Patent ID: 6126480
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A snap fit connector comprising two connector housings which fit together in a fitting direction, wherein one of the connector housings has a resilient latch member which, in use, engages a locking formation provided on the other of the housings to latch the housings when the housings are in a fully fitted state, wherein said one of the housings is provided with a detecting member movable relative to the latch member between advanced and retracted positions, the latch member and detecting member being upwardly movable together to an inclined position with respect to said one of the housings during fitting together of the housings, the detecting member co-operating with an abutment member provided on said one of the housings to impede movement of the detecting member to the advanced position when the detecting member is in the inclined position and the housings are not in the fully fitted state, the detecting member indicating a half-fitted state between the connector housings when the detecting member is not in the advanced position, the connector further including pushing back means to engage and move the detecting member from the advanced position to the retracted position during fitting together of the connector housings before the latching member and detecting member are moved upwardly to the inclined position, thereby preventing the detecting member from remaining in the advanced position prematurely during the fitting together of the housings, said pushing back means being disengaged from the detecting member when the connector housings are in the fully fitted state and thereby allowing the detecting member to be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position to indicate a fully fitted state.