Abstract: A connector (1) for an apparatus for reading smart card (C), having a body supporting brush contact elements (Bc1, Bcx) for electrically contacting the conductive pads of a chip on a card (C) inserted into the connector. The connector includes an electronic circuit connected to a least some of the brush contact elements (B) and connectable to the electronic circuit of the card reader. The electronic circuit on the connector includes an arrangement for controlling the insertion of the card (C) into the card reader and its withdrawal therefrom, and one of the brush contact elements (Bxc) is at a second predetermined potential and offset in relation to the other brush contact elements (Bc1) so that once the card (C) has been properly inserted into the connector, one of two events occurs when the card is withdrawn and before the other brush contact elements are disengaged from the conductive pads (C.sub.1) of the card (C) that they are contacting. Specifically, either the brush contact element (Bc.sub.

Abstract: A slider is mounted on a housing of one of male and female connectors to be fitted together, and is urged in one direction by a spring, and flexible arms and a lock arm are formed integrally with this slider. Second engagement projections, formed on a housing of the female connector, push the flexible arms, respectively, and are engaged respectively with the flexible arms when the two connectors are fitted together. A retaining projection for retaining the lock arm is formed on that housing. In a half-fitted condition, the second engagement projections are not engaged respectively with the flexible arms, and the female connector is pushed back by the spring, so that the half-fitted condition can be detected. The lock arm is engaged with the retaining projection, and also the flexible arms are engaged respectively with the second engagement projections, thereby preventing the two connectors from being accidentally disengaged from each other.

Abstract: Full engagement of a male and female connector is prevented if terminal retainers 13,36 are not fully inserted. A detecting protrusion 15 protrudes from the anterior end of a female connector housing 10. When a male retainer 36 is in a temporary stopping position, a female connector contact protrusion 55 is located inside a fitting detecting groove 50 that connects with a hood member 31. As a result, in the case where the retainer 36 is not completely fitted with the connector housing 30, the detecting protrusion 15 and the female connector contact protrusion 55 make contact, thereby preventing the female and male connectors from being fitted in the correct position. A female retainer 13 can engage the hood of a male connector housing in the usual way.

Abstract: A connector housing has a body portion and a hood portion. An insertion detecting member for terminal lugs is movable from provisional locking position to full locking position inside the hood portion. A resilient, terminal-lug locking piece extends in each terminal accommodating cavity in the housing body portion to form a displacement permitting space on a side opposite a side where a terminal lug is inserted. The insertion detecting member has a main frame, insertion detectors corresponding to the displacement permitting spaces, and a pair of manipulating portions at opposite sides of the main frame. When in provisional locking position the manipulating portions are exposed at opposite sides of the housing body portion, and when in full locking position the insertion detectors move into the displacement permitting spaces. The insertion detecting member is easily movable from provisional locking position to full locking position inside the housing hood portion.

Abstract: A connector position assurance system is provided for an electrical connector adapted for mating with another mateable connecting device. A connector housing has at least one terminal-receiving passage and including a locking arm adapted for latching with the mateable connecting device. A terminal is positionable in the passage. A terminal position assurance device (TPA) is mountable on the housing. A connector position assurance device (CPA) is, movably mounted on the housing and is operatively associated with the locking arm. The TPA includes a guide structure for guiding movement of the CPA.

Abstract: A divided connector is provided to reduce engaging forces and to enable a simplified engagement detection. The connector has male and female connector housings 1, 2; 51, 60 each carrying a group of terminal fittngs 7, 7a, 12. Either one of the connector housings 1, 2; 51, 60 is divided into a plurality of housing pieces 3, 4; 61, 62, 63 so as to be fittable and engageable with a plurality of corresponding accommodation positions in the other connector housing 1, 2; 51, 60. The connector has a controller 14-16; 18-25; 45, 47, 48; 65-74; 114-124 for controlling the fitting and/or engagement of a previously fitted and/or engaged housing piece 3, 4; 61, 62, 63, and engagement detector means 7a, 27-43 for detecting whether or not the last housing piece 3, 4; 61, 62, 63 was properly engaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ensuring that a first and a second electrical connector are properly connected and locked together. The first electrical connector includes a latching member for latching two together when properly mated. A locking member is secured to the first electrical connector in a space between the first electrical connector and the latching member. The locking member is moveable between an unlocked and locked position and can only be moved to the locked position when the first electrical connector is latched to the second electrical connector.

Abstract: When male and female connector housings 1 and 11 are in a half-fitted state, a spacer insertion groove 24 located at a posterior end of a locking arm 20 does not fully open. In order to prevent forcible insertion of a spacer, the insertion ends 33 of a spacer 30 have an inclined lower face, to reduce or eliminate a force tending to push up the locking arm 20. Even in the case where the first insertion ends 33 are forcibly inserted into half-fitted connector housings 1 and 11, complete insertion is prevented because a second insertion member 38 of the spacer 30 and the position of a through hole 23 are not aligned. Half fitting is thus reliably detected.

Abstract: In a coaxial receptacle connector for receiving an coaxial plug connector having a plug side central contact and a plug side outer contact surrounding the plug side central contact, a receptacle side outer contact and a connection detecting element are placed around a receptacle side central contact to form a substantially cylindrical portion in cooperation with each other with gaps left therebetween in a circumferential direction. The receptacle side central contact is for being brought in contact with the plug side central contact. The receptacle side outer contact is for being brought into contact with the plug side central contact. The connection detecting element for detecting a connection between the coaxial plug connector and the coaxial receptacle connector.

Abstract: A central terminal (40) is provided in the central mount (9) of the plugging cavity (4) for contact with the plug terminal (85) of the lamp plug (B). An outer terminal (50) and a check terminal (70) are provided in the outer mount (10A) and the check mount (10B), respectively, for contact with the annular contact (88) on the side wall of the lamp plug (B).

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulating housing having a mating body and a plurality of passageways defined in the mating body; a plurality of conductive contacts received in the plurality of passageways; and detection means received in the mating body for detecting engagement of an external mating connector. The detection means comprises a main plate for inserting into a slot of a housing for an electrical connector and a pair of contact leg extending rearward from edges of the main plate for engaging conductive contacts of a mating connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for securing integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection in a computer system. A method and device according to the present invention for insuring integrity of a blind autodock electrical connection for use with a computer system includes a stationary assembly and a module. The method and device comprises a first electrical connector coupled to the stationary assembly and a second electrical connector coupled to the module. It also includes a connector sensor coupled to the first connector, and a connector sensor receiver coupled to the second connector. The connector sensor is a device including connector sensors which are coupled via a wire.

Abstract: A short-circuit terminal fitting 30 is provided with a protection wall 35 to prevent deformation of elastic contact portions due to interference by other members and to prevent excessive deformation of the elastic contact portions due to an excessive pressing displacement of a lock arm. The protection wall 35 is so formed as to surround the leading free ends of elastic contact portions 32 which are fixed at one end thereof and hanging at the other end thereof. When the short-circuiting terminal fitting 30 is handled alone, the elastic contact portions 32 are unlikely to be interfered with by other members since they are surrounded by the protection wall 35 and, accordingly, the deformation of the elastic contact portions 32 due to interference by other members can be prevented.

Abstract: A female connector 1, constituting a half-fitting prevention connector of the invention, has a slider receiving portion 4 for receiving and holding a slider 10. Positioning guide grooves 5 for positioning and supporting the slider 10 are provided respectively on opposite sides of the slider receiving portion 4. A lock arm 6, having an elastically-deformable arm portion 8, is provided above the slider receiving portion 4. A lock beak 7 for retaining the slider 10 is formed on an upper surface of the lock arm 6. The slider 10 includes an elastically-deformable slider arm 14 for retaining the lock beak 7, support projections 17 formed respectively on opposite sides of a base portion 11 for fitting respectively into the positioning guide grooves 5, and a spring receiving portion 12 for receiving a compression spring 9. A receiving space 16 for receiving the lock arm 6 is formed between the slider arm 14 and the base portion 11.

Abstract: A lock detection structure of a connector, includes: a first connector housing (63) having a connector lock projection (65); a second connector housing (39) having a deformable lock arm (49); and a lock detecting member (33, 83) for detecting whether the connector lock projection is locked with the deformable lock arm.

Abstract: A novel identity apparatus in the form of, for example, a cable or a system board has a number of connectors, each connector including one or more "identity" terminals, that are used to uniquely identify an electrical device attached to the connector. The identity apparatus eliminates jumpers or dip switches conventionally used in an electrical device to provide an identity to the electrical device. An identity cable's identity terminals are pulled up to reference voltage Vcc by the attached electrical device that also senses the voltage at the identity terminals to determine identity. The identity cable's connector includes a "ground" terminal that is coupled to ground by the attached electrical device. Each identity terminal of a cable is couplable (i.e. can be coupled) inside the identity cable to ground or alternatively left unconnected, to thereby indicate a logic state "1" or a logic state "0" respectively.

Abstract: A device for testing a connector which has a plurality of terminals, each in a terminal chamber. There is a flexing space adjacent each chamber and a resilient tongue, biased into the chamber, is moved into the space as the terminals are inserted and springs out of the space when they are fully within the chambers. The device has a plurality of testing units attached within a body which is movable toward and away from the connector. If at least one of the terminals is not fully inserted into its chamber, the body is moved backward away from the connector so that contact between the units and the terminals is not made.

Abstract: Provision of a connector assembly which enables a half-fitted state to be reliably prevented and further enables a fitting force to be reduced. A connector assembly having a first housing in which an end of at least one first signal line is attached, a second housing in which an end of at least one second line to be connected to the end of the first signal line is attached and which fits with a fitting opening of the first housing, and a plate shaped fitting detection pin which is inserted from a detection insertion slot formed at a side of the first housing so as to pass through an approximate center axis of the first housing. The second housing is formed with a detection pin recess which allows the insertion of the fitting detection pin in a state where the second housing is fitted in the fitting opening of the first housing. The facing inner walls of the second housing constituting the detection pin recess are formed with projecting guide ribs.

Abstract: A connector fitting-indication mechanism that is provided with an indicator capable of accurately indicating a condition of fitting of two connectors when they are engaged, and can positively be returned to an original position upon disengagement of the connectors from each other. The indicator is in one connector and is releasably engageable with a portion of a second connector. When engaged, the indicator moves to an indicating position and when disengaged, the indicator moves to a position.

Abstract: An interface connector which facilitates connection between a miniature card and a host device is disclosed. The interface connector includes an elastomeric connection device, an insulating body and electrical contacts. The elastomeric connection device and electrical contacts provide electrical pathways between corresponding pads and contacts (e.g., data, power and ground) on the miniature card and the host. The insulating body is adapted to be received by the host and to receive the miniature card, and includes a castellated side wall which protects the elastomeric connection device from foreign objects. The insulating body also includes location pins which facilitate proper insertion and alignment of the connector with regard to the host device. A keying feature is provided to prevent insertion of incompatible miniature cards. A write protect feature is disclosed for use with writable miniature cards. A combined latch-card detection switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for tracing jumpers used in an exchange to cross-connect optical fibers or wires served by the exchange. The system includes an exchange housing receptacles with optically-encoded data associated with each receptacle or a group of receptacles. The optically-encoded data for a receptacle(s) uniquely identifies the physical location of the receptacle from any other receptacle in the exchange. Likewise, the jumpers each have optically-encoded data formed thereon that uniquely identifies the jumper or jumper end and distinguishes the jumper from any other jumper used in the exchange. If no jumper is to be connected to a particular receptacle, a cover with optically-encoded data can be attached to a receptacle to indicate that no jumper is connected to the receptacle.

Abstract: A first connector housing has a coupling noticing member slidably mounted therein orthogonally to the connector housing coupling direction. An operating portion is provided in one outward end of the coupling noticing member. An actuating portion is provided in the coupling noticing member and has an inwardly tapered face with a falling gradient, the tapered face being directed oppositely to the connector housing coupling direction. A second connector housing engaging with the first connector housing has a projecting guide piece provided in an opening end of the second connector housing and abutting against the tapered face of the coupling noticing member. An actuating portion inserting recess is opened adjacent to the projecting guide piece in the second connector housing. The first connector housing has a resilient lock arm with a ramped locking protrusion and the second connector housing has a stepped portion abutting against the ramped locking protrusion.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted to be mounted on a printed wiring board (PWB) comprising an insulative member supporting a plurality of conductive contacts which conductive contacts engage said PWB and a conductive sheet having a lower wall superimposed on said PWB and an upper wall superimposed over the insulative member in spaced relation over the lower wall and a pair of side walls perpendicularly interposed between said upper and lower walls to form a plug receiving space between said upper and lower wall and a conductive sensor means which is positioned adjacent one of said conductive contacts and which contacts one of the conductive contacts when a plug is inserted in the plug receiving space.

Abstract: To provide durable elbow seating indicator for high voltage elbow on a high voltage bushing a band of highly contrasting color is formed on or added to an annular recess on the conductive jacket of the bushing.

Abstract: A connector is provided which is mounted in a hole in a structure such as an automotive door and with an easy-to-handle fitting-completion detector with which whether connector housings are fitted to each other can be reliably checked. The fitting-completion detector (3) is mounted on one connector housing (1), with locking claws of its holding arms (13) engaged in locking grooves (7) in the one connector housing. The other connector housing (2) is provided with sloped release projections 11 that advance into respective locking grooves (7). The fitting-completion detector includes insertion prevention portions (14, 14'). While the connector housings are not being fitted together, owing to the insertion prevention portions (14, 14'), the one connector housing is prevented from entering the hole.

Abstract: In a connector locking structure, a locking protrusion 1b is formed on the upper surface of a flexible locking arm 1 of a male connector, and insufficient engagement preventing protrusions 1c are extended from both sides of the locking protrusion, the housing 2 of a female connector has a cut 8, into which the flexible locking arm is inserted, displacement preventing stoppers 8a are provided which are confronted with the cut 8 to support the insufficient engagement preventing protrusion, and in the housing 2, a locking confirming slider 3 having an engaging portion 3b which is to be engaged with the locking protrusion 1b is provided in such a manner that the locking confirming slider 3 is movable back and forth, being kept urged forwardly by springs 4.

Abstract: One of two connector housings adapted to be fitted with each other has a slider with a cam section. The second connector housing is formed with a slider pressure protrusion. When the connector housings are fitted with each other, the slider is moved against the force of a spring as the slider pressure protrusion applies a sliding pressure to the cam section. The slider is in the original position thereof when the connectors are not fitted, comes away from the original position in the process of the connector housings being fitted with each other, and returns to the original position upon complete fitting of the connector housings. The first connector housing and the slider each include a fitting detection terminal adapted to fit each other when the slider is in the original position and come out of contact from each other when the slider leaves the original position.

Abstract: The invention is designed to detect an incomplete engagement of a connector at an earlier stage. A female connector 10 is formed with a locking arm 13, and a male connector 20 is formed with an engaging groove 23. A short-circuiting fitting 41 is mounted in the lower portion of the locking arm 13, and detection terminals 42 are inserted below the locking arm 13. Accordingly, as the locking arm 13 is deformed at an intermediate stage of an engaging operation, the short-circuiting fitting 41 is moved downward, thereby electrically connecting the detection terminals 42. When engaging projection 13c formed on the locking arm 13 pops into the engaging groove 23, thereby fully engaging the connectors 10 and 20, the detection terminals 42 are electrically disconnected. In other words, by being notified of the intermediate stage of the engaging operation, an operator can determine the completion of the engaging operation earlier.

Abstract: The invention includes first and second electrical connectors and a connector position assurance member that is lockable in a pre-staged position. A first connector includes a pivotally connected pump handle lock arm positioned to lock on to a nub on the second connector. A connector position assurance member (CPA) is constructed for slidable movement on the first connector and includes two forward reaching arms each having a stop on a lower edge that engage a shoulder positioned on the first connector when the CPA is in a pre-staged position. In this pre-staged position, a lock arm of the CPA grabs into the pump handle on the first connector. The stop, shoulder and lock arm prevent forward or backward slidable movement of the CPA from this locked pre-staged position.

Abstract: A connector is provided for use with a microcircuit card that has contact pads on its lower face, which assures that connector contact blades fully engage the card pads when full insertion of the card is detected. The connector includes a body with a contact body portion that holds the card-engaging contacts and a switch body portion that holds a switch with an actuator. The body portions are integral and have coplanar upper faces which assures precision relative positioning of the card-engaging blades and the actuator that detects full insertion of the card. The switch body portion is preferably offset from the contact body portion, which facilitates routing of circuit board conductors when the connector is mounted on a circuit board, especially where the connector has surface mount terminals. The switch actuator has a fixed rear end and two forward arms, one for depression by a card and the other for depressing and releasing a snap dome.

Abstract: A receptacle connector (10) including a single plug-receiving cavity (20) adapted for mating with at least two different plug connectors (80,90). A pair of detection contacts separate from the signal contact array include contact sections (66) proximate tabs (34) of a conductive shield (14) and engageable therewith upon deflection of the tabs. Tabs (34) are so positioned as to be deflectable upon mating with one particular plug connector (90), and not deflected upon mating with another particular plug connector (80), generating a signal upon mating with the one connector (90) and not generating a signal upon mating with the other connector (80). Circuitry of a circuit board (24) becomes reconfigured upon receipt of the signal to correspond with transmissions from the one connector (90).

Abstract: A connector housing (22) before insertion of a terminal lug thereinto is set in an inspection chamber (7) on a connector inspection device (A), so that a movable pin (9) of an inspection pin (8) is located inside a front end portion of the terminal-accommodating chamber in the connector housing. With the terminal lug thereafter inserted into the accommodating chamber, the movable pin is moved back against a spring (11) so that, when the terminal lug has been fully inserted, the movable pin comes into contact with a stationary pin to energize an inspection electric circuit (18). Thus, the full insertion of the terminal lug (C) can be known. Hold on the terminal lug is then released to allow the terminal lug to retract by a distance corresponding to a clearance (D) present between an edge of a locking portion (28) of the terminal lug and a locking projection (24a) of a resilient locking piece (24), so that the movable pin is now separated from the stationary pin to shut off the inspection electric circuit.

Abstract: A connector includes a first connector housing having a resiliently deflectable lock arm in an outer wall of the first connector housing and a second connector housing having a lock arm engaging with a locking piece fitted in the first connector housing. In the complete engaged state of the pair of connector housings, the lock arm engages with the locking piece so that the first and second connector housings are secured to each other. The connector further includes an engagement confirming member movably attached to the lock arm and an engagement retaining wall standing and positioned adjacently to the engagement confirming member. In the complete engagement of the pair of connector housings, the engagement confirming member is moved onto a top portion of the engagement retaining wall to prevent the lock arm from deflecting. The engagement confirming member is preferably attached movably in a substantially orthogonal direction to the engagement direction of the connector housings.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprises a first connector housing with a flexible locking arm, and a second connector housing having an engaging section which is provided for the flexible locking arm. In the first connector housing, a shorting contactor including an elastic contact plate is set in a displacement permitting space provided for the flexible locking arm in such a manner that the elastic contact plate is displaced in association with the displacement of the flexible locking arm. In the second connector housing, a pair of engagement detecting metal terminals are provided in confrontation with the shorting contactor. When the first and second connector housings are incompletely engaged with each other, the shorting contactor is not contact with the engagement detecting metal terminals by the displacement of elastic contact plate which is due to the displacement of the flexible locking arm.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a female contact that enables detection of the presence of a corresponding male contact. The female contact is divided into two parts. The two parts are electrically isolated. When a male pin is installed in the female contact, the male pin electrically connects the two parts of the female contact together. In a specific application, the female contact is in a connector for an external device on a SCSI computer bus. The first part is pulled high and serves as a sense line. The second part is pulled to ground. A pin in the mating connector electrically connects the two parts of the female contact, pulling the sense line to ground. The external device disables internal termination of the SCSI bus when the sense line is pulled low. In an alternative embodiment, the external device has two SCSI connectors, each with a two-part female contact.

Abstract: An expanding apparatus includes a housing with a bearing surface on which a rear portion of a computer is to be placed, and engaging projections arranged on the bearing surface so as to be fitted individually in engagement holes of the computer. As an operating lever provided on the housing is swung up or down, the engaging projections is moved between a first position in which the computer is connected to a first expansion connector of the apparatus and a second position in which the connection is removed. The apparatus is provided with a photointerrupter and an actuating piece which are arranged in the housing, while the operating lever has a push projection which causes the actuating piece to switch the photointerrupter on and off as the lever is swung. When the operating lever is swung from a home position toward a release position with the computer connected to the external expanding apparatus, the photointerrupter detects this and delivers a warning signal to the computer.

Abstract: An inspection device for connectors comprises a connector support (6) and an inspection main body (3) movable relative to each other. The main body has therein a plurality of inspection pins (11) connected to an inspecting electric circuit, which inspection pins are each urged forwardly by a spring (2). A connector to be inspected has a plurality of terminal-accommodating chambers, each containing a resilient cantilever support piece (14) and a space (16) adjacent the support piece. Each inspection pin (11) includes a continuity-test surface (11a) and an incomplete-insertion detector portion (11b) protruding forwardly of the continuity-test surface, which detector portion (11b) is at the front end formed with an abutment means (11c) engageable with a corresponding abutment means (14b) of the related support piece (14).

Abstract: A terminal assembly tester comprises a contact probe module having electrical contact probes. The contact probes have a contact surface biasable against tips of electrical terminal mounted in cavities of a connector housing. The connector housing comprises integrally moulded resilient locking lances that are separated from housings walls by a slot. Extensions of the contact probes are insertable into the housing slots when contacting the terminal tips. If a terminal is not fully inserted into a cavity, the resilient locking lances are biased into the slot and prevent insertion of the contact probe tip thereinto thereby ensuring that the contact probe does not electrically contact the terminal. The latter thus ensures that even almost completely inserted terminals will not be electrically contacted and thus provides for a reliable testing mechanism.

Abstract: A device of the invention comprises a male type connector housing 100, a female type connector housing 200, a slider 300 for detecting a coupling state and for double locking, and a release projection 206 for cancelling a temporary engagement of the slider 300, and a reinforcing rib 207 which functions also for preventing a wrong coupling is provided on the release projection 206 projecting from the back wall of the female connector housing 200, and a reinforcing rib accommodating part which can accommodate only the reinforcing rib 207 provided in a specified position and cannot accommodate the reinforcing rib 207 provided in a non-specified position is provided continuously with a space of the male type connector housing 100 where the release projection 206 is to be inserted.

Abstract: A connector terminal checking device of the present invention comprises a base plate, a checking body movably mounted on the base plate, and a connector holder fixed onto the base plate, wherein the checking body further comprises a plurality of check pins aligned facing toward the connector holder, and the connector holder is provided with a terminal holding wall formed with a plurality of terminal position regulating sections, each for receiving a corresponding one of a plurality of terminal accommodating chambers of a connector to be checked, and also provided with a pair of connector sustainers shiftably urged by way of a resilient stuff, wherein by shifting the checking body toward the connector installed in the connector holder to bring the terminals in the connector into contact with the check pins, the terminals improperly inserted in the accommodating chamber are abutted against the terminal position regulating section and shifted to the properly inserted position.

Abstract: The connector checking device of the present invention comprises: a connector holding member 6, and a checking device main body 3 detachably mounted from the connector holding member, wherein the main body is further provided with a plurality of check pins 11 connected with an electric circuit and urged toward the connector holding member by a coil spring 12, and a spacer removing piece 14 formed with a hook 14c which is also urged toward the connector holding member by another coil spring 15.

Abstract: A terminal-in-connector checking device consists of a mount (51), a connector holder (54) fixed on the mount for holding a connector in position, a continuity checking member (53) for terminals in the connector, provided on one side of the connector holder and movable to and from the connector holder, a terminal pressing member (1) provided on the side of the connector holder opposite the first-mentioned side, movable to and from the connector holder and including a pressing portion (2) for advancing into the connector and moving a terminal therein to fully-inserted position when the terminal pressing member (1) is moved to the connector holder, and an operating member for moving the checking member and the terminal pressing member to and from the connector holder. A terminal, if in incompletely-inserted position, is automatically moved to fully-inserted position to be checked for continuity.

Abstract: A latching connector assembly includes a mechanism which provides audible and tactile sensation indicating that the parts of the connector assembly are latched or unlatched (opened). The mechanism includes fixed obstructions or protrusions (molded-in detents) disposed on both sides of the latching shaft located in the fixed portion of the plug part of the connector assembly. Latching posts are provided on the movable portion (latch mechanism) of the plug part. The posts co-act with the protrusions, as the latching mechanism is moved forward or backward in the latch shaft, causing an audible sound and positive/tactile feel, when latching or unlatching the plug part to the receptacle part of the connector assembly.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (10) includes a connector position assurance device (20), a plug housing (30), and a receptacle housing (40). The connector position assurance device (20) includes a central beam having a central detent (22b) thereon with an end section (22c) for engaging a front section (35) of plug housing (30) when the CPA is in a fully advanced position. A web (24) includes a radiused profile (24a) for flexing and avoiding damaging stress concentrations in the web (24) when the CPA (20) is in the fully advanced position. Double locking and connector position assurance are achieved, and the CPA (20) can be latched to the plug housing (30) in a pre-engagement position for preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the CPA (20) from the plug housing (30).

Abstract: A connecting structure in which a male connector can be fitted into a female connector by operating a joint lever is provided. The joint lever is rotatably attached to either the male connector or the female connector. The connecting structure further includes projections to be inserted into the guide grooves and a fit detecting member for detecting the fitting condition between the male connector and the female connector. In fitting the male connector into the female connector, the fit detecting member is released from its engaged condition in the temporary engagement position by rotation of the joint lever. In the case where the fit detecting member is engaged in the formal engagement position, the fit detecting member operates to prevent the joint lever from being rotated.

Abstract: A connector having an engagement detecting device, comprises: a first connector housing (100) for housing a plurality of first connector terminals (23); a second connector housing (200) for housing a plurality of second connector terminals (21) mated with the first connector terminals, and engaged with the first connector housing; a slider (300, 300A) inserted into the first connector housing in two stages of a half engagement position and a full engagement position; and a short-circuit spring (400) disposed within the first connector housing, for shorting electrically two adjacent mated connector terminals (23, 21) when the slider is inserted into the first connector housing to the half engagement position, but disconnecting electrically the same two adjacent mated connector terminals when the second connector housing (200) is engaged with the first connector housing (100) and thereafter the slider is further inserted into the first connector housing to the full engagement position.

Abstract: A connector testing device of the handy type which is capable of easily examining the condition of insertion of connection terminals in a connector. This device includes detection pins each including a tip end portion extending forwardly from a body portion thereof, and a detection portion which extends rearwardly from the body portion, and is smaller in cross-sectional area than the body portion. The detection pin is movable forward and rearward, and is normally urged forward. The device also includes a spacer having insertion holes each allowing the body portion to pass therethrough, the spacer being movable upward and downward, and being normally urged upward. In an upwardly-urged position of the spacer, the insertion hole allows the associated body portion to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A smart card connector with a card slot (10) for receiving a smart card employs an end position switch comprising a single resilient contact (14) engaging a stationary post (16) to detect full insertion of a smart card. Self cleaning wiping mating contact is generated when the resilient contact (14) engages the stationary rigid post (16). The resilient contact (14) and the post (16) are mounted in the rear of a housing base (4) which includes resilient data contacts (12). The housing base (4) also includes resilient cantilever diverter springs (18), molded into the housing base which both protect the data contacts (12) and provide a reactive force to counter the force exerted by the normally closed resilient contact (14) upon full insertion of the smart card.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connector engagement detecting apparatus having a compact checking structure.

Abstract: In a connector, an incomplete insertion detecting structure is formed as follows: A flexible locking piece adapted to engage with a terminal is formed in each terminal accommodating chamber. A rib insertion space, into which the flexible locking piece is retracted when bent as the terminal is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber, is formed adjacent to the terminal accommodating chambers. A rib, which is inserted into the rib insertion space, is extended from an engaging body. A flexible arm is provided in the rib insertion space so as to engage with the rib thus inserted. A bracket insertion space is formed adjacent to the rib insertion space into which a through-bracket is inserted and into which the flexible arm is retracted while being bent as the rib is inserted into the rib insertion space. Thus, the incomplete insertion detecting structure is able to positively detect the incomplete engagement of the terminals, bus bars and/or housings.