Abstract: An electrical assembly (1) includes a first electrical element (2), a second electrical element (8) and an actuating element (3). The first electrical element has a support section (22) including a retention element (5). The retention element has a pair of spaced legs (52). The second electrical element defines a cavity (82) in a part (80) thereof. The actuating element has a resilient arm (30), a pressing arm (32), a separating element (34) and a pair of side wings (36). The actuating element is pivotally movable with respect to the retention element and facilitates the releasable lock of the legs to the cavity.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for use with a handheld computing system. The connector assembly includes a first connector including a plurality of contact elements. The first connector is adapted to reside on a handheld computer. A first coupling structure resides on the handheld computer and includes a first aperture. A second connector includes a second plurality of contact elements. The second connector is configured to reside on a cradle for a portable computer and is matable to the first connector. A latch member is configured to extend from the cradle into the first aperture to couple the cradle to the handheld computer. The latch member may bias to engage the first aperture. The latch member is positioned relative to the first connector and the second connector to create a moment that directs at least a portion of the handheld computer towards remaining on the cradle.

Abstract: A solar cell panel has a pair of superimposed plates, and one or more solar energy cells sandwiched between the plates. A connector for making electrical connection to an external connection member in use of the panel is mounted on the periphery of the superimposed plates. To achieve a compact and simple construction, one-piece strip metal electrical conductor members have first ends located between the superimposed plates and electrically connected to the solar energy cells and second ends which protrude from the periphery and are held in a housing of the connector. The second ends act as electrical terminals.

Abstract: A connector is mounted on a circuit board by a pair of elongated fasteners (23) that each have a connector end (29) that is fixed to the connector housing and a board mount end (28) that is fixed in mount holes (80) in the circuit board. The board mount ends of the fasteners are press fit into circuit board holes as the termination ends (42) of the connector contacts are inserted into plated holes in the board. Each fastener is attached to the connector by passing the connector end of the fastener through a hole (24) in a plate-like metal wing (74) of the connector and then press fitting the connector end of the fastener to the wing. The fastener has an elongated pin-like middle portion (26) that can be bent 90° so most of the connector can lie beyond an edge (70, 72) of the circuit board and partly in the plane of the circuit board.

Abstract: A male connector connects with a female connector to establish an electrical connection. The male and female connectors each include a connector housing having hold-down tabs at opposite ends thereof for securing the connector housing to a substrate. The hold-down tabs are staggered or diagonally located such that one hold-down tab is proximal a first side of the connector housing and the other hold-down is proximal a second side of the connector housing. The staggered or diagonally-located hold-down tabs stabilize the connector housing against rocking or other movement on the substrate. The arrangement of hold-down tabs also permits the connector housing to nest or merge with another similarly-designed connector housing. The nested or merged connector housing conserve substrate space and permit a higher density of contacts in a given space on the substrate, whether the space is at an edge or in an interior of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of surface-mounting a connector on a circuit board using a rivet as a mounting member is provided. This method can provide an excellent assembling process by, if necessary, using the conventional solder dipping process or rivet caulking process. A rivet has a middle portion acting as a flange. In the rivet, one end is previously fixed to a connector side while the other end is inserted into a first hole formed in the surface of a circuit board, so that the flange can be closely attached to the circuit board. Particularly, since a soldering pad is formed adjacent to a hole formed in the circuit board, the rivet can be bonded to the circuit board while other electronic components are being surface-soldered on the circuit board.

Abstract: Frame grounding fixtures (plug connector fixtures) 40 are provided at the longitudinal ends of the plug housing 10 for mounting the plug connector half 1 on a printed circuit board K1, and receptacle connector fixtures 80 are provided at the longitudinal ends of the receptacle housing 50 for mounting the receptacle connector half 5 on a printed circuit board K5. When the plug and receptacle connector halves 1 and 5 are intermated, the frame grounding fixtures 40 are brought into contact with the receptacle connector fixtures 80 because the contact surfaces of the frame grounding fixtures 40 are provided in the same planes as the inner surfaces 12c of the plug housing 10, and the contact surfaces of the receptacle connector fixtures 80 are provided in the same plane as the outer surfaces 52b of the receptacle housing 50.

Abstract: A connecting system for detachably mechanically connecting an electronic component to a support is described. The connecting system has fixed rails that are configured on the longitudinal sides of the support. When the connecting system is assembled, at least two grips on each longitudinal side of the electronic component grip under the fixing rails. Each fixing rail has at least one hole allowing the grips to be introduced vertically in relation to the support, in a direction Y, with the grips advancing in direction Z. The holes are configured in such a way that the advancing grips can pass through them during assembly without leaving the support.

Abstract: A cross-connect cabinet for an underground telecommunication installation wherein the bundle of conductors electrically connecting the splice connector with a pivoted terminal field is so constructed and arranged to avoid bending the bundle of conductors across the longitudinal axis of the conductors in a manner likely to cause fatigue or other premature conductor failure during the opening and closing of the terminal field of the cross-connect cabinet.

Abstract: A hold-down is provided for securing an electrical connector to a printed circuit board. The hold-down is mounted to the housing and/or arms of the electrical connector. The hold-down comprises a base; a first portion formed at one end of the base, with a first terminal extending from the other end of the first portion and substantially parallel to the base; and a second portion formed at the other end of the base, with a second terminal extending from the other end of the second portion and substantially parallel to the base. The hold-down pivots or is free-floating, and therefore, provides coplanarity among the terminals in the electrical connector and the hold-down.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for receiving an external electrical device. The bracket comprises a frame having a substantially U-shaped structure including a bottom and two side walls extending upright from two sides of the bottom. Each sidewall has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. A positioning groove is defined in each side wall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof. A metal shielding covers at least a top surface of the frame. A U-shaped clip has two prongs parallel to each other and each prong of the clip is engaged within a corresponding one of the positioning grooves for reinforcing engagement between the metal shielding and the frame.

Abstract: A locking device comprises a plug portion and a receptacle portion. The plug portion comprises a cylindrical body defining a central cavity. A plurality of ribs radially project from an outer periphery of the body. Each rib has an interface at a free edge thereof distant from the cavity. The receptacle portion comprises an outer wall defining a circular chamber therein. A protrusion protrudes upwardly from a bottom of the chamber to an opening thereof. A blind hole is defined in the protrusion and does not extend through an upper free end portion of the protrusion. A distance between the interfaces of two opposite ribs is slightly larger than a bore diameter of the chamber. The cavity has a bore diameter equal to an outer diameter of the protrusion. In assembly, the plug portion is inserted into the receptacle portion whereby the protrusion enters into the cavity and the ribs enter into the chamber.

Abstract: Hold-Down element (1) for holding, in a clamping manner, an electrical and/or electronic component, such as a connector, onto a substrate. The hold-down element (1) comprising a first part (2) for engaging the substrate and a second part (5) for engaging the component to be mounted. The first part (2) having an essentially flat, elongate shape provided with a member (7) which is offset with respect to the raised member (7), so that the first part (2), under the influence of a force exerted thereon during the insertion of the hold-down element (1) in a mounting opening, can diverge in the opposite direction to the raised member (7) and can engage, in a clamping manner, the substrate by means of the divergent portion in the mounting opening. The hold-down element (1) may also be used as the connecting end of a component.

Abstract: An electrical system comprises a printed circuit board having at least a pair of mounting holes. A connector includes a housing with a pair of flanges extending outward from the housing. The housing defines an elongate slot within a plurality of terminal passageways formed in inner walls of the slot. A pair of guiding post extends downward from the flanges. Each guiding post includes a pair of mounting legs spaced apart from each other with a gap therebetween. Wherein each mounting leg including a chamfered end to guide the mounting leg into the hole defined in a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A socket connector includes a rectangular base plate adapted to be positioned on a circuit board and retaining an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit, thereon for establishing electrical connection between the electronic device and the circuit board by means of contacts retained therein. Bumps are formed on the base plate for engaging with notches defined in the electronic device to precisely positioning the electronic device with respect to the base plate. A retention module includes a frame having four wall segments defining an interior space therebetween for receiving the base plate. A pair of sideways projections is formed on one wall segment with aligned holes defined therein for receiving pivots of a resilient clip thereby making the clip movable between an open position where the base plate is exposed for receiving the electronic device and a closed position where the clip resiliently engages with the electronic device thereby securing the electronic device to the base plate.

Abstract: A method of mounting a connector of a pair of connectors that are respectively mounted on a stationary panel and a movable panel, and that engage with one another. A first connector of the pair of connectors is movably mounted on one of the stationary panel and the movable panel via a spring. The first connector has a flange portion that extends outwardly from an outer periphery of the first connector and has a first through hole. A base plate has a second through hole that is aligned with the first through hole. The method of mounting the connector includes integrating the second connector and the base plate into an assembly by inserting a bolt having the spring into the first and the second through holes prior to the second connector being mounted on one of the stationary panel and the movable panel, and then fixing the base plate of the assembly on the one of the stationary panel and the movable panel so as to movably mount the second connector on the one of the stationary panel and the movable panel.

Abstract: The PCB zero-insertion-force connector has a housing and two connector halves inside the housing. The connector halves can be swiveled toward each other and away from each other. In a mounting position, in which they are swiveled away from each other, the connector halves allow the insertion of a PCB which is to be brought connected with the PCB upon which the housing is mounted. In a connecting position, the connector halves are swiveled toward each other. The connector halves of the PCB zero-insertion-force connector are formed of a plurality of connector-half modules which are arranged in series alongside one another.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having mateable male and female connector members includes a separate slide clip component that is received in a channel of the male connector and is provided with attachment features for mounting the assembly to support structure. The slide clip and channel include mateable detent and bump lock projection features that engage when the slide clip is fully installed in the channel to lock the slide clip against removal.

Abstract: A high density electrical connector of the present invention comprises a dielectric housing having a pair of retaining walls rearwardly extending therefrom, a contact module assembly received between the retaining walls, a metallic shield covering a front side of the housing, a pair of grounding portions received in the housing and a pair of metallic attaching portions for electrically connecting the shield to the grounding portion and thence to ground. The attaching portions each have a block which forms a shoulder on a lateral end thereof and a tubular part forwardly depending from the block. In assembly, the shoulders press against joining plates of the grounding portions which are supported by the retaining walls thereby guiding the tubular part and correcting offset of the grounding portions. The shoulders press against the joining plates further preventing the attaching portions from relaxing out of position after assembly. Therefore, assembly efficiency is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting differential thermal expansion between an electrical socket and a circuit board by means of secure and accurate interconnection of an adjusting device therebetween before a heating step. The adjusting device is made of an adhesive fusible material and fixed to the housing for absorbing most of the fracture stress exerted on the solder balls and for eliminating a misalignment between the electrical socket and the circuit board during the heating step. The adjusting device can be designed according to practical requirements to be a number of adjusting posts, an adjusting frame, or an adjusting chip.

Abstract: A three point alignment feature facilitates alignment of an integrated circuit chip relative to a socket that is mounted on a printed circuit board 14. The socket includes four walls that define a rectangle in which the integrated circuit chip is mounted. A first contact point 28 extends inward from a first one 22 of the walls. Second and third contact points 30, 32 extend inward from a second one 20 of the walls. A first force is applied against the integrated circuit chip from a third one 18 of the walls. Second and third forces are applied against the integrated circuit chip from a fourth one 16 of the walls. Hence, the integrated circuit chip is aligned in a corner defined by the first and second walls, and is oriented by the three contact points. Spring members 34, 36, 38, 40 may be employed to provide the first, second and third forces. Another alignment feature including two posts 52, 54 on the socket is employed to facilitate alignment of the socket with respect to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A board lock for securing an electrical connector to a circuit board includes a first panel positioned against the connector and a second panel spaced from the first panel. A fastener having an expanded end received between the first and second panels extends through a hole defined in the first panel and into a bore defined in the connector thereby securing the first panel of the board lock to the connector. A transverse panel extends from the second panel. The transverse panel has a smaller cross-sectional area than the second panel thereby enhancing the deformability of the transverse panel. A leg having barbs formed thereon is mounted to the transverse panel for inserting in and engaging with a hole defined in the circuit board. The leg defines a spatial relationship with respect to the first panel which is adjustable by means of the deformation of the transverse panel.

Abstract: A connector includes a connector main body and a plurality of terminals, the connector main body being provided with hook parts which can be engaged to notch parts of a printed-circuit board so as to temporarily fix the connector to the printed-circuit board. The connector main body is provided with pins which move within a small region when the pins are forced to move, and, to achieve the temporarily fixed state, the pins are forced to move slightly so that the pins are fitted into openings provided in the printed-circuit board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for engaging electrical components to a circuit board. The body of the component has at least one fastener integrally formed therewith. The at least one fastener includes a neck portion engaged to the body of the component and extending to a hook portion. The fastener is configured to reside substantially within a through-hole formed in a circuit board. The through-hole in the circuit board has a solder lining, and the fastener is placed into the through-hole. The solder is reflowed via known soldering techniques so that the hook portion of the fastener is engaged by the reflowed solder, thus engaging the component to the circuit board.

Abstract: A battery connector for connecting a battery to supply electrical power to an electrical apparatus incorporating the connector comprises a housing and a number of contacts fixedly mounted in the housing. Each contact has a substantially identical structure. The contacts are mounted in grooves defined in the housing having different depths, whereby tail portions of the contacts are spaced different distances from a front face of the housing for proximity to the battery. Thus, when the connector is mounted to a printed circuit board by extending the tail portions of the contacts into holes defined in the printed circuit board, the tail portions of the contacts which are located closer to the front face of the housing fixedly engage with front edges of the corresponding holes and the tail portions of the other contacts fixedly engage with rear edges of the other holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a harpoon-type clip (1) for positioning, on a printed circuit, a connector fitted with right-angled contacts, the clip (1) having two parallel resilient arms (4, 6) provided at their respective ends (8) with a protuberance (10) which is intended to ensure that the connector is retained on the printed circuit.According to the invention, each of the arms (4, 6) has at least one lug (12) extending towards the other arm, the lugs (8) being intended to be soldered after the connector has been fitted onto the printed circuit, so as to prevent the clip (1) from becoming detached from the printed circuit.

Abstract: A board lock (50) includes a body (52) having a connector engaging portion (54) and can tilevered beams (56) extending from opposite transverse edges thereof. The inner edges (62) of the beams (56) define a slot (64) therebetween that extends into an enlarged aperture (66) in the center of the body (52). Each of the outer edges (58) of the beams (56) include a protrusion (60) and further include a latching portion (68) at the leading end thereof.

Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for connecting an antenna to a printed circuit board. The connector includes a dielectric housing having a terminal-receiving cavity and is mountable on a surface of the printed circuit board. A terminal is received in the cavity and includes a contact portion and a terminating portion. The contact portion is disposed within the cavity and is structured for engaging a complementary contact portion of the antenna. The terminating portion projects from the cavity through the housing for termination to an appropriate circuit trace on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly mountable to a substrate having an opening therein and configured to mate with a complementary connector, the connector assembly comprising a connector housing having contacts therein for mating with conductors associated with the substrate and the complementary connector, and a board-lock extending outward from the housing and receivable in the opening along a positioning portion; the connector assembly characterized in that the board-lock includes a weakened band along the positioning portion where the weakened band is located within the opening corresponding to the wall thereof, the weakened band including an engagement surface therealong, where the weakened band is constructed such that upon compression the board-lock deforms at the weakened band bringing the engagement surface against the wall of the opening.

Abstract: The mating structure includes a bracket defined to be fitted to a base body. The bracket has a guide portion consisting of an inclined portion and a lock opening turned from the inclined portion. The structure further has a first connector pivotably attached to the bracket and a second connector provided on a fitting panel constructed to be attached to the base body. The second connector has an engagement piece associated with the guide portion of the bracket. The fitting panel is pivotable toward the base body side when the first and second connectors have mated completely. The first and second connectors are completely mated with each other when the engagement piece has reached the lock opening. The lock opening is directed perpendicularly to the disengagement direction of the first and second connectors when the fitting panel has completely pivoted toward the base body.

Abstract: A novel surface-mount electrical component for mounting on a circuit board. The electrical component includes at least one pin and a retaining surface. The pin serves as both a point of electrical contact between the electrical component and the circuit board and as a solder-anchoring point. The retaining surface is remote from the pin and serves as an additional solder-anchoring point for restricting the movement of the electrical component on the circuit board. Both the pin and the retaining surface are coplanar, ensuring even soldering of the electrical component to the circuit board.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a contact housing, having a plurality of contacts therein, to mount the contacts onto a daughter board. The housing has a plurality of holes with the contacts mounted therein. The housing has an arm extending therefrom. The arm has saw teeth thereon to engage the daughter board to secure the housing to the daughter board. The housing has an alignment post to be received within an alignment hole on the daughter board to align the housing thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable connecting device is provided. This adjustable connecting device has elastic support members formed on the support pillar of the frame. Such elastic support members are engaged with openings formed in an instrument panel or the like. Each of the elastic support members is made up of a first arm and a second arm which are integrally formed. The front end of each first arm is linked to the support pillar, while the rear end of each second arm is linked to the support pillar. Protection walls which are integral with the support pillar are situated on both sides of each second arm. A thin portion extending from the rear end of each second arm is situated inside a plane on which the adjacent protection walls are situated. With this adjustable connecting device, deformation of elastic support members can be prevented, and reliability in attaching the adjustable connecting device to a panel can be improved.

Abstract: A universal mounting structure has receptacles for connection to a cold cathode tube. The structure has a mounting bracket which may be rotated about a longitudinal access of a receptacle housing, thus allowing mounting in any of a plurality of different configurations. The receptacle may include an electrical threaded connecter for an input signal to be received, the electrical threaded connector being aligned with the longitudinal access of the receptacle housing and providing a physical connection by which a mounting bracket may secure the receptacle housing to a mounting wall. The electrical threaded connector can also be used as a single attachment point for the receptacle. In another embodiment, the housing itself includes a flange extending from a plurality of faces of the housing to facilitate different mounting configurations.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a retention mechanism for steadily securing the electrical connector to a mating circuit board comprises a dielectric housing, a number of contacts received in the housing and shield for enclosing the housing. The retention mechanism comprises a pair of lugs integrally and downwardly extending from the shield. Each lug includes an engaging means forming a pair of barbs thereon and a cutout defined between the pair of barbs for engaging within a corresponding positioning hole defined in the mating circuit board. Each lug has a length substantially equal to a thickness of the mating circuit board so that the retention mechanism will not scrape away solder coated on an inner surface of each positioning hole of the circuit board. Thus, excellent soldering connections between the electrical connector and the mating circuit board are established.

Abstract: A structure for fixing an electrical junction assembly on a corner portion defined by a first attaching surface and a second attaching surface perpendicular to the first attaching surface, the fixing structure comprises an electrical junction assembly body including a wire harness drawn out from a first side face thereof, the first side face opposing to the first attaching surface, a first bracket including a first fastening portion parallel to the first side face and a through hole formed in the first fastening portion, into which a first bolt vertically provided on the first attaching surface is inserted, a second bracket including a second fastening portion parallel to a second side face opposing to the second attaching surface, and an elongated through hole formed in the second fastening portion and extending toward the first side wall, into which a second bolt vertically provided on the second attaching surface is inserted, and a thin breakable member provided on a face of the second fastening portion wh

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting an exterior mating connector to a circuit board, mainly comprises an insulative housing and a board locking means. The insulative housing includes a plurality of receiving portions each which consist of a slot and a cavity. The board locking means fabricated from a metallic strip/wire by bending processes, is configured with a pair of spaced spring arms each which include a bended first latching portion for latching with a corresponding through hole formed in the circuit board, and a bended second latching portion having a free end to be movably and relaesably retained within the slot of the housing. The board locking means is capable of being easily fabricated and providing the circuit board/the housing with a harmless and sufficient retention.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved board connector having an insulating housing with terminals mounted therein and an exterior shell fitting on the insulating housing. The exterior shell has long and short legs that fix the connector to a printed circuit board at a predetermined oblique angle to permit the oblique insertion of an opposing connector into the board connector without fear of interference with surrounding components. Thus, there is no need to leave extra space ahead of the connector to permit the opposing connector to lay flat ahead of the board connector on the circuit board when mating the two connectors together.

Abstract: A flexible arrangement for providing secondary terminations, such as for switchgear in electric power distribution systems, includes a plurality of molded blocks each having at least one pair of oppositely directed hooks extending from a rear face. The hooks pass through complimentary notches in a mounting slot in a mounting panel, and engage the mounting panel with the molded blocks displaced along the mounting slot so that the hooks are out of registration with the notches. A locking member blocks the realignment of the hooks with the notches. Molded filler blocks without the terminal members can be substituted for one or more molded terminal blocks when fewer terminations are needed. There filler blocks have hand grips such as preferably a longitudinal rib molded on a front face, for inserting and removing the filler block from the slot.

Abstract: An electrical connector connected to a printed circuit board includes an insulative housing, a plurality of contacts received in the housing, a spacer member including a body portion projecting from a mounting surface of the housing and a neck portion projecting from a top surface of the body portion, and a board lock member extending from the neck portion of the spacer member for engaging with a board lock reception hole defined in the printed circuit board. The neck portion of the spacer member is received in the board lock reception hole of the printed circuit board for preventing solder from flowing from a lower surface of the printed circuit board to an upper surface thereof via the board lock reception hole. The top surface of the body portion of the spacer abuts against the upper surface of the printed circuit board thereby forming a space between the mounting surface of the connector and the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A board lock includes an outer member defining a central hole for receiving an inner member therein. The outer member has a plurality of resilient legs which are expanded by insertion of the inner member. The outer member is received in holes defined in an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. The expansion of the legs causes the legs to engage with an inner surface of the hole of the printed circuit board thereby securing the connector to the printed circuit board. The legs of the outer member are provided with threading which provides an effective and secure engagement between the legs and the hole. Securing the board lock to the circuit board by means of the engagement between the outer member and the inner surface of the hole, together with the resiliency of the legs, allows the board lock to be fixed to holes of different sizes and depths.

Abstract: During the performance of service on many machines, it is often necessary to remove one component from another necessitating the removal of any wiring clips or harnesses that may be attached thereto. In many instances, removal of these wiring clips creates a laborious and/or an unduly complicated task. The present invention provides a connector assembly that includes a mounting portion that has a groove defined therein that receives a tapered abutment member defined by a clip assembly. The groove has tapered end portions on each end thereof that interact with the tapered abutment member to allow easy and selective removal and assembly of the clip assembly and mounting portion depending on the type of service required.

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 circuit board electrical connector for a circuit board having an attachment opening, which comprises a housing; an attachment leg having a metallic surface and projecting downwardly from the housing into the attachment opening; and a solder retention area in the attachment leg so that solder flows into an upper portion of the attaching opening.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting an exterior electrical apparatus and a mother board, includes an insulative housing and a pair of board retention means wherein each board retention means further consists of an orienting portion formed on said housing, and a retention portion by stamp process. The retention portion is defined with a connecting section and a pair of elastic claws wherein the orienting portion forms an abutting plate, a straddle portion and a receiving slot. By means of a pair of protrusion formed on the straddle portion and a plurality of bulges formed on the connecting section, the retention portion can be convenient and tight to be assembled within the orienting portion.

Abstract: Surface mount connectors having staked alignment pins. The bodies of the connectors are formed without alignment pins, and alignment pins are thereafter staked into the bottom surface of the connector body in order to positively locate the connector when mounting to a printed circuit board. Because the alignment pins are not integrally formed with the connector bodies, the connectors may be inventoried in only long strips of, for example, 50 positions. After a customer order is received, the long strips may be cut to the desired number of positions. The alignment pins are thereafter staked into the connector body in order to form a completed connector. The present invention therefore obviates the need to inventory connectors with alignment pins in each of the potentially desired sizes.

Abstract: An electrical connector has an insulative housing, a fixture, and a shield. The fixture is used for fixing this insulative housing on a circuit board, and the shield is to cover the insulative housing. The insulative housing, which is made of an electrically insulating material, comprises a main body and an engaging portion, which protrudes forward from the main body to engage with a matable connector. The insulative housing also comprises fixture retaining slots, which extend through the main body in the vertical or to-and-fro direction at the lateral ends of the main body of the housing. Into each of these fixture retaining slots, a fixture, which is made of an electrically conductive metallic material, is press-fit to fix the insulative housing onto a circuit board. The shield, which is made of an electrically conductive metallic material, comprises a peripheral portion and contact portions in a one-piece body.

Abstract: A fixing piece of a holder is inserted and fitted in a fixing hole in a housing, so that the fixing piece is embraced by a surrounding portion to be held in position. Therefore, positioning can be effected accurately, and the fixing force can be increased. No force will be exerted on other portions, and therefore, an intimate contact with a board can be maintained.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing adapted for mounting on a complementary support structure in a given mounting direction. The housing has opposite side walls. A latch arm is cantilevered from each side wall of the housing and extends forwardly in the mounting direction. Each latch arm has a latch hook near a free end of the arm. The latch hook projects transversely of the mounting direction inwardly toward the respective side wall of the housing. The side walls include inwardly recessed areas into which the latch hooks extend.

Abstract: Vehicle doors generally include a metal door frame connected to an interior trim panel. Electrical connections are made between trim panel electrical connectors, and mating electrical connectors on the door frame. A self-aligning connection system allows one of the connectors to float or aligns with the mating electrical connector by being allowed to move in three directions during assembly. The connection system includes a carriage (46) having a hole, a clip (48), and a base (44). The clip releasably holds one electrical connector (50). The clip (48) is disposable within the carriage (46) so that the clip moves along a first axis and a second axis within the carriage. The base comprises a plate (53) and at least one post (54) extending from the plate. The carriage is placed on the post so that the post extends through the hole. The diameter of the post allows the carriage to be slidably engaged therewith along a third axis.