Security locking key mechanism for electrical connectors

摘要

A security locking system is disclosed for use with an electrical connector which includes a latch device for latching the connector to a complementary mating electrical connector. The latch device has a depressible portion to effect unlatching of the device. The depressible portion has a vacant space therebeneath. A locking key is insertable in a given direction into the vacant space beneath the depressible portion to prevent unlatching of the latch device. Retaining shoulders are provided on the locking key, engageable with the connector, to prevent removal of the key opposite the given direction. The locking key is sufficiently flexible in a direction transverse to the given direction to effect disengagement of the retaining shoulders in response to bending the key transverse to the given direction. A stop of a given height is provided on the connector to prevent bending the locking key unless the key is lifted above the height of the stop. A tether device is provided for tethering the locking key to an electrical cable terminated to the electrical connector to prevent misplacement of the locking key.