Electrical connector assembly with complementary lever assist and terminal delay

摘要

An electrical connector assembly is disclosed, the assembly comprising: A first connector member having a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion, the second terminal portion movable relative to the first terminal portion; and a second connector member having first and second terminal portions adapted for mating engagement with the first and second terminal portions, respectively, of the first connector member. A lever, preferably an assist lever for drawing the first and second connector members into a fully mated condition, is provided on the first connector member, the lever defining a first position wherein the lever blocks the second terminal portion of the first connector member from movement into mating engagement with the second terminal portion of the second connector member, and a second position, wherein the second terminal portion of the first connector member is movable into mating engagement with the second terminal portion of the second connector member. The second terminal portion of the first connector member is further cooperative with the lever to secure the lever in a locked position when the second terminal portion of the first connector member is moved into mating engagement with the second terminal portion of the second connector member, such that the first and second connector members cannot be separated until the second terminal portion of the first connector member is moved out of mating engagement with the second terminal portion of the second connector member.