JP3433253B2 - Connector device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector and a multi-unit connector device, and more particularly to a retainer for aligning and holding a plurality of connector modules such as a wafer connector together as a unit.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of telecommunications and other electronics, cable assemblies are used to connect one electronic device to another. Cable assemblies often include multiple connector modules at one or more ends, each connector module serving to connect multiple individual wires to opposing connectors, such as pin connectors. It is possible to connect individual connector modules together in some way so that they can be connected and disconnected to opposite connectors as a unit while saving time to make connections and for other reasons. desirable.

Although structures for achieving these objects are known, these structures tend to be large and bulky in comparison with the outer dimensions of the connector module. Such a structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,490 issued Jan. 31, 1995, in which a two-piece structure retainer is used. The two-part retainer of this patent encloses the entire outer surface of the connector module, so that the outer dimensions of the connector module are increased when assembled together as a unit inside the retainer. This creates the possibility of having to use different designs for the opposing connectors that the units of the connector module are intended to mate with. A similar retainer housing is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,984,992 issued Jan. 15, 1991. This retainer also defines a hollow in which a plurality of connector modules are inserted. Since the retainer surrounds the outer surface of the connector module, the external dimensions and mass of the connector module unit are considerably increased.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a novel and unique retainer device for use in a plurality of connector modules, preferably wafer connectors, the retainer device comprising outer dimensions of a unit of the connector module. Without increasing the number, the connector modules are securely aligned together and held in an integrated state.

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is an improved retainer used to form a unit of a plurality of connector modules, which aligns the connector modules and positions the connector modules within a unit in a particular orientation. To provide a retainer to maintain.

Another object of the present invention is to hold a series of connector modules such as a wafer connector together as a unit by engaging the outer surface of the wafer connector without increasing the outer dimensions of the mass of the connector of the unit. To provide a retainer to do.

Yet another object of the present invention is a retainer for holding a plurality of thin connector modules in alignment with each other, the retainers comprising two opposing engagements for engaging two different portions of a wafer connector. It has a mating end, one end of which can be inserted into a set of cavities formed on the outer surface of the connector module to provide alignment force to the connector module,
It is to provide a retainer that is rotatable when engaged to engage the other end into another set of cavities formed on the outer surface of the connector module.

Still another object of the present invention is to:
A plurality of high speed cable connectors are provided by engaging individual cable assembly connectors each having two engaging cavities formed along at least one side thereof, the engaging cavities being spaced apart from one another. A retainer or stiffener used to hold together, the retainer having a length substantially equal to the gap between the cavities and further having two opposing engaging ends, the first of which comprises The engagement end has a circular shape insertable into the corresponding first engagement cavity of the connector,
A second engagement end insertable and engageable in a corresponding second engagement cavity of the connector and a first engagement end rotatable in the first engagement cavity of the connector. One is to provide a retainer or a stiffener.

[0009]

The present invention accomplishes these and other objectives by virtue of its unique construction. Having a length equal to the corresponding width of the device of the connector,
Having a plurality of individual retainer elements formed therein,
A retainer member is provided that is positioned for each individual retainer element to engage the outer surface of the corresponding individual connector. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer member extends in the lengthwise direction of the retainer member and engages two corresponding engaging portions, each in the form of engaging cavities in the preferred embodiment, located on each individual connector module, It has an elongated shape with two opposite engaging ends or edges.

The two engaging ends of each retainer element are differently shaped. One of the engaging ends of each retainer element is partially circular in shape and is matable within a semi-circular cavity formed in each connector, the engaging ends correspondingly facing each other. It has a shoulder portion engageable with a stopper portion formed on a shoulder or a semi-circular engagement cavity. The circular shape of the engagement ends and the semi-circular shape of the engagement cavities cooperate to allow the first engagement ends to be inserted and rotated within the first engagement cavities of the connector. This action imparts a slight alignment force to all connector elements for alignment as a block, facilitating engagement of the second engaging end of the retainer member within the second engaging cavities of the connector elements. Becomes

The second engagement cavity formed in each connector element has a generally rectangular cavity with an undercut portion defining another shoulder or stopper. The second engagement end of the retainer member has a flexible latch member having a latch hook formed opposite the stopper of the second engagement cavity. Therefore, when the retainer member is rotated after insertion into the first engagement cavity, the latch end is biased into the second engagement cavity to engage the stopper surface of the second engagement cavity. To be done.

The circular shape of the first end of the retainer member allows the retainer member to be first placed in the first engagement cavity and then rotated. The rotational movement serves to align the plurality of connector elements in the longitudinal direction of the connector element, while a lug, which may be configured to form on one or both of the two engaging cavities of the connector element, has a retainer member. It may be adapted to be engaged by correspondingly opposed slots formed in the engagement ends, whereby the connector element is aligned transversely to the width direction of the connector element and to the longitudinal direction. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates a "block" or "unit" shaped connector device 20 which is constructed and formed of a plurality of individual connector elements or modules 21. Because each such connector element 21 has a relatively thin connector body 22, such connector elements are commonly referred to in the art as "wafer" connectors. As is known, each connector element 21 has a connector body 22 for providing a conductive passage between individual connector cables 23 located at one end 24 of the connector element 21. A conductive element (not shown) extends through 22.
Generally, each connector element includes a pair of conductive wires,
It has the same number of conductive terminals 25 (shown in phantom). In general, the electrically conductive terminal 25 fits into another end 26 of the connector element 21 that is spaced from the cable end 24 of the connector element 21. Generally, this mating or terminal end 26 is provided by the opposing connector member 2 such as a pin header.
7 and the terminal end 26 is typically (not shown).
Mounted on the backplane. Generally, the opposing connector member 27 is the base portion 2 of the opposing connector body.
9 has a plurality of conductive pin terminals 28 extending on both sides, one end 30 of the pin terminal 28 being received in a corresponding opening in the backplane member and the other end being the terminal end 26 of the connector element 21. Is received in an opening formed in and engages an inner terminal 25 of the connector element. Each connector element 21 has four sides 31, 32, 3 shown in FIG.
It is believed to have multiple distinct sides, surfaces or edges having 3,34.

Insertion into the opposing connector member 27,
It is important to hold the connector elements 21 together as one unit or block of the connector elements 21 to facilitate the connection of the conductive terminals 25 to the opposing terminals 28. The small size of these types of connector elements and the tolerances associated with forming conductive terminals 25 provide several reasons why alignment of such wafer connector devices is important. This is because, when aligned, it is easier to insert and connect the aligned device without fear of misalignment of the terminals or wafer connector elements.

The present invention aligns a series of wafers or other connector elements that can be configured by an installer to be appropriately sized to fit the corresponding dimensions of the connector assembly 20 of wafer connector elements 21. It provides a simple, reliable and inexpensive means of doing so.
This means aligns and holds a plurality of wafer connector elements 21 together as a mass at preset intervals. This is accomplished by the connector retainer member 100 engaging a plurality of wafer connector elements 21. One retainer member 100 or two retainer members 100 are used along one side of the wafer connector element 21, or the cable 23 of the connector element is on one side 32 opposite the terminal end 34 of the connector element 21. Disposed along the retainer member 100 and the two remaining sides 31 and 33 of the connector element 21.
The retainer member 100 according to the present invention may be used on two separate but proximate sides 31, 32 of the wafer connector apparatus 20, as shown in FIG. Can be configured.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the retainer member 100 has a preset length L and is an elongated member 101 which is considered to be incorporated into the retainer member.
Each is preferably the width w of the connector element 21 (FIG. 1)
Of a plurality of individual retainer elements 102 having a preset width W (FIGS. 3 and 5). The individual retainer members 102 that make up the entire retainer member 100 are adapted to fit the entire width of the connector device 20 so as to facilitate adjustment of the retainer member 100 when incorporating the retainer member 100 into the connector device 20. It can be configured to be separated from each other by the recess 103. These recesses have a depth that does not impair the structural integrity of the retainer member 100, but are preferably deep enough to facilitate cutting of the retainer member by the installer.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the retainer member 100 has two opposing ends 106, 107 extending longitudinally of the retainer member 100 and separated and interconnected by an intermediate body 108. You know that you have. One end 106 serves as a pivot end and the other end 107 serves as a latch end for holding the retainer member in place on the connector device 20. In general, the length L of the retainer member 100 corresponds to the total width W _T of the connector device 20.

FIG. 4 shows a series of individual connector elements 21.
The one edge 31 of the connector element 21 and the edge 31 of the connector element 21 are shown modified to be received by the retainer member 100. Two different engagement parts 40, 41 are arranged on the edge 31 of the connector element 21, which are illustrated as cavities formed in the connector body 22 of each connector element 21. The engagement cavities 40 and 41 are the ends 106 of the retainer member 100,
They are separated from each other by a predetermined distance D corresponding to the distance between 107.

In FIG. 8, two engagement cavities 40,
41 and its detailed structure are best shown. The first engagement cavity 40 is circular in shape and has a generally semi-circular contour defined by a curved sidewall 43 extending below the edge 31 of the connector element 21. Post section 44
Extends from the connector body beyond the horizontal plane of the edge 31 and a portion 43 of the first engagement cavity 40 is cut under the post portion 44 to provide the first engagement cavity 40.
A stopper surface 45 that faces inward is formed. The purpose of this stopper surface 45 will be explained in more detail below.

The second engagement cavity 41 has a rectangular shape as a whole, and is also formed on the connector body 22. Also, similar to the first engagement cavity 40, this cavity 41 opens along the edge 31 of the body 22 of the connector element. Further, the second engagement cavity 41 has an undercut portion 46 that defines a stopper surface 47 that faces the inside of the engagement cavity 41, and the undercut portion 46 is the retainer member 1.
00 by the second end 107. The far side wall 48 of the cavity 41 may be configured with a beveled surface 49 that interacts with a corresponding engagement end 107 of the retainer member 100. Further, each engagement cavity 40, 41 is formed with a central wall or lug 50, 51, preferably centrally located therein, which central wall or lug 50, 51 is described in more detail below. Are engaged by the retainer member 100.

In particular, the retainer member ends 106, 10
7 is the engagement cavities 40, 41 of the connector element 21.
Is formed so that it can engage with and interact with. As shown in FIG. 7, the first end 106 of the retainer member 100 has a generally circular shape with two separate inner and outer curved surfaces 108, 109 disposed therein. What is properly called a "pawl" portion is formed. Such curved surfaces 108,
109 has separate radii R1, R2 associated with each from the center point C of the pawl 106, the radius of the outer curved surface 109 being greater than the radius of the inner curved surface 108. Due to this difference in radius, a shoulder or stopper edge 110 is formed on the pawl 106 of the retainer member. The shoulder or stopper edge 110 is connected to the shoulder 45 of the first engagement cavity 40 of the connector element 21.
Facing each other and joining the two curved surfaces 108, 109 together.

In this construction, the engagement end 106 is easily insertable into the first engagement cavity 40,
The two curved surfaces 109 and 43 enable rotation of the pawl portion 106 on the cavity 40. Until the stopper edge 110 of the pawl hits the stopper surface 45,
This rotation occurs. In this full range of rotation, the second end 107 of the retainer member 100 is itself inserted into the corresponding and opposing second engagement cavity 41.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second engaging end 10
7 has two members 120 and 121 protruding from the main body portion 105 of the retainer member 100 in a cantilevered supporting state. These two members 120, 121 are considered as flexible members each having a free end spaced apart from each other by a predetermined first gap S1. One member 120 is
Enter the second engagement cavity 41 and enter the cavity 4
1 to serve as an engagement lug that engages the closely opposed surfaces 55 of the 1. This engagement is "slip fit" in nature. Engagement of the second engagement end 107 is aided by the latch member 121.

The latch member 121 is spaced apart from the lug member 120 by a gap S1 (FIG. 7) and is relatively thin compared to the thickness of the lug member 120 and is therefore more flexible in nature. have. This gap S1 is larger than the gap S2 between the side walls 55 and 58 of the second engagement cavity 41, and the second engagement end 10
7 is inserted into the second cavity 41, the latch member 121 moves in the direction of arrow "B1" in FIG.
It is displaced towards 20. This displacement is caused by the latch member 1.
The free end of 21 is somewhat similar to the rotating motion of rotating about the point B2. The latch member 121 preferably has, as the hook 122, the engaging member shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. The hook 122 projects from the main body 105, and the hook 122 itself is the second cavity 41.
Has an engaging surface 125 facing upward. The second cavity 41 has a protrusion 49 and a cavity 41.
Has an engagement shoulder or an engagement surface 47 formed to face the bottom surface of the.

In operation, when the pawl 106 of the retainer member 100 is placed in the first engagement cavity 40, it is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIGS. The latch end 107 is aligned with and opposed to the second engagement cavity 41. Side walls 49, 55 of the second cavity side wall
The upper surfaces 48, 59 of the are preferably circular in shape, as shown, or sloped. This shape of the upper surface 59 facilitates entry of the latch end 107 of the lug member 120 into the second cavity. Similarly,
The sloped surface 48 of the other side wall 49 serves as a reaction or ejection surface for engaging the latch member 121, and in particular its hook end 122. The hook end 122 displaces or deforms the latch member 121 inward (toward the lug member 120) or deforms to ride over the sidewall 49.
Get on. Due to the inherent flexibility of this latch member 121, when the undercut 57 is reached, the hook end 12
2 is spring biased outward. In this orientation, the two upper surfaces 47, 125 face each other and engage one another, and the latch end 107 is held in place within the second cavity 41. At the same time, the pawl portion 106 of the retainer member is rotated within the first cavity to the extent shown in FIG. 10, and the shoulder portion 110 thereof abuts against the stopper surface 45 of the first cavity.

It is clear that the retainer member 100 acts as a clip to hold the individual connector elements 21 together as an integrated block of connector elements or device 20. The retainer member 100 not only reinforces the block or unit of connector elements 21, but also aligns the connector elements within the block 20. In this regard, the insertion and rotation movements of the pawl 106 first require the unit 2 of the connector element 21.
It serves to align connector elements 21 longitudinally along 0 (along arrow Lc in FIG. 6). This is accomplished by the contact of the plurality of circular shaped engagement ends 106 of retainer member 100. The mating ends 106 of the pair are engaged by the curved surface 4 of the first cavity 40 of each contact element 21.
Collide with 3. Outer portion 109 of engaging pawl 106
The curvature of serves to move the individual connector elements 21 slightly back and forth along the direction Lc of the connector unit 20. This is the unit 2 of the connector element 21.
It serves to align the zero engagement end or termination surface with the flat engagement / termination surface.

In order to align the connector element 21 in the width direction along the unit device 20 of the connector, each of the cavities 40, 41 has a lug 60 shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6.
It is preferable to have an alignment member such as 61. These lugs 60, 61 are the cavities 40,
41, which extends in the longitudinal direction within the retainer member 100.
Is located in the center of the cavity to indicate the point of the reference or reaction surface of the connector element 21 that is engageable by the section of. In this regard, the corresponding first and second engagement ends 106, 107 are provided with associated slots 62, 63 located in the pawl and latch ends 106, 107 of the retainer member 100, respectively. . These slots are best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the way one slot 62 engages the corresponding lug 60 is shown in FIG. Each slot 62, 63 is generally located on the lower surface of retainer member 100 and has an opposing cavity 4.
Aligned with the center of 0,41. The first slot 62 located at the pawl engaging end 106 of the retainer member 100 is
It aids in aligning the pawl end 106 of the first cavity 40. The insertion of the pawl end and the application of pressure to the pawl end engages the slot 62 with the opposing lug 60, which is transverse to the width direction of the connector unit 20, or in other words the longitudinal direction of the connector element 21. An alignment force is applied to the element 21. Due to the rotation of the pawl end 106 and the contact of the latch end 107 with the second cavity 41, a similar alignment force is applied to the connector element 21 at a position spaced from the first engaging end 106 of the retainer member 100. Thus, it can be seen that the retainer member performs the alignment function in the connector element 21 in two different directions generally transverse to each other.

The retainer member 100 extends along the surface of the body portion 22 at or not along the engagement end portion 75 extending from the body portion 22 and received within the opposing connector member 27. The retainer member is the connector element 2
It has a low profile that can be engaged with 1. Generally, the opposing connector member 27 has two sidewalls 73, 74 that define the cavity of the connector member 27,
The side walls 73, 74 engage the connector element 21 alone or as a block or unit of the connector element. Generally, the opposing connector member 27 includes side walls 73,
In order to engage 74 with the block of the connector element at its engaging end 75 (FIG. 1), the low profile retainer member 100 according to the present invention, as in the prior art, blocks 20 and 20 of the connector element 21. No retaining shrouds or separate retainers surrounding both of the opposing connectors 27 are required and the original footprint of the opposing connector members on the backplane is maintained, sacrificing additional space on the backplane. The connector block is supported without. The retainer member 100 has a low profile and basically engages both side surfaces of the connector element 21 at a position sufficiently above the position where the connector element 21 engages with the opposing connector member 27. As in the case, no modification of the opposing connector member 27 is necessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be understood that, as with other constructions, the pawl surface can be configured without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope defined by the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and improvements can be made such that the curved extension need not be perfectly circular in configuration.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wafer connector device using a retainer member constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the retainer member shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the back surface.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the retainer member of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view of an edge of a portion of the wafer connector apparatus showing the engagement portion on which the retainer member of the present invention is disposed and engaged.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the retainer member in place with one of the retainer members removed at the end of the retainer member for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing one end of the retainer member inserted and engaged with one engagement portion of each connector.

FIG. 7 is a side view of one end of the retainer member of FIG.

8 is an enlarged detail view of a side surface of the retainer member and connector of FIG. 7 showing how the retainer member is inserted into one engaging portion of the connector.

9 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but with the retainer member inserted first into one engagement portion of the connector;
It is a figure which shows the start of rotation.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, but showing the retainer member fully engaged with the connector such that the second engagement end is engaged with the second engagement portion of the connector. .

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of individual connector elements (21) each having a connector body portion (22), each said connector body portion having a plurality of separate side surfaces (31, 32, 3).
3, 34), wherein the individual connector elements are such that the separate sides of the connector body of the individual connectors are
Aligned in parallel with the block of connectors to cooperatively define separate sides of the block of connectors, each individual connector element (21) extending from a first side of the connector body. A plurality of conductive terminals (25) each having a cable (23), arranged along the second side surface of the connector body, and electrically connected to the cable.
And at least one retainer member (100) for holding the connector module together as the block, having a predetermined length, extending in the longitudinal direction of the retainer member and separated by an intermediate body portion (108). Having opposite first and second ends (106, 107 ), each first and second end of each retainer member having a plurality of separate first and second engagement elements. and, said first and second engagement elements of the pair are the first and second engagement cavities respectively engaged provided on a side surface of the corresponding body part of the individual connector elements, said individual A connector device (20) comprised of a retainer member that holds together a connector element as the block. 2. The first engagement element has a pawl portion,
The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the second engagement element includes a latch member. 3. Each of the individual connector elements receives the pawl portion of the retainer member within the first engagement cavity and the latch member of the retainer member within the second engagement cavity. The connector device according to claim 2, wherein the connector device is housed. 4. Each of the first engagement cavities has a curved side wall of a preset first radius, and the pawls of each retainer member are also preset. 4. The connector device according to claim 3, wherein the connector device has a curved surface with a radius, and the pawl portion of the retainer member is rotatable within the first engagement cavity. 5. Each of the second engagement cavities has first and second side walls, the first side walls having an undercut formed therein, and the first and second side walls having an undercut formed therein. The latch member has a lug and a latch arm, the lug engaging the second side wall of the second engagement cavity when the retainer member is engaged in place on the block of the connector element. 5. The connector device of claim 4, wherein the connector arm engages and extends into the undercut to engage the first sidewall of the second cavity. 6. A second retainer member engaging the individual connector elements, the second retainer member comprising:
The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the connector device is spaced from the retainer member on the block of the connector element. 7. The connector device of claim 6, wherein the retainer member and the second retainer member each engage different sides of the connector element. 8. The pawl portion of each retainer member has a second curved surface with a second preset radius smaller than the first preset radius, and the first and second The connector device according to claim 4, wherein the two curved surfaces are mutually joined by a stopper surface. 9. The stopper surface of the pawl portion of the retainer member regulates a range of motion of the pawl portion of the retainer member at the first engagement cavity. Connector device. 10. The second engagement elements each include a fixed lug portion extending from the retainer member and a deformable latch arm extending from the retainer member and spaced from the fixed lug portion. And the fixed lug engages a first side wall of the second engagement cavity and the latch arm engages a second side wall of the second engagement cavity. The connector device according to claim 2, which is characterized in that. 11. The first and second engagement cavities of the connector element each have longitudinally extending walls, and the first and second engagement elements of the retainer member are longitudinally extending. A wall portion of the first and second engagement cavities, the wall portion of the first and second engagement cavities having a slot extending therethrough when the retainer member engages the connector element. The connector device according to claim 2, wherein the connector device is housed in the slot. 12. A plurality of individual connector elements assembled together into a block of connector elements each having a cable end through which at least one cable extends and a termination along which a plurality of conductive terminals are disposed. A connector element having a body, wherein the electrically conductive terminal and the cable are electrically connected within the body of the connector element, and the termination aligned together for connection to an opposing connector. A first retainer member that holds together all the individual connector elements together to form the end of the connector elements and to form the mass of connector elements in a predetermined relationship to each other. , The body portion of each connector element includes a first pair of first and second engagement cavities. The first and second engagement cavities of each of the connector elements are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the body of the connector element, and the first retainer member is An elongated body having a length substantially corresponding to the width of one side of the bulk of the connector element, the body having first and second opposing engaging ends extending in the longitudinal direction of the retainer member. And the first and second engagement ends of the retainer member respectively engage a plurality of individual first and second engagement cavities that respectively engage the first and second engagement cavities of the connector element. An engaging member, wherein one of the first engaging members of the retainer member is housed in one of the first cavities of the connector element, and one of the second engaging members of the retainer member is provided. One Housed in one of the second cavities of the connector element, the first engaging member of the retainer member includes the second engaging member of the retainer member and the second engaging member of the connector element. A connector for use in a multi-conductor electrical cable that is rotatable within the first engaging cavity of the connector element with an arc length sufficient to engage a mating cavity. 13. The retainer member has a series of recesses formed in the surface of the body portion of the retainer member, the recesses having a width approximately similar to the width of the connector element. The connector of claim 12, wherein the connector defines a separate segment. 14. A longitudinally extending first and second opposing engaging ends and a plurality of individual first and second respectively disposed along the first and second engaging ends. A second retainer member having a second engaging member, the connector elements each having a second pair of the first and second engaging cavities disposed thereon, The first and second engagement members of the retainer member engage the first and second engagement cavities of the second pair of connector elements, respectively, of the first and second pairs. 13. The connector of claim 12, wherein the first and second engagement cavities are spaced from each other on the connector element. 15. The first pair of first and second engagement cavities is disposed on one side of the connector element and the second pair of first and second engagement cavities is 15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the connector is located on the other side of the connector element. 16. The first engagement member of the first retainer member has a pawl portion, and the second engagement member of the first retainer member has a latch member. The connector according to claim 12. 17. Each pawl has at least one curved surface that engages a portion of the first engagement cavity of the connector element, each latch member having a fixed lug and a deformable surface. 17. The connector of claim 16 having a latch arm, the lug and latch arm engaging opposite sides of the second engagement cavity of the connector element when inserted. 18. Each of the pawls has at least one curved surface, and each of the first engagement cavities of the connector element inserts the first engagement end of the retainer member. 17. The connector of claim 16 wherein the curved surface of the pawl has a complementary curved surface upon which the curved surface of the pawl rides when rotated within the first engagement cavity of the connector element. 19. The second engagement member of the retainer member includes a deformable latch member extending from a body portion of the retainer member, each of the second engagement cavities of the connector element having: A recess located in the sidewall, wherein the latch arm is at least partially recessed when the second engagement member of the retainer member is fully inserted into the second engagement cavity of the connector element. 13. The connector of claim 12, extending inward. 20. The pawl portion of the first retainer member has a stop surface transverse to the curved surface, and the first engagement cavities of the connector element each have a shoulder portion, the pawl portion When the stopper surface is engaged with the shoulder portion, the stopper surface and the shoulder portion cooperate with each other to restrict the movement of the pawl portion within the first engagement cavity. The connector of claim 18, wherein the connector is characterized by: