SELF-CLEANING CPA DEVICE FOR HIGH-DEBRIS APPLICATIONS

摘要

An electrical connector assembly is provided, including a connector position assurance device (CPA) movable between locked and unlocked positions along a longitudinal axis of the CPA. The CPA includes rails. The connector assembly also includes first and second connector housings having mating ends configured to mate with one another. A CPA guide assembly is mounted to at least one of the first and second connector housings. The CPA guide assembly includes CPA guide rails slidably accepting the guide rail of the CPA. The CPA permits engagement and disengagement of the first and second connector housings when in the unlocked position. The CPA prevents disengagement of the first and second connector housings when in the locked position. When the first and second connector housings are disengaged, the CPA can not move to the locked position. The connector assembly further includes a sweeping element mounted to the CPA. The sweeping element is configured to extend laterally from the longitudinal axis of the CPA and positioned to provide a wedge to remove debris from the housing of the connector as the CPA is moved to the unlocked position. The debris builds up on the connector assembly while engaged and the CPA is locked. The removal of the debris occurs during movement of the CPA to the unlocked position because it is then that a connector latch should deflect to release the mating connector.