Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Retaining means
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-26
2001-08-28
Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Retaining means
C439S607070
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280227
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the art of electrical connectors and more particularly relates to a mated plug and receptacle having a locking mechanism.
A plug connector is known wherein a shield is mounted to provide a predetermined gap around a periphery of terminals, the shield forming a contact with a mated socket connector, as disclosed in Japanese Examined Utility Model Application No. Hei 7-16312. In this known connector, the shield is constructed by forming a thin metal plate into an oblate rectangular shape in cross section. The resulting shield is intended to maintain physical contact strength between the connector and the socket by virtue of the spring elasticity of the metal of the shield frame.
Such known connectors generally include no lock mechanism. Therefore, the plug connector can be easily removed from the receptacle simply by pulling the connector body of the plug connector in a withdrawal direction away from the socket connector.
Such a non-locking connector arrangement may be sufficient for many personal consumer uses, such as a cable connection between a home personal computer and a digital video, wherein the inserting and withdrawal of the plug is frequently repeated. However, the non-locking arrangement may be insufficient to keep a satisfactory engagement in other environments which demand high reliability, and especially where the removal of the plug is not frequent. For example, a more reliable connection is desirable in commercial or business use, such as for a security camera in a bank or a store.
A need exists for a plug and socket connector with improved reliability. In particular, such a connector is needed which is releasably lockable to prevent inadvertent unpluging. Additionally, a connector is needed which provides a robust and stable connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A plug connector is proposed having a shield with locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a movable latch, the latch including a claw that projects outwardly from a side of the shield. A mated socket receptacle is also provided for receiving the plug connector. Upon plugging the plug connector into a mated socket receptacle, the projecting claw is received into a corresponding engagement recess formed in the socket receptacle.
Unfortunately, in some connector geometries, the plug connector may be able to move relative to the socket receptacle at the side opposite the single locking mechanism. From such movement, there is a possibility that the projection can work free from the recess, unlocking the connector. In order to prevent this, it has been considered to provide a connector with a pair of lock mechanisms on opposite sides. However, providing multiple locks on the connector unduly complicates the structure, raising manufacturing costs. Additionally, a dual-lock connector structure can lead to a rattle or wobble due to the fine positional displacement of the lock mechanisms. If such rattle is generated, the electrical connection between the shield and the receptacle is unstable.
Accordingly, features of the present invention enable a connector structure having a single locking mechanism to provide a stable connection and securely locked fit between the plug and socket receptacle. Additionally, the present invention advantageously reduces noise components upon the connection to the socket.
An additional feature of the invention is that it produces “click” or frictional feeling when the latch is pressed by a user. The structure of the connector is set so that the click corresponds to a depressed, unlocked condition of the claw relative to the recess in the socket receptacle. This sensory feedback is helpful to a person operating the plug, as it advantageously indicates that the plug can be withdrawn. In an embodiment, this click effect is performed by the latch spring. In particular, the latch spring is formed in a folded-over leaf shape such that two free ends of the spring are normally separated by a small gap, but as the spring is deflected as the latch is depressed, the two free ends of the spring physically contact each other and then pass over each other with slight interference. Advantageously, the spring according to this embodiment of the invention performs both the lock release “click” indicator function and the inherent spring function to bias the latch.
In an embodiment of the invention, a shielded electrical connector is provided having an insulative housing containing a plurality of terminal cavities, a plurality of terminals loaded into respective terminal cavities, and a conductive shell enclosing a portion of the housing. The conductive shell has a front opening to provide access for a mating connector. Additionally, a first side of the conductive shell has a first aperture and a second aperture. A latch disposed on the shell has a rear end pivotally mounted to shell. The latch further includes a push portion accessible through the second aperture in the shell and a claw projecting outwardly through the first aperture in the shell. A spring is disposed between the shield and latch for biasing the latch, and claw, outwardly.
In an embodiment, the connector further includes an inner shield that encloses the housing within the conductive shell.
For pivotally mounting to the shell, in an embodiment, latch includes a pair of oppositely-directed posts that pivotally reside in pivot holes in the shell.
In an embodiment, the connector additionally includes an insulative jacket around the conductive shell. This jacket is preferably formed of a flexible material, such as a rubber or plastic material. In an embodiment, the insulative jacket includes a flexible press portion abutting against the push portion of the latch. Advantageously, the insulative jacket protects the other components of the connector and allows the connector to be easily gripped while permitting manipulation of the latch.
In an embodiment, the latch is disposed between the conductive shell and the insulative jacket around the shell.
In an embodiment, the connector includes a biasing spring outwardly projecting from a second side of the shell. This biasing spring advantageously ensures a secure fit of the connector within a mated socket receptacle and a stable grounding connection.
In an embodiment, the receptacle connector includes a pushing spring that is biased against a face of the plug connector upon insertion, applying a force against the plug connector in the withdraw direction. This pushing spring advantageously keeps a side of the deployed claw held firmly against the recess in the socket receptacle, enhancing the locking action of the claw. Additionally, when the latch is depressed to release the plug connector, retracting the claw from the recess, the pushing spring advantageously boosts the plug connector in a withdrawal direction from the receptacle connector.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description, claims and Figures herein.
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Niitsu Toshihiro
Terada Takashi
Bradley Paula
Molex Incorporated
Ta Tho D.
Zeitler Robert J.
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