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Locking device for a connector

  • US 5,695,355 A
  • Filed: 12/21/1995
  • Issued: 12/09/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/04/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An electrical connector system that includes first and second connectors (1, 2) that can be mated by moving said second connector in a forward direction (F) relative to said first connector and that can be unmated by moving said second connector in a rearward direction (R), wherein said first and second connector have first and second housings (32, 34) that each have a pair of opposite sides (40, 42) spaced in first and second lateral directions (L) that are perpendicular to said forward direction, with said second connector having sheet metal locking hooks (9) at said second housing opposite sides and with said first connector having first housing portions (7) at said first housing opposite sides, with each of said first housing portions (7) being constructed to be held by one of said looking hooks when said connectors are mated, wherein:

  • each of said locking hooks comprises a mount portion (11) integrally formed from a corresponding one of said second housing sides, and each locking hook comprises a spring portion (12) having a rear end (66) integral with said mount portion, said spring portion having a free front end (18) with said spring portion being bent to form a rear curved arch (15) that projects in said first lateral direction and to form a front curved arch (14) that projects in said second lateral direction which is opposite to said first lateral direction, with said arches together forming an approximately S-shape;

    each of said first housing portions (7) is in the form of a sheet metal plate that lies approximately in a plane P1 that is normal to said lateral direction, said plate having a cutout (8) that receives said front curved arch of said spring portion with said cutout lying forward of an elongated rear wall (64) of said housing portion that is elongated in said forward and rearward directions;

    said plate of said first housing portion (7) having a front wall (62) lying forward of said cutout and said free front end (18) of said spring portion rests against said front wall.

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