Connector assembly having anti-disortientation device

Details Connector assembly having anti-disortientation device Connector assembly having anti-disortientation device

1999-02-03

2001-03-13

Paumen, Gary (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With insulation other than conductor sheath

Plural-contact coupling part

C439S607560

Reexamination Certificate

active

06200168

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and more particularly to a connector assembly having an anti-disorientation device.
DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
The prevention of incorrect mating between plug and receptacle connectors is an essential issue since incorrect mating may damage electrical devices connected by the connectors. A power connector assembly includes a male connector having an array of cavities receiving headers therein, and a female connector having an array of sleeves corresponding to the cavities. Each sleeve is assembled with a receptacle which electrically engages with the header when the connectors are mated. However, a 2×9 or 1×11 matrix female connector can be easily inserted into a 2×11 matrix male connector resulting in improper signal transmission, if no anti-mismatching means is provided therewith.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,912 discloses a matrix type electrical connector assembly having a male connector and a female connector mated together. A key is formed on the male connector to cooperate with a keyway defined in the female connector for ensuring correct mating therebetween. The '912 patent only discloses a “matrix type” connector assembly and the corresponding key and keyway structure respectively formed on the male connector and the female connector for ensuring correct orientation therebetween when mating. However, the method suggested by '912 is only concerned about the square matrix type connector assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,221 discloses a system/method for preventing the aforementioned mismatching between the male and female connectors with different numbers of mating ports thereof. Anyhow such structures are too complicated to implement easily. U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,246 provides an easy and systematic method for preventing such mismatching. An object of the invention is to provide another alternative other than those of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,221 and 6,022,246.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An objective of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly having anti-disorientation device for ensuring correct mating between male and female connectors thereof.
In order to achieve the objective set forth, a connector assembly comprises a male connector defining at least two cavities within a first outer peripheral wall and a partition arranged therebetween. Each cavity has a header contact assembled therein. A female connector forms at least two sleeve members corresponding to the cavities. Each sleeve member receives a receptacle contact therein. The sleeve member mechanically engages with the corresponding cavity when the male and female connectors are mated. A second peripheral wall surrounds the sleeve members extending from the female connector. The second peripheral wall and the outer sleeve members define a gap therebetween for receiving the first peripheral wall therein.
These and additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4979912 (1990-12-01), Shindo et al.
patent: 6022246 (2000-02-01), Ko

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