Latch release

Details Latch release Latch release

2000-08-16

2001-07-03

Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)

Electrical connectors

With coupling movement-actuating means or retaining means in...

Retaining means

Reexamination Certificate

active

06254418

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to devices adapted for the actuation of locking latches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical connectors typically have a multiplicity of terminal contacts positioned in an insulating housing, and arranged so as to be connected to a complementary connector to form a connector pair. It is well known to use mechanical latching mechanisms for maintaining the connection between the two connectors. The latching mechanism will ensure that the mating connectors maintain an electrical connection. Typically, the connector includes an integral latch member which is secured to the housing by a leg or biased hinge, or a connection point with the housing of the connector. The mating connector has a catch or a lug which will engage the latch mechanism when the two connectors are interengaged thereby ensuring that the connectors remain secured together. Examples of connectors utilizing such devices may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 6,089,898; 6,071,141; 5,947,776; 5,941,726; 5,785,540; 5,725,324; 5,399,109; 5,255,154; 5,207,593; 4,995,826; 4,647,128; and 4,272,145.
These arrangements are not always satisfactory, especially when they are used in conjunction with multiple, but separate connectors that are positioned either side-by-side or stacked one above the other.
There is a need in the art for connectors that can be released from one another when the latching mechanism is located in a remote position, or in an arrangement with other connector pairs that provides little or no space for actuation. This need in the art has become acute in connection with many “high density” interconnection systems, where unlatching must take place under difficult circumstances, e.g., in a blind space where several such connectors are arranged in a stacked configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a latch release for engaging an operative portion of a latching mechanism of a connector to switch the latching mechanism between a latched position and an unlatched position. In one embodiment, a latch release is provided comprising a housing that is cooperatively associated with the connector so as to be positioned adjacent to the operative portion of the latching mechanism. A beam is pivotably supported by the housing and comprises a front end positioned adjacent to the operative portion of the latching mechanism and a rear end that is spaced from the operative portion of the latching mechanism. In this way, when the rear end of the beam is moved, the beam pivots so that the front end operatively engages the operative portion of the latching mechanism.
In another embodiment of the invention, a latch release is provided comprising a beam pivotably supported by the housing and comprising a front end positioned adjacent to the operative portion of the latching mechanism, a rear end that is spaced from the operative portion of the latching mechanism and a resilient hinge located between the front and rear ends. In this embodiment, when the rear end of the beam is moved, the beam pivots, flexing the living hinge, and thereby moving the front end into operative engagement with the operative portion of the latching mechanism.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, a latch release is provided comprising a cam slidably supported by the housing and comprising a front end positioned adjacent to the operative portion of the latching mechanism and including a camming surface and a rear end that is spaced from the operative portion of the latching mechanism. In this embodiment, when the rear end of the cam is slid toward the latching mechanism the camming surface operatively engages the operative portion of the latching mechanism.


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