JP2860439B2 - Latch-release mechanism for mating electrical connector - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the art of electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a latch-release mechanism for a pair of mating electrical connectors.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, a pair of mating electrical connectors comprising one and the other electrical connectors are provided with a latch-release mechanism for maintaining and releasing the mating state of each other. A general latch-release mechanism achieves a latched state by engaging a pair of cantilevered spring arms protruding from one electrical connector with latching means of the other electrical connector. The maintenance of the fitted state of the electrical connector is released by maintaining the fitted state of the electrical connector and releasing the latch engagement state.

The cantilever spring arm can be formed integrally with the connector housing. However, the cantilever spring arm may be made of a spring metal material and attached to the outside of the connector housing. In addition, various other latch-release mechanisms have been proposed and are available, and some of them are exemplified in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-69376 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-230271.
No., JP-A-56-115879, JP-A-61-203
No. 581 discloses a latch-release mechanism.

[0004]

One of the problems with the latch-release mechanism having the features described above is that when the latch mechanism is released and the connector is disconnected, the mated connector must be accessed. is there. Latch
The release mechanism is most often located on the side walls of the connector, and the connector must be accessed from the side to release the latch mechanism. While it may be possible to propose that the latching mechanism be located on the top and bottom rather than on the sides of the connector, it is often not possible to access the bottom of a pair of mating connectors. Also, a single latch on either one of the two sides of a pair of mating connectors, or on either the top or bottom, will not properly engage the connectors.

[0005] One example of a situation in which access to a pair of mating connectors is very limited is in the field of power cables where the power lines between panels of a modular wall panel system are interconnected. Such a system is used to define any one area and to form a plurality of separate workplaces. Very often, wall panels have rails attached along their bottom edges, through which power cables run to supply power to various workplaces. The power lines typically run in tracks on each panel, with interconnected power blotters or connectors at each end of the panel. Since the rails run along the bottom edge of the panel, it is clear that attempting to access the mated connector from the bottom will obstruct the floor structure. The wall panels themselves are relatively thin, so that access to the sides of a pair of mating connectors inside the wall panels is limited or not possible at all.

[0006] The above-described latch-release mechanism has the following various problems. The latch-release mechanism disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 63-69376 discloses a latch arm for releasing the latch arm of one electrical connector from the side walls of the connector housing. This is a structure that is provided on the arm so that it can be freely attached and detached. Therefore, there is a problem that the access from both side walls of the housing is required to release the latch mechanism.

[0007] The latch-release mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-230271 discloses a
In this structure, a slide member for bending the latch arm outward is provided, and a rotary lever type pull-out tab for sliding the slide member is provided. In the case of this mechanism, access for releasing the latch mechanism is possible from one side wall of the connector housing, but since the sliding of the slide member is indirectly performed by the pull-out tab, the mechanism becomes complicated and inaccessible. Is also likely to occur.

The latch-release mechanism disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. Sho 56-115879 mounts a metal frame-shaped slider on one of the electrical connectors in a state where the slider is urged in one direction by a spring, and engages the locking edge of the slider. Is engaged with a locking claw provided on the other electrical connector. This release mechanism is intended to slide the slider in the horizontal direction, and therefore requires spring biasing.
As a result, access must be performed from the side wall of the connector housing, and there is a problem that access cannot be performed from one side wall. There is also a problem that the number of parts and the number of assembling steps increase as a result of incorporating the spring.

Further, the connector disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 61-203581 is provided so that cam grooves intersect and overlap with each other of the mating connectors, and a slide member is provided at the intersection of the cam grooves. Since the cam mechanism is used as a latch-release mechanism, when releasing the fitted state, the release force is applied to both electric connectors via the slide member. Must be given, requires a relatively large force,
It is difficult to access.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when a pair of mating electrical connectors are moved in a mating direction, the latch is performed, and when a member constituting a latch mechanism or a release mechanism is moved in a direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction, the latch is released. The present invention solves the above-described problem by providing a latch-release mechanism that can be moved into engagement with each other in a direction toward each other, i.e., in a mating direction. An improved new latch-release mechanism for a pair of electrical connectors.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved latch-release mechanism which is accessible from one side wall of the connector housing for unlatching, and yet another object. Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved latch-release mechanism which is structurally simple and can be manufactured without increasing the number of parts and assembling man-hours. Improved latch for easy access
It is to provide a release mechanism.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A latch-release mechanism for a mating electrical connector according to the present invention that achieves the above objects is provided by:
The latch-release mechanism is as follows. That is, one of the pair of mating electric connectors and the other are moved toward each other in the mating direction to form a mating state, and the mating electric for maintaining the mating state or canceling the maintenance of the mating state. In the latch-release mechanism of the connector, the latch-release mechanism of the mating electrical connector includes a latch-release device 24 having a substantially U-shaped vertical cross-section mounted on the housing of the one electrical connector 10 and the other. The latch-release device 24 includes a latch hole 40 formed in each of one side wall 36 and the other side wall 38, and includes an end cap 45 having a rectangular cross section attached to the outside of the electrical connector. One side wall 3
6, a lifting tab 44 is formed at one end, and the end cap 45 has one side wall 50 and the other side wall 52,
The latch projections 54 are formed in the same direction so as to be able to engage with the latch holes 40 of the latch-release device 24 in the same direction. The latch-release device 2 is slid in the direction perpendicular to the fitting direction to
The latch projection 5 of the end cap 45 is
4 is inserted and locked to maintain the fitted state of the electrical connector, and the latch-release device 24 is slid in the opposite direction to the pushed and locked state to maintain the fitted state of the electrical connector. , And the latch-release device 2
4 comprises a rail 30 slidably engaging a groove means 12 formed by a central rib 14 and an end rib 16 formed in the housing of one of the electrical connectors 10; And the slide of the latch-release device 24 is guided by the latch-release mechanism of the mating electrical connector.
(See FIGS. 1 to 5)

[0013] Then, one of the pair of mating electrical connectors and the other are moved toward each other in the mating direction to form a mating state, and the mating state is maintained or the maintenance of the mating state is released. In the latch-release mechanism of the mating electric connector, the latch-release mechanism of the mating electric connector is formed on both side walls of one electric connector 58 and can be engaged with the latch bosses 68 on both side walls of the other electric connector 60. And a release mechanism for releasing the latch by the latch mechanism. The release mechanism is mounted on the one electrical connector 58 from a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrical connectors are fitted. U-shaped release device 74, wherein the release device 74 is located above the side wall of the electrical connector. It has a pair of legs 76 inserted into the gap between the latch arms 62, and a thick release ramp 88 for expanding the latch arms 62 outward is formed on the base outer surface of the legs 76. At the same time, a thin-walled engaging portion 89 for returning the expanded latch arm 62 is formed on the outer surface of the distal end, and the release device 74 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the fitting direction of the fitting electric connector. Slide the legs 76 of the release device 74
Release lamp 88 abuts on the latch arm 62 of the latch mechanism, and by expanding the latch arm 62, the maintenance of the fitted state of the electrical connector is released,
Further, the latch arm 62 is engaged with the engaging portion 89 of the leg 76 of the release device 74, and the expanded latch arm 62 is returned to maintain the fitted state of the electrical connector by the latch mechanism. In addition, a rib 78 is formed inside the leg 76 of the release device 74 so as to engage with a groove 80 formed in the housing of the one electrical connector 58. A latch-release mechanism wherein 74 slides are guided. (See FIGS. 6 to 8)

Further, one and the other of the pair of mating electrical connectors are moved toward each other in the mating direction to form a mating state, and the mating state is maintained or the maintenance of the mating state is released. In the latch-release mechanism of the mating electric connector, the latch-release mechanism of the mating electric connector includes a latch-release device 94 having a U-shape mounted on one of the electric connectors 90 and a second electric connector. A latch boss 112 formed in a housing 92 is formed. An L-shaped slot is formed in a leg 96 of the latch-release device 94 to engage with the latch boss 112 formed in the other electrical connector 92. At the same time, a detent hole 104 provided on a side wall of the one electrical connector 90 on its inner surface.
Latch-release device 94 in engagement with any of
A detent 102 is formed to stop the sliding of the latch-release device 94, and a lifting tab 114 is provided at one end of one side wall of the latch-release device 94. And the detent dimple 102 is engaged with the detent hole 104 so that the mating electric connector can be inserted and withdrawn. When the mating electric connector is mated, the latch- By sliding the release device 94 to engage the detent dimple 102 with the detent hole 106, the latch boss 112 is engaged with the latch position 110 of the L-shaped slot, thereby maintaining the mating state of the electrical connector. The latch-release device 94 is configured to Comprises a rib 98 which engages in a groove 100 formed in the housing of the air connector 90, latched by the ribs 98 and grooves 90 - Release device 94
Characterized in that the slide is guided.
Release mechanism. (See FIGS. 9 and 10)

[0015]

Next, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. First, FIGS. 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 shows one of a pair of mating electric connectors generally indicated by reference numeral 10, and furthermore, FIG. The specific configuration of applicable mating electrical connectors can vary widely,
The drawing shows one electrical connector 10 by way of example, and the one electrical connector 10 shown better illustrates the associated structure for cooperating with the latch-release mechanism described and illustrated herein.

More specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one electrical connector 10 has a number of throughways 18 for receiving suitable male and female mating terminals coupled to electrical wires. And the wire connected to the mating terminal
Each of the through-paths is configured to protrude outward from the rear end 20 (FIG. 2).
A groove means 12 (FIG. 2) formed by four and two end ribs 16 (FIG. 1) is provided, said groove means 12 comprising:
The mating electrical connector is formed along a direction orthogonal to the mating direction.

1, and particularly with reference to FIG. 1, a latch-release device, generally designated by the numeral 24, is generally U-shaped in longitudinal section and has an elongated slot 28 for forming a rail 30 having a leading edge 32. The latch-release device 24 has a receptacle means formed between the side wall 26 and the pair of side wall flanges 34 so as to receive one of the electrical connectors 10 therebetween. The rail 30 has a width which slides between the center rib 14 and the end rib 16 forming the groove means 12 formed in the housing of the one electrical connector 10, and the end rib 16 is a latch-release device 24
And the central rib 14 is configured to lock the leading edge 32 of the rail 30 such that the latch-release The device can be slid and slid in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the mating electrical connector as indicated by double-headed arrow A.
(FIG. 2 shows the rail 30 disposed between the center rib 14 and the end rib 16).

FIG. 1 also shows that the latch-release device 24 has one side wall 36 and the other side wall 38, each of which is provided with a latch hole 40, immediately in front of said latch hole 40. Is provided with a tilt cam 42, and both of the tilt force members 42 are provided with a tilt latch 5 formed on an end cap 45 described below.
It can be seen from the figure that it is curved upward to assist in the engagement between 4 and latch hole 40.

At one end of one side wall 36 of the latch-release device 24, a lifting tab 44 which is curved upward to be gripped by an operator is disposed. While the connector 10 has a dielectric housing integrally molded to receive the appropriate terminal means, the latch-release device 24 is made as a single piece from stamped sheet metal material and is easy and low-profile. It is formed at cost.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show an end cap 45 corresponding to the latch-release device 24 configured on one electrical connector 10 of the pair of mating electrical connectors.
The end cap 45 is connected to the one electrical connector 1.
0 is formed as a mounting structure to which one or more of the other electrical connectors (not shown) to be fitted can be mounted. In the present embodiment, two electrical connectors are configured to be mounted. Is what is being done.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the end cap 45 is connected to one of the electrical connectors 10.
Has an inner wall 46 forming a gap 48 into which the other electrical connector to be fitted in can be inserted in the direction of arrow B, and the dimensions of the inner wall 46 shown by arrow C in the figure correspond to the housing of the other electrical connector. The dimensions are set so that the end cap 45 can be fixed in a structure. The electric connector disposed on the end cap 45 has the same structure as the other electric connector in the end cap 45 except that the one electric connector 10 has different terminals (that is, male terminals and female terminals). Is almost the same as

The structure forming the end cap 45 has one side wall 50 and the other side wall 52, and each of these walls is provided with an inclined latch 54 as a latch means. These inclined latches 54 are provided with latch holes 40 formed in the latch-release device 24.
The upper and lower inclined latches 54 are latched into (FIG. 1).
Are formed so as to face in the same direction (upward in FIG. 5), and the size thereof is set so as to be perfectly engaged with the latch hole 40 and latched. Since the end cap 45 is configured to receive two mating electrical connectors, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the inclined latches 54 are horizontally spaced and vertically aligned. It is provided as a pair of latch means.

Next, the operation of the above-described latch-release mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the assembly of one of the electrical connectors 10 mounted in the latch-release device 24 is fitted with the other electrical connector mounted in the end cap 45, the assembly is moved in the direction of fitting the electrical connector indicated by arrow D. . In environments such as the modular wall panel systems described earlier in the section "Problems to be Solved by the Invention", this fitting direction is usually substantially horizontal. The mating of the respective connectors causes the respective vertically aligned and mating tilting latches 54 to engage with the upwardly curved tilting cams 42 of the latch-release device 24 and the latch-release device 2
4 are offset in the upward direction indicated by arrow E (FIG. 1).

When the respective connectors are moved until they are fitted, the inclined latch 54 reaches a position where it is aligned with the holes 40 on one side wall and the other side wall of the latch device 24. As shown in this embodiment, the latch-release device is used. By arranging the 24 to slide vertically, the latch-release device 24 is lowered by gravity, causing the tilt latch 54 and the latch hole 40 to latch and lock behind the front edge of the latch hole 40. Therefore, by fitting the mating electric connectors, the mating state of the mating electric connectors is maintained (latch) at the same time.

Of course, the end cap 45 is configured to receive two mating electrical connectors, as described above, so that two assemblies of one electrical connector 10 and the latch-release device 24 are used, 45 can be engaged and latched.

Then, the latch-release mechanism is released,
When it is desired to disconnect the mating electrical connector, the operator raises the tab 44 on the top of the latch-release device 24 and slides the latch-release device 24 so that the latch hole 40 of the latch-release device 24 , The latch engagement is released, and the mating electric connector can be disconnected.At this time, the work of disconnecting the mating electric connector is performed above the mating electric connector, Free access is possible.

Further, the sliding (vertical movement) of the latch-release device 24 shown by arrows A and E is orthogonal to the fitting direction D shown in FIG.
0, provided by the sliding engagement of the rails 30 arranged in the groove means 12 formed by the center ribs 14 and the end ribs 16 formed on the sides of the housing, so that a smooth and reliable sliding is achieved and the latch is more easily carried out. -It is possible to operate the release mechanism.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention which allows the mating of an electrical connector, generally designated 58, with a second electrical connector 60, wherein connectors 58 and 60 are somewhat schematic. , But is substantially the same as the mated electrical connector illustrated in the first embodiment (FIG. 1), except that the latch-release mechanism is a different embodiment.

More specifically, one electrical connector 58 of the mating electrical connector is provided with a pair of cantilevered latch arms 62 on both side walls thereof, and these latch arms 62 are provided with a distal end cam surface 64. Is the latch hook 6
It is connected to 6. The latch arm 62 projects forward beyond the mating end of one of the electrical connectors 58, and is integrally formed with a latch boss so as to protrude outward from a side surface of the other electrical connector 60 to be mated. The latch boss 68 has a tilt cam 70 and a latch shoulder 72.

Therefore, one and the other electrical connectors 5
8 and 60 are moved in the direction of fitting of the electrical connector indicated by arrow F, the tilt cam 64 of the latch arm 62 engages with the tilt cam 70 of the latch boss 68, and the latch arm 62
Expands in a substantially horizontal direction in the outward direction indicated by arrow G.
When the connectors are completely engaged, the latch arm 62 returns, the latch hook 66 locks behind the latch shoulder 72 of the latch boss 68, and the fitted state of the mating electrical connector is maintained (latched).

Then, the latch arm 62 and the latch boss 6
In order to release the latching of the electrical connector 8, a U-shaped release device 74, generally designated by the reference numeral 74,
8 is slidably mounted from the top. Release device 74
Has a pair of legs 76 with ribs 78 integrally formed therein. The ribs 78 slide in a pair of grooves 80 formed on both side walls of the electrical connector 58 and oriented in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the electrical connector. Attach in the direction of arrow H from the top until the end 82 is under the latch arm 62 formed on one electrical connector 58.
(This position is shown in FIG. 7)

Further, the end 82 of the release device 74
Has a cam surface 84, which expands the latch arm 62 outward so that the latch device 74 can be attached to one of the electrical connectors 58. The end 82 also has a detent surface 86. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit position of the latch device 74 with respect to the one electrical connector 58 is determined.
And a leg 76 between the release ramps 88 described below is formed as a thin engaging portion 89.

Next, the operation of the latch-release mechanism shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 will be described. When the release device 74 is in the upper limit position as shown in FIG. 7, the one electrical connector 58 and the other electrical connector 60 can be fitted in the direction of the arrow F (FIG. 6), whereby the respective electrical connector Connector latch arm 62 and latch boss 68
Are tightly fitted and latched.

When it is desired to disconnect the mating electric connector, the release device 74 is depressed in the direction of arrow 1 (FIG. 8), whereby the legs 76 of the release device 74 are depressed.
A thick release ramp 88 formed on the outer surface of the proximal end of the latch device engages with the latch arm 62, and the latch arm 62 gradually expands outward in a substantially horizontal direction.
When the latch arm 4 reaches the position shown in FIG. 8, the latch arm 62 expands and moves in the outward direction indicated by arrow G,
2 is released from the latch boss 68 of the other electrical connector 60 so that the mating electrical connector can be disconnected, and at this time, the rib 78 of the release device 74 is guided in the groove 80 of the one electrical connector 58. Therefore, the release device 74 can be reliably slid, and the latch arm 62 can be reliably expanded.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the latch-release mechanism of the present invention, and more particularly, one electrical connector, generally indicated at 90, and the other electrical connector, generally indicated at 92. The latch-release device, generally indicated at 94, is generally U-shaped with a pair of legs 96 from stamped sheet metal material.

The inwardly bent ribs 98 are formed along the rear edges of the pair of legs 96, and are engaged with the grooves 100 formed on both side surfaces of one of the electrical connectors 90, whereby the latches are formed. A release device 94 can be slidably mounted from the top of one electrical connector 90; Accordingly, the latch-release device 94 is mounted from the top of one of the electrical connectors 90 in the direction of the arrow, J. When mounted in this manner, the latch-release device 94 will move the double-ended arrow K to one electrical connector 90.
Can slide in the direction of

In addition, between the latch-release device 94 and one of the electrical connectors 90, means are provided for setting at least the upper limit position of the latch-release device relative to the connector, but preferably both the upper and lower positions.
More specifically, referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a detent dimple 102 protruding inward from each leg 96 of the latch-release device 94 is formed, and this is formed on both sides of one electrical connector 90. Are seated in the upper and lower detent holes 104 and 106 formed at the bottom. When the detent dimple 102 is seated in the upper detent hole 104 as shown in FIG. 10, the upper latch release position of the latch-release device 94 is determined.

A pair of substantially L-shaped slots are formed in each leg 96 of the latch-release device 94 for latching the one and the other electrical connectors 90 and 92 in a mating state, and the other. The electrical connector 92 has a pair of latch bosses 112 which are arranged with a space in the vertical direction and project outward from both side surfaces of the other electrical connector 92. The release device 94 is provided so as to engage with an L-shaped slot formed in the leg 96, and the L-shaped slot is provided with the latch boss 11;
2 has a lower inclined edge 108 to facilitate engagement of
This is the substantially vertical latch position 110 of the L-shaped slot.
It is what follows.

Next, the operation of the latch-release device 94 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described. With the latch-release device 94 in the upper limit position set by the detent dimple 102 seated in the detent hole 104, one and the other electrical connectors 90, 92 are connected.
The mating electrical connector is moved in the mating direction indicated by arrow L. When the connector is engaged, the latch boss 1
12 engages a beveled edge 108 of a slot formed in leg 96 of latch-release device 94. By this engagement,
The latch-release device 94 is slidable (movable downward) in the direction of arrow J, causing the detent dimple 102 to disengage from the detent hole 104 and reach a larger detent hole 106.

Thus, the latch-release device 94
Can be slid down until the latch boss 112 is seated in the latched position of the slot in the leg 96,
By performing this sliding, the fitting state of one and the other electrical connectors 90 and 92 is maintained (latched).

Then, when it is desired to disconnect the mating electrical connector, the operator grasps the lifting tab 114 on the top of the latch-release device 94 and presses the latch-release device 94.
Is lifted up, the latch boss 112 is disengaged from the latch position 110 of the slot, and the connector can be disconnected. At this time, the rib 98 of the latch-release device 94 is connected to the one electrical connector 90. Groove 1
00, the release device 9
4 is reliably performed, and the latch engagement can be maintained and released easily and reliably.

[0042]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when a pair of mating electric connectors are moved in the mating direction, they are latched, and when the member constituting the latch-release mechanism is moved in a direction substantially orthogonal to the mating direction. A latch-release mechanism which can be released, said latch-release mechanism comprising a rail or rib formed on the latch-release device guided by a groove means or groove formed on the housing of the electrical connector. So that
The operation is easily and reliably performed, and the maintenance and release of the fitted state of the mating electric connector can be easily and surely performed, and the access to the mating electric connector becomes free.

Further, access for releasing the latch is possible from one side wall of the connector housing, and it is simple in structure, can be manufactured without increasing the number of parts and the number of assembling steps. An improved latch-release mechanism can be provided that is easily accessible without the need for.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 for slidably mounting to an electrical connector;
1 is an exploded perspective view of a latch device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a mounting cap for a pair of mating electrical connectors having latch means for latching the pair of latch devices of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the latch-release mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6 showing the mating electrical connector engaged and the release device in the inoperative position.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the release device moved to a latching device release position;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the latch release mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a positioning detent means of the latch device of FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 58, 90 One electrical connector 60, 92 The other electrical connector 12 Groove means 14 Central rib 16 End rib 18 Through passage 24, 94 Latch-release device 28 Slot 30 Rail 34 Side wall flange 36 One side wall 38 Other side wall 40 Latch Hole 42 Inclined cam 44 Lifting tab 45 End cap 62 Cantilever latch arm 74 Release device 76, 96 Leg 78, 98 Rib 80, 100 Groove

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-59-230271 (JP, A) JP-A-3-88285 (JP, A) JP-A-55-80282 (JP, A) JP-A 61-230 203581 (JP, A) JP-A-4-206370 (JP, A) JP-A-4-160775 (JP, A) JP-A-63-69376 (JP, U) JP-A-56-115879 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Application Sho 62-98180 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Application Hei 3-74483 (JP, U) Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-24349 (JP, B2) Japanese Utility Model Application Hei 2-5498 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H01R 13/62-13/639

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A pair of mating electrical connectors, one and the other of which are moved toward each other in a mating direction to form a mating state, and maintain this mating state or release the maintenance of this mating state. In the latch-release mechanism of the fitting electrical connector, the latch-release mechanism of the fitting electrical connector is
Latch-release device 24 having a substantially U-shape in vertical section mounted on the housing of one electrical connector 10
And an end cap 45 having a rectangular cross section attached to the outside of the other electrical connector. The latch-release device 24 has a latch hole 40 formed in each of one side wall 36 and the other side wall 38. In addition, a lifting tab 44 is formed at one end of one side wall 36, and the end cap 45 has one side wall 50 and the other side wall 52 facing the latch hole 40 of the latch-release device 24. The latch projections 54 that can be engaged are formed in the same direction, respectively, and the latch-release device 24 is slid in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the fitting electrical connector to latch and release. The latching projection 54 of the end cap 45 is inserted into and latched in the latch hole 40 of the device 24 to maintain the fitted state of the electrical connector. Was, the latch - Release 24
The latching and releasing device 24 is configured to release the maintenance of the fitted state of the electrical connector by sliding the
Is a groove means 1 formed by a center rib 14 and an end rib 16 formed in a housing of one of the electrical connectors 10.
2. The latch-release of the mating electrical connector, characterized in that it has a rail (30) slidably engaging with (2) the slide of the latch-release device (24) being guided by the rail (30) and the groove means (12). mechanism. 2. A pair of mating electrical connectors, one and the other of which are moved toward each other in a mating direction to form a mating state, and maintain the mating state or release the maintenance of the mating state. In the latch-release mechanism of the fitting electrical connector, the latch-release mechanism of the fitting electrical connector is
A latch mechanism formed on both side walls of one electrical connector 58 and engageable with latch bosses 68 on both side walls of the other electrical connector 60; and a release mechanism for releasing a latch by the latch mechanism. The release mechanism includes the one electrical connector 58.
A U-shaped release device 74 mounted in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrical connector is fitted. The release device 74 includes a pair of legs inserted into a gap between the side wall of the electrical connector and the latch arm 62. 76 and the leg 7
A thick release ramp 88 for expanding the latch arm 62 outwardly is formed on the outer surface of the base portion 6, and a release ramp 88 for returning the expanded latch arm 62 is formed on the outer surface of the distal end thereof. A thin engaging portion 89 is formed, and the release device 74 is slid in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction of the fitting electrical connector, and the release ramp 88 of the leg 76 of the release device 74 is latched by the latch mechanism. Abuts on the arm 62 and the latch arm 6
2 is released to maintain the fitted state of the electrical connector, and the leg 76 of the release device 74 is released.
The latch arm 62 is engaged with the engaging portion 89 of the connector, and the expanded latch arm 62 is returned to maintain the fitted state of the electrical connector by the latch mechanism. On the inner side of the leg 76, a rib 78 is formed which engages with a groove 80 formed in the housing of the one electrical connector 58, and the slide of the release device 74 is guided by the rib 78 and the groove 80. A latch-release mechanism for the mating electrical connector. 3. A pair of mating electrical connectors, one and the other of which are moved toward each other in a mating direction to form a mating state, and the mating state is maintained or the maintenance of the mating state is released. In the latch release mechanism of the mating electric connector, the latch-release mechanism of the mating electric connector is
A latch-release device 94 having a U-shape mounted on one electrical connector 90 and a latch boss 112 formed on a housing of the other electrical connector 92 are provided. , A latch boss 112 formed on the other electrical connector 92.
An L-shaped slot is formed to engage with
On its inner surface, a detent dimple 102 is formed which engages with one of the detent holes 104, 106 provided on the side wall of the one electrical connector 90 to stop the slide of the latch-release device 94. A lifting tab 114 is provided at one end of one side wall of the release device 94, and the latch-release device 94 is slid in a direction orthogonal to the direction of fitting of the mating electric connector, and the detent dimple 102 is inserted into the detent hole 104. The engaged state allows the mating electrical connector to be inserted and withdrawn, and slides the latch-release device 94 when the mating electrical connector is mated to engage the detent dimple 102 with the detent hole 106. The latch boss is positioned at the latch position 110 of the L-shaped slot. 12 is engaged, the maintenance of the state fit of the electrical connector is configured so as to be performed, moreover, the latch - release device 94, one of the electrical connector 9
Rib 9 for engaging a groove 100 formed in the housing
8. The latch-release mechanism of the mating electrical connector, characterized in that the rib 98 and the groove 90 guide the slide of the latch-release device 94.