Locking/ejecting mechanism for connector system

In a connector system which includes first and second connectors that each has opposite ends, opposite sides, a matable inner region, and an opposite outer region, and wherein said connectors have a plurality of matable contacts at said inner regions, the second connector having a shroud that largely surrounds the inner regions of the connectors as the connectors are mated and unmated, the improvement of a mechanism for alternately locking together and forceably separating said connectors comprising:

• a pair of locking devices pivotally mounted at locked and unlocked positions, each device having an inner part, a pivot axis at said inner part, and a latch at said inner part, and each device having an eject portion, said device inner parts projecting from at least one side of said first connector;
• said second connector has an undercut slot located to receive the latch part of a corresponding locking device in the locked position thereof, said second connector having an eject-engaging surface positioned to be engaged by said eject part when the locking devices are pivoted to disengage the connectors;
• said shroud having an opening across its entire thickness substantially at each end of said second connector which receives the inner part of one of said devices as said devices approach each other and in both said locked and unlocked positions, each of said undercut slots communicating with one of said openings;
• the inner part of each device having a thickness about the same as said shroud, so the inner part lies in the shroud opening but does not substantially project sidewardly from the shroud.