Locking mechanism for electrical connector

Claim 1

A mechanism for locking the connection between a first electrical connector having a first insulating housing with contacts arranged therein and a conducting connector case surrounding said first insulating housing and a second electrical connector having a second insulating housing with contacts arranged therein, which comprises: a locking member extending along at least one side of said first electrical connector between said first insulating housing and said conducting case; a first connection member fitted between said first insulating housing and said locking member for protecting said locking member against physical damage and electronic equipment against electrostatic damage; a second connection member provided on the insulating housing side of said second electrical connectior corresponding to said first connector side on which said locking member and the connection member are mounted; said locking member made of a resilient material and having a first locking portion at the front end, a pushing portion at the rear end, and a fulcrum portion between them; said pushing portion exposed through said connector case so that the operator may push it; said fulcrum portion supported between said conducting case and said first insulating housing so that said locking portion may be resiliently moved apart from said first connector side when said pushing portion is pressed; said first connection member made of a conducting material so as to make an electrical connection with said conducting case and having a protective portion projecting beyond the front end of said contacts in said first insulating housing for not only preventing said locking member from inward movement but also protecting it from physical damage; said protective portion permitting said locking portion to come more inward than the rest of said locking member; said second connection member made of a conducting material so as to make a grounding connection and having a front end placed in the vicinity of front ends of said contacts in said second insulating housing and having a second locking portion to engage said first locking portion of said locking member for locking the connection of said electrical connectors.