Polarizing system receiving compatible polarizing system for blind mate connector assembly

• US 6,565,390 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2001
• Issued: 05/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
• Inventors: Wu, Jerry
• Primary Examiner(s): Ta, Tho D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harvey, James R.
• Application Number:
  US10/029,789
• Publication Number:
  US 20030077946A1
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 439/680, 439/681, 439/378, 439/674, 439/677
• US Class Current: 439/680
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/7005 Guiding, mounting, polarizing or locking means; Extractors for printed circuit boards H05K
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/721 cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits

Abstract

A polarizing system for electrical connector assembly includes first and second connectors mateable with each other. The polarizing system comprises a pair of polarizing posts projecting on both ends of the first housing. The polarizing posts are arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the first housing and with one of the posts being different from the other post. An elongate polarizing receptacle extends longitudinally along the second connector with a first end dimensioned to receive the first post and a second end dimensioned to receive the second post.

Claims

1. A polarizing system for an electrical connector assembly which includes first and second connectors, said first and second connectors each having a housing mateable with each other only when said polarizing system functions correctly said polarizing system comprises:

a pair of polarizing posts projecting on either ends of said first housing, said polarizing posts being arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the first housing and with one of said posts being different from the other post in shape; and

an elongate polarizing receptacle extending longitudinally along said second connector with a first end dimensioned to receive said first post and a second end dimensioned to receive the second post;

wherein said polarizing posts are not substantially surrounded by said first and second ends of said elongate polarizing receptacle;

wherein said second post is configured by first and second pieces;

wherein said first piece is a rib extending from a protrusion of said first housing, and said second piece is an individual pin member adjacent to said rib.

2. The polarizing system as recited in claim 1, wherein said rib has an offset portion extending away from said individual pin member.

3. An electrical connector assembly comprising:

first and second connectors mateable with each other;

first and second receptacles formed around two opposite ends of said first connector, said first receptacle being larger than and unlike said second receptacle in configuration;

first and second guidable post devices formed around two opposite ends of said second connector;

said first guidable post device being unlike the second guidable post device in configuration;

wherein said first guidable post device fits the first receptacle and it does not fit the second receptacle;

said second guidable post device fits the second receptacle and does not fit the first receptacle;

wherein said first guidable post device includes two separate pieces with a space therebetween.

4. The assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said second guidable post device is symmetrical with regard to a lengthwise central line of said second connector while said first guidable post device is not.

5. The assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein each of the first receptacle and the second receptacle is symmetrical with regard to a lengthwise central line of the first connector.