Self docketing electrical connector assembly
US5931688A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R13/748
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical connector assembly for mounting an electrical component, such as a radio, on a panel. The connector assembly permits blind mating of a radio in a dash. A header on the radio is mated to a plug connector on a wiring harness. The plug connector is mounted on a mounting member on a panel. When the component is inserted through an opening, such as an opening in an automobile dash, the plug connector can shift into alignment with a header on the component. Ramps on the header and on the plug connector cam the mating connectors into alignment permitting movement in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction. Alignment and movement in the mating direction is permitted by springs holding the plug connector on the housing. Metal springs exerting a mating force when deflected can be use. Alternatively molded cantilever latches can be deflected. The mated connectors can still move in the axial direction after mating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.