Patent ID: 7892011
Filing Date: 2011-02-22
Classification: B60L,H01R

Abstract:
1. A multi-connector apparatus with connection-sequence interlocking, comprising: at least one make-first/break-last connector; at least one make-last/break-first connector; a connector header having at least first and second connector bays configured to receive said make-first/break-last and make-last/break-first connectors, respectively; an interlock plate movably affixed to said connector header for covering selected portions of said first and second connector bays to prevent or allow insertion and removal of said make-first/break-last and make-last/break-first connectors, said interlock plate having a base position that allows insertion of said make-first/break-last connector into said first connector bay while preventing insertion of said make-last/break-first connector into said second connector bay, and a shifted position that prevents removal of an inserted make-first/break-last connector from said first connector bay while allowing insertion of said make-last/break-first connector into said second connector bay; and a locking mechanism for holding said interlock plate in said base position prior to insertion of said make-first/break-last connector into said first connector bay, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a tab depending from a frame of said interlock plate, and a slot formed in a sidewall of said connector header in which said depending tab seats, wherein said make-first/break-last connector includes an outwardly depending projection that engages said depending tab when said make-first/break-last connector is inserted into said first connector bay to release said locking mechanism and allow movement of said interlock plate to said shifted position.