Electrical connectors – Combined with nonelectrical feature
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-01
2001-02-06
Patel, T. C. (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Combined with nonelectrical feature
Reexamination Certificate
active
06183296
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an electrical connector and more particularly to an electrical connector which can be used in exterior environmental conditions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical connectors are used in exterior environments to connect wires with various devices. The exterior environments may include agricultural equipment, construction equipment or other vehicles which may be exposed to the weather, such as, moisture and temperature extremes. In addition, such electrical connectors are subjected to vibration from the engine or the movement of the vehicle. Thus, the electrical connector should withstand these operating conditions.
In addition, it is necessary to attach the electrical connector to the individual wires. Specifically, the individual wire is attached to an electrical contact. The electrical contact with the attached wire is then assembled into the housing for the electrical connector. This process may be performed by an individual and therefore, can be relatively expensive.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A general object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector which can withstand environmental conditions for the particular application. Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical connector which reduces the manufacturing and assembly costs. An additional object of the invention is to provide an electrical connector which minimizes the number of components for the electrical connector.
Another object of the invention is to provide alignment features for each of the components so that the components can be assembled in only one specific orientation. A further object of the invention is to provide higher contact retention so that the contact cannot be unintentionally removed from the electrical connector. Another object of the invention is to provide a secondary lock which confirms that the contact is properly positioned and also improves the retention of the contact in the electrical connector. Another object of the invention is to provide a secondary lock with a first position which retains the secondary lock in a partially inserted position and a second position which locks the contact into the insulator after the contact has been inserted.
A further object of the invention is to reduce the amount of insulator material used in the electrical connector. An additional object of the invention is to provide a contact removal tool which is included in the electrical connector and can be used by a repair person in a remote location.
Also, an object of the invention is to provide a backplate which prevents the grommet from being disassembled when a wire and contact are removed from the electrical connector. An additional object is to provide a backplate which assists the grommet in maintaining an environmentally resistant seal. Another object of the invention is to provide a backplate which orients the contact for proper insertion.
An additional object is to provide an electrical connector with “push to seat” contacts versus “pull to seat” contacts. A further object is to provide an electrical connector which includes a water shield. A further object is to provide an electrical connector which is available in different sizes depending upon the number of contacts which are required.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description and upon reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The electrical connector may include a housing, a contact, a secondary lock, a grommet, a backplate, a bolt, a contact removal tool, and a splash guard. The housing includes openings which receive the contacts. The contact is crimped onto the wire to create the contact and wire assembly.
The grommets are positioned in cavities at the rear of the housing. The grommets form a relatively weather resistant seal. The electrical connector may also include the backplate. The housing and backplate are designed so that the grommets are subjected to compressive forces in order to enhance the sealing characteristic of the grommets.
As the contact is inserted, a locking tab is deflected upward when the contact engages the ramp. The ramp engages an opening in the contact and prevents the contact from being removed from the housing.
Although the locking tab will prevent the contact from being removed, the secondary locks will increase the retention of the contact in the electrical connector. In addition, the secondary lock may include a feature which permits the partial insertion of the secondary lock prior to insertion of the contact and wire assembly. The secondary lock also assures that the contacts have been properly inserted.
The electrical connector may also include a splash guard which would assist in deflecting water from the rear of the electrical connector. The electrical connector may also include a removal tool which may be used to remove contacts from the electrical connector. The removal tool can be stored in the backplate.
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Ten (10) photographs of an electrical connector by Packard Electric which was made available to applicants in approximately Mar. 1995.
Eight (8) photographs of a storage cover for an electrical connector by Packard Electric which was made available to applicants in approximately 1994.
Pacini Louis S.
Shah Arun J.
Cinch Connectors, Inc.
Leydig , Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Patel T. C.
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