Patent ID: 6244887
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
An electrical connector assembly including a pair of hermaphroditic connectors having opposed mating faces which are juxtaposed generally along a plane when the connectors are mated, with the connectors being adapted for mating in either opposite direction generally parallel to said plane of the mating faces, each hermaphroditic connector comprising:an elongated housing having an engaging flange at one end and a locking hook at an opposite end for embracing the engaging flange of the other hermaphroditic connector to lock the connectors against unmating in a direction generally perpendicular to said plane of the mating faces, the engaging flange and the locking hook of the pair of hermaphroditic connectors having opposing abutment surfaces that are elongated in the mating direction of the connectors, at least one of said opposing abutment surfaces having a central abutment portion generally parallel to the mating direction and inclined ramp portions at opposite ends of the central abutment portion in the mating direction to minimize binding of the housings if attempts are made to mate the connectors in relatively skewed orientations the central abutment portion of at least one of said opposing abutment surfaces comprising less than 50% of the length of the abutment surface in the mating direction of the connectors; anda plurality of terminals mounted on the housing and having contact portions at the mating face for engaging the contact portions at the opposed mating face of the other hermaphroditic connector.