Cross-Reference to Related Applicationfs)

This application is being filed on March 19, 2015, as a PCT International Patent application and claims priority to Indian Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 1491 /CHE/2014 filed on March 20, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Patch panel systems define one or more ports at which plug connectors are received. The plug connectors include latching arms that engage latching structures within the ports when the plug connectors are received at the ports. The plug connectors are removed from the ports by depressing the latching arms. In some cases, a plug connector can be unintentionally removed from a port by accidental depression of the latching arm by a user (e.g., while removing an adjacent plug connector). In other cases, an unauthorized user may attempt to remove a plug connector from a port. Such removals can interrupt service to subscribers. Some systems have been created to inhibit accidental removal and/or deliberate tampering. Improvements are desired.

Summary

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a locking system for use with a plug connector having a flexible latching arm used for latching the plug connector at a port. The locking system includes a housing that inhibits access to the latching arm and a key that enables a user to depress the latching arm to release the plug connector from the port.

In certain implementations, the housing defines a through-passage sized to receive the plug connector so that contacts of the plug connector extend from a front of the housing and a cable terminated by the plug connector extends from a rear of the housing. The housing defines an accommodation chamber in which the latching arm is disposed when the housing is received in the through-passage of the housing. The accommodation chamber is sized to enable the latching arm to be disposed in an unflexed position.

In certain implementations, the key includes a handle section and a release section. At least a portion of the release section of the key is sized to enter the housing from the rear of the housing. The handle is configured to facilitate manipulation by the user.

In some implementations, the release section of the key has a forward end defining a concave-shaped camming surface that engages the latching arm of the plug connector when the key is inserted into the housing, thereby flexing the latching arm to a flexed position to disengage the plug connector from the port.

In other implementations, a cam member is configured to be received within the accommodation chamber of the housing. The cam member is configured to rotate relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The cam member extends over the latching arm while allowing the latching arm to remain in the unflexed position when the cam member is disposed in the first position. The cam member depresses the latching arm to a flexed position when the camming member is disposed in the second position.

In certain examples, rotating the handle of the key causes the cam member to move from the first position to the second position. In some examples, the cam member is separate from the key. For example, the cam member can be axially fixed within the housing. In other examples, the cam member is formed at a front of the key.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a locking system for use with a plug connector has a flexible latching arm used for latching the plug connector at a port. The locking system includes a housing; and a key. The housing defines a through- passage sized to receive the plug connector so that contacts of the plug connector extend from a front of the housing and a cable terminated by the plug connector extends from a rear of the housing. The housing defines an accommodation chamber in which the latching arm is disposed when the housing is received in the through-passage of the housing. The accommodation chamber is sized to enable the latching arm to be disposed in an unflexed position. The housing inhibits access to the latching arm. The key includes a handle section and a release section. At least a portion of the release section of the key is sized to enter the accommodation chamber from the rear of the housing. The release section has a forward end defining a concave shaped camming surface. The concave shaped camming surface engages the latching arm of the plug connector when the key is inserted into the housing, thereby flexing the latching arm to a flexed position to disengage the plug connector from the port. In certain examples, the accommodation chamber defines a rear opening at the rear of the housing and defines longitudinally extending guide channels that guide the release section of the key into the accommodation chamber.

In certain examples, the release section of the key includes guide members extending longitudinally along the release section. The guide members are configured to slide within the guide channels.

In certain examples, interaction between the guide members and the guide channels inhibit rotation of the key relative to the housing.

In certain examples, the key and housing are configured so that the release section of the key slides into the accommodation chamber.

In certain examples, the plug connector defines a latching groove and the housing includes a latching member that snaps into the latching groove when the plug connector is received in the through-passage of the housing.

In certain examples, the housing does not contact the latching arm in either the latching position or the releasing position.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a locking system for use with a plug connector having a flexible latching arm used for latching the plug connector at a port. The locking system includes a housing; and a cam member. The housing defines a through-passage sized to receive the plug connector so that contacts of the plug connector extend from a front of the housing and a cable terminated by the plug connector extends from a rear of the housing. The housing defines an accommodation chamber in which the latching arm is disposed when the housing is received in the through-passage of the housing. The accommodation chamber is sized to enable the latching arm to be disposed in an unflexed position. The housing inhibits access to the latching arm. The cam member is disposed within the accommodation chamber of the housing. The cam member is configured to rotate relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The cam member extends over the latching arm while allowing the latching arm to remain in the unflexed position when the cam member is disposed in the first position. The cam member depresses the latching arm to a flexed position when the camming member is disposed in the second position.

In certain examples, a key includes a handle and a release section. The release section of the key is configured to be received in the housing to mate with a torque transfer end of the cam member. Rotating the handle of the key causes the cam member to move from the first position to the second position. In certain examples, the cam member is axially fixed within the housing.

In certain examples, the release section of the key and the torque transfer end of the cam member are shaped and sized to enable relative axial movement therebetween and to inhibit relative rotational movement therebetween.

In certain examples, the release section of the key defines a passage in which the torque transfer end of the cam member is received.

In certain examples, the housing is configured to rotationally lock the cam member relative to the housing when the key is not engaged with the torque transfer end of the cam member.

In certain examples, the housing defines a key way leading from the rear of the housing to the accommodation chamber. The key way is separated from the through- passage by a divider wall until reaching the accommodation chamber. The keyway inhibits rotation of the cam member until the cam member reaches the accommodation chamber.

In certain examples, no portion of the cam member extends between the latching arm and a top of the plug connector.

In accordance with other aspects of the disclosure, a locking system for use with a plug connector having a flexible latching arm used for latching the plug connector at a port. The locking system includes a housing; and a key. The housing defines a through-passage sized to receive the plug connector so that contacts of the plug connector extend from a front of the housing and a cable terminated by the plug connector extends from a rear of the housing. The housing defines an accommodation chamber in which the latching arm is disposed when the housing is received in the through-passage of the housing. The accommodation chamber is sized to enable the latching arm to be disposed in an unflexed position, the housing inhibiting access to the latching arm. The key includes a handle and a cam member. The cam member is configured to rotate in unison with the handle of the key. The cam member extends over the latching arm while allowing the latching arm to remain in the unflexed position when the cam member is disposed in a first rotational position. The cam member depresses the latching arm to a flexed position when the camming member is disposed in a second rotational position.

In certain examples, the cam member is formed at an opposite end of the key from the handle. In certain examples, the housing defines a key way leading from the rear of the housing to the accommodation chamber. The key way is separated from the through- passage by a divider wall until reaching the accommodation chamber.

In certain examples, the keyway inhibits rotation of the cam member until the cam member reaches the accommodation chamber.

In certain examples, no portion of the cam member extends between the latching arm and a top of the plug connector.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of an example plug connector and a first example locking system including a housing and a key shown exploded from each other;

FIG. 1 A is an end view of the key of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the example plug connector and the first example locking system of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an axial cross-section of the example housing of the first locking system of FIG. 1 mounted over the example plug connector;

FIG. 4 shows the example key of the first locking system of FIG 1 inserted into a rear of the housing to depress a latching arm of the plug connector;

FIG. 5 is a top, front perspective view of the example plug connector and a second example locking system including a housing and a key shown exploded from each other;

FIG. 5 A is a perspective view of the key of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the example plug connector and the second example locking system of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an axial cross-section of the second locking system of FIG. 5 assembled over the plug connector with the key inserted in the housing and disposed in a first position;

FIG. 8 is a top, front perspective view of the example plug connector and a third example locking system including a housing, a cam member, and a key shown exploded from each other;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the cam member of FIG. 8; FIG. 9 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the example plug connector and the third example locking system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an axial cross-section showing the housing and cam member of the third example locking system of FIG. 8 assembled over the plug connector;

FIG. 11 shows the key of the third example locking system of FIG. 8 inserted into the housing; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the key, cam member, and the plug of FIG. 11 with the housing removed.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In general, the disclosure relates to a locking system for use with a plug connector 50 having a flexible latching arm 55 used for latching the plug connector 50 at a port. For example, the plug connector 50 can have a plug body 51 configured to terminate a cable (e.g., an electrical cable, an optical cable, etc.). In the example shown, the plug body 51 is an RJ-45 plug body that carries electrical contacts 52 connected to conductors of an electrical cable. In other examples, the plug body 51 can carry one or more optical fibers accessible at the front end of the plug connector 50. In certain examples, a strain- relief member (e.g., boot) extends rearwardly from the plug body 51.

In certain examples, the latching arm 55 extends from the plug body 51 to a free end 53. The latching arm 55 flexes between a latching position and a releasing position. The free end 53 of the latching arm 55 moves towards the plug body 51 when the latching arm 55 is flexed to the releasing position. In certain examples, the latching arm 55 includes latching shoulders 54 that are configured to abut latching structures (e.g., stops, catches, etc.) disposed within the port when the latching arm is disposed in the latching position, thereby holding the plug connector 50 at the port. Flexing the latching arm 55 to the releasing position moves the shoulders 54 out of alignment with the latching structures, thereby releasing the plug connector 50 from the port.

Example locking systems includes a housing 110, 210, 310 and a key 150, 250, 350. The housing 1 10, 210, 310 receives the plug connector 50 and inhibits access to the latching arm 55. The key 150, 250, 350 enables a user to depress the latching arm 55 to release the plug connector 50 from the port while the plug connector 50 is disposed in the housing 110, 210, 310.

In various implementations, the housing 110, 210, 310 has a front 111, 211, 311, a rear 112, 212, 312, a top 113, 213, 313, a bottom 114, 214, 314, a first side 115, 215, 315, and a second side 116, 216, 316 (see FIGS. 3, 7, and 10). The housing 110, 210,

310 defines a through-passage 117, 217, 317 extending from a front opening 118, 218, 219 to a rear opening 1 19, 219, 319. The through-passage 1 17, 217, 317 is sized to receive the plug connector 50. The plug connector 50 mounts to the housing 110, 210, 310 so that the front end of the plug connector 50 extends outwardly from a front 11 1, 211, 311 of the housing 110, 210, 310 and the cable terminated by the plug connector 50 extends from the rear 112, 212, 312 of the housing 1 10, 210, 310.

In some implementations, the housing 110, 210, 310 is configured to secure to the plug connector 50. For example, the housing 110, 210, 310 may be coupled to the plug connector 50 in an axially and/or rotationally stationary position. In certain implementations, the plug connector 50 defines a latching groove 58 and the housing 110, 210, 310 can have a flexible cantilevered configuration including a cantilever 128, 228, 328 with an end tab that fits within the latching groove 58 when the plug connector 50 is received in the through-passage 1 17, 217, 317 of the housing 110, 210, 310. In other implementations, the housing 110, 210, 310 may be otherwise secured to the plug connector 50.

In certain implementations, the plug connector 50 is positioned within the housing 1 10, 210, 310 so that the contacts 52 of the plug connector 50 are disposed forward of the front 11 1, 21 1, 311 of the housing 110, 210, 310. In certain

implementations, the plug connector 50 is positioned within the housing 110, 210, 310 so that the shoulders 54 of the latching arm 55 are disposed forward of the front 111, 21 1,

311 of the housing 1 10, 210, 310. In certain examples, the plug connector 50 is positioned sufficiently axially forward within the housing 110, 210, 310 to enable the shoulders 54 of the latching arm 55 to engage the latching structures within the port. The housing 110, 210, 310 defines an accommodation chamber 120, 220, 320 in which the latching arm 55 is disposed when the housing 1 10, 210, 310 is received in the through-passage 1 17, 217, 317 of the housing 110, 210, 310. The accommodation chamber 120, 220, 320 is sized to enable the latching arm 55 to be disposed in the latching position. In certain examples, at least a portion of the accommodation chamber 120, 220,

320 is disposed towards the front 111, 211, 311 of the housing 110, 210, 310.

A blocking portion 125, 225, 325 of the housing 110, 210, 310 extends over at least the free end 53 of the latching member 55 to inhibit access to the latching member 55 when the latching arm 55 is disposed in the accommodation chamber 120, 220, 320. In certain implementations, the blocking portion 125, 225, 325 of the housing extends above the latching arm 55. In certain implementations, the blocking portion 125, 225, 325 extends in front of at least part of the latching arm 55. In certain examples, the shoulders 54 are disposed forwardly of the blocking portion 125, 225, 325 of the housing 110, 210, 310. In an example, the blocking portion 125, 225, 325 is stationary relative to the housing 110, 210, 310. In another example, the blocking portion 125, 225, 325 is slidable or otherwise movable relative to the housing 110, 210, 310. For example, the blocking portion 125, 225, 325 can be spring-biased towards a blocking position relative to the housing 110, 210, 310.

In some implementations, the housing 1 10, 210, 310 defines a rear key way 121, 221, 321 that provides access to the accommodation chamber 120, 220, 320. In certain implementations, a divider wall 123, 223, 323 separates the rear keyway 121, 221,

321 from the through-passage 1 17, 217, 317. In certain examples, the divider wall 123, 223, 323 terminates at the accommodation chamber 120, 220, 320 so that both the rear keyway 121, 221, 321 and the through-passage 117, 217, 317 open into the

accommodation chamber 120, 220, 320. In some implementations, the divider wall 123, 223, 323 is sized and positioned so that the plug connector 50 can be inserted into the housing 110, 210, 310 from the rear opening 119, 219, 319 of the through-passage 117, 217, 317. For example, the divider wall 123, 223, 323 can be located so that the plug connector 50 can slide through the through-passage 117, 217, 317 with the latching arm 55 flexed to the releasing position to clear the divider wall 123 , 223 , 323.

The key 150, 250, 350 is configured to be inserted into the housing 1 10, 210, 310 to release the plug connector 50 from the port. The key 150, 250, 350 includes a handle section 151, 251, 351 and a release section 152, 252, 352. The handle 151, 251, 351 is configured to facilitate manipulation (e.g., axial and/or rotational movement) of the key 150, 250, 350 by the user. At least a portion of the release section 152, 252, 352 of the key 150, 250, 350 is sized to enter the housing 110, 210, 310 from the rear 1 12, 212, 312 of the housing 1 10, 210, 310. For example, the release section 152, 252, 352 is configured to be inserted into the rear keyway 121 , 221 , 321.

In some implementations, the release section 152, 252, 352 of the key 150,

250, 350 is sized and shaped to mate with the rear keyway 121, 221, 321 in a particular rotational orientation. For example, the release section 152, 252, 352 and the rear keyway 221 can have the same transverse cross-sectional shape when in a particular rotational orientation. Accordingly, the rear keyway 221 enables insertion and/or removal of the key 250 when the key is disposed in a first position; and the rear keyway 221 inhibits insertion and/or removal of the key 250 when the key is disposed in a second position that is rotated from the first position.

To secure the plug connector 50 to the port, the plug connector 50 is inserted into the housing 110, 210, 310. For example, the plug connector 50 can be inserted into the through-passage 117, 217, 317 until the latching member 128, 228, 328 engages the latching groove 58 of the plug connector 50. The user can grasp the housing 110, 210, 310 to move the plug connector 50 towards the port. Holding onto the housing (or the cable extending rearwardly therefrom), the user inserts the front end of the plug connector 50 into the port until the shoulders 54 of the latching arm 55 engage the latching structure within the port.

To remove the plug connector 50 from the port, the user inserts the key 150, 250, 350 into the rear keyway 121, 221, 321 of the housing 110, 210, 310. The user utilizes the key 150, 250, 350 to disengage the plug connector 50 from the port. For example, the user can utilize the key 150, 250, 350 to depress the latching arm 55 of the plug connector 50, thereby disengaging the shoulders 54 of the latching arm 55 from the latching structure within the port. With the key 150 depressing the latching arm 55, the user grasps the housing 1 10, 210, 310 (or cable extending rearwardly therefrom) and pulls the locking system 100, 200, 300 and the plug connector 50 away from the port in unison.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the first locking system 100 in which the key 150 is configured to release by the plug connector 50 from the port when the key 150 is slid into the housing 110. For example, the release section 152 of the key 150 is configured to depress the latching arm 55 when the release section 152 is slid linearly into the accommodation chamber 120. In an example, only axial movement of the key 150 is needed to depress the latching arm 55. In some implementations, the release section 152 of the ke 150 has a forward end 153 defining a ramped/angled camming surface 155 (see FIGS. 1A and 4). In an example, the camming surface 155 has a concave curvature. The camming surface 155 faces downwardly and forwardly. The camming surface 155 is shaped to engage the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 when the key 150 is linearly inserted into the housing 150 through the key way 121, 221, 321. As the release section 152 is further moved into the accommodation chamber 120, the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 rides downwardly along the camming surface 155, thereby flexing the latching arm 55 to the releasing position to disengage the plug connector 50 from the port.

In some implementations, the release section 152 of the key 150 and the rear key way 121 have matching transverse cross-sectional shapes to aid in rotationally aligning the forward end 153 of the key 150 with the latching arm 55. The matching transverse cross-sectional shapes of the key 150 and the rear key way 121 also inhibit rotation of the key 150 within the housing 110. In certain examples, the release section 152 of the key 150 includes guide members 157 extending outwardly along sides of the release section 152. The rear passage 122 includes guide channels 127 that are sized to receive the guide members 157 when the key 150 is inserted into the rear passage 122. In an example, the release section 152 and key way 121 each have a T-shaped transverse cross-section.

To remove the plug connector 50 from the port, the user linearly inserts the key 150 into the rear key way 121 of the housing 110 so that the camming surface 155 of the key 150 engages the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 of the plug connector 50. The user continues to insert the key 150 so that the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 rides down the camming surface 155, thereby depressing the latching arm 55 to the releasing position. The user holds the key 150 within the housing 110 to maintain the latching arm 55 in a releasing position while the user pulls the housing 110 and plug connector 50 unitarily away from the port.

FIGS. 5-11 illustrate the second and third locking system 200, 300 in which rotation of the key 250, 350 (e.g., via the handle 251, 351) relative to the housing 210, 310 releases the plug connector 50 from the port. Each of the second and third locking systems 200, 300 includes a cam member 240, 340 that is configured to depress the latching arm 55 of the plug connector 50 when rotated relative to the housing 210, 310 from a first position to a second position. The cam member 240, 340 also is configured to extend across a top of the latching arm 55 when the cam member 240, 340 is disposed in the first position. In certain examples, the cam member 240, 340 does not extend beneath the latching arm 55. In certain examples, the cam member 240, 340 does not extend between the latching arm 55 and the plug body 51.

Each cam member 240, 340 defines an accommodation region 241, 341 sized to receive the free end 53 of latching arm 55. In certain examples, the

accommodation region 241, 341 is sized to receive the free end 53 when the latching arm 55 is not depressed. In certain examples, the accommodation region 241, 341 is sized to receive the free end 53 when the latching arm 55 is partially depressed, but not sufficiently depressed to release the shoulders 54 of the latching arm 55 from the port latching structure.

Each cam member 240, 340 also includes an engagement surface 242, 342 that faces the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 when the free end 53 is received at the accommodation region 241, 341. The engagement surface 242, 342 is configured to contact the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 when the cam member 240, 340 is rotated to the second position. In certain examples, the engagement surface 242, 342 does not contact the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 when the cam member 240, 340 is in the first position. In certain examples, the engagement surface 242, 342 contacts the free end 53 of the latching arm 55 when the cam member 240, 340 is in the first position without depressing the latching arm 55 to the releasing position.

To remove the plug connector 50 from the port, the user inserts the key

250, 350 into the rear keyway 221, 321 of the housing 210, 310. The user rotates the key 250, 350 (e.g., by the handle 251, 351) to move the cam member 240, 340 from the first position to the second position, thereby depressing the latching arm 55. The user holds the key 250, 350 in the second position to maintain the latching arm 55 in a depressed position while the user pulls the housing 210, 310 and plug connector 50 unitarily away from the port.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the cam member 240 of the second locking system 200 is unitary with the key 250. For example, the cam member 240 can be formed at the release section 252 of the key 250. In the example shown, the cam member 240 is disposed at the front end 253 of the key 250. The cam member 240 is sized and shaped to mate with the rear keyway 221 in a particular rotational orientation. For example, the cam member 240 and the rear keyway 221 can have the same transverse cross-sectional shape when in a particular rotational orientation. Accordingly, the rear keyway 221 enables insertion and/or removal of the cam member 240 when the key is disposed in the first position; and the rear keyway 221 inhibits insertion and/or removal of the cam member 240 when the key is disposed in the second position.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a front portion of the release section 252 of the key 250 is removed to form the accommodation region 241 of the cam member 240. A remainder of the release section 252 forms a side portion 243 of the cam member 240. A flange 244 extends laterally outwardly from the side portion 243 to define the engagement surface 242. The flange 244 extends towards an opposite side of the release section 252 from the side portion 243. In an example, the flange 244 extends beyond an opposite side of the release section 252.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rear keyway 221 has a first section 221a for receiving the side portion 243 and release section 252 of the key 250 and a second portion 221b for receiving the flange 244. In certain examples, the divider wall 223 is shaped and sized so that the flange 244 can slide axially along the keyway 221, but cannot rotate within the keyway 221. The divider wall 223 terminates at the accommodation chamber 220. The accommodation chamber 220 is sized to enable rotation of the cam member 240 when the flange 244 is disposed in the accommodation chamber 220.

As shown in FIGS. 8-11, the cam member 340 of the third locking system 300 is disposed within the housing 310 separate from the key 350. In some

implementations, the cam member 340 is configured to be disposed within the housing 310 when the key 350 is outside of the housing 310. In certain examples, the cam member 340 is axially fixed within the housing 210. In other examples, the housing 310 limits the range of axial movement of the cam member 340.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the cam member 340 can have a front section 343 and a rear section 344. The front section 343 defines the accommodation region 341 and the engagement surface 342. For example, the accommodation region 341 can be formed at a bottom portion of the front section 343. As shown in FIG. 12, the front section 343 extends along one side and across at least part of a top of the latching arm 55 when the cam member 340 is in the first position. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the engagement surface 342 defines a first ramp 342a that accommodates the latch arm 55 when the free end 53 of the latch arm 55 is disposed in the accommodation chamber 320. The first ramp 342a tapers upwardly as the first ramp 342a extends rearwardly. In certain examples, the engagement surface 342 also includes a flat surface 342b that aids in depressing the latch arm 55 when the cam member 340 is rotated to the second position. In certain examples, the cam member 340 is disposed within the housing 310 in an axially fixed position while able to rotate between the first and second positions. For example, the front section 343 of the cam member 340 may have a protruding lug 347 that fits into a channel 327 defined at the front of the housing 310. In certain

implementations, an inwardly extending flange 326 of the housing 310 can aid in axially retaining the cam member 340 within the housing 310 (e.g., see FIG. 10). In certain examples, the cam member 340 may define a groove 348 (FIG. 8A) into which the flange 326 can extend to axially retain the cam member 340. For example, the groove 348 can be defined between the front section 343 and a ridge 346 extending radially from the rear section 344. The flange 326 can ride in the groove 348 as the cam member 340 rotates relative to the housing 310.

The rear section 344 of the cam member 340 is configured to mate with the release section 352 of the key 350 when the key 350 is inserted into the housing 310. The rear section 344 of the cam member 340 defines a torque transfer structure 345 that is shaped to mate with a torque transfer structure 355 at the front end 353 of the key 350. In some implementations, the torque transfer structure 355 of the key 350 defines a channel into which the rear section 344 of the cam member 340 can extend. In other

implementations, the torque transfer structure 345 of the cam member 340 defines a channel into which the torque transfer structure of the key 350 can extend.

In the example shown, the torque transfer structure 345 of the cam member

340 includes a first abutment surface 345a and a second abutment surface 345b; and the torque transfer structure 355 of the key 350 also has a first abutment surface 355a and a second abutment surface 355b. The first abutment surface 345a of the cam member 340 aligns with the first abutment surface 355a of the key 350 and the second abutment surface 345b of the cam member 340 aligns with the second abutment surface 355b of the key 350 when the key 350 is inserted into the housing 310 to mate with the cam member 340. In other examples, the torque transfer structures 345, 355 can include a groove/splice interface, a hex interface, or other engagement interfaces.

The torque transfer structures 345, 355 cooperate to transfer torque from the key 350 to the cam member 340 so that the cam member 340 rotates in unison with the key 350. Rotating the handle 351 of the key 350 in a first direction Dl (FIG. 12) causes the first abutment surface 355a of the key 350 to engage and transfer torque to the first abutment surface 345a of the cam member 340, thereby rotating the cam member 340 to the second position. Rotating the handle 351 of the key 350 in a second direction D2 (FIG. 12) causes the second abutment surface 355b of the key 350 to engage and transfer torque to the second abutment surface 345b of the cam member 340, thereby rotating the cam member 340 to the first position.

In some implementations, the housing 310 is configured to hold the cam member 340 in a rotationally stationary position until the key 350 is inserted and mated to the cam member 340. In certain implementations, the housing 310 includes a flexible tab 324 that extends into the keyway 321. The ridge 346 of the cam member 340 defines a rearwardly facing notch 346a into which the flexible tab 324 extends when the cam member 340 is disposed in the housing 310 without the key 350. The interaction between the flexible tab 324 and the ridge 346 inhibits rotation of the cam member 340 relative to the housing 310. The front end 353 of the key 350 includes a forwardly extending lug 356 sized to fit in the notch 346a when the key 350 engages the cam member 340. When the key 350 is inserted into the housing 310, the forwardly extending lug 356 pushes/cams the flexible tab 324 out of the notch 346a, thereby releasing the cam member 340 from the housing 310 sufficient to enable rotation relative to the housing 310.

In certain examples, the key 350 also includes an alignment lug 359 that extends radially outwardly from the release section 352 of the key 350 at a location spaced from the front 353 of the key 350. In an example, the alignment lug 359 is axially aligned with the forwardly extending lug 356. The rear keyway 321 is shaped to accommodate the alignment lug 359 when the key 350 is disposed in a particular rotational orientation and to inhibit passage when the key 350 when the key 350 is disposed in other rotational orientations. The rear keyway 321 includes an axial section 329 (FIG. 11) along which the alignment lug 359 can ride when the key 350 is inserted into the housing 310. The rear keyway 321 also defines a lateral section 329a (FIG. 10) extending from the axial section 329 at a location spaced inwardly from the keyway entrance. The lateral section 329a accommodates movement of the alignment lug 359 during rotation of the key 350.

The front section 343 of the cam member 340 has a front end 349. In some examples, an obstruction member 349a extends forwardly of the front end 349 of the cam member 340. The obstruction member 349a inhibits foreign objects wedged or otherwise inserted between the housing 310 and port from depressing the latching arm 55 to release the plug connector 50 from the port. In certain examples, the obstruction member 349a includes a forwardly extending flange. In certain examples, the obstruction member 349a extends partially across the top of the latch arm 55. In an example, the obstruction member 349a does not extend fully across the latch arm 55. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete sealing and retention arrangement description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

List of Reference Numerals and Corresponding Features

50 plug connector

51 plug body

52 contacts

53 free end

54 latching shoulders

55 latching arm

58 latching groove

100, 200, 300 locking system

110,210, 310 housing

111,211, 311 front

112,212, 312 rear

113,213, 313 top

114,214, 314 bottom

115,215, 315 first side

116,216, 316 second side

117,217, 317 through-passage

118,218, 318 front opening

119,219, 319 rear opening

120, 220, 320 accommodation chamber

121,221, 321 rear opening

122, 222, 322 rear passage

123, 223, 323 divider wall

125, 225, 325 blocking portion

127 guide channels

128, 228, 328 latching members

150, 250, 350 key

151,251, 351 handle section

152, 252, 352 release section

153,253, 353 front end

155 camming surface

157 guide members

226 first portion 227 second portion

240, 340 cam member

241, 341 accommodation region

242, 342 engagement surface

243 side portion

244 flange

324 flexible tab

326 inwardly extending flange

327 channel

329 axial section

329a lateral section

3.42a first ramp

342c flat surface

343 front section

344 rear section

345 torque transfer structure

345a first abutment surface

345b second abutment surface

346 ridge

346a notch

347 protruding lug

348 groove

349 front end

349a obstruction member

354 engagement structure

355 torque transfer structure

355a first abutment surface

355b second abutment surface

356 forwardly extending lug

359 alignment lug