CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING A LATCHING MECHANISM

摘要

A connector body (26) which terminates at least one transmission medium includes on each side thereof a cantilevered arm (66) having a latching nub (70) projecting from a free end of the arm. A release cover (80) having a gripping portion (88) oriented toward a cable input end (32) of the connector body is mounted slidably on the connector body with the latching nubs of the arms each projecting through a window (90) in the cover. Conductors in the connector body are connected to conductors of another connector or of a device by inserting the connector body and release cover into a coupling (100) or into a receptacle. The latching nubs of the arms protrude into openings (106-106) provided in a housing (102) of the coupling to secure the connector body thereto. In order to withdraw the connector body from the coupling, a user moves the cover slidably along the connector body toward the cable input end. Walls which define the windows of the cover cam against the latching nubs causing them to be depressed as the free ends of the arms are moved inwardly. Once the nubs have cleared the openings in the coupling or in the receptacle, the connector body and release cover may be withdrawn from the housing. The release cover also is effective when forces of a predetermined magnitude are applied to the connector body to cause the latching nubs to become disengaged from the coupling and allow withdrawal of the connector body therefrom.