Electrical connector assembly

Details Electrical connector assembly Electrical connector assembly

2000-02-24

2001-10-23

Bradley, Paula (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With coupling separator

Including retainer or joiner

Reexamination Certificate

active

06305957

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The subject invention relates to high-density electrical connectors of the type that include a mechanical assist, and a method for making it.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Those skilled in the field of electrical connectors know of high-density electrical connectors, which involve connections of several wires at the same time. Those persons further know to incorporate a mechanical assist mechanism to draw two mating connectors together, and to retain them. One manufacturer presently utilizes a high-density connector that has a slide assist mechanism.
FIG. 1
shows a perspective view of this assembly. The assembly includes a housing, two slides that slide within the housing, and a slide assist lever. The slide assist lever is pivotally mounted on the housing; and is also pivotally attached to each of the slides. In the design shown, the slide assist lever is made from a metal material, and it is heat-staked to the slides. A person can move the slides with respect to the housing by manipulating the slide assist lever. The slides each have camming slots into which portions from a mating connector fit. In operation, the slide assist lever is placed in the forward position and the connector assembly is placed over the mating connector so that the mating portions of the mating connector are disposed in the slots. Then the slide assist lever is moved rearwardly to its locked position. This movement moves the slides, forcing the mating portions of the mating connector through the camming slots. As the mating portions move through the slots, the connector and mating connector draw together until they reach a final, locked position.
This design is satisfactory, but it could be improved. For example, if the connector assembly could be made from parts that simply snap together, this would avoid the need for expensive tools and unnecessary processes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An electrical connector assembly for mating with a mating connector comprises a housing having spaced apart side walls; a first slide slideably supported in the housing and spaced inwardly from one of the side walls; and a second slide slideably supported in the housing spaced inwardly from the other of the side walls. The first and second slides each include at least one mating slot adapted to receive a mating portion of the mating connector. A slide assist lever is pivotally interconnected with the housing and each of the slides and is operable to move the slides with respect to the housing to facilitate mating with the mating connector. The slide assist lever has a first arm and a spaced apart second arm, the first arm extending between the first slide and the adjacent side wall of the housing, and the second arm extending between the second slide and the adjacent side wall of the housing. Finally, the housing includes a first pivot pin extending from one side wall and engaging the first arm, and a second pivot pin extending from the other side wall and engaging the second arm.
This connector assembly has advantages over the prior design, including the fact that it is easy to assemble with parts that simply snap together. Also, because the slider arms extend between the housing side walls and the sliders, they are protected from damage.
There is also a corresponding method for assembling an electrical connector that includes a housing for supporting a plurality of wires, first and second slides, and a slide assist lever having arms that are pivotally interconnected with the housing and the slides for moving the slides with respect to the housing. The method includes the steps of: inserting the arms of the slide assist lever into the housing to a predetermined assembly position; supporting the slide assist lever with a portion of the housing in the assembly position; inserting the slides into the housing; and moving the slide assist lever from the assembly position into engagement with the slides wherein a portion of each arm of the slide assist lever mates with a portion of each slide.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4981440 (1991-01-01), Werner et al.
patent: 5681175 (1997-10-01), Busse et al.
patent: 5964604 (1999-10-01), Kashiyama et al.
patent: 6062882 (2000-05-01), Hanazaki et al.
patent: 6132235 (2000-10-01), Kitada
patent: 6168445 (2001-01-01), Seutschniker et al.
patent: 0938162 A2 (1999-01-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Electrical connector assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Electrical connector assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electrical connector assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2570536