Abstract: A terminal module is provided for coupling between a printed circuit board and a relatively movable component. The module includes an elongated dielectric housing defining a longitudinal axis extending between opposite ends of the housing. One opposite end of the housing has a coupling for interengagement with the relatively movable component and for allowing relative movement between the component and the printed circuit board. A slot extends axially into the housing from an open end thereof at an opposite end of the housing for embracing an edge of a printed circuit board inserted axially into the slot. A conductive terminal is mounted on the housing through an open side of the housing generally parallel to the slot. The terminal has a contact portion extending into the slot for engaging an appropriate circuit trace on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A self docking instrument panel connector system is provided with a first connector member (18) attached to an instrument panel assembly (12). A second connector member (20) is attached to a body of a vehicle (16) and is designed to mate with the first connector member (18). One of the connector members (20) is adjustably supported to be movable in first and second lateral directions and in a longitudinal direction in order to accommodate for build tolerances and component insertion variances.

Abstract: A connector position assurance system is provided for an electrical connector adapted for mating with another mateable connecting device. The connector includes a housing having a guideway and a stop surface near the guideway. A primary flexible locking arm on the housing includes a latch for mechanically interlocking with a cooperating latch of the mateable connecting device. A connector position assurance (CPA) device is slidable along the guideway between a first position allowing movement of the locking arm and mating of the connector with the mateable connecting device, and a second position blocking movement of the locking arm away from a latched position. The CPA device includes a flexible stop arm engageable with the stop surface on the housing to prevent the CPA device from moving from its first to its second position.

Abstract: A self-aligning connector system is provided for facilitating mating an electrical connector assembly with a complementary mating connector. The system includes a housing having a forward end, a rearward end and side walls extending between the ends. At least one deflectable aligning beam is cantilevered from at least one side wall of the housing. A detent structure is operatively associated between the housing and the aligning beam for holding the beam in an inoperative condition spaced outwardly from the side wall of the housing and, upon mating the connectors, for releasing the beam to a deflectable condition to facilitate self-aligning the housing and mating it with the complementary connector. A frangible break-away web may be provided between the housing and the deflectable aligning beam for holding the beam in its inoperative condition.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided for mounting an electrical connector assembly to an appropriate support structure. The system includes a frame, and an elongated mounting post projecting therefrom for insertion into a mounting hole in the support structure. The post includes a plurality of rigid crush ribs extending lengthwise of the post and spaced from each other circumferentially about a major side of the post. A flexible arm extends lengthwise of the post on an opposite side thereof.

Abstract: A terminal retainer system is disclosed for an electrical connector assembly. The system includes a dielectric connector housing having a plurality of terminal-receiving passages and a retainer slot adjacent the passages. A plurality of conductive terminals are insertable in an insertion direction into the terminal-receiving passages. Each terminal includes an engaging portion. A terminal retainer is insertable into the retainer slot in a direction generally parallel to the insertion direction of the terminals to a pre-load position allowing insertion of the terminals into the passages. The terminal retainer is movable in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the terminals from the pre-load position to a retaining position in engagement with the engaging portions of the terminals to retain the terminals in the passages.

Abstract: A frame structure is provided for mounting an electrical connector assembly. The structure includes a generally U-shaped first frame piece having a pair of generally parallel arms for embracing opposite sides of the connector assembly inserted into an open side of the frame piece defined by the U-shaped configuration thereof. A second frame piece closes the open side of the first frame piece to capture the connector assembly therewithin. Latches are provided between opposite ends of the second frame piece and free ends of the arms of the U-shaped first frame piece to hold the frame pieces together about the connector assembly.

Abstract: A terminal position assurance (TPA) system is disclosed in an electrical connector assembly. The system includes a dielectric connector housing having a plurality of terminal-receiving passages. A plurality of terminals are insertable in an insertion direction into the passages. A TPA device is insertable into the housing and includes a plurality of fingers movable in a direction transverse to the insertion direction into the passages when the TPA device is moved from a pre-load position allowing insertion of the terminals to a final position with the fingers projecting into the passages in engagement with the terminals. The TPA device includes a pair of flexible latch arms at opposite ends of the plurality of terminals for holding the TPA device in at least one of its pre-load and final positions. The flexible latch arms are flexible in the same direction of movement of the fingers into the terminal-receiving passages.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing having a forward mating end and a rearward terminating end and at least one terminal-receiving cavity extending along an axis in a direction between the ends. A terminal is insertable into the cavity from the rearward terminating end of the housing. The terminal has a transversely enlarged portion located at a given axial position when the terminal is fully inserted into the cavity. A TPA device is engageable with the housing at the rearward terminating end thereof. The TPA device includes at least two parts interconnected for relative movement transversely of the axis between open and closed positions. The parts define a passage therebetween for receiving the terminal therethrough when the parts are in their open position.

Abstract: A terminal position assurance system is provided for an electrical connector which is adapted to mate with another mateable connecting device. The connector includes a housing having a forward mating end and a rearward terminating end and at least one terminal-receiving cavity extending in a direction between the ends. The forward mating end has an opening for receiving the mateable connecting device. A terminal is insertable into the cavity from the rearward terminating end of the housing. A primary locking arm is provided on the housing in the cavity for movement between a first position when the terminal is fully inserted into the cavity and a second position of incomplete insertion of the terminal. A TPA device is at least partially positioned within the opening at the forward mating end of the housing and includes a passage therethrough for the mateable connecting device.