Electrical connectors – With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in... – Retaining means
Utility Patent
1999-10-14
2001-01-02
Paumen, Gary F. (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...
Retaining means
Utility Patent
active
06168453
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a latch mechanism, and particularly to a latch mechanism for engaging two electrical connectors.
2. Prior Art
As computer technology advances, an increasing number of computer peripherals are connected to a computer host for performing various kinds of applications. The peripherals interface with the host computer via electrical connectors by adapting one of two commonly employed engaging methods.
In the first method, shown in
FIG. 1
, a resilient metal engaging portion
6
comprising a convex head is pivotably attached to an engaging end of a connector
5
. A mating connector
7
for engaging with the connector
5
equips a laterally extending metal sheet
71
with a clasping concave
72
. When the connectors
5
,
7
are engaged, the engaging portion
6
is pivoted toward the mating connector
7
until the convex head
61
engages with the clasping concave
72
. The connectors
5
,
7
are further connected together by means of a screw
4
. However, since significant clearance must exist on opposite ends of the mating connector
7
to permit pivoting of the engaging portions
6
, space is not efficiently utilized. Furthermore, the provision of the screws
4
makes the assembly process laborious.
FIG. 2
illustrates the second method for engaging a connector
9
to a mating connector
8
. The mating connector
8
defines a hole
81
in opposite ends thereof for extension of a bolt
82
therethrough. The connector
9
defines corresponding screw holes
91
therein for threadingly engaging with the corresponding bolt
82
. Thus, the connectors
8
,
9
are securely engaged. However, the provision of the bolts
82
doesn't simplify the assembly process.
Hence, a method for engaging electrical connectors is requisite for overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide latch mechanism for engaging electrical connectors which is easily assembled between the connectors and which promotes an efficient use of space within a computer.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first connector and a second connector are engaged by a latch mechanism. The first connector includes a dielectric housing defining a plurality of terminals receiving passages therethrough and a pair of socket holes in opposite end portions thereof. The second connector includes a dielectric housing defining a plurality of terminal receiving passages therethrough, and a pair of bases extending from opposite ends of the housing. Each base forms a forwardly extending elastic arm with a locking protrusion formed on an end thereof. The latch mechanism comprises a fixing plate, a linking portion, a pair of extending portions and a locking portion, The extending portions and the locking portion both extend from the linking portion. The locking portion is inserted into and locked in the screw hole of the housing. Furthermore, the locking portion is configured to have an inverse V-shaped slot thereby forming a pair of resilient legs having a plurality of barbs for strengthening the connection between the latch mechanism and the first connector. An aperture is defined in the fixing plate of the latching mechanism for securely engaging the locking protrusion of the corresponding base. Thus, the first and second connectors are securely engaged together by means of the latch mechanism.
Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5599207 (1997-02-01), Lai
patent: 5727970 (1998-03-01), Koguchi et al.
patent: 5788528 (1998-08-01), Orr, Jr. et al.
patent: 5848456 (1998-12-01), Sjoqvist
Chung Wei Te
Hon Hai - Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
Paumen Gary F.
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