Latching system for connector assemblies
First Claim
1. A connector assembly, comprising:
- a plug connector including a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing;
a receptacle connector for receiving the plug connector in mated condition;
complementary interengaging primary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition, the primary latch means being interengaged automatically in response to full mating of the connectors;
release means on the sheath of the plug connector for unlatching said primary latch means in response to movement of the sheath relative to the plug housing, the release means normally being out of engagement with the primary latch means and being movable with the sheath into unlatching engagement with the primary latch means when the connectors are in said mated condition;
complementary interengaging secondary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means; and
complementary interengaging press-fit rib-and-slot means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector when the connectors are in mated condition.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A connector assembly includes a plug connector having a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing. A receptacle connector receives the plug connector in mated condition. A primary latch is provided between the plug housing and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition. A release is provided on the sheath for unlatching the primary latch means in response to movement of the sheath relative to the plug housing. A secondary latch is provided between the plug housing and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means. An interengaging press-fit rib-and-slot structure is provided between the plug connector and the receptacle connector when the connectors are mated.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A connector assembly, comprising:
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a plug connector including a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing;
a receptacle connector for receiving the plug connector in mated condition;
complementary interengaging primary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition, the primary latch means being interengaged automatically in response to full mating of the connectors;
release means on the sheath of the plug connector for unlatching said primary latch means in response to movement of the sheath relative to the plug housing, the release means normally being out of engagement with the primary latch means and being movable with the sheath into unlatching engagement with the primary latch means when the connectors are in said mated condition;
complementary interengaging secondary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means; and
complementary interengaging press-fit rib-and-slot means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector when the connectors are in mated condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A connector assembly, comprising:
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a plug connector including a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing;
a receptacle connector for receiving the plug connector in mated condition;
complementary interengaging primary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition, the primary latch means being interengaged automatically in response to full mating of the connectors;
release means on the sheath of the plug connector for unlatching said primary latch means in response to movement of the sheath relative to the plug housing, the release means normally being out of engagement with the primary latch means and being movable with the sheath into unlatching engagement with the primary latch means when the connectors are in said mated condition; and
complementary interengaging secondary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A connector assembly, comprising:
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a plug connector including a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing;
a receptacle connector for receiving the plug connector in mated condition;
complementary interengaging primary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition;
complementary interengaging secondary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means; and
complementary interengaging press-fit rib-and-slot means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector when the connectors are in mated condition. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A connector assembly, comprising:
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a plug connector including a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing;
a receptacle connector for receiving the plug connector in mated condition;
complementary interengaging primary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition;
release means on the sheath of the plug connector for unlatching said primary latch means in response to movement of the sheath relative to the plug housing; and
complementary interengaging secondary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means, said rib-and-slot means including a rib on the receptacle connector press-fit into a slot in the plug housing of the plug connector, the rib being elongated in a direction of mating of the connectors, the slot extending in both the plug housing and the sheath of the plug connector.
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21. A connector assembly, comprising:
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a plug connector including a plug housing and a sheath movably mounted about the plug housing;
a receptacle connector for receiving the plug connector in mated condition;
complementary interengaging primary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition;
complementary interengaging secondary latch means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector for holding the connectors in mated condition in the event of inadvertent unlatching of the primary latch means; and
complementary interengaging press-fit rib-and-slot means between the plug housing of the plug connector and the receptacle connector when the connectors are in mated condition, said rib-and-slot means including a rib on the receptacle connector press-fit into a slot in the plug housing of the plug connector, the rib being elongated in a direction of mating of the connectors, the slot extending in both the plug housing and the sheath of the plug connector.
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Specification