Patent ID: 6540532
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An electrical connector, comprising:first and second housings having rear ends configured to receive electrical contacts, said first and second housings having front ends configured to be matable with one another to join corresponding electrical contacts, said first and second housings being movable between initial and final positions, at which corresponding electrical contacts partially and fully mate, respectively; a lever member including cam arms having retention apertures that engage said first housing and having retention elements that engage said second housing, said cam arms moving said first and second housings between said initial and final positions as said lever member is rotated through a range of motion about a rotational axis defined by said retention apertures; and said first housing having deflectable ledges located along opposite sides of said cam arms, said deflectable ledges retaining said cam arms in a fixed position when said first and second housings are in said initial position and thereby limiting movement of said lever member within said range of motion; and said second housing having rails therein that align with and deflect said deflectable ledges away from said cam arms as said first housing is moved from said initial position into said second housing.