CA1239675A - Electrical connector assemblies - Google Patents
Electrical connector assembliesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1239675A CA1239675A CA000492447A CA492447A CA1239675A CA 1239675 A CA1239675 A CA 1239675A CA 000492447 A CA000492447 A CA 000492447A CA 492447 A CA492447 A CA 492447A CA 1239675 A CA1239675 A CA 1239675A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- series
- keyway
- sidewalls
- plug
- plugs
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000004069 differentiation Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/16—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for telephony
Landscapes
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
- Cable Accessories (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Connections Arranged To Contact A Plurality Of Conductors (AREA)
- Inorganic Insulating Materials (AREA)
- Switches With Compound Operations (AREA)
- Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
- Insulated Conductors (AREA)
- Thermistors And Varistors (AREA)
- Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
- Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
- Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES
A series of electrical connector assemblies is disclosed each comprising plugs and corresponding sockets which are of a number of different widths. Narrower plugs of the series are prevented from insertion into wider sockets of the series by variation of the height of the plugs and sockets and/or the cross-sectional dimensions of a key and keyway provided on the plugs and sockets. Further differentiation, between plugs and sockets of the same width, is achieved by variation of the location of the key and keyway on the plug and socket sidewalls and/or the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES
A series of electrical connector assemblies is disclosed each comprising plugs and corresponding sockets which are of a number of different widths. Narrower plugs of the series are prevented from insertion into wider sockets of the series by variation of the height of the plugs and sockets and/or the cross-sectional dimensions of a key and keyway provided on the plugs and sockets. Further differentiation, between plugs and sockets of the same width, is achieved by variation of the location of the key and keyway on the plug and socket sidewalls and/or the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways.
Description
~2396 ELECTRICAL CDNNECT~R ASSEMBLIES
This invention relates to a series of electrical connector assemblies and in particular those comprising a socket and a corresponding plug which is received in the socket.
Connector assemblies of this general type are no~
commonly used for connecting subscribers telephone apparatus to the public network; use of a socket and pluo allowing easy movement or replacement of the telephone.
For suc~ use plugs and sockets havino 4 or ~ terminals in plugs and sockets of the same overall sizes are usually used. Suc~ assemblies can be easily mass pr~duced using injection moulding and automatic asse~bly techniques.
However, there is now a considerable need for a series of electrical connectors of the same general type having a larger number of terminals. This is particularly so in the telecommunications and computer related fields.
In prrducing a series of connectors having a varying number of terminals it is convenient for the various members of the series to differ only in the width of the engageable portion of the plug and the corresponding socket recess. ~his can lead to smaller plugs being inadvertently inserted into larger sockets ~hich can result in damaoe to either or both of the pieces of equipment so connected.
Even if plugs and sockets of the same size are being connecte~ it is often desirable to prevent plugs intended for a particular purpose from being inserted into sockets ûf the same size intended for some other purrcse. Keying systems to prevent both such mismatchings are known but involve the use of a number of complicated systems each requiring many keys and keyways to avoid any mismatching of plugs and sockets. Such systems also require an overly complicated series of moulds.
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According to the present invention there is provioed a series of electrical connector assemblies each asse~ly comprising a socket and a corresponding plug and hav,rc a coding key and keyway; each plug having an engaoec~le portion for enoaging in said corresponding socket, S2i~
portion cvmprising a first pair of opposed plug side~alls and a second pair of opposed plug sidewalls dispcsed transversely to said first pair of plug sidewalls, said sidewalls extendino ir the direction of engagement ~ th said socket, one or more terminals each for contactinc one or more corresponding terminals in said correspording socket and one of said coding key or keyway for engaging the other of said coding key or keyway located in said socket; each socket having a recess for receiving said engageable portion of said plug~ said recess comprisir~ a first pair of opposed recess sidewalls a second pair of opposed recess sidewalls disposed transversely to said first pair of recess sidewalls, one or more terminals each for contacting one or more corresponding terminals or said plug and the other of said coding key or keyway for engaging the key or keyway on said plug, the width of said engageable portions and said corresponding recesses as measured between said first pairs of sidewalls beina different for each of the assem~lies of the series wherein one or more of the height of said engageable portior and recess as measured between said second sidewalls and the cross-sectional dimensions of said key and keyway of _ach assembly of said series as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket are dimensione~ to prevent insertion of narrower plugs of the series into wider sockets of the series having a recess width as measured between said first pair of recess sidewalls ~hich ~2~9167S
is greater than the ~idth between said first plug sidewalls of said narrower plugs.
Since the series of assemblies need only have one coding key and keyway, visual inspection to determine whether a pluo will fit a particular socket is rendered easy. The design of the plugs and sockets is also rendered simple since they each reouire only one coding key and keyway. Though only one coding key and keyway is required, other locating or coding k~ys and keyways may be added if required for particular purposes. The height of the plugs and sockets together with the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways may in combination prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets. Preferably though the heights of the engageable portions of the narrower pluos are g~eater than the heights of the recesses of the wider sockets as measured between each of their second pairs of sidewalls so that the heioht referred to above prevents mismatching of narrower and wider members of the series. Using the height of the plug in this way enables the coding keys and keyways of the assemblies to be used to provide two further levels of series of codina if required. The cross-sectional dimensions of the coding keys and keyways as viewed in the direction of the engagement of the plug and socket and optionally their location may, however, be the same for all members of the series and no further coding provided. Alternatively the coding key and keyway may have different cross-sectional dimensions as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket to prevent insertion of plugs of assemblies of said sub-series in other sockets of said sub-series.
Whether or not the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding keys and keyways are varied their position on the sidewall ~23967S
.. 4 ..
they are located on may be varied for each of the members of the series to prevent plugs of memoers of this further sub-series from being inserted into sockets of other members of the further sub-series.
Alternatively, instead of varying the height of the engageable portions and recesses to prevent narrow plugs from being inserted into wider socketc the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding key and keyway may be made different for each member of the series of assemblies in order to fulfil this function. The coding key may be provided on either the plugs or recesses of the assemblies. If it is provided on the plugs one or more of the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways are larger for the narrower plugs than for the wider sockets of the series. Conversely, if the keys are provided on the sockets one or more of the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways are smaller fcr the narrower plugs than for the wider sockets of the series.
Ihe cross-sectional dimensionc of the keys and keywayc may be varied as above whilst preferably keeping the heights of the engageable portions and recesses as measured between their second pairs of sidewalls the same. ~his height though may be allowed to vary within certain lirits if the variation in cross-sectional dimensions of the coding keys and keyways is always sufficient to prevent narrower plugs fitting into wider sockets.
In varying the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding key and keyway the height of the coding key and keyway as measured in the direction between the second pairs of sidewalls may be made different for all members of the series. When the coding keys are located on the plugs the keys and keyways are of greater height for those assemblies ~Z39B75 with narrower sockets. Conversely when the coding keys are located in the sockets the keys and keyways are of greater he~g~t for those assembliec with ~ider sockets.
Alternatively or additionally the width of the coding key and keyway may also be varied as measured in the directior between said first pairs of sidewalls. When the coding keys are located on the plugs the keys and keyways are preferably of greater width for those assemblies with narrowe~ sockets. C~nversely when the coding keys are located in tne sockets the keys and keyways are of greater width for those assemtlies with wider sockets.
Again a further level of codins may be provided when the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding key and keyway are used to prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets hy forming for eack member of the series of assemblies a sub-series of assemblies wherein the coding key and keyway is located at 2 different position on one of ~he sidewalls for each member of the sub-series to prevent insertion of plugs of assemblies of the sub-series into sockets of the assemblies of the sub-series.
Such an arrangement enables a single coding key and keyway to provide two levels of coding. ûne which prevents narrower plugs being inserted into wider sockets and the other which allows differentiation between plugs and sockets of the same width. This dual codino system is considerably simpler than any system using a plurality of different sets of keys and keyways to provide two such levels of coding and the design and manufacture of plugs according to the present invention is thus greatly simplified In making the assemblies according to the present invention it is possible to have the keys located either on 1;~39~'75 .. 6 ..
the plugs or in the sockets. Preferably however the keys are provided on the plugs to enable the plug's engageable portion to be reduced in height to the minimum required by the cable to be inserted into the plug and connected to the terminals. It is also possible -to locate the keys and keyways on either the first or second pairs of sidewalls provided a~ways that narrower plugs are prevented from being inserted into wider sockets by the height of the engageable portion of the p]ug and or the cross-sectional dimensions of the key and keyway. However it is much preferred to locate the key and keyway on the ~econd pairs of sidewalls since this avoids the need for extremely lengthy keys and keyways which can in certain circumstances be necessary iE they are located on the first sidewall and the narrower plugs are not of greater height than the wider sockets.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic end-on view in the direction of engagement of a plug and socket of the disposition of sidewalls and keys or keyways for a plug or socket forming a member of a series according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a series of plugs or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed in the same manner as in Figure l, some of which are of different heights to prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets.
~, .
~2~967~
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Figure 3 shows a series of plugs or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed in the same manner as in Figure 1, some of which have keys and keyways of different cross-sectional dimensions to prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets.
Figure 4 shows a number of plugs or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention where the keyway is provide~ on the plug.
Figure 5 shows a number of pluas or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention where the keys and keyways are provided on the first pairs of sidewalls.
In Figure 1 an end-on view of the engageable portion of a plug or alternatively of the corresponding socket recess opening is shown. Details such as terminals~ catches and the like have been omitted for c]arity and only the disposition of the sidewalls and key or keyway are shown.
~he engageable portion of the plug and the socket recess are preferably of constant cross-section though this is not essential providing the plugs can be readily inserted into and removed from their corresponding sockets. A first pair of opposed sidewalls separated by a ~idth Wp and a second pair of opposed sidewalls separated by an height hp and disposed transversely, in this instance orthogonally 9 to the first pair of sidewalls, form the main body of the recess or engageable portion. The sidewalls in Figure l are shown as flat surfaces. Whilst this is preferable it is not essential and other suitable contours may be used as required. On the upper one of the second sidewalls a key or keyway is provided of width Wk and height hk. If ~239ti7S
the keyway is to be provided on the plua the plug and socket adopt the contour shown by the dotted line. In Figure 1 the key or keyway is shown as being trapezoidal, whilst this shape is preferable it is not essential and S other suitable cross-sections may be used. In the following description the views shown will be referred to as plugs. It is to be understood though, that the views are equally those of the recesses corresponding to the engageable portions of the plugs.
In Figure 2 a series of plugs 1, 2, 3, 4 are shown for which the height hp increases with decreasing width Wp.
Though the key cross-sectional dimensions are constant the narrower plugs eg 1 are prevented from insertion into sockets corresponding to the wider plug eg 2, 3, 4 by the variation in hp. In the case of each member of the series of plugs 1, 2, 3, 4 two further sut-series of plugs may be defined by changing the position of the key on the upper sidewall or by changing it's cross-sectional dimensions. The plugs 4, 5, 6 and 7 for example, are all of thR same width Wp but will not fit into each others sockets due to the varying location of their keys along the upper second sidewall. Plugs 7, 8 and 9 again are all of the same width but will not fit into each other's sockets even though their keys are located at the same place along the upper second sidewall. This is because the cross-sectional dimensions of their keys are different. In this instance the width Wk of the keyway increases as thR
height hk of the keyway decreases. ûther suitable variations in the key cross-section may be used though to achieve the same effect.
In Figure 3 a series of plugs are shown all having the same height hp. In the case of plugs lOj 11~ 12 and 13 ` ~Z~967~
g .. ..
which are all of different width ~, the narrower plugs eg lC are prevented from insertion into the sockets of the wider plugs eg 11, 12, 13 by their key heights hk increasing as their width Wp aecreases. Alternatively narrower plugs can be prevented from insertion into wider sockets by the width Wk of the keyway beirg increased as the plua width Wp decreases. Suc~ a series of plugs are 13, 14 and 15. Again in the case cf each of the members of the a~cve series a further sut-series of coding may be provided by altering the position of the keyway on the upper second sidewall as shown ~y plugs 15, 16 and 17 and also lû, 1~ and 19.
In each of the above series the key is shown as being provided on the plug. However it may alternatively be located on the recess sidewall instead. In this case the variation of the key height hk and width Wk with increasing plug width Wp is reversed with respect to that re~uired when the key is on the plug. For example in Figure 4 plugs 20 and 21 are two plugs of different widths with keyways provided on the recess lower second sidewall.
Plug 20 cannot be inserted into the recess corresponding to plua 21 since the keyway in pluc 20 is not of the same height hk as that of the key in the recess 21.
The key height hk is thus increased with increasina plug width Wp. Similarly plug 22 shows that to ,orevent narrower plugs from being inserted into wider plugs by variation of the key width Wk the key width Wk must be decreased with decreasing plug width Wp.
Figure 5 shows plugs where the key is located on one of the first sidewalls. This is quite acceptable for plugs where insertion of narrower plugs into wider sockets is prevented by variation of the plug height hp eg 23, 24.
3~Z39675 .. 10 ..
When the plugs and sockets are of the same height though eg 25, 26 the key width Wk may need to be unacceptably large.
Plugs 24 and 25 however show that differentiatior ~etweer plugs of the same width may still be achieved by varying the locatior of the key on the sidewall it is located on.
The scope for such variation is restricted though when compared with that available when t~e key is located on the second sidewall. The second sidewall is generally longer than the first sidewall partly due to the oo~mon use of lG ribbon cables in the applications for which the connectors are primarily intended and mainly due to t~e lirear arrangement of the terminals in the engageable portion of the plug. For these reasons the key and keyway are preferably always located on one of the second pairs of sidewalls.
This invention relates to a series of electrical connector assemblies and in particular those comprising a socket and a corresponding plug which is received in the socket.
Connector assemblies of this general type are no~
commonly used for connecting subscribers telephone apparatus to the public network; use of a socket and pluo allowing easy movement or replacement of the telephone.
For suc~ use plugs and sockets havino 4 or ~ terminals in plugs and sockets of the same overall sizes are usually used. Suc~ assemblies can be easily mass pr~duced using injection moulding and automatic asse~bly techniques.
However, there is now a considerable need for a series of electrical connectors of the same general type having a larger number of terminals. This is particularly so in the telecommunications and computer related fields.
In prrducing a series of connectors having a varying number of terminals it is convenient for the various members of the series to differ only in the width of the engageable portion of the plug and the corresponding socket recess. ~his can lead to smaller plugs being inadvertently inserted into larger sockets ~hich can result in damaoe to either or both of the pieces of equipment so connected.
Even if plugs and sockets of the same size are being connecte~ it is often desirable to prevent plugs intended for a particular purpose from being inserted into sockets ûf the same size intended for some other purrcse. Keying systems to prevent both such mismatchings are known but involve the use of a number of complicated systems each requiring many keys and keyways to avoid any mismatching of plugs and sockets. Such systems also require an overly complicated series of moulds.
C'' ~
.. 2 ..
According to the present invention there is provioed a series of electrical connector assemblies each asse~ly comprising a socket and a corresponding plug and hav,rc a coding key and keyway; each plug having an engaoec~le portion for enoaging in said corresponding socket, S2i~
portion cvmprising a first pair of opposed plug side~alls and a second pair of opposed plug sidewalls dispcsed transversely to said first pair of plug sidewalls, said sidewalls extendino ir the direction of engagement ~ th said socket, one or more terminals each for contactinc one or more corresponding terminals in said correspording socket and one of said coding key or keyway for engaging the other of said coding key or keyway located in said socket; each socket having a recess for receiving said engageable portion of said plug~ said recess comprisir~ a first pair of opposed recess sidewalls a second pair of opposed recess sidewalls disposed transversely to said first pair of recess sidewalls, one or more terminals each for contacting one or more corresponding terminals or said plug and the other of said coding key or keyway for engaging the key or keyway on said plug, the width of said engageable portions and said corresponding recesses as measured between said first pairs of sidewalls beina different for each of the assem~lies of the series wherein one or more of the height of said engageable portior and recess as measured between said second sidewalls and the cross-sectional dimensions of said key and keyway of _ach assembly of said series as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket are dimensione~ to prevent insertion of narrower plugs of the series into wider sockets of the series having a recess width as measured between said first pair of recess sidewalls ~hich ~2~9167S
is greater than the ~idth between said first plug sidewalls of said narrower plugs.
Since the series of assemblies need only have one coding key and keyway, visual inspection to determine whether a pluo will fit a particular socket is rendered easy. The design of the plugs and sockets is also rendered simple since they each reouire only one coding key and keyway. Though only one coding key and keyway is required, other locating or coding k~ys and keyways may be added if required for particular purposes. The height of the plugs and sockets together with the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways may in combination prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets. Preferably though the heights of the engageable portions of the narrower pluos are g~eater than the heights of the recesses of the wider sockets as measured between each of their second pairs of sidewalls so that the heioht referred to above prevents mismatching of narrower and wider members of the series. Using the height of the plug in this way enables the coding keys and keyways of the assemblies to be used to provide two further levels of series of codina if required. The cross-sectional dimensions of the coding keys and keyways as viewed in the direction of the engagement of the plug and socket and optionally their location may, however, be the same for all members of the series and no further coding provided. Alternatively the coding key and keyway may have different cross-sectional dimensions as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket to prevent insertion of plugs of assemblies of said sub-series in other sockets of said sub-series.
Whether or not the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding keys and keyways are varied their position on the sidewall ~23967S
.. 4 ..
they are located on may be varied for each of the members of the series to prevent plugs of memoers of this further sub-series from being inserted into sockets of other members of the further sub-series.
Alternatively, instead of varying the height of the engageable portions and recesses to prevent narrow plugs from being inserted into wider socketc the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding key and keyway may be made different for each member of the series of assemblies in order to fulfil this function. The coding key may be provided on either the plugs or recesses of the assemblies. If it is provided on the plugs one or more of the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways are larger for the narrower plugs than for the wider sockets of the series. Conversely, if the keys are provided on the sockets one or more of the cross-sectional dimensions of the keys and keyways are smaller fcr the narrower plugs than for the wider sockets of the series.
Ihe cross-sectional dimensionc of the keys and keywayc may be varied as above whilst preferably keeping the heights of the engageable portions and recesses as measured between their second pairs of sidewalls the same. ~his height though may be allowed to vary within certain lirits if the variation in cross-sectional dimensions of the coding keys and keyways is always sufficient to prevent narrower plugs fitting into wider sockets.
In varying the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding key and keyway the height of the coding key and keyway as measured in the direction between the second pairs of sidewalls may be made different for all members of the series. When the coding keys are located on the plugs the keys and keyways are of greater height for those assemblies ~Z39B75 with narrower sockets. Conversely when the coding keys are located in the sockets the keys and keyways are of greater he~g~t for those assembliec with ~ider sockets.
Alternatively or additionally the width of the coding key and keyway may also be varied as measured in the directior between said first pairs of sidewalls. When the coding keys are located on the plugs the keys and keyways are preferably of greater width for those assemblies with narrowe~ sockets. C~nversely when the coding keys are located in tne sockets the keys and keyways are of greater width for those assemtlies with wider sockets.
Again a further level of codins may be provided when the cross-sectional dimensions of the coding key and keyway are used to prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets hy forming for eack member of the series of assemblies a sub-series of assemblies wherein the coding key and keyway is located at 2 different position on one of ~he sidewalls for each member of the sub-series to prevent insertion of plugs of assemblies of the sub-series into sockets of the assemblies of the sub-series.
Such an arrangement enables a single coding key and keyway to provide two levels of coding. ûne which prevents narrower plugs being inserted into wider sockets and the other which allows differentiation between plugs and sockets of the same width. This dual codino system is considerably simpler than any system using a plurality of different sets of keys and keyways to provide two such levels of coding and the design and manufacture of plugs according to the present invention is thus greatly simplified In making the assemblies according to the present invention it is possible to have the keys located either on 1;~39~'75 .. 6 ..
the plugs or in the sockets. Preferably however the keys are provided on the plugs to enable the plug's engageable portion to be reduced in height to the minimum required by the cable to be inserted into the plug and connected to the terminals. It is also possible -to locate the keys and keyways on either the first or second pairs of sidewalls provided a~ways that narrower plugs are prevented from being inserted into wider sockets by the height of the engageable portion of the p]ug and or the cross-sectional dimensions of the key and keyway. However it is much preferred to locate the key and keyway on the ~econd pairs of sidewalls since this avoids the need for extremely lengthy keys and keyways which can in certain circumstances be necessary iE they are located on the first sidewall and the narrower plugs are not of greater height than the wider sockets.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic end-on view in the direction of engagement of a plug and socket of the disposition of sidewalls and keys or keyways for a plug or socket forming a member of a series according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a series of plugs or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed in the same manner as in Figure l, some of which are of different heights to prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets.
~, .
~2~967~
.. ..
Figure 3 shows a series of plugs or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed in the same manner as in Figure 1, some of which have keys and keyways of different cross-sectional dimensions to prevent mismatching of narrower plugs with wider sockets.
Figure 4 shows a number of plugs or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention where the keyway is provide~ on the plug.
Figure 5 shows a number of pluas or sockets according to an embodiment of the present invention where the keys and keyways are provided on the first pairs of sidewalls.
In Figure 1 an end-on view of the engageable portion of a plug or alternatively of the corresponding socket recess opening is shown. Details such as terminals~ catches and the like have been omitted for c]arity and only the disposition of the sidewalls and key or keyway are shown.
~he engageable portion of the plug and the socket recess are preferably of constant cross-section though this is not essential providing the plugs can be readily inserted into and removed from their corresponding sockets. A first pair of opposed sidewalls separated by a ~idth Wp and a second pair of opposed sidewalls separated by an height hp and disposed transversely, in this instance orthogonally 9 to the first pair of sidewalls, form the main body of the recess or engageable portion. The sidewalls in Figure l are shown as flat surfaces. Whilst this is preferable it is not essential and other suitable contours may be used as required. On the upper one of the second sidewalls a key or keyway is provided of width Wk and height hk. If ~239ti7S
the keyway is to be provided on the plua the plug and socket adopt the contour shown by the dotted line. In Figure 1 the key or keyway is shown as being trapezoidal, whilst this shape is preferable it is not essential and S other suitable cross-sections may be used. In the following description the views shown will be referred to as plugs. It is to be understood though, that the views are equally those of the recesses corresponding to the engageable portions of the plugs.
In Figure 2 a series of plugs 1, 2, 3, 4 are shown for which the height hp increases with decreasing width Wp.
Though the key cross-sectional dimensions are constant the narrower plugs eg 1 are prevented from insertion into sockets corresponding to the wider plug eg 2, 3, 4 by the variation in hp. In the case of each member of the series of plugs 1, 2, 3, 4 two further sut-series of plugs may be defined by changing the position of the key on the upper sidewall or by changing it's cross-sectional dimensions. The plugs 4, 5, 6 and 7 for example, are all of thR same width Wp but will not fit into each others sockets due to the varying location of their keys along the upper second sidewall. Plugs 7, 8 and 9 again are all of the same width but will not fit into each other's sockets even though their keys are located at the same place along the upper second sidewall. This is because the cross-sectional dimensions of their keys are different. In this instance the width Wk of the keyway increases as thR
height hk of the keyway decreases. ûther suitable variations in the key cross-section may be used though to achieve the same effect.
In Figure 3 a series of plugs are shown all having the same height hp. In the case of plugs lOj 11~ 12 and 13 ` ~Z~967~
g .. ..
which are all of different width ~, the narrower plugs eg lC are prevented from insertion into the sockets of the wider plugs eg 11, 12, 13 by their key heights hk increasing as their width Wp aecreases. Alternatively narrower plugs can be prevented from insertion into wider sockets by the width Wk of the keyway beirg increased as the plua width Wp decreases. Suc~ a series of plugs are 13, 14 and 15. Again in the case cf each of the members of the a~cve series a further sut-series of coding may be provided by altering the position of the keyway on the upper second sidewall as shown ~y plugs 15, 16 and 17 and also lû, 1~ and 19.
In each of the above series the key is shown as being provided on the plug. However it may alternatively be located on the recess sidewall instead. In this case the variation of the key height hk and width Wk with increasing plug width Wp is reversed with respect to that re~uired when the key is on the plug. For example in Figure 4 plugs 20 and 21 are two plugs of different widths with keyways provided on the recess lower second sidewall.
Plug 20 cannot be inserted into the recess corresponding to plua 21 since the keyway in pluc 20 is not of the same height hk as that of the key in the recess 21.
The key height hk is thus increased with increasina plug width Wp. Similarly plug 22 shows that to ,orevent narrower plugs from being inserted into wider plugs by variation of the key width Wk the key width Wk must be decreased with decreasing plug width Wp.
Figure 5 shows plugs where the key is located on one of the first sidewalls. This is quite acceptable for plugs where insertion of narrower plugs into wider sockets is prevented by variation of the plug height hp eg 23, 24.
3~Z39675 .. 10 ..
When the plugs and sockets are of the same height though eg 25, 26 the key width Wk may need to be unacceptably large.
Plugs 24 and 25 however show that differentiatior ~etweer plugs of the same width may still be achieved by varying the locatior of the key on the sidewall it is located on.
The scope for such variation is restricted though when compared with that available when t~e key is located on the second sidewall. The second sidewall is generally longer than the first sidewall partly due to the oo~mon use of lG ribbon cables in the applications for which the connectors are primarily intended and mainly due to t~e lirear arrangement of the terminals in the engageable portion of the plug. For these reasons the key and keyway are preferably always located on one of the second pairs of sidewalls.
Claims (11)
1. A series of electrical connector assemblies each assembly comprising a socket and a corresponding plug and having a coding key and keyway; each plug having an engageable portion for engaging in said corresponding socket, said portion comprising a first pair of opposed plug side-walls and a second pair of opposed plug sidewalls disposed transversely to said first pair of plug sidewalls, said sidewalls extending in the direction of engagement with said socket, one or more terminals each for contacting one or more corresponding terminals in said corresponding socket and one of said coding key or keyway for engaging the other of said coding key or keyway located in said socket; each socket having a recess for receiving said engageable portion of said plug, said recess comprising a first pair of opposed recess sidewalls, a second pair of opposed recess sidewalls disposed transversely to said first pair of recess sidewalls, one or more terminals each for contacting one or more corresponding terminals on said plug and the other of said coding key or keyway for engaging the key or keyway on said plug, the width of said engageable portions and said corresponding recesses as measured between said first pairs of sidewalls being different for each of the assemblies of the series wherein one or more of the height of said engageable portion and recess as measured between said second sidewalls and the cross-sectional dimensions of said key and keyway of each assembly of said series as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket are dimensioned to prevent insertion of narrower plugs of the series into wider sockets of the series having a recess width as measured between said first pair of recess sidewalls which is greater than the width between said first plug sidewalls of said narrower plugs.
2. A series of assemblies according to claim 1 wherein the heights of the engageable portions as measured between said second pair of plug sidwalls of said narrower plugs of the series are greater than the heights of the recesses as measured between said second recess sidewalls of said wider sockets.
3. A series of assemblies according to claim 2 wherein said coding key and keyway are each of the same cross-sectional dimensions as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket for all members of said series.
4. A series of assemblies according to claim 2 including for each member of said series a sub-series of assemblies each having the same width as measured between said first pairs of recess and plug sidewalls, each member of said sub-series having a key and keyway of different cross-sectional dimensions as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket to prevent insertion of plugs of assemblies of said sub-series into sockets of other assemblies of said sub-series.
5. A series of assemblies according to claim 1 wherein said coding key and keyway of each member of said series of different cross-sectional dimensions as viewed in the direction of engagement of said plug and socket to those of said coding key and keyway of all other members of said series.
6. A series of assemblies according to claim 5 wherein said engageable portions of said plugs and said recesses of said sockets are of the same height as measured between said second paid of sidewalls for all members of the series.
7. A series of assemblies according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said coding key and keyway of each member of said series are of different height as measured in the direction between said second pair of sidewalls to that of said coding key and keyway of all other members of said series.
8. A series of assemblies according to claim 6 wherein said coding key and keyway of each member of said series are of different width as measured in the direction between said first pair of sidewalls to that of said coding key and keyway of all other members of said series.
9. A series of assemblies according to claim 1, 2 or 3 including for each member of said series or sub-series a further sub-series of assemblies wherein said coding key and keyway is located at a different position on one of said sidewalls for each member of said further sub-series to prevent insertion of plugs of assemblies of said further sub-series into sockets of other assemblies of said sub-series.
10. A series of assemblies according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said coding key and keyway are located on said second sidewalls.
11. A series of assemblies according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said coding keys are located on said plugs and said coding keyways are located in said sockets.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8425447 | 1984-10-09 | ||
| GB848425447A GB8425447D0 (en) | 1984-10-09 | 1984-10-09 | Electrical connector assemblies |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1239675A true CA1239675A (en) | 1988-07-26 |
Family
ID=10567899
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000492447A Expired CA1239675A (en) | 1984-10-09 | 1985-10-08 | Electrical connector assemblies |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0179585B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS61114482A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE38745T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU581258B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1239675A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3566331D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK163159C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB8425447D0 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO164628C (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ213752A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2533715Y2 (en) * | 1988-10-26 | 1997-04-23 | 日本電気株式会社 | Thin electronic equipment |
| US5342221A (en) * | 1993-01-08 | 1994-08-30 | Molex Incorporated | Keying system for electrical connectors |
| JP5501166B2 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2014-05-21 | 株式会社フジクラ | Optical connector and optical communication system |
| JP6133119B2 (en) * | 2013-04-25 | 2017-05-24 | 日本航空電子工業株式会社 | Connector assembly |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE616550C (en) * | 1933-02-08 | 1935-07-31 | Siemens Schuckertwerke Akt Ges | System of multi-pole flat pin connectors |
| DE706495C (en) * | 1939-05-16 | 1941-05-28 | Siemens Schuckertwerke Akt Ges | Unmistakable multiple connectors |
| FR1318542A (en) * | 1961-04-19 | 1963-02-15 | Hubbell Inc Harvey | Electrical connection device |
| DE7226323U (en) * | 1972-07-14 | 1973-12-20 | Krone Gmbh | Plug for multi-pin plug device |
| DE2243825A1 (en) * | 1972-09-07 | 1974-03-14 | Heil Ohg O | ELECTRICAL SPECIAL CONNECTOR |
| JPS5166794U (en) * | 1974-11-22 | 1976-05-26 | ||
| DE2615353C3 (en) * | 1976-04-08 | 1980-09-04 | Cannon Electric Gmbh, 7056 Weinstadt | Electrical connector |
| JPS5865782U (en) * | 1981-10-28 | 1983-05-04 | 富士通株式会社 | Structure to prevent connector misconnection |
-
1984
- 1984-10-09 GB GB848425447A patent/GB8425447D0/en active Pending
-
1985
- 1985-09-30 NO NO853854A patent/NO164628C/en unknown
- 1985-10-02 EP EP85307071A patent/EP0179585B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-02 DE DE8585307071T patent/DE3566331D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-02 AT AT85307071T patent/ATE38745T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-10-08 AU AU48359/85A patent/AU581258B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1985-10-08 CA CA000492447A patent/CA1239675A/en not_active Expired
- 1985-10-09 DK DK461885A patent/DK163159C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1985-10-09 JP JP60226631A patent/JPS61114482A/en active Granted
- 1985-10-09 NZ NZ213752A patent/NZ213752A/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU581258B2 (en) | 1989-02-16 |
| DK163159C (en) | 1992-06-22 |
| NZ213752A (en) | 1988-10-28 |
| NO853854L (en) | 1986-04-10 |
| JPS61114482A (en) | 1986-06-02 |
| EP0179585B1 (en) | 1988-11-17 |
| EP0179585A1 (en) | 1986-04-30 |
| NO164628B (en) | 1990-07-16 |
| DE3566331D1 (en) | 1988-12-22 |
| ATE38745T1 (en) | 1988-12-15 |
| AU4835985A (en) | 1986-04-17 |
| DK461885D0 (en) | 1985-10-09 |
| DK461885A (en) | 1986-04-10 |
| GB8425447D0 (en) | 1984-11-14 |
| JPH0511391B2 (en) | 1993-02-15 |
| DK163159B (en) | 1992-01-27 |
| NO164628C (en) | 1990-10-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |