Connector with integrated latch assembly
View Patent ↗A connector utilizes a latching assembly that has a structure that connects horizontal movement of an actuator to vertical movement of a latching arm. A latching member is provided that grips the exterior of the connector and has a cantilevered latching arm that extends from the member over a mating portion for connection. In its simplest form the latching member includes a continuous retaining collar that fits over the exterior of the connector and exerts a clamping force on the connector so as to retain the latching member in place.
1. A connector comprising:
a housing, the housing having a mating portion with a mating end and main body portion with a rear end;
a latching clip supported by the housing;
a latching mechanism that includes a retainer that engages a majority of a perimeter of the main body portion and that further includes an engagement end disposed opposite the retainer and a body portion extending therebetween, the engagement end including an engagement member for engaging, in operation, an opposing connector, the engagement end configured to translate in a vertical direction; and
an actuator having a free end that is interposed between the housing and the latching clip, the actuator configured to be translated in a horizontal direction, whereby horizontal movement of the actuator causes vertical movement in the engagement end.
2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes two horizontally aligned mating blades positioned in the mating end.
3. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes two recesses and the retainer includes two engagement members that engage the two recesses.
4. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a collar that extends around an entire perimeter of the connector.
5. The connector of claim 4 , wherein the free end includes a cam end, the cam end having an enlarged member extending transversely to the latching arm and wherein the body portion has a width that varies along its extent from the retainer to the free end.
6. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the retainer deforms when applied to the housing.
7. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is positioned in a longitudinal channel.
8. The connector of claim 7 , wherein the longitudinal channel comprises a ramped surface that extends from a top of the housing downwardly toward the mating portion.
9. A connector comprising:
a housing, the housing having a mating portion with a mating end and main body portion with a rear end having an aperture;
a latching clip supported by the housing;
a latching mechanism that includes a retainer that clampingly engages a portion of a perimeter of the main body portion and that further includes an engagement end disposed opposite the retainer and a body portion extending therebetween, the engagement end including an engagement member for engaging, in operation, an opposing connector, the engagement end configured to translate in a vertical direction; and
an actuator having a free end that is interposed between the housing and the latching clip, the actuator configured to be translated in a horizontal direction, whereby horizontal movement of the actuator causes vertical movement in the engagement end.
10. The connector of claim 9 , wherein the housing includes two horizontally aligned mating blades positioned in the mating end.
11. The connector of claim 9 , wherein the housing includes two recesses and the retainer includes two engagement members that engage the two recesses.
12. The connector of claim 9 , wherein the retainer includes a collar that extends around an entire perimeter of the connector.
13. The connector of claim 12 , wherein the free end includes a cam end, the cam end having an enlarged member extending transversely to the latching arm and wherein the body portion has a width that varies along its extent from the retainer to the free end.
14. The connector of claim 9 , wherein the retainer deforms when applied to the housing.
15. The connector of claim 9 , wherein the actuator is positioned in a longitudinal channel.
16. The connector of claim 15 , wherein the longitudinal channel comprises a ramped surface that extends from a top of the housing downwardly toward the mating portion.
17. A connector, comprising:
a connector housing, the connector housing including at least first and second housing portions, the first and second housing portions being mated together along opposing vertical faces, the connector housing including a body portion and a mating portion;
a latching clip supported by the housing, the latching clip including a retainer configured to clamp the body portion of connector housing together and an engagement end disposed opposite the retainer;
a fastener configured to clamp the mating portion together; and
a first and second horizontally orientated mating blade positioned in the mating portion and extending toward the body portion, the first and second mating blades being supported in a vertically spaced apart manner.
18. The connector of claim 17 , wherein the retainer clampingly engages a substantial perimeter of the body portion and the retainer including a latching member extending longitudinally forward toward a free end.
19. The connector of claim 18 , wherein the fastener is positioned between the first and second mating blade.
20. The connector of claim 18 , further including a tab configured to actuate the free end of the latching member when the tab is translated.