Connector latches
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising:
- a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face;
a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face;
a projection extending forwardly from said front face for engaging guidance structure in the mating connector;
at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl disposed in said projection, an intermediate portion extending along said housing and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm disposed at said rear portion;
a cover overlying said housing and an actuator means associated with the latch arm for moving the latch pawl to a disengaging position and wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Electrical connectors having latches for holding the connectors in mated condition employ relatively long latch arms with a point of flexure near a rear end of the connector. The latches extend into locating posts positioned forwardly of the mating face of the connector. If multiple latch arms are used, they are interconnected by a commonly actuated cross bar. Latch arms may be formed by integrally molding the arms with covers of the connectors. Effective latching properties and a long life are achieved with such latch structures. Manufacturing costs may be reduced by integrally molding latches with covers of the connector.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising:
-
a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face; a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face; a projection extending forwardly from said front face for engaging guidance structure in the mating connector; at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl disposed in said projection, an intermediate portion extending along said housing and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm disposed at said rear portion; a cover overlying said housing and an actuator means associated with the latch arm for moving the latch pawl to a disengaging position and wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising:
-
a terminal housing having a front face for mating with the mating connector and a rear portion in opposed relation to the front face; a plurality of contact terminals disposed along said front face; at least two biased latch arms joined by a cross member insuring common and simultaneous activation of both arms, each arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl positioned to engage the mating connector and a proximal portion forming a fulcrum for the latch arm; and a cover overlying said housing, wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification