US Patent 10263349 Connector with coupling device for stabilized latching

An electrical connector includes a housing holding electrical conductors and a coupling device mounted to the housing for coupling the electrical connector to a mating connector. The coupling device includes an elongated stem and first and second latch arms that are located at least proximate to ends of the stem. The latch arms extend from the stem and have hook tips at distal ends thereof. The coupling device further includes a return spring beam extending from the stem and located between the latch arms. The coupling device pivots between a locking position and a depressed position. The hook tips of the latch arms protrude beyond a mating interface surface of the housing a greater extent when in the locking position than when in the depressed position to latch onto the mating connector. The return spring beam engages the housing to bias the coupling device to the locking position.