Rotatable Retaining Means, Pivotable Retaining Means, Or Actuated Gripping Retaining Means Patents (Class 439/372)
  • Publication number: 20140357114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector arrangement including a plug connector and a socket connector that may be suited for use with an electronically adjustable damper of an automobile. The socket connector is rotatably arranged in a socket connector housing and has an outer casing. The outer casing includes a guideway formed therein that is configured to receive a corresponding guide element of the plug connector. The guideway has a funnel shaped portion configured to receive the guide element. The guide element rotates the socket connector into a correctly aligned orientation with regard to the plug connector upon contacting the funnel shaped portion when the plug connector is inserted into the socket connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Harald Pankau, Thomas Bernhard Pabst
  • Patent number: 8900003
    Abstract: A connector includes a pair of male and female connector housings to be fitted and connected with each other, and one of the pair of male and female connector housings includes a protrusion protruding in the fitting direction such that a distal end thereof is protruded more toward a rear side of other of the pair of male and female connector housings than a rear end of the other connector housing when the one connector housing is positioned at a fitting start position with the other connector housing, and a rod supporting hole as defined herein; the other connector housing includes a raised portion as defined herein and an inclined surface as defined herein; and after the connector housings are positioned at the fitting start positions, the rod-shaped member is pressed from the rod supporting hole onto the inclined surface, thereby fitting and connecting the connector housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Osamu Oshita
  • Patent number: 8882530
    Abstract: Provided is a lever fitting-type connector wherein the time for connecting a second connector comprised of a plurality of connector segments to a first connector can be reduced; and a compact connector portion of a wire harness can be obtained. A second connector (14) fitted and connected to a first connector (13) by an operation for rotating a fitting operation lever (15) attached to the first connector (13), is configured by combining a main connector segment (31) with a subsidiary connector segment (32). The main connector segment (31) has a lever engagement portion (34) to be engaged with the fitting operation lever (15) when the main connector segment is fitted to an initial fitting position. The main connector segment (31) is shifted from the initial fitting position to a complete fitting position by an operation for rotating the fitting operation lever (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Matsumura, Kazuto Ohtaka, Hideki Homma, Tetsuya Mitani
  • Patent number: 8882532
    Abstract: A driver box includes a housing and a connection mechanism disposed in the housing. The housing is adapted to removably receive a driver adapted to supply electric power to at least one luminaire. The connection mechanism includes an actuator, a first electrical connector configured to be connected to the driver, and a second electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to the at least one luminaire. The actuator is operatively coupled to the second electrical connector. The actuator is movable between an unlocked position, in which the second electrical connector is disengaged from the first electrical connector, and a locked position in which the second electrical connector is in mating engagement with the first electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kenall Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven Akiyama, Kevin Dahlen
  • Patent number: 8882525
    Abstract: In a power feeding connector 7, a housing front side tubular part 81 of a power feeding side connector 8 to be engaged with an inner periphery of an outer tubular wall part 51 of a power receiving side connector 5 is provided, on an outer periphery at a lower end side thereof, with a raised part 86 which overrides an inner peripheral face of the outer tubular wall part 51, before an engaging length of the housing front side tubular part 81 with respect to the outer tubular wall part 51 reaches a prescribed length, and the raised part 86 corrects a backwardly inclined state of the power feeding side connector 8 due to its dead weight into a state where axes of the outer tubular wall part 51 and the housing front side tubular part 81 are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Mori, Takenori Ohmura
  • Patent number: 8882531
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrical connector module and an electronic device including the same. The electrical connector module includes: a circuit board formed with two lateral notches and a main notch interposed therebetween; an electrical connector mounted on the circuit board and including an insulating housing; and a retaining element including: two support arms respectively formed on the circuit board relative to the lateral notches; two flexible connecting arms respectively extending from the support arms through the lateral notches; and an engaging seat connected between the flexible connecting arms and suspended under the main notch so as to cooperate with the insulating housing to define a plugging space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Ching Kuo, Chuan Hsiao Chiu, Ting Fang Lai
  • Publication number: 20140329404
    Abstract: A holding device for an electrical connector, includes a frame with an opening defined on a center thereof A first locking portion is disposed on the frame and extends into the opening. A second locking portion has a main body with an elastic arm. The main body defines a fixed end fixed to the frame and an active end rotating around the fixed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHENG-CHI YEH, CHIH-KAI YANG
  • Patent number: 8876544
    Abstract: A connector can prevent a short circuit between a conductive member positioned on a board and an actuation lever actuatable without an actuation tag. A distance between the board and an actuation portion is larger than another distance between the board and an engage portion under a locked state where the engage portion is engaged with an engaged portion. Under the locked state, the actuation portion is positioned away from the conductive member (a SMT terminal and the conductive pattern formed on the board) so that the actuation lever can be prevented from making the short circuit with the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamaji, Takamitsu Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20140322958
    Abstract: A resilient mounting member configured for being secured to a main body of a connector comprises a pressing portion, a latching portion, and a limiting portion. The latching portion is connected to a first end of the pressing portion. The limiting portion is connected to a second end of the pressing portion. The pressing portion comprises a resilient piece extending towards the latching portion. The resilient piece is elastically deformable to resist the main body when the pressing portion is pressed, and the resilient piece drives the pressing portion to rebound when the resilient piece rebounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YI-FANG WU, FOO SEE WOEI
  • Patent number: 8858246
    Abstract: A power source circuit shutoff device includes: a base housing including a first mating wall and a cam pin; a lever housing including a second mating wall; and an operation lever rotatably supported to the lever housing and having a cam groove for guiding the cam pin. The base housing and the lever housing are set to a lever mating start position in which the first mating wall and the second mating wall are partly overlapped with each other and the cam pin is entered into the cam groove of the operation lever, and a rotation of the operation lever moves the cam pin in the cam groove to thereby cause a mating force between the first mating wall and the second mating wall. The base housing and the lever housing respectively have restriction ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ikeda, Ryuta Takishita, Kouichiro Mochizuki, Fumitoshi Henmi, Teruhiko Ohike, Sho Nogashira
  • Publication number: 20140302704
    Abstract: A removable fixing device includes a first elongated mating member, a second elongated mating member designed to be inserted in the first elongated mating member, and an elastic member adapted to lock the two elongated mating members axially relative to each other and retractable radially on insertion of the second elongated mating member into the first elongated mating member. One elongated mating member includes an actuator mobile axially relative to the elongated mating member between a first position in which the elastic member locks the two elongated mating members axially and a second position in which the actuator unlocks the elongated mating members by radial retraction of the elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Amphenol - Air LB
    Inventors: Davy Montet, Gaspard Cayzac
  • Publication number: 20140302703
    Abstract: A fore connection member, comprising a fore connection member body and engaging-disengaging members. The engaging-disengaging members are pivoted to side surfaces of the fore connection member body respectively, and each comprise a recess, a grab, an operating end, an abutting end and a pivoting end. The engaging-disengaging members each have the pivoting end thereof pivoted to a corresponding one of the side surfaces and pivots about the fore connection member body. The operating end and the abutting end are disposed at two sides of the pivoting end respectively, the grab is provided with a hook portion facing the abutting end, and a circular arc abutting portion disposed at the abutting end comprises a circular arc abutting surface smoothly connected to the recess. A rear connection member for use with the fore connection member and a connection member comprising the fore connection member and the rear connection member are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: DINKLE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shang Tsai WU
  • Patent number: 8845347
    Abstract: A system including a mounting frame assembly for a head unit for a vehicle. The mounting frame assembly and the head unit may be attached to a vehicle. The mounting frame assembly may include a region operable to house a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a connector operable to connect to a respective connector of the head unit. With respect to the connectors of the mounting frame assembly and the head unit, either may include an electrical and/or fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Alois Karl, Werner Pollak, Dieter Acker
  • Publication number: 20140287613
    Abstract: A plug-in device (10) for providing commands and/or signals comprising an attachment part (12), an adaptor (22), and at least one command or notification device (30). The device (10) includes a plug-in rotary coupling for connecting the adaptor and attachment part in response to relative rotational movement about an axial direction (A). For locking the coupling, a locking web (62) is provided for engagement and disengagement by a locking coupling web (88) in response to relative rotation of the adaptor (22) and attachment part (12). A catch lock further is provided that includes a catch (68) arranged on a plug-in appendage (42 and a counter catch (90, 92) that are engageable by relative rotation of the adapter (22) and the attachment part (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: R. STAHL Schaltgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Schulz, Steffen Buhl
  • Patent number: 8840414
    Abstract: In a power feeding connector 7, a housing front side tubular part 81 of a power feeding side connector 8 to be engaged with an inner periphery of an outer tubular wall part 51 of a power receiving side connector 5 is provided, on an outer periphery at a lower end side thereof, with a raised part 86 which overrides an inner peripheral face of the outer tubular wall part 51, before an engaging length of the housing front side tubular part 81 with respect to the outer tubular wall part 51 reaches a prescribed length, and the raised part 86 corrects a backwardly inclined state of the power feeding side connector 8 due to its dead weight into a state where axes of the outer tubular wall part 51 and the housing front side tubular part 81 are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Mori, Takenori Ohmura
  • Publication number: 20140273577
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a substantially tubular housing for housing an electrical terminal, and a substantially cylindrical electrical terminal holder configured to be inserted into the housing, the electrical terminal holder being configured to hold the electrical terminal, wherein the electrical terminal holder and the housing are configured to be mechanically engaged by twisting the electrical terminal holder with respect to the housing after being inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: R.A. Phillips Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Oscar A. Puluc
  • Publication number: 20140273602
    Abstract: Connector assemblies that are separate from medical lead extensions provide features such as bores for receiving both a medical lead and a medical lead extension and provide electrical connections between connectors of the leads and connectors of the lead extensions. Connector assemblies may include additional features such as contours and wings that reduce subcutaneous erosion. Connector assemblies may also include retention structures such as movable clips that are moved into engagement with leads and lead extensions to retain them within the connector assembly. Integrated lead extension connectors may also include contours and wings as well as retention structures including movable clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Bondhus, Patrick D. Wells
  • Publication number: 20140242829
    Abstract: A connector apparatus is provided which includes a connector and a mechanical connect-assist mechanism associated, at least in part, with the connector. The connector is configured to operatively plug into a socket structure, and the mechanical connect-assist mechanism includes a cam shaft rotatably coupled to the connector and a connect-assist element projecting from the rotatable cam shaft. The connect-assist element is configured to engage at least one element-receiving opening associated with the socket structure with insertion of the connector within the socket structure. Rotating of the rotatable cam shaft moves the connect-assist element within the at least one element-receiving opening to facilitate secure seating and retention of the connector within the socket structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William L. BRODSKY, Charles C. GANGE, Robert R. GENEST, Michael T. PEETS
  • Publication number: 20140227903
    Abstract: A connector includes a shell and a coupling mechanism rotatable about the shell. The coupling mechanism includes inner and outer coupling nuts. The inner coupling nut has threads configured to be threadably coupled to a mating connector. The outer coupling nut is configured to be locked to the inner coupling nut to transfer rotation of the outer coupling nut to the inner coupling nut. The outer coupling nut is configured to be unlocked from the inner coupling nut to allow free rotation of the outer coupling nut relative to the inner coupling nut. The outer coupling nut is automatically unlocked when the connector is fully mated to the mating connector. The coupling mechanism may include a plunger movable between a locked position and an unlocked position with the plunger locking the outer coupling nut to the inner coupling nut in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James Patrick Mosier, Dwight David Zitsch, Soren Grinderslev, James Leo Barry
  • Patent number: 8794993
    Abstract: A utility coupler comprises a coupling unit that is coupled to a tool unit via the reciprocal linear actuation of a hooking cam member in the coupling unit engaging a latching pin in the tool unit. The hooking cam member includes a composite cam surface operative to couple and hold the two units together as the latching pin engages different surfaces of the composite cam surface. Failsafe features prevent the inadvertent decoupling of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Norton
  • Publication number: 20140206222
    Abstract: A lever-type connector is configured so that a lock piece (65) of a lock (60) resiliently locks a locked portion (49) to hold a lever (50) at an end position when the lever (50) is rotated to the end position. The locked portion (49) is released from a locked state and the lever (50) is permitted to rotate toward an initial position by pulling up an unlocking portion (70) and forcibly deflecting the lock piece (65). Entrance restricting projections (75) project from facing surfaces of the protection walls (70) on an end position side of the unlocking portion (70) of the lock piece (65) in the lock (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Hirano
  • Patent number: 8784127
    Abstract: An electrical connection system and method includes a first connector housing matable to a second connector housing along a mating axis. The first connector housing contains a mating assist lever (MAL) that rotationally pivots between an INOPERATIVE position and a CLOSED position and includes a locking means. When the MAL is positionally rotatable to the CLOSED position the first connector housing and the second connector housing are mated together such that the locking means is disposed adjacent an external surface of the second connector housing. A sufficiently applied force against the locking means actuates the locking means so that the locking means latchingly secures the first connector housing to the second connector housing. A CPA member, also disposed on the MAL, slidingly communicates with the latched locking means transverse to the mating axis and ensures the latched locking means does not become unlatched so that electrical connection system remains mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bashkin, Bart N. Caldwell, James D. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 8777656
    Abstract: A connector mechanism includes a casing, a socket, a rotary cover and a resilient plate. An opening is formed on the casing. The resilient plate is connected to an inner side of the casing and the rotary cover for driving the rotary cover to rotate relative to the casing. The resilient plate includes a fixing portion fixed on the inner side of the casing, a driving portion resiliently connected to the fixing portion and the rotary cover for driving the rotary cover to rotate relative to the casing by deflection relative to the fixing portion, and a stopping portion disposed on the driving portion for stopping a tongue of a plug as the plug passes through the opening to connect with the socket, so as to fasten the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Ching Kuo, Ting-Fang Lai, Chuan-Hsiao Chiu
  • Patent number: 8777655
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a plug in an outlet is provided. The apparatus includes a body and a pair of arms extending from opposite sides of the body. The body includes a retaining tab for retaining the plug in the outlet and a pair of locking tabs extending from opposite sides of the retaining tab for locking the retaining tab to the plug. Additionally, or in the alternative, each of the arms includes a safety loop for preventing the arms from being electrically connected to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Derek W. Blanton
  • Publication number: 20140193994
    Abstract: A card edge connector includes a connector including a target engagement part, a substrate that can be inserted into and removed from the connector, a fixing part fixed to the substrate, and a lock that secures the substrate to the connector. The lock includes a shaft fixed to the fixing part and configured to slide in the direction of insertion and removal of the substrate and rotate around an axis, an urging part that exerts force on the shaft and biasing the shaft toward the direction of the substrate, and an engagement part provided on the shaft, configured to engage the target engagement part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Miki, Mitsuru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8771003
    Abstract: An electric terminal for leading a conductor through a wall (1), comprising a first terminal piece (2) to be mounted on a first side (3) of the wall (1), and a second terminal piece (4) to be mounted on the second side (5) of the wall (1) is provided. The second terminal piece (4) or the first terminal piece (2) can be fastened to the wall (1) using a fastening means (6) that can be inserted through the wall (1) into the first terminal piece (2) or the second terminal piece (4) from the first side (3) or the second side (5) of the wall (1), and/or the fastening means (6) can be interlocked with the second terminal piece (4) or the first terminal piece (2) in such a way that the second terminal piece (4) or the first terminal piece (2) can be fastened to the wall (1) from the second side (5) or the first side (3) of the wall (1). According to the invention, such an electric terminal for leading a conductor through a wall (1) can be fastened to the wall (1) in a particularly simple fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz Reibke, Rudolph Merz, Guohua Chen, Carsten Lueckheide
  • Patent number: 8764474
    Abstract: A lever-type connector having a cover and a lever. The cover includes a body and a lock with a spring section connected to the body and an engaging section connected to the spring section. The lever connects to the body and includes a rotatable pair of arms facing each other and a coupling part connecting the rotatable pair of arms together. The coupling part is engageable with the lock when the lever is rotated toward the lock and includes a cover section covering the engaging section and a portion of the spring section when the lock engages the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Japan G.K.
    Inventor: Soichi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8760857
    Abstract: An exemplary USB device includes a base including a body and a pair of arms extending from the body, a head rotatably positioned between the pair of arms, and a pair of wheels fixed to the head. When the base is gripped by a user and oriented at an oblique angle relative to an external surface, with the at least one wheel contacting the surface, and the base is moved by the user in a direction generally parallel to the surface, the head is capable of rotating relative to the base by reason of friction between the wheels and the surface, and the head is opened out from the base and is secured in position at a desired angle with respect to the base when the user ceases moving the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Wei Lin, Tzu-Hsiu Hung
  • Patent number: 8758039
    Abstract: The locking device is for arrangement in the connector receptacle, which is connected to the charging connector that charges a battery, to interlock the connector receptacle and the charging connector. The locking device includes a notch engageable with a hook arranged in the charging connector. A lock bar is movable between a lock position, at which the lock bar restricts movement of the hook and keeps the hook and lock bar engaged, and an unlock position, at which the lock bar moves away from the hook and permits movement of the hook. A drive unit generates drive force for moving the lock bar from the unlock position to the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ishida, Masanari Okuno, Shinji Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20140170866
    Abstract: An improved electrical connector retainer employs a shell having a cavity. A pair of mated electrical connectors are received within the cavity and at least a portion of an upper wall of the shell is deflected towards a lower wall of the shell. The shell is configured to retain the upper wall in the deflected position, maintaining the pair of connectors in the mated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Derek W. Wright, Alex Yeung, Steve McClure, Sean S. Corbin, John B. Ardisana, II, Benjamin J. Pope, Shayan Malek
  • Publication number: 20140170894
    Abstract: A terminated cable retainer uses a locking rod to engage an edge on the terminal end of a cable as the locking rod urges the cable into a locked position. The device is for use with high-speed data connections, such as header blocks commonly found in universal broadband router installations. The lock rod or rotatable shaft provides for a twist lock that will hold a terminal end of a cable in a header block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Michael D. McCulley
  • Publication number: 20140162488
    Abstract: This disclosure generally pertains to circular connectors having a signal contact assembly containing four rod-shaped signal contact members, generally cylindrical dielectric material encasing the sides of the signal contact members and a generally cylindrical conductive shield in contact with the dielectric material. The signal contact assembly along with four rod-shaped power contact members are placed in the connector in an array such that the cluster of signal contact members is offset from the array of power contact members. This combination can be considered to be in the nature of a connector within a connector. The connector provides good electrical performance while minimizing the space required for the contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Norbert Staudigel, Franz Pacher
  • Patent number: 8747143
    Abstract: A charging connector (10) is provided to be connected to a vehicle-side connector (50) for charging a battery in a vehicle. The charging connector (10) has a main body (11) including a connector fitting (13) connectable to the vehicle-side connector, a lock (22) for holding the vehicle-side connector (50) and the connector fitting portion (13) in a connected state by being locked to a lock projection (52) on the vehicle-side connector (50), an unlocking portion (23) for canceling the locked state of the lock (22) and the lock projection (52), and an unlocking hole 16 formed in the connector main body (11) at a position corresponding to the unlocking portion (23). The unlocking portion (23) projects to the outside of the main body (11) through the unlocking hole (16) and includes recesses (27) at positions facing the peripheral edge of the unlocking hole (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshifumi Ichio
  • Patent number: 8747130
    Abstract: An electrical connector including a housing; a slide slidably mounted to the housing, wherein the slide comprises a rack section with teeth; a cam member and a connector position assurance (CPA) member. The cam member is rotatably mounted to the housing. The cam member comprises a caming surface adapted to contact a cam portion of a mating electrical connector. The cam member comprises a gear section with teeth engaging the teeth of the slide. The CPA member is movably connected to the housing. The CPA member is adapted to directly engage the cam member for preventing the cam member for rotating relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Adam P. Tyler, Jeffrey S. Campell, Franklin A. Holub
  • Publication number: 20140141642
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic card connector. The electronic card connector includes a tray assembly configured to receive an electronic card, and a base configured to receive the tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a hook mechanism, and the base includes a hook engaging mechanism. The tray assembly is locked in the base by an engagement of the hook mechanism and the hook engaging mechanism. The base also includes an elastic member. The elastic member is configured to eject the tray assembly out of the base when the hook mechanism is disengaged from the hook engaging mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: CHUN-YOU LIAO
  • Patent number: 8727801
    Abstract: Pluggable module that includes a module housing having mating and trailing ends and a sidewall that extends therebetween. The sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis. The pluggable module further comprises a latch mechanism that is attached to the trailing end of the module housing. The latch mechanism includes a coupling arm that extends along the sidewall toward the mating end and also an operator handle that is operatively connected to the coupling arm at a latch joint. The operator handle projects away from the trailing end of the module housing. The operator handle is configured to be pressed by an actuating force to move the coupling arm into a flexed position. The latch joint moves when the operator handle is pressed and the coupling arm moves away from the sidewall to the flexed position. The coupling arm returns toward the sidewall when the actuating force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: David S. Szczesny
  • Patent number: 8721358
    Abstract: A socket for electric parts which is dawn sized. The socket of the present invention has a socket body, contact pins to conduct to an electric part, a latch rotatably located on the socket body so as to positioned above the contact pins, which presses the electric part when the latch is closed and is in a state the electric part can be accommodated and taken out when the latch is opened, and an operating member vertically movably disposed in the socket body and has an operating portion for opening constituted so as to press down an operation portion to be operated for opening formed to the latch and rotate the latch in an opening direction when the operating member descends. An outermost position of the latch is disposed on an inside of outermost portion of the contact pins when the latch is opened to an outermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20140127933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in connector (1) having a receiving sleeve (2) which encloses an insulation for the contacts (4), and a plug-in portion (3) which can be assembled with said sleeve and which also encloses an insulation (5) for counter contacts (6), wherein said plug-in connector can be coupled and attached in the inserted position without requiring a threading having a counter threading or having a counter nut. For this purpose, the outer side of the plug-in portion (3) and the inner side of the receiving sleeve (2) each have a non-round cross section in some regions on a rotating sleeve (7) which is rotatable relative to the receiving sleeve (2). Said non-round cross sections of the plug regions that can be inserted into one another fit together in a form-fit manner in the peripheral direction, and thus enable assembly in the position of use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Hummel AG
    Inventors: Thomas Franke, Fritz Zügel, Sven Rissler, Achim Hoch
  • Patent number: 8708729
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (100) includes an electrical connector, a CPU (5) assembled to the electrical connector and a pair of cable connector assembles (7) assembled to two opposite sides of the CPU (5), each of the cable connector assembly (7) includes a cable connector (71) assembled to the CPU (5) and a cable (72) assembled to the cable connector (71), the electrical connector includes a first load lever (4) with a first press portion (420) pressing one of the cables (72) and a second load lever (3) with a second press portion (320) pressing the other of the cables (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Lon An, Darrell Lynn Wertz
  • Publication number: 20140113479
    Abstract: There is disclosed a connector of an electric vehicle charger, more particularly, to a connector of an electric vehicle charger which can be assembled and dissembled easily, with an easy maintenance, a simple structure and a less number of parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: LS Cable & System Ltd.
    Inventor: Doo Han YOON
  • Publication number: 20140113480
    Abstract: A lever mechanism for connector fitting 1 includes a hold part 2 for holding a connector housing 4, and a handle part 3. When the handle part 3 is rotated and the connector housing 4 is thereby inserted into the connector housing 5, an engaging projection 24 is caused to retreat from the inner surface of a side plate 21 toward the connector housing 4, thereby removing the holding of the connector housing 4 by the hold part 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Osamu Oshita, Naoki Kobayashi, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Masao Nagano, Akihiro Tsuruta, Tetsuya Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8684756
    Abstract: A lever-type connector includes a connector housing, a cover attached to the connector housing, a lever rotatably mounted on the connector housing. The lever is rotated in a situation that a mating connector is fitted to the connector housing in a half-fitted condition, thereby moving the mating connector with respect to the connector housing from the half-fitting condition to a completely fitting condition. A retaining portion is provided on the lever. A lock portion provided on the cover is engaged with the retaining portion when the lever has been rotated. A lever claw portion is provided on the retaining portion. The lock portion is provided on a distal end portion of the lock arm. A lock protection portion is provided on the retaining portion so as to be positioned away from a rotation center of the lever than the lever claw portion so that the lock protection portion covers the lock portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Kobayashi, Shoji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8684760
    Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a lockable power cord may include a power module, a locking member, a power cord, a power supply, and a loop. The locking member may include at least one arm member biased radially outward from the power module to an expanded state. The locking member may be configured to move radially inward toward the power module in response to the power module entering into the power receptacle, and expand radially away from the power module into a locking cavity of the power receptacle when the power module enters beyond a locking point within the power receptacle. The loop may include at least a first opening having a width smaller than a width of the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Lam, Amy Han
  • Patent number: 8678848
    Abstract: A latch mechanism of a data communication module operates by a portion of an actuator sliding in a slot in the module housing that is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the module housing, thereby translating a force generated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the module housing into a force in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as the bail of the latch mechanism pivots between a latched position and an unlatched position. A first end of the actuator is coupled to the bail through a cam pivot. A second end of the actuator has a pin portion that extends through or retracts into an opening in a wall of the module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Seng-Kum Chan
  • Patent number: 8678840
    Abstract: A locking arrangement for a plug apparatus which can be swiveled into an electronic assembly with an unlocking slide fastened to the plug apparatus, and is in operative connection with a snap hook arranged on a catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Donhauser, Gennadij Drehmann
  • Patent number: 8662906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connector with a first housing with first electrical contacts and a second housing with second electrical contacts. The first housing has a lever and a blocking element. The second housing has a toothed surface on which the lever arm can be brought into contact with an actuating surface upon pivoting in order to draw the first and the second housing together into an end position in which the first and the second contacts are contacted with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Marcel Schmitt, Richard Forell, Joachim Schneider
  • Patent number: 8651875
    Abstract: A charge connector latching mechanism integrated into a vehicle's charge inlet is provided, where the latching mechanism includes a retractable latching pawl. The retractable pawl is configured to be positioned in at least a first, default position where the pawl extends through an inlet surface of the charge inlet, and a second position where the pawl is retracted and does not extend through the inlet surface. In the first position the retractable pawl prevents insertion of a charge connector into the charge inlet if the charge connector is uncoupled from the inlet, and prevents removal of the charge connector if the charge connector is coupled to the inlet. In the second position the retractable pawl allows insertion/withdrawal of the charge connector into/from the charge inlet. The front surface of the retractable pawl may include a nub configured to fit within a recess within the front face of the charge connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Willard Ferguson, Andrew David Baglino, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian
  • Patent number: 8647141
    Abstract: A board-to-board connector assembly has a female connector and a male connector. The female connector has a first insulative housing, multiple first terminals and a latching bar. The first insulative housing has a locking recess and a releasing recess. The latching bar is mounted pivotally on the first insulative housing and selectively engages the locking recess or releasing recess. The male connector has a second insulative housing, multiple second terminals and two latched elements. The latched elements are mounted in the second insulative housing and each latched element has a latched hole selectively engaging with the latching bar to prevent the male connector from falling out of the female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Connectek Inc.
    Inventors: Kuo-Ching Lee, Conrad Yee Yang Choy, Jian-Li Guan, Ya-Ping Liang, Ta-Teh Meng
  • Patent number: 8641433
    Abstract: A lever (60) is formed with a resiliently deformable lock arm (71) projecting substantially along a rotating direction of the lever (60). A housing (20) is formed with a base piece (27) standing in a direction crossing a connecting direction to a mating connector (90). An engaging portion (35) for holding the housing (20) and the mating connector (90) in the properly connected state by being resiliently engaged with a leading end part of the lock arm (71) is formed on a leading end part of the base piece (27). A recess (33) into which a finger (50) is insertable to disengage the engaging portion (35) and the lock arm (71) is formed in a base end part of the base piece (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohisa Uchida
  • Patent number: 8636528
    Abstract: A memory module connector includes a dynamically-assisted latch that facilitates connecting and releasing a memory module. The latch includes a lever pivotably coupled to the connector for urging the memory module into and out of a fully seated position within the connector. The lever provides a mechanical advantage for lowering and raising the memory module. A latch assist member urges the latch into engagement with the memory module in response to an insertion of the memory module, and dynamically positions the lever in response to movement of the memory module within the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tony C. Sass, Paul A. Wormsbecher