Anderson Power Products

Ideal Industries, Inc.

Christine M Svelnis

Jeffrey S Burkhardt

Craig H Baker

Brian F Davies

Nathan T Smith

Charles L York

Jason Nicholson

Jeffrey R Waegelin

Urs F Nager, Jr

Clyde T Carter

Christopher P Palagi

Mark A Wojcicki

David Scott Beach

Daniel Keith Gruenemeier

Alexander S Fater

Richard Scott Horner

An electrical connector includes a universal plug body, a plurality of electrical contacts disposed in the universal plug body, and a printed circuit board (PCB), coupled with the universal plug, comprising a plurality of electrically-conductive features configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrical contacts to a plurality of terminals. Different PCB types may be used with the universal plug body to accommodate different power and data applications with a universal connector body.

Universal electrical connector

Three pole sealed plug connector with latch

Three pole sealed receptacle connector with latch

A latching mechanism for a mid-power electrical connector is compact, strong, easy to disengage, durable, and low in manufacturing cost. The basic system includes a plug housing and a receptacle housing, each molded from plastic as a single piece, and at least one simple, mainly flat, metal latching tab inserted into a side of the plug housing. During connection of the housings, the latching tabs flex inward as they enter channels in the receptacle housing, and then spring outward to engage with receptacle latching features. In embodiments, wedge-shaped inward plastic protrusions in the channels engage with holes in the latching tabs. Unlatching requires only pressing the latching tabs gently inward. In embodiments, plastic pressing tabs can be pressed inward with fingers to flex and release the latching tabs. In other embodiments, the latching tabs are inaccessible to fingers, and a tool is required to release the latching tabs.

Compact latching mechanism for a mid-power electrical connector

Four position panel mount receptacle shell for tool-releasable solar power connector

Mid power panel receptacle

Plug for hi power connector

Mid power inline plug

Mid power inline receptacle

An electrical connector housing system includes a plug housing, a receptacle housing, and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism pivots on pivot posts on one housing and hooks to latching posts on the other housing, thereby securing the mated housings together. Catches on the latch mechanism engage with tabs near the latching posts when the latching mechanism is latched. The catches must be released using a screwdriver or similar tool before opening the latching mechanism and separating the mated housings. A protective barrier can be included to block direct access to the engaged catches and tabs. The housings include overlapping shells which exclude water and dirt, and the latching mechanism at least partially covers and further protects the shells when closed. In embodiments, a retaining mechanism automatically holds the latch open against gravity, facilitating connection and release of the housings with one hand and/or while wearing gloves.

Tool-releasable solar power connector

Front housing for tool-releasable right angle solar power connector

Tool-releasable right angle solar power connector housing assembly

An electrical connector housing system provides a water-tight o-ring seal between a receptacle housing and a plug housing without compressing the o-ring in the mating direction. The housing system includes at least two latch sliders that can be engaged to trap latch tabs within latch slots. The latch sliders are substantially unaffected by the o-ring compression, and are compatible with housing systems of almost any size and/or shape. Embodiments include a connector region surrounded by a curved wall having an o-ring groove in its outer surface, and the plug housing includes a shell which overlaps the curved wall and compresses the o-ring perpendicular to the mating direction. The housings can include integral electrical contacts and/or can accept one or more insertable contacts. The latch sliders. The latch mechanism can include a detent mechanism, and can require a tool for disengagement.

Water-tight electrical connector with laterally compressed O-ring

Growing community of inventors

Boylston, MA, United States of America

Christine M Svelnis