[0001] Many electrical connectors include latch means for securely but releasably retaining
a pair of electrical connector housings in a mated condition. More particularly,
these prior art connectors include mateable pairs of molded plastics housings, each
of which is constructed to receive a plurality of terminals therein. The terminals
of one housing electrically contact the terminals of the other housing when the housings
are in their mated condition.
[0002] Unitarily molded electrical connector housings are generally considered desirable
in that they yield certain manufacturing efficiencies, simplify the installation
and use of the connector and minimize inventory management problems. Thus, it is often
desirable to unitarily mold an entire electrical connector housing, including the
latch means thereof.
[0003] Many electrical connectors are used in environments where they will be repeatedly
connected and disconnected by personnel having relatively little familiarity with
the mechanics and intended use of the connector. For example, electrical connectors
often are employed in photostatic copiers and other office equipment that may periodically
be serviced by field technicians or by the office staff that uses the copier or other
such business machine. Field technicians often are not adequately trained on the
proper usage of every electrical connector they are likely to encounter. Office personnel
using various business machines typically have even less training and familiarity
with the electrical connectors they may periodically be required to connect and/or
disconnect. This lack of familiarity with the electrical connectors manipulated
by field or office personnel can result in overstressing the latch mechanisms employed
to lockingly but releasably retain electrical connector housings in a mated condition.
For example, inexperienced field personnel may unintentionally bias a latch mechanism
too far, thereby breaking or reducing the effectiveness of the latch.
[0004] Electrical connector housings have been developed to minimize this potential for
overstressing the latch structures thereof. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,462,654
which issued to Aiello on July 31, 1984 shows a latch integrally and pivotally connected
to a housing. The forward end of the latch extends from the pivoted connection to
define a latch portion which is engageable with corresponding structure on a mateable
housing. The rearward end of the latch member extends in the opposite direction from
the pivot and includes an overstress stop which is pivotable into a lug or wall on
the electrical connector housing. Contact between the overstress stop and the lug
or wall of the electrical connector housing is intended to limit the amount of rotation
around the pivot point during the normal engagement of the electrical connector housings.
Although this construction may control the amount of pivoting during proper use of
the electrical connector, it provides no positive anti-stress protection adjacent
the forward end of the latch member. Thus, field personnel inexperienced with the
intended operation of the latch shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,462,654 could apply rotatable
pressure to the forwardmost end of the latches for either locking or releasing the
electrical connector housings to one another. Such rotational forces exerted on the
forward end of the latch member could overstress the latch, thereby causing the latch
to break or be of reduced effectiveness.
[0005] Another problem that can be encountered when inexperienced field personnel employ
electrical connectors is referred to by persons skilled in this art as "fishhooking".
In particular, the latch members on many elec trical connectors are cantilevered
structures that effectively function as fishhooks which may catch insulated leads
as the electrical connector is being inserted into or removed from an electrical apparatus.
Fishhooking can damage an adjacent circuit that is unintentionally caught by the latch
structure of the electrical connector housing. Additionally, an attempt to operate
the latch structure while a wire or other lead is in its fishhooked engagement can
permanently damage the latch.
[0006] Several electrical connector housings have been manufactured to avoid such fishhooking
problems. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,272,145 which issued to LaDuke on June 9,
1981 includes a guard plate disposed in proximity to a lever arm to prevent unintentional
fishhooking of wires that may be disposed in proximity to the electrical connector
housing. The electrical connector housing shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,272,145 provides
no anti-overstress protection, and the anti-overstress protection shown in the above-described
U.S. Patent No. 4,462,654 could not readily be incorporated into the design of U.S.
Patent No. 4,272,145.
[0007] Other electrical connectors with integral latch structures therein are shown in U.S.
Patent No. 4,582,378 which issued to Fruchard on April 15, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,640,566
which issued to Matsusaka on February 3, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,105,275 which issued
to Dickson et al. on August 8, 1978; and U.S. Patent No. 3,179,738 which issued to
DeLyon on April 20, 1965.
[0008] In view of the above, it is an object of the subject invention to provide an electrical
connector housing constructed to positively prevent overstress of a latch structure
thereof.
[0009] The subject invention is directed to an electrical connector having a nonconductive
housing. The housing may be unitarily molded from a plastic material and comprises
a plurality of recesses or cavities for receiving electrical terminals therein. The
nonconductive housing of the electrical connector comprises a latch structure deflectably
extending therefrom. The latch structure may comprise a ramped locking means disposed
to engage corresponding structure on a mateable electrical connector housing. Thus,
in this embodiment, sliding contact between the ramped locking means and the opposed
mateable electrical connector housing will cause the latch structure to deflect. However,
the deflectable latch structure will resiliently return to its initial undeflected
condition, such that the locking means thereof may engage corresponding structure
on the opposed mateable electrical connector housing. The latch structure may comprise
release actuator means for manually and/or mechanically deflecting the latch structure
to facilitate release of the locking means from the opposed mateable electrical connector
housing, and thereby enabling disconnection of the two electrical connectors.
[0010] To prevent fishhooking of insulated conductive leads, the electrical connector housing
of the subject invention comprises at least one rib disposed in proximity to the deflectable
latch structure. More particularly, the anti-fishhook rib extends from the electrical
connector housing at a location thereon generally adjacent an end of the latch structure
which could otherwise fishhook an adjacent lead. The rib for preventing the latch
structure from fishhooking adjacent insulated conductive leads may be unitarily molded
with the electrical conductor housing. The housing may comprise a pair of ribs disposed
on opposite sides of the latch structure for positively preventing fishhooking of
insulated conductive leads by the latch structure.
[0011] The electrical connector housing of the subject invention further comprises means
for preventing overstressing of the latch structure. More particularly, the anti-overstressing
means preferably is disposed at the end of the latch structure which would undergo
the greatest deflection during the mating and unmating of the electrical connector.
The anti-overstress means may be disposed in spaced relationship to a surface of the
electrical connector housing toward which the latch structure is deflectable for positively
limiting the amount of deflection of the latch structure away from adjacent surfaces
of the electrical connector housing. The anti-overstress means may be unitarily molded
with the electrical connector housing. Additionally, the anti-overstress means may
extend unitarily from the rib for preventing fishhooking.
[0012] In one embodiment, the anti-overstress means may extend unitarily from an anti-fishhook
rib in generally spaced relationship to a cantilevered latch structure, such that
the free end of the cantilevered latch structure is disposed intermediate the anti-overstress
means and the adjacent surface of the electrical connector housing. In this embodiment,
the latch structure is deflectable between adjacent parts of the electrical connector
housing and the anti-overstress means. The anti-overstress means, therefore, positively
prevents over-deflection of the latch structure away from the electrical connector
housing.
[0013] In certain embodiments, a pair of anti-fishhooking ribs are provided, with each anti-fishhooking
rib comprising an anti-overstress arm extending unitarily therefrom for limiting the
amount of deflection of the latch structure relative to other portions of the electrical
connector. In still other embodiments, the anti-overstress means may extend unitarily
between a pair of spaced apart anti-fishhooking ribs to effectively define a bridge
which limits the deflection of the latch structure. In these embodiments, the anti-overstress
means will be disposed generally at a location of maximum deflection of the cantilevered
latch structure.
[0014] In other embodiments the anti-overstress means may be integral with the latch structure.
In these embodiments, the latch structure is not cantilevered, but rather is supported
at opposed ends, and is resiliently deflectable intermediate the opposed ends. Thus,
the locking protrusion or other such releaseable locking means may be disposed at
a location along the latch structure intermediate the opposed supports thereof. Additionally,
in these embodiments, the supports of the latch structure at one or both ends simultaneously
perform both an anti-overstress function and an anti-fishhooking function.
[0015] Some ways of carrying out the present invention will now be described in detail by
way of example with reference to drawings which show a number of specific embodiments.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of mateable electrical connectors in accordance
with the subject invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrical connector in accordance with the subject
invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the mating end of a second embodiment of an electrical
connector in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the conductor receiving end of the electrical
connector shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the mating end of a third embodiment of an electrical
connector in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the mating end of a fourth embodiment of an electrical
connector in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the conductor receiving end of the electrical connector
depicted in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the mating end of a fifth embodiment of an electrical
connector in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the conductor receiving end of the electrical
connector shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the electrical connector shown in FIGS. 8 and
9.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the mating end of a sixth embodiment of an electrical
connector in accordance with the subject invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the conductor receiving end of the electrical connector
shown in FIG. 11.
[0016] With reference now to the accompanying drawings, the electrical connector 10 (see
Fig. 1) comprises a unitarily molded plastics housing 12 having a forward mating
end 13 and a plurality of cavities 14 with conductive terminals 16 securely mounted
therein. The terminals 16 each comprise a conductor engaging end (not shown) for making
electrical contact with a conductive lead, such as an individually insulated wire,
a ribbon cable or the like. The conductor engaging end of the terminal 16 may comprise
insulation displacement means or crimp means for engaging the conductive lead. The
terminal 14 further comprises a mating end 18, which, as depicted in FIG. 1, defines
a female pin receiving contact structure. The terminal 16 typically will be part of
a DC signal line, with the connector 10 being used, for example, in a photostatic
copier or other such business machine.
[0017] The electrical connector 10 defines a male connector which is mateable with a female
connector indicated generally by the numeral 20 in FIG. 1. The female connector 20
comprises a nonconductive housing 22 and a plurality of pin terminals 24 securely
mounted therein. Each pin terminal 24 comprises a conductor engaging end (not shown)
and an opposed mating end 26. The mating end 26 of the pin terminals 24 are engageable
in the pin receiving contact structure at the mating end 18 of terminals 16 in the
electrical connector 10.
[0018] The nonconductive housing 22 of the female electrical connector 20 is formed with
a locking aperture 28 extending entirely therethrough. The locking aperture 28 of
the electrical connector 20 is engageable with a deflectable latch structure 30 on
the electrical connector 10 as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2. More particularly, the
latch structure 30 is molded unitarily with the nonconductive housing 12 and extends
unitarily from the generally planar surface 32 of the nonconductive housing 12. In
particular, the latch structure 30 comprises a base 34 which extends unitarily from
the surface 32 of the nonconductive housing 12. A deflectable arm 36 extends from
the base 34 in spaced relationship to the surface 32 of the nonconductive housing
12 and generally away from the mating end 13 of the housing 12.
[0019] A locking protrusion 38 extends from the deflectable arm portion 36 of the latch
structure 30 from the side thereof opposite surface 32 of the housing 12. The locking
protrusion 38 comprises a ramped forward surface 40 and a rearward locking surface
42 which is aligned generally orthogonal to the surface 32 of the housing 12. The
rearward locking surface 42 is disposed along the connector 10 at a location to engage
the locking aperture 28 in the housing 22 of electrical connector 20 show in FIG.
1. More particularly, the mateable housings 12 and 22 are dimensioned such that the
ramped forward surface 40 of the locking protrusion 38 on the housing 12 will cammingly
engage the housing 22 during the forwardly directed mateable insertion of the housing
12 into the housing 22. The camming engagement of the forward ramped surface 40 with
the opposed surface on the housing 22 will cause the latch structure 30 to deflect
toward surface 32, and thereby permit continued insertion of the housing 12 into the
housing 22. However, upon sufficient insertion of the housing 12 into the female
housing 22, the locking protrusion 38 will align with the locking aperture 28 to permit
the latch structure 30 to resiliently return to its unbiased condition. Thus, the
rearward locking surface 42 of the protrusion 38 will engage the locking aperture
28 of housing 22 to lockingly but releaseably hold the electrical connectors 10 and
20 in their mated condition.
[0020] The latch structure 30 further comprises a depressible actuator 44 on generally the
same side of the latch structure 30 as the locking protrusion 38 and at a location
along the latch structure 30 remote from the base 34. In particular, the locking protrusion
38 is disposed intermediate the base 34 of latch structure 30 and the depressible
release actuator 44 thereof. The depressible release actuator 44 substantially corresponds
to a location of maximum deflectability along the latch structure 30 in the embodiment
of the housing 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. As a result of this construction, a force
exerted on the depressible release actuator 44 to urge the latch structure toward
the surface 32 of the housing 12 will disengage the locking protrusion 38 from the
locking aperture 28 in the female housing 22.
[0021] The housing 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 further comprises a pair of anti-fishhook
ribs 46 and 48 which are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the latch structure
30 and slightly spaced therefrom. More particularly, the ribs 46 and 48 are disposed
to be generally in line with the end 50 of the latch structure 30 remote from the
base 34 thereof. As a result of this construction, the ribs 46 and 48 positively
prevent the latch structure 30 from fishhooking or otherwise unintentionally engaging
wire leads or such that may be employed in proximity to the electrical connector
10. In particular, the ribs 46 and 48 prevent a wire lead or the like from being unintentionally
engaged intermediate the latch structure 30 and the surface 32 of housing 12, thereby
ensuring that deflectability of the latch structure 30 toward the surface 32 to lockingly
engage the connector 10 within the connector 20.
[0022] The anti-fishhooking ribs 46 and 48 are provided with anti-overstress arms 52 and
54 which extend from the respective ends of the ribs 46 and 48 remote from the surface
32. The arms 52 and 54 extend toward one another a sufficient distance to align with
portions of the latch structure 30. Specifically, as illustrated most clearly in FIG.
2, the latch structure 30 is provided with ledges 56 and 58 disposed on the longitudinal
sides thereof generally adjacent the anti-overstress arms 52 and 54 respectively.
The ledges 56 and 58 are disposed in generally adjacent or slightly spaced relationship
to the anti-overstress arms 52 and 54 in the undeflected condition of the latch structure
30. Thus, the anti-overstress arms 52 and 54 will not interact with the latch structure
30 during the normal engagement and disengagement of the housing 12 with the female
housing 22. However, the anti-overstress arms 52 and 54 extending unitarily from the
anti-fishhooking ribs 46 and 48 will positively prevent overstressing the latch structure
30. In particular, any attempt by a technician to urge the latch structure 30 away
from the surface 32 will be positively limited by engagement of the anti-overstress
arms 52 and 54 with the ledges 56 and 58 of the latch structure 30.
[0023] A second embodiment of the electrical connector housing of the subject invention
is identified generally by the numeral 60 in FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, the housing
60 comprises a surface 62 extending generally orthogonal to the mating end 63 thereof.
A plurality of terminal receiving cavities 64 extend from the mating end of the housing
60 to the conductor receiving end 65 thereof. A latch structure 70 is deflectably
cantilevered from the surface 62 of housing 60 and is unitary therewith. In particular,
the latch structure 70 comprises a base 74 generally adjacent the mating end 63 of
the housing 60. A deflectable arm 76 extends from the base 74 and includes a locking
protrusion 78 on the side thereof generally opposite the surface 62. The locking protrusion
78 includes a ramped forward surface 80 and a locking rear surface 82 which is aligned
generally orthogonal to the surface 62 of housing 60. A depressible release actuator
84 is disposed at a location along the latch structure 70 remote from the base 74
thereof, such that the locking protrusion 78 is intermediate the base 74 and the depressible
release actuator 84. Thus, a force exerted on the depressible release actuator 84
will deflect the latch structure 70 toward the surface 62 of housing 60.
[0024] The housing 60 further comprises a pair of anti-fishhook arms 86 and 88 which are
molded unitarily with the housing 60 to extend generally orthogonal to the surface
62 at a location generally in line with the rear end 90 of the latch structure 70.
As described with the previous embodiment, the anti-fishhook arms 86 and 88 positively
prevent a conductive lead from being engaged or fishhooked by the latch structure
70. The housing 60 further comprises an anti-overstress bar 92 extending unitarily
between the anti-fishhook ribs 86 and 88. The anti-overstress bar 92 is disposed at
a location to engage the latch structure 70 for preventing excessive deflection or
overstress of the latch structure 70 away from the surface 62 of the housing 60. In
particular, the latch structure 70 is provided with a ledge 94 at the end 90 thereof.
The ledge 94 is disposed to engage the anti-overstress bar 92 to thereby prevent any
excessive deflection of the latch structure 70 away from the surface 62.
[0025] A third embodiment of the electrical connector housing of the subject invention is
illustrated in FIG. 5 and is identified generally by the numeral 112. The housing
112 depicted in FIG. 5 is structurally and func tionally similar to the nonconductive
housing 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. More particularly, the housing 112 comprises
a mating end 113 with a plurality of cavities 114 extending therein. The cavities
114 extend from the mating end 113 to the opposed connector engaging end 115 and are
provided with electrical terminals (not shown) securely mounted therein. To employ
similar numbering of the respective embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 and 5, the latch
structure shown in FIG. 5 has been identified generally by the numeral 130. More particularly,
the latch structure 130 is deflectably cantilevered from the surface 132 at base 134.
The latch structure 130 further comprises a deflectable arm portion 136 with a locking
protrusion 138 having a ramped forward surface 140 and a locking rearward surface
142. A depressible release actuator 144 is disposed on the latch structure 130 at
a location remote from the base 134 from which the latch structure 130 is cantilevered.
Thus, a downward force on the depressible release actuator 144 will cause the latch
130 to deflect toward the surface 132 to facilitate the disengagement of the housing
112 from a mateable female housing as explained above.
[0026] The housing 112 further comprises anti-fishhook ribs 146 and 148 disposed in spaced
relationship to the cantilevered deflectable latch structure 130 and on opposite
sides thereof. The anti-fishhook ribs 146 and 148 are disposed generally in line with
the end 150 of the latch structure 130 to prevent the latch structure 130 from snagging
or fishhooking conductive leads used in proximity to the housing 112. Anti-overstress
arms 152 and 154 extend toward one another from the ends of the anti-fishhook ribs
146 and 148 respectively. The anti-overstress arms 152 and 154 are disposed to engage
ledges 156 and 158 of the latch structure 130 to prevent overdeflection of the latch
structure 130 away from the surface 132 of housing 112.
[0027] The housing 112 differs from the housing 12 described above in that it is provided
with side walls 160 and 162 which extend generally parallel to the latch structure
130 and in spaced relationship thereto. More particularly, the side walls 160 and
162 extend unitarily between the base 134 of the cantilevered latch structure 130
and the anti-fishhook ribs 146 and 148. The side walls 160 and 162 define a height
measured from the surface 132 which substantially corresponds to the undeflected height
of the cantilevered latch structure 130. Thus, the side walls 160 and 162 provide
additional protection to the latch structure 130 and 132 from contact on the respective
sides of the latch structure 130. As a result, the housing 112 depicted in FIG. 5
protects the latch structure 130 from overdeflection away from the surface 132 and
from overdeflection about an axis extending generally orthogonal to the surface 132.
Additionally, the side walls 160 and 162 provide further assurance that adjacent conductive
leads or the like will not inadvertently become engaged intermediate the cantilevered
latch structure 130 and the surface 132. Thus the side walls 160 and 162 prevent overstress
in the latch structure 130 and simultaneously prevent certain types of fishhooking
beneath the latch structure 130.
[0028] A fourth embodiment of the electrical connector housing of the subject invention
is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and is identified generally by the numeral 164. The
housing 164 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 is similar to the housing 60 depicted in FIGS.
3 and 4. In particular, the housing 164 is provided with a latch structure 170 cantilevered
from surface 166 at base 174. Again using similar numbers, the latch structure 170
comprises a deflectable arm portion 176 having a locking protrusion 178 extending
from the side thereof opposite the surface 166. The locking protrusion comprises a
ramped forward surface 180 and a rearward locking surface 182. A depressible release
actuator 184 is disposed at a location along the latch structure 170 remote from the
base 174 thereof. Anti-fishhook ribs 186 and 188 extend unitarily from the surface
166 at locations generally in line with the end 190 of the latch structure 170. An
anti-overstress bar 192 extends unitarily between the anti-fishhook ribs 186 and 188
and is engageable with a ledge 194 disposed generally adjacent the end 190 of the
latch structure 170. In particular, the anti-overstress bar 192 will engage the ledge
194 of the locking structure 170 to prevent overstress of the latch structure 170.
[0029] The electrical connector housing 164 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 differs from the housing
160 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that side walls 196 and 198 are provided on the housing 164
in a manner similar to the side walls 160 and 162 shown on the housing 112 of FIG.
5. In particular, the side walls 196 and 198 extend from the respective anti-fishhook
ribs 186 and 188 to the base 174 of the latch structure 170. The side walls 196 and
198 extend from the surface 166 of the housing 164 a distance substantially corresponding
to the height of the latch structure 170 from surface 166. Thus, the side walls 196
and 198 substantially minimize the possibility of a damaging contact with a side of
the latch structure 170. Additionally, any such contact that may occur, for example,
on the depressible actuator 184 will cause only a minimal transverse deflection of
the latch structure 170. Furthermore, as described with respect to the FIG. 5 embodiment,
the side walls substantially prevent leads from being extended into the area between
the latch structure 170 and the top surface 166, thereby providing additional anti-fishhook
protection to the housing 164, and ensuring that the latch structure 170 will operate
under virtually all conditions.
[0030] A fifth embodiment of the electrical connector housing of the subject invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 and is identified generally by the numeral 200. The electrical
connector housing 200 comprises a mating end 202 and an opposed conductor receiving
end 204 with a plurality of terminal receiving cavities 206 extending therebetween.
The housing 202 further comprises a unitarily molded latch structure 210 which extends
from a planar top surface 212. More particularly, the latch structure 210 comprises
a base 214 which extends unitarily from the top surface 212. A deflectable arm portion
216 extends from the base 214 generally toward the rear conductor receiving end 204
of the housing 200. The deflectable arm portion 216 of the latch structure 210 is
provided with a locking protrusion 218 having a ramped forward surface 220 and a locking
rearward surface 222 which is aligned approximately orthogonal to the top surface
212 of the electrical connector housing 200 in the undeflected condition of the latch
structure 210.
[0031] The latch structure 210 further comprises a depressible release actuator 224 disposed
generally at the end of the latch structure 210 remote from the base 214. As shown
in FIGS. 8-10 the locking protrusion 218 of the latch structure 210 is disposed intermediate
the base 214 thereof and the release actuator 224. By virtue of this construction,
a downward pressure on the release actuator 224 toward the surface 212 will deflect
the latch structure 210 and enable disengagement of the locking protrusion 218 from
a corresponding locking structure on a mateable female connector housing (not shown).
[0032] Unlike the previously described embodiments, the deflectable latch structure 210
is not of cantilevered construction. Rather, the electrical connector housing 200
is provided with anti-fishhook ribs 226 and 228 which extend unitarily from the surface
212, and which are unitarily connected to the end of the latch structure 210 remote
from the base 214. As a result of this construction, the ribs 226 and 228 simultaneously
perform an anti-fishhooking function and an anti-overstressing function. In particular,
the ribs 226 and 228 positively prevent any conductive leads or the like from being
fishhooked by the latch structure 210 and trapped between the latch structure 210
and the surface 212 of the housing 200. Furthermore, the ribs 226 and 228 prevent
overstress rotation of the latch structure 210 away from the surface 212 of the housing
200. In this manner, overstress damage to the latch structure 210 is prevented.
[0033] A variation of the electrical connector housing 200 depicted in FIGS. 8-10 is shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12 and is identified generally by the numeral 230. The electrical
connector housing 230 comprises a mating end 232 and an opposed conductor receiving
end 234. A plurality of terminal receiving recesses 236 extend between the opposed
ends 232 and 234 and are provided with electrically conductive terminals securely
mounted therein and engageable with a mateable female electrical connector (not shown).
[0034] A latch structure 240 extends unitarily from the top surface 242 of the housing 230.
More particularly, the latch structure 240 comprises a base 244 which extends unitarily
from the top surface 242 of the housing 230. The latch structure 240 further comprises
a deflectable arm portion 246 having a locking protrusion 248 extending therefrom.
As with the previously described embodiments, the locking protrusion 248 includes
a forwardly facing ramp surface 250 and a rearwardly facing locking surface 252. A
depressible release actuator 254 is disposed generally at the end of the deflectable
latch structure 240 remote from the base 244 thereof. By virtue of this construction,
a force exerted on the release actuator 254 and toward the surface 242 of the housing
230 will deflect the latch structure 240 and enable the locking protrusion 248 to
disengage from corresponding structure on the female electrical connector (not shown)
with which the housing 230 is mateable.
[0035] The electrical connector housing 230 further comprises a pair of ribs 256 and 258
which extend unitarily between the top surface 242 of the electrical connector housing
230 and the end of the latch structure 240 remote from the base 244 thereof. Thus,
as with the previously described embodiment, the latch structure 240 is not truly
cantilevered, but rather is deflectable between the supports at opposed ends thereof.
However, as with the previously described embodiment, the ribs 256 and 258 simultaneously
prevent fishhooking of conductive leads or the like by the latch structure 240, and
also prevent overstress of the latch structure 240 relative to its initial undeflected
position as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0036] The electrical connector housing 230 depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12 generally follows
the construction of embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5-7. More particularly, the electrical
connector housing 230 comprises side walls 266 and 268 which are disposed in spaced
generally parallel relationship to the latch structure 240 and on opposite sides thereof.
In particular, the side walls 266 and 268 extend unitarily between the respective
ribs 256 and 258 and the base 244 of the latch structure 240. The side walls 266 and
268 extend to a height substantially corresponding to the undeflected height of the
latch structure 240 from the top surface 242 of the electrical connector housing 230.
Thus, as with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 5-7, the side walls 266 and 268 substantially
eliminate the possibility of transverse contact with a side of the latch structure
240 and further minimize the magnitude of any transverse deflection of the latch structure
240. Additionally, the presence of the side walls 266 and 268 adjacent the latch structure
240 substantially prevents any electrical conductor or other circuit component from
being engaged intermediate the latch structure 240 and the surface 242 of the electrical
connector housing 230.
[0037] In summary, an electrical connector housing is provided with a latch structure that
positively prevents overstressing and fishhooking. In particular, the electrical
connector housing comprises a deflectable latch structure extending from one surface
thereof. At least one anti-fishhook rib extends from the electrical connector housing
in proximity to the deflectable end of the latch structure. The anti-fishhook rib
prevents conductive leads or the like from being engaged intermediate the deflectable
latch structure and the opposed facing surface of the electrical connector housing.
The anti-fishhook rib is constructed to engage the latch structure and prevent overstress
or overdeflection of the latch structure. A pair of such anti-fishhooking ribs and
corresponding anti-overstress arms may be provided on opposed respective sides of
the latch structure. The electrical connector housing may further comprise side walls
disposed in spaced generally parallel relationship to the deflectable latch structure
for further preventing overstress and for further preventing the fishhooking of conductive
leads or the like into the space between the deflectable latch structure and the opposed
facing wall of the electrical connector housing.
[0038] There has been described with reference to the drawings electrical connector housings
that positively prevent latch structures of the housings from being entangled with
insulated conductive leads employed in the vicinity of the connectors. The connector
housings are of simple integrally molded construction which prevents overstress of
the latch structures thereof and which prevents fishhooking of insulated conductive
leads. The housings, furthermore, cannot easily be damaged accidentally during initial
harness work, handling or subsequent use.
1. An electrical connector housing comprising a resilient deflectable latch having
a base connected to said housing, at least one rib extending from said housing at
a location thereon spaced from the base of said resilient deflectable latch, said
rib being disposed relative to said latch to substantially prevent entry of extraneous
materials intermediate said latch and portions of said electrical connector housing
spaced from said latch, said housing further comprising means for limiting the deflection
of said latch relative to said electrical connector housing.
2. An electrical connector housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of said ribs
is provided, said ribs extending from said housing on generally opposite sides of
said latch and at locations on said housing remote from the base of said latch.
3. An electrical connector housing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the means for
limiting deflection of said latch comprises an anti-overstress arm or arms unitary
with said rib or ribs extending from said electrical connector housing and disposed
in spaced relationship to said latch such that an end of said latch spaced from the
base thereof is disposed intermediate said anti-overstress arm or arms and the remainder
of said electrical connector housing.
4. An electrical connector housing as claimed in claim 3, wherein a single anti-overstress
arm is provided in the form of an anti-overstress bar extending between the ribs and
the anti-overstress bar is disposed in spaced relationship to said latch in the undeflected
position of said latch, such that said latch is deflectable relative to said anti-overstress
bar.
5. An electrical connector housing as in claim 4 further comprising side walls extending
from the respective ribs of said housing and disposed in spaced relationship to said
latch on opposite sides thereof, said side walls limiting deflection of said latch
and further preventing extraneous materials from being engaged intermediate said latch
and surfaces of said electrical connector housing spaced from said latch.
6. An electrical connector housing as claimed in claim 4 or 5 further comprising a
pair of side walls extending from the arms of said housing in spaced relationship
to said latch and disposed generally on opposite sides thereof, said side walls limiting
deflection of said latch and further preventing extraneous materials from entering
the space between said latch and surfaces of said electrical connector housing spaced
from said latch.
7. An electrical connector housing as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising
a locking protrusion on said latch at a location thereon spaced from the base of said
latch.
8. An electrical connector housing as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said
resilient deflectable latch is cantilevered relative to the base thereof.
9. An electrical connector housing as claimed in any preceding claim 1 to 7, wherein
said anti-overstress means is unitary with an end of said latch remote from the base
thereof.