector is configured to be mated with a corresponding counter connector and includes a plug connector housing having at least one terminal cavity, for receiving at least one electrical contact terminal, and wherein the secondary locking device is configured to provide a secondary locking function when the plug connector is mated with the corresponding counter connector and when the secondary locking device is in a closed position, wherein the secondary locking device is arranged movable relative to the plug connector housing to be moveable from an open position to the closed position along a closing direction, the secondary locking device having a stem portion and at least one flexible leg, wherein the stem portion extends substantially in closing direction, wherein the flexible leg has a fixed end and a free end, wherein the flexible leg is connected to the stem portion at its fixed end, and wherein the flexible leg extends from the fixed end to the free end in a direction against the closing direction; providing a counter connector, mating the plug connector of the electrical connector system with the counter connector by moving the plug connector from an initial position to a mated position, and moving the secondary locking device of the electrical connector system from an open position to a closed position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] An electrical connector with a lever locking member and mate assist mechanism is now described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a secondary locking device;

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a secondary locking device, according to a further embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 3A shows a side view of the secondary locking device of FIG. 2;

[0065] FIG. 3B shows a side view of a further secondary locking device;

[0066] FIG. 4A shows a schematic top view of and a counter connector;

[0067] FIG. 4B shows a schematic cut view of a connector system;

[0068] FIG. 5A shows a detailed view of the secondary locking device, when being inserted into the housing of the plug connector 10;

[0069] FIG. 5B shows a detailed view of the secondary locking device, when being inserted into the housing of the plug connector 10;

[0070] FIG. 6A shows a schematic partial cut view of a connector system and a counter connector, wherein a plug connector of the connector system in an initial position;

[0071] FIG. 6B shows a schematic partial cut view of the connector system shown in FIG. 6A, wherein the plug connector is moved out of the initial position;

[0072] FIG. 6C shows schematic partial cut views of the connector system shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, during moving the plug connector from its initial position to a mated end position;

[0073] FIG. 6D shows a schematic partial cut view of the connector system shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, wherein the plug connector is in its mated and locked end position and a secondary locking device is moved out of a pre-locked open position;

[0074] FIG. 6E shows schematic partial cut views of the connector system shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, wherein the secondary locking device is in its closed position, and

[0075] FIG. 6F shows a schematic partial cut view of the connector system shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E, wherein the secondary locking device is going to be released from the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 each show a perspective view of a secondary locking device 30, 30′ for being used in an electrical connector system 1, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F. The secondary locking device 30, 30′ has a stem portion 32, 32′ and at least one flexible leg 34, 34′ wherein the stem portion 32, 32′ extends substantially in a closing direction C. The flexible leg 34, 34′ has a fixed end 34a, 34a′ and a free end 34b, 34b′, wherein the flexible leg 34, 34′ is connected to the stem portion 32, 32′ at its fixed end 34a, 34a′. The flexible leg 34, 34′ extends from the fixed end 34a, 34a′ to the free end 34b, 34b′ in a direction against the closing direction C. The closing direction C is the direction in which the secondary locking device 30, 30′ is moved relative to a plug connector housing, when being moved from an open position and a closed position (cf. FIG. 6D).

[0077] The section of the secondary locking device 30, 30′ where the flexible leg 34, 34′ is connected to the stem portion 32, 32′ at its fixed end 34a, 34a′ is formed in a curved shape (particularly C-shaped, or U-shaped), wherein the curvature radius is chosen so as to provide a desired flexibility of the flexible leg. Further, the C-shape or U-shape, prevents jamming of the secondary locking devices 30, 30′, e.g., if provided as bulk goods, prior to getting assembled with a plug connector.

[0078] Further, the flexible leg 34, 34′ shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may have a thinner wall thickness than the stem portion 32, 32′, respectively. Thus, when flexing the flexible leg 34, 34′, the stem portion 32, 32′ remains substantially unflexed.

[0079] Further, the secondary locking device 30, 30′ includes a pushing plate 31, 31′ that provides a pushing face 31u for pushing the secondary locking device 30, 30′ in mating direction. The stem portion 32, 32′ extends from the pushing plate 31, 31′, particularly from a surface 311 of the pushing plate 31, 31′ that is opposite to the pushing face 31u.

[0080] The stem portion 32, 32′ includes a flexible beam 40, 40′ extending from the pushing plate 31, 31′ to a distal end of the stem portion 32, 32′. The flexible beam 4o, 40′ includes a first end and a second end wherein the first end and the second end are fixed ends. Here, the first end is connected to the pushing plate and the second end to the distal end of the stem portion 32, 32′. Further, the flexible beam 4o, 40′ includes a beam locking protrusion 42, 42′. This beam locking protrusion is configured to engage with a corresponding beam locking protrusion 142 of the plug connector 10, when the secondary locking device is in its closed state, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 4B.

[0081] Further, the secondary locking device 30, 30′ includes a blocking means 33, 33′ to provide a secondary locking function. The blocking means 33, 33′ may be formed at the pushing plate 31, 31′ and is configured to block the flexible arm 11 of the plug connector 10 in a rest condition (cf. FIG. 6E), thereby preventing the flexible arm 11 from releasing the primary locking means, when the secondary locking device 30, 30′ is in its closed position.

[0082] Additionally, the secondary locking device 30 shown in FIG. 1 or the secondary locking device 30′ shown in FIG. 2 and in particular the flexible leg 34, 24′ of the secondary locking device 30, 30′, respectively, include an abutment means 36, 36′ configured to engage with a pre-blocking means 16 (cf. FIG. 6A) for the blocking. Thus, closing the secondary locking device 30, 30′ prior to having mated the plug connector can be prevented. The abutment means 36, 36′ may further include an abutment face 36a, 36a′, as described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6A and a lock release face 36r, 36r′ as described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 6F.

[0083] Further, the secondary locking device 30 shown in FIG. 1 as well as the secondary locking device 30′ shown in FIG. 2 includes a locking means 37, 37′ configured to provide a further locking function when the plug connector 10 is in the mated position with the corresponding counter connector 20. Thus, the mating between the plug connector and the counter connector can be further secured (cf. FIG. 6E).

[0084] In an aspect, the locking means 37, 37′ includes a protrusion 35, 35′ wherein the protrusion 35, 35′ is configured to cooperate with a secondary opening (or recess) 26 in the counter connector. The protrusion may include a sloping ramp surface 35s for bending the flexible leg 34, 34′ with a sidewall 21 of the counter connector 20. Thus, the flexible leg 34, 34′ is flexed out of a rest condition (i.e., a condition wherein there is no flexing) into a flexed condition, when the secondary locking device 30, 30′ is moved from its open position (cf. FIG. 6A) to its closed position (cf. FIG. 6E) along a closing direction C.

[0085] The secondary opening or recess 26 may have a sharp edge 26t (cf. FIG. 6E) that is configured to carve into a rearward sloping ramp surface 35t, 35t′ of the protrusion 35, 35′ of the locking means 37, 37′ of the flexible leg. Thereby securing the secondary locking device 30, 30′ is securely locked in the closed position.

[0086] In an example shown FIG. 6D, the plug connector housing 12 may include an elongated guiding means 18 (here a guiding rib) along the mating direction A and the secondary locking device 30, 30′ may include a corresponding guiding means 38, 38′ (here a guiding groove) that is configured to couple with the elongated guiding means 18, so as to guide the movement of the secondary locking device 30, 30′ from the open position to the closed position. Thus, a tilting and jamming of the secondary locking device 30, 30′ can be prevented.

[0087] Still further, the secondary locking device 30, 30′ may include an engagement means 39, 39′ configured to engage with the plug connector housing 12, so as to prevent the secondary locking device 30, 30′ from being decoupled from the plug connector housing 12, when the secondary locking device 30, 30′ is in its open position. The engagement means 39, 39′ may be provided as a protrusion that engages with a corresponding recess or groove (not shown). Thus, an unintentional loosening of the secondary locking device can be prevented.

[0088] Further, the secondary locking device 30′ shown in FIG. 2 includes an anti-catch protrusion 34b2. The anti-catch protrusion 34b2 protrudes laterally from the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′ towards the stem portion 32′. The lateral direction, i.e., the protruding direction of the anti-catch protrusion 34b2 is substantially perpendicular to a flex-direction (secondary flex direction F2) of the flexible leg 34′.

[0089] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the anti-catch protrusion 34b2 protrudes from a surface of the flexible leg 34′ that is opposite to a surface of the flexible leg 34′, where an abutment means 36′ protrudes from the flexible leg 34′. With providing the anti-catch protrusion 34b2, a width of a gap between the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′ and the stem portion 32′ can be further reduced. Thus, catching and jamming of the secondary locking device 30′ with cables, further secondary locking devices and/or the like can be prevented.

[0090] The anti-catch protrusion 34b2 may further be sized and shaped so as to limit a movement of the flexible leg 34′ in a direction towards the stem portion 32′. The allowable movement towards the stem portion 32′ can be adjusted by providing a defined gap between the anti-catch protrusion 34b2 at the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′ and the stem portion. Thus, a movement of the flexible leg 34′ in a direction towards the stem portion 32′ can be blocked upon abutment between the stem portion 32′ and the anti-catch protrusion 34b2.

[0091] FIG. 3A shows a side view of the secondary locking device 30′ of FIG. 2. Here, the flexible leg 34′ is connected to the stem portion 32′ at its fixed end 34a′ so as to from a curved shape (particularly C-shape, or U-shape). The C-shape or U-shape, prevents jamming of the secondary locking device 30′, e.g. if provided as bulk goods, prior to getting assembled with a plug connector. Further, when the the flexible leg 34′ of the secondary locking device 30′ is in an unflexed condition (likewise flexible leg 34 of the secondary locking device 30, cf. FIG. 1), a distance between the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′ and the stem portion 32′ is less than the minimum wall thickness of the secondary locking device 30′. Thus, catching and jamming of secondary locking devices can be effectively prevented.

[0092] Further, a distance between a tip of the flexible leg 34′ and a lower surface of the pushing plate 31′ may be chosen so that the lower surface abuts with the tip of the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′, when when the secondary locking device 30′ is pushed in mating direction when being in its open state. Thus, the flexible leg 34′ is stabilized, when the secondary locking device 30′ is pushed in mating direction when being in its open state. This allows to provide an increased blocking force.

[0093] Further, the flexible leg 34′, particularly the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′, includes an anti-catch surface 36x′, facing in a direction substantially opposite to the secondary flex direction F2. When seen from the lateral direction (as in FIG. 3A), a root portion of the stem portion 32′ (here, being formed as a radius 32a′) and the anti-catch surface 36x′ of the flexible leg 34′, particularly the free end 34b′ of the flexible leg 34′ form a combined contour that is continuously shaped (indicated by a dashed line). Thus, a smooth geometry can be provided that prevents cable catching and/or catching of further secondary locking devices and/or the like.

[0094] As best shown in FIG. 3B, a tip abutment means 43″ may protrude from the lower surface 311 of the pushing plate 31″. The tip abutment means 43″ may be configured to abut with a tip of the free end 34b″ of the flexible leg 34″, so as to limit a movement of the free end 34b″ in a direction against the mating direction, when the secondary locking device is pushed in mating direction when being in its open state. Providing the tip abutment means 43″ allows a further stabilization of the flexible leg 34″ and hence to increase the blocking force even further. The dashed line in FIG. 3B shows the contour of the free end 34b″, when being in contact with the tip abutment means 43″.

[0095] Further, the stem portion 32″ and in particular the flexible beam 40″ may include at least one leg stabilization means 44″ in form of protrusion or recess. In FIG. 3B, the leg stabilization means 44″ is provided in form of a recess. The flexible leg 34″ includes a corresponding leg stabilization means 45″ (here a protrusion) facing the leg stabilization means 44″. The leg stabilization means 44″ and the corresponding leg stabilization means 45″ are configured to contact each other, so as to limit a torsional movement of the flexible leg 34″ that may occur during movement of the secondary locking device 30″ relative to the plug connector housing.

[0096] FIG. 4A shows a schematic top view of and a counter connector 20. The counter connector may be standardized and includes a row of contact pins 80a to 80g. Further the counter connector includes a housing for receiving the electrical connector system 1, respectively the plug connector 10 and the secondary locking device 30, 30′. For guiding the mating of the counter connector 20 and the plug connector 10 and for ensuring a correct orientation of the plug connector 10, the counter connector may have a guiding rib 22. The dashed line encircling pins 80a and 80b gives the area that will receive the secondary locking device 30, 30′ (cf. FIG. 4B). As will be described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4B, the design of the secondary locking device 30, 30′ allows to use a secondary locking device 30, 30′ with this counter connector 20, without the need to remove any contact pin. FIG. 4B shows a schematic cut view of a connector system 1 being mated with a counter connector 20, as shown in FIG. 4A. The the plug connector 10 is mated with the counter connector 20 and the secondary locking device 30 is in its closed position. Thus, the plug connector 10 is securely held in the mated condition with the corresponding counter connector 20, i.e., in its mating position. Thus, unintentional loosening of the plug connector 10 and the corresponding counter connector 20 can be prevented, and a reliable electrical contact can be ensured.

[0097] As already outlined above, the wall thickness t.sub.f of the flexible leg 34 in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction C and optionally perpendicular to the secondary flex direction, is smaller than a wall thickness t.sub.s of the stem portion in the direction. This allows the flexible leg 34 to slide by a contact pin 80a of the corresponding counter connector 20, when the plug connector 10 is mated with the corresponding counter connector 20 and the secondary locking device 30 is in its closed position. Further, the stem portion 32 is designed, e.g., recessed, so as to cover at least partially (but not contact) the respective contact pin 80a, when seen from a top view. Thus, the secondary locking device 30 does not disturb or damage existing contact pins.

[0098] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a detailed view of the secondary locking device, when being inserted into the housing of the plug connector 10, wherein FIG. 5A shows an open state of the secondary locking device 30, and FIG. 5B a state, where the secondary locking device 30 is pushed, however not yet in its closed stated.

[0099] In FIG. 5A, the engagement means 39 is engaged with a corresponding engagement means 139 of the plug connector housing 10, particularly the plug connector housing. This prevents the secondary locking device 30 from being decoupled from the plug connector housing when the secondary locking device 30 is in its open position. When the secondary locking device is pushed in closing direction C, the secondary locking device is moved relative to the plug connector (cf. FIG. 5B), until the closed state is achieved (cf. FIG. 4B).

[0100] A beam locking protrusion 42 of the flexible beam 40 is configured to engage with a corresponding beam locking protrusion 142 of the plug connector when the secondary locking device is in its closed state. When being in an open state, the beam locking protrusion 42 and the corresponding beam locking protrusion 142 does not engage. Particularly, the position of the beam locking protrusion 42 on the flexible beam 40 may be chosen so as to prevent a contact between the beam locking protrusion 42 and the corresponding beam locking protrusion 142, as long as the secondary locking device is in its open position or pushed in the open position as shown in FIG. 5B. Thus, even when being (unintentionally) pushed in a mating direction in its open position, the flexible beam 40 does not deform and a proper function of the flexible beam 40 can be guaranteed, when the secondary locking device 30 is intentionally moved to the closed position.

[0101] FIGS. 6A to 6F show an electrical connector system 1 and a counter connector 20 (i.e., a connector assembly). In particular different mating steps are shown. FIG. 6A shows a schematic partial cut view of a connector system 1 and a counter connector 20, wherein a plug connector 10 of the connector system 1 in an initial position.

[0102] The plug connector 10 is configured to be mated with a corresponding counter connector 20 and includes a plug connector housing 12 having at least one terminal cavity 19, for receiving at least one electrical contact terminal 90.

[0103] In the initial position, the plug connector 10 and the secondary locking device 30 may be partially received in the counter connector 10, however, there is no locking yet. The primary locking means 13, respectively protrusion 15, that is provided at the flexible arm 11 of the plug connector housing 12 abuts the sidewall 21 of the counter connector 20.

[0104] Further, the plug connector housing 12 includes a pre-blocking means 16. The pre-blocking means 16 is configured to block the secondary locking device 30 from moving from the open to the closed position when the plug connector is in an unmated position (or initial position) as shown in FIG. 6A. It has to be noted, that the secondary locking device shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F may, for example, be the secondary locking device 30 depicted in FIG. 1 or the secondary locking device 30′ depicted in FIG. 2. The flexible leg 34 of the secondary locking device 30 includes an abutment means 36 configured to engage with the pre-blocking means 16 for the blocking. In particularly, the abutment means 36 includes an abutment face 36a that is contacts the pre-blocking means 16 of the plug connector housing 12 for the blocking.

[0105] When the plug connector is pushed (or moved) into the mating direction, as indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 6B, the flexible arm 11 of the plug connector housing 12 is flexed in a direction towards the secondary locking means 34 (primary flex direction F1). This is achieved as the protrusion 15 of the primary locking means 13 includes a sloping ramp surface 15s for bending the flexible arm 11 with a sidewall 21 of the counter connector 20. The flexible arm 11 is thus flexed out of a rest condition (i.e., a condition wherein there is no flexing) into a flexed condition, when the plug connector 10 is moved from its initial position (cf. FIG. 6A) to a mated position along a mating direction A, without the need of manually flexing the flexible arm 11. The flexible leg 34 may remain in a rest position.

[0106] In FIG. 6C, the electrical connector system 1 is shown during moving the plug connector 10 from its initial position to a mated end position. Here, the flexible arm 11 is still in the flexed condition. On the left side of FIG. 6C, the engagement between the protrusion 35 of the flexible leg 34 and the sidewall 21 of the counter connector 20 is shown. Due to the ongoing movement of the plug connector, the secondary locking device is also moved in mating direction with respect to the counter connector 20. The locking means 37 of the flexible leg 34, and in particular the respective protrusion 35, includes a sloping ramp surface 35s for bending the flexible leg 34 with a sidewall 21 of the counter connector 20. Thus, the flexible leg is flexed out of a rest condition (i.e., a condition wherein there is no flexing) into a flexed condition. This flexing of the flexible leg 34 releases the blocking contact between the blocking means 16 of the plug connector 10 and the abutment means 36 of the secondary locking device 30, as shown in FIG. 6C, right illustration. After being fully released, the secondary locking device 30 is free to be moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0107] In FIG. 6D, the plug connector 10 is in its mated end position and the secondary locking device 30 begins to move out of the pre-locked, open position. In the mated end position, the primary locking means 13 of the flexible arm 11 provides a primary locking function. Particularly, protrusion 15 of the primary locking means 13 cooperates with a primary opening 25 in the counter connector 20. The protrusion 15 of the primary locking means 13 includes a locking face 151 that contacts and engages a rim portion of the primary opening 25 provided in the counter connector 20 for the primary locking function.

[0108] By pushing the secondary locking device 30 in closing direction C, which points here in the same direction as the mating direction A, the secondary locking device 30 starts to move from the open position to the closed position. The locking means 37 of the flexible leg 34, and in particular the respective protrusion 36, includes a sloping ramp surface 35s that engages a sidewall 21 of the connector 20 and thus, the flexible leg 34 is flexed (bended) out of a rest condition (i.e. a condition wherein there is no flexing) into a flexed condition (i.e. in the secondary flex direction F2 towards the stem portion 32) when the secondary locking device is moved from its open position to its closed position along a closing direction C.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6E (left side) when the secondary locking device 30 has reached the closed position, the flexible leg 34 is flexed back into a rest position and the locking means 37, particularly the protrusion 35 thereof, cooperates with the secondary opening 26 in the counter connector to provide the further locking function. Particularly, the secondary opening or recess 26 may have a sharp edge 26t that is configured to carve into a rearward sloping ramp surface 35t of the protrusion 35 of the locking means 37 of the flexible leg 34. Here, the primary opening 25 and the secondary opening 26 are integrally formed as one opening.

[0110] In this closed position, a blocking means 33 of the secondary locking device 30 provides a secondary locking function. The blocking means 33 blocks the flexible arm 11 of the plug connector in a rest condition, thereby preventing the flexible arm 11 from releasing the primary locking means 13. For example, the flexible arm 11 includes a free end 11b and the blocking means 33 is configured to engage with the free end 11b of the flexible arm 11. Further, the free end 11b of the flexible arm 11 may protrude over an end portion of the plug connector housing 12 in a direction opposite the mating direction A. Particularly, the free end of the flexible arm may protrude through a top opening 14 in the plug connector housing 12. In other words, the free end of the flexible arm may be arranged exterior to the plug connector housing. Further, the flexible arm 11 may protrude over the pushing plate 31 of the secondary locking device 30 in a direction opposite the closing direction C when the secondary locking device 30 is in its closed position. Thus, when moving the secondary locking device 30 from the open position to the closed position, the user will get tactile feedback by the protruding free end 11b of the flexible arm 11, when the secondary locking device 30 has reached its closed position.

[0111] As shown on the right side of FIG. 6E, when the secondary locking device 30 has reached the closed position, the abutment means 36 is received in a corresponding additional locking recess 17 provided in the plug connector housing 12. Thus, the secondary locking device 30 is securely held in the plug connector housing 12 of the plug connector 10.

[0112] FIG. 6F shows a schematic partial cut view of the connector system shown in FIGS. 6A to 6E, wherein the secondary locking device 30 is released from the closed position. When the secondary locking device 30 is moved opposite to the closing direction C, a lock release face 36r of the abutment means 36 may engage with a corresponding lock release face 17r provided on the plug connector housing 12, so as to release the further locking function. Due to the engagement of the lock release face 36r of the abutment means 36 and the corresponding lock release face 17r, the flexible leg 34 is flexed in the secondary flex direction and the further locking function between the the locking means 37, particularly the protrusion 35 thereof, and the secondary opening (or recess) 26 is released. Particularly, if the secondary opening or recess 26 has a sharp edge 26t, providing a lock release face 36r allows unplugging the connector system, without jamming or even destroying the secondary locking device.

[0113] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6F, the corresponding lock release face 17r is provided in additional locking recess 17 provided in the plug connector housing 12. After having moved the secondary locking device back into the open position, the plug connector 10 is ready for being unmated, after having released the primary locking.