Patent ID: 6172310
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A switching device for an electrical connector comprising:a base defining a plurality of receiving channels and securing grooves therein;a plurality of contacts comprising first contacts, second contacts and third contacts secured within the receiving channels of the base; anda cover secured on the base and defining a plurality of slots therein; anda number of switching terminals corresponding to the number of slots of the cover, the switching terminals being secured within the securing grooves of the base, each of the switching terminals having a positioning portion, a first tab extending from an edge of the positioning portion, a second tab extending from the edge of the positioning portion, and a third tab formed on a distal end of the first tab and extending between the first tab and the second tab, a connecting section between the first tab and the third tab forming a pushing end securable in a corresponding one of the slots of the cover and being pushed laterally by the cover as the cover is pushed laterally by an inserted plug, each of the tabs respectively forming a first contacting portion, a second contacting portion and a third contacting portion spaced apart from each other for contacting respectively with the first contact, the second contact, and the third contact; whereineach of the first contacting portions and the second contacting portions engages with corresponding ones of the first contacts and the second contacts when the pushing end is not being pushed laterally, but when the pushing end is being pushed laterally, the first contacting portions disengage from the first contacts, and the third contacting portions moves to engage with the third contacts, thereby switching a signal transmission.