Patent ID: 7229305

Claim:
An electrical pin-and-socket connector for use between a socket ( 50 ) (primer) and an electrical control device for a retention system in motor vehicles, comprising: a) a connector ( 10 ) with a casing ( 11 ) to insert in the socket ( 50 ) and to contact the plug contacts ( 12 ) of the connector ( 10 ) with contact pins ( 51 ) positioned in the socket ( 50 ); b) a latch ( 15 ) to lock the connector ( 10 ) in the socket ( 50 ) in a primary latching position by engaging the latch ( 15 ) in a corresponding recess ( 55 ) in the socket ( 50 ); and c) a secondary latching device ( 30 ), which is movable in an insertion direction S of the connector ( 10 ), for latching the connector ( 10 ) in the primary latching position, and which is formed by a base plate ( 30 p ) and at least one of the secondary catch arms ( 31 ) projecting from the base plate ( 30 p ) in an insertion direction S; d) whereby in a preassembled position, the secondary latching device ( 30 ) is positioned relative to the connector ( 10 ) in such a way that the latch ( 15 ) is blocked and the secondary latching device ( 30 ) is movable first through action of force on the secondary latching device ( 30 ), especially through pressure on the base plate ( 30 p ), in insertion direction S with the secondary latching device ( 30 ) in a release position relative to the connector ( 10 ) in which the latch ( 15 ) is released, and the connector ( 10 ) is movable through further action of force on the secondary latching device ( 30 ), especially by pressure on the base plate ( 30 p ), in insertion direction S in the primary latching position, whereby in a release position relative to the connector ( 10 ), the secondary latching device ( 30 ) is substantially flush with the connector ( 10 ) to provide a visual indication of the completed connection from outside the connector ( 10 ).