초록 ▼

A connector for an automobile airbag gas generator assembly requires only a single operator action to establish both mechanical and electrical engagement with a mating socket connector and two independent operator actions to disengage the connector from the socket connector. An alternate embodiment

A connector for an automobile airbag gas generator assembly requires only a single operator action to establish both mechanical and electrical engagement with a mating socket connector and two independent operator actions to disengage the connector from the socket connector. An alternate embodiment of the connector present invention requires two independent operator actions to establish both mechanical and electrical engagement with a mating socket connector carrying a deflectable shorting clip and three independent operator actions to disengage from the socket connector. A further embodiment of the connector of the present invention requires two independent operator actions for both establishing and breaking mechanical and electrical engagement with a mating socket. An improved shorting clip design is also provided as well as keying modes for assuring proper mechanical connection.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A connector assembly comprising:a plug connector including a housing supporting a pair of electrical terminals and a cover movably supported in overlying disposition with respect to said housing; and a socket connector including a socket body supporting a pair of conductive contacts within a cavi

1. A connector assembly comprising:a plug connector including a housing supporting a pair of electrical terminals and a cover movably supported in overlying disposition with respect to said housing; and a socket connector including a socket body supporting a pair of conductive contacts within a cavity formed in said socket body, and an electrical shorting clip movably positioned in engagement across said contacts, said plug connector being insertably removably accommodated by said socket body cavity for establishing electrical connection between said terminals and said contacts; said housing further including a shaft supporting said terminals and a deflectable latch wherein said plug housing is insertably removable with respect to said socket body cavity upon deflection of said latch; and a mechanical and electrical assurance button supported by said housing including a locking arm extending between said latch and said shaft and a fixed arm extendable between said shorting clip and said shaft; wherein said button is extendable from a first position to a second position, said first position maintaining said shorting clip across said contacts of said socket and allowing said latch to be deflected towards said shaft so as to allow said shaft to be inserted into said socket cavity, and said second position wherein said fixed arm disengages said shorting clip from across said contacts of said socket and wherein said locking arm prevents deflection of said latch so as to prevent said shaft from being withdrawn through said socket opening.