A socket connector for a connector system

Abstract

A receptacle connector (102) includes a housing (110) having a pin entry opening (165) through a bottom (152) to a cavity (164) configured to receive a pin (212). The receptacle connector (102) includes a receptacle (112) in the cavity electrically connected to the pin. The receptacle connector includes a latch (170) movably housed in a latch slot (172) to engage the pin to secure the receptacle connector to the pin. The latch includes a latch release (176) accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch release moves the latch between a latched position and a clearance position. Latch ribs (180) of the latch engage the pin in the latched position and release from the pin in the clearance position to allow the receptacle connector to be uncoupled from the pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article generally deals with connector systems. Background Technology

[0002] Connector systems, such as power connector systems, include power connectors used to supply power to various system components. For example, power connector systems can be used in backplane power distribution applications. Some known conventional power connector systems include cable-mounted receptacles with electrical connections to pins. These pins can be mounted onto a circuit board or busbar to supply power to it. Pins are a replacement for the single-pole, quick-connect and disconnection of lug connections. Pins are reliable and offer better maintainability than bolt-fitted lugs. Known power connector systems are not without drawbacks. For example, pins may have current-carrying limitations. Furthermore, pin mismatch with the receptacle is also problematic.

[0003] There is still a need for a cost-effective and reliable socket connector for connector systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a receptacle connector is provided, including a housing having a top, a bottom, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The housing has a front portion and a rear portion. The housing includes a cavity. The housing includes a pin access opening through a bottom opening into the cavity, the pin access opening being configured to receive a pin. The housing includes a latching recess opening into the cavity. The receptacle connector includes a receptacle received within the cavity and configured to be electrically connected to a pin. The receptacle has a cable receptacle configured to receive a cable and is configured to be coupled to a cable. The receptacle has a pin receptacle configured to receive a pin. The pin receptacle aligns with the pin access opening of the housing. The receptacle electrically connects the cable and the pin. The receptacle connector includes a latch movably received in the latching recess. The latch is configured to engage the pin to secure the receptacle connector to the pin. The latch includes a latch release portion accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch includes a latch rib having a latching surface. The latch release portion moves the latch between a latched position and a gapped position. The latch rib is configured to engage the pin in the latched position. The latch rib is released from the pin in the gap position to allow the receptacle connector to disengage from the pin.

[0005] In another embodiment, a receptacle connector is provided, comprising a housing having a top, a bottom, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The housing has a front portion and a rear portion. The housing includes a first cavity and a second cavity, with a partition wall between them. The partition wall has a latching recess. The housing includes a first pin inlet opening through a bottom opening to the first cavity and a second pin inlet opening through the bottom opening to the second cavity. The receptacle connector includes a first receptacle received in the first cavity. The first receptacle has a first cable receptacle configured to receive a first cable. The first receptacle is configured to be coupled to the first cable. The first receptacle has a first pin receptacle configured to receive a first pin. The first pin receptacle is aligned with the first pin inlet opening of the housing. The first receptacle electrically connects the first cable and the first pin. The receptacle connector includes a second receptacle received in the second cavity. The second receptacle has a second cable receptacle configured to receive a second cable. The second receptacle is configured to be coupled to the second cable. The second receptacle has a second pin receptacle configured to receive a second pin. The second pin receptacle is aligned with the second pin inlet opening of the housing. The second receptacle electrically connects the second cable and the second pin. The receptacle connector includes a latch movably received in a latching recess in the partition wall between the first and second cavities. The latch includes a latch release portion accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch includes a first latch rib having a first latch surface and a second latch rib having a second latch surface. The latch release portion moves the latch between a latched position and a gapped position. The first latch rib is located in a first cavity to engage a first pin in the latched position. The second latch rib is located in a second cavity to engage a second pin in the latched position. In the gapped position, the first and second latch ribs are released from the first and second pins to allow the receptacle connector to disengage from the pins.

[0006] In another embodiment, a connector system is provided, including a pin connector having a substrate for retaining a first pin and a second pin. The first pin includes a mating end with a first recess. The second pin includes a mating end with a second recess. The connector system includes a receptacle connector coupled to the pin connector. A receptacle connector is provided, including a housing having a top, a bottom, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The housing has a front portion and a rear portion. The housing includes a first cavity and a second cavity with a partition wall between them. The partition wall has a latching recess. The housing includes a first pin entry opening through a bottom opening to the first cavity and a second pin entry opening through the bottom opening to the second cavity. The receptacle connector includes a first receptacle received in the first cavity. The first receptacle has a first cable receptacle configured to receive a first cable. The first receptacle is configured to be coupled to the first cable. The first receptacle has a first pin receptacle receiving a first pin. The first pin receptacle aligns with the first pin entry opening of the housing. The first receptacle electrically connects the first cable and the first pin. The receptacle connector includes a second receptacle received in the second cavity. The second receptacle has a second cable receptacle configured to receive a second cable. The second receptacle is configured to be coupled to the second cable. The second socket has a second pin socket for receiving a second pin. The second pin socket is aligned with the second pin entry opening of the housing. The second socket electrically connects a second cable and a second pin. The socket connector includes a latch movably received in a latch recess in a partition wall between a first cavity and a second cavity. The latch includes a latch release portion accessible from outside the housing to release the latch. The latch includes a first latch rib having a first latch surface and a second latch rib having a second latch surface. The latch release portion moves the latch between a latched position and a gapped position. The first latch rib is located in the first cavity to engage a first recess of the first pin in the latched position. The second latch rib is located in the second cavity to engage a second recess of the second pin in the latched position. In the gapped position, the first and second latch ribs are released from the first and second pins to allow the socket connector to disengage from the pins. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a front view of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a side view of a pin according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5This is a front view of a socket connector coupled to a pin connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a top view of a socket connector connected to a pin connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector system, showing a socket connector prepared to mate with a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector system, showing a socket connector coupled to a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a receptacle connector coupled to a receptacle connector, wherein the latch is in the latched position.

[0016] Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of a connector system according to an exemplary embodiment shows a socket connector coupled to a socket connector, wherein the latch is in the gap position. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 This is a front view of a connector system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The connector system 100 includes a receptacle connector 102 and a pin connector 200. The connector system 100 can be a power connector system, such as a backplane power distribution system. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, a receptacle connector 102 is shown ready to be coupled to a pin connector 200. The receptacle connector 102 is configured to be removably coupled to the pin connector 200. For example, the receptacle connector 102 may be lockably coupled directly to the pins of the pin connector 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 102 includes a pair of conductors, and the pin connector 200 includes a pair of conductors. Multiple conductors can simultaneously engage and disengage. However, in alternative embodiments, the receptacle connector 102 and the pin connector 200 may include more or fewer conductors, for example, to increase or decrease the current or power configured to be transmitted through the connectors 102 and 200.

[0018] The pin connector 200 includes a substrate 202 that holds a first pin 204 and a second pin 206. Providing a plurality of pins 204, 206 increases the current-carrying capacity of the connector system 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pin 204 is a power pin, such as a positive power pin, and the second pin 206 is a power pin, such as a negative power pin, forming a power circuit. In various other embodiments, the first and second pins 204, 206 may both be positive power pins or both be negative power pins to increase the current-carrying capacity of the pin connector 200. In such embodiments, a second pin connector may be provided to provide another of the positive or negative power pins. In various other embodiments, the first pin 204 and / or the second pin 206 may be a signal pin or a ground pin.

[0019] In various embodiments, substrate 202 is a circuit board. Pins 204, 206 can be press-fitted or attached to the circuit board using screws. In other various embodiments, substrate 202 is a busbar. Pins 204, 206 can be attached to the busbar using screws or forged pins 204, 206. Optionally, multiple substrates 202 can be provided, each substrate holding a corresponding pin 204, 206.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second pins 204 and 206 are identical. See also... Figure 3 The image shows a side view of pin 204 according to an exemplary embodiment. Pin 204 includes a base 210 mounted to a substrate 202 and a pin 212 extending from the base 210. Pin 212 extends to a mating end 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 210 is disposed at the bottom of pin 204, and the mating end 214 is disposed at the top of pin 204. In various embodiments, pin 212 is generally cylindrical. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 210 includes a flange 216 configured to engage with the substrate 202. The flange 216 is located on an upper surface of the substrate 202. The flange 216 can be electrically connected to the substrate 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the base 210 is configured to extend through an opening in the substrate 202. The base 210 can be press-fitted into the opening in the substrate 202. The base 210 may include a knurled surface or extruded ribs along its exterior for mechanical and electrical connection to the substrate 202. Alternatively, a fastener 218, such as a screw, is attached to the bottom end of the base 210 below the substrate 202.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, pin 212 includes a recess 220 extending circumferentially around pin 212. Pin 212 is stepped inward to form recess 220. Recess 220 may be V-shaped. Recess 220 forms a surface for lockably engaging receptacle connector 102 to pin 212. Recess 220 is located near the distal end 222 of pin 212. For example, recess 220 is located on the upper half of pin 212 and may be positioned immediately adjacent to the distal end 222. In an exemplary embodiment, pin 212 is chamfered or cupped at the distal end 222 to provide an entry surface for mating with receptacle connector 102. In various embodiments, pin 212 may be machined, for example, threaded, to form recess 220.

[0022] Refer again Figure 1 and Figure 2 The socket connector 102 includes a housing 110 (e.g., for holding one or more sockets 112) Figure 4 (As shown). Housing 110 receives socket 112 and allows socket 112 to simultaneously mate and de-mate with pin connector 200. Housing 110 is made of a dielectric material, such as plastic. Housing 110 can be molded, for example, by injection molding. Housing 110 includes a top 150, a bottom 152, a first sidewall 154, and a second sidewall 156. Housing 110 extends between a front portion 160 and a rear portion 162.

[0023] Housing 110 includes one or more cavities 164 for receiving receptacles 112. In various embodiments, housing 110 may include a pair of cavities 164, such as a first cavity and a second cavity for receiving a pair of receptacles 112. Cavities 164 may be separated by partition walls 166 that electrically isolate the receptacles 112. Housing 110 may include retaining features for holding the receptacles 112 within the cavities 164, such as latches, tabs, recesses, shoulders, etc., formed in the walls defining the cavities 164. When the receptacles 112 are received in the cavities 164, housing 110 may completely enclose the receptacles 112 to form a touch-safe cover for the receptacles 112. For example, the top, bottom, sides, front, and / or rear of the receptacles 112 may be covered by housing 110. No second insulating cover is required for the receptacles 112 to be touch-safe. Instead, housing 110 insulates the conductive portions of the receptacles 112 without requiring a second insulating cover. In one exemplary embodiment, cavity 164 is open at top 150 and includes an upper opening 168. The upper opening provides access to cavity 164. The upper opening 168 allows visual inspection of pins 204, 206 during mating, for example, for aligning housing 110 with pins 204, 206. The upper opening 168 may be located at the end of an extension at top 150.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle connector 102 includes one or more latches 170 for engaging the receptacle connector 102 to the pin connector 200. The latches 170 are received in latch recesses 172 in the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the latches 170 are configured to directly engage pins 204, 206. For example, the latches 170 are received in recesses 220 of pins 204, 206 to retain the receptacle connector 102 on pins 204, 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the latches 170 are movably engaged to the housing 110. For example, the latches 170 can slide within the latch recesses 172. The latches 170 can move between a latched position and a gapped position. The latches 170 are accessible from the outside of the housing 110, for example at the front 160. The latches 170 are deflected, for example, pressed inward, to release the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of a receptacle connector 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector 102 includes a housing 110 and a receptacle 112. The receptacle 112 is configured to be received within the housing 110. The receptacle 112 may be located within the housing 110 to engage with pins 204, 206 (e.g., Figure 1 and 2 (As shown) docking. For example, socket 112 can be received in cavity 164 to be electrically connected to pins 204, 206.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle connector 102 includes a pair of receptacles 112, including a first receptacle 114 and a second receptacle 116. Optionally, the first and second receptacles 114 and 116 may be identical. Each receptacle 112 is electrically connected to a cable 118. The cable 118 may be a power cable. The first and second receptacles 114 and 116 are configured to be electrically connected to first and second pins 204 and 206, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacles 114 and 116 are power receptacles.

[0027] Sockets 114 and 116 are made of a conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. In various embodiments, sockets 114 and 116 are machined parts. In alternative embodiments, sockets 114 and 116 may be die-cast, extruded, molded, or stamped components. Sockets 114 and 116 each extend between a mating end 120 and a termination end 122. The termination end 122 is coupled to a cable 118. In an exemplary embodiment, each of sockets 114 and 116 includes a crimping sleeve 124 located at the termination end 122. The crimping sleeve 124 is hollow, forming a cable receptacle 126 for receiving the cable 118. The crimping sleeve 124 is crimped to the cable 118, for example, using a crimping tool. In alternative embodiments, the termination end 122 may be coupled to the cable 118 in other ways. For example, the termination end 122 may include a solder pad soldered to the end of the cable 118.

[0028] Both sockets 114 and 116 include a body 130 located at the mating end 120. Body 130 includes a pin socket 132 configured to receive a corresponding pin 212 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown). Body 130 includes an opening 134 at its bottom that opens to pin socket 132. The top of body 130 may additionally or alternatively include the opening 134. In various other embodiments, the top of body 130 may be closed. In the illustrated embodiment, pin socket 132 extends along an axis perpendicular to cable 118. However, in alternative embodiments, other orientations are also possible. For example, pin socket 132 may extend along an axis parallel to cable 118. In an exemplary embodiment, body 130 includes a retaining feature 136 for retaining sockets 114, 116 within housing 110. For example, retaining feature 136 may be a barb or rib formed along a side of body 130. In alternative embodiments, other types of retaining features may be used.

[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, each of the receptacles 114, 116 includes a twisted band contact 140 received within a pin receptacle 132. The twisted band contact 140 includes a loop or band 142 surrounding its top and bottom, and a spring beam 144 extending between the bands 142. The spring beams 144 are deflectable relative to each other. The spring beams 144 extend inwardly toward the interior of the twisted band contact 140. For example, the twisted band contact 140 may have an hourglass shape. The spring beams 144 include a separable mating interface configured to engage and electrically connect to pin 212 when pin 212 is inserted into the pin receptacle 132 in the twisted band contact 140.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes a pin entry opening 165 at its bottom 152. The pin entry opening 165 provides access to cavity 164. In an exemplary embodiment, receptacles 114, 116 are arranged in housing 110 such that pin receptacle 132 is aligned with pin entry opening 165 to receive pins 204, 206. In an exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes a guide surface at pin entry opening 165 to guide pins 204, 206 into pin entry opening 165. For example, the guide surface is an angled or chamfered surface for conveying pins 204, 206 into pin entry opening 165. The guide surface provides a larger capture radius for receiving pins 204, 206 to guide mating of receptacle connector 102 with pin connector 200.

[0031] Figure 5 The front view of a socket connector 102 coupled to a pin connector 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a top view of a receptacle connector 102 coupled to a pin connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle connector 102 is directly coupled to the pin connector 200. A latch 170 is lockably coupled directly to pins 204, 206 of the pin connector 200. The latch 170 can be pressed inward to release the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200. Figure 6 As shown, pins 204 and 206 can be seen through the top 150 of the housing 110, for example through the upper opening 168.

[0032] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of a portion of the connector system 100 shows a socket connector 102 prepared to mate with a pin connector 200. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of connector system 100, showing receptacle connector 102 connected to pin connector 200. During assembly, receptacles 114, 116 are located in cavity 164 to mate with pins 204, 206. A spring beam 144 with torsion band contact 140 extends inward into the internal space of receptacles 114, 116 to engage pins 204, 206.

[0033] During mating, the pins enter the opening 165 and align with the distal ends 222 of pins 204, 206. The upper opening 168 allows for visual alignment with pin 212. The housing 110 is lowered over pins 204, 206 to load pins 204, 206 into cavity 164. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 is lowered over the pin connector 200 until the bottom 152 rests on flange 216 and / or substrate 202. During mating, latch 170 engages pins 204, 206. Pins 204, 206 may be shaped (e.g., rounded or chamfered at the top) to engage latch 170, and the latch may be actuated or moved to a gapped position so that latch 170 passes along the ends of pins 204, 206, thereby aligning latch 170 with recess 220. Latch 170 may clamp or snap-fit ​​pins 204, 206 into recess 220. In the latched position, latch 170 is received in recess 220 to secure receptacle connector 102 to pin connector 200. Latch 170 is used to lock receptacle connector 102 onto pins 204, 206 without requiring separate mounting hardware, such as fasteners for securing housing 110 to substrate 202. Thus, housing 110 can be manufactured with a narrow width. For example, the walls of cavity 164 along the exterior of pins 212 can be relatively thin, resulting in a small footprint for receptacle connector 102, which allows other components to be provided on substrate 202 adjacent to pins 204, 206 (particularly when compared to a housing that has mounting lugs or other mounting features along the side of housing 110 used to mount receptacle connector 102 to substrate 202).

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, housing 110 includes a tower or extension 158 located at the top 150 of housing 110. Extension 158 raises the upper opening 168 to a safe distance above the distal end 222 of pin 212. Extension 158 makes housing 110 touch-safe by preventing accidental touch or short-circuiting of pins 204, 206.

[0035] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of connector system 100 shows a receptacle connector 102 coupled to pin connector 200, with latch 170 in the latched position. Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of connector system 100, showing a receptacle connector 102 coupled to pin connector 200, with latch 170 in a gapped position. Latch 170 is movably received in latch recess 172. For example, latch 170 can be pressed inward to release latch 170 from pins 204, 206 of pin connector 200. Latch 170 is guided between a latched position and a gapped position via housing 110 in latch recess 172. In the latched position, latch 170 engages pins 204, 206 to prevent receptacle connector 102 from disengaging or separating from pin connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment, a single latch 170 is latchably coupled to both pins 204, 206 to secure receptacle connector 102 to pin connector 200. However, in an alternative embodiment, latch 170 may be connected to one of pins 204, 206, or multiple latches 170 may be provided, each latch connected to a corresponding pin 204, 206.

[0036] Lock 170 includes a body 174, a latch release portion 176, and one or more latch arms 178. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch release portion 176 is located at the front of the body 174, and the latch arms 178 extend from the rear of the body 174. The latch release portion 176 may be a button. The latch release portion 176 is exposed outside the housing 110, for example at the front 160 of the housing 110. The latch release portion 176 is actuated (unlocked) by pushing the latch 170 inward from the latched position to the open position. In alternative embodiments, other types of actuation movements are also possible.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, latch 170 includes a pair of latch arms 178. Latch arms 178 are configured to be lockably coupled to pin connector 200, such as pins 204, 206. Latch arms 178 are deflectable. During engagement and disengagement of receptacle connector 102 with pin connector 200, latch arms 178 can deflect inward (e.g., toward each other). Latch arms 178 can deflect automatically (e.g., without pressing latch release portion 176), for example, during engagement of receptacle connector 102 with pin connector 200 via pins 204, 206. For example, as receptacle connector 102 is pressed down onto pin connector 200, the distal ends (which may be rounded) of pins 204, 206 engage latch arms 178 and deflect latch arms 178 inward until latch arms 178 align with recess 220. Latch arms 178 can snap outward to clamp or latch onto recess 220. The latch arm 178 can be deflected using the latch release portion 176, for example, by being pressed inward when actuated to release the latch arm 178 from pins 204, 206. The latch arm 178 can be lockably coupled to the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, as the latch 170 is actuated and pressed inward to a gapped position, the latch arm 178 is configured to deflect inward from the housing 110. For example, as the latch 170 moves rearward, the latch arm 178 engages the housing 110 and bends inward toward each other to release from pins 204, 206. When the latch release portion 176 is actuated (e.g., when an operator presses the latch release portion 176), the latch arm 178 moves from a blocked or latched position to a gapped position. In an exemplary embodiment, when the operator releases the latch release portion 176, the latch arm 178 engages the housing 110 and returns the latch 170 from a released position to a latched position.

[0038] Each latching arm 178 includes a latching rib 180 along a side of the latching arm 178, for example, along the outer edge of the latching arm 178. The latching rib 180 has a latching surface 182 (e.g., an upper surface) configured to latchably engage corresponding pins 204, 206. The size and shape of the latching rib 180 are adapted to abut with pins 204, 206, for example, fitting into a recess 220 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 (As shown). In various embodiments, the latch rib 180 may be V-shaped. Figure 8 A latching rib 180 is shown in the recess 220 of pins 204, 206, and a latching surface 182 engages pins 204, 206 to secure the receptacle connector 102 to the pin connector 200. The latching rib 180 is deflectable with a latching arm 178, which, when deflected, releases the latching rib 180.

[0039] The locking rib 180 extends along the length of the latch arm 178. The latch rib 180 may extend along the length of the body 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch rib 180 terminates before reaching the latch release portion 176. For example, a window 184 is disposed between the latch rib 180 and the latch release portion 176. The window 184 may extend along the length of the body 174. Alternatively, the window 184 may extend along the length of the latch arm 178 (e.g., when the latch rib 180 is shorter than the body 174). The latch rib 180 disengages (unlocks) from pins 204, 206 in a gapped position. For example, when the latch 170 moves to the gapped position, the window 184 is configured to align with pins 204, 206. When the window 184 is aligned with pins 204, 206, the receptacle connector 102 is able to move vertically along pins 204, 206 in the gapped position.

[0040] Each latch arm 178 includes a latch finger 186 located at its distal end 188. The latch finger 186 is configured to be latchably engaged with the housing 110. For example, the latch finger 186 may be received in a recess 190 in the housing 110 to engage a capture surface 192 of the housing 110. The latch finger 186 prevents the latch 170 from being pulled out of the housing 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 includes a ramp surface 194 located at the rear of the latch recess 172. The distal end 188 of the latch arm 178 engages the ramp surface 194. The ramp surface 194 is configured to deflect the latch arm 178 inward as the distal end 188 travels along the ramp surface 194. For example, as the latch 170 is actuated (pressed back to...) Figure 10 (At the gap position), the distal end 188 slides along the ramp 194 to deflect the latch arm 178 inward. This deflection causes the latch arm 178 to elastically deform, generating an internal spring force or biasing force within the latch arm 178. When the latch release part 176 is released, the latch arm 178 unfolds to return to the undeflected state, which causes the distal end 188 of the latch arm 178 to ride on the ramp surface 194 and return the latch 170 to the latched position ( Figure 9 ).

[0041] The latch release portion 176 is easily accessible from the outside of the housing 110 to quickly and easily unlock the receptacle connector 102 from the pin connector 200. When the latch release portion 176 is actuated, the latch 170 slides in a linear actuation direction (e.g., rearward). The sliding movement of the latch 170 releases the latch rib 180 and aligns the window 184 with the pins 204, 206 to release the connection between the latch 170 and the pins 204, 206. Therefore, the receptacle connector 102 can be removed from the pins 204, 206 without obstruction.

[0042] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of various components, and the number and location of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “in…”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of means plus function, nor are they intended to be interpreted based on 35 USC §112(f), unless and until such a claim limitation expressly uses the phrase “means for…” followed by a functional description without further structure.

Claims

1. A socket connector (102), comprising: A housing (110) having a top (150), a bottom (152), a first sidewall (154), and a second sidewall (156), the housing having a front portion (160) and a rear portion (162), the housing including a cavity (164), the housing including a pin access opening (165) extending through a bottom opening into the cavity, the pin access opening being configured to receive a pin (212), and the housing including a latching recess (172) leading to the cavity. A socket (112) is received in the cavity and configured to be electrically connected to the pin, the socket having a cable socket (126) configured to receive a cable (118), the socket being configured to be connected to the cable, the socket having a pin socket (132) configured to receive the pin, the pin socket being aligned with the pin entry opening of the housing, the socket being electrically connected to the cable and the pin; and A latch (170), movably received in the latch recess and configured to engage the pin (212) to secure the receptacle connector to the pin, the latch including a latch arm (178) having a latch finger (186) located at the distal end of the latch arm and latchably coupled to the housing (110), the latch including a latch release portion (176) accessible from outside the housing to release the latch, the latch including a latch rib (180) having a latch surface (182), the latch release portion moving the latch between a latched position and a gapped position, the latch rib being configured to engage the pin in the latched position and to release from the pin in the gapped position to allow the receptacle connector to be disengaged from the pin. The housing includes a ramp surface located at the rear (162) of the latch recess (172), the distal end of the latch arm (178) engaging the ramp surface, the latch arm being deflected by the ramp surface when the latch release part (176) is pressed and the latch (170) moves to the gap position, and the latch arm moving along the ramp surface to return the latch to the latch position when the latch release part is released.

2. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The latch (170) includes a window (184) located between the latch rib (180) and the latch release portion (176), the window being aligned with the pin (212) at the gap position.

3. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The latch (170) is capable of sliding in a linear direction between the latch position and the gap position in the latch recess (172).

4. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The latch rib extends from the side of the latch arm to mate with the pin (212).

5. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The latch recess (172) is located near the top (150) of the housing (110).

6. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity (164) is open at the top to allow observation of the pin (212) within the cavity.

7. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The housing (110) includes an introduction surface at the bottom (152) of the housing, located at the pin entry opening (165).

8. The socket connector (102) according to claim 1, wherein, The socket (112) is a first socket (114), and the housing (110) has a second cavity (164) for holding a second socket (116), the second socket being configured to be coupled to a second pin, the latch (170) being lockably coupled to the second pin.

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