Molex Corporation

Other

William D Gruhn

Stephen A Colleran

Timothy R Ponn

Edward J Plocek

Cletus G McDonough

Allen J Bury

An electrical connector assembly is provided for a vehicular suspension system component. The connector assembly includes a male connector which is engageable in the suspension system component. The housing of the male connector includes polarization and anti-rotation lugs which are engageable with corresponding structures on the suspension system component. A female connector is engageable over the end of the suspension system component for electrical connection with the terminals of the male connector. The terminals of both connectors in the assembly are insert molded into the nonconductive housings. The locking engagement of the female connector on the suspension system component can be achieved with a metallic retention lever that biasingly engages an annular groove in the exterior of the suspension system component.

Electrical connector assembly for vehicular suspension system component

Electrical connectors include an insulating housing having terminal-receiving cavities in which conductive terminals are inserted and retained. When a terminal is inserted to a home position in a cavity, a primary lock structure formed on the terminal and on the wall of the cavity is effective to retain the terminal in place. A secondary lock structure is provided by a hinged door of the housing. In order to prevent inadvertent incomplete terminal insertion, the door cannot be closed until the terminal is fully inserted into the home position. If the terminal is spaced substantially from the home position, the terminal blocks movement of the door to its closed position. If the terminal is near the home position, the door advances the terminal into the home position.

Connectors with primary and secondary lock structure

A zero insertion force connector assembly includes a pair of connector housings each including an array of terminals. As the housings are initially moved together, the terminals are not in engagement and zero insertion force is provided. The housings are subsequently moved transversely with respect to one another in order to close individual pairs of terminals. Each terminal includes a contact blade parallel to the contact blade of another terminal, and the blades are disposed at a forty-five degree angle relative to the direction of transverse housing movement. One blade of each contact pair is supported along one of its edges to provide for a twisting action and reliable electrical contact as the blades are engaged. Transverse movement of the housings is effected by an actuator member mounted on one housing by an integral hinge and movable to a latched position wherein it forces the other housing member to a transverse position thereby closing each of the individual pairs of contacts.

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Lombard, IL, United States of America

William D Gruhn