Electrical connector with integral latch and strain relief device

An electrical connector for terminating an electrical cable and for mating in a mating direction with a complementary mating connector, comprising:

• a dielectric housing having a front mating end, a rear terminating end and a surface adapted to receive a latch and strain relief device with at least one mounting slot therein, said mounting slot extending in said mating direction perpendicular into said surface;
• a plurality of terminals mounted in the housing and extending generally between said ends thereof;
• the one-piece latch and strain relief device stamped and formed of sheet metal material and including a central mounting portion, a forward latching portion and a rearward strain relief portion,
• said central mounting portion including a mounting tab insertable into the mounting slot in the housing,
• said forward latching portion including at least one forwardly projecting latch arm for latching engagement with the mating connector, and
• said rearward strain relief portion including a crimp member for clamping onto the electrical cable.

An electrical connector for mating with a complementary mating connector, comprising:

• a dielectric housing having a front mating end, a rear terminating end and at least one mounting slot therein, said mounting slot extending in a mating direction perpendicular into said surface;
• a plurality of terminals mounted in the housing and extending generally between said ends thereof;
• a one-piece latch and strain relief device stamped and formed of sheet metal material including a mounting portion and a forward latching portion, said mounting portion including a mounting tab insertable into the mounting slot in the housing, and said forward latching portion being adapted for latching engagement with the mating connector;
• and
• a first shielding shell member beneath said one piece latch and strain relief device.