Matable electrical connector means with inertia lock

Abstract

Matable electrical connector means having an 'inertia' lock with a self-reject feature comprise first and second connector bodies respectively retaining matable male and female terminals having a predetermined terminal engage force. The connector bodies include a deflectable latch arm and generally triangular lock ramp respectively which cooperate to lock the connector bodies together and retain the terminals in a fully mated position. During assembly, the latch arms are deflected outwardly, by the leading portion of the triangular ramps producing a force which resists connection of the connector bodies. This latter resistance force reaches a maximum magnitude of about twice the terminal engage force when the latch arms engage the peaks of the ramps. The terminals do not engage in a way which produces any appreciable resistance force prior to the latch arms passing the peaks whereupon the latch arms produce a force assisting locking of the connector bodies together.