Electrical connection with sequential disconnect

摘要

A locking and unlocking structure for terminal connector housings of the type used in vehicle electrical systems, especially where terminals in the housings are unmated in staggered order. An axial locking member on one housing engages a locking receptacle on the other housing in a single-step locking connection, but can only be released through a series of alternating unlocking steps and connector separation steps in which the unmating of pilot and primary terminals is separated by one of the unlocking steps. The mechanical delay between the terminal unmating steps prevents arcing in high voltage or high current circuits.