CA1300705C - Polarized electrical connector and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Polarized electrical connector and method of manufactureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1300705C CA1300705C CA000548293A CA548293A CA1300705C CA 1300705 C CA1300705 C CA 1300705C CA 000548293 A CA000548293 A CA 000548293A CA 548293 A CA548293 A CA 548293A CA 1300705 C CA1300705 C CA 1300705C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- array
- pin
- orientation
- plug
- receptacle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
- H01R13/642—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by position or shape of contact members
Landscapes
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract Polarized Electrical Connector and Method of Manufacture A polarized electrical connector and method of manufacture are disclosed. An electrical connector having a plug and a receptacle including an alignment slot in the shell of the receptacle and an extending tab of the plug are disclosed. Likewise, a pin socket array of the receptacle together with a pin array of the plug have a preselected angular configuration and must mate for the connector to be assembled. Additionally disclosed is the method of manufacturing the electrical connector wherein a pair of molds are provided such that one mold may be rotated relative to the other to provide a whole series of receptacle and plugs having distinct angular orientations from a common set of molds.
Description
~3~ 05 Polarized Electrical Connector and Method of Manufacture Bac~ground of the Invention The present invention is directed to a variably polari~ed electrical connector and to the method of manufacture thereof. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an electrical connector having a receptacle portion and a plug portion each of which includes one orientation defining means and each of which has either a pin socket array or a pin array having a defined angular orientation such that both the pin array and the pin socket array and the receptacle and plug themselves must have the appropriate orientation for the connector to be assembled.
There are many electrical connectors known in the art which have various polarizing features such that connectors are not inappropriately assembled.
These various polarization features include selectabl~ locatin~J external tabs as indicated in the prior art F;gure 1 herein, such that the plug portion has a series o~ outwardly extending tabs which engage the tab slots defined by the receptacle. By positioning these tabs it may be assured that the plug and receptacle are appropriately oriented before being assembled to each other and that the plug is being assembled to the correct receptacle. Such connectors require a series o~ molds to be developed including a series of plug molds having appropriate tabs and a series of receptacle molds having portions ~3~ 70S
defining tab slots, one mold for each receptacle and for each plug for each desired combination. Another manner of fabrication is to have common plug and receptable molds with polarizing inserts which can be selectively positioned as desired to obtain plugs and receptacles having tabs and tab slots appropriately positioned.
In many automotive applications, it is desirable to provide connectors which eliminate the possibility of the assembler or repair person from inadvertently making inappropriate electrical connections. For this purpose, the various connectors are polarized such that unless the tabs or other features of the connectors mate, the electrical connection cannot be made~ It has been identified to be extremely desirable to provide this feature where multiple connectors are positioned adjacent each other providing an opportunity for incorrect connections.
The herein described connector utilizes a combination oE two orientation means to assure that inadverten~ assembly between an inappropriate plug and receptacle is prevented. The herein designed connector also uses a single pair of molds, one being rotatable relative to the other, to manufacture all of the receptacles and a separate pair for all of the plugs notwithstanding that the pin array or the pin socket array contained within the receptacle or plug may be at distinct angular orientations relative to the receptacle or plug. In this manner, a specific means is provided to assure alignment between the receptacle and plug in terms of a tab and slot, however, the pin array and pin socket connections are additionally angled relative to the receptacle and plug such that this angular relationship must also be substantially identical to allow the connector to be assembled. If this angular relationship is not substantially identical, then the connector may not be assembled and the repair person or assembler realizes he is attempting to make an improper electrical connection.
By the use of a single set of molds, one being rotatable relative to the other, the cost of having multiple sets of molds each with different configurations is avoided. Likewise, the cost of changing the molds and the molding machine or of other assembly steps is eliminated.
Summary of the Invention __ ___ _ It is an object of the present invention to provide a polarized electrical connector for connectin~ multiple circuits to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector which may be assembled only in a predetermined orientation such that only the connections as desired can be made when the connector is assembled.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a polarized connector such that the polarity of the plug and the polarity of the receptacle must match before the operator may assemble the connector thereby preventing inadvertent assembly of inappropriat0 plugs to receptacles.
13~7(~5 It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a polarized electrical connector which may be manufactured in various configurations from a single set of molds.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a safe, economical, reliable, easy to manufacture and assemble, fail-safe and functional electrical connector.
Other objects will be apparent from the description to follow and the appended claims.
An electrical connector is described which includes a receptacle having an annular shell including a first orientation defining means and a core having a second orientAtion defining means including a pin socket array having a selected angular orientation relative to the first orientation defining means. Further disclosed is a plug including a first mating means positioned to mate with the Eirst orientation defining means and a pin array having the same selected angular orientation rela~ive to the first mating means as the pin socket array has to the first orientation defin~ng means, said pin array being conEigured to mate with the pin socket array such that upon assembly of the connector the first orientation defining means and the first mating means and the pin socket array and the pin array respectively mate if the selected angular orientation of the pin socket array to the first orientation defining means and the pin array to the first mating means are substantially identical.
:~3~07~5 Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing variably polarized connectors using a common set of molds. This method includes locating a first mold at a first angular orientation such that the first mold defines a cavity for the formation of the portion of the connector including a first orientation defining means. The second mold is located relative to the first mold, said second mold defining a cavity for the formation of a portion of the connector including a pin socket array or a pin array having a distinct angular orientation. The method then includes rotating the molds relative to each other to define a combined cavity with a specific angular orientation between the first orientation defining means and the pin socket array or pin array and thereafter forming a connector using the first and second molds. 5aid connector has variable polarization depending upon the relative mold positions when the connector is formed.
Brlef Description oE the Drawln~s Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art connector.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle including the pin socket array located in an angular position relative to the remainder of the receptacle.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug designed to mate with the receptacle of Figure 2 and showing the pin array in identical angular position to the pin socket array of Figure 2.
-' . . ~ . ' .
13&~
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle having the pin socket array in a different angular posltion.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a receptacle having the pin socket array in yet a third angular position.
Figure 6 is a perspective, partially cut away view of a pair of molds use~ul for manufacturing receptacles.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment The invention herein will be described with reference to a specific connector made from a receptacle and a plug. It is to be understood that although specific orientation means such as a tab extending into a slot are disclosed for positioning the plug relative to the receptacle, that other similar angular positioning and verification arrangements may suitably provide the same relationship~
Although it is assumed herein that the electrical connèctor is made from a plastic material,it is to be understood that other materials also may be utilized. It is further to be understood that the drawings only show a molded part and do not show the electrical conductors to be inserted within the receptacle for engagement with the pins. The omission is purely for the sake of clarity in the drawings and the description, since any known conductors could be appropriately provided.
1300~5 It is also to be understood that the manner in which one mold may be rotated relative to another mold or the choice of which mold is rotated are matters of design choice.
In prior art Figure 1, there may be seen a receptacle 10 having an annular shell 18 which defines locator tabs 14 and 16 and latch tab 12. The receptacle further includes core 20 defining a pin receiving socket 22 all located within the center of shell 18 in referenced annular space 24. The combination of the locator tabs and the latch tab act to cooperate with a plug (not shown) having extending tabs which mate in terms of position with the locator tabs and latch tabs to effectively polarize the plug with respect to the receptacle.
Figure 2 discloses receptacle 30 according to the herein invention and includes shell 36 defining latch tab 32 which includes tab slots 38 and 34.
Shell 36 defines an internal annular space 46 in which core 40 is mounted. Core 40 defines a series of pin sockets 42 arranged collectively to form pin socket array 44 having a specific orientation relative to tab slot 38. The pin socket array is also designed such that not only does it have a desired angular relationship with the tab slot, but such that a plug having projecting pins may only engage the pin socket array in a desired manner.
Latch tab 32 defines tab slot 38 to which a projecting tab of the plug may be engaged. Latch tab ~30 32 also defines slot 34 at the top of tab slot 38 through which a projection extending from the plug .
7~3S
may be engaged to secure the receptacle to the plug to prevent inadvertent disengagement between the plug and receptacle.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of plug 50 which S is designed to mate with receptacle 30. Plug 50 has annular body 56 defining a central cavity 58 in which pin array 62 consisting of pins 60 is secured.
Extending from the exterior of annular body 56 is tab 52 including projection 54. The pin array 62 of plug 50 is designed to have the same angular orientation relative to tab 52 as the pin socket array 44 of receptacle 30 has relative to tab slot 38.
To make an electrical connection, the plug and receptacle are aligned with tab 52 of the plug being positioned to slide within tab slot 38 of the receptacle. The ascembler then verifies that pin array 62 is appropriately, angularly oriented to mesh with pin socket array 44 such that as the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the pins of the pin array mate with the pin sockets of the pin socket array. If upon a:Lignment oE tab 52 with tab slot 38, it is apparent that the pin array of the plug is at a different angular orientation than the pin socket array of the receptacle, the assembler then realizes that that plug and the receptacle are not designed to be connected one to the other and that he should look for a different receptacle for which to engage that particular plug.
Figures 4 and 5 are similar receptacles to Figure 3 wherein the pin socket array is arranged at a different angular orientation. Receptacle 70 of ~3Q(~705 Figure 4 includes tab slot 74 and core 76 having pin socket array 78 with pin sockets 79, the pin socket array being arranged in a generally vertical direction when the tab is in the 12 o'clock position.
In Figure 5, receptacle 80 has shell 82, tab 84, and core 86 having pin socket array 88 and pin sockets 89 with the pin socket array being arranged and at an angle of approximately 315 with the tab portion being considered to be at 0. In like comparison, the pin socket array of Figure 2 is arranged at an angle of 45.
Referring now to Figure 6 which is a partially perspective and partially cut away view of a pair of molds utilized to form a receptacle. Primary mold 100 includes outer wall 102 and inner wall 104 which between them define cavity 106 which would correspond with the shell of the receptacle. Additionally, inner wall 104 de~ines therewithin cavity 116 which receives the material to form a portion of the core oE the receptacle. Injection line 110 is shown for injecting plastic material into the mold.
Secondary mold 120 assists in forming the pin socket array portion of the core of the receptacle.
Outer wall 122 defines a cylindrical area from which pin socket mold bars 124 extend such that openings are left after molding for the pin sockets.
Secondary mold 120 includes year 130 mounted thereto such that the mold may be rotationally driven to various positions. Injection line 126 for supplying plastic to the mold is provided and includes rotary joint 128.
13~ 70S
The two molds are assembled together (not shown) such that the open end of secondary mold 120 abuts wall 104 of primary mold 100 such that the pin socket array portion of the core is formed within cavity 116 S shown in primary mold 100. It may also be seen that by rotating gear 130, the relative position of secondary mold to the primary mold and henee the angular position of the pin array relative to the tab formed in the shell may be determined.
Although not shown, a like pair of molds may be utilized for forming the plug and one o said molds may be rotatable relative to the other. In this manner, an entire series of plugs and receptacles may be formed using a common set of molds placed at difrerent angular orientations for each different plug or receptacle to be formed.
The invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment although those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.
There are many electrical connectors known in the art which have various polarizing features such that connectors are not inappropriately assembled.
These various polarization features include selectabl~ locatin~J external tabs as indicated in the prior art F;gure 1 herein, such that the plug portion has a series o~ outwardly extending tabs which engage the tab slots defined by the receptacle. By positioning these tabs it may be assured that the plug and receptacle are appropriately oriented before being assembled to each other and that the plug is being assembled to the correct receptacle. Such connectors require a series o~ molds to be developed including a series of plug molds having appropriate tabs and a series of receptacle molds having portions ~3~ 70S
defining tab slots, one mold for each receptacle and for each plug for each desired combination. Another manner of fabrication is to have common plug and receptable molds with polarizing inserts which can be selectively positioned as desired to obtain plugs and receptacles having tabs and tab slots appropriately positioned.
In many automotive applications, it is desirable to provide connectors which eliminate the possibility of the assembler or repair person from inadvertently making inappropriate electrical connections. For this purpose, the various connectors are polarized such that unless the tabs or other features of the connectors mate, the electrical connection cannot be made~ It has been identified to be extremely desirable to provide this feature where multiple connectors are positioned adjacent each other providing an opportunity for incorrect connections.
The herein described connector utilizes a combination oE two orientation means to assure that inadverten~ assembly between an inappropriate plug and receptacle is prevented. The herein designed connector also uses a single pair of molds, one being rotatable relative to the other, to manufacture all of the receptacles and a separate pair for all of the plugs notwithstanding that the pin array or the pin socket array contained within the receptacle or plug may be at distinct angular orientations relative to the receptacle or plug. In this manner, a specific means is provided to assure alignment between the receptacle and plug in terms of a tab and slot, however, the pin array and pin socket connections are additionally angled relative to the receptacle and plug such that this angular relationship must also be substantially identical to allow the connector to be assembled. If this angular relationship is not substantially identical, then the connector may not be assembled and the repair person or assembler realizes he is attempting to make an improper electrical connection.
By the use of a single set of molds, one being rotatable relative to the other, the cost of having multiple sets of molds each with different configurations is avoided. Likewise, the cost of changing the molds and the molding machine or of other assembly steps is eliminated.
Summary of the Invention __ ___ _ It is an object of the present invention to provide a polarized electrical connector for connectin~ multiple circuits to each other.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector which may be assembled only in a predetermined orientation such that only the connections as desired can be made when the connector is assembled.
It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a polarized connector such that the polarity of the plug and the polarity of the receptacle must match before the operator may assemble the connector thereby preventing inadvertent assembly of inappropriat0 plugs to receptacles.
13~7(~5 It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a polarized electrical connector which may be manufactured in various configurations from a single set of molds.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a safe, economical, reliable, easy to manufacture and assemble, fail-safe and functional electrical connector.
Other objects will be apparent from the description to follow and the appended claims.
An electrical connector is described which includes a receptacle having an annular shell including a first orientation defining means and a core having a second orientAtion defining means including a pin socket array having a selected angular orientation relative to the first orientation defining means. Further disclosed is a plug including a first mating means positioned to mate with the Eirst orientation defining means and a pin array having the same selected angular orientation rela~ive to the first mating means as the pin socket array has to the first orientation defin~ng means, said pin array being conEigured to mate with the pin socket array such that upon assembly of the connector the first orientation defining means and the first mating means and the pin socket array and the pin array respectively mate if the selected angular orientation of the pin socket array to the first orientation defining means and the pin array to the first mating means are substantially identical.
:~3~07~5 Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing variably polarized connectors using a common set of molds. This method includes locating a first mold at a first angular orientation such that the first mold defines a cavity for the formation of the portion of the connector including a first orientation defining means. The second mold is located relative to the first mold, said second mold defining a cavity for the formation of a portion of the connector including a pin socket array or a pin array having a distinct angular orientation. The method then includes rotating the molds relative to each other to define a combined cavity with a specific angular orientation between the first orientation defining means and the pin socket array or pin array and thereafter forming a connector using the first and second molds. 5aid connector has variable polarization depending upon the relative mold positions when the connector is formed.
Brlef Description oE the Drawln~s Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art connector.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle including the pin socket array located in an angular position relative to the remainder of the receptacle.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug designed to mate with the receptacle of Figure 2 and showing the pin array in identical angular position to the pin socket array of Figure 2.
-' . . ~ . ' .
13&~
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle having the pin socket array in a different angular posltion.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a receptacle having the pin socket array in yet a third angular position.
Figure 6 is a perspective, partially cut away view of a pair of molds use~ul for manufacturing receptacles.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment The invention herein will be described with reference to a specific connector made from a receptacle and a plug. It is to be understood that although specific orientation means such as a tab extending into a slot are disclosed for positioning the plug relative to the receptacle, that other similar angular positioning and verification arrangements may suitably provide the same relationship~
Although it is assumed herein that the electrical connèctor is made from a plastic material,it is to be understood that other materials also may be utilized. It is further to be understood that the drawings only show a molded part and do not show the electrical conductors to be inserted within the receptacle for engagement with the pins. The omission is purely for the sake of clarity in the drawings and the description, since any known conductors could be appropriately provided.
1300~5 It is also to be understood that the manner in which one mold may be rotated relative to another mold or the choice of which mold is rotated are matters of design choice.
In prior art Figure 1, there may be seen a receptacle 10 having an annular shell 18 which defines locator tabs 14 and 16 and latch tab 12. The receptacle further includes core 20 defining a pin receiving socket 22 all located within the center of shell 18 in referenced annular space 24. The combination of the locator tabs and the latch tab act to cooperate with a plug (not shown) having extending tabs which mate in terms of position with the locator tabs and latch tabs to effectively polarize the plug with respect to the receptacle.
Figure 2 discloses receptacle 30 according to the herein invention and includes shell 36 defining latch tab 32 which includes tab slots 38 and 34.
Shell 36 defines an internal annular space 46 in which core 40 is mounted. Core 40 defines a series of pin sockets 42 arranged collectively to form pin socket array 44 having a specific orientation relative to tab slot 38. The pin socket array is also designed such that not only does it have a desired angular relationship with the tab slot, but such that a plug having projecting pins may only engage the pin socket array in a desired manner.
Latch tab 32 defines tab slot 38 to which a projecting tab of the plug may be engaged. Latch tab ~30 32 also defines slot 34 at the top of tab slot 38 through which a projection extending from the plug .
7~3S
may be engaged to secure the receptacle to the plug to prevent inadvertent disengagement between the plug and receptacle.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of plug 50 which S is designed to mate with receptacle 30. Plug 50 has annular body 56 defining a central cavity 58 in which pin array 62 consisting of pins 60 is secured.
Extending from the exterior of annular body 56 is tab 52 including projection 54. The pin array 62 of plug 50 is designed to have the same angular orientation relative to tab 52 as the pin socket array 44 of receptacle 30 has relative to tab slot 38.
To make an electrical connection, the plug and receptacle are aligned with tab 52 of the plug being positioned to slide within tab slot 38 of the receptacle. The ascembler then verifies that pin array 62 is appropriately, angularly oriented to mesh with pin socket array 44 such that as the plug is inserted into the receptacle, the pins of the pin array mate with the pin sockets of the pin socket array. If upon a:Lignment oE tab 52 with tab slot 38, it is apparent that the pin array of the plug is at a different angular orientation than the pin socket array of the receptacle, the assembler then realizes that that plug and the receptacle are not designed to be connected one to the other and that he should look for a different receptacle for which to engage that particular plug.
Figures 4 and 5 are similar receptacles to Figure 3 wherein the pin socket array is arranged at a different angular orientation. Receptacle 70 of ~3Q(~705 Figure 4 includes tab slot 74 and core 76 having pin socket array 78 with pin sockets 79, the pin socket array being arranged in a generally vertical direction when the tab is in the 12 o'clock position.
In Figure 5, receptacle 80 has shell 82, tab 84, and core 86 having pin socket array 88 and pin sockets 89 with the pin socket array being arranged and at an angle of approximately 315 with the tab portion being considered to be at 0. In like comparison, the pin socket array of Figure 2 is arranged at an angle of 45.
Referring now to Figure 6 which is a partially perspective and partially cut away view of a pair of molds utilized to form a receptacle. Primary mold 100 includes outer wall 102 and inner wall 104 which between them define cavity 106 which would correspond with the shell of the receptacle. Additionally, inner wall 104 de~ines therewithin cavity 116 which receives the material to form a portion of the core oE the receptacle. Injection line 110 is shown for injecting plastic material into the mold.
Secondary mold 120 assists in forming the pin socket array portion of the core of the receptacle.
Outer wall 122 defines a cylindrical area from which pin socket mold bars 124 extend such that openings are left after molding for the pin sockets.
Secondary mold 120 includes year 130 mounted thereto such that the mold may be rotationally driven to various positions. Injection line 126 for supplying plastic to the mold is provided and includes rotary joint 128.
13~ 70S
The two molds are assembled together (not shown) such that the open end of secondary mold 120 abuts wall 104 of primary mold 100 such that the pin socket array portion of the core is formed within cavity 116 S shown in primary mold 100. It may also be seen that by rotating gear 130, the relative position of secondary mold to the primary mold and henee the angular position of the pin array relative to the tab formed in the shell may be determined.
Although not shown, a like pair of molds may be utilized for forming the plug and one o said molds may be rotatable relative to the other. In this manner, an entire series of plugs and receptacles may be formed using a common set of molds placed at difrerent angular orientations for each different plug or receptacle to be formed.
The invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment although those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. An electrical connector which comprises:
a receptacle including an annular shell having a first orientation defining means and a core having a second orientation defining means including a pin socket array having a selected angular orientation relative to the first orientation defining means; and a plug including a first mating means positioned to mate with the first orientation defining means and a pin array having the same selected angular orientation relative to the first mating means as the pin socket array has to the first orientation defining means, said pin array being configured to mate with the pin socket array whereby upon assembly of the connector the first orientation defining means mates with the first mating means and the pin socket array mates with the pin array respectively if the selected angular orientation of the pin socket array to the first orientation defining means and the pin array to first mating means are substantially identical.
a receptacle including an annular shell having a first orientation defining means and a core having a second orientation defining means including a pin socket array having a selected angular orientation relative to the first orientation defining means; and a plug including a first mating means positioned to mate with the first orientation defining means and a pin array having the same selected angular orientation relative to the first mating means as the pin socket array has to the first orientation defining means, said pin array being configured to mate with the pin socket array whereby upon assembly of the connector the first orientation defining means mates with the first mating means and the pin socket array mates with the pin array respectively if the selected angular orientation of the pin socket array to the first orientation defining means and the pin array to first mating means are substantially identical.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first orientation defining means is a tab portion of the shell which defines a tab slot and wherein the first mating means of the plug is a tab sized to mate with the tab slot defined by the tab portion of the shell.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the core is mounted within the shell of the receptacle and wherein the plug is sized to fit within the receptacle with the tab being positioned within the tab slot.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the plug is annular in configuration and wherein the plug defines a central cavity in which the pin array is mounted, said plug being sized to fit with the shell and said central cavity being sized to allow the core including the pin socket array to engage the pin array within said central cavity.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the pin socket array and the pin array are directionally configured such that unless the pin array is appropriately angled relative to the pin socket array, the pin array may not be inserted into the pin socket array and consequently the plug may not be inserted into the receptacle.
6. A method of manufacturing a variably polarized series of connectors using the same molds which comprises:
locating a first mold in a first angular orientation, said first mold defining a cavity for the formation of a portion of the connector including a first orientation defining means;
locating a second mold relative to the first mold, said second mold defining a cavity for the formation of a portion of the connector including an array having a distinct angular orientation;
rotating the molds relative to each other to define a combined cavity with a specific angular orientation between the first orientation defining means and the array; and forming connectors using the first and second molds, said connectors having variable polarization depending on the relative mold positions when the connector is formed.
locating a first mold in a first angular orientation, said first mold defining a cavity for the formation of a portion of the connector including a first orientation defining means;
locating a second mold relative to the first mold, said second mold defining a cavity for the formation of a portion of the connector including an array having a distinct angular orientation;
rotating the molds relative to each other to define a combined cavity with a specific angular orientation between the first orientation defining means and the array; and forming connectors using the first and second molds, said connectors having variable polarization depending on the relative mold positions when the connector is formed.
7. The method as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of the defined steps applies to the manufacture of a receptacle portion of the connector.
8. The method as set forth in claim 6 wherein each of the defined steps applies to the manufacture of a plug portion of the connector.
9. A polarized electrical connector which comprises:
a receptacle portion including orientation means and pin socket array means having a specific orientation at a preselected angular relationship to the orientation means; and a plug portion for mating with the receptacle portion, said plug portion having mating means coacting with the orientation means and pin array means for mating with the pin socket array means and being positioned at a preselected angular relationship to the mating means whereby the receptacle portion may be assembled to the plug portion when the angular relationship between the pin socket array means and the orientation means of the receptacle portion is substantially identical to the angular relationship between the pin array means and the mating means of the plug portion.
a receptacle portion including orientation means and pin socket array means having a specific orientation at a preselected angular relationship to the orientation means; and a plug portion for mating with the receptacle portion, said plug portion having mating means coacting with the orientation means and pin array means for mating with the pin socket array means and being positioned at a preselected angular relationship to the mating means whereby the receptacle portion may be assembled to the plug portion when the angular relationship between the pin socket array means and the orientation means of the receptacle portion is substantially identical to the angular relationship between the pin array means and the mating means of the plug portion.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein the receptacle portion may not be assembled to the plug portion when the identified angular relationships are not substantially identical.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1148587A | 1987-02-05 | 1987-02-05 | |
| US011,485 | 1987-02-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1300705C true CA1300705C (en) | 1992-05-12 |
Family
ID=21750596
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000548293A Expired - Lifetime CA1300705C (en) | 1987-02-05 | 1987-09-30 | Polarized electrical connector and method of manufacture |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0277457A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1300705C (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE892171A1 (en) * | 1989-07-06 | 1991-01-16 | Desbury Ltd | A mould for a cable connector |
| US4990099A (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1991-02-05 | High Voltage Engineering Corp. | Keyed electrical connector with main and auxiliary electrical contacts |
| JP2509254Y2 (en) * | 1990-09-27 | 1996-08-28 | ホシデン株式会社 | Plug and socket |
| AU3228395A (en) * | 1994-08-16 | 1996-03-07 | Caradon Mk Electric Limited | Improvements in and relating to electrical switch socket outlets |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3018460A (en) * | 1959-12-21 | 1962-01-23 | Don J Stevens | Connector |
| NL6808443A (en) * | 1968-06-14 | 1969-12-16 | ||
| GB1571656A (en) * | 1977-03-25 | 1980-07-16 | Akzona Inc | Electrical connector |
| DE2942911A1 (en) * | 1979-10-24 | 1981-05-07 | Elektro-Bals Inh. Elisabeth Bals, 5942 Kirchhundem | Collar-shaped round plug connector - has cover plate, connectable in preset positions to housing by latchable members, and locating insulating insert via one-way screws |
-
1987
- 1987-09-30 CA CA000548293A patent/CA1300705C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1987-11-23 EP EP87630252A patent/EP0277457A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0277457A1 (en) | 1988-08-10 |
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