Plug connector

Abstract

A connector including a first connector element and a second connector element that are coupled into a single unit, in which the first connector element has an engagement projection that projects interior of the first connector element and extends in the direction of the depth of the first connector element so that the front end of the engagement projection is spacedly apart from the front edge of the first connector element, and the second connector element is formed with an engagement slit that extends in the direction of depth of the second connector element and engages with the engagement projection of the first connector element.

Description

[0001]Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,660. The reissue applications are application Ser. Nos. 11 / 334,820 and 29 / 318,045, all of which are continuation reissues of Ser. No. 11 / 334,820. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a connector and more particularly to an electrical connector used in, for instance, small size electrical appliances.[0004]2. Prior Art[0005]In for instance, computer related electronic appliances, the electrical connections including connections to an AC adapter, to interfaces, etc. are made in many different ways. Such electrical connections are typically made by connectors that substantially comprise a receptacle (female) side connector element and a plug (male) side connector element that is brought into the receptacle side connector and coupled thereto for making electrical connection in between so that pin-shaped electrodes installed in t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an electrical connector that allows for easy and secure connections between connector elements without causing pin or electrode misalignment. The connector has a unique structure that includes an engagement projection on the first connector element and an engagement slit on the second connector element. When the two connectors are connected, the engagement slit engages with the engagement projection, guiding the second connector element and correcting any oblique posture as it is pushed into the first connector element. This ensures that the pins (electrodes) in both connectors are aligned straight and securely connected.

Problems solved by technology

If the plug side connector element in an oblique posture with reference to the receptacle side connector element, as shown in FIG. 10, is pushed into the receptacle side connector element, an irregular pin connection is made (as at 100) as seen from the enlarged view shown in the circle in FIG. 10, and this would cause several problems including short-circuiting.

In addition, when the plug side connector element is connected to the receptacle connector element in a slanted posture (which can easily occur when there is size differences between the receptacle and plug side connector elements), removing of the plug side connector element from the receptacle side connector element is not easily done and occasionally requires forcible and repeated twists on the shell of the plug side connector element This would cause damage to the pins and the shells of both connector elements.

Thus, though pin alignment is essential when connection is made between the two connector elements, such a pin alignment is not obtained easily and this difficulty can occur often when the connector is small in size and used in small size electrical devices such as a personal digital assistance (PDA), digital cameras, camcorders, etc.

Images