Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A key member (50) for an electrical connector (10,100) is removably securable in the housing (12,110) thereof without fasteners and has a rearward retention section (56) comprised of preferably four radially inwardly deflectable quadrants (70) which ride over retention projections (42,130) within connector passageways (28,114). The retention projections (42,130) seat in a recess (82,86) of the key member retention section (56) to secure the key member (50) in the passageway (28,114) against axial movement or misalignment while another polygonal shaped passageway section (36,122) secures a polygonal shaped section (52) of the key member (50) against rotation. The retention projections (42,130) are preferably annular or semiannular to seat in an annular recess (82,86). In one embodiment the key member (50) can be retained in the passageway (114) by a transverse plate-like member (142) inserted into a transverse slot (128) in the connector housing (110) which has fingers (146) passing by the key member ( 50) on opposing sides in an annular recess (82) and secure therearound to prevent axial movement, and the key member (50) in return can secure to the housing (10) the plate-like member (142) which may be a section of a spring latch (140) to latch the connector (100) to a mating connector (10).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim