Patent ID: 6565372
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An electrical connector assembly comprising:a connector housing having a flex wall, a cavity being open in a forward mating direction and defined in-part by the flex wall, a rearward facing lock seat, and a groove which is carried by the flex wall, communicates laterally with the cavity, is elongated in the mating direction, and is closed at a forward end by the lock seat; a cam lever engaged pivotally to the connector housing, the cam lever being constructed to pivot between an open position and a mated position; a mating connector housing having a staged position, a tab having a forward facing stop surface disposed perpendicular to the mating direction, and a protruding cam follower, wherein the mating connector housing is partially disposed within the cavity when in the staged position, the tab is extended into a forward end of the groove when in the staged position so that contact of the stop surface with the lock seat prevents release of the mating connector from the connector housing, and wherein the cam follower is aligned to engage the cam lever when the mating connector is in the staged position; and wherein rotary movement of the cam lever from the open position to the mated position moves the mating connector from the staged position to fully mate the connector assembly.