Latching system for electrical connectors

(19)

(11)

EP 1 137 116 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	19.11.2003 Bulletin 2003/47

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	26.09.2001 Bulletin 2001/39

(21)	Application number: 01105169.5

(22)	Date of filing: 02.03.2001

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: H01R 13/627

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30)

Priority:

20.03.2000 US 528869

(71)	Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
	Lisle Illinois 60532 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Qiao, Huili Naperville, Illinios 60540 (US) Manchester, Gary S. Naperville, Illinios 60565 (US) Nelson, Richard A. Geneva, Illinios 60134 (US) O'Sullivan, Michael Naperville, Illinois 60564 (US)

(74)	Representative: Herden, Andreas F.
	Blumbach, Kramer & Partner GbR Patentanwälte Alexandrastrasse 5 65187 Wiesbaden 65187 Wiesbaden (DE)

(54)	Latching system for electrical connectors

(57) A latching system is provided for electrical connectors having different latch mechanisms. A first connector includes a housing having a multi-function latching post thereon. The latching post has an internally threaded distal end for receiving a jack screw latch mechanism of a mating connector. The post also includes an external shoulder for receiving a spring arm latch mechanism of a different mating connector. The latching post further includes a reduced shank portion defining a second shoulder to facilitate mounting the first connector to a panel. A spring arm latch mechanism is located on one of the mating connectors via a mounting protrusion. The spring arm latch mechanism includes a mounting flange insertable beneath the mounting protrusion. The mounting flange has an upturned lip to prevent the flange from being inserted into the opening beneath the mounting protrusion.

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