Electrical connectors with electrical bonding features
AssigneeFilConn Inc.
InventorsMark Pendergrass, Jason Pedruzzi, David Davis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Receptacles are provided for mating with plugs to establish electrical connections. The receptacles include a shell having a body, and a flange attached to the body. The flange has a projection extending therefrom. The receptacle also has an electrically-insulating insert positioned at least in part within the body; and one or more electrical contacts positioned at least in part within the insert. The receptacle is configured for mounting on a panel. The projection contacts a mounting surface of the panel, to establish a localized contact area that provides bonding between the receptacle and panel.
Claims19
A receptacle for mating with a plug to establish an electrical connection, the receptacle comprising:
- at least one electrical contact;
- an electrically-insulating insert, wherein the at least one electrical contact is positioned at least in part within the insert;
- and
- a shell configured for mounting on a substantially planar mounting surface;
- the shell comprising a body, and a flange attached to the body;
- wherein:
- the insert is positioned at least in part within the body;
- and the flange comprises a projection comprising a non-flexible rib configured to contact and deform the mounting surface when the receptacle is mounted.
A method for bonding a receptacle of an electrical connector to a panel, comprising:
- providing a receptacle comprising:
- a shell comprising a body, and a flange attached to the body and comprising a projection, the projection comprising a non-flexible rib;
- an electrically-insulating insert positioned at least in part within the body;
- and at least one electrical contact positioned at least in part within the insert;
- inserting a portion of the receptacle through an aperture in the panel so that the rib contacts a surface of the panel adjacent the aperture;
- and
- securing the receptacle to the panel so that the rib deforms the surface of the panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.