阅读说明：本技术 具有机器可读图形标识符的电连接器 (Electrical connector with machine-readable graphical identifier ) 是由 F.F.克里斯蒂亚诺 Z.克尔内蒂克 J.C.帕特森 于 2019-05-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：电连接器(102)包括壳体(118)和展示块(140)。展示块沿着壳体的外表面(204)安装到壳体。展示块具有三维形状,其具有显示表面(302),该显示表面与壳体的外表面的安装有展示块的区域横向成角度。展示块包括计算机可读的并且布置在显示表面上的图形标识符(112)。(The electrical connector (102) includes a housing (118) and a display block (140). The display block is mounted to the housing along an outer surface (204) of the housing. The display piece has a three-dimensional shape with a display surface (302) that is laterally angled from an area of the exterior surface of the housing where the display piece is mounted. The presentation block includes a graphical identifier (112) that is computer readable and disposed on the display surface.)

1. An electrical connector (102), comprising:

a housing (118) having an outer surface (204); and

a display block (140) mounted on the housing along the outer surface, the display block having a three-dimensional shape with a display surface (302) that is laterally angled from an area of the outer surface of the housing in which the display block is mounted, the display block including a graphical identifier (112) that is computer readable and disposed on the display surface.

2. The electrical connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the display surface (302) has an oblique angular orientation relative to the region of the outer surface (204) to which the display block (140) is mounted.

3. The electrical connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the display surface (302) has a perpendicular orientation relative to the area of the outer surface (204) to which the display tile (140) is mounted.

4. The electrical connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the graphical identifier (112) is one of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode.

5. The electrical connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the display surface (302) of the display block (140) is a first display surface (302a) and the display block includes a second display surface (302b) that is laterally angled from an area of the outer surface (204) of the housing (118) in which the display block is mounted, wherein the first and second display surfaces are laterally angled from one another.

6. The electrical connector (102) of claim 5, wherein the graphical identifier (112a) is disposed on the first display surface (302a) and the display block (140) includes a copy (112b) of the graphical identifier disposed on the second display surface (302 b).

7. The electrical connector (102) of claim 5, wherein the first display surface (302a) has a perpendicular orientation relative to the region of the outer surface (204) to which the display tile (140) is mounted, and the second display surface (302b) has an oblique angular orientation relative to the region of the outer surface.

8. The electrical connector (102) of claim 1, further comprising a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device (206) mounted on the housing (118) and movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the CPA device in the unlocked position at least partially conceals the graphical identifier (112) of the display block (140) from being read by the reader device (114), and wherein the graphical identifier is exposed when the CPA device is in the locked position.

9. The electrical connector (102) of claim 8, wherein the CPA device (206) comprises a body (602) and an accessory (604) protruding from the body out of the plane of the body, wherein the accessory at least partially hides the graphical identifier (112) on the display surface (302) of the display block (140) when the CPA device is in an unlocked position and does not hide the graphical identifier when the CPA device is in a locked position.

10. The electrical connector (102) of claim 1, wherein the housing (118) includes a cradle (310) along the outer surface (204) within which the display block (140) is mounted to the housing, wherein the display block is configured to be mounted within the cradle in at least two different orientations relative to the housing.

Technical Field

The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connector systems and, more particularly, to electrical connectors having machine-readable graphical identifiers for tracking and logging purposes.

Background

Some electrical connectors include a machine-readable graphical identifier that is used to document and record the presence, location, characteristics, etc. of the electrical connector during the manufacturing process or assembly process. For example, in the assembly of an automobile, an operator may be required to use a reader device (e.g., a scanner or imager) to "read" graphical identifiers on various electrical connectors installed in the automobile. The actual reading of a particular electrical connector may provide some information that has been recorded and recorded. For example, the actual reading may indicate the presence and position of the connector, as well as verify that the connector has been fully mated to a complementary mating connector. For large and/or complex products (e.g., automobiles), verifying and recording that certain tasks have been completed may help to reduce errors during assembly and identify and correct problems that may later arise during assembly and after the product is sold.

One problem with known electrical connectors having machine-readable graphical identifiers is that due to the physical location and orientation of the reader device relative to the graphical identifier, the reader device may not be able to read the graphical identifier, resulting in an unreadable result. Some reader devices can only decode or read the graphical identifier when the graphical identifier is within a particular range of focus, angle, and orientation relative to the reader device. However, due to limited tool clearance in the assembly environment, it may be difficult or impossible for an operator to position the reader device such that the reader device can read the graphical identifier. If the reader device is unable to read the graphical identifier, the information provided by the graphical identifier will not be recorded and documented. In the case of reading the graphical identifiers of numerous connectors to verify whether the connectors are fully mated, failure to read the graphical identifiers on the fully mated connectors may produce a false positive that is erroneously interpreted as the connectors are not fully mated.

The problem to be solved is to provide an electrical connector having a graphical identifier that can be read by a reader device along a larger angular range than known connectors in order to reduce the occurrence of unreadable results in an assembly environment using limited tool clearance.

Disclosure of Invention

This problem is solved by an electrical connector comprising a housing and a display block. The display block is mounted to the housing along an outer surface of the housing. The display piece has a three-dimensional shape with a display surface that is angled transverse to an area of the outer surface of the housing where the display piece is mounted. The presentation block includes a graphical identifier that is computer readable and disposed on the display surface.

In at least one embodiment, an electrical connector is provided that includes a housing, a display block, and a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device. The display block is mounted on the housing along an outer surface of the housing. The display piece has a three-dimensional shape with a display surface that is laterally angled relative to an area of the outer surface of the housing where the display piece is mounted. The presentation block includes a graphical identifier that is computer readable and disposed on the display surface. The CPA device is mounted on the housing and is movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position. The CPA device in the unlocked position at least partially hides the graphical identifier of the presentation block to prevent the graphical identifier from being read by the reader device. The graphical identifier is exposed when the CPA device is in the locked position. The CPA device is configured to be movable from the unlocked position to the locked position only when the housing is in a fully mated position with respect to the mating connector.

Reference numerals

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of an electrical connector system within an assembly environment, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one connector of the connector system according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the connector shown in fig. 2 including a display block.

Fig. 4 is a first perspective view of a display piece according to an embodiment, showing an inclined display surface thereof.

Fig. 5 is a second perspective view of the display piece of fig. 4, showing a right angle display surface thereof.

Fig. 6 is a third perspective view of the display piece of fig. 4 and 5, showing the mounting end of the display piece.

Fig. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the connector shown in fig. 3, with the display block mounted in an orientation different from the orientation of the display block in fig. 3.

Fig. 8 is a top view of a connector illustrating a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) device in an unlocked position relative to a housing of the connector according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a top view of the connector showing the CPA device in a locked position with respect to the housing.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical connector system 100 within an assembly environment 130, according to an embodiment. The electrical connector system 100 includes a first connector 102 and a second connector 104. In fig. 1, a first connector 102 is mated with a second connector 104. The first connector 102 is shown as a cable-mounted connector having at least one cable or wire 103 protruding from the first connector 102. The second connector 104 in fig. 1 is a plug connector mounted to a structure 105. The structure 105 may be an electrical device (e.g., a server, a computer, a circuit board, etc.), a mechanical housing or enclosure, or the like. In alternative embodiments, both connectors 102, 104 are cable mounted, or both connectors 102, 104 are structural mounted.

The first connector 102 has a housing 118, the housing 118 including a mating end 120 and a cable end 122. The mating end 120 of the housing 118 engages a housing 124 of the second connector 104 to define a mating interface 126. One or more cables 103 protrude from housing 118 at cable end 122. The housing 118 in the illustrated embodiment has a right angle configuration such that the cable end 122 is not opposite the mating end 120. The mating end 120 is oriented along a plane that is transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to a plane along the cable end 122. In alternative embodiments, the housing 118 may have a linear or in-line configuration. Although not shown, the housing 118 holds one or more electrical contacts that are electrically terminated (e.g., connected) to wires in one or more cables 103. The contacts of the first connector 102 are electrically connected to mating contacts (not shown) of the second connector 104 to establish electrically conductive signal paths through the mating interface 126.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 102 has a plurality of machine-readable graphical identifiers 112 mounted on a housing 118. The graphical identifier 112 is a coded mark representing information. For example, although not shown in fig. 1, graphical identifier 112 may be a barcode, such as a one-dimensional (e.g., linear) barcode or a two-dimensional (e.g., matrix) barcode. The graphical identifier 112 provides information about the first connector 102. For example, the graphical identifier 112 may identify the first connector 102 by providing a serial number, part number, or the like. The graphical identifier 112 may also optionally identify a product on which the first connector 102 should be installed, such as a model of an automobile or a particular part of an automobile, and/or may identify a type or model of a mating connector that is compatible with the first connector 102.

The first connector 102 and the second connector 104 mate with each other within the assembly environment 130. Assembly environment 130 includes various devices and structures, such as structure 105 and adjacent structure 132. It is useful to record the mating of the first connector 102 and the second connector 104, for example to track progress in the assembly process, and for later verification if questions or issues arise regarding whether the first connector 102 and the second connector 104 have been mated.

An operator or robot may be required to be responsible for manipulating the reader device 114 to read the at least one graphical identifier 112 on the first connector 102. As used herein, the reader device 114 "reads" the graphical identifier by decoding and decrypting the information contained in the graphical identifier 112. The reader device 114 may be a scanner, sensor, imager, or the like. For example, the reader device 114 may have a light source (e.g., a laser emitter) and a photodetector capable of interpreting light reflected from one of the graphical identifiers 114. Alternatively, the reader device 114 may include a camera.

The reader device 114 may be communicatively connected to the database 116 via a wired conductive path or a wireless communication link. The information obtained by the reader device 114 from the graphical identifier 112 may be sent to a database 116 for storage and/or to a communication device for remote transmission. The database 116 may be located on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage device. The storage device may be a computer memory, such as Random Access Memory (RAM) or a hard drive, or the storage device may be a removable storage drive, such as a solid state device, an optical disk drive, an external hard drive, a flash drive, or the like.

The assembly environment 130 may be relatively dense or crowded and have limited clearance for positioning the reader device 114 on the first connector 102 in a location proximate to the graphical identifier 112. For example, a narrow gap 134 is defined between the first connector 102 and the adjacent structure 132. The narrow gap 134 is not wide enough to accommodate a reader device 114 for reading the graphical identifier 112.

The first connector 102 has a first graphical identifier 112a, a second graphical identifier 112b and a third graphical identifier 112 c. The first graphical identifier 112a, the second graphical identifier 112b, and the third graphical identifier 112c may be copies of each other such that all three identifiers 112a, 112b, 112c represent the same information. First graphical identifier 112a is disposed directly on housing 118 along back side 136 of housing 118. The back side 136 of the housing 118 is opposite the mating end 120 and faces away from the mating end 120.

First graphical identifier 112a lies flat on back side 136 of housing 118. In fig. 1, the reader device 114 is outside of the gap 134 because there is not enough space to fit the reader device 114 within the gap 134. In the position in FIG. 1, the angle of incidence from a line perpendicular to first graphical identifier 112a may be too large for reader device 114 to read first graphical identifier 112 a. The reader device 114 may not be able to read the first identifier 112a at the location shown in fig. 1, and may also not be able to read the first identifier 112a if the reader device 114 is moved near the other end of the structure 105, 132 adjacent the cable 103. Although this is not the case in the illustrated embodiment, if first graphical identifier 112a is a unique identifier on first connector 102, reader device 114 will likely not be able to read and document information from first connector 102. For example, if the read graphical identifier 112a is used to verify and record that the first connector 102 is mated with the second connector 104, no verification is performed.

The first electrical connector 102 includes a display block 140 mounted to the housing 118. The display block 140 has a three-dimensional shape and protrudes outward (e.g., away from the mating end 120) from the back side 136 of the housing 118. The second graphical identifier 112b and the third graphical identifier 112c are disposed on different surfaces of the display block 140. The second and third graphical identifiers 112b, 112c on the presentation block 140 are angled with respect to the first graphical identifier 112 a. At the location of the reader device 114 in fig. 1, the reader device 114 is able to read the third graphical identifier 112 c. For example, the angle of incidence between the reader device 114 and the third graphical identifier 112c is sufficiently small (e.g., less than 45 degrees, etc.) to enable the reader device 114 to decrypt the third graphical identifier 112 c.

The three graphical identifiers 112a-c are angled with respect to each other along different orientations to increase the range or breadth of the viewing window over which the reader device 114 can read the information encoded in the graphical identifiers 112 a-c. The viewing window represents an angular range or amplitude around the first connector 102. When the reader device 114 is in the viewing window, the reader device 114 is able to read information from at least one of the identifiers 112 a-c. In the hypothetical example, if the first connector 102 has only the first graphical identifier 112a, the viewing window may extend 90 degrees around the first connector 102 in an area proximate the first identifier 112 a; however, since all three graphical identifiers 112a-c are in different orientations, the viewing window may be increased to 180 degrees around the first connector 102. For example, if the reader device 114 is moved to the other side of the structure 105, 132 in fig. 1 adjacent to the cable 103, the reader device 114 may still be able to read the second graphical identifier 112b to obtain the information. The greater extent of the viewing window reduces the risk of failure to read results due to the positioning of the reader device 114 relative to the first connector 102.

In one or more embodiments described herein, graphical identifier 112 may be used for recordable location assurance. For example, the first connector 102 may be configured and designed such that the graphical identifier 112 is hidden when the first connector 102 is not mated with the second connector 104, and is exposed (or at least exposable) when the first and second connectors 102, 104 are mated together. In fig. 1, first connector 102 and second connector 104 are mated and graphical identifier 112 is exposed such that identifier 112 can be read by reader device 114 (if reader device 114 is within a viewing window). As used herein, "exposable" means that the article can be exposed by normal handling without undue force that could damage one or more components. When connectors 102, 104 do not match, graphical identifier 112 may be hidden such that an obstruction on first connector 102 prevents reader device 114 from "looking" at a sufficient number of any graphical identifiers 112 to read to decrypt information contained in graphical identifiers 112. This mechanism provides a recordable location assurance because the reader device 114 is able to read and record the graphical identifier 112 on the first connector 102 only when the connectors 102 are mated, and thus the reading of the graphical identifier 112 is associated with the mated state or location. Conversely, the inability to read results is associated with an unmated state or position of the connector 102. The first connector 102 in the illustrated embodiment includes a three-dimensional display block 140 to eliminate or at least reduce the occurrence of unreadable results that erroneously indicate that the connectors 102, 104 are disconnected even though the connectors 102, 104 are actually mated.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first connector 102 of the connector system 100 according to an embodiment. The first connector 102 is also referred to herein as a "connector" and the second connector 104 (shown in fig. 1) is referred to as a "mating connector". One or more cables 103 extending from the cable end 122 of the connector 102 are omitted from fig. 2. The housing 118 has a right-angled shape extending from a mating end 120 to a cable end 122. The housing 118 defines a cavity 202 that is open at the mating end 120 for receiving a portion of the mating connector 104 therein when mated. The housing 118 has an outer surface 204. A back side 136 of the housing 118 opposite the mating end 120 defines a portion of the exterior surface 204. The housing 118 may alternatively be a unitary, unitary component formed via a molding process.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 102 includes a CPA device 206. The CPA device 206 is configured to ensure that the connector 102 is fully mated to the mating connector 104 (fig. 1). For example, CPA device 206 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The CPA device 206 is configured to be disposed in the unlocked position when the connector 102 is not fully mated to the mating connector 104 (e.g., if the connector 102 is mechanically spaced from the mating connector 104, and if the connector 102 is only partially mated to the mating connector 104). As described in more detail herein, the CPA device 206 may be restricted from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position until the connector 102 is fully mated to the mating connector 104. Once the connectors 102, 104 are fully mated, the mechanical obstruction is removed, allowing the CPA device 206 to be moved to the locked position by an operator or robotic machine.

CPA device 206 is in the locked position in figure 2. The locked position is associated with the connector 102 being fully mated to the mating connector 104, although the mating connector 104 is omitted from fig. 2. When CPA device 206 is in the locked position, graphical identifiers 112a-c are exposed and can be read by reader device 114 (fig. 1).

The connector 102 optionally includes a lever 208, the lever 208 providing mating assistance to reduce the amount of input force required to mate the connectors 102, 104. The lever 208 is pivotably coupled to the housing 118 by a lug or post 210. The lever 208 has two arms 212 coupled to the lugs 210, and a handle 214 extending between the arms 212 and connected to the arms 212. During mating, the lever 208 engages the mating connector 104 and pulls the mating connector 104 into the cavity 202 of the housing 118 as the lever 208 pivots. For example, the arm 212 of the lever 208 may define a curved cam slot 216 that varies along the length of the cam slot 216 proximate the lug 210. For example, each cam slot 216 extends from a respective open end 218 to a respective closed end 220 of the cam slot 216. The open end 218 is located farther from the ledge 210 than the closed end 220. The open end 218 defines an entrance through which a post (not shown) of the mating connector 104 is received into the cam slot 216. Based on the direction in which the lever 208 pivots, the curved trajectory of the cam groove 216 pulls the post of the mating connector 104 toward the ledge 210 (for mating assistance) or pushes the post away from the ledge 210 (for unmating assistance). As described herein, the handle 214 of the lever 208 can interact with the CPA device 206.

Display piece 140 is mounted on housing 118 along outer surface 204. The display piece 140 has a three-dimensional shape and protrudes outward from the outer surface 204. In at least one embodiment, the display block 140 is a discrete component relative to the housing 118. For example, the display block 140 may be a loose piece that is removably mounted to the housing 118. In alternative embodiments, display block 140 may be non-removably mounted to housing 118 by adhesive, welding, brazing, or the like. The display block 140 is located on the back side 136 of the housing 118, but may be mounted along the outer surface 204 of other portions of the housing 118 in alternative embodiments, such as one or more sidewalls 222 that surround and define the cavity 202.

Fig. 3 is a close-up perspective view of the portion of the connector 102 shown in fig. 2 that includes a display block 140. The display block 140 has at least one display surface 302, the display surface 302 being angled transverse to the outer surface 204 of the housing 118. As used herein, a relative comparison between a surface of display piece 140 and outer surface 204 of housing 118 refers to the area of outer surface 204 where display piece 140 is mounted. For example, the at least one display surface 302 is angled transverse to an area of the outer surface 204 that is below the display block 140 (e.g., covered by the display block 140) and immediately around the perimeter of the display block 140. In the illustrated embodiment, this area is along the back side 136 of the housing 118, which may be relatively flat and planar. Each display surface 302 of the presentation block 140 is characterized by having sufficient surface area to display the machine-readable graphical identifier 112 thereon. The display surface 302 may have sufficient surface area to support a square or rectangular graphical identifier 112. In a non-limiting example, graphical identifier 112 may be a square having a side length of 1 cm. Each display surface 302 in the illustrated embodiment is planar, but in alternative embodiments, one or more display surfaces 302 may have a convex curve or a concave curve.

In the embodiment shown, the display block 140 has two display surfaces 302, including a first display surface 302a and a second display surface 302 b. When the display block 140 is mounted to the housing 118, both display surfaces 302a, 302b are oriented transverse to the outer surface 204 of the housing 118. The display surfaces 302a, 302b face outwardly away from each other. The display surfaces 302a, 302b are optionally oriented transverse to one another. As used herein, a "transverse" orientation between two surfaces indicates that the two surfaces are not parallel (e.g., the relative angle between the two surfaces is any angle other than 180 degrees). Both display surfaces 302a, 302b have a separate graphical identifier 112 disposed thereon. For example, the third graphical identifier 112c is disposed on the first display surface 302a, and the second graphical identifier 112b is disposed on the second display surface 302 b. In an alternative embodiment, only one of the display surfaces 302a, 302b may have a graphical identifier 112, rather than both display surfaces 302a, 302 b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first display surface 302a is oriented perpendicular to the outer surface 204 of the housing 118 and the second display surface 302b has an oblique angle orientation relative to the outer surface 204. As used herein, the term "perpendicular" includes right angles (e.g., 90 degree angles) as well as specified ranges of angles less than and greater than 90 degrees, such as 5 degrees or 10 degrees. For example, if the specified range is 10 degrees, the term "perpendicular" as used herein includes angles from 80 degrees to 100 degrees. As used herein, an "oblique" orientation between two surfaces indicates that the two surfaces are neither parallel nor perpendicular. As described above, the different orientations and positions of graphical identifiers 112a-c on housing 118 increase the range of angles at which reader device 114 may read one of graphical identifiers 112 on connector 102. The first display surface 302a is also referred to herein as a "right angle display surface" and the second display surface 302b is also referred to herein as an "inclined display surface". In one or more alternative embodiments, the first and second display surfaces 302a, 302b may both be oriented perpendicular to the outer surface 204 of the housing 118, or both surfaces 302a, 302b may have an oblique orientation relative to the outer surface 204.

The housing 118 may have a bracket 310 along the outer surface 204 to secure the display piece 140 to the housing 118. A bracket 310 surrounds at least a portion of the perimeter of the display block 140, and the display block 140 is mounted to the housing 118 within the bracket 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 310 is a wall or rail that projects outwardly from the outer surface 204 on the back side 136 of the housing 118.

Fig. 4-6 are different perspective views of a display block 140 of a connector 102 according to an embodiment. For example, fig. 4 is a first perspective view showing the inclined display surface 302 b. Fig. 5 is a second perspective view showing the right angle display surface 302 a. Fig. 6 is a third perspective view showing the mounting end 402 (or side) of the display block 140. When mounted to the housing 118, the mounting end 402 faces and may engage the outer surface 204 of the housing 118.

The right angle display surface 302a and the angled display surface 302b each have a discrete graphical identifier 112 (e.g., identifiers 112b and 112c as shown in fig. 1 and 3) disposed thereon. The graphical identifiers 112 may be duplicate copies of each other such that the same information is contained in each graphical identifier 112. The graphical identifier 112 on the right angle display surface 302a is discrete and separate from the graphical identifier 112 on the angled display surface 302b such that the two graphical identifiers 112 are spaced apart from each other.

The graphical identifier 112 shown in fig. 2-5 is a two-dimensional (or matrix-style) barcode that represents information or data using two-dimensional symbols and shapes (e.g., squares and/or rectangles 403). In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the graphical identifiers 112 may be a one-dimensional barcode comprising a series of parallel lines of varying widths and spacing to represent information or data. In yet another alternative embodiment, one or both of graphical identifiers 112 may be a three-dimensional barcode that also has a depth or height dimension and a length and width dimension. In other alternative embodiments, graphical identifier 112 may not be a bar code, such as a letter, shape, color, symbol, or the like.

Graphical identifier 112 may be engraved on the respective display surfaces 302a, 302b such that graphical identifier 112 is integrally formed on display tile 140. For example, lines of graphical identifier 112 may be etched directly into the material of display block 140. Alternatively, graphical identifier 112 may be a label, sticker, or the like that is formed separately from display piece 140 and subsequently applied to display surface 302 by an adhesive, transparent laminate, weld, clip, or other fastener, or the like.

In the embodiment shown, the display block 140 includes two sidewalls 404, 406 that mirror each other on opposite sides of a line through the two display surfaces 302a, 302 b. The sidewall 404 is connected to a first edge 408 of the right angle display surface 302a and a first edge 410 of the angled display surface 302 b. The sidewall 406 is connected to a second edge 412 of the right angle display surface 302a and a second edge 414 of the angled display surface 302 b. Both sidewalls 404 extend to the mounting end 402 of the display block 140. In the illustrated embodiment, each side wall 404, 406 includes a respective cantilever latch feature 416. The latching features 416 are each defined by two slots 418 in the respective side walls 404, 406 extending from the mounting end 402. The latch features 416 are generally planar with the respective side walls 404, 406, except that the hook tip 420 of each latch feature 416 projects outwardly to the plane of the respective side wall 404, 406.

With additional reference to fig. 3, the hook tip 420 of the latching feature 416 is configured to engage a complementary snap feature 422 on the bracket 310 to securely and removably mount the display piece 140 on the housing 118. The bracket 310 defines an aperture 424 and the snap feature 422 is an edge of a track 428 of the bracket 310. The edge faces the outer surface 204 of the shell 118 and defines a segment of the bore 424. For example, when the display piece 140 is mounted to the housing 118, the latching feature 416 deflects around the track 428 until the catch point 420 is received into the aperture 424 between the track 428 and the outer surface 204 of the housing 118. The hook tip 420 of the latching feature 416 engages a catch feature 422 (e.g., an edge) of the track 428 to prevent the display piece 140 from being accidentally removed from the housing 118.

As shown in fig. 6, the display piece 140 is optionally hollow and has no walls at the mounting end 402. The mounting end 402 is defined by sidewalls 404, 406, a right angle display surface 302a, and respective edges of a middle wall 430 extending from an angled display surface 302b to the mounting end 402. Display piece 140 optionally further includes ribs 432 at mounting end 402 disposed along different respective corners of display piece 140. The ribs 432 extend laterally outward away from the display block 140. The ribs 432 may be used to align and position the display block 140 relative to the housing 118, such as within the cradle 310 of the housing 118.

In one or more embodiments, the block 140 is shown removably mounted to the housing 118 in more than one orientation. For example, the display block 140 may be capable of being mounted in the bracket 310 in at least two different orientations relative to the housing 118.

Fig. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of connector 102, illustrating mounting of display block 140 to housing 118 in an orientation different from the orientation of display block 140 shown in fig. 3. For example, in fig. 3, the right angle display surface 302a generally faces a distal end 502 of the housing 118 opposite the cable end 122 (fig. 2), while the angled display surface 302b generally faces the cable end 122 (e.g., toward the first graphical identifier 112a and the handle 214 of the stem 208). In fig. 7, the block 140 is shown inverted within the bracket 310 such that the right angle display surface 302a generally faces the cable end 122 and the angled display surface 302b generally faces the distal end 502. The display block 140 is mounted to the carriage 310 in the same manner in both orientations, the only difference being that for each orientation, each individual latching feature 416 engages with a different corresponding track 428 of the carriage 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the display block 140 is reversible such that the display block 140 may be mounted to the housing 118 in two orientations 180 degrees apart from each other. In alternative embodiments, display piece 140 and/or bracket 310 may be designed to allow display piece 140 to be mounted to housing 118 in more than two different orientations, for example, four different orientations 90 degrees apart.

Fig. 8 is a top view of first connector 102 showing CPA device 206 in an unlocked position relative to housing 118. Fig. 9 is a top view of first connector 102 showing CPA device 206 in a locked position relative to housing 118. CPA device 206 includes a body 602 and an accessory 604 protruding from body 602. The body 602 may be relatively flat and planar and slide along the outer surface 204 of the housing 118 when actuated between the locked and unlocked positions. The accessory 604 may extend out of the plane of the body 602, as shown in more detail in fig. 7, such that the accessory 604 hangs from the display piece 140.

CPA device 206 is moved along linear actuation axis 606 between an unlocked position and a locked position. Movement of the CPA device 206 is guided by CPA brackets 608 on the housing 118 that engage the body 602. The body 602 is spaced apart from the display block 140 in both the locked and unlocked positions. As shown in fig. 8, accessory 604 at least partially covers and hides graphical identifier 112 on presentation block 140 in the unlocked position of CPA device 206. For example, accessory 604 covers a sufficient percentage of identifier 112 such that reader device 114 (fig. 1) cannot read identifier 112 (regardless of the location of reader device 114). In a non-limiting example, accessory 604 overlays at least 60% or at least 70% of graphical identifier 112, and reader device 114 is unable to decrypt the information contained in identifier 112 by viewing the visible portion of identifier 112. The body 602 of CPA device 206 may cover and hide the first graphical identifier 112a mounted directly on the outer surface 204 of housing 118. CPA device 206 is moved in locking direction 612 along actuation axis 606 from the unlocked position shown in fig. 8 to the locked position shown in fig. 9.

In the locked position shown in fig. 9, accessory 604 is laterally spaced from display block 140 and does not conceal graphical identifier 112 on display block 140. The body 602 is also spaced apart from the first graphical identifier 112 a. As a result, all graphical identifiers 112 on connector 102 are exposed and can be read by reader device 114.

In one embodiment, the connector 102 is designed such that the CPA device 206 is movable from the unlocked position shown in fig. 8 to the locked position shown in fig. 9 only when the connector 102 is fully mated to the mating connector 104 (fig. 1). As a result, graphical identifier 112 is exposed and can be read by reader device 114 only when connector 102 is fully mated. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 208 is in a closed position relative to the housing 118, which is the position of the lever 208 when the connector 102 is fully mated to the mating connector 104. In one embodiment, CPA device 206 is restricted from being actuated from the unlocked position shown in fig. 8 to the locked position shown in fig. 9, thereby exposing graphical identifier 112 unless lever 208 is in the closed position. For example, when the lever 208 is not in the closed position, the CPA device 206 may be restricted from moving to the locked position because a deflectable latch (not shown) of the CPA device 206 abuts the CPA bracket 608. When the lever 208 reaches the closed position, a protrusion 614 protruding from the handle 214 of the lever 208 deflects the latch of the CPA device 206 to a clearance position, allowing the latch and the CPA device 206 to move in a locking direction 612 relative to the CPA bracket 608.