U.S. patent number RE34,430 [Application Number 07/684,523] was granted by the patent office on 1993-11-02 for floating panel mount for electrical connector.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Molex Incorporated. Invention is credited to Rene A. Mosquera, Wayne A. Zahlit.
United States Patent |
RE34,430 |
Mosquera , et al. |
November 2, 1993 |
Floating panel mount for electrical connector
Abstract
A floating panel mount for an electrical connector comprises
opposed pairs of multiple cantilevered latch structures. Each latch
structure comprises a lower arm cantilevered from a mounting
flange. An upper arm is cantilevered from the end of the lower arm
remote from the mounting flange, and is angularly aligned thereto.
A locking arm is cantilevered from the end of the upper arm remote
from the lower arm such that the lower arm and the locking arm
extend angularly from opposed ends of the upper arm and from
opposite sides thereof. The maximum cross-sectional dimension
defined by the upper and locking arms exceeds the maximum
cross-sectional dimension of a mounting aperture in a panel.
However, the cross-sectional dimensions defined by the upper arms
is substantially less than the cross-sectional dimensions of the
mounting aperture. The arms can be deflected to enable the latch
structures to pass through the mounting aperture. Thereafter, the
latch structures will return to their unbiased, undeflected
condition such that the panel is engaged intermediate the locking
arms and the mounting flange. However, the smaller cross-sectional
dimensions of the upper arms enables float relative to the
panel.
Inventors: |
Mosquera; Rene A. (Laguna
Niguel, CA), Zahlit; Wayne A. (Mission Viejo, CA) |
Assignee: |
Molex Incorporated (Lisle,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
26899517 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/684,523 |
Filed: |
April 10, 1991 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
204481 |
Jun 9, 1988 |
04820180 |
Apr 11, 1989 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/248;
248/27.3; 439/557 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
13/741 (20130101); H01R 13/6315 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
13/74 (20060101); H01R 13/631 (20060101); H01R
013/74 () |
Field of
Search: |
;248/27.3
;439/247,248,353,354,357,557,558,527,544,552,554,555,567,571,572 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0020834 |
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Jan 1981 |
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EP |
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258382 |
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Nov 1967 |
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DE |
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2547951 |
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May 1977 |
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DE |
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Other References
IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 29, No. 9, Feb. 1987,
"Interchangeable Means for Holding a Circuit Card to a Framework".
.
AMP Instruction Sheet IS7982, Released Feb. 13, 1984
"AMP*Extraction Tool 458994--1"..
|
Primary Examiner: Paumen; Gary F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Tirva; A. A.
Claims
We claim:
1. A floating panel mount for mounting an electrical connector to a
panel, said panel having at least one mounting aperture therein,
said floating panel mount comprising a pair of multiple
cantilevered latch structures, each said latch structure
including:
a mounting flange having opposed forward and rearward surfaces;
a lower arm cantilevered at a first end from said mounting flange
extending generally parallel to and disposed between said forward
and rearward surfaces of the mounting flange;
an upper arm cantilevered from a location on said lower arm remote
from said first end and extending beyond the forward surface of the
mounting flange; and
a locking arm cantilevered from a location on said upper arm remote
from said lower arm, said locking arm being angularly aligned to
said upper arm, such that the locking arm and said lower arm extend
from generally opposed sides of said upper arm and the angular
alignment of said locking arm to said upper arm being such that
said locking arm is directed generally toward the mounting flange,
the length of said locking arm being such that an end of the
locking arm remote from the upper arm is spaced from the forward
surface of the mounting flange by a distance slightly greater than
the thickness of the panel; and
each of said latch structures being dimensioned and disposed to
enable the panel to be engaged intermediate the locking arms
thereof and the mounting flange, and to enable float relative to
the engaged panel.
2. A floating panel mount as in claim 1 wherein in each latch
structure, the upper arm and the locking arm cantilevered angularly
therefrom define a maximum cross-sectional dimension slightly
greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting aperture
in the panel.
3. A floating panel mount as in claim 2 wherein each said upper arm
has a width less than the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting
aperture in the panel.
4. A floating panel mount as in claim 1 wherein in each latch
structure, the cantilevered locking arm is deflectable with respect
to the upper arm.
5. A floating panel mount as in claim 4 wherein in each latch
structure, the upper and lower cantilevered arms are deflectable
relative to one another.
6. A floating panel mount as in claim 5 where in each latch
structure the cantilevered lower arm is deflectable relative to the
mounting flange.
7. A floating panel mount as in claim 1 wherein the multiple
cantilevered latch structures are of unitary construction.
8. A floating panel mount as in claim 7 wherein the multiple
cantilevered latch structures are unitary with an electrical
connector housing.
9. A floating panel mount as in claim 1 wherein the upper arm,
lower arm and locking arm of each multiple cantilevered latch
structure lie generally in a single plane, and wherein the plane of
the multiple cantilevered latch structures are generally parallel
to one another.
10. A floating panel mount as in claim 1 wherein each said lower
arm is disposed relative to the mounting flange to be in generally
parallel spaced apart relationship to the panel.
11. An electrical connector housing for secure releasable
connection to a panel having a plurality of mounting apertures
therein, such that said housing is floatable relative to the panel,
said housing comprising:
a generally planar mounting flange; and
a plurality of pairs of multiple cantilevered latch structures
unitary with the mounting flange, with the latch structures in each
said pair being generally oppositely aligned relative to one
another, each said latch structure comprising a lower arm
deflectably cantilevered from the mounting flange and extending in
generally parallel relation to the mounting flange, an upper arm
deflectably cantilevered from said lower arm at a location thereon
remote from said mounting flange, said upper and lower arms being
angularly to one another, a locking arm deflectably cantilevered
from said upper arm at a location therein remote from said lower
arm, said locking arm being angularly aligned to said upper arm
such that the remote end thereof is directed generally toward the
mounting flange of said housing and such that said lower arm and
said locking arm extend from generally opposite sides of the upper
arm, an end of the locking arm remote from said upper arm being
spaced from said mounting flange, said multiple cantilevered latch
structures being aligned such that the upper arms thereof extend in
generally the same direction from the mounting flange and such that
the locking arms thereof extend from generally opposed sides of the
upped arms, the locking arms being dimensioned and disposed such
that the distance between the respective locking arm ends of each
said pair exceeds the cross-sectional dimension of a said mounting
aperture in the panel, the upper arms of each said pair being
dimensioned and disposed to define a combined cross-sectional
dimension which is less than the cross-sectional dimension of a
said mounting aperture, whereby the arms of each latch structure
are deflectable to enable the locking arms thereof to pass through
a said mounting aperture but biasingly return to an undeflected
condition for mounting the housing on the panel, and whereby the
dimensions of the upper arms permit float of the mounted housing
relative to the panel.
12. A housing as in claim 11 wherein the upper arm and the locking
arm of each latch structure define a maximum cross-sectional
dimension which is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of
the mounting aperture, such that said locking arm retains the
housing to the panel for all relative positions of float of the
housing relative to the panel.
13. A housing as in claim 11 wherein the end of the locking arm
remote from the upper arm defines a panel retaining surface which
is spaced from the mounting flange by a distance slightly greater
than the thickness of the panel.
14. A housing as in claim 1 wherein the mounting flange comprises
opposed forward and rearward generally planar face, the forward
face of the mounting flange defining the face thereof for mounting
adjacent the panel, said lower arm of each said latch structure
having a width less than the distance between said forward and
rearward faces of the mounting flange, said lower arm being spaced
from said forward face of said mounting flange such that a portion
of each said lower arm is deflectable toward said forward face of
said mounting flange.
15. A housing as in claim 11 wherein each of said latch structures
comprises at least one generally arcuate cam surface disposed to
contact the panel during mounting of the housing to the panel, such
that the contact between said cam surface and said panel deflects
at least selected ones of said arms comprising each of said latch
structures.
16. A unitarily molded electrical connector housing for mounting to
a generally planar panel having opposed surfaces and having at
least one mounting aperture extending therethrough, said housing
comprising:
a generally planar mounting flange for mounting in generally
face-to-face contact with one said surface of said panel; and
at least one pair of multiple cantilevered latch structures, each
of said latch structure comprising a lower arm deflectably
cantilevered from said mounting flange and extending generally
parallel thereto, an upper arm deflectably cantilevered from said
lower arm at a location thereon remote from said mounting flange,
said upper arm being angularly aligned to said lower arm, a locking
arm deflectably cantilevered from said upper arm at a location
thereon remote from said lower arm, said locking arm being
angularly aligned to said upper arm and extending from a side
thereof generally opposite the lower arm, the upper arms of said
latch structures extending in generally the same direction from
said mounting flange, the locking arms of said structures extending
in generally opposed directions from one another, each said locking
arm comprising an end portion spaced from said upper arm and spaced
from said mounting flange by a distance slightly greater than the
distance between the opposed surfaces of said panel, such that said
panel can be engaged intermediate the mounting flange and the ends
of said locking arms.
17. A housing as in claim 16 wherein the maximum distance between
points on the two locking arms in said pair of latch structures is
greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting
aperture, such that said latch structures must be deflected to pass
through the mounting aperture.
18. A housing as in claim 16 wherein the maximum cross-sectional
dimension defined between points on said upper arms of said pair of
latch structures measured parallel to said mounting flange is less
than the cross sectional dimension of the mounting aperture.
19. A housing as in claim 16 wherein the maximum distance measured
parallel to the plane of said mounting flange and connecting points
on said upper arm and the locking arm cantilevered therefrom in
each said latch structure is greater than the maximum
cross-sectional dimension of said mounting aperture.
20. A floating panel mount for mounting an electrical connector to
a panel, said panel including at least one mounting aperture
therein, said floating panel mount comprising a pair of multiple
cantilevered latch structures, each said latch structure
including:
a mounting flange having opposed forward and rearward faces;
a lower arm cantilevered from said mounting flange;
an upper arm cantilevered from a location on said lower arm remote
from said mounting flange; and
a locking arm cantilevered from a location on said upper arm remote
from said lower arm; said lower arm, upper arm and locking arm
being angularly aligned with respect to each other to define a
latch structure which extends forwardly from the forward face of
the mounting flange with said locking arm directed generally
rearwardly toward the mounting flange, the length of said locking
arm being such that the end of the locking arm remote from the
upper arm is spaced from the forward surface of the mounting flange
by a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the panel;
each said latch structure having a first cross-sectional dimension
measured in a plane parallel to said mounting flange and defined
between the forward face of the mounting flange and said end of the
locking arm remote from the upper arm, said first cross-sectional
dimension being less than a diametric cross-sectional dimension of
the mounting aperture in the panel, and a second maximum
cross-sectional dimension measured in a plane parallel to said
mounting flange defined forwardly of and adjacent to the remote end
of the locking arm which is slightly greater than the diametric
cross-sectional dimension of the mounting aperture in the
panel;
each of said latch structures being resiliently deflectable to
permit insertion of each latch structure into said at least one
panel mounting aperture to enable the panel to be engaged
intermediate the locking arm and the mounting flange of each latch
structure and to enable float relative to the engaged panel.
21. A floating panel mount as in olaim 20, wherein each of said
multiple cantilevered latch structures are of unitary
construction.
22. A floating panel mount as in claim 20, wherein the multiple
cantilevered latch structures are unitary with an electrical
connector housing.
23. A floating panel mount as in claim 20, wherein the panel
includes one mounting aperture, and said pair of latch structures
are disposed in side by side relationship such that their lower
arms extend parallel to and adjacent one another and such that the
locking arms of each said latch structure extend in opposed
directions.
24. A floating panel mount as in claim 20, wherein the panel
includes a pair of spaced apart mounting apertures and the latch
structures in said pair of latch structures are correspondingly
spaced from one another. .Iadd.
25. An electrical connector for mounting to an apertured panel and
for mating with another connecting device movable relative to the
electrical connector in a mating direction along a mating axis
generally perpendicular to the panel, said electrical connector
comprising:
a unitarily molded non-conductive plastic housing;
said housing having a mating portion with a plurality of terminal
receiving cavities extending parallel to the connector mating axis;
and
floating panel mounting means formed integrally and of one piece
with said housing and adapted to be received in an aperture in the
panel when the connector is moved parallel to said mating axis into
engagement with the panel;
said panel mounting means including stop means defined on said
housing engageable with a first side of the panel; and
said panel mounting means including a floating portion received
with substantial clearance in the panel aperture permitting the
connector substantial rotational motion, and a retaining portion
engageable with a second surface of the panel. .Iaddend. .Iadd.
26. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 25, said panel
mounting means being movable into engagement with the panel in a
direction opposite to the mating direction. .Iaddend. .Iadd.27. An
electrical connector as claimed in claim 26, said mating portion
extending beyond said second surface of said panel when said
connector is mounted to the apertured panel. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. An
electrical connector as claimed in claim 27 wherein said mating
portion extends through one aperture in the panel and said floating
portion extends through another aperture in the panel. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 25 wherein
said panel mounting means includes a pair of said floating portions
located on opposite sides of said mating portion. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electrical connectors comprise opposed mateable male and female
electrical connector halves, each of which comprises a
nonconductive or dielectric housing and at least one electrical
terminal securely mounted therein. Electrical conductors or wire
leads are joined to the terminals mounted in the housings, and may
further be mechanically joined to the housing itself to achieve a
strain relief connection. The nonconductive housing of at least one
half of the electrical connector typically may be amounted to a
panel. Many connectors such as drawer connectors, include a pair of
panel mounted connector halves which are mateable with one another
by movement of at least one of the panels toward the other.
The nonconductive housings typically are molded from a suitable
plastic material, and preferably define a unitary molded plastic
structure. The opposed mateable connector housings typically
include appropriate guide structures for guiding the two mateable
connector halves into a mated electrical connection. To facilitate
this initial mechanical alignment of the connector housings, at
least one connector half, and typically the male connector half, is
provided with a floating mount to the panel.
Many types of mounting members have been provided to achieve a
float mounting for electrical connectors. One such float mounting
assembly of fairly complex construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,647,130 which issued to Blair et al on Mar. 3, 1987. The drawer
connector shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,130 comprises an enlarged
flange aperture having an elliptical elastomeric insert therein. A
screw with a diameter smaller than that of the aperture in the
connector is employed to mount the connector to a panel. Thus,
float in the direction of the major axis of the elliptical insert
can be achieved. The float connector shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,647,130 is considered undesirable in that it includes a plurality
of separate components which must be assembled, and because the
float is limited to movement parallel to the long axis of the
elliptical insert. The connector shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,130
can be removed from the panel only by disassembling the plural
parts required for the float mount assembly.
Some prior art connectors have recognized the desirable objective
of molding both the connector housing and the mounting means as a
unitary plastic structure. Connectors of this type have included a
generally planar mounting flange intended to be mounted in
face-to-face contact with a panel. A mounting peg extends generally
orthogonally from the mounting flange of the connector housing and
is unitary therewith. The mounting pegs of these prior art
connectors have been defined by two generally symmetrical spaced
apart halves with the plane of symmetry extending generally
orthogonal to the mounting flange of the connector, such that the
respective halves of the mounting peg are slightly spaced from one
another. With this construction, the peg halves of the prior art
connector are cantilevered and can deflect slightly toward one
another. The end of the prior art mounting peg remote from the
mounting flange is enlarged and defines a cross-sectional dimension
slightly greater than a corresponding aperture in the panel. This
enlarged end of the prior art mounting peg has been appropriately
tapered or ramped, such that movement of the prior art mounting peg
toward the aperture in the panel deflects the peg halves toward one
another to permit the enlarged head to pass through the aperture in
the panel. After sufficient insertion of the prior art mounting peg
into the aperture, the enlarged head passes the opposed sides of
the panel, and the biased peg halves return to their initial
position, with the enlarged head holding the connector to the
panel.
Prior art mounting pegs as described above have been effective for
holding the connector to the panel. However, the construction of
these prior art mounting pegs generally has required a substantial
amount of force to mount the connector to the panel, and a
corresponding or greater difficulty in removing a connector from a
panel. The substantial forces required to mount the prior art
mounting peg connector to a panel creates the potential for damage
to either the connector or the panel, while a similar probability
of damage exists during removal of the connector from the panel.
Thus, the prior art mounting peg systems have been designed and
used primarily to achieve a secure and substantially permanent
mounting of the connector to the panel. Prior art mounting pegs of
this type generally cannot be provided with a large enough latching
shoulder diameter and a sufficient inward compression of the
mounting peg halves toward one another to provide the amount of
float required for many connectors, such as drawer connectors. In
short, mounting pegs, as described above, are provided to hold
connectors securely and substantially permanently, and not to
achieve float. The prior art mounting members intended to achieve a
significant amount of float, have typically been more complex
structures, such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 4,647,130.
In view of the above, it is an object of the subject invention to
provide a floating panel mount structure that can be molded
unitarily with an electrical connector housing.
It is another object of the subject invention to provide an
integrally molded floating panel mount that can easily be mounted
to or removed from a panel.
An additional object of the subject invention is to provide a panel
mount construction that can achieve a large amount of rotational
float in all directions within the plane of the panel.
Still a further object of the subject invention is to provide an
integrally molded floating panel mount having a pair of multiple
cantilevered latch structures for both holding the connector to a
panel and permitting relative float therebetween.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention is directed to a floating panel mount for an
electrical connector. The subject panel mount may be unitarily
molded with the electrical connector or may comprise a unitarily
molded mounting structure which may be used in combination with a
separate electrical connector. The panel mount enables positive
retention of the connector to the associated panel, but also
permits free rotational movement of the connector within the plane
of the panel. Additionally, the panel mount enables both relatively
low force mounting of the connector to the panel and easy removal
of a mounted connector from the panel.
The floating panel mount comprises at least one pair of opposed
multiple cantilevered latch structures, with each multiple
cantilevered latch structure comprising a plurality of
independently deflectable cantilevered arms. A pair of the multiple
cantilevered latch structures may be disposed in opposed
relationship, as explained further below, such that each latch
structure undergoes plural independent cantilevered deflection
during the mounting of a connector to a panel.
Each multiple cantilevered latch structure may comprise a mounting
flange which may be an integral part of an electrical connector
housing. The mounting flange may be a generally planar structure
disposed to be parallel to and/or in face-to-face contact with a
panel to which the connector is mounted.
A lower arm is cantilevered from the mounting flange. More
particularly, the cantilevered lower arm may be integral with the
mounting flange and may be disposed to be generally parallel to the
panel, but preferably is spaced from the panel. Thus, for example,
the cantilevered lower arm may be generally in the plane of the
mounting flange, but may be of thinner construction than the
mounting flange to enable the lower arm to be readily deflectable
relative to the mounting flange. With this construction, the
cantilevered lower arm may be deflected toward the panel when the
mounting flange is in face-to-face contact with the panel.
An upper arm is cantilevered from a location on the lower arm
remote from the mounting flange, such that the upper and lower arms
are independently deflectable relative to one another. The
cantilevered upper arm may be integral with and angularly aligned
to the lower arm. In particular, the upper arm may be generally
orthogonal to the mounting flange to extend generally toward a
mounting aperture in the panel to which the electrical connector is
to be mounted. The intersection of the cantilevered upper and lower
arms may be generally arcuate and may define opposed generally
concave and convex corners. The surface of the upper arm extending
from the concave corner between the upper and lower arms may define
a leading cam surface at locations thereon remote from the lower
arm. The configuration of the leading cam surface may be selected
to conform to the configuration of the mounting aperture in the
panel. In particular, the leading cam surface may be generally
convexly arcuate for a panel having a circular mounting aperture
therein. As will be explained further below, the leading cam
surface of the cantilevered upper arm may facilitate the initial
guiding and deflection of the multiple cantilevered latch structure
during mounting of an electrical connector to a panel.
A locking arm is cantilevered from a location on the upper arm
remote from the lower arm. The cantilevered locking arm may be
integral with and acutely angularly aligned to the upper arm, such
that the locking arm extends generally back toward the mounting
flange of the multiple cantilevered latch structure. More
particularly, the lower arm and the locking arm may extend
angularly from opposed ends and opposed sides of the upper arm. The
intersection of the upper arm and the locking arm also defines
opposed concave and convex corners. The convex corner of the
intersection between the upper and locking arms preferably is
arcuate, and preferably extends from and defines a portion of the
leading cam surface of the multiple cantilevered latch
structure.
The end of the cantilevered locking arm remote from the upper arm
preferably is of nonlinear construction. For example, the end of
the locking arm may be disposed in generally parallel alignment to
the cantilevered upper arm. As a result of this configuration, a
portion of the cantilevered locking arm remote from the upper arm
may define a trailing cam surface. The trailing cam surface along
the cantilevered locking arm may be generally arcuate, and may be
disposed on the latch structure of the subject invention to
generate multiple cantilevered deflections as the latch structure
is urged through the mounting aperture as explained herein.
Additionally, the maximum cross-sectional dimension defined by the
upper arm and the locking arm cantilevered therefrom may be
slightly greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting
aperture in the panel.
The extreme end of the cantilevered locking arm defines a panel
engaging surface which may be generally parallel to the plane of
the panel to which the electrical connector is mountable. The
length of the cantilevered locking arm is such that the panel
engaging surface at the end thereof is spaced from the mounting
flange. In particular, the distance between the panel engaging
surface and the mounting flange is a function of the thickness of
the panel to which the electrical connector is to be mounted. In
most embodiments, the distance between the mounting flange and the
panel engaging surface of the locking arm may be slightly greater
than the thickness of the panel to which the electrical connector
is to be engaged.
As noted above, the floating panel mount of the subject invention
comprises at least one pair of multiple cantilevered latch
structures as described above. The latch structures in each pair
may be disposed such that at least the upper and lower arms thereof
lie in generally parallel spaced apart planes. Additionally, the
latch structures in each pair may be generally oppositely oriented
relative to one another. Thus, the cantilevered locking arm of one
latch structure may extend back toward the mounting flange in a
first direction, while the cantilevered locking arm of the other
latch structure in the pair will extend back toward the mounting
flange in a generally opposite direction. In particular, the
locking arms in each pair may be in parallel planes. However, the
latch structures in the pair may be disposed to engage separate
panel mounting apertures, for example at opposite ends of a
connector. Additionally, the latch structures may extend in either
the same or different directions depending on the type of float
required.
The relative dispositions of the two multiple cantilevered latch
structures in each pair is such that the maximum cross-sectional
dimension defined by the two cantilevered locking arms thereof
exceeds the corresponding dimension in the mounting aperture of the
panel. Thus, the two latch structures in each pair must undergo
multiple cantilevered deflection to pass through the mounting
aperture as explained below.
The above described floating panel mount comprising a pair of
multiple cantilevered latch structures is employed by merely urging
the pair of latch structures toward the mounting aperture in a
panel. The leading cam surfaces disposed generally adjacent the
respective intersections between the cantilevered upper and locking
arms will initially guide the latch structures into a central
alignment relative to the mounting aperture. Continued movement of
the latch structures toward the mounting aperture will urge the
trailing cam surfaces on the respective cantilevered locking arms
into contact with the panel. The forces generated by the contact
between the panel and the trailing cam surfaces causes independent
multiple deflection in the cantilevered arms of each latch
structure. However, upon sufficient insertion of the latch
structures into the aperture, the trailing cam surfaces of the
respective locking arms will clear the panel, and the latch
structures will be biasingly returned to substantially their
initial position.
As noted above, the maximum cross-sectional dimension defined by
the angularly cantilevered locking arms in each pair is greater
than the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting aperture. As a
result, the panel engaging surfaces of the respective locking arms
will engage the surface of the panel to securely mount the
electrical connector to the panel. However, the maximum
cross-sectional dimension defined by the two cantilevered upper
arms in the pair is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional
dimension of the mounting aperture. As a result, substantial
rotational float is achievable generally parallel to the plane of
the panel.
The electrical connector mounted by the pair of latch structures
can readily be removed from the panel by merely urging the locking
arms of the latch structures toward one another to achieve
sufficient cantilevered deflection to enable the locking arms to be
urged through the mounting aperture in the panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an perspective view of an electrical connector with the
floating panel mount of the subject invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the connector shown in FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the connector shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4a is a top plan view of the floating panel mount of the
connector in proximity to a mounting aperture in a panel.
FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4b--4b in FIG.
4a.
FIG. 5a is a top plan view similar to FIG. 4a, but showing the
floating panel mount of the connector further advanced into the
mounting aperture.
FIG. 5b is a cross section taken along line 5b--5b in FIG. 5a.
FIG. 6a is a top plan view of the floating panel mount similar to
FIGS. 4a and 5a but showing the floating panel mount further
advanced into the mounting aperture of a panel.
FIG. 6b is a cross section taken along 6b--6b in FIG. 6a.
FIG. 7a is a top plan view of the floating panel mount in the fully
mounted position relative to
FIG. 7b is a cross section taken along 7b--7b in FIG. 7a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The electrical connector which incorporates the floating panel
mount of the subject invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and is
identified generally by the numeral 10. The connector 10 is
intended for mounting to a panel, which is not depicted in FIGS.
1-3, but which is shown and described in detail below. In
particular, the connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is the male half of
a drawer connector assembly that is mountable to a generally planar
panel and is mateable with a corresponding female drawer connector
half which is also mountable to a panel. However, it will be
appreciated by the person skilled in this art, that the floating
panel mount described herein can be incorporated into connectors
other than drawer connectors.
The connector 10 comprises a unitarily molded non-conductive
plastic housing 12. In addition to the standard strength and
electrical non-conductivity requirements, the plastic must exhibit
a biasingly deflectable resiliency. For example, a 13% glass filled
nylon has been found to be acceptable.
The housing 12 comprises a generally planar mounting flange 14
which is intended to be placed in generally face-to-face contact
with the generally planar panel to which the connector 10 is to be
mounted. The panel will be provided with mounting apertures as
explained below. As noted above, the connector 10 is the male half
of a drawer connector assembly, and therefore the housing 12
comprises forwardly projecting plug portions 16 which are
dimensioned and configured to engage corresponding portions of the
female connector (not shown). The plug portions 16 are formed with
terminal-receiving cavities 18 molded therein and configured to
lockingly engage electrically conductive terminals (not shown).
Many connectors, such as the drawer connector 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3
undergo a substantially blind matting, wherein precise initial
mechanical alignment cannot be assured. To help achieve a proper
mechanical alignment prior to the mechanical and electrical
connection of the relatively fragile terminals in the male
connector 10 and the corresponding female connector, the housing 12
is provided with forwardly projecting guides 20 and 22 which are
configured and located to cooperate with a corresponding structure
on the female connector (not shown). In particular, the female
connector may be provided with a forwardly projecting shroud which
will mechanically engage the forwardly projecting guides 20 and 22
to properly align the connector halves with one another.
To further facilitate the initial mechanical alignment of the
connector halves, the unitarily molded housing 12 of the male
connector 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 is provided with a pair of
floating panel mounts which are substantially identical to one
another and which are identified generally by the numeral 24. In
particular, each floating panel mount is molded unitarily with the
housing 12 and extends generally orthogonally from the mounting
flange 14. Each floating panel mount 24 is operative to lockingly
but releasably secure the connector 10 to a panel, but to also
permit rotational float of the connector 10 relative to the panel
and generally in the plane of the panel. This floating rotational
movement of the connector 10 relative to the panel further
facilitates the initial mechanical alignment of the connector 10
with a corresponding connector half, thereby facilitating the
substantially blind mating to which many such panel mounted
connectors are subjected.
The floating panel mount 24 is defined by a pair of oppositely
directed multiple cantilevered latch structures 26 and 28. Each
latch structure 26 and 28 is of unitary construction and extends
unitarily from the mounting flange 12.
The first multiple cantilevered latch structure 26 comprises a
lower arm 30 cantilevered from the mounting flange 14 of the
housing 12. More particularly, as shown most clearly in FIGS. 4a
and 4b, the cantilevered lower arm has a thickness indicated by
dimension "a" which is less than the thickness "b" of the mounting
flange 14. Additionally, the lower arm 30 is generally aligned with
the rear surface 32 of the mounting flange 14. Thus, the
cantilevered lower arm 30 is readily deflectable relative to the
mounting flange 14 and away from the rearwardly facing surface 32
thereof. However, in its initial unbiased condition, the
cantilevered lower arm 30 lies within and is generally parallel to
the plane of the mounting flange 14, and thus will be generally
parallel to the planar panel 34 in FIG. 4b to which the housing 12
will be mounted. In particular, the cantilevered lower arm 30 may
have a thickness "a" of approximately 0.080 inch, while the
mounting flange 14 may have a thickness "b" of approximately 0.150
inch.
An upper arm 36 is cantilevered from the end of the lower arm 30
remote from the mounting flange 14. More particularly, the
cantilevered upper arm 36 is aligned generally orthogonal to, but
unitary with, the cantilevered lower arm 30. The plane defined by
the lower and upper arms 30 and 36 is substantially orthogonal to
the plane defined by the mounting flange 14. The upper arm 36 has a
thickness "c" which is significantly less than the diameter of the
mounting aperture 35 in the panel 34. For example, the upper arm 36
may have a thickness of 0.090 inch, while the mounting aperture 35
may define a diameter of approximately 0.280 inch. The length of
the upper arm 36 will be determined at least in part by the
thickness of the panel 34 to which the housing 12 is to be mounted,
as well as the amount of deflection desired for the upper arm 36
relative to the lower arm 30.
The intersection of the cantilevered lower and upper arms 30 and 36
defines an interior or concave corner 38, and an exterior or convex
corner 40. The surface 42 of the cantilevered upper arm 36
extending from the concave corner 38 is generally arcuately shaped
to conform to the generally circular configuration of the mounting
aperture 35 in the panel 34. In particular, the curved surface 42
extends arcuately around an axis that is generally parallel to the
cantilevered upper arm 36. The upper arm 36 further includes an
arcuate leading cam surface 44 at the end thereof remote from the
cantilevered connection of the upper arm 36 to the lower arm 30.
The curvature of the leading cam surface 44 extends around an axis
extending perpendicularly through the plane defined by the lower
and upper arms 30 and 36. As will be explained further below, the
leading cam surface 44 may contribute to the initial alignment of
the multiple cantilevered latch structure 26 relative to the
mounting aperture 35 in panel 34.
The multiple cantilevered latch structure 26 further comprises a
locking arm 46 which is cantilevered from and angularly aligned to
the end of the upper arm 36 remote from the lower arm 30. As shown
most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cantilevered locking arm 46 is
disposed generally in the plane defined by the lower and upper arms
30 and 36, with said plane being generally orthogonal to the plane
of the mounting flange 14, as noted above. However, as shown most
clearly in FIG. 4b, the lower arm 30 and the locking arm 46 extend
from generally opposite longitudinal sides of the upper arm 36. The
cantilevered locking arm 46 is angularly aligned to the upper arm
36 to extend generally back toward the mounting flange 14 from the
end of the upper arm 36 remote from the mounting flange 14. In
particular, the locking arm 46 intersects the upper arm 36 at an
angle "d" of approximately 30.degree.. The convex or exterior
corner defined by the intersection of the cantilevered upper and
locking arms 36 and 46 effectively defines a continuous arcuate
extension of the leading cam surface 44.
The locking arm 46 comprises an end portion 48 which is generally
curved and aligned substantially parallel to the upper arm 36. This
curved portion 48 of the locking arm 46 defines a convex trailing
cam surface 50 which will engage the panel 34 adjacent the aperture
35 therein to cause deflections in the multiple cantilevered latch
structure 26, as explained and illustrated further below. The
extreme end of the trailing cam surface 50 is generally parallel to
the upper arm 36. The maximum distance between the surface 42 of
the upper arm 36 and the portion of the trailing cam surface 50
parallel thereto is indicated by dimension "e" and is greater than
the diameter of the mounting aperture 35. For example, the distance
"e" may be approximately 0.31 inch for a connector to be mounted to
a panel 34 having a mounting aperture 35 with a diameter of 0.280
inch. Preferably, the difference between the dimension "e" and the
diameter of the mounting aperture 35 is 0.025-0.035 inch. As a
result of this construction, the cantilevered locking arm 46 must
be deflected relative to the cantilevered upper arm 36 for the
latch structure to pass through the mounting aperture 35.
The extreme end of the locking arm 46 defines a panel engaging
surface 52 which is generally parallel to the upper surface 33 of
the mounting flange 14, but is spaced therefrom. In particular, the
distance "f" between the panel engaging surface 52 and the upper
surface 33 of mounting flange 14 is slightly greater than the
thickness "g" of the panel 34. Thus, the panel 34 may be lockingly
but releasably engaged intermediate the panel engaging surface 52
of the locking arm 46 and the forwardly facing surface 33 of the
mounting flange 14.
The above defined construction of the multiple cantilevered latch
structure 26 enables plural independent deflections of the various
cantilevered members therein. In particular, the locking arm 46 is
deflectable relative to the cantilevered upper arm 36. Similarly,
the cantilevered upper and lower arms 36 and 30 are deflectable
relative to one another. Finally, the cantilevered lower arm 30 can
be deflected relative to the mounting flange 14.
The second multiple cantilevered latch structure 28 is
substantially identical to the first latch structure 26 described
above, but is generally reversed relative thereto. In particular,
the second multiple cantilevered latch structure 28 comprises a
lower arm 60 which is unitary with and cantilevered from the
mounting flange 4 and is disposed generally in the plane thereof.
The upper arm 66 is cantilevered from the end of the lower arm 60
remote from the mounting flange 14. A locking arm 76 extends
angularly from the end of the upper arm 66 remote from the lower
arm 60 to extend generally back toward the mounting flange 14. The
cantilevered lower arm 60, upper arm 66 and locking arm 76 all lie
in a generally common plane which is parallel to but slightly
spaced from the plane of the first latch structure 26, as shown
most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3. Additionally, the upper arms 36 and
66 of the first and second latch structures 26 and 28 are generally
parallel to one another, and are disposed substantially on opposite
sides of a plane extending orthogonal to the plane of each latch
structure. As a result of this construction, the latch structures
26 and 28 together define a major cross-sectional dimension "h"
which substantially exceeds the diameter of the mounting aperture
35 in panel 34. However, the minor cross-sectional dimension "i"
defined by the two upper arms 36 and 66 is less than the diameter
of the mounting aperture 35.
The sequential steps leading to the engagement of the latch
structures 26 and 28 with the panel 34 is shown in FIGS. 4a-4b
through FIGS. 7a-7b. With reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the leading
cam surface 44 of the first latch structure 26 and the
corresponding leading cam surface of the second latch structure 28
may initially guide the latch structures 26, 28 to a relatively
central position with respect to the mounting aperture 35.
Continued movement of the housing 12 toward the panel 34 urges the
trailing cam surfaces 50 and 80 of the locking arms 46 and 76
respectively into contact with portions of the panel 34 adjacent
the mounting apertures 35.
As shown next in FIGS. 5a-5b continued movement of the housing 12
toward the panel 34 will cause the cantilevered upper arms 36 and
66 to deflect relative to the lower arms 30, 60, and may further
cause the cantilevered lower arms 30 and 60 to deflect relative to
the mounting flange 14. As depicted in FIG. 5b, the deflections of
the lower and upper arms 30 and 36 of the first latch structure 26
will be in generally counterclockwise directions, while the
deflections of the lower and upper arms 60 and 66 of the second
latch structures 28 will be in generally clockwise directions.
Further advancement of the housing 12 toward the panel 34 will
continue the above described deflections of the upper arms 36, 66
and lower arms 30, 60, and will further generate deflection of the
cantilevered locking arms 46, 76 relative to the respective upper
arms 36 and 66, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. This deflection of the
locking arms 46 and 76 is necessitated by the relative diameter of
the mounting aperture 35 and the greater maximum dimension "e"
defined between surface 42 and 50 on the first latch structure 26,
and the corresponding dimension on the second latch structure
28.
A still further movement of the housing 12 toward the panel 34
moves the panel engaging surfaces 52 and 82 of the latch structures
26 and 28 respectively clear of the mounting aperture 35. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 7b, the latch structures 26 and 28 will return to
arms 46 and 76. As noted above, and as shown clearly in FIG. 7b,
the upper arms 36 and 66 define a combined minor cross-sectional
dimension "i" significantly smaller than the diameter of the
mounting aperture 35. Thus a substantial amount of rotational float
of the housing 12 relative to the panel 34. Since the distance "e"
exceeds the diameter of the mounting aperture 35, the housing 12
will be positively lockingly retained to the panel 34 at even
extreme ranges of this floatable movement.
Although the housing 12 is lockingly retained to the panel 34 in
the condition shown in FIG. 7b, the multiple cantilevered latch
structures 26 and 28 readily enable selective separation of the
housing 12 from the panel 34. In particular, the locking arms 46
and 76 may be urged toward one aothe with sufficient pressure to
deflect the locking arms 46 and 76 relative to the upper arms 36
and 66. This deflection combined with corresponding deflections of
the upper arms, 36, 66 and lower arms 30, 60 will enable the
respective latch structures 26 and 28 to pass through the mounting
apertures 35.
In summary, a floating panel mount structure may be molded
unitarily with an electrical connector housing to achieve secure
mounting of the housing to a panel, while simultaneously achieving
desirable float therebetween. The floating panel mount comprises
first and second multiple cantilevered latch structures. Each latch
structure comprises a lower arm cantilevered from the mounting
flange of the connector housing. An upper arm is cantilevered from
the end of the lower arm remote from the mounting flange. A locking
arm is cantilevered from the end of the upper arm remote from the
lower arm, such that the lower, upper and locking arms all
preferably lie in substantially a common plane. Furthermore, the
cantilvered lower arm and the cantilevered locking arm extend
angularly from opposed sides of the upper arm. The extreme end of
the locking arm defines a panel engaging surface which is spaced
from the mounting flange of the housing, such that a panel can be
lockingly but releasably received therebetween. The maximum
cross-sectional dimension defined by the upper arm and the locking
arm cantilevered thereto preferably exceeds the maximum
cross-sectional dimension of the mounting aperture into which the
latch structure is insertable. Thus, the cantilevered locking arm
must be deflected relative to the upper arm to pass through the
mounting aperture. The first and second multiple cantilevered latch
structures are oppositely directed relative to one another. Thus,
plural independent cantilevered deflections are required to insert
the latch structures through the mounting aperture of the panel.
Upon complete insertion, the latch structures will biasingly return
to their initial undeflected conditions such that the panel is
lockingly retained between the panel engaging ends of the locking
arms and the forwardly facing surfaces of the mounting flange. The
upper arms are cross-sectionally significantly smaller than the
maximum cross-sectional dimension of the mounting aperture. Thus,
although the housing is securely retained on the panel, relative
float therebetween is possible. The housing can be selectively
removed from the panel by manually or otherwise deflecting the
latch structures a sufficient amount for the panel engaging
surfaces to clear the mounting aperture.
While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred
embodiment, various changes can be made without departing from the
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For
example, the cantilevered upper arms need not be perfectly parallel
to one another and in contact with opposite sides of a plane of
symmetry. Similarly, the cantilevered locking arms need not lie
exactly in the same plane as the upper and lower cantilevered arms.
Additionally, while the extremely efficient embodiment described
above shows the latch structures as being unitary with the
electrical connector housing, it is conceivable to provide separate
connecting members that would extend through mounting apertures in
both a connector housing and a panel. Furthermore, the latch
structure may be disposed to engage separate panel apertures and
may be oriented in generally the same or different directions
depending on the type of float required.
* * * * *