The present invention relates to a hybrid electrical connector for a
lamp-to-harness interface, which comprises two connector halves. The first
connector half includes an overmolded connector, preferably formed from
injection molded PVC, which has terminals of a first sex at one end and
wires at a second end. Each wire is electrically coupled to a respective
one of the terminals. The overmolded connector has formed therearound a
hard shell shroud which is substantially rigid and includes a first
locking feature thereon. The second half of the connector comprises a
hardshell connector having terminals of a second sex therein and a second
locking feature thereon. By coupling the hardshell shroud to the hardshell
connector and engaging the first and second locking features, the first
terminals in the overmolded connector are caused to mate with the second
terminals in the hardshell connector. In addition to the locking feature
between the hardshell shroud and the hardshell connector, which provides a
tactile indication of proper connector seating, both the hardshell shroud
and hardshell connector may be formed in an asymmetrical shape which will
ensure that the two connector halves are mated in the proper orientation.
Further optional desirable features of the connector pair are described
herein.
