Laterally Moving Slide Patents (Class 439/347)
  • Patent number: 6568962
    Abstract: A battery connector structure and a battery pack are described in which good electrical contact can be maintained even if an external force is applied around the connectors. The battery connector structure includes a male connector that consists of comb-shaped electrodes with a positioning plate, and a female connector having slits into which the comb-shaped electrodes and the positioning plate are inserted to make electrical connections with the comb-shaped electrodes in such a way that the connectors can be connected and disconnected. A projection is provided at the end of the positioning plate and a hollow that accepts the projection is provided in the slit of the female connector or in a system in which the female connector is provided. In addition, the battery pack has this battery connector structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Fusanobu Nakamura, Fumio Tamura, Mitsuo Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6533599
    Abstract: A docking apparatus includes a pair of engagement members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other. The docking apparatus may be used in, and/or form part of, systems and methods that dock an information processing device to the docking apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Singleton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6530802
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a headshell with a first connector for terminating a plurality of electrical leads intended for mechanical and electrical connection with a mating second connector. An elongated latch member is freely received within a passage which extends between front and rear faces of the headshell and has first and second lateral sidewalls, the latch member being simultaneously movable by an external actuator longitudinally and laterally between a first retracted position interfering with connection of the first and second mating connectors and a second advanced position enabling connection of the first and second connectors. When returned to the first position, a grapnel blade on the latch member becomes lockingly engaged with a housing for the second connector. In this condition, the first and second connectors are mechanically and electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Louis Letourneau
  • Patent number: 6514106
    Abstract: An improved collar, interlocking arrangement, an electric furnace are provided. The improved arrangement includes an electrically insulating collar having a mounting flange and a passageway, an electrically conductive lead disposed at least partially within the passageway, and means for securing the lead relative to the passageway such that the lead is maintained in its proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: MRL Industries
    Inventor: Kevin B. Peck
  • Publication number: 20030017738
    Abstract: Locking slides (1) of plug connections are retained in the closed position (II) by one or more hooks. In addition, the same detent hook (6), with the cooperation of a stop element (12), prevents the locking slide (1) from falling out of plug part (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Zweigle
  • Patent number: 6483029
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for converting a telecommunication chassis includes providing a telecommunication chassis that includes a housing having a front and a rear, a backplane coupled to the housing, and a cable interface board having an inside surface and an outside surface coupled to the housing adjacent the rear of the housing, the outside surface facing the same general direction as the rear of the housing, and rotating the cable interface board such that the outside surface of the cable interface board faces the same general direction as the front of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: General Bandwidth Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Lutz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020132509
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a structure for coupling a plug connector to a receptacle connector by simply pushing the plug connector to lock into place on a receptacle connector and pull the coupling nut to release. Although the action of the push to lock and pull to release is not unique to the connector industry, the present invention is unique in that the plug and receptacle connectors are locked from relative circumferential motion or axial motion to each other when coupled. The connector in a locked mated condition prevents relative motion during high shock and vibration applications. This is achieved by making surface contact between the plug connector and the receptacle connector with a considerable force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Edwin Collin, William D. Porzio, Allen J. Bernardini, Paul Kozubal
  • Patent number: 6450828
    Abstract: A plug is disclosed that provides for electrically connecting an electronic device, such as a television, to a signal port providing power, ground, audio/video, control and status-reporting signals to and from the device. The signal port is connected to terminals in a receptacle and the plug includes joining structure that can be inserted in or otherwise coupled to the receptacle to mechanically support the plug and the device. The joining structure is provided with retractable contacts to make the electrical connections with the terminals in the receptacle. The retractable contacts avoid damage when the joining structure is inserted into a receptacle that is fouled with debris because the contacts retract on contact with the debris rather than being bent or pushed out of place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Rosen Products LLC
    Inventor: Seth A. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6428340
    Abstract: First housing 12 has a first connector 22. Second housing 11 has a second connector 17. First guide mechanism 13, 14 is for guiding the first housing 12 and the second housing 11 to be moved at first displacement D1 of first component C1 and second component C2 for assembly with each other. The first component C1 allows the first and second connectors 22,17 to be mated with each other. The second component C2 allows the second connector 17 and the second housing 11 to be moved relatively at second displacement D2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Okabe, Masahiro Noda
  • Publication number: 20020098731
    Abstract: A securing mechanism includes a connector latch and a module latch such that engagement of the connector latch with a connector causes the module latch to engage a housing support. The securing mechanism prevents removal of a module from a housing support when a connector, such as on a power cable, is engaged by the connector latch. The connector latch has a position adjustment mechanism, engageable by an external tool, that controls the position of the connector latch. A tool is used to position the connector latch and allow the insertion or removal of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Helix Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Varone, Herbert McEvoy
  • Patent number: 6422882
    Abstract: A plug and socket connector arrangement with a shaped plug and socket mating slider (1). Two parallel arms (3) grips one of the complementary parts (12) of the arrangement in order to draw it to the second complementary part (14) of the connector by actuating a guide slot (2) and a sliding block arrangement (13). The plug and socket mating slider (1) is led to a guide groove (10) in the connector arrangement, along which are arranged stopping faces (7) against which push the front faces (6) of the arms (3), provided that one of the complementary parts (12) of the connector is not inserted between the plug and socket connector mating slider (1). The complementary part (12) of the connector spreads apart the arms (3) in the process of its insertion between the arms (3) in such a way that the front faces (6) of the arms (3) are able to be moved sideways past the stopping faces (7) into their final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Guntram May, Harald Lutsch, Peter Nutzel
  • Patent number: 6410868
    Abstract: A current distribution device includes a socket outlet receptacle that is switched on and off by a switch. The device includes a socket outlet receptacle and a switch that is operated by an operating knob. The plug is locked into the receptacle by a mechanism that includes a cable extending between the switch and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Laurent Berlemont, Bernard Le Metay
  • Patent number: 6402565
    Abstract: An electronic interconnect assembly has a high speed coaxial interconnect for a coaxial transmission line having a central signal conductor and a surrounding shield conductor. The coaxial interconnect has a male side and a female side, with the female side including a shield sleeve having a chamber that receives a male shield contact on the male side. The shield sleeve has a contact with a compliant portion that flexibly grips the male shield contact. A mechanical alignment facility includes a closely mating pocket and body, each attached to a respective male or female side of the interconnect. Additional data and power connectors may be included with the pocket and body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Pooley, Daniel J. Ayres, M. David Swafford, William Q. Law, Michael L. Kyle, J. Steven Lyford, Jonathan E. Myers, Mark W. Nightingale, Jerry R. Shane
  • Patent number: 6398572
    Abstract: A SIM card holder for an electronic device comprising a PCB (4) and an interior base (3). The SIM card holder comprises a connector part (5) provided with connectors (6), said connector part (5) being mounted on the PCB (4), guides (7) for guiding the SIM card (1) along two parallel opposite sides and a first end stop and a second end stop provided at two opposite sides other than said sides of the SIM card holder. Each end stop is provided as a part connected to the PCB (4) and at least one of the end stops is displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Anders Larsson
  • Patent number: 6390844
    Abstract: There is provided an insertion and withdrawal connector apparatus in which a plurality of connectors can move only in a range of capable of engaging and separating with and from a plurality of mating connectors within a connector receiving body. A connector receiving body (1) has a pair of parallel frames (3), a pair of frame blocks (4) positioned at both end portions, and a plurality of partition members (5). One connector (10) and one mating connector are received in each of a plurality of space portions, that is, receiving chambers partitioned by a pair of frames, a pair of frame blocks, and a plurality of partition members. Each of the partition members has a pair of lances (5f, 5g) having a spring characteristic and each of the connectors has a pair of interlocking groove portions (10g) on both side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electroncis Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Toshihiko Maeda, Yoshinori Mizusawa, Osamu Hashiguchi, Kazuomi Sato, Hisashi Ishida, Hiroyuki Tsuzuki, Masahiro Yamada, Masahiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6382992
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (1) includes first and second connectors (3, 4) each having a housing (7, 4) mounting a plurality of terminals mateable with the terminals of the other connector. A camming system (30 to 37, 39 to 44) is provided for moving the housings (7, 4) towards and away from each other along a mating axis (X) to mate and unmate the connectors. The camming system includes a lock slide (27) member which is mounted on one of the housings and which is slidably movable along a path (E). The lock slide member (27) includes a cam track (30 to 37) extending obliquely to the mating axis. The other housing (4) has a cam follower (41, 42) projecting into the cam track (34, 35) for mating the connectors in response to a movement of the lock slide (27) member. Mounting means (30 to 33, 39, 40, 43, 44) support said lock slide member (27) slidably movable along a path (E) extending transverse in a non-perpendicular direction to the mating axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Christophe Bouchan, Patrick Dechelette
  • Patent number: 6379162
    Abstract: A suspension damper system is provided. The damper system includes a damper with a damper rod, a portion of which extends from the proximal end of the damper. The damper rod includes a bore and an electrode disposed within the bore. A fastener for securing the damper rod to a vehicle is also provided. The fastener is disposed over the damper rod and includes a circumferential groove. An electrical connector which includes an electrically conducting terminal is connected to the electrode. The connector includes a lock which mates with the groove in the fastener and includes a ground terminal which is connected to the damper rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Kent Raypole, Richard M. Fetcenko, Christopher Adrian Margrave, Kathleen D. Murphy, Max F. Viney, Jr., Christopher E. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6375486
    Abstract: A connector assembly comprises an edge card (4), a receptacle connector (5) and a retention mechanism (6). The edge card has an inserting portion (41) and an “L”-shaped fixing arm (42). The fixing arm has a vertical portion (420) and a downward horizontal portion (421). A gap (43) is defined between the vertical portion and the inserting portion. The receptacle connector has an insulative housing (51) defining a central slot (513), two sidewalls (512) and two external walls (516). The two sidewalls each define a recess (514) and a flute (515) defined on one bottom of the recess (514). The retention mechanism comprises a base (61) with a receiving cavity (65) therein and two connecting arms (62) extending forwardly form the base with a hook (621) on each of the connecting arm to connect with the flute firmly. The horizontal portion of the fixing arm inserts into the receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 6361356
    Abstract: An electrical connection position assurance system that includes a pair of electrically connected contacts (46) affixed on a pivotably mounted arm (16). When the arm (16) is moved to its engage position, the contacts protrude through respective openings (52) in a harness wire dress cover (12) to close a pilot circuit (56) that has terminals (54) mounted below openings (52). The pilot circuit (56) is operably connected to a computer circuit (66) which controls illumination of an indicator light (68) depending upon whether pilot circuit (56) is closed by contacts (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E Heberlein, Adam M. Kemp
  • Patent number: 6358082
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a headshell with a first connector for terminating a plurality of electrical leads intended for mechanical and electrical connection with a mating second connector. An elongated latch member is freely received within a passage which extends between front and rear faces of the headshell and has first and second lateral sidewalls, the latch member being simultaneously movable by an external actuator longitudinally and laterally between a first retracted position interfering with connection of the first and second mating connectors and a second advanced position enabling connection of the first and second connectors. When returned to the first position, a grapnel blade on the latch member becomes lockingly engaged with a housing for the second connector. In this condition, the first and second connectors are mechanically and electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Berg Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy Louis Letourneau
  • Publication number: 20020019160
    Abstract: A connector C1 has a housing 10; a cam plate 20 which is swingably attached to the housing 10; and a slider 30 which is relatively slidable with respect to the housing 10. The sliding motion is converted by a cam function of the cam plate 20 into a force of fitting the connector C1 with a counter connector C2. In the housing 10, a latching protrusion 14a which disengageably latches the cam plate 20 to a predetermined swinging angle position is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kensaku Takata
  • Patent number: 6319039
    Abstract: A connector for connecting electrical conductors and including first and second conductor-containing bodies configured to sealingly connect the conductors when the first and second body are matingly joined. A passageway is formed to accept a pin when the first and second body are matingly joined so that the pin, which is a different color than the first and second body, is readily observable in position to confirm that the first and retains the first and second body in mating engagement and so that the pin, which is a different second body are matingly joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: U.S.A. Harness, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Chambly
  • Patent number: 6305973
    Abstract: An articulable projecting plug is disclosed that provides for interchangeable mechanical connection between one of several electronic-signal ports such as video-signal ports, and housing/support structure associated with an electronic device such as a flat-screen television. The plug also accommodates video communication between a video-signal source and such television. The plug includes joining structure constructed to bring the plug into contact with the port and hold them both in such joined relationship. The joining structure includes an outer surface and holder structure for holding the first end of an elongate conductor so that joiner of the plug with the port will also result in contact between such first end and the port. The plug also includes an elongate projecting member terminating with first and second ends, with the first end being operatively connected to the joining structure so that the projecting elongate member extends from it and away from the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Rosen Products LLC
    Inventor: John B. Rosen
  • Patent number: 6302720
    Abstract: An electrical plug connection is provided having a plug housing and a complimentary contact housing. A transverse slide is slidably coupled to the contact housing between a closed position and an open position. The transverse slide locks the plug housing to the contact housing in the closed position. At least one movable carriage is slidably coupled to the contact housing. At least one spring element exerts a force between the movable carriage and the transverse slide during closing of the transverse slide. The spring element pushes the transverse slide to the open position when there is an incomplete closing of the transverse slide. The transverse slide is locked in the closed position only on complete closing of the transverse slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventor: Klaus Muller
  • Publication number: 20010016442
    Abstract: A detachable connecting system includes a component and a mount having cooperating guides which effect a defined movement of the component in a mounting direction into a connecting position when a connection is established. An underside of the component has a locking element which engages another corresponding locking element in the connecting position. The other locking element is disposed at a free end of a resilient tongue disposed below the component. In the connecting position, an actuation region of the free end of the tongue is accessible from a front end of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Andreas Stockhaus, Klaus Schulz
  • Patent number: 6264482
    Abstract: A connector coupling device comprises a first connector in which a slide plate having a cam groove is provided being capable of sliding so as to traverse the first connector, a second connector having a fitting projection which is engaged with the cam groove for coupling the second connector with the first connector when the slide plate is slid toward a first direction, and which is removed from the cam groove for removing the second connector from the first connector when the slide plate is slid toward a second direction opposed to the first direction, a coupling case having a first opening into which the first connector is inserted and a second opening into which the second connector is inserted and slidablly mounted therein, and a fitting support member urging one end portion of the slide plate toward the first direction while the first connector is pushed toward the second connector inside of the case in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions for coupling the first connector wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kodama, Hiroshi Watanabe, Hideto Kumakura, Kiyohito Fukuda, Nobuyuki Akeda
  • Patent number: 6254419
    Abstract: The invention refers to an electrical connector, in particular for connecting a receptacle (squib) to an electrical control unit for restraint systems in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hirschmann, Claus Dullin
  • Patent number: 6254407
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is of the type having first and second connector housing parts each of the housings having a plurality of electrical terminals therein. The connector assembly further includes a caming slide for moving the housings toward and away from one another along a first path to mate and unmate the housings. The caming slide is moveable along a cam slide path extending transversely to the first path. The caming slide is slidably received within a way formed in the first housing part and has at least one caming slot formed in a surface thereof. The caming slot opens to a leading side edge of the caming slide facing the second housing part. The second housing part has at least one upstanding projection postionable initially within the at least one caming slot and driveably movable along the first path when engaged by the caming slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors Interlock, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark V. Burns
  • Patent number: 6254416
    Abstract: A vibrator motor holder for a wireless telephone vibrator motor is described. The holder is integrally formed on the I/O connector of the telephone. The holder comprises a device insertion cavity adapted to receive the vibrator motor. The inner walls of the cavity are dimensioned so as to correspond with the inserted vibrator motor, thereby ensuring a snug fit when the motor is contained therein. A locking piece is provided which is moveable across an entry port of the cavity. The obstruction of a portion of the entry port by the locking piece is sufficient to contain the motor within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Eugene Folan, Pat White
  • Patent number: 6244880
    Abstract: A provisionally-retaining arm (7), which has a retaining projection (8), and extends in a connector fitting direction, is formed on a connector housing (2). A vertical one side surface (8b) of the retaining projection is abutted against a vertical one side surface (17a) of an inlet portion (17) of a guide hole (9), thereby provisionally retaining a slider (4) in a completely-locked condition. When the two connector housings (2, 5) are to be fitted together, the retaining projection (8) is disposed in opposed relation to a follower projection (10). A landing portion (16) and a relief portion (11) for the retaining projection (8) are provided adjacent to the inlet portion (17). At least one of the other side surface of the retaining projection and an end edge portion of the relief portion (11) is formed in a slanting condition. An auxiliary retaining arm is formed on the slider (4), and a provisionally-retaining hole and a completely-retaining hole are formed in the connector housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukase, Toru Nagano
  • Patent number: 6241539
    Abstract: In order to drive connectors relatively to mating connectors in a housing for connection and disconnection of the connectors with the mating connectors, the connectors have projections thereon which projects outside of the housing when received in the housing, and a slider is slidably mounted on the housing and having a groove with a cam portion for receiving the projection. When the slider is pulled or pushed, the projection is driven by the cam portion of the groove to drive the connectors. Partitions are mounted in the housing to partition an inner space of the housing into a plurality of rooms for accommodating the connectors so as to separate between adjacent connectors by the partition. Each of the partition has engaging projections engaged with engaging holes formed in the housing wall. One of the engaging holes is registry with the groove of the slider so that the corresponding one of the engaging projection is also received in the groove at the projecting end through the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Kazuomi Sato, Hisashi Ishida
  • Patent number: 6234825
    Abstract: Engagement projections 11 is formed on a male connector housing 10, and passage grooves 25 for respectively passing the engagement projections therethrough are formed in a hood portion 21 of a female connector housing 20, and the male connector housing is fitted into and removed from the hood portion, and a slide member 30, having elastic retaining projections 34 for engagement respectively with the engagement projections 11, is movably mounted on the hood portion 21 so that the slide member can be moved by pushing an operating portion 31 of the slide member, and a mutually-fitted condition of the two connector housings 10 and 20 is locked by the engagement of the elastic retaining projections 34 of the slide member 30 with the engagement projections 11 of the male connector housing 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Okabe
  • Patent number: 6227894
    Abstract: There is provided an insertion and withdrawal connector apparatus in which a plurality of connectors can move only in a range of capable of engaging and separating with and from a plurality of mating connectors within a connector receiving body. A connector receiving body (1) has a pair of parallel frames (3), a pair of frame blocks (4) positioned at both end portions, and a plurality of partition members (5). One connector (10) and one mating connector are received in each of a plurality of space portions, that is, receiving chambers partitioned by a pair of frames, a pair of frame blocks, and a plurality of partition members. Each of the partition members has a pair of lances (5f, 5g) having a spring characteristic and each of the connectors has a pair of interlocking groove portions (10g) on both side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Maeda, Yoshinori Mizusawa, Osamu Hashiguchi, Kazuomi Sato, Hisashi Ishida, Hiroyuki Tsuzuki, Masahiro Yamada, Masahiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6220886
    Abstract: A connector comprises a pair of mutually engageable male and female connector housings (10,11) and a housing retaining member (40) retained in one of the connector housings (10). The retaining member (40) is movable between a temporary fitted position whereupon the connector housings (10,11) can be slid together in a fitting direction, and a fully fitted position which locks the connector housings (10,11) together. The retaining member (40) is provided with resilient locking arms (46) extending laterally from opposing sides thereof. The locking arms (46) are received in corresponding recesses of the connector housing (10) when the retaining member (40) is in the temporary fitted position. As the connector housings (10,11) are slid together, abutment surfaces (19, 19A) of the other of the connector housings (11) urge the locking arms (46) from the recesses (26). The retaining member (40) can then be moved to the fully fitted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoya Kurimoto
  • Patent number: 6217354
    Abstract: A lever type electrical connector assembly includes a first connector having an actuating lever pivotally movably mounted thereon. The actuating lever includes a first cam groove formed therein. A slide member is linearly movably mounted on the first connector and includes a second cam groove formed therein. The slide member has a first cam follower projection engaged in the first cam groove of the actuating lever, whereby pivotal movement of the actuating lever relative to the first connector effects linear movement of the slide member relative to the first connector. A second connector has a second cam follower projection to be engaged in the second cam groove of the slide member, whereby the connectors are mated and unmated in response to rotation of the actuating lever and resulting translation of the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Molek Incorporated
    Inventors: Duane M. Fencl, Thomas G. Premo
  • Patent number: 6210185
    Abstract: A connector connecting structure in which the manipulation of an operating member for effecting a fitting operation and a disconnecting operation can be effected by one motion. A pair of moving members, which are movable in a direction perpendicular to a connector-inserting direction, is mounted on a female connector. An operating member, which can be displaced between a preset position and a set position in accordance with the movement of the moving members, is mounted on the female connector. Guide grooves are formed in the moving members, and cam pins are formed on a male connector. The guide grooves and cam pins jointly constitute a cam unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Sakurai, Yoshinori Uchida, Hirofumi Yamauchi, Yoko Nakamura, Atsushi Sasaki, Hiroyuki Kanbayashi
  • Patent number: 6203351
    Abstract: In the connector locking structure, there are provided engaging projections 11 in a male connector housing 10, in a hood portion 21 of a female connector housing 20 which the male connector housing 10 can be fitted into and removed from, there are formed insertion grooves 25 through which the engaging projections 11 can be inserted and, at the same time, there is provided a slide member 30 including a plurality of flexible securing projections 34 engageable with the engaging projections 11 of the male connector housing 10 in such a manner that the slide member 30 can be freely moved by operating or pressing an operation portion 31 thereof, whereby, if the flexible securing projections 34 of the slide member 30 are respectively engaged with the engaging projections 11 of the male connector housing 10, then the fitting engagement between the two connector housing 10 and 20 can be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Okabe
  • Patent number: 6183279
    Abstract: A low coupling force connector assembly consists of a first connector having a housing with sub connectors fixed therein, second connectors each with a boss means, and a first and second sliders each with a cam groove for guiding the boss to fit the second connectors to the sub connectors. The first and second sliders are longitudinally slidable relative to each other between a telescopically-expanded position and a telescopically-contracted position and, in the expanded position, inserted laterally into the housing of the first connector. The first slider, with the cam groove of the first and second sliders engaged with the boss, is pushed to the contracted position to make the second slider follow the first slider into the housing, whereby to fit the second connectors to the sub connectors at staggered times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Masaru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6183276
    Abstract: A connector structure includes a printed board (4), a connector (1) having a frame (11) in which terminals (3) are engaged and a mechanism member (2) being assembled to the connector (1). The mechanism member (2) is provided with a mechanism part (21) to draw a mating connector into the mechanism member (2). The mechanism member (2) and the connector (1) are constituted in different bodies. The mechanism member (2) is provided with a hood part (22) for engagement with the frame (11) of the connector (1). In assembling, the mechanism member (2) is assembled to the connector (1) after soldering the terminals (3) to the printed board (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuji, Osamu Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6176726
    Abstract: An electrical connection box having a main case, a connector housing therein, and a mating connector in the connector housing. There is an engagement section on one inside wall of the connector housing which engages the mating connector. There is also a support section on an inside wall of the connector housing with a retainer inserted therein. The retainer bears against at least a portion of the mating connector, thereby preventing it from slipping out of the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Kawakita
  • Patent number: 6155862
    Abstract: A coupled electrical connector assembly comprises a male connector, a female connector and a latching device. The male connector forms an opening and a first recess in a side wall thereof in communication with the opening. The female connector is received in the opening of the male connector and forms a second recess in a side wall thereof. The latching device is received in and engages with the recesses of the male and female connectors. The latching device includes a body and a pair of caps formed on opposite ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Allen Chiu, Kelly Shih
  • Patent number: 6155849
    Abstract: A connector coupling device comprises a first connector in which a slide plate having a cam groove is provided being capable of sliding so as to traverse the first connector, a second connector having a fitting projection which is engaged with the cam groove for coupling the second connector with the first connector when the slide plate is slid toward a first direction, and which is removed from the cam groove for removing the second connector from the first connector when the slide plate is slid toward a second direction opposed to the first direction, a coupling case having a first opening into which the first connector is inserted and a second opening into which the second connector is inserted and slidablly mounted therein, and a fitting support member urging one end portion of the slide plate toward the first direction while the first connector is pushed toward the second connector inside of the case in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions for coupling the first connector wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Kodama, Hiroshi Watanabe, Hideto Kumakura, Kiyohito Fukuda, Nobuyuki Akeda
  • Patent number: 6149447
    Abstract: There is provided an insertion and withdrawal connector apparatus in which a plurality of connectors can move only in a range of capable of engaging and separating with and from a plurality of mating connectors within a connector receiving body. A connector receiving body (1) has a pair of parallel frames (3), a pair of frame blocks (4) positioned at both end portions, and a plurality of partition members (5). One connector (10) and one mating connector are received in each of a plurality of space portions, that is, receiving chambers partitioned by a pair of frames, a pair of frame blocks, and a plurality of partition members. Each of the partition members has a pair of lances (5f, 5g) having a spring characteristic and each of the connectors has a pair of interlocking groove portions (10g) on both side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignees: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited, NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Maeda, Yoshinori Mizusawa, Osamu Hashiguchi, Kazuomi Sato, Hisashi Ishida, Hiroyuki Tsuzuki, Masahiro Yamada, Masahiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 6123559
    Abstract: A smaller mating force connector assembly includes a first connector having a housing and a sliding frame formed with a cam groove, and a second connector having a boss movable along and within the cam groove. The first connector housing receives the sliding frame when the first connector mates with the second connector. The housing of the first connector has a first bracket and the sliding frame has a second bracket. Each bracket has a through hole for receiving a securing bolt the brackets overlap one another so that the through holes align with each other when the first connector housing receives completely the sliding frame. The bracket of the first connector is formed with a recess which fits with the second bracket of the sliding frame when the first connector housing receives completely the sliding frame. The sliding frame has a pair of side plates each formed with the cam groove and a front plate joined to each of the side plates by means of a compensating rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Murakami, Masaru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6116928
    Abstract: A female connector 30 is provided with a reciprocative and slidable slide member 13; an operation lever 20 rotatably coupled to the connector for sliding the slide member 13 within the connector; and a guide groove 14 and a guide pin 44 arranged to be engaged to the slide member 13 and a male connector 40. The operation lever 20 is rotated to introduce the male connector 40 into the female connector 30 so that the two connectors are connected to each other. A projection 27 arranged to be brought into contact with the outer surface of the male connector 40 when the guide groove 14 and the guide pin 44 have incompletely been connected to each other is integrally provided with a side wall 22 of the operation lever 20 so as to prevent rotation of the operation lever 20. Thus, the connector structure will resist breakage and deformation even if excessive force is exerted on the lever when attempting to secure a connection while the male and female connectors are not completely connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuji, Osamu Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6091147
    Abstract: A connector type semiconductor package having a package mounting surface on a package main body, the connection direction of a signal connection connector being parallel to the package mounting surface, the package comprising a connector insertion portion provided in the package main body, the signal connection connector detachably inserted into the connector insertion portion, surface mount type electrical connection terminals provided at the package main body, and a step provided at a side where the connector insertion portion of the package main body is provided, for determining the height of the surface mount type electrical connection terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hideto Furuyama
  • Patent number: 6089897
    Abstract: A connector is made with a male body and a female body that can be partially fitted into each other. The female body, within itself, possesses a ring pushed back towards the exterior by a spring. The ring is held inside the female body by a window into which it gets embedded. During the insertion of the male body, a stop of this body pushes the ring back towards the back of the female body. The ring then releases the window which gets embedded in a groove of the male body. The coupling and the fixed joining of the two parts of the connector are then automatic. To uncouple them, it is enough to press on the lever which carries along the window. The spring which pushes back the ring also contributes to the effortless ejection of the male body. It is shown that in no case should force be exerted except in a single direction: a longitudinal direction on the male connector to couple it and a transversal direction on a lever of the window to uncouple the two elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Framatome Connectors International
    Inventors: Mekki Boussairy, Laurent Bardet
  • Patent number: 6083017
    Abstract: In a connector engaging structure in which slide members (13) are provided for one (20) of female and male connectors (20 and 30) which slide in "go" and "return" modes, guide pins (34) provided on the other connector (30) are engaged with guide grooves (14) formed in the slide members (13), when the slide members (13) move in a "go" mode, the other connector (30) is pulled in the one connector (20) so that the two connectors are engaged with each other, and when the slide members (13) move in a "return" mode, the two connectors (20 and 30) are disengaged from each other;temporarily locking means adapted to lock the guide pins (34) temporarily are provided for lead-in grooves (14a) of the guide grooves (14) which are inlets for the guide pins (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Norio Matsumura
  • Patent number: 6083029
    Abstract: An assembly of a plug and a receptacle connector having a reduced overall widthwise dimension. Each of the plug and receptacle connectors includes a base board, an enclosing board aligned with the base board, a number of electrical terminals retained between the base board and the enclosing board, and a cover board securely mounted to the base board. The cover board of the plug connector is slidingly engaged with the cover board of the receptacle connector. The cover board and the base board are both substantially flat and have a width which is significantly less than the respective length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Tsan Wu, Chin-Yi Lai
  • Patent number: 6080003
    Abstract: In an electronic equipment including a plurality of modules which are connected together, each module contains an electronic component. A first module of the plurality of modules has a first engaging portion, and a second module of the plurality of modules includes a module body and a movable portion which is movable in relation to the module body. The movable portion is provided with a second engaging portion which is engaged with the first engaging portion of the first module in response to movement of the movable portion in relation to the module body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tamura