A latching system

Abstract: A latching system for latching together two articles is described in relation to the latching of mated electrical connectors, one of which comprises an assembly of connector modules (22). The modules (22) are ganged together side-by-side by the pair of integral spring latch members of the latching system which are secured along commoned end surfaces of the modules (22) to form the assembly into a manipulatable unit. The integral spring latch members include discrete securing sections (76) securable to axial key members (50) within modules (22) near the end surfaces thereof. Forward ends (84) of the spring latch members include latching recesses (100) which latch with projections (152) of the receptacle connector (150), latching the plug assembly to receptacle connector (150) in mated engagement. Gripping sections (110) of spring latch members (70) are deflectable toward each other about fulcrum sections (112), which action deflects free ends (84) outwardly and disengages latching recesses (100) from latching projections (152) to delatch the module assembly from receptacle connector (150) for unmating thereof. The latching projections (152) and latching recesses (100) are especially adapted to continuously engage each other to resist effects of vibration, and to resist inadvertent delatching.

Description: The present invention relates to a latching system for latching two articles together when the articles are urged together along an axis to a fully mated relationship. It is known to latch together articles mated with an axial mating action. For example, electrical connectors so mated may be latched together, thereby securing the electrical contacts thereof in an electrically mated or connected condition. Systems for latching commonly provide for delatchability to unmate the connectors. Generally such latching systems are comprised of latch arms integrally molded on one or both connector housings, and a latch arm of one connector contains either a generally simple latching surface at its free end cooperable with a generally simple latching surface of the other connector, or a latching recess at its free end cooperable with a latching projection of the other connector to latch. It is also known to use a pair of latch members secured to a connector by conventional fasteners. The latch members then latch the assembly to a mating shielded receptacle connector by inwardly directed hooks at forward free ends latching behind ledges on a latching block of the receptacle connector assembly. Such spring latch members can have inwardly deflectable rearward free ends which rotate the members about fulcrum points to deflect the forward free ends outwardly for delatching from the ledges. DE-A- 3 209 076 discloses a spring latch for securing a connector module to a mating connector in cooperation with another spring latch. The present invention consists in a latching system for latching a first article and a second article when the articles are urged together along an axis to a fully mated relationship; wherein the second article has a latching projection extending from a selected side surface thereof and the first article has spring latch means including a free end extending forwardly with a latching recess therein cooperating with the latching projection; and wherein the latching recess has a selected axial dimension defined between forward and rearward tab sections extending transversely outwardly relative to said side surface of the second article, said tab sections having smooth facing surfaces spaced apart a selected distance proximate said latching projection, and said forward tab section extending outwardly at an angle greater than 90° such that its rearwardly facing surface faces slightly outwardly; said latching projection comprises a convex smooth surface facing the first article and associated with the rearward tab section, a rearwardly facing surface associated with the forward tab section and having a latching surface portion spaced from said side surface of the second article facing slightly inwardly toward said side surface cooperable with the forward tab section to resist relative outward movement of said forward tab section, an inner surface portion adjacent said side surface angled to face slightly outwardly, and a continuous range of axial dimensions defined between said inner surface portion and said convex surface adjacent said side surface which includes said selected axial dimension of the latching recess; and said spring latch means is such that its free end retains a residual force against said side surface of the second article after latching engagement of the first and second articles, whereby said facing smooth surfaces of the latching recess are in continuous engagement with the latching projection surfaces after latching to resist inadvertent delatching and to resist degrading effects of shock and vibration affecting the first and second articles. In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate mating electrical connectors embodiying the invention and in which:- FIGURES 1 and 2 are schematic and perspective views of a wire integration system with which the present invention may be used. FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of mated plug and receptacle connectors for use on a wire integration panel of the system of Figures 1 and 2. FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an assembly of five plug connector modules ganged together by a pair of spring latch members of the invention. FIGURE 5 is similar to Figure 4 showing the spring latch members exploded from the plug modules, and a representative key member exploded from a passageway of one module, to which the spring latch members may secure. FIGURE 6 shows one segment of a spring latch member, and a key member to which it secures, which is contained within a module shown in phantom. FIGURE 7 is a plan view showing the securing section of one segment about to be secured to a key member. FIGURES 8 and 9 are part section views of one module spaced from and then in mated engagement with a receptacle connector, showing the spring latch member secured to a key member within the module, and latched to the receptacle connector. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a wire integration system 200 such as for use on aircraft where a plurality of shipboard systems including power, control, detection, indication, radio reception and transmission and so on must be interconnected or "integrated" at one or more wire integration panels 202 with other such systems. Such systems must be capable of being controlled or sensed at a central location or electrical/electronics bay by a plurality of "black boxes" 204 and also be capable of being interconnected with each other as desired. The black boxes must be capable of removal from the aircraft such as for frequent routine testing and maintenance, or for replacement. Cables 206,208 generally are arranged in bundles or harnesses terminated at one end by modular plug connectors 210 which extend to a wire integration panel 202 on which are mounted receptacle connectors 10 matable at one face of the panel with plug connectors 210. Mating receptacle connectors 10 and plug connectors 210 are shown having two rows of terminals; a receptacle connector 220 and a plug connector 222 are shown ready to be mated and having five rows of terminals, for example, illustrating the modular capability of wire integration system 200. Along the face of the panel opposed from the face receiving plug connectors 210, in the embodiment shown, terminals 16 of receptacle connectors 10 are secured in housings 12 and have wire wrap posts 18 extending outwardly therefrom for one or more electrical conductor wires 218 to be wrapped for electrical connection to corresponding one or more terminals of respective one or more electrical systems as desired. Preferably post protectors 224 are secured over the wire wrap arrays, and a cover plate 226 is mounted to the panel for additional protection. The other ends of cables 206 are electrically connected with shipboard systems 212 or another wire integration panel 202, while the other ends of cables 208 are electrically connected to black boxes 204. The mating plug and receptacle connector assemblies 210,10 must be modular and panel mountable; be uniquely keyed; be easily latchable upon mating in an aligned, keyed and polarized manner; and be easily delatchable. Integration panel 202 can have receptacle connectors 10 mounted thereto and automatically or semi-automatically wired as a total subassembly and tested prior to installation into the aircraft, and also can be removed from the aircraft for testing, repair or replacement if necessary. Panel 202 is hinged at hinge 214 to be lowered forwardly from a supporting structure 216 for easy access to the rearward face of the panel. This access facilitates programming and reprogramming which is essential in order to adapt an aircraft of otherwise standard manufacture to meet the avionic requirements of specific customer airlines. Figure 3 shows a two-row plug connector 210 to mate with the mating face of a two-row receptacle connector 10 mounted to integration panel 202 of Figure 2, with an array of wire wrap posts 18 of terminals 16 extending from a wire wrap face 14 of the receptacle connector 10. Five-row plug connector 20 is shown in Figures 4 and 5 to comprise five single-row plug connector modules 22 ganged together in side-by-side relationship, each receiving an array of electrical conductor cables 24 in a cable face 26, with each array of cables 24 firmly engaged by a strain relief 28 of each module 22. Terminals 48 terminated to conductors 24 are secured within module housings 30 within terminal-receiving passageways 32 (Figure 8). Each module housing 30 includes a key member 50 within a key-receiving passageway 34 at each end 36. Forward key section 52 is shaped in cross-section as just less than one-half of a hexagon and is inserted into hexagonal-shaped key-receiving passageway 34 in an orientation selected to cooperate with the opposite orientation of a mating identical key member 158 extending forwardly from the mating face of the receptacle connector 150 (Figures 8 and 9) to which plug connector 20 is to be mated. Each key member 50 is secured within passageway 34 by retention ridges 38 (Figure 8) extending into first annular recess 54 near rearward key end 56. A second annular recess 58 is located near rearward key end 56 where key member 50 intersects and extends past a transverse slot 40 in module housing 30 extending inwardly from end surface 42 just rearwardly of the center of housing 30. Second annular recess 58 comprises a preferred cooperating securing means for securing the spring latch members 70 to the plug connector modules 22 as will be described. Spring latch members 70 are integrally stamped and formed from strips of spring metal such as stainless steel (preferably of an alloy with low magnetic properties), such as by use of conventional four-action forming apparatus. Each spring latch member 70 is comprised of a plurality of identical segments 72 joined laterally to adjacent segments at preferably pairs of joints 74, and sections of each segment are coplanar with identical sections of the other segments 72 of the spring latch member. Each segment 72 is associated with an end surface 42 of a respective plug connector module 22, and each spring latch member 70 is associated with coextending end surfaces 42 of the plurality of modules 22. Referring now to Figure 6, spring latch member segment 72 is shown beside an end surface 42 of a module housing 30 (in phantom) with a key member 50 shown within a passageway 34 of housing 30. Second annular recess 58 is shown intersecting transverse slot 40. Segment 72 comprises a transverse securing section 76, inner body section 78, bight 80, outer body section 82 and forward or first free end 84. Securing section 76 is preferably adapted to secure to an axially extending projection of module 22, preferably key member 50, by receiving the projection into securing recess 86 defined by fingers 88. When spring latch member 70 is urged transversely against end surfaces 42 of modules 22 and securing section 76 enters respective slot 40, fingers 88 extend past both sides of key member 50 within portions of second annular recess 58 so that key member 50 enters securing recess 86. Facing surfaces of fingers 88 define a constriction 90 which causes fingers 88 to be first deflected apart when constriction 90 passes key member 50; fingers 88 then resile to secure around key member 50, securing plug connector module 22 to spring latch member 70. Alternatively key member 50 may be temporarily reduced in diameter until constriction 90 passes by such as the rearward end of key member 50 being comprised of four inwardly deflectable quadrants. As best seen in Figure 7, constriction 90 preferably is comprised of first facing surfaces 92 which are angled slightly outwardly toward ends 94 of fingers 88 defining a lead-in, and second facing surfaces 96 which are angled slightly inwardly toward spring latch member 70 defining a lead-out enabling removal of securing section 76 from key member 50 when spring latch member 70 is urged away from modules 22 for removal. Also, preferably, securing recess 86 has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of second annular recess 58 permitting play to compensate for tolerances so that ganged modules 22 are incrementally movable toward and away from each other during mating with a single mating receptacle connector 150 for individual alignment with respective plug-receiving cavities 154 of the receptacle connector. With reference to Figures 6, 8 and 9, free end 84 accomplishes the latching of a module 22 with receptacle connector 150. Free end 84 includes preferably a latching recess 100 cooperable with a latching projection 152 of connector 150 to be latchingly engaged thereby upon full mating. For each module 22, receptacle connector 150 includes a respective plug-receiving cavity 154. The several plug-receiving cavities 154 of receptacle connector 150 are separated from each other and defined by lengths of thin polarizing barrier walls 156, each of which serves to permit only the proper orientation of a respective plug connector module 22 by entering a corresponding long recess 44 along just one of the two major sides of the module, which is shown in Figures 4 and 5; one of the two major sides of receptacle connector 150 is appropriately indented to act as a polarizing barrier wall for the end module. Near both ends of each cavity 154 are cooperating key members 158 for keying purposes. At both ends of cavity 154 are disposed alignment posts 160 having semicylindrical inwardly facing surfaces 162 and a tapered forward post end 164. An alignment post 160 enters a corresponding alignment channel 46 along end surface 42 during initial stages of mating of the connectors, which aligns module 22 both spatially and axially before key members 50,158 engage, only after which contacts 48,166 engage. Free end 84 concludes in an outwardly angled end section 102. Preferably, free end 84 is disposed close to end surface 42 of a module 22 to be deflected outwardly by receptacle connector 150 during mating. This assures that after latching, free end 84 is stressed slightly to maintain an inwardly directed tension against receptacle connector 150 to assure maintenance of a latched condition of latching projection 152 in latching recess 100. Outwardly angled end section 102 initially engages forward end 168 of alignment post 160 to be deflected outwardly thereby as module 22 is moved toward receptacle connector 150 during mating. Free end 84 moves along and within an outwardly facing channel section 170 of receptacle connector 150 containing latching projection 152. End section 102 then engages latching projection 152 and is deflected farther outwardly thereby to ride over it. Free end 84 then resiles when latching recess 100 aligns beside latching projection 152 and latching engagement occurs. Preferably, short tabs 104,106 punched to extend outwardly presenting smooth surfaces to latching projection 152 to prevent damage. First tab 104 preferably extends outwardly at an angle slightly greater than 90 to face rearwardly and outwardly, to cooperate with a latching surface 172 of latching projection 152 which faces inwardly and rearwardly with respect to receptacle connector 150, as shown in Figure 9. This will prevent inadvertent delatching if axially rearward strain is placed on module 22. Latching projection 152 is further designed to reduce wear problems from shock and vibration during in-service use of the mated connector assembly, in cooperation with short tabs 104,106. Forward surface 174 of projection 152 is smoothly rounded and convex providing a bearing surface for second short tab 106. Inward from latching surface 172 is an inner surface portion 176 facing rearwardly and slightly outwardly and joining the side surface of receptacle connector 150. Inner surface portion 176 and forward surface 174 adjacent the side surface define a continuous range of axial dimensions which include the axial dimension of latching recess 100 between facing smooth surfaces of first and second short tabs 104,106 adjacent latching projection 152, so that latching projection 152 can fill latching recess 100 in the axial direction at some point. Residual force in spring latch member 70 urges free end 84 inward toward receptacle connector 150 which forces latching recess 100 to fully engage latching projection 152 at forward surface 174 and at inner surface portion 176 continuously during in-service use of the assembly. This full engagement reduces relative motion between plug module 22 and receptacle connector 150 induced by shock and vibration, and instead translates much of the force thus created, laterally outwardly against free end 84 of one or the other of the pair of spring latch members 70 or both which resist the inducing force by their residual inwardly-directed spring force. This resistance stabilizes plug modules 22 in respective cavities 154 of receptacle connector 150 and minimizes relative slight movement between the contact sections of electrically engaged contacts 48,166 and resultant wear. A gripping section 110 of each spring latch member segment 72 extends rearwardly beyond structure of module 22 and is comprised of bight section 80 and adjacent portions of outer and inner body sections 82,78. Bend 112 joining inner body section 78 to securing section 76 constitutes a fulcrum, so that if gripping section 110 is deflected inwardly toward end surface 42 of module 22 a pivoting action occurs about bend 112. Free end 84 is thereby urged outwardly from the side of receptacle connector 150 delatching latching recess 100 from latching projection 152, which deflection is enhanced by improved leverage if outer body section 82 engages inner body section 78 near fulcrum or bend 112 after sufficient deflection. Since all segments 72 are integrally joined to each other by joints 74 (Figure 5) forming integral spring latch member 70, deflection of gripping section 110 of one segment 72 deflects all gripping sections of all segments and deflects the array of free ends 84 of all segments 72 outwardly for simultaneous delatching of all modules 22 from receptacle connector 150. Delatching of the ganged modules 22 is easily accomplished when gripping sections of both spring latch members 70 are urged toward each other, and plug connector assembly 20 can be manipulated as a unit for unmating from receptacle connector 150. Structure at the rearward end of end surface 42 of each module 22 preferably is so placed to be engageable by the corresponding gripping section 110 to prevent overdeflection and overstress of spring latch member 70. The pair of spring latch members 70 performs two functions simultaneously by ganging together the individual plug connector modules 22 enabling modules 22 to be manipulated as a unitary plug connector assembly 20, and by latching assembly 20 to receptacle connector 150 at a plurality of locations in a manner which enables easy delatching thereof for unmating. Thus, the pair of spring latch members 70 represents a minimized number of parts, which if utilized with key members 50 as disclosed for securing to the modules, further minimizes the total number of parts needed in the plug connector assembly. Members 70 are also disclosed in their preferred embodiment to be easily removable from modules 22 to enable repair, such as replacement of a conductor cable 24 or the contact 46 terminated thereto. Members 70 also are formed with securing sections 76 at fixed spaced locations, corresponding to the spacing of plug-receiving cavities 154 of receptacle connector 150; modules 22 have designed dimensions between their major side surfaces incrementally slightly smaller so that they may be ganged together with incremental spacing therebetween, all of which compensates for manufacturing tolerances when assembled to spring latch members 70.

Claims: A latching system for latching a first article (22) and a second article (150) when the articles are urged together along an axis to a fully mated relationship; wherein the second article (150) has a latching projection (152) extending from a selected side surface thereof and the first article (22) has spring latch means (70) including a free end (84) extending forwardly with a latching recess (100) therein cooperating with the latching projection (152); and wherein the latching recess (100) has a selected axial dimension defined between forward and rearward tab sections (104,106) extending transversely outwardly relative to said side surface of the second article, said tab sections (104,106) having smooth facing surfaces spaced apart a selected distance proximate said latching projection (152), and said forward tab section (104) extending outwardly at an angle greater than 90° such that its rearwardly facing surface faces slightly outwardly; said latching projection (152) comprises a convex smooth surface (174) facing the first article (22) and associated with the rearward tab section (106), a rearwardly facing surface (172,176) associated with the forward tab section (104) and having a latching surface portion (172) spaced from said side surface of the second article (150) facing slightly inwardly toward said side surface cooperable with the forward tab section (104) to resist relative outward movement of said forward tab section (104), an inner surface portion (176) adjacent said side surface angled to face slightly outwardly, and a continuous range of axial dimensions defined between said inner surface portion (176) and said convex surface (174) adjacent said side surface which includes said selected axial dimension of the latching recess (100); and said spring latch means (70) is such that its free end (84) retains a residual force against said side surface of the second article (150) after latching engagement of the first and second articles (22,150), whereby said facing smooth surfaces of the latching recess (100) are in continuous engagement with the latching projection surfaces after latching to resist inadvertent delatching and to resist degrading effects of shock and vibration affecting the first and second articles (22,150). A latching system according to claim 1, wherein the latching recess (100) is disposed in a first free end (84) of the spring latch means (70), an outer body section (82) extends substantially rearwardly from said first free end to a bight (80), an inner body section (78) extends forwardly from the bight (80) substantially along an inwardly facing surface of the outer body section (82) to a fulcrum (112) at a location spaced rearwardly from the latching recess (100) in the first free end (84), and a second free end (76) extends substantially inwardly from the fulcrum section (112) and comprises a securing section having securing means (86,88) securely attached to cooperating securing means (50) of the first article (22) and spacing the inner body section (78) from the article, whereby the first free end (84) is deflectable outwardly during mating the first and second articles (22,150) and resiles when the latching recess engages with the latching projection (152) to latch the articles together, and the outer body section (82), the bight (80) and the inner body section (78) constitute a gripping section (110) deflectable toward the first article (22) about the fulcrum section (112) so that the first free end (84) is correspondingly urged outwardly thereby disengaging the latching recess (100) from the latching projection (152) to delatch the articles. A latching system according to claim 2, wherein the second free end (76) of the spring latch means (70) is received into a slot (40) extending transversely inward of the first article (22) to securely engage an insert member (50) disposed within a cavity (34) of the first article. A latching system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first article (22) includes a channel section (46) extending forwardly in opposed and spaced relation to the first free end (84) of the spring latch means, said second article includes an alignment post portion (160) received in the channel section (46) for aligning the articles (22,150) during mating, and said second article (150) includes an outwardly facing channel section (170) outward from said alignment post portion and adapted to receive thereinto and therealong the first free end (84) of the spring latch means (72), said outwardly facing channel section (170) including said latching projection (152), and said outwardly facing channel section (170) and the first free end (84) of the spring latching means (70) being constructed and spaced such that the first free end (84) is deflected slightly outwardly by the second article during mating resulting in the spring latch means (70) maintaining a spring force against the side of the second article (150) after latching. A latching system according to any preceding claim, comprising a pair of spring latches (70) on the first article (22) in opposed relation and each comprising at least one of said spring latch means, the latching recesses (100) in said opposed spring latch means cooperating with latching projections (152) extending from opposite selected side surfaces of the second article (150). A latching system according to claim 5 wherein each spring latch (70) comprises a plurality of said spring latch means formed as segments (72) of an integral spring latch member, each of said segments being laterally integral with an adjacent segment or segments, the latching recesses in the free ends (84) of said segments cooperating with a corresponding plurality of latching projections (152) extending from the selected side surface of the second article (150).

Inventors: RUDY WILLIAM JESSE JR, SHAFFER HOWARD RICHARD, STAHL DANIEL EUGENE, RUDY, WILLIAM JESSE, JR., SHAFFER, HOWARD RICHARD, STAHL, DANIEL EUGENE
Applicants: WHITAKER CORP, THE WHITAKER CORPORATION
Application year: 1988
Main classification: H01R13
IPC codes: H01R13