Patent ID: 6416345
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A connector lock mechanism comprising:an elastically-deformable lock arm formed on an outer surface of one of male and female connector housings which are fittable to each other, the lock arm extending in a connector fitting direction; at least one engagement projection formed on the lock arm; at least one arm engagement portion formed on an outer surface of the other one of male and female connector housings, wherein when the male and female connector housings are completely fitted to each other, the arm engagement portion retains the engagement projection of the lock arm to lock the male and female connector housings; at least one push-out guide surface formed on the arm engagement portion, wherein when the male and female connectors housings are in a half-fitted condition, the push-out guide surface deforms the lock arm elastically in a direction away from an outer surface of the one of male and female connector housings away from each other; and at least one retaining portion formed on the arm engagement portion, wherein when the male and female connector housings are completely fitted to each other so that elastic deformation of the lock arm by the push-out guide surface is canceled, the retaining portion retains the engagement projection, wherein engagement of the engagement projection with the retaining portion is canceled by elastic deformation of the lock arm in a direction substantially parallel to the outer surface of the other one of male and female connector housing; wherein cancellation of the engagement of the engagement projection with the retaining portion further comprises elastic deformation of the lock arm in a direction toward the outer surface of one of the male and female connector housing.