Anderson Power Products

Jeffrey S Burkhardt

Christine M Svelnis

Craig H Baker

Brian F Davies

Jason Nicholson

Jeffrey R Waegelin

Christine S Svelnis

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

Plug for hi power connector

Plug for tool-releasable solar power connector

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

Plug for water-tight electrical connector with laterally compressed O-ring

Latch for tool-releasable solar power connector

Panel receptacle for hi power connector

Receptacle for hi power connector

Receptacle for water-tight electrical connector with laterally compressed O-ring

Four pole latching connector system

Growing community of inventors

Brookline, NH, United States of America

Jeffrey S Burkhardt