Electrical connector with improved terminal latching system
US5362260A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/432
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A latching system for an electrical connector which includes a dielectric housing having a plurality of terminal-receiving cavities. A plurality of female terminals are adapted to be inserted into the cavities. Each terminal has a longitudinal axis and a mating portion adapted to mate with a male terminal also inserted into the cavity. At least one latch arm extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the terminal with a slight angle of inclination convergent at the insertion end to hold the terminal in its cavity in the housing. The latch arm has opposite ends attached to the mating portion by flexible tabs. Each terminal-receiving cavity has a restricted cross-sectional area adapted to engage and bias the latch arm of a respective terminal transverse to the longitudinal axis of the terminal during insertion of the terminal into the cavity. A shoulder is provided adjacent the restricted cross-sectional area behind which one end of the latch arm snaps when the terminal is fully inserted into the cavity to prevent removal of the terminal from the cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.