Electrical connectors – With provision to restrict environment effects – Including contact cover or case
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-21
2001-10-30
Ta, Tho D. (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With provision to restrict environment effects
Including contact cover or case
C439S148000, C439S135000, C439S354000, C439S892000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309247
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electrical connector, and particularly to a receptacle connector used in communication which has a cover for preventing dust from entering into the connector and contaminating the contacts thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, a computer is equipped with at least one connector, for example an RJ45 receptacle connector, for communicating with a server through a network, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN). The receptacle connector has a plurality of contacts for engaging with an inserted mating connector, and a receiving space for receiving the mating connector. The connector can be in two different states, namely, engaged with or disengaged from the mating connector. When disengaged from the mating connector, the receiving space of the connector is exposed to the outside. In this condition, contaminants, especially dust, may enter into the receiving space. When contaminants adhere to the surface of the contacts, they can degrade the electrical connection between the receptacle connector and the mating connector, and can further influence the quality of signal transmissions therebetween.
Hence, an improved electrical connector is required to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A main object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle connector having a dust-proof cover for preventing dust or other contaminants from entering into the receptacle connector, thereby ensuring high quality signal transmissions between the receptacle connector and a mating connector.
To achieve the above-mentioned object, a receptacle connector in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing defining a receiving space for receiving a mating plug connector, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, and a dust-proof cover. The receiving space further has an opening adjacent to a front surface of the housing for extension of the plug connector therethrough into the receiving space. Each contact includes a mating portion extending into the receiving space, a securing portion embedded in a bottom plate of the housing, and a tail portion extending from the securing portion beyond the bottom plate of the insulative housing. The cover includes a board for being located in the opening when the mating plug connector is not plugged therein, for preventing dust from entering into the receiving space. The cover also includes a pair of fixed arms extending from a rear side of the board and a spring portion connected between the arms and first extending upwardly then forwardly toward the board. The spring portion further has a recess in a free end thereof for accommodating a manipulating tool. To disassemble the dust-proof cover from the connector, a tip of the manipulating tool is inserted into the recess and exerts a depressing force thereto, whereby the cover is easily separated from the connector.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5161988 (1992-11-01), Krupka
patent: 5224868 (1993-07-01), Tseng
patent: 5299943 (1994-04-01), Shieh
patent: 5637002 (1997-06-01), Buck et al.
patent: 5-217624 (1993-08-01), None
Chung Wei Te
Hon Hai - Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
Ta Tho D.
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