JP3121328U6 - Low profile latch connector - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a plug connector having a latch mechanism that is easy to assemble, can be easily operated, uses a minimum number of components, and has a reliable latch mechanism.
The latch member preferably has a configuration that substantially coincides with a ramp surface. By molding the latch member 42 to coincide with the ramp surface 40, the lower surface of the latch arm 42 located above the ramp surface 40 contacts a lobe formed at the second end 64 of the actuator 60. . As the lobe moves rearward in response to the actuator 60 being pulled away from the first end 14 of the connector body 12, the lobe movement above the ramp surface 40 causes the first upper surface 24 and the second upper surface 24 to move. The latch member 42 moves upward with respect to both of the upper surfaces 30 of the two. Similarly, when the lobe is pushed back, the latch arm is lowered by the movement of the lobe below the ramp surface 40. When the latch arm 42 moves up and down in this way, the engagement hook moves upward from the slot 57.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a small, low-profile connector, and in particular requires a type of external latch that is housed within a housing or guide frame and holds the connector in mating engagement with the housing or guide frame. The present invention relates to a type of connector into which a plug can be inserted.

  Small, low profile connectors such as connectors used in small form factor pluggable (SFP) applications are necessary for electronic devices where space is at a premium. Such connectors are widely used to connect routers and servers. These connectors are small. However, one problem with many electronic connectors of this type is that these connectors are prone to disconnecting or disconnecting from the components that connect these connectors.

  A connector, particularly a plug connector, can be made more reliable by latching such connectors together, making it difficult to disconnect. US Pat. No. 5,915,987, issued June 29, 1999, entitled “Latched Electrical Connector”, Reed et al., US Pat. A receptacle connector assembly is disclosed. One problem with locking plug connectors, such as those disclosed in the US patent, is that such connectors cannot be used with low profile, high density receptacle connectors. The size and side position of the actuator for such a plug connector latching mechanism increases the size required by the system. Such connectors also require a specially configured housing to accommodate the plug connector. As connectors become smaller in electronic devices and the density of receptacle connectors increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to easily disconnect the latching mechanism of the plug connector.

  US Pat. No. 6,648,665, dated 18 November 2003, discloses another plug connector in which the plug connector housing incorporates a latching mechanism. This connector has a complex mechanical structure that includes multiple parts, which increases the manufacturing and assembly costs. This connector uses two latch elements that extend longitudinally and laterally along the inner wall of the plug connector housing. This connector consists of many individual parts, is relatively difficult to manufacture and requires a very large space at the rear end for the protruding actuator.

The present invention relates to a connector that can be inserted with a small, low-profile plug that overcomes the above disadvantages.
US Pat. No. 5,915,987 US Pat. No. 6,648,665 US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 176,515

  Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a low profile connector that includes a latch mechanism that secures to an opposing receptacle connector.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a low profile plug connector that has a latching mechanism that can be used in high density electronic devices but is not located along the plug connector housing.

  Another object of the present invention is a latch that can be used in high density electronic devices, is easy to assemble, can be easily operated, uses a minimum number of components, and is reliable. A plug connector having a mechanism is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector for mating with a guide frame or other housing that houses a receptacle connector. The connector includes a housing, the housing includes a plurality of conductive contacts terminating in conductors in the cable, the housing having a front mating end received within a portion of the guide frame; It further has a main body located outside the guide frame. The connector includes a latching mechanism located on the outer surface of the connector housing and includes means for responding to a pulling action to disconnect the latching mechanism from engagement with the guide frame or the housing.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector for mating with a receptacle connector surrounded by a guide frame. The plug connector and the guide frame each have a first surface that is aligned. The plug connector includes a housing having a recess located above the first surface thereof. The recess includes a roll pin or a wedge member, and the recess is covered with a part of an elongated latch member extending in the longitudinal direction of the plug connector. The latch member has a free end that includes a hook member that can engage a corresponding opening formed on the first surface of the guide frame. The roll pin or wedge member has an elongated pull tab attached thereto, whereby when the pull tab is pulled, the roll pin or wedge member moves to contact the latch member and bend the hook member to guide frame slot Pull out from.

  A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a low profile latch plug connector comprising a two-part plug connector housing, each part preferably comprising a rectangular cross section. The front portion of the plug connector housing, i.e., the first portion, is sized and shaped so that it can enter into the mating receptacle connector, and this portion is opposed to within the receptacle connector. Includes a mating end having an exposed terminal for connection to the terminal.

  The second, or rear, portion of the plug connector can have a larger cross section than the first portion so that it does not enter the opposing housing or guide frame, and thus can be considered the body portion of the plug connector. . The rear cross section of the plug connector is also rectangular and preferably includes its own terminal end.

  The plug connector is latched within the receptacle connector by a latch arm that extends longitudinally through the plug connector, the rear end of the latch arm having no upper part of the rear shell and a cantilever-like arrangement. 2 is attached to the end. The barbs or hooks are arranged at the second, i.e. free end, and engage the holes or recesses formed in the outer surface of the opposing guide frame or housing. The fitting end of the plug connector is inclined in a certain direction depending on the structure of the latch arm. In the preferred embodiment, this tilt direction is downward.

  The sliding actuator allows the user to lift the latch member with a simple pulling motion. The actuator is preferably located between the latch arm and the outer surface of the plug connector housing, and is located below the latch arm but above the upper surface of the plug connector housing. The actuator preferably includes a lobe or enlarged portion at one end located on the ramp, formed as part of the plug connector housing. As the actuator moves in one direction, preferably away from the mating end of the plug connector, the lobes will also move in the same direction on the ramp and in contact with the lower surface of the latch arm during movement. Lift up. When lifted in this manner, the free end of the latch arm and its associated engagement hook move up to disengage the engagement hook from engagement with the opposing housing.

  The actuator preferably includes a pull tab in the form of a finger hole in the rear end where a user can insert a finger to pull the actuator backwards. The actuator and plug connector housing includes a cooperating structure that limits the stroke of the actuator. In the preferred embodiment, the housing has a stop member formed on the outer surface and the actuator has a slot formed in the body that engages the stop member. The length of the slot determines the range over which the actuator can move on the housing.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuator has an opening that can be grasped by a user or pulled by placing a finger in an opening formed in the tail end of the actuator. With a flat gripping end. In other embodiments of the present invention, the actuator has a looped tail that encloses a cable entering the plug connector. The loop can be easily grasped to disengage the plug connector from the opposing guide frame or housing. The loop and actuator are preferably formed from plastic or other elastic material, and a metal sleeve can be inserted into the loop to provide rigidity to the area surrounding the cable connected to the plug connector.

  The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood from a reading of the following detailed description.

  In the following detailed description, reference is made to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a low-profile plug connector 10 assembled according to the principle of the present invention. The plug connector 10 includes an elongate connector housing 12 having two opposing ends, indicated by reference numerals 14 and 16 in the figure. The first or front end 14 of the plug connector body 12 defines a mating end 18 of the front 20 of the plug connector housing 12. In the drawing, the front portion 20 of the connector housing 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a cubic shape, and has a rectangular cross section. One or more electrical terminals are located in the front shell 20 for making electrical contact with mating terminals in a mating receptacle connector (not shown) enclosed within the external protective guide frame 22. Contained. Both the receptacle connector and the guide frame are mounted on the printed circuit board 2.

  The size of the front portion 20 of the connector housing is such that the front end enters the opening of the guide frame 22 that surrounds the receptacle connector. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical contact in the form of a trace on a circuit board (not shown) is disposed at the mating end 18 of the front portion 20 for connection with a contact or terminal in the receptacle connector. The Typically, the contacts are located along the face of an edge card or other similar blade for mating with a plurality of similar terminals or contacts in the receptacle connector 24. As long as the front portion 20 is rectangular in the figure, the front portion 20 has a flat upper surface 24 that can be inserted into the guide frame 22.

  The connector housing 12 typically has a second (or terminal) end 16 opposite the first end 14. The second end 16 of the connector housing 12 defines a portion of a larger body portion 28 of the connector housing 12 having a rear end 26 that may be referred to herein as a terminal end. The main body portion 28 has a shape similar to a parallelepiped and similarly has a rectangular cross section, but the rectangular cross section of the main body portion 28 is larger than the cross section of the front portion 20. Since the large main body portion 28 and the front portion 20 are different in size, the main body portion 28 is prevented from entering the guide frame 22 during fitting.

  The large body 28 preferably has its own upper surface 30 that is separate from the surface from which the mating end surface 24 extends and is disposed in a spaced surface. The large body portion 28 is larger than the front portion 20, so the top surface 30 of the large body portion 28 can be considered to be “on” the top surface 24 of the front portion 20. As will be described in more detail below, there is a difference in height or height between the second upper surface 30 of the large body portion 28 and the first upper surface 24 of the front portion 20, so that there is an inclined surface therebetween. Alternatively, the lamp 40 can be formed. This defines the cam surface as described in detail below. In order to disconnect the plug connector 10 from the corresponding opposing guide frame 22, the ramp ramp surface 40 serves to convert the lateral translation (or movement) of a portion of the actuator 60 into the vertical movement of the latch arm 42.

  As best shown in FIG. 1, the second top surface 30 of the connector housing large body 28 is open at the top, has a bottom 34 and two opposing sides 36 and 38, and has a rectangular cross-section. It is formed with a slot or channel 32 having it. The channel 32 of the second top surface 30 extends completely from the rear end 26 of the large body 28 of the plug connector to the front end 14 of the connector body 12 where it meets the ramp 40.

  The front portion 20 of the connector housing 12 and the large body portion 28 of the connector housing 12 are approximately centered between the first end portion 14 of the connector housing 12 and the second end portion 16 of the connector body portion 28 in the drawing. Join at the point 25 located. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the channel 32 extends from the second end 26 of the rear shell 28 to the ramp ramp surface 40, which ramp ramp surface 40 extends from the channel bottom 34 to the first top surface 24. Preferably, it extends downward at an acute angle with respect to the first upper surface 24 of the front portion 20.

  Still referring to FIG. 1, a thin and elongated rectangular plug connector actuator 60 is installed and slides freely in the direction of the first end 14 of the connector body 12 and away from the first end 14. And is sized and shaped to enter the channel 32 so as to be positioned between the opposing sides 36 and 38 of the channel. In the figure, one end of actuator 60, i.e., rear end 62, extends outward to define a pull tab as shown in FIG. 1 so that it can be easily grasped. In the figure, the opposing or second (front) end 64 of the actuator 60 is an enlarged cam shown as a round “lobe” or cam shape resembling a horizontal cylinder, as shown in FIGS. It is formed together with the part.

  The actuator 60 is such that the rear end 62 is in front of the second end 16 of the connector housing 12 that can be gripped, but the actuator 60 is pulled and the first end 14 of the connector body 12 is pulled. It is preferable that the front end portion 64 has a total length 66 so that the front end portion 64 abuts against the inclined ramp surface 40 when sliding in a direction away from the head. As can be appreciated, as the second end 64 moves laterally relative to the lamp segment 40, the lobe moves up and down relative to both the first top surface 24 and the second top surface 30. . Thus, the lateral movement of the actuator 60 is translated into a longitudinal movement of the latch arm 42, and some of this movement limitation is due to the difference between the height of the channel bottom 34 and the top surface 24 of the front 20. Done.

  The plug connector 10 is locked within the mating receptacle connector 22 by a hook or “barb” 56 located at the free end of an elastic cantilevered latch arm 42, part of which is secured to the upper surface 30 of the rear shell 28. Or it can be “latched”. In the preferred embodiment, the latch arm 42 is made of a relatively hard sheet metal or plastic. By fixing one end 44 of the latch arm 42 to the upper surface 30 of the main body 28 and by making the opposite end 46 free, the bending rigidity of the latch arm 42 causes the latch arm 42 (and the The barb 56) at the second end 46 of the latch arm 42 is inclined downwards, ie towards the first upper surface 24 of the front shell 20. By bending the latch arm 42 downward at the bending point 50, the barb 56 at the second end 46 of the latch arm 42 can be engaged with an opening or slot 57 formed in the guide frame 22. , Thereby allowing the plug connector 10 to be locked (ie, latched) to engage the guide frame 22. The angle shown in the figure at the front edge of the engagement hook is such that when the plug connector is pushed into the correct position, the engagement hook 56 comes on the face of the guide frame and enters the opening 57. Can be attached.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the latch member 42 preferably has a configuration that substantially matches the ramp surface 40. By molding the latch member 42 to coincide with the ramp surface 40, the lower surface of the latch arm 42 located above the ramp surface 40 contacts a lobe formed at the second end 64 of the actuator 60. . As the lobe moves rearward in response to the actuator 60 being pulled away from the first end 14 of the connector body 12, the lobe movement above the ramp surface 40 causes the first upper surface 24 and the second upper surface 24 to move. The latch member 42 moves upward with respect to both of the upper surfaces 30 of the two. Similarly, when the lobe is pushed back, the latch arm is lowered by the movement of the lobe below the ramp surface 40. When the latch arm 42 moves up and down in this way, the engagement hook moves upward from the slot 57.

  One of ordinary skill in the art can easily remove the plug connector 10 from the mating receptacle connector by pulling on the easily grasped end 62 of the actuator 60, thereby allowing the second end of the latch arm 42 to be removed. It will be appreciated that the engagement hook 56 of the portion 46 is lifted from a slot 57 that extends to engage the guide frame 22.

  The latch arm 42 has first and second opposing ends 44, 46, respectively. The rectangular central portion 48 is located between the first end 44 and the refraction point 50 where the latch arm 42 bends downward in the direction of the first upper surface 24. From the refraction point 50, in the preferred embodiment, terminates at a second end 46 formed with an engagement hook 56 projecting downwardly from the second end 46 into the receiving slot 57. An inclined segment 52 is located. As shown in FIG. 1, the central portion 48 is located on the actuator 60 and on the channel bottom 34. Similarly, as shown, the inflection point 50 is located near and above the “top” of the lamp surface 40. The refraction point 50 bends along the slope of the lamp segment 40.

  FIG. 2 is a side view of the plug connector 10 engaged in the guide frame 22. The inset of FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the plug connector 10 and shows the engagement of the hook 56 into the hole 57 in the opposing guide frame 22. It is also conceivable that the engagement hook 56 extends into a slot or other opening that can be formed in the receptacle connector rather than in the guide frame, but this is not shown in the figure. FIG. 2 also shows a ramp surface 40 extending from the channel bottom 34 to the first top surface 24 at an acute angle. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the lobe second end 64 of the actuator 60 is located on the surface of the ramp segment 40 and when the actuator 60 moves longitudinally within the channel 32 (see FIG. 2). Move it up and down as shown).

  FIG. 3 is another side view of the plug connector 10 but shows a second end 64 with a lobe of the actuator 60 that has moved further to the “left” of the connector and thus raised at the ramp surface 40. As can be seen from FIG. 3, when the actuator 60 moves to the left in FIG. 3, the second end 64 with the lobes rises, raises the latch arm 42, and engages the engagement hook 56 in the guide frame 22. The plug connector 10 is opened to be pulled out from the slot 57 and taken out from the guide frame. Because the actuator 60 extends rearward, it is easier to accommodate this type of latching mechanism in server and router applications where clearance is minimal and free space is at a premium.

  Finally, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the plug connector 10 installed in the guide frame 22 with an engagement hook 56 that cannot be seen because it extends into the slot 57 in the guide frame 22. When the engagement hook 56 is thus engaged, the plug connector 10 cannot be removed from the guide frame 22 and the integrity of the electrical connection between the contact in the front portion 20 and the mating contact in the receptacle connector 24. Help to ensure.

  The plug connector engagement hook 56 that holds the plug connector in place can be easily removed from its engagement with its corresponding slot 57 by pulling the free rear end 62 of the actuator 60. Actuator 60 may be formed from plastic or metal or other similar material. As described above and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the actuator 60 is pulled away from the guide frame 22, the latch arm 42 is moved upward, and the engagement hook 56 is moved together therewith. The connector is released from the engagement of the guide frame 22.

  In the preferred embodiment shown, the channel 32 formed in the upper surface 30 of the rear shell 28 is the same as the first end 44 of the latch arm 42 (viewing the connector housing 12 from above). In the case of “T”. Other equivalent embodiments of the plug connector 10 include a second of the connector body 16 that does not include a straight channel 32, i.e., any lateral extension and latch arm 42 across the channel 32. The use of channels extending directly from the end 16 to the ramp surface 40 can be included. Furthermore, another embodiment contemplates a latch arm 42 having a first end 44 that is round or flat so that the sliding movement of the underlying disengagement member 60 is not subject to interference. Yes. However, by making the channel 32 “T” -shaped and by making the first end 44 of the latch arm 42 such a fitting shape, the material of the rear shell from which the channel 32 is formed is: The force applied on the plug connector 10 is configured to resist the removal force applied on the latch arm 42. The latch arm 42 is preferably made of spring steel or hard plastic. This latch arm is attached to the upper surface 30 of the rear shell 28 by rivets, adhesive or screws.

  Other embodiments of the plug connector 10 contemplate the actuator 60 and the rear end 62 can include a specific surface treatment to facilitate gripping. In order to make it easy to grasp, a wave shape, a depression (dent) or a dot can be added to the rear end portion 62. In addition, in other embodiments, a drawstring can be attached to the rear end to which fabric or other flexible strips can be attached to grasp an actuator that facilitates identification of the particular plug connector to be removed. Yet another improved structure can be provided.

  The connector housing 12 is preferably a molded plastic whose outer surface can be metallized to EMI shield signals passing through the interior of the plug connector. In other embodiments, the connector housing 12 may be die cast or stamped from metal.

  5-12 show another embodiment of a plug connector 200 assembled according to the principles of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the connector 100 includes a connector housing 102 consisting of two halves that cooperatively define the connector: a top half 104 and a bottom half 105. The connector housing 102 has a front mating portion 107 and a rear end portion 106. The mating portion 107 is a plurality of electrical traces, usually in the form of conductive traces on a circuit card, that mates with connectors of the type shown and disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 176,515. Accommodates contacts. Said US patent application is hereby incorporated by reference.

  Termination portion 106 is hollow and accommodates the free end of a wire (not shown) that is enclosed within cable 1025. Cable 1025 enters termination portion 106 through an opening in the rear wall, and individual cable wires terminate to traces on internal circuit card 1020 by means well known to those skilled in the art, such as soldering. . As already described, the end portion 106 is larger than the mating portion 107, which limits the depth with which the plug connector can be inserted into the opposing connector housing or guide frame. Therefore, the front wall or edge 157 of the end portion 106 can be regarded as a stop surface of the plug connector 100.

  The connector is in the form of a T-arm and includes a selectively operable latch member 120 that includes an elongated body 121 having two wings 123 and ends 122 extending laterally. Including. The end 122 (and preferably the body 121) is shown as a gap 128 in FIG. 7 and is slightly raised with respect to the wing 123 to form a cavity or recess therebetween. The wing portion 123 has a hole formed therein for receiving a fixture such as a rivet 140, and the fixture 140 is fixed to its free or latch end 125. Hold the back.

  The latch end 125 includes one or more engagement members in the form of lugs or hooks 127 that can be freely bent and extend downward from the latch end. The latch end 125 is also separated from the latch member body 121 by an angled portion or ramp 126 that can be easily stamped and formed as part of the latch member. The latch end 125 is sufficiently wide to separate from the engagement hook 127, preferably in a direction away from the front edge 157 of the end, so that a space E (FIG. 9) is defined. This space houses a ring gasket 130 that is used to provide an EMI shield between the plug connector 100 and the inserted housing. The gasket 130 is preferably formed from a continuous band of elastic material containing a conductive material in order to make it conductive by methods well known to those skilled in the art. Due to the space of the engagement hook 127, the fitting portion 107 can accommodate both the gasket 160 and the front end 125 of the latch member 120.

  Plug connector 100 also includes an actuator that moves the latch member in and out of lock engagement with the opposing housing or guide frame. The actuator 110 preferably has an elongated shape having an elongated body portion 111, an operating end 112, and an operating end 113 having an opening 114 formed therein, as shown in the figure. The user can either put a finger in the opening 114 or grab the ring surrounding the opening 114 to pull the actuator and thereby move the latch arm up and down. The body of the actuator is held in a channel or recess 150 formed in the connector housing and partially defined by the gap 28. The channel 150 includes a connector housing, a rear portion 155, two wing portions 154, and a body portion 151 extending longitudinally through the front portion 152.

  The actuating end 112 is preferably arranged in a deviated state with respect to the actuator body 111 and includes a lateral member shown in the figure as a cylindrical pin or lobe 117. This misalignment can be formed by an extension 116 having an angle that couples the pin 117 to the body portion 112. The actuator body 114 is located in the channel 150.

  The channel 150 further includes an inclined surface 153 near the front end 152 and houses a lobe 117 at the end of the actuator 110, as best shown in FIG. 12B. The inclined surface 153 of the channel 150 defines an enclosure that houses the lobe 117 between the connector housing inclined surface 153 and the latch member 150. Such containment and ramping surfaces convert the lateral movement of the actuator into upward movement of the latch end 125 of the latch member 120 when pulled or pushed. When the actuator 110 is pulled backward, the lobe 117 rises along the inclined surface 153 and contacts the lower surface of the latch member 120. As the actuator 110 continues to be pulled, the lobe 117 contacts and lifts the body 121 of the latch member. Because the latch member 110 is cantilevered, only the free end 125 of the latch member can move, thereby disengaging the engagement hook 127 from the opening in the opposing guide frame or housing.

  In order to facilitate the sliding movement of the actuator, the main body 121 can be raised from the connector housing 102. This raising can be performed by shifting the main body 121 from the two wings 123 of the latch member 120. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the size of this gap 128 is equal to the height of the angled portion 124 connecting the wing 123 to the body 121 of the latch member. A rivet or other similar fastener 140 can be used to secure the latch member near the rear end to the connector housing.

  A stop member is provided on the connector housing and located in the channel 150 to provide a means for limiting the extent to which the actuator can be pulled. This stop is shown in the form of a raised lug or protrusion 156 that is raised from the base of the channel 150. A slot 115 is formed in the actuator body 111, but preferably the slot has an elongated longitudinal length that is longer than the length of the stop member 156. The difference indicated by T in FIG. 6 is the “range” or distance that the operator can pull the lobe 117 backward. The stop member 156 prevents the actuator from being pulled out from the lower side of the latch member 120 to the position and coming out of the plug connector housing.

  The plug connector of the present invention can also include means for orienting or securing the connector in a direction to engage the opposing connector. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate such means as a central slot 160 formed in the upper surface of the mating portion 107 for engaging a corresponding protrusion on the opposing guide frame or housing. Such means are also formed in the side of the mating portion 107 and one or more (and preferably a pair of) slots for engaging a protrusion from the side of the guide frame or housing. 161 may also be included. As shown, the central slot 160 is aligned with the latch member 120 so that when the plug connector is inserted into the guide frame or housing, this slot opens the engagement hook 127 of the latch member 120 opposite. Can help align with the department.

  13 to 15 are other embodiments of the plug connector 200 of the present invention in which the actuator 220 has a configuration different from the above configuration. The connector 200 has a housing 201 that houses a plurality of cables 1025 each including a plurality of wires therein. The housing 201 supports the circuit card 205 as a fitting portion, and the front edge portion extends forward in a direction away from the connector housing 201. The connector includes a latch member 210 of the type described above having a pair of engagement hooks 211 formed at the front end 212. The latch member 210 has two wing portions 213 extending on the side surface of the central body portion 214, and these wing portions 213 are fixed to the connector housing so as to surround the actuator 220.

  FIG. 14 shows the actuator 220 in the correct position on the connector housing 201 with the latch member 210 removed. This figure also shows a body portion 221 in which the actuator is housed in a channel 218 formed in the upper surface of the connector housing. The actuator has a free end that includes a cylindrical pin 222 that acts as a cam and extends laterally or laterally relative to the body portion 221 of the actuator, shown as a lobe. A portion 223 having an angle is located between the lobe 222 and the main body 221 in order to shift the lobe relative to the main body 221. The actuator also includes a slot 224 that accommodates the lug 224 to limit the longitudinal extent of the actuator 220.

  FIG. 15 best shows the difference in structure of this actuator 220 having the above embodiment. The body portion 221 of the actuator is fitted with a loop portion 225 that continues to the body portion 221 in the lateral direction. The loop portion 225 includes an internal annular slot 228 that accommodates a metal sleeve 229 therein to provide a gripping surface that is relatively thick, sufficiently strong and reliable. If so, the loop can be provided with a ridge 226 to secure the gripping surface. The front end of the actuator 220 can also be formed slightly downward to facilitate movement of the channel 249 on the inclined surface 250. With such a structure, the operator can move the engagement hook up and down with a simple push-pull operation.

  16 and 17 show another embodiment of the connector of the present invention, but the actuator is made of a plurality of members. In the figure, the plug connector 300 has a multi-wire cable 1025 that enters from the rear. This connector, in the figure, holds two parts: the mating part 302 before being inserted into the guide frame or housing of the opposing connector (not shown) and the exposed end of the wire of the cable 1025. A housing having a rear portion 301. These wires terminate to a circuit card 325 that serves as a suitable type of mating blade for the connector. The rear portion 301 is larger than the mating portion 302 and thus appears “stepped” when viewed from one of the sides. Since the sizes are different, when the plug connector 300 is engaged with the mating connector, it cannot be inserted so deeply.

  A flexible EMI gasket 330 is provided, which surrounds the mating portion 302 and is located near the face of the rear portion 301 thereon to seal EMI radiation in use. The rear portion 301 has a channel 320 formed therein for receiving the latch assembly. The channel 320 has an inclined surface 321 at the leading edge to provide a cam surface for the actuator located above. The channel further includes a pair of blocks 340 raised into the channel 320, each block 340 having a holding portion 341 formed therewith, spaced from the face of the channel 320 by an intervening air space. Have.

  The latch assembly includes a latch member 304 having a generally T-shaped configuration with wings or arms 307 extending transversely to the elongated body 305. The pair of clips 307 is disposed at the end of the wing portion 306, and one or more engaging hooks 308 are disposed at the front end of the latch member 304. An actuator 310 is provided and serves as a means for moving up and down an engagement hook 308 that engages an opening formed in an opposing guide frame or housing (not shown). A base plate 3060 is provided and located within the channel 320. The base plate has a pair of legs or lugs 3080 that extend away and contact the channel 320, in particular the inclined surface 321 thereof. The base plate 3060 has a pair of return arms 3070 formed at the ends, and a pair of pull rings formed on the rear end and a pair of spaces separated by an intervening space 314 at the front edge thereof. It includes one or more protrusions 3050 that have arms and thereby engage the actuator handle 311. These arms include openings 312 that engage the protrusions 3050 of the base plate 3060.

  When pull ring 303 is pulled backward, actuator handle 311 also moves backward. Since the actuator handle is connected to the base plate by the opening 312 and the protrusion of the base plate, when the base plate moves rearward, it rises on the inclined surface 321 with respect to the latch member 304, thereby causing the engagement hook 308 to move. Lift from engagement with an opposing guide frame or opening in the housing. The distance at which the actuator handle can be pulled backward is controlled by two clips 307 of the latch member partially housed in the slot between the holding portions 341 of the block 340. The clip 307 is further received in a slot 313 formed along the side edge of the actuator handle 311. Thereby, the range in which the actuator handle can move is limited. As the actuator handle is pulled backwards, the base plate return arm 3070 contacts and supports the front edge of the block 340, and these return arms move the actuator handle 311 back to its original position when the pull ring 303 is released. Provide a forward bias force to return to

1 is an exploded perspective view of a plug connector assembled according to the principle of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the plug connector of FIG. 1 inserted into a mating receptacle connector, showing a hook barb of a latch member engaging with a guide frame that houses the receptacle connector. FIG. 3 is the same drawing as FIG. 2, but showing the hook of the latch member separated from the guide frame. It is a perspective view of the plug connector which is installed in the guide frame and is engaged with the receptacle connector housed in the guide frame. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plug connector assembled according to the principles of the present invention, as viewed from the rear. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of FIG. 5 but showing the actuator and EMI gasket in place on the connector. FIG. 7 is the same drawing as FIG. 6 but showing the actuator and EMI gasket disassembled from a position on the connector housing. FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from the front end of the connector of FIG. 5, showing the position of the EMI gasket relative to the connector latch arm. It is an enlarged detailed side view of the connector fitting surface, showing a latch arm and an EMI gasket. FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the latch arm of the connector of FIG. FIG. 10B is a front elevation view of the latch arm of FIG. 10A. It is a perspective view of an actuator removed from a connector. FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the actuator of the connector of FIG. 5. It is sectional drawing of the connector 8 cut | disconnected along the center vertical axis | shaft. FIG. 12B is the same view as FIG. 12A, but shows the latch member disassembled for clarity for purposes of illustrating the relationship between the actuator lobes and the plug connector housing ramp. It is an enlarged detail view of the lobe of the actuator and the inclined surface of the connector housing. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a plug connector assembled according to the principles of the present invention; FIG. 14 is the same drawing as FIG. 13, but shows the latch member disassembled for clarity for purposes of illustrating the placement of the actuator on the plug connector housing. It is a disassembled perspective view of the actuator used with the plug connector of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a connector assembled according to the principles of the present invention. FIG. 16 is the same drawing as FIG. 16 but shows the components shown in an exploded view for clarity.

Claims (32)

A plug connector,
A front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion includes a first surface, the front portion is sized to enter a mating receptacle connector, and the rear portion is on a plug connector body higher than the first surface. A plug connector body having a second surface disposed at a height;
A latch member comprising a first end attached to the second surface of the rear portion and a second end that is cantilevered from the first end, wherein the second end A latch member extending on a portion of the second surface of the rear portion and on a portion of the first surface of the front portion;
An actuator comprising a first end projecting beyond a second end extending in the direction of the rear and the front, wherein a portion of the actuator includes a second of the latch member and the rear When the actuator moves in a direction away from the front part and a direction approaching the actuator, the second end of the latch member moves up and down with respect to the first side surface of the front part. A plug connector having an actuator with a size, structure and arrangement for movement.   And further including an inclined surface disposed on the rear portion close to the front portion, the inclined surface being inclined at an angle with respect to the first surface of the front portion and extending in a direction away from the front portion. The connector of claim 1, wherein the inclined surface comprises a length that extends at least partially between a height of the first surface of the front portion and a height of the second surface of the rear portion.   A lobe that slides upward in the direction of the second surface of the rear when the second end of the actuator is located on the inclined surface and the actuator is pulled away from the front. The lobe of claim 2, further comprising: when the lobe moves upward, the lobe is pressed against the latch member and lifts the first end of the latch member in a direction away from the first surface of the front portion. Connector.   The first end of the latch member includes at least one engagement hook that can extend into an opening in the face of the opposing mating structure when the plug connector is inserted into the opposing mating structure; The plug connector according to claim 1.   The plug connector according to claim 4, wherein a part of the latch member is partially biased with respect to the actuator, and the engagement hook is biased toward the first surface of the front portion.   The plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the first surface of the front portion is an upper surface, and the side surface of the second portion is an upper surface.   The plug connector according to claim 3, wherein the lobe comprises a cylindrical shape facing in a lateral direction with respect to the inclined surface.   The rear portion includes a channel, the actuator and latch member are located in the channel, and the channel terminates at one end thereof in an inclined plane extending in the direction of the front portion. Plug connector.   The channel has a T-shape including a longitudinal body portion and two wing portions extending in a transverse direction with respect to the channel body portion, the latch member has a T-shape, and the latch member has the channel shape. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, comprising: a longitudinal main body portion accommodated in the main body portion; and two wing portions accommodated in the channel, wherein the wing portion and the actuator extend in the channel main body portion. Plug connector.   The latch member body portion is offset upward with respect to the wing portion of the latch member to define an intervening space in the channel body portion, and the actuator is accommodated in the intervening space. Plug connector as described.   The latch member is attached to a rear portion of the connector main body at a wing portion of the latch member, and a second end of the latch member is shifted downward with respect to the latch member main body portion. Plug connector.   The actuator of claim 9, wherein the actuator is movable longitudinally within the intervening space, and the connector includes means for restricting longitudinal movement of the actuator on a rear portion of the connector body. Plug connector.   Means for limiting the movement of the actuator includes a stop member disposed in the channel, the actuator including an opening formed in the actuator that houses the stop member formed in the actuator. The plug actuator according to claim 12.   The plug connector of claim 1, wherein the first end of the actuator includes a pull tab.   15. The plug connector of claim 14, wherein the pull tab includes an opening for a finger that can be grasped by a user.   The plug connector of claim 1, wherein the first end of the actuator includes a continuous loop having an opening for receiving a wire extending to the connector body.   The plug connector of claim 16, wherein the actuator loop includes a reinforcing sleeve disposed within the loop.   The plug of claim 1, further comprising an electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) gasket disposed on a front portion of the plug connector body between a second end of the latch member and a rear portion of the connector body. connector.   The connector of claim 18, wherein the EMI gasket is a flexible loop. A connector,
A connector main body comprising a fitting end portion that fits with an opposing connector and a rear end portion arranged opposite to the fitting end portion, wherein the rear end portion enters into the connector main body. Defining an entry location for a cable including an electrical wire, the connector body further including separate first and second portions, wherein the first portion of the connector body is within a receptacle portion of the opposing connector. The second portion of the connector body is larger than the first end of the connector body, and the second portion of the connector body is disposed within the surface of the connector body. A connector body comprising a channel extending longitudinally between one portion and a rear end of the connector body, the channel having a cam surface with an angle near the first portion of the connector body; ,
A latch member having opposing first and second ends connected to each other by a longitudinal body portion, the first end portion extending over a first portion of the connector body. A free end defining an engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion includes at least one engagement hook for engaging the opposing connector, and the second end of the latch member is the connector A latch member attached to a second portion of the body, whereby the latch member is curved and is movable between first and second operating positions;
An actuator for moving an engaging portion of the engaging member between the first and second operating positions, the actuator comprising first and second end portions facing each other, wherein the actuator The first end of the latch member is located between the first end of the latch member and the second portion of the connector body member, and the second end of the actuator is the second end of the connector. Extending rearward from the portion and including an extension portion for gripping by a user, the first end of the actuator including a cam end disposed near the cam surface of the second portion of the connector body. Thus, when the user moves the actuator in the first direction, the cam end moves along the cam surface of the second portion of the connector body, and the cam end contacts the latch member. And thereby the latch member Connector having an actuator engaging portion is increased in the first direction.   The second portion of the connector body includes a channel extending longitudinally over the second portion of the connector body, the channel housing both the actuator and the engagement member therein; The connector according to claim 20.   The latch member is T-shaped, and the second end of the latch member includes a pair of wings extending laterally outward from the latch member body, and the second end of the latch member The connector of claim 21, wherein a portion is attached to a second portion of the connector body at a wing portion of the latch member.   23. The connector of claim 22, wherein the wing portion of the latch member is offset vertically from the latch member body portion to define an intervening space between the latch member body portion and the base of the channel.   21. The connector according to claim 20, wherein the cam surface of the channel has an angle downward from a second portion of the connector body toward the first portion of the connector body.   21. The connector of claim 20, wherein the cam end of the actuator includes a cylindrical portion that extends laterally through the body of the latch member.   The cam end includes a base plate that extends laterally through the latch member body, the base plate including at least one leg member that extends into contact with the cam surface of the channel. The connector according to 20.   27. The connector of claim 26, wherein the base plate is an individual element and is attached to the actuator by an engagement member.   The base plate includes at least one return spring disposed thereon, the return spring contacting a second portion of the connector body when the actuator is moved to the first operating position, and the return spring 27. The connector of claim 26, wherein a spring then biases the actuator to return the actuator to the second operating position.   21. The connector of claim 20, further comprising means for limiting movement of the actuator on the second portion of the connector body.   The means for limiting the movement of the actuator includes at least one stop member protruding into the channel and at least one slot formed in the actuator, the length of the slot being the length of the stop member. 30. The connector of claim 29, wherein the connector is longer than a corresponding length.   23. The channel of claim 22, wherein the channel is T-shaped and includes a longitudinal body portion and two laterally extending wing portions, wherein the wing portion of the latch member is received within the wing portion of the channel. The connector described.   21. The connector according to claim 20, wherein the engaging portion includes a pair of engaging hooks spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction with respect to the latch member main body.

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