Electrical connector with positive latch

U.S. Patent Number: 5273453

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for achieving positive latching in a fully mated condition. The assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector has at least one latch arm resiliently deflectable about two angularly aligned axes of deflection. The second connector includes a cam disposed for engagement with the latch arm during mating of the connectors and for deflecting the latch arm about a first of the two axes of deflection into a latching condition in response to full mating of the connectors. The second connector includes a housing for enclosing the latch arm inside the housing when the connectors are fully mated. Access is provided to the latch arm of the first connector from outside the housing of the second connector whereby the latch arm can be deflected about a second of the two axes of deflection to enable disengagement of the latch arm from the cam for facilitating unmating of the connector.

Inventors: Manassero; Lorenzo (Turin, IT), Schwarz; Uwe (Ludwigsau/Hess, DE)

Assignee: Molex Incorporated (Lisle, IL)

Application Number: 07/896,080

Issued: 1993-12-28

Expired: 2005-12-28

Classes: 439/352 ; 439/354

Field of search: 439/345,350,352,353,354,357,358

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