EP0898333A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Connector latches
Assignee: Berg Electronics Manufacturing BV
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Filing: 1998-08-10
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2018-08-10
Abstract
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. <IMAGE>
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph A.E.M. Semmeling
- 👤 Andrew G. Meller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/62; H01R13/627; H01R13/6275
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
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.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
94 words
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; and a cover overlying said housing, wherein the fulcrum of the latch arm is
secured on the cover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
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.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
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; and an actuating means secured to the first and second latch arms for moving the
latch pawls to a disengaging position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
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.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
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.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
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.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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