초록 ▼

An electrical connector assembly (10) includes first and second connectors (11, 12) that each has inner and outer contacts, which provides a visual and tactile indication when the two connectors have not been fully mated. The first outer contact is in the form of a helical spring (16) of electricall

An electrical connector assembly (10) includes first and second connectors (11, 12) that each has inner and outer contacts, which provides a visual and tactile indication when the two connectors have not been fully mated. The first outer contact is in the form of a helical spring (16) of electrically conductive material which is contacted by the outer second contact (41) and compressed as mating continues until a detent (74) on one connector engages a groove shoulder (116) on the other connector. If connector mating stops before the detent engages the groove shoulder, the spring will push apart the two connectors to clearly indicate that full mating has not been achieved. A front end of the spring is bent to form a prong (31) that engages the first inner contact front end (102) prior to mating but which is deflected out of contact during mating, with the opposite end of the spring forming a rear terminal (29) of the first connector.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A connector assembly comprising:first and second mateable connectors that each have at least a pair of contacts with said contacts of said connectors positioned to engage each other when the connectors mate;one of said connectors has a detent and the other has a shoulder

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A connector assembly comprising:first and second mateable connectors that each have at least a pair of contacts with said contacts of said connectors positioned to engage each other when the connectors mate;one of said connectors has a detent and the other has a shoulder that engages said detent to latch said connectors together so as to resist their separation when said connectors are fully mated;said first connector has a largely helical spring with an end that faces said second connector, and said second connector has means for compressing said spring as said connectors mate, with said spring pushing said connectors apart if they are mated insufficiently for said detent to engage said shoulder,each of said connectors includes first and second contacts, with the second contact of said first connector forming said helical spring.