Connector keying device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and particularly concerns electrical connectors with multiple contacts requiring keying of the mating connector parts. With prior art devices, when more than one connector pair is used in a system, different connector parts must be chosen which have a different keying configuration for the key and groove. With another prior art device, which uses a single type connector part, it is necessary to sacrifice one contact position in the connectors. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art noted above by providing a keying device which permits manufacture and production of a single type of male or female connector part and yet does not require the sacrifice of contact positions within the connector parts to effectuate the keying. The invention therefore provides an improved connector keying device for keying mating first and second connector parts to assure proper connection between the parts and to prevent connection to other connector parts of unlike keying. In accordance with the invention, there is provided a key mount affixed to the first connector part and adapted to receive a key member mounted thereto. An appropriate key member is removably attached to the key mount. A key member receiver is mounted on the second connector part and has a key member-receiving slot therein aligned with and slidingly receiving the key member when the first and second connector parts are mated.