Electrical connectors – With insulation other than conductor sheath – Plural-contact coupling part
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-25
2001-11-06
Luebke, Renee (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
With insulation other than conductor sheath
Plural-contact coupling part
C439S694000, C439S149000, C439S397000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312288
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to electrical switch mechanisms and electrical connector components, and more particularly to a new and improved low-profile combination electrical switch and connector assembly which facilitates easy assembly of the switch mechanism and connector component, wherein the connector component and switch mechanism are connected together in a properly oriented or polarized manner, and wherein the electrical contacts disposed within the electrical connector not only facilitate easy connection to external wires through means of insulation displacement techniques, but in addition, the electrical contacts are self-supporting and self-generate requisite forces for electrical connection to tab members of the switch mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Switch mechanisms and operatively associated electrical connector components are often mounted upon support panels, walls, or the like so as to remotely control electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, or other electrical equipment. Space for accommodating the electrical switch mechanisms and their operatively associated electrical connector components, however, is often limited, confined, or simply not readily accessible whereby it becomes necessary to minimize or optimize the component or hardware dimensions. In addition, it is desirable that the electrical switch mechanism and the electrical connector component be able to be electrically connected to, and when required, electrically disconnected from, each other in a relatively simple, properly oriented, and cost-effective manner, preferably by means of non-soldered plug-in and/or insulation displacement type connections. Accordingly, replacement or exchange of the assembly components would be facilitated and expedited. Unfortunately, such an electrical connector and switch mechanism assembly does not presently exist in the current state of the art.
A need therefore exists in the art for a new and improved combination electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector assembly wherein the electrical switch mechanism and the electrical connector has a compact profile enabling the same to be mounted within confined or restricted spatial environments upon support panels, walls, or the like, wherein the electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector can be readily and easily assembled or electrically connected together in a properly oriented or polarized manner by means of solderless connections, and wherein further, the electrical contacts disposed within the electrical connector not only can provide electrical connections to external wiring by means of solderless insulation displacement structure formed upon first ends of the contacts, but in addition, second opposite ends of the contacts can mate with tab contact members of the switch mechanism by means of contact portions which are self-supporting and which self-generate the necessary forces for mating with the tab contact members of the switch mechanism without support from the surrounding housing enclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved combination electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector assembly which has a compact profile for facilitating mounting of the assembly within spatially confined or restricted areas upon support panels, walls, or the like.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector assembly wherein the electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector are provided with mating structure such that the switch mechanism and connector can only be connected together in a predetermined polarized manner.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved combination electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector assembly wherein the electrical connections between the electrical switch mechanism and the electrical connector, and between the electrical contact members of the connector and external wiring connected thereto are accomplished in a solderless manner, and wherein the electrical contacts of the connector are self-supporting and self-generating in connection with forces required for mating with the tab members of the electrical switch mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing and other objectives are achieved in accordance with the teachings and principles of the present invention through the provision of a new and improved combination electrical switch mechanism and electrical connector assembly which comprises an electrical connector having electrical contacts disposed therein, and a switch mechanism which includes a plurality of dependent tab members for insertion within the electrical connector for mating with the contact members of the electrical connector in a friction-fit solderless manner. The switch mechanism also comprises a three-sided shrouded housing whereby the switch mechanism can only be mated with the electrical connector in a predetermined polarized manner. The contact members of the electrical connector also have insulation displacement portions for terminating external wiring therein in a solderless manner, and the contact members are self-supporting so as not to require external support from the electrical connector housing. The contact members also self-generate the requisite forces required for mating with the dependent tab members of the switch mechanism.
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Genz Earl J.
Turek James A.
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Luebke Renee
Schwartz & Weinrieb
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