John W Eller

US Patent:

20020081881, Jun 27, 2002

Filed:

Dec 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/749370

Inventors:

Vernon Komenda - Scottsdale AZ, US
John Eller - Glendale AZ, US
Gary Larson - Phoenix AZ, US

International Classification:

H01R013/64

US Classification:

439/247000

Abstract:

A connector setup is disclosed where one connector can be blind mated to another connector. In a fixed panel, a connector is spring mounted upon the fixed panel such that the connector has freedom of movement in all directions. In addition, the springs are configured so as to provide enough force to mate the connector with a mating connector. Either connector can be mounted between guide pins. The corresponding connector would then be mounted between guide holes. When the module upon which one of the connectors is mounted is slid into the fixed panel, the guide pins interact with the guide holes so as to properly position the connectors in relation to each other. The springs, in addition to providing enough force to mate the connectors, also allows the connector on the panel to float within its mount, permitting the connector to be optimally positioned for mating purposes.