Modular power connector assembly
First Claim
1. A modular power connector assembly comprising:
- first and second housings configured to releasably couple together;
N first apertures formed within said first housing, N being a number greater than eight;
N conductive first housing contacts configured to fit within said first apertures;
N second apertures formed within said second housing; and
N conductive second housing contacts configured to fit within said second apertures;
wherein each of said first housing contacts engage with corresponding ones of said second housing contacts when said first and second housings are coupled together; and
a predetermined one of said first housing contacts and a predetermined one of said second housing contacts are the first to establish contact when said first and second housings are being coupled together.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular power connector includes male and female housings that releasably couple together. Each housing has ten apertures that locate conductive pin and socket elements. The apertures are arranged in a compact, asymmetrical, three-tier array that ensures that the connector is self-aligning. When the power connector is coupled together, a pin element and a socket element establish an initial ground connection before contact is established between the remaining pin and socket elements. The male housing includes a pair of holding tabs and the female housing includes a pair of cooperating lever arms that facilitate quick and easy connection and disconnection. A protective housing couples the female housing to a conduit and establishes an equipment ground connection between a ground wire and the conduit.
140 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A modular power connector assembly comprising:
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first and second housings configured to releasably couple together; N first apertures formed within said first housing, N being a number greater than eight; N conductive first housing contacts configured to fit within said first apertures; N second apertures formed within said second housing; and N conductive second housing contacts configured to fit within said second apertures; wherein each of said first housing contacts engage with corresponding ones of said second housing contacts when said first and second housings are coupled together; and a predetermined one of said first housing contacts and a predetermined one of said second housing contacts are the first to establish contact when said first and second housings are being coupled together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A modular power connector assembly comprising:
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a first housing and a second housing, said first and second housings being configured to releasably couple together; ten conductive first housing contacts located within said first housing ten conductive second housing contacts located within said second housing, said first housing contacts and said second housing contacts being configured to establish electrical contact with one another when said first and second housings are coupled together; a flexible conduit coupled to said first housing; and a protective shroud having a first end attached to a rear portion of said first housing and a second end configured to retain said conduit, said protective shroud including an conductive tab located proximate said second end for establishing an electrical contact between a predetermined one of said first housing contacts and said conduit, and said tab being configured to secure said conduit to said protective shroud. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
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Specification