With Additional Means To Cause Or Prevent Unlatching Patents (Class 439/352)
  • Patent number: 8926355
    Abstract: A connector assembly is provided with a first member and a second member that is removably connected to the first member. The second member has a deflectable latch that secures the first and second members together. A connector position assurance device is movably supported on the second member. The connector position assurance device includes a body portion and a deflectable locking arm that extends from the body portion. The connector position assurance device is movable between a first position, wherein the locking arm is in contact with the latch to lock the connector position assurance device in the first position and to deflect the locking arm when the latch is deflected, and a second position, wherein the body portion is positioned adjacent to the latch to prevent deflection of the latch, only after the first and second members are secured together by the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Rudolf Heil, Ümit Celiker, Robert Klawinski
  • Patent number: 8926357
    Abstract: A plug-in connector for connecting to a receptacle including a housing including fins, at least one electrically conductive terminal at least partly situated in the housing and defining a mating axis and a mating direction, cantilevered locking beams arranged in the housing, a slider slidingly coupled to the housing and including blocking beams extending in the mating direction, a compressive member arranged to urge the slider outward away from the housing in the mating direction. The fins are situated to engage with the blocking beams during an initial stage of relative movement between the housing and the slider against a bias of the compressive member and allow inward deflection of the locking beams. The blocking beams are configured to prevent inward deflection of the locking beams after a final stage of the relative movement between the housing and the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: JAE Oregon, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Kennedy, Katsumasa Okuda, Guy Letourneau, Kasthuri Sankar Damodharan
  • Patent number: 8920187
    Abstract: A lock arm (12) is cantilevered back from a front end part of a housing main body (11). The lock arm (12) includes an accommodating recess (31) that is open toward a deformation space (25) therefor and toward the back. When the housing main body (11) is connected properly to a mating housing (50) and a detector (70) is pushed from a standby position to a detection position, a part of the detector (70) is inserted into the accommodating recess (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kon, Yutaka Noro
  • Patent number: 8920186
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connector having a first contact housing, a second contact housing, and a lock housing. The first contact housing includes a housing protrusion disposed on a rear end portion thereof, and the second contact housing is positioned over the first contact housing. The lock housing includes a base portion positioned across the second contact housing and a deformable lock arm extending from the base portion toward the first contact housing. The deformable lock arm includes an engaging protrusion facing the first contact housing and is deformable by the first contact housing when not engaged with the housing protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Japan G.K.
    Inventor: Seiji Shishikura
  • Patent number: 8905777
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (100) including a housing (1) having a channel (12) formed on a top surface thereof and extending along a mating direction, a latch mechanism (6) received in the channel and being capable of sliding in the channel, and a spring (8) received in the indentation. An indentation (1216) is formed in the channel. The spring is limited by the latch mechanism along a front to rear direction. The latch mechanism defines a block (6202) extending into the indentation and attached to a front end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Jun Zhu, Qing-Man Zhu, Chien-Chiung Wang
  • Patent number: 8905442
    Abstract: A latch structure according to an embodiment includes a cage having an engagement hole, a connector attachably and detachably held in the cage, the connector comprising a connector body having an almost rectangular parallelepiped shape and an insertion part to be inserted into the cage formed on an end surface of the connector body, a latch cover rockably installed in an upper surface of the connector body, being formed of a single plate material and having a cover body for covering the upper surface of the connector body, an engagement claw to engage with the engagement hole of the cage formed at an end portion of the latch cover, a spring member for always energizing the latch cover so that the engagement claw engages with the engagement hole, a rocking member formed in both sides of the cover body of the latch cover and formed by bending the plate material downward and a rocking groove formed in both side surfaces of the connector body for rockably engaging with the rocking member, wherein the rocking memb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ishigami, Kenichi Tamura, Masayuki Nikaido
  • Patent number: 8888521
    Abstract: A connector apparatus position assurance device ensures that a male connector assembly and a female connector assembly of an in-line sealed electrical connector apparatus of the present invention remain engaged. The connector apparatus position assurance device has contiguous parts that engage various parts of a retention clip of the male connector assembly at different levels of insertion of the connector apparatus position assurance device into the male connector assembly. The insertion of the connector apparatus position assurance device is also accomplished at various stages (i.e., from pre-lock position to final lock position) depending on the insertion level of the female connector assembly into the male connector assembly. Consequently, the effect of the level of insertion of the female connector assembly ensures that the male and female connector assemblies remain engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: J.S.T. Corporation
    Inventors: John Jeffrey Puckett, Makiko Brzezinski, Charles Paul Depp
  • Patent number: 8876404
    Abstract: A receptacle connector including a receptacle housing having a housing cavity that is configured to receive a plug connector. The housing cavity is defined by an interior sidewall that extends along the mating axis and has a guide track thereon. The receptacle connector also includes a communication component that is disposed within the housing cavity and configured to communicatively engage the plug connector. The receptacle connector also includes a coupling member that is disposed within the housing cavity and is configured to engage the plug connector. The coupling member is movable bi-directionally along a mating axis and has a latch element that is slidably engaged to the guide track of the sidewall. The guide track forces the latch element toward the plug connector as the coupling member moves along the mating axis. The latch element capturing the plug connector in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Jared Evan Rossman
  • Publication number: 20140322951
    Abstract: A latching of a latch piece to a latch portion of a lock release unit is released with a latch claw being retracted in a connector fitting portion by swing of a latch arm. A latching of an auxiliary latch piece to the latch portion is released with a lock claw being retracted in the connector fitting portion by swing of a lock arm and an auxiliary arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Takenori OHMURA
  • Publication number: 20140322949
    Abstract: In an electrical connector, a latch claw is provided at a nearer side than a lock claw in a fitting direction of a connector fitting portion to a power receiving connector. While the latch claw is retracted into the connector fitting portion, the latch arm swings to release the latching between a latch piece and a second latch groove portion. The power feedability determining mechanism includes a movable shaft moving in a direction perpendicular to the fitting direction when a half-fitting state changes to a fitting state, and a regulation arm insertable into or extractable from an air gap of a lock arm according to the movement of the movable shaft. The regulation arm is inserted into the air gap to regulate swinging of the lock arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Takenori OHMURA
  • Publication number: 20140322950
    Abstract: A latching of a latch piece to a latch portion of a lock release unit is released with a latch claw being retracted in a connector fitting portion by swing of a latch arm. A latching of a lock piece to a latch portion of the lock release unit is performed with a lock claw being retracted in the connector fitting portion by swing of a lock arm and is released with the lock claw being protruded from the connector fitting portion by swing of the lock arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Takenori OHMURA
  • Publication number: 20140322952
    Abstract: In an electrical connector, a latch claw is provided at a nearer side than a lock claw in a fitting direction of a connector fitting portion to a power receiving connector. While the latch claw is retracted into the connector fitting portion, the latch arm swings to release the latching between a latch piece and a second latch groove portion. The latch arm includes a protrusion 131A that releases the latching between the second latch groove portion and a hold latch piece of the lock-release hold portion when the second latch groove portion and the latch piece latch together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Takenori OHMURA
  • Publication number: 20140315415
    Abstract: An electrical connector module, includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part includes a main body and a pair of protrusion portions. The second connecting part includes a base seat, a receiving portion on the base body; and a pair of latching assemblies. The latching assembly includes a pair of first blocking members, a pair of second blocking members and a latching member. The latching member is located between the pair of first blocking members and the pair of second blocking members. The latching member includes a base body, a latching portion protruding from the base body, and a pair of cam portions on the base body, each cam portion is rotatably retained between one first blocking member and one second blocking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD.
    Inventor: BAO-KUN WU
  • Publication number: 20140315414
    Abstract: A plug tool for plugging or unplugging a connector includes a first operation member and a second operation member. The connector includes a plug, a resilient latching piece, and a cable. The first operation member includes a fastening shell receiving the plug and a sleeve extending out from the fastening shell receiving the cable of the connector. The second operation member is rotatably connected to the sleeve. The second operation member includes a pressing portion for pressing the latching piece of the connector toward the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIA-BING GAO, AI-LING HE, HAN-BING ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140315416
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a lock claw and a latch claw. The latch claw is provided at a nearer side than the lock claw in a fitting direction where a connector fitting portion is fitted to a power receiving connector and is provided with the lock claw along the fitting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Takenori OHMURA
  • Publication number: 20140308009
    Abstract: A connector is provided for mating with a mating connector. The connector includes a housing having an internal compartment and a locking segment. A contact is held within the internal compartment of the housing. A locking ring extends around the housing. The locking ring has a latch that is configured to cooperate with a latch member of the mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector together. The connector includes a first actuator configured to compress the locking ring radially inward or expand the locking ring radially outward to release the latch of the locking ring from the latch member of the mating connector. The locking segment of the housing includes a second actuator that is configured to compress the locking ring radially inward or expand the locking ring radially outward to release the latch of the locking ring from the latch member of the mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Neil Mulfinger
  • Publication number: 20140302694
    Abstract: An electrical cable connector includes a cable connector housing and a latch attached to the cable connector housing. The cable connector housing includes a first set of electrical contacts and a latch channel. The latch includes an arm portion, a hinge portion, and an actuation portion. The arm portion is disposed in the latch channel and includes a pair of latch arms. The latch arms include opposing catch portions disposed at a front end thereof and are adapted to securely attach the cable connector to a mating connector by surrounding a protrusion inside a housing of the mating connector. The hinge portion extends from a back end of the arm portion. The actuation portion extends generally upwardly from the hinge portion. Pressing down the actuation portion about the hinge portion splays the latch arms such that the catch portions are moved away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: YunLong Qiao, Saujit Bandhu
  • Patent number: 8840419
    Abstract: A communication connector comprises a connector body and a tab operating mechanism. The connector body has a locking tab at a front top portion thereof and is fitted to a case at a rear portion thereof, wherein the case is provided with a pivot portion. The tab operating mechanism includes a press member and spring means. The press member is pivotally mounted to the pivot portion of the case. The spring means is disposed between the case and the locking tab for engaging with the locking tab from a lower position. With the present invention, the spring means can assist the locking tab 11 to return to its normal position, while the press member can limit the locking tab within an angle for protecting the locking tab from being overly bent by improper external force. Such features make the present invention a robust and reliable communication connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Kui-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 8823486
    Abstract: An antitheft system of a charger for an electric vehicle that prevents theft of a charger during charging a battery of the electric vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, a first signal generating portion is provided at the charger, receives a decoupling will of the charger, and generates a decoupling signal. A second signal generating portion generates a position signal, so that anyone who is allowed to handle the electric vehicle possesses the second signal generating portion. A control portion generates an operating signal when both the decoupling signal of the first signal generating portion and the position signal of the second signal generating portion are received by the control portion. Once received, an actuator decouples the charger from the connector once the operating signal from the control portion is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yun Jae Jung, Seok Kim, Taehyoung Park
  • Patent number: 8814578
    Abstract: Modular connectors are provided that have a modular receptacle connector assembly matable with a modular plug connector assembly for connecting AC or DC power connectors and electrical signals including board-to-board and wire-to-board connection. Provided is a “pass through” modular component to facilitate connection and disconnection of only the power supply for service without disconnecting the entire system. The wire connector also may load to the main housing thus obviating the need for a panel mount. Also provided is a one-unit modular connector system with either a coplanar or a right-angle design. Furthermore, multiple AC and/or DC power supplies can be provided that utilize minimum board space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Arvind Patel, Bratislav Kostic, Kenneth M. Stiles, Ronald S. Fox
  • Patent number: 8816853
    Abstract: A self-shunting security system for detecting the absence or presence of a removable auxiliary alarm assembly for preventing theft of one or more products operatively connected to said system. A port is operatively attached to circuitry and is adapted to receive the removable auxiliary alarm assembly. A shunting assembly is also operatively attached to the circuitry and is disposed in relation to the port for detecting the absence or presence of the removable auxiliary alarm assembly within the port. The port and shunting assembly are in parallel electrical configuration. The shunting assembly automatically forms a first closed circuit when the removable auxiliary alarm assembly is not inserted into the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kelsch, John N. Figh, Jr., Thomas J. Beach, Lucas P. Swartwood, Bruno M. L. Telles, Weitong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20140235091
    Abstract: An electrical connector for contacting a meting connector is proposed which has a locking device and includes a locking mechanism by means of a tiltable locking latch. The spring-loaded unlocking mechanism is triggered by pulling on a pull tab and constitutes a secure locking connection between the electrical connector and the mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: HARTING ELECTRONICS GMBH
    Inventors: Yingtao Wang, Junmin Guo
  • Patent number: 8801452
    Abstract: An assisting apparatus for unplugging a connector from a socket of an electronic device includes a fixing arm mounted to the electronic device adjacent to the socket, a press arm, and a connection piece connected between the fixing arm and the press arm. The press arm is capable of being moved to contact and press a resilient plate of the connector that is engaged with a sidewall bounding the socket to allow the resilient plate to disengage from the sidewall bounding the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Hui Wang
  • Patent number: 8801453
    Abstract: A rotary connector assembly includes a connector housing sized to mate with a mating adapter and a lock ring. The connector housing includes at least one flexible tab. The lock ring is disposed over at least a portion of the connector housing. One of the connector housing and the lock ring includes a guide pin and the other includes a guide member disposed between the guide pin and the flexible tab. A rotation of the lock ring in a first direction flexes the tab radially inwards into a first position to secure the mating adapter in the connector housing, and a rotation of the lock ring in a second direction into a second position flexes the tab radially outwards to release the mating adapter from the connector housing. The guide pin translates relative to the guide member as the lock ring rotates between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scorzelli, Craig Newmeyer, Michael Holuk
  • Publication number: 20140213093
    Abstract: A power receptacle includes two or more socket terminals and a locking mechanism. The socket terminals are configured for receiving respective pins of a mating electrical plug. The locking mechanism is operative to transition between an unlocked state, in which the socket terminals grip the respective pins with a first mechanical pressure, and a locked state in which the socket terminals grip the respective pins with a second mechanical pressure that is higher than the first mechanical pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventor: Or Tal
  • Patent number: 8783968
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector is provided comprising: a connector plug, which may be inserted into an associated socket in a longitudinal direction; a resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the first connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the first connector plug; and a guard cover, configured to prevent access to the depressible part of the resilient leg in its direction of depression, but to permit access to the resilient leg in the longitudinal direction through an access aperture, the access aperture being aligned with the depressible part of the resilient leg on an axis parallel with the longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the resilient leg through the access aperture directly. A corresponding extraction tool and methods, loopback connector, blanking plug, blanking plate and patch panel are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Fiber Products, Limited
    Inventor: Darren Adams
  • Publication number: 20140199876
    Abstract: A male connector has a moving plate which is movable between an initial position and a retreat position, and an initial position locking part which immovably locks the moving plate with respect to a male housing in the initial position. A female connector has a locking releasing part which, when a female housing is inserted into an opening of the male housing, engages with the initial position locking part to release the locking of the moving plate with respect to the male housing. The moving plate is moved from the initial position to the retreat position by insertion of the female housing inside the male housing in a state that the locking by the initial position locking part has been released by the locking releasing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime KATO, Hiroshi SHINBA
  • Publication number: 20140193993
    Abstract: A plug connector to be inserted into a receptacle cage having a latching tab includes a housing and a releasing mechanism mounted on the housing. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls interconnecting the top wall and the bottom wall together. The housing includes a first flange extending a first preselected distance from the top wall and a second flange extending a second preselected distance from the bottom wall. A width of the second flange is larger than a width of the first flange. The releasing mechanism comprises a pair of actuator arms movably attached to the sidewalls along a mating direction of the plug connector and a horizontal portion integrally connected between the actuator arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-HUA MENG, SHU-ZHONG PENG, YUN-CHENG HOU
  • Patent number: 8758039
    Abstract: The locking device is for arrangement in the connector receptacle, which is connected to the charging connector that charges a battery, to interlock the connector receptacle and the charging connector. The locking device includes a notch engageable with a hook arranged in the charging connector. A lock bar is movable between a lock position, at which the lock bar restricts movement of the hook and keeps the hook and lock bar engaged, and an unlock position, at which the lock bar moves away from the hook and permits movement of the hook. A drive unit generates drive force for moving the lock bar from the unlock position to the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ishida, Masanari Okuno, Shinji Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20140170888
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket structure capable of preventing plug from detaching, which comprises: a housing; a first base; a first electrode plate; a second electrode plate; a first button, one end thereof is extended with a first rod; and a second button, one end thereof is extended with a second rod; when the first button and the second button are pressed, the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are respectively abutted by the first rod and the second rod, thereby allowing a plug to be released from the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Chao-Chuan CHIEN
  • Publication number: 20140170890
    Abstract: A lock device locks a locking subject and includes a lock member moved between a lock position for locking the locking subject and an unlock position for unlocking the locking subject. A first urging member urges the lock member to the lock position. A switching member moves between a first position where the switch member fixes the lock member at the lock position and a second position where the switch member permits the lock member to unlock the locking subject. A first actuator drives the switching member. A position detector is arranged in a power supply line connected to the first actuator. The position detector detects whether the lock member has been moved from the unlock position to the lock position subject and permits the supply of power to the first actuator when detecting the movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Naoto KURUMIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20140170889
    Abstract: A lock device includes a lock member moved between a lock position, at which the lock member restricts removal of a locking subject from a power port, and an unlock position, at which the lock member permits removal of the locking subject from the power port. A transmission member is moved between a first position, at which the transmission member fixes the lock member at the lock position, and a second position, at which the transmission member permits movement of the lock member to the unlock position. A forcible unlocking mechanism includes a movable forcible unlocking member, which manually moves the transmission member to the second position, and a holding unit, which holds the forcible unlocking member while permitting movement of the transmission member between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Keiji KAHARA, Toshiharu KATAGIRI
  • Patent number: 8747141
    Abstract: A connector includes a body configured to latchingly connect to a complementary connector element in a latching direction and an arm projecting from the body at an angle to the axis. The arm is configured to shift from a first position with its distal end a first distance from the axis to a second position with its distal end a second distance from the axis, and the body is removable from the complementary connector element when the arm is in the second position. The connector includes a force redirection element connected to the body and an extension member in contact with the force redirection element. The force redirection element is configured such that when a force is applied to the extension member in a direction opposite the latching direction, the arm is shifted from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Charles Thomas Crain
  • Patent number: 8747140
    Abstract: A plug connector set has first and second plug connector parts, an unlocking part and a plate. The first plug connector has at least one first contact element and a latching lug. The second plug connector part has at least one second contact element. An unlocking part is used to displace the latching lug out of a locking position into the unlocking position or for latching to the latching lug and locking the first and second plug connector part to each other. A plate is adjacent to the latching lug and projects away from the first plug connector part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Wago Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Stephan Gassauer, Karsten Simon
  • Patent number: 8740637
    Abstract: A plug connector comprises: a housing and a releasing mechanism mounted on the housing and comprising a pulling portion and a latching member, the latching member defining a latching portion for latching a complementary connector, the pulling portion having a groove and the latching member having an ear portion engaged with the groove, the ear portion being able to rise out of the groove in response to a rearward movement of the pulling portion to move the latching portion from a latched position to a released position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Chiung Wang, Qing-Man Zhu, Peng Zhai
  • Publication number: 20140148040
    Abstract: A delatch mechanism for a plug connector (100) plugged in a cage (20). The delatch mechanism includes a latch block (210) positioned at an exterior surface of the cage, a latch tap (14) positioned at an exterior portion of the plug connector (100), and an actuator member (3) positioned at the exterior portion of the plug connector. The latch tap has a latch hole (1421) for matching with the latch block to lock the plug connector with the cage. Drive the actuator member so that the latch block away from the latch hole to unlock the plug connector from the cage. Through setting the latch block on the cage and the latch hole on the plug connector, the delatch mechanism runs easily for unlatch process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DONG-QI KUANG, QING-MAN ZHU, JERRY WU
  • Publication number: 20140148039
    Abstract: A communication connector comprises a connector body and a tab operating mechanism. The connector body has a locking tab at a front top portion thereof and is fitted to a case at a rear portion thereof, wherein the case is provided with a pivot portion. The tab operating mechanism includes a press member and spring means. The press member is pivotally mounted to the pivot portion of the case. The spring means is disposed between the case and the locking tab for engaging with the locking tab from a lower position. With the present invention, the spring means can assist the locking tab 11 to return to its normal position, while the press member can limit the locking tab within an angle for protecting the locking tab from being overly bent by improper external force. Such features make the present invention a robust and reliable communication connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: KUI-HSIEN HUANG
  • Patent number: 8734176
    Abstract: A signal transmission medium inserted into an insulating housing can be held and released in a favorable manner with a simple structure. A pair of lock release parts are arranged to face opposite each other at both outer ends of a signal transmission medium, this pair of lock release parts being integrally and continuously formed to release arms integrally extending from the insulating housing to be movable to approach and separate from each other, with a lock release link mechanism being provided for causing the locking portion to displace in an unlocking direction by moving the pair of lock release parts in directions approaching each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 8727801
    Abstract: Pluggable module that includes a module housing having mating and trailing ends and a sidewall that extends therebetween. The sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis. The pluggable module further comprises a latch mechanism that is attached to the trailing end of the module housing. The latch mechanism includes a coupling arm that extends along the sidewall toward the mating end and also an operator handle that is operatively connected to the coupling arm at a latch joint. The operator handle projects away from the trailing end of the module housing. The operator handle is configured to be pressed by an actuating force to move the coupling arm into a flexed position. The latch joint moves when the operator handle is pressed and the coupling arm moves away from the sidewall to the flexed position. The coupling arm returns toward the sidewall when the actuating force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: David S. Szczesny
  • Publication number: 20140127931
    Abstract: A connector includes a temporary lock member having a mating arm provided at a connector housing and an arm mating hole provided at a cover body of a connector cover. The mating arm has an edge portion formed with a protruding portion. The arm mating hole is so configured that: in a position where the protruding portion abuts an interference inner wall face, the cover body is pressed inward while being rotated such that the cover body returns to a position where the cover body faces an inherent mounting direction of the cover body, which allows the protruding portion to get over the interference inner wall face and to be inserted to an insertion completion position; and in the insertion completion position, the arm mating hole sandwiches the protruding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro URASHIMA, Munetoshi NAKAHARA, Yoshinori TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 8708732
    Abstract: Connector includes a plug and receptacle. The receptacle includes a cylindrical part and a flange. The plug includes a cylindrical barrel, which houses internal connectors, and a coupling nut. At an end of the barrel, an engaging piece and a pair of locking pieces, which face each other, project in an axial direction of the barrel. Locking hooks are formed at the tips of the locking pieces. The coupling nut is screwed onto the cylindrical part to connect the plug to the receptacle. Before the connection, the engaging piece and the locking pieces are inserted into and engaged with the cylindrical part and positioned. At the same time, the locking pieces are caught in the receptacle to temporarily secure the plug to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Takeo Toda, Hideto Shimazu
  • Publication number: 20140106601
    Abstract: An electrical connector of the present invention includes a housing, an electrical terminal, and a moving member that has a moving member body and a detection portion. The housing is provided with a first step portion, and the detection portion is provided with a second step portion. When the moving member is at a first position, the second step portion comes into contact with the first step portion so as to prevent the moving member from moving forward. When the mating portion is completely fitted into a retainer, the detection portion becomes displaced toward the counter mating side due to being pressed by the retainer or the inflator housing, and the second step portion becomes separated from the first step portion so as to permit the moving member to move forward. Also, a squib connection device of the present invention includes this electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki MATSUMOTO, Munetaka YASUDA
  • Patent number: 8690595
    Abstract: A squid connector is described herein and can include a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion can include a top housing having a top aperture and a top wall defining a top cavity. The top portion can also include a number of conductor receivers mechanically coupled to the top wall, and a top coupling feature disposed on the top housing. The bottom portion can include a bottom housing having a bottom aperture and a bottom wall defining a bottom cavity. The bottom portion can also include a number of fuse holders positioned within the bottom cavity, and a number of fuses removeably coupled to the fuse holders and a collector electrically coupled to the bottom end of the fuses. The bottom portion can also include a connector pin electrically coupled to the collector and a bottom coupling feature disposed on the bottom housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Kyle Steven Barna
  • Patent number: 8684760
    Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a lockable power cord may include a power module, a locking member, a power cord, a power supply, and a loop. The locking member may include at least one arm member biased radially outward from the power module to an expanded state. The locking member may be configured to move radially inward toward the power module in response to the power module entering into the power receptacle, and expand radially away from the power module into a locking cavity of the power receptacle when the power module enters beyond a locking point within the power receptacle. The loop may include at least a first opening having a width smaller than a width of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Amy Han
  • Patent number: 8687371
    Abstract: A tamper respondent module includes a basecard adapted to be inserted into a slot in a rack enclosure comprising at least one guide edge, at least one electrical coupler, a surface and at least one electronic component that contains information in an electronic format. In one example, an outer cover is coupled to the basecard and includes at least five sides. The outer cover is arranged in a covering relationship over the at least one electronic component. In another example, an anti-tamper apparatus is disposed between the outer cover and the surface. In another example, an anti-tamper circuit is electrically coupled to the at least one electronic component. In another example, a thermal frame is thermally coupled to the at least one electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: DY 4 Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Nauman Arshad, Jing Kwok, Ivan Straznicky, Martin Terence Cassels
  • Publication number: 20140087580
    Abstract: Protection walls (31) stand on an upper surface of a connector housing (11) and a lock arm (17) is arranged between them. A planar portion (44) is formed on the upper surface of the lock arm (17) and is connected to the protection walls (31). Grooves (45) extend forward from the rear of the planar portion (44) and a part of the planar portion (44) before the groove (45) defines a deflection support (16) of the lock arm (17). Reverse-turn preventing walls (47) protrude in from the protection walls (31) and reverse-turn preventing pieces (50) protrude out from the lock arm (17) below the reverse-turn preventing walls (47). The reverse-turn preventing pieces (50) contact the reverse-turn preventing walls (47) to limit deflection of the lock arm (17). The deflection support (46) and the reverse-turn preventing walls (47) are at the same height to miniaturize the connector height.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinpei Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 8678846
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for mating with a mating connector and includes a housing and a fulcrum latch mechanism having a latch arm extending from a latching end to an actuation end. The latch arm is configured to rotate about a fulcrum that is located along the length of the latch arm between the latching and actuation ends such that the latching end is configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position. A connector position assurance (CPA) device is movably held by the housing such that the CPA device is configured to move relative to the housing between a mated position and an unmated position. The CPA device is movably held by the housing independently of the latch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Bryan Hitchcock, Bradley Scott Buchter
  • Patent number: 8678847
    Abstract: A power plug locking device arranged in a vehicle includes a lock member moved between a lock position, in which the lock member prohibits removal of a power plug from a vehicle inlet, and an unlock position, in which the lock member permits removal of the power plug from the vehicle inlet. A drive source is activated to move the lock member from the lock position to the unlock position. An unlock switch is manually operated to move the lock member to the unlock position. An unlock circuit activates the drive source to move the lock member to the unlock position when the operation of the unlock switch and an unlock state of a vehicle door are both detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tomohiro Inoue, Keigo Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 8678845
    Abstract: A charging connector (10) has a housing (11) integrally formed by bolting a pair of half members. A front housing (20) is mounted in a front end portion of the housing (11) and tightly held by two housings (30, 40). A positioning rib (16) for positioning the housings (30, 40) is provided at a position of the base-side housing (30) distant from the front housing (20) and comes into contact with the inner surface of the cover-side housing (40) when the housings (30, 40) are assembled properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Osawa
  • Publication number: 20140080350
    Abstract: A mechanical lug assembly for an electrical power device includes a spring clamp and a cradle. The spring clamp has a fixed section, a clamping section, and a deflecting section. The deflecting section has a deflecting spring force DF to allow flexible bending of the clamping section relative to the fixed section. The clamping section is offset relative to the fixed section. The cradle has a fastened section mounted to the fixed section to form a closed end of the lug assembly. The cradle has a terminal section extending from the fastened section along the clamping section to form an open end of the lug assembly. The cradle further has a pair of side walls extending at an angle from respective sides of the terminal section towards the spring clamp. The clamping section is fixed in place between the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad Weiden