Patent ID: 6877999
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. A connector shutter assembly for protecting an elongated connector mounted in a device, said connector having a top and bottom orientation and a mating recess accessible from the top of said connector, said connector shutter assembly defining a closed position for covering said mating recess in an unmated state and an open position for allowing a mating connector to enter said mating recess to effect a mated state with said connector, said connector shutter assembly comprising: a first shutter having a first elongated substantially flat portion extending along the elongated direction of the connector, a first contact portion adjacent said first elongated substantially flat portion, and first parallel side plates orthogonally disposed at each end of said first elongated substantially flat portion and pivotally mounted to said device; a second shutter having a second elongated substantially flat portion parallel to said first elongated substantially flat portion, a second contact portion adjacent said second elongated substantially flat portion and opposed to said first contact portion when said shutter assembly is in the closed position, and second parallel side plates orthogonally disposed at each end of said second elongated substantially flat portion and pivotally mounted to said device; at least one resilient member connected to said first and second shutters to urge said first and second elongated substantially flat portions together to said closed position to cover said mating recess of said connector; wherein, said first and second contact portions each have a cam surface such that, during mating, when a protruding portion of a mating connector is urged against said first and second contact portions, the force of said mating connector against the cam surfaces forces said first and second shutters to pivot independently and away from said connector to open said shutter assembly to provide access to said mating recess during mating.