Abstract: A novel connector pair suppresses arcing during connection and disconnection. In one general aspect of the invention, first and second insulating barriers are configured to extend beyond corresponding first and second contacts, the barriers being arranged to cover a leading end of at least one of the contacts, and to engage with each other when the contacts are separated by a small gap, thereby closing off substantially all through-air arcing paths between them. In another general aspect of the invention, at least one electrical contact in a connector pair is a bimetal contact having a transitional segment made from high resistivity metal. The transitional segment is configured to make first and last contact during the initial phases of mating and un-mating, thereby increasing electrical resistance and significantly lowering the electrical current and the energy available for electrical arcing.

Abstract: A novel connector pair suppresses arcing during connection and disconnection. In one general aspect of the invention, first and second insulating barriers are configured to extend beyond corresponding first and second contacts, the barriers being arranged to cover a leading end of at least one of the contacts, and to engage with each other when the contacts are separated by a small gap, thereby closing off substantially all through-air arcing paths between them. In another general aspect of the invention, at least one electrical contact in a connector pair is a bimetal contact having a transitional segment made from high resistivity metal. The transitional segment is configured to make first and last contact during the initial phases of mating and un-mating, thereby increasing electrical resistance and significantly lowering the electrical current and the energy available for electrical arcing.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a mid-power electrical connector is compact, strong, easy to disengage, durable, and low in manufacturing cost. The basic system includes a plug housing and a receptacle housing, each molded from plastic as a single piece, and at least one simple, mainly flat, metal latching tab inserted into a side of the plug housing. During connection of the housings, the latching tabs flex inward as they enter channels in the receptacle housing, and then spring outward to engage with receptacle latching features. In embodiments, wedge-shaped inward plastic protrusions in the channels engage with holes in the latching tabs. Unlatching requires only pressing the latching tabs gently inward. In embodiments, plastic pressing tabs can be pressed inward with fingers to flex and release the latching tabs. In other embodiments, the latching tabs are inaccessible to fingers, and a tool is required to release the latching tabs.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a mid-power electrical connector is compact, strong, easy to disengage, durable, and low in manufacturing cost. The basic system includes a plug housing and a receptacle housing, each molded from plastic as a single piece, and at least one simple, mainly flat, metal latching tab inserted into a side of the plug housing. During connection of the housings, the latching tabs flex inward as they enter channels in the receptacle housing, and then spring outward to engage with receptacle latching features. In embodiments, wedge-shaped inward plastic protrusions in the channels engage with holes in the latching tabs. Unlatching requires only pressing the latching tabs gently inward. In embodiments, plastic pressing tabs can be pressed inward with fingers to flex and release the latching tabs. In other embodiments, the latching tabs are inaccessible to fingers, and a tool is required to release the latching tabs.

Abstract: An electrical connector housing system includes a plug housing, a receptacle housing, and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism pivots on pivot posts on one housing and hooks to latching posts on the other housing, thereby securing the mated housings together. Catches on the latch mechanism engage with tabs near the latching posts when the latching mechanism is latched. The catches must be released using a screwdriver or similar tool before opening the latching mechanism and separating the mated housings. A protective barrier can be included to block direct access to the engaged catches and tabs. The housings include overlapping shells which exclude water and dirt, and the latching mechanism at least partially covers and further protects the shells when closed. In embodiments, a retaining mechanism automatically holds the latch open against gravity, facilitating connection and release of the housings with one hand and/or while wearing gloves.