EP0898333A2 - Connector latches - Google Patents
Connector latches Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0898333A2 EP0898333A2 EP98114983A EP98114983A EP0898333A2 EP 0898333 A2 EP0898333 A2 EP 0898333A2 EP 98114983 A EP98114983 A EP 98114983A EP 98114983 A EP98114983 A EP 98114983A EP 0898333 A2 EP0898333 A2 EP 0898333A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- latch
- connector
- cover
- latch arm
- arms
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
- H01R13/6275—Latching arms not integral with the housing
Definitions
- This invention relates to electrical connectors. It has specific applicability to latching systems for securing intermating connectors together.
- a latching mechanism for cable connectors for mobile telephones having latches disposed in forwardly extending locating posts has been proposed.
- the latches are operated by pressing on a hinged actuator part formed from a portion of one of the covers.
- the latches are unconnected individual pieces.
- the user When pressing on the hinged actuator portion of the plastic cover, because of the flexibility of the plastic hinge, the user must press almost exactly in the middle of the actuator to release both latches simultaneously to unlatch the connector. Pressing at a point spaced from the middle causes one latch to disengage, while the other latch stays locked.
- Connectors according to the invention employ relatively long latch arms that extend from a distal portion near the mating face of the connector, rearwardly along or through the insulative terminal housing to a rearwardly disposed fulcrum point.
- the fulcrum point may be located adjacent or associated with a cover that overlies the terminal housing.
- the latch arms may be formed of separate metallic members or may be integrally molded with the cover. If plural, laterally spaced latching arms are used, they are joined by a cross member to insure common actuation.
- the connector system described herein was developed primarily for mobile wireless telephones and will be described in that context. However, the invention is believed to have utility for many other types of interconnections wherein connectors must be latched together.
- Cable connector 20 includes a terminal block or housing 22 formed of a molded insulative material.
- the housing includes a front face along which an array of a plurality of contact terminals 24 are disposed.
- the contacts 24 are essentially compression contacts that are slideable axially within slots in the terminal block.
- the contacts 24 are spring biased to a forward position extending beyond the front face of the terminal block. Such contacts are illustrated in published European Patent Specification No.
- the insulative housing 22 also includes a pair of laterally spaced guidance/locating posts that can include polarizing features for insuring correct mating orientation when mating with a receptacle connector.
- the front terminal-carrying face of the housing 22 may extend laterally outwardly beyond the pegs 26 to carry associated additional contact terminals 24, as shown in Fig. 4.
- the plug connector 20 is intended to mate with a receptacle connector of the type generally illustrated in Fig. 13. Because the terminals 24 are spring biased in order to develop sufficient axial contact normal forces by compression against stationary contacts 84 of the receptacle connector, there is inherently in this system a force that tends to separate the two connectors. To counteract this force, it is necessary to latch the plug and receptacle connectors together during use. To this end, latch arms 30 are utilized. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, a pair of spring biased latch arms 30, comprising substantial mirror images of each other, are integrally joined together by a cross member 42. The assembly comprising arms 30 and the cross member 42 is ideally stamped in a single piece from a suitable metallic flat stock.
- Each latch arm 30 includes a distal portion carrying a latch pawl 32 disposed in one of the guide/locating post 26, an intermediate portion extending along or through the housing 22 to a rearwardly disposed fulcrum point 35.
- each latch arm also includes a base 34 from which the latch arm extends.
- the base 34 includes a mounting element, such as the barbed stake 36, that is received in a slot in the housing 22 for securing the latches onto the housing 22.
- the base 34 also includes a means for securing the latches onto cover 28.
- the securing structure includes an opening 38 in base 34 that receives a mounting lug 40 integrally molded with the cover 28.
- the securing means also functions as a means for retaining the terminal housing 22 within the cover.
- the cover 22 also includes an integrally formed push button 44 that is positioned to be pressed against the crossbar 42.
- the assembly comprising the latches 30 and crossbar 42 is formed of a resilient material so that each latch arm 30 can be deflected about fulcrum 35 over many cycles.
- FIG. 1 The functioning of the latch structure of 20 is evident from Fig. 1. Assuming that the connector is in a latched state connected with its mating receptacle connector, in order to separate the connectors, the user presses downwardly on push button 44. Downward movement of the push button causes downward movement of cross member 42, which in turn imparts movement equally to both latch arms 30. Each latch arm 30 resiles about its fulcrum 35 downwardly, thereby withdrawing the latch pawls 32 beneath the surfaces of posts 36. This description suffices to outline the means utilized for unlatching the connector 20 to permit its withdrawal from the mating receptacle connector. When finger pressure is removed from push button 44, the latch arms 30 return to their original position, with the latch pawls 32 extending outwardly from the posts 26.
- Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the push button 44A is a separate element that is secured onto the crossbar 42 and extends beyond a surface of the cover 28 to be engaged by the linger of the user.
- Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the plug connector shown in Fig. 1, in which the latch actuating member 44B is formed as an integral part of the terminal housing 22.
- the latch actuating member is connected by a forwardly located hinged portion 44C to the housing 22. Pressing downwardly on the free end of the member 44B causes it to rotate about the hinged section 44C, thereby depressing crossbar 42 and ultimately latch arms 30.
- Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a plug type cable connector having a terminal housing 22 with a front mating face carrying terminals 24.
- the mating face includes a pair of locating/guidance posts 26.
- a latch pawl 46 Within each of the posts 26 is a latch pawl 46.
- the latches are actuated by an actuation means comprising a push button 48.
- the rear portion of the terminal housing 22 and the cable connections are housed within a cover comprising a lower cover section 50 and an upper cover section 52.
- Fig. 5 illustrates a complete lower cover assembly 50 that is used in the connector 45 of Fig. 4.
- the cover 50 is formed of a moldable material, preferably an insulative thermoplastic material.
- a pair of latch arms 54, each with a latch pawl 46 and the push button 48 are integrally molded with the lower cover 50.
- the distal portions of the latch arms 54 carry latch pawls 46.
- the proximal portions 55 of the latch arms 54 form fulcrums near their junctions with the cover 50.
- push button 48 also provides the linking function of cross member 42 of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 6 is a top view of the plug shown in Fig. 4, with the push button 48 extending through an opening in the top cover 52.
- the latch pawls 46 are shown positioned in the locating/guidance posts 26.
- the terminal housing 22 is received in the lower cover 50 with the latch arm 54 extending from the rear of the bottom cover 50 at it proximal fulcrum 55 to a forwardly extending location, with the distally located latch pawl 46 positioned in posts 26.
- the top cover 52 mates with the bottom cover 50 to form an complete enclosure, with the push button 48 extending through an opening in the top cover 52.
- the covers 50 and 52 may be secured together by suitable techniques such as adhesives, solvent or heat welding or the like.
- the retention pegs 56 formed on the terminal housing 22 are received in openings in the covers 50 and 52, so that the covers securely hold the housing 22.
- This embodiment operates substantially in the same way as the Fig. 1 embodiment. Construction of the latch arms and cover in this fashion allows relatively long latch arms to be formed, with an improved ability to withstand repeated flexure. The arrangement of integrally molded covers and latch parts also reduces manufacturing costs.
- Figs. 8 and 9 show another embodiment of cable plug connector 57 that is narrower than those previous described.
- the connector 57 preferably includes a one-piece molded cover 59.
- the cover 59 includes an integrally formed latch arm 58.
- the latch arm 58 includes an actuation enlargement 60 extending above the surface of the cover 59.
- the latch arm 58 includes a latch pawl 56 disposed at a distal end and positioned within a locating post 26 of the terminal housing 22.
- the intermediate portion of the latch arm 58 extends through a slot 63 in the terminal housing 22.
- the latch arm 58 is connected at a fulcrum junction point 61 with the cover 59.
- the terminal housing 22 is secured within the cover 59 by one or more retention lugs 62, that engage suitable locating openings in the cover 59.
- Fig. 10 illustrates a plug connector that is intended to be mounted on a printed circuit board P, rather than being attached to a cable. Such a connector would be utilized in a cradle or holder for the wireless telephone.
- Connector 64 includes an insulative terminal housing 65 having printed circuit board mounting surface 66 opposite its front face. Terminal tails 68 extend beyond surface 66 and may comprise through-hole or surface mount connections to the printed circuit board P.
- the front face includes an array of terminals 24 and a pair of location/guidance posts 26. As in previous embodiments, latch pawls 77 are received in the posts 26.
- Fig. 11 is a top view of the connector shown in Fig. 10
- Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line DD of Fig.
- a latch base 70 is received within a rear portion of the terminal body 65.
- the latch base 70 is held in the housing 65 by securing arms 72 carrying engagement lobes 74, that engage openings in the housing 65.
- a latch arm 76 extends from its fulcrum point at base 70 forwardly through the housing 65 to a distal portion carrying the latching pawl 77 disposed in the location/guidance post 26.
- the latch arm 76 includes an enlargement 78 for engaging an interior surface 79 of the housing to prevent overstressing of the latch arm 76.
- the assembly comprising the latch base 70, securing arms 72 and latch arm 76 is formed as a one piece integrally molded part that is inserted from the rear into the terminal housing 65.
- the connector 64 is generally used in situations where it is generally vertically disposed. In such situations, the weight of the wireless telephone resting against the connector 64 acts to compress the terminals 24. In this situation, the latch arms 76 only needs to provide enough latching force to prevent accidental dislodgment of the telephone from the holder. To disengage the telephone, the user grasps the telephone and pulls it generally axially from the holder. As a consequence, the latching surfaces of the receptacle connector in the telephone bear against pawl surface 77a and move the latch arm to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 11.
- the latch surface 77a preferably is canted somewhat more than previous embodiments and/or the spring rate of latch arm 76 is reduced to effect this release action.
- this type of latch can be characterized as a "passive" latch as opposed to "active" latch requiring a separate release function, as in the Figs. 1-9 embodiments.
- Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a receptacle connector to which the previously illustrated embodiments of plug connectors are mateable.
- Receptacle connector 80 comprises a housing 82 formed of an insulative material.
- An array of receptacle terminals 84 having flat plug terminal receiving sections are secured in the housing, with terminal tails 84 adapted to be soldered or otherwise secured onto a printed circuit board on which the connector 80 is mounted.
- the housing 82 includes a pair of laterally spaced guidance openings 86 adapted to receive the location/guidance posts 26 of the mating plug connector.
- Each of the guidance openings 86 includes a latch surface for engagement by the latch pawls 32, 46 or 77 of the mating connector.
- the latching surfaces are formed by transverse openings 88, the front edges 89 of which are engaged by the latch pawl.
- the housing 82 also includes metal hold down plates 90 that are adapted to be soldered onto the printed circuit board that receives the connector 80.
- one large plug connector such as that illustrated in Fig. 4 can be intermated with connector 80 or two smaller connectors, such as generally shown in Fig. 8, can be associated with one receptacle connector 80.
- the invention provides several advantages. Because the two latches in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 embodiments are interconnected, release of both latches simultaneously is more assured. By the use of a longer latch arm structure, the stresses resulting from cycling of the latches are distributed over a longer arm, thereby contributing to long latch life, particularly in the embodiments using molded plastic latch arms. Further, in the later embodiments using integral plastic latches, the cost of the connectors is reduced by avoiding the need for the assembly of multiple parts
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention: This invention relates to electrical connectors. It has specific applicability to latching systems for securing intermating connectors together.
- A latching mechanism for cable connectors for mobile telephones having latches disposed in forwardly extending locating posts has been proposed. In this connector, the latches are operated by pressing on a hinged actuator part formed from a portion of one of the covers.
- In that design, the latches are unconnected individual pieces. When pressing on the hinged actuator portion of the plastic cover, because of the flexibility of the plastic hinge, the user must press almost exactly in the middle of the actuator to release both latches simultaneously to unlatch the connector. Pressing at a point spaced from the middle causes one latch to disengage, while the other latch stays locked.
- Connectors according to the invention employ relatively long latch arms that extend from a distal portion near the mating face of the connector, rearwardly along or through the insulative terminal housing to a rearwardly disposed fulcrum point. The fulcrum point may be located adjacent or associated with a cover that overlies the terminal housing. The latch arms may be formed of separate metallic members or may be integrally molded with the cover. If plural, laterally spaced latching arms are used, they are joined by a cross member to insure common actuation.
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- Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the invention;
- Fig. 2 is a side, partially sectional view of a second embodiment of a cable connector similar to that shown in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a third embodiment of a cable connector similar to that shown in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a fourth embodiment of cable connector;
- Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the cover and latch arm structure of the connector shown in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 6 is a top view of the connector shown in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector shown in Fig. 4 taken along line BB of Fig. 6;
- Fig. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of cable connector;
- Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of Fig. 8 taken along line CC of Fig. 8;
- Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a printed circuit board connector employing the invention;
- Fig. 11 is a top view of the connector shown in Fig. 10;
- Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a receptacle connector to which previously illustrated embodiments of plug connectors are mateable.
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- The connector system described herein was developed primarily for mobile wireless telephones and will be described in that context. However, the invention is believed to have utility for many other types of interconnections wherein connectors must be latched together.
- A cable connector employing the invention is illustrated as a first embodiment in Fig. 1. In this and subsequent embodiments, similar elements will be given the same reference numerals.
Cable connector 20 includes a terminal block orhousing 22 formed of a molded insulative material. The housing includes a front face along which an array of a plurality ofcontact terminals 24 are disposed. In Fig. 1, only the endmost terminals 24 are illustrated for drawing simplicity. In this and the other illustrated embodiments, thecontacts 24 are essentially compression contacts that are slideable axially within slots in the terminal block. Thecontacts 24 are spring biased to a forward position extending beyond the front face of the terminal block. Such contacts are illustrated in published European Patent Specification No. EP 0 718 918, the disclosure which incorporated herein by reference, and no further explanation thereof is deemed necessary. Theinsulative housing 22 also includes a pair of laterally spaced guidance/locating posts that can include polarizing features for insuring correct mating orientation when mating with a receptacle connector. The front terminal-carrying face of thehousing 22 may extend laterally outwardly beyond thepegs 26 to carry associatedadditional contact terminals 24, as shown in Fig. 4. An outer body orcover 28, preferably of a molded material such as a thermoplastic polymer, overlies thehousing 22. - The
plug connector 20 is intended to mate with a receptacle connector of the type generally illustrated in Fig. 13. Because theterminals 24 are spring biased in order to develop sufficient axial contact normal forces by compression againststationary contacts 84 of the receptacle connector, there is inherently in this system a force that tends to separate the two connectors. To counteract this force, it is necessary to latch the plug and receptacle connectors together during use. To this end,latch arms 30 are utilized. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, a pair of spring biasedlatch arms 30, comprising substantial mirror images of each other, are integrally joined together by across member 42. Theassembly comprising arms 30 and thecross member 42 is ideally stamped in a single piece from a suitable metallic flat stock. Eachlatch arm 30 includes a distal portion carrying alatch pawl 32 disposed in one of the guide/locatingpost 26, an intermediate portion extending along or through thehousing 22 to a rearwardly disposedfulcrum point 35. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, each latch arm also includes abase 34 from which the latch arm extends. Thebase 34 includes a mounting element, such as thebarbed stake 36, that is received in a slot in thehousing 22 for securing the latches onto thehousing 22. Thebase 34 also includes a means for securing the latches ontocover 28. As shown, the securing structure includes anopening 38 inbase 34 that receives amounting lug 40 integrally molded with thecover 28. The securing means also functions as a means for retaining theterminal housing 22 within the cover. Thecover 22 also includes an integrally formedpush button 44 that is positioned to be pressed against thecrossbar 42. The assembly comprising thelatches 30 andcrossbar 42 is formed of a resilient material so that eachlatch arm 30 can be deflected aboutfulcrum 35 over many cycles. - The functioning of the latch structure of 20 is evident from Fig. 1. Assuming that the connector is in a latched state connected with its mating receptacle connector, in order to separate the connectors, the user presses downwardly on
push button 44. Downward movement of the push button causes downward movement ofcross member 42, which in turn imparts movement equally to bothlatch arms 30. Eachlatch arm 30 resiles about itsfulcrum 35 downwardly, thereby withdrawing thelatch pawls 32 beneath the surfaces ofposts 36. This description suffices to outline the means utilized for unlatching theconnector 20 to permit its withdrawal from the mating receptacle connector. When finger pressure is removed frompush button 44, thelatch arms 30 return to their original position, with thelatch pawls 32 extending outwardly from theposts 26. - Fig. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the
push button 44A is a separate element that is secured onto thecrossbar 42 and extends beyond a surface of thecover 28 to be engaged by the linger of the user. - Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the plug connector shown in Fig. 1, in which the
latch actuating member 44B is formed as an integral part of theterminal housing 22. In this embodiment, the latch actuating member is connected by a forwardly located hingedportion 44C to thehousing 22. Pressing downwardly on the free end of themember 44B causes it to rotate about the hingedsection 44C, thereby depressingcrossbar 42 and ultimately latcharms 30. - Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a plug type cable connector having a
terminal housing 22 with a front matingface carrying terminals 24. The mating face includes a pair of locating/guidance posts 26. Within each of theposts 26 is alatch pawl 46. The latches are actuated by an actuation means comprising apush button 48. The rear portion of theterminal housing 22 and the cable connections are housed within a cover comprising alower cover section 50 and anupper cover section 52. - Fig. 5 illustrates a complete
lower cover assembly 50 that is used in theconnector 45 of Fig. 4. Thecover 50 is formed of a moldable material, preferably an insulative thermoplastic material. A pair oflatch arms 54, each with alatch pawl 46 and thepush button 48 are integrally molded with thelower cover 50. The distal portions of thelatch arms 54 carrylatch pawls 46. Theproximal portions 55 of thelatch arms 54 form fulcrums near their junctions with thecover 50. In this embodiment,push button 48 also provides the linking function ofcross member 42 of Fig. 1. - Fig. 6 is a top view of the plug shown in Fig. 4, with the
push button 48 extending through an opening in thetop cover 52. The latch pawls 46 are shown positioned in the locating/guidance posts 26. As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, theterminal housing 22 is received in thelower cover 50 with thelatch arm 54 extending from the rear of thebottom cover 50 at itproximal fulcrum 55 to a forwardly extending location, with the distally locatedlatch pawl 46 positioned inposts 26. Thetop cover 52 mates with thebottom cover 50 to form an complete enclosure, with thepush button 48 extending through an opening in thetop cover 52. Thecovers terminal housing 22 are received in openings in thecovers housing 22. This embodiment operates substantially in the same way as the Fig. 1 embodiment. Construction of the latch arms and cover in this fashion allows relatively long latch arms to be formed, with an improved ability to withstand repeated flexure. The arrangement of integrally molded covers and latch parts also reduces manufacturing costs. - Figs. 8 and 9 show another embodiment of
cable plug connector 57 that is narrower than those previous described. Theconnector 57 preferably includes a one-piece moldedcover 59. Thecover 59 includes an integrally formedlatch arm 58. Thelatch arm 58 includes anactuation enlargement 60 extending above the surface of thecover 59. As with previous embodiments, thelatch arm 58 includes alatch pawl 56 disposed at a distal end and positioned within a locatingpost 26 of theterminal housing 22. The intermediate portion of thelatch arm 58 extends through aslot 63 in theterminal housing 22. Thelatch arm 58 is connected at afulcrum junction point 61 with thecover 59. Theterminal housing 22 is secured within thecover 59 by one or more retention lugs 62, that engage suitable locating openings in thecover 59. - Fig. 10 illustrates a plug connector that is intended to be mounted on a printed circuit board P, rather than being attached to a cable. Such a connector would be utilized in a cradle or holder for the wireless telephone.
Connector 64 includes an insulativeterminal housing 65 having printed circuitboard mounting surface 66 opposite its front face.Terminal tails 68 extend beyondsurface 66 and may comprise through-hole or surface mount connections to the printed circuit board P. The front face includes an array ofterminals 24 and a pair of location/guidance posts 26. As in previous embodiments, latchpawls 77 are received in theposts 26. Fig. 11 is a top view of the connector shown in Fig. 10 Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line DD of Fig. 11 and shows the internal construction ofconnector 64. In this embodiment, alatch base 70 is received within a rear portion of theterminal body 65. Thelatch base 70 is held in thehousing 65 by securingarms 72 carryingengagement lobes 74, that engage openings in thehousing 65. Alatch arm 76 extends from its fulcrum point atbase 70 forwardly through thehousing 65 to a distal portion carrying the latchingpawl 77 disposed in the location/guidance post 26. Thelatch arm 76 includes anenlargement 78 for engaging aninterior surface 79 of the housing to prevent overstressing of thelatch arm 76. Preferably, the assembly comprising thelatch base 70, securingarms 72 andlatch arm 76 is formed as a one piece integrally molded part that is inserted from the rear into theterminal housing 65. - The
connector 64 is generally used in situations where it is generally vertically disposed. In such situations, the weight of the wireless telephone resting against theconnector 64 acts to compress theterminals 24. In this situation, thelatch arms 76 only needs to provide enough latching force to prevent accidental dislodgment of the telephone from the holder. To disengage the telephone, the user grasps the telephone and pulls it generally axially from the holder. As a consequence, the latching surfaces of the receptacle connector in the telephone bear against pawl surface 77a and move the latch arm to the dotted line position shown in Fig. 11. The latch surface 77a preferably is canted somewhat more than previous embodiments and/or the spring rate oflatch arm 76 is reduced to effect this release action. Thus this type of latch can be characterized as a "passive" latch as opposed to "active" latch requiring a separate release function, as in the Figs. 1-9 embodiments. - Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a receptacle connector to which the previously illustrated embodiments of plug connectors are mateable.
Receptacle connector 80 comprises ahousing 82 formed of an insulative material. An array ofreceptacle terminals 84 having flat plug terminal receiving sections are secured in the housing, withterminal tails 84 adapted to be soldered or otherwise secured onto a printed circuit board on which theconnector 80 is mounted. Thehousing 82 includes a pair of laterally spacedguidance openings 86 adapted to receive the location/guidance posts 26 of the mating plug connector. Each of theguidance openings 86 includes a latch surface for engagement by the latch pawls 32, 46 or 77 of the mating connector. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the latching surfaces are formed bytransverse openings 88, thefront edges 89 of which are engaged by the latch pawl. Preferably, thehousing 82 also includes metal hold downplates 90 that are adapted to be soldered onto the printed circuit board that receives theconnector 80. - In use, one large plug connector such as that illustrated in Fig. 4 can be intermated with
connector 80 or two smaller connectors, such as generally shown in Fig. 8, can be associated with onereceptacle connector 80. - The invention provides several advantages. Because the two latches in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 embodiments are interconnected, release of both latches simultaneously is more assured. By the use of a longer latch arm structure, the stresses resulting from cycling of the latches are distributed over a longer arm, thereby contributing to long latch life, particularly in the embodiments using molded plastic latch arms. Further, in the later embodiments using integral plastic latches, the cost of the connectors is reduced by avoiding the need for the assembly of multiple parts
- While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefrom. Hence, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.
Claims (9)
- A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising:a terminal housing having a forwardly disposed 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;a biased latch 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.
- A connector as in claim 1, wherein said projection comprises a first projection and said front face includes a second forwardly extending projection laterally spaced from the first projection and a second latch arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl disposed in the second projection, an intermediate portion extending along the housing and a proximal portion forming fulcrum for the second latch arm secured on the cover; and an actuating means secured to the first and second latch arms for moving the latch pawls to a disengaging position.
- A connector as in claim 2, wherein the cover is formed of a moldable material and the first and second latch arms are integrally molded with the cover, particularly wherein the actuating means is integrally molded with the first and second latch arms and the cover.
- A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising:a terminal housing having a forwardly disposed 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 biased latch 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; anda cover overlying said housing, wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is secured on the cover.
- A connector as in claim 1 or 4, wherein the latch arm is integral with the cover, particularly wherein the cover and the latch arm are integrally molded.
- A connector as in claim 4 and further comprising a second latch arm having a distal portion with a latch pawl positioned to engage the mating connector along a proximal portion forming fulcrum for the second latch arm secured on the cover; andan actuating means secured to the first and second latch arms for moving the latch pawls to a disengaging position.
- A connector as in claim 6, wherein the cover is formed of a moldable material and the first and second latch arms are integrally molded with the cover, particularly wherein the actuating means is integrally molded with the first and second latch arms and the cover.
- A connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating connector comprising:a terminal housing having a forwardly disposed 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;first and second mutually spaced latches having arms each having a distal portion with a latch pawl positioned to engage the mating connector; and a cross member joined to each latch arm, for simultaneously actuating both latch arms.
- A connector as in claim 8, wherein the latch arms and cross member are formed as unitary piece, particularly wherein said unitary piece is a metal stamping.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US5618097P | 1997-08-19 | 1997-08-19 | |
US56180P | 1997-08-19 | ||
US78894 | 1998-05-14 | ||
US09/078,894 US6071141A (en) | 1998-05-14 | 1998-05-14 | Connector latches |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0898333A2 true EP0898333A2 (en) | 1999-02-24 |
EP0898333A3 EP0898333A3 (en) | 1999-11-03 |
EP0898333B1 EP0898333B1 (en) | 2002-02-13 |
Family
ID=26735054
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19980114983 Expired - Lifetime EP0898333B1 (en) | 1997-08-19 | 1998-08-10 | Connector latches |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0898333B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH11185879A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69803818T2 (en) |
SG (1) | SG71828A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW380781U (en) |
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US6257914B1 (en) | 2000-03-24 | 2001-07-10 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector with integral latch and strain relief device |
FR2806218A1 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2001-09-14 | Framatome Connectors Int | PLUG TYPE INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTOR |
NL1017001C2 (en) * | 2000-12-28 | 2002-07-01 | Fci S Hertogenbosch B V | Connector and cable that includes it. |
US9671567B2 (en) | 2013-05-15 | 2017-06-06 | Neutrik Ag | Plug part |
WO2017122107A1 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2017-07-20 | Te Connectivity Corporation | Low profile electrical connector |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP2003168519A (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-13 | Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd | Connector |
JP3841352B2 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2006-11-01 | 日本航空電子工業株式会社 | connector |
JP4278673B2 (en) | 2006-10-17 | 2009-06-17 | ヒロセ電機株式会社 | Electrical connector |
JP5212285B2 (en) * | 2009-07-08 | 2013-06-19 | 住友電装株式会社 | connector |
DE102013008264A1 (en) * | 2013-05-15 | 2014-11-20 | Neutrik Ag | Connectors |
USD755720S1 (en) | 2013-10-14 | 2016-05-10 | Neutrik Ag | Connector |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8221740U1 (en) * | 1982-07-30 | 1982-12-23 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Plug adapter for connecting a printed circuit board for electrical communications engineering |
US4838808A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1989-06-13 | Amp Incorporated | Shielded electrical connector and latch mechanism therefor |
US5021002A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1991-06-04 | Burndy Corporation | Snap-lock electrical connector with quick release |
EP0718918A1 (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1996-06-26 | Connector Systems Technology N.V. | Connector with spring contact member and shorting means |
US5613870A (en) * | 1995-11-28 | 1997-03-25 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Positive latching connector with delatching mechanism |
-
1998
- 1998-08-08 SG SG1998002941A patent/SG71828A1/en unknown
- 1998-08-10 EP EP19980114983 patent/EP0898333B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-08-10 DE DE1998603818 patent/DE69803818T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-08-18 TW TW087213496U patent/TW380781U/en unknown
- 1998-08-19 JP JP23241098A patent/JPH11185879A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8221740U1 (en) * | 1982-07-30 | 1982-12-23 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Plug adapter for connecting a printed circuit board for electrical communications engineering |
US4838808A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1989-06-13 | Amp Incorporated | Shielded electrical connector and latch mechanism therefor |
US5021002A (en) * | 1989-12-20 | 1991-06-04 | Burndy Corporation | Snap-lock electrical connector with quick release |
EP0718918A1 (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1996-06-26 | Connector Systems Technology N.V. | Connector with spring contact member and shorting means |
US5613870A (en) * | 1995-11-28 | 1997-03-25 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Positive latching connector with delatching mechanism |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2806218A1 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2001-09-14 | Framatome Connectors Int | PLUG TYPE INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTOR |
EP1134851A1 (en) * | 2000-03-10 | 2001-09-19 | F.C.I. - Framatome Connectors International | Plug-type imput/output connector |
US6413112B2 (en) | 2000-03-10 | 2002-07-02 | Framatome Connectors International | Plug-type input/output connector |
US6257914B1 (en) | 2000-03-24 | 2001-07-10 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector with integral latch and strain relief device |
NL1017001C2 (en) * | 2000-12-28 | 2002-07-01 | Fci S Hertogenbosch B V | Connector and cable that includes it. |
EP1220370A1 (en) * | 2000-12-28 | 2002-07-03 | Fci | Connector and cable comprising the same |
US9671567B2 (en) | 2013-05-15 | 2017-06-06 | Neutrik Ag | Plug part |
WO2017122107A1 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2017-07-20 | Te Connectivity Corporation | Low profile electrical connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69803818D1 (en) | 2002-03-21 |
DE69803818T2 (en) | 2002-09-05 |
SG71828A1 (en) | 2000-04-18 |
TW380781U (en) | 2000-01-21 |
EP0898333A3 (en) | 1999-11-03 |
JPH11185879A (en) | 1999-07-09 |
EP0898333B1 (en) | 2002-02-13 |
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