TE Connectivity has been granted a patent for a housing assembly for a connector that includes a securing mechanism and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be latched in a holding position, allowing the securing mechanism to be moved out of the securing position. The assembly also includes a holding latch mechanism and a holding release mechanism. A drive mechanism generates a force to press the locking mechanism out of the holding position or the pre-latched position. GlobalData’s report on TE Connectivity gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on TE Connectivity, Battery management systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. TE Connectivity's grant share as of September 2023 was 64%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Housing assembly with securing and locking mechanisms for connectors

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: TE Connectivity Ltd

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11777247B2) describes a housing assembly for a connector that includes various mechanisms for securing and releasing the connector. The assembly comprises a securing mechanism that holds the connector in a secure position when connected to a mating connector. A locking mechanism is also included, which can be latched in a holding position or a pre-latched position. The locking mechanism locks the securing mechanism in the secure position when in the locking position.

The housing assembly further includes a holding latch mechanism that latches the locking mechanism in the holding position. A holding release mechanism is provided to release the holding latch mechanism when the securing mechanism is moved out of the secure position. Additionally, a drive mechanism generates a force that presses the locking mechanism out of either the holding position or the pre-latched position.

The patent claims also mention that the holding latch mechanism and the pre-latch mechanism are part of a single latch assembly. The locking mechanism has a catch that determines its position, whether in the locking, holding, or pre-latched position. The catch is held in a linearly movable manner. When the securing mechanism is moved out of the secure position, the locking mechanism transitions from the holding position to the pre-latched position. Conversely, when the securing mechanism reaches the secure position, the locking mechanism transitions from the pre-latched position to the locking position.

The housing assembly may also include a further locking mechanism that locks the securing mechanism in the secure position. The securing mechanism itself can include a rotatable lever for ease of use. The locking mechanism is released from the holding position and moves to the pre-latched position due to the force generated by the drive mechanism.

In summary, the granted patent describes a housing assembly for a connector that incorporates multiple mechanisms to secure and release the connector. The assembly provides flexibility in securing and releasing the connector, allowing for easy and efficient connection and disconnection.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.