Electrical connector with sliding interlock key for contact engagement

摘要

An electrical connector has a pair of housing elements (1,2) that are brought together to make a connection. Internally there are a number of contact units (6,7) in compartments. The housing parts are locked together using a key unit (3) that is inserted from the side into one of the housing halves. The key has a number of angled slots (15) that are sized to receive projecting studs (16) on the other half. The entrances to the slots are correctly aligned to allow the studs to enter by providing the key with a latch (19) that enters a location (20). As the key is pushed home the studs are forced to move along the angled slots and so causes the contacts to engage.