Two-part electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector (,) comprising a first part (,) including a housing (,) having opposed side walls (,) each having an upper wall (,) and a lower wall (,) defining opposed slide surfaces (,) extending in a direction (Y) substantially perpendicular to the mating axis. Each side wall (,) includes first and second spaced apertures (,) and an upward extension (,). A slider (,) is positioned adjacent each side wall and includes a pair of inclined cam surfaces (,) having openings (,) alignable with the apertures in the lower wall, and a resilient tab (,) for making a snap fit in the first aperture in a fully unmated position or the second aperture in a fully mated position. A substantially U-shaped lever (,) having a pair of arms (,) and pivot means (,) on each arm allowing the lever to pivot relative to the housing. Drive means (,) on each arm and each slider slide each slider relative to the adjacent side wall on pivoting of the lever relative to the housing. A second part (,) including a housing (,) having side walls (,) each having a pair of spaced cam followers (,) which can pass through the apertures in the lower walls and the openings in the inclined cam surfaces for sliding movement along the cam surfaces.