GB1499860A - Electronic connector racking assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

1499860 Zero force electrical connectors HOLLINGSEAD - PRYOR ENTERPRISES Inc 19 Dec 1975 [23 Dec 1974] 52007/75 Heading H2E A zero force electrical connector comprises a first connector shell 22 carrying a plurality of first contacts 84, and a second shell 104 carrying a plurality of second contacts 132 wherein movement of the shells 22, 104 one towards the other initially causes overlap of the contacts 84, 132 with no contact, subsequent further movement causing mating of the contacts 84, 132 through the action of a force transmitting means. As described, the connector is incorporated in an anionic racking system, shell 22 being connected to an electronic module and resiliently biased by springs 74 outwardly of its associated housing 30. Shell 104 is mounted on a tray on a rack and is resiliently biased by spring 120 transversely of the direction of movement of housing 30 or an arm 60 of the force transmitting means may be constructed so as to initially lift the shell 104. The force transmitting medium comprises a cam lever 54 pivotally mounted in the housing 30. Initial movement of the electronic module with housing 30 causes the contacts 132, 84 to overlap, Fig. 6, an actuating arm 58 of lever 54 abutting a cam actuating lip 136 on housing 112 which encloses shell 104. Further movement causes the lip 136 to rotate the lever 54 clock-wise, arm 60 of lever 54 forcing the shell 104 to move against the biasing spring 120 so as to mate the contacts 84, 132. Indexing pins 128 in slots 36 in housing 30 and similar pins and slots in housing 112 prevent mismatching of modules and trays. Power connectors (122), (124) (Fig. 4, not shown) and 70, 72 on the assembly 102 and housing 30 respectively connect, connectors 70, 72 being as required for the particular module used and may utilize coaxial cable or cooling air conduit. An overcentre spring force mechanism is attached to the cam lever 54 and comprises a spring retainer 62 on lever 54. A compression spring 65 within guide 66 spring biases a follower roller 64 against a cam track 46, the particular design thereof biasing the force arm 60 either clockwise or anti-clockwise. The overcentre force is thus transferred to the cam lever to ensure a locked operative position.