Patent ID: 6719573
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: H01R,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of assembling an electrical connector, comprising the steps of:providing a dielectric connector housing with a plurality of terminal-receiving passages; providing a plurality of conductive terminals with pin portions having enlarged retention portions spaced inwardly from distal ends of the pin portions; inserting the terminals into the terminal-receiving passages of the housing with said pin portions projecting therefrom; providing a dielectric terminal support member with a plurality of pairs of through passages, one through passage in each pair thereof comprising a free passage through which the terminal pins can freely pass, the other through passage in each pair thereof comprising a retention passage with retention means therein, and a communication opening between the through passages in each pair thereof; inserting the pin portions of the terminals in an insertion direction into the free passages in the support member from one side thereof until the enlarged retention portions pass the retention means of the retention passages in the support member; moving the pin portions of the terminals transversely of said insertion direction through said communication openings and into the retention passages in the support member; and moving the pin portions of the terminals opposite said insertion direction in the retention passages until the retention portions of the pin portions engage the retention means in the retention passages.