Abstract:
The invention proposes a connecting assembly including a frame, a contact receptacle (hereafter ‘receptacle’) of an electrical connector and a contact header (hereafter ‘header’) of a counterpart electrical connector to be plugged into the electrical connector according to a plugging direction, wherein it is arranged such that the header and the receptacle can be both independently pushed into the plugging direction with respect to the frame, and wherein it further includes: first stopping means arranged for stopping the header on the receptacle if the header is pushed according to the plugging direction with a force that is lower than to a first force limit F 2 , and for being gone beyond if said force is greater than F 2  such that the header and the receptacle are then connected together; second stopping means arranged for stopping the receptacle on the frame if the receptacle is pushed according to the plugging direction with a force that is lower than a second force limit F 3 , and for being gone beyond if said second force is greater than F 3  such that the receptacle is then mounted to the frame; wherein F 3  is greater than F 2.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of the electrical connectors, and particularly to a method for connecting on a frame an electrical contact receptacle of an electrical connector and a contact header of a homologous electrical connector, and a connecting system arranged for operating this method. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     From the state of the art, this method has been used for connecting a device into a support structure, and particularly to install an electronic device (e.g. a radio, a CD reader or a GPS component) into the housing of a vehicle for connecting it to an electrical wiring network of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of a connecting system arranged for implementing this method. This connecting system comprises on the one hand said electrical or electronic device  8  and on the other hand a support structure  9  lodged in the housing (the latter being not shown). 
     The support structure  9  is designed for receiving the device  8  and for connecting it to an external electrical network  30 . Especially, it comprises a dashboard  15  defining an entrance  16  for the introduction of the device  8  into the support structure  9 . The support structure  9  further comprises lateral guiding girders  14  extending from the back of the dashboard  15 , along the length of the housing, that are designed for guiding the device  8  into the support structure (when the user pushes the device) until the bottom part of the support structure  9 . This bottom part is constituted by a frame  13  fixed at the ends of the girders  14 . The frame  13  comprises a connector receptacle  12  able to receive on one side an external electrical network  30  of the vehicle and on the other side the pin header  21  provided at the back side of the device  8 . When the device is entirely housed in the support structure  9 , the pins of the header  21  are then connected to the external electrical network  30 . Optionally, fixing means are provided for fixing the front part of the device  8  to the dashboard  15 . 
     Thus, both the housing of the device  8  in the support structure  9  of the vehicle and the connection of this device to the external electrical network  30  of the vehicle are ensured by simply pushing the device  8  along the plugging direction (the X-axis in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Now, the dimensions of the housing can vary according to the type of the vehicle. 
     Additionally, the dimensions of the devices can vary from a manufacturer to another one. 
     Then, it would be desirable to have a connector assembly that can accept a certain tolerance in the dimension of the housing and/or of the device. 
     It is known to find this kind of tolerance in the (YZ) plane by allowing a slight floating and/or rotation of the guiding girders with respect to the bottom frame. 
     Regarding the X-axis tolerance, it is known to add a spring whose compression ensures the force required for connecting the pin headers to the wiring harness. As the connector has to accommodate certain tolerances in the X-axis, the compression rate of the spring is chosen more or less high, depending on these tolerances. 
     A disadvantage of this connector assembly is that the spring force has always to be greater than the connexion force. The effort supplied by the operator is therefore equal to the connexion force plus an important margin that takes account of the tolerances. The assembly is further difficult to do because the connexion effort has to be maintained until the installation is completed. The conjunction of the spring with the mass of the connector might further create vibrations. 
     In view of the foregoing it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector assembly able to compensate for positional tolerances, and especially for compensated tolerance in the X-axis. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of this invention therefore a connecting assembly comprising a frame, a contact receptacle (hereafter “receptacle”) of an electrical connector and a contact header (hereafter “header”) of a counterpart electrical connector to be plugged into the electrical connector according to a plugging direction, wherein it is arranged such that the header and the receptacle can be both independently pushed into the plugging direction with respect to the frame, and wherein it further comprises: 
     first stopping means arranged for stopping the header on the receptacle if the header is pushed according to the plugging direction with a force that is lower than a first force limit F 2 , and for being gone beyond if said force is greater than F 2  such that the header and the receptacle are then connected together; 
     second stopping means arranged for stopping the receptacle on the frame if the receptacle is pushed according to the plugging direction with a force that is lower than a second force limit F 3 , and for being gone beyond if said second force is greater than F 3  such that the receptacle is then mounted to the frame; 
     wherein F 3  is greater than F 2   
     Optional characteristics of this connecting assembly are:
     the frame comprises guiding means for holding and guiding the receptacle according to the plugging direction;   said guiding means are arranged for leaving to the receptacle a degree of freedom along the plugging axis with respect to the frame, once the header is connected to the receptacle and once the receptacle is mounted to the frame;   it is further arranged for having a degree of freedom of the header in a plane perpendicular to the plugging axis, with respect to the frame;   said first stopping means comprises a first ramp borne by the header and a second ramp borne by the receptacle, the first and second ramps being able to slide to each other, the first and second ramps are arranged for being in contact to each other if the header and the receptacle are in a determined distance from each other, and the first ramp is stopped at the second ramp if said first force is lower than F 2  and goes beyond said second ramp if said first force is greater than F 2 ;   said second stopping means comprises a stop wall perpendicular to the plugging axis borne by the receptacle and a third ramp borne by the frame, the stop wall being able to slide onto the third ramp, the stop wall and the third ramp are arranged for being in contact to each other if the receptacle and the frame are at a determined distance from each other, and the stop wall is stopped at the third ramp if said second force is lower than F 3  and goes beyond said third ramp if said second force is greater than F 3 ;   it further comprises:   

     third stopping means arranged for stopping the receptacle to the frame if the receptacle is pushed according to the plugging direction, the third stopping means being located with respect to the second stopping means such that the third stopping means is used before the second stopping means as the receptacle is pushed according to the plugging direction from a remote position; 
     means for releasing the third stopping means if the header is pushed according to the plugging direction with a third force that is greater than a third force limit F 1 , such that the receptacle goes beyond the third stopping means;
     said third stopping means comprises a stop wall perpendicular to the plugging axis and provided on a deflectable tongue extending from the frame according to a direction opposite to the plugging direction, and a stop wall perpendicular to the plugging axis and borne by the receptacle, these stop walls are arranged for being in contact to each other if the receptacle and the frame are at a determined distance from each other, and the header comprises means for deflecting the tongue according to a direction perpendicular to the plugging axis such that the tongue is sufficiently deflected from its initial position for removing the abutment between said two stop walls if the header is pushed according to the plugging direction with a force greater than F 1 ; the receptacle, if pushed according to the plugging direction, going then beyond the stop wall of the tongue of the frame until being stopped at the second stopping means;   the means of the header for deflecting the tongue of the frame comprises a first rigid tab having a front ramp, and the tongue comprises a second rigid tab extending perpendicular to the plugging axis from a side of the tongue and having a front ramp, the header and the frame are arranged such that said ramps are in contact to each other if the header and the frame are at a determined distance from each other and the front ramps of the tabs being able to slide onto the other such that a deflection of the tongue is involved by said sliding if the header is pushed according to the plugging direction;   the stop wall borne by the frame tongue is the end of the frame tongue;   the header, the receptacle and the frame are arranged such that the means of the header for deflecting the tongue is used after the header is stopped by the first stopping means if the header is pushed according to the plugging direction, and F 2  is greater than F 1 ;   it further comprises fourth stopping means arranged for stopping the receptacle on the frame, once the receptacle is mounted to the frame, if the receptacle is pulled opposite to the plugging direction; the receptacle being then locked onto the frame;   the fourth stopping means comprises a fourth ramp borne by the receptacle and a fifth ramp borne by the frame, the fourth and fifth ramps being able to slide to each other, the fourth and fifth ramps are arranged for being in contact to each other if the receptacle is mounted onto the frame and if the receptacle and the frame are at a determined distance from each other, and the fourth ramp is stopped at the fifth ramp if said fourth force is lower than F 4  and goes beyond said fifth ramp if said fourth force is greater than F 4 ;   the fifth ramp has a sloping angle with respect to the plugging axis that is smaller than the sloping angle of the third ramp;   it further comprises fifth stopping means arranged for preventing the header to be disconnected from the receptacle once the first stopping means has been gone beyond, if the header is pulled opposite to the plugging direction; the header being then locked onto the receptacle;   the fifth stopping means comprises:
       a stop wall provided on the receptacle and extending perpendicular to the plugging axis;   a stop wall provided on the header and extending perpendicular to the plugging axis;
 
and the respective positions of these two stop walls are chosen for allowing them to face each other if the header is connected to the receptacle and if the header is pulled opposite to the plugging direction;
   
       it further comprises means for releasing the fifth stopping means if the header connected to the receptacle is pulled opposite to the plugging direction, with a fifth force that is greater than a fifth force limit F 5 , such that the header goes beyond the fifth stopping means for being then disconnected from the receptacle;   the stop wall provided on the header is on a deflectable tongue extending to the plugging direction from the header, and the means for releasing the fifth stopping means comprises means for deflecting the tongue according to a direction perpendicular to the plugging direction such that the tongue is sufficiently deflected from its initial position for having its stop wall upper than the apex of the stop wall provided on the receptacle, if the header is pulled opposite to the plugging direction with a force greater than F 5 ; the header, if pulled opposite to the plugging direction, going then beyond the stop wall of the receptacle; the header and the receptacle being then disconnected to each other;   the means for deflecting the tongue of the header comprises a third rigid tab extending perpendicular to the plugging axis and having a rear ramp provided on the frame, and the tongue of the header comprises a fourth rigid tab having a rear ramp and extending perpendicular to the plugging axis from a side of the tongue, the rear ramps of the tabs being able to slide onto the other such that a deflection of the header tongue is involved by said sliding if the header is pulled opposite to the plugging direction, the header and the frame are arranged such that said ramps are in contact to each other if the header and the frame are at a determined distance from each other;   the second rigid tab extending from a side of the tongue of the frame and the third rigid tab extending from a side of the tongue of the header, and the first and fourth rigid tabs of the header are a single tab and the second and third tabs of the frame are a single tab;   the header is intended to be fixed to the back side of an electrical or electronic device, and the assembly comprises means for guiding this device according to the plugging axis;   it is designed for being housed in an external cavity and for housing the device and connecting the latter to an external electrical network via said connectors.   

     A second aspect of the invention proposes a method for connecting on a frame a contact receptacle (hereafter “receptacle”) of an electrical connector and a contact header (hereafter “header”) of a counterpart electrical connector to be plugged into the electrical connector according to a plugging direction, characterized in that the receptacle and the header are both mobile towards the plugging direction with respect to the frame, in that the method comprises the following steps:
         (a) mounting the receptacle on the frame at an intermediate position;   (b) locking the header to the receptacle such that the electrical connector and the counterpart electrical connector are plugged together;   (c) locking the receptacle on the frame at a final position;
 
and in that these different steps are implemented by exerting an effort on the header according to the plugging direction.
       

     Optional characteristic of this connecting method is:
     the force necessary for implementing successively the steps (a), (b) and (c) respectively increases.   

     A third aspect of this invention is to propose a method for disconnecting from a frame a contact receptacle (hereafter “receptacle”) of an electrical connector and a contact header (hereafter “header”) of a counterpart electrical connector having been plugged to the electrical connector according to a plugging direction, characterized in that the receptacle and the header are both able to be mobile in a direction opposite to the plugging direction with respect to the frame, in that the method comprises the following steps:
         (a) dismounting the receptacle connected to the header from the frame;   (b) dismounting the header from the receptacle so as to disconnect the electrical connector and the counterpart electrical connector, the header having then no contact with both the receptacle and the frame;
 
and in that these different steps are implemented by exerting a force on the header opposite to the plugging direction.
       

     A fourth aspect of this invention is to propose a connector assembly for receiving and connecting an electrical device to an external electrical network according to a plugging axis, comprising: 
     a housing for housing the electrical device, comprising: 
     a front aperture for engaging the electrical device into the housing along the plugging axis; 
     lateral guiding means for guiding the electrical device from the front aperture to a rear part of the housing according to the plugging axis; 
     a fixed frame at a rear part of the housing structure, comprising second guiding means according to the plugging axis; 
     an electrical connector for receiving the external electrical network from a rear side and a counterpart electrical connector on a front side, the electrical connector being mounted to said second guiding means, being then mobile along the plugging axis, wherein the electrical connector comprising a contact receptacle (hereafter called “receptacle”); 
     a counterpart electrical connector for being plugged into the electrical connector according to the plugging axis, the counterpart electrical connector being further intended to be mounted at a back side of said electrical device and electrically connected to the latter, wherein it comprises a contact header (hereafter “header”) arranged for cooperating with said receptacle for allowing said plug; 
     first stopping means arranged for stopping the header on the receptacle if the header is pushed in the housing according to the plugging axis with a force that is lower than a first force limit F 2 , and for being gone beyond if said force is greater than F 2  such that the header is then locked to the receptacle and that said connectors are plugged together; 
     second stopping means arranged for stopping the receptacle to the frame if the receptacle is pushed in the housing according to the plugging axis with a force that is lower than a second force limit F 3 , and for being gone beyond if said second force is greater than F 3  such that the receptacle is then mounted to the frame; 
     wherein F 3  is greater than F 2 . 
     Optional characteristics of this connector assembly are:
     said second guiding means are arranged for leaving to the receptacle a degree of freedom along the plugging axis with respect to the frame once the header is connected to the receptacle and once the receptacle is mounted to the frame;   the lateral guiding means are mounted to the frame such that it can be slightly moved in a plane perpendicular to the plugging axis, with respect to the frame;   the header comprises a first tongue extending according to the plugging axis and deflectable according to an axis perpendicular to the plugging axis, the first tongue comprising a front ramp at its end part, and the receptacle comprises a first shoulder with a front ramp, the front ramps being able to slide to each other if the header and the receptacle are moved towards each other and if the header and the receptacle are at a determined distance from each other, these ramps being said first stopping means;   the first tongue further comprises a back stop wall behind the front ramp and perpendicular to the plugging axis, and the first shoulder of the receptacle comprises a back stop wall perpendicular to the plugging axis, such that, when the front ramps have slid to each other if the header and the receptacle are moved towards each other, the two back stop walls can be in contact to each other, locking the header to the receptacle;   the frame comprises a second tongue extending according to the plugging axis and deflectable according to an axis perpendicular to the plugging axis, the second tongue comprising a shoulder with a front ramp, and the receptacle comprises a second shoulder with a back stop wall perpendicular to the plugging axis, the front ramp of the second tongue and the back stop wall of the second shoulder being able to slide to each other if the receptacle is pushed towards the frame and if the frame and the receptacle are at a determined distance from each other, these front ramp and back stop wall being said second stopping means;   the shoulder of the second tongue further comprises a rear ramp, and the second shoulder of the receptacle further comprises a front ramp, such that, when the back stop wall of the first shoulder have slid to the front ramp of the second tongue if the receptacle is moved towards the frame, the front ramp of the first shoulder can be in contact with the rear ramp of the second tongue, locking the receptacle to the frame;   the front ramp has a sloping angle greater than the rear ramp of the shoulder of the second tongue;   it further comprises third stopping means arranged for stopping the receptacle to the frame if the receptacle is pushed towards the frame, the third stopping means being located with respect to the second stopping means such that the third stopping means is used before the second stopping means as the receptacle is pushed from a remote position; and the header comprises means for releasing the third stopping means if the header is pushed towards the frame with a third force that is greater than a third force limit F 1 , such that the receptacle goes beyond the third stopping means;   said third stopping means comprises:   

     a stop wall perpendicular to the plugging axis and provided on the second deflectable tongue and 
     the back stop wall of the second shoulder, 
     wherein these stop walls are arranged for being in contact to each other if the receptacle and the frame are at a determined distance from each other and if the receptacle is pushed towards the frame, and 
     wherein the first tongue comprises means for deflecting the second tongue according to a direction perpendicular to the plugging axis such that the second tongue is sufficiently deflected from its initial position for releasing the abutment between said two stop walls if the header is pushed towards the frame with a force greater than F 1 ;
 
the receptacle, if pushed then towards the frame, being able to go beyond the stop wall of the frame until being stopped at the second stopping means;
     the means for deflecting the second tongue comprises a first rigid tab, and the second tongue comprises a second rigid tab, the first and second rigid tabs extending perpendicularly to the plugging axis and both having a front ramp, the header and the frame are arranged such that said front ramps are in contact to each other if the header and the frame are at a determined distance from each other, and the front ramps of the tabs being able to slide onto the other such that said deflection of the second tongue is involved by said sliding if the header is pushed towards the frame;   the stop wall of the second tongue is the end of the second tongue;   the header, the receptacle and the frame are arranged such that the means of the first tongue for deflecting the second tongue is used after the header is stopped by the first stopping means if the header is pushed towards the frame, and F 2  is greater than F 1 ;   the second tongue comprises means for deflecting the first tongue according to a direction perpendicular to the plugging axis in order to release the abutment between the back stop wall of the first tongue and the back stop wall of the first shoulder of the receptacle, this abutment being found when the header is connected to the receptacle and if the header is pulled opposite to the receptacle;   the first tongue comprises a first rigid tab, and the means for deflecting the first tongue comprises a second rigid tab, the first and second rigid tabs extending perpendicularly to the plugging axis and both having a rear ramp, the header and the frame are arranged such that said rear ramps are in contact to each other if the header and the frame are at a determined distance from each other, and the rear ramps of the tabs being able to slide onto the other such that said deflection of the first tongue is involved by said sliding if the header is pulled outwards the frame   said first rigid tabs of the second tongue are a single rigid tab, and said second rigid tabs of the first tongue are a single rigid tab.   

     Other characteristics, objects, and advantages of the invention will appear in the following detailed description, which is not limitative illustrated with the following figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of a connector system according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a connector system according to the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of a part of a connector system according to the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a part of an electrical connector and of a circuit board of an electrical device, and means for fixing the connector to the circuit board. 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  show perspective views of a part of, respectively, the front side and the rear side of the electrical connector. 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show perspective top views of a connecting system according to the invention. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  show respectively side and front views of elements of the contact header. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show respectively side and front views of elements of the frame. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  show respectively side and front views of elements of the contact receptacle. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  show respectively top and side views of the location of said elements according to  FIGS. 9-11 , in a connecting system according to the invention. 
         FIGS. 13A to 13E  show different side views of said elements, depicting the different steps of mating of the electrical device in the support structure. 
         FIGS. 14A to 14E  show different side views of said mounting elements depicting the different steps of dismounting of the electrical device from the support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show respectively a general and particular views of a connector system according to the invention. 
     This connector system comprises mainly the two following parts: 
     the electrical or electronic device (represented in the  FIG. 2  by its printed circuit board  600 ) provided with an electrical connector  10  at its back side; 
     a support structure designed for receiving the device and for connecting it to an external electrical network; it comprises a counterpart electrical connector  20  for receiving the electrical connector  10  and connecting it to the external electrical network. 
     The support structure has a general parallelepipedic shape and comprises: 
     a front part  1  comprising an aperture  501  having a dimension equal or greater than the largest cross-section of the electrical device; the aperture  501  is typically defined by a dashboard  500 ; 
     a rear part  2  comprising a frame  300  and said counterpart electrical connector  20 . The counterpart electrical connector  20  comprises a contact receptacle  200  (hereafter called “receptacle”) and electrical terminal elements  290  intended to receive the terminal parts of the external electrical network. 
     The receptacle  200  is designed for receiving from its rear side said terminal elements  290  of the external electrical network and for receiving on its front side said electrical connector  10  provided at the back side of the device, ensuring then the connection between the device and the external network; 
     lateral guiding means  401 , included for instance in girders or rods  400 , which define the sides of the support structure, extending between the lateral portions of the front part  1  and of the rear part  2  of the support structure. 
     The support structure defines then an external volume that is approximately the same as those of the housing intended to receive it. This housing (not shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) can be provided by example inside a front panel of a motor vehicle or in another system. 
     The support structure defines also an internal volume that is approximately the volume of the electrical device to be engaged within. 
     It is to be noticed that, in the following description of the invention: 
     the direction of reference will be the plugging direction, which is pointed from the front part  1  of the support structure towards the rear part  2  of the support structure (along the X-axis); 
     the front sides of electrical connectors or of parts of them (i.e. receptacle  200  and header  100 ) are the sides from which they receive the counterpart connector; 
     Said electrical device is provided with an electrical connector  10  at its back side. This electrical connector comprises electrical support elements  190  connected to the circuit board  600  and a contact header  100  (hereafter called “header”) for making easier the connexion with said receptacle  200 . 
     The header  100  can be clipped onto the rear part of the circuit board thanks to clipping means  150  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The header  100  has typically a parallelepipedic shape. 
     The header  100  is typically made of an electrical insulator material, like a rigid plastic. 
     The header  100  comprises one or more internal casings  180 - 180 ′ for housing the terminals of said electrical support elements  190 . 
     The rear side of the header  100  comprises one opening by casing so as to allow the engagement of the electrical support elements  190  in the casings  180 - 180 ′. The electrical support elements  190  shown in  FIG. 3  may be some elbowed pins, some wiring harness (housed or not in plastic boxes) that are to be connected, at their other ends, to the circuit board  600  of the device. Additionally, a further opening  140  may be provided at the rear side of the header  100  for receiving the electrical current feeding coming from the external electrical network. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , at the front face of the header  100 , some connecting elements  112 - 122  are provided (such as male elements, like pins, or female elements, like grids) at each said casing  180 - 180 ′, electrically coupled to the rear electrical support elements  190 . 
     Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the connecting elements  112 - 122  are located at the bottom of cavities  110 - 120  provided on the front face of the header  100 . These cavities  110 - 120  are designed for receiving complementary protruding elements  210 - 220  of the receptacle  200 . 
     According to the invention, the header  100  comprises two deflectable tongues  160 - 160 ′ (hereafter called “header tongue”) parallel to the X-axis. 
     In a first embodiment according to the invention (see  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 ), these header tongues  160 - 160 ′ extend from the front side of the header  100 . They are hold by a rear part housed in a housing  170 . 
     In a second embodiment according to the invention (see  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8 ), each header tongue  160  is housed in a cavity  170  parallel to the X-axis and provided inside the header  100 . Each cavity  170  has to be designed for further receiving a frame tongue  360  (discussed later). Each header tongue  160  is hold by its back side  160 , in order to leave a free space  168  under the header tongue  160  for engaging a rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200  within (discussed later). 
     The end of each header tongue  160  is provided with a front sloping ramp  161  (hereafter called “header ramp”) which extends from the end of the header tongue  160  outwardly with respect to the rear side  2  of the support structure. The header ramp  161  allows an external element, coming from the rear side  2  of the support structure according to the X-axis to slide on the header ramp  161 . 
     Additionally, at least a portion of the bottom surface of each header tongue  260  that is located behind the header ramp  161  present a cavity  162  or a hole for housing an external element that had slid on and gone beyond the header ramp  161 . Behind the header ramp  161 , the cavity  162  defines a back stop wall  163  (hereafter called “header back stop wall”) that is perpendicular to the (XY) plane. Then, once an external element coming from the rear side  2  of the support structure had been slid on and gone beyond the header ramp  161 , it will be stopped by this header back stop wall  162  if it is moved then to the opposite direction. 
     Furthermore, one lateral side of each header tongue  260  is provided with a rigid tab  164  (hereafter called “header tab”) extending from this side according to a direction parallel to Y-axis. The cross-section of each header tab  164  is designed for having a rear ramp  164 ″ at its bottom surface and a front ramp  164 ′ at its top surface such that an external element can slide on the rear ramp  164 ″ if it comes from the rear side of the header  100  according to the X-axis and can slide on the front ramp  164 ′ if it comes from the front side of the header  100  according to X-axis. Preferably, the angle α of the front ramp  164 ′ is smaller than the angle β of the rear ramp  164 ″, with respect to the X-axis (see  FIGS. 10U and 10B ). 
     Furthermore, the length of each header tongue  160  is chosen so that its header ramp  161  overlaps a part of the receptacle  200  when the electrical connection between the different electrical elements of the header  100  and of the receptacle  200  is operated or close to be operated. Additionally, the configuration of each header tongue  160  is chosen so that it can be deflected along the Z-axis if an external elements slide on the header ramp  161 , on the rear ramp  164 ″ of the header tab  164  or on the front ramp  164 ′ of the header tab  164 . 
     Furthermore, the front side of the header  100  is provided with two transversal channels  130 - 130 ′ extending parallel the X-axis for receiving corresponding two counterpart centring fingers  230 - 230 ′ provided on the front side of the receptacle  200  (as seen later). 
     The frame  300  of the support structure is intended to be placed at the bottom side of the housing provided in the vehicle. Typically, this frame  300  is fixed to the housing or to the vehicle, and represents then the non-mobile part of the support structure. Additionally, the frame  300  is configured and made of materials for being static and rigid when forces used for the mating of the device or for the dismounting are exerted on it. The frame  300  can be made of plastic or metal. 
     It is to be noted that the front side of the frame  300  will be considered in the following as the side facing the front part  1  of the support structure. 
     From  FIG. 2 ,  3 ,  7  or  8 , the frame  300  has a general rectangular shape in a (YZ) plane, defined by two vertical columns  330 - 340  and two transversal girders  310 - 320 , leaving then a large central opening  390  through which electrical terminal elements  290  of the external electrical network may be introduced for being housed into the receptacle  200 . 
     From the interior side of each column, a L-shaped element extends in the (XY) plane such that one of the two legs  352  of the L is fixed to the associated column  330 , and the other leg  350  of the L extends inwardly the support structure parallel to the X-axis, the second leg  350  forming then an inner protrusion  350 . Eventually, some reinforcements  353  are provided for rigidifying the L-shaped elements with the interior surface of the columns  330 - 340 . 
     Each protrusion  350  has substantially the same cross-section all along its length. It is designed for receiving a corresponding part of the receptacle  200  and for guiding the latter along its length (according to a direction parallel the X-axis). Optionally, the end parts  354  of these protrusions  350  are chamfered or bevelled for guiding the montage of the receptacle  200  thereon. Optionally, the ends of the protrusions  350  are provided with stop walls  355  facing the rear part  2  of the support structure, for preventing the receptacle  200  for being dismounted from the frame  300 . The protrusions  350  are configured and made for being static and rigid when the receptacle  200  is supported thereon, even if forces are exerted on the frame  300 . 
     Furthermore, two second L-shaped elements extend in the same manner from the respective columns  330 - 340 . Optionally, a first leg  361  of each second L-shaped element, which is fixed to the associated column  330 , has a common portion with the first leg  352  of the corresponding first L-shaped element. The second leg  360  of each second L-shaped element extends inwardly the support structure and is parallel to the X-axis. This second leg  360  constitutes a deflectable tongue (hereafter called “frame tongue”). 
     The end surface  370  of the frame tongue  360  is preferably perpendicular to the X-axis. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the bottom surface  361  of the frame tongue  360  is provided, at a determined distance from its end  370 , with a shoulder  380  that presents a front ramp  381  and a rear ramp  382 . The front ramp  381  faces the front part  1  of the support structure and allows then an external element coming from the front part  1  of the support structure to slide thereon. The rear ramp  382  faces the rear part  2  of the support structure and allows then an external element coming from the rear part  2  of the support structure to slide thereon. With respect to the bottom surface  361  of the frame tongue  360 , the angle γ of the front ramp  381  is preferably greater than the angle δ of the rear ramp  382 . 
     Additionally, a rigid tab  364  (hereafter called “frame tab  364 ”) extends transversally to and from a side of each frame tongue  360 . The cross-section of each frame tab  364  is chosen for presenting at a bottom side a front ramp  364 ′, and at a top surface a rear ramp  364 ″, such that an external element can slide on the front ramp  364 ′ if it comes from the front part  1  of the support structure and can slide on the rear ramp  364 ″ if it comes from the rear part  2  of the support structure. Advantageously, the slope ε of the front ramp  364 ′ is greater than the slope φ of the rear ramp  364 ″ of the frame tab  364 , with respect to a (XY) plane. 
     Moreover, the frame tongue  360  is configured and made of materials such that it can be deflected along the Z-axis under a sliding force exerted on one of the ramps  381 - 382  of said frame shoulder  380  or on one of the ramps  364 ′- 364 ″ of the frame tab  364 . 
     Moreover, from  FIG. 12A , the positions and dimensions of the frame tongue  360  and of the header tongue  260  are chosen such that the frame tab  364  and the header tab  164  come into contact together, when the header  100  and the frame  300  are separated by a determined distance. 
     Especially, the respective front ramps  364 ′- 164 ′ of the frame tab  364  and of the header  164  are designed for being able to be slid one onto the other if the header  100  is at said determined distance from the frame  300  and if it is moved according to the plugging direction, and the respective rear ramps  364 ″- 164 ″ of the frame tab  364  and of the header tab  164  are made for being slidable one onto the other when the header  100  moves opposite to the plugging direction. 
     The receptacle  200  has preferably a parallelepipedic shape. It comprises at least one internal casing for receiving electrical terminals elements  290  of the external electrical network, the latter being linked to the ends (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The receptacle  200  may be made of an electrical insulator material like a rigid plastic. 
     The receptacle  200  has one rear opening by casing for receiving the terminal elements  290  of the external electrical network (some examples of terminal elements that can be received in the casings through the rear opening of the receptacle  200  are depicted in  FIG. 3 ). 
     The front side of the receptacle  200  comprises front connecting elements  212 - 222  (female elements, like a grid, or male elements, like pins) for receiving the counterpart connecting elements  112 - 122  (respectively male elements or female elements) of the front side of the header  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  7  and  8 , the shape of the front side of the receptacle  200  may be designed such that the connecting elements  211 - 221  are located on front faces of some protruding elements  210 - 220  that can be fitted into said corresponding cavities  110 - 120  provided at the front side of the header  100 . This configuration allows the respective connecting elements to be guided to each other just before the connection. Additionally, some grooves  211 - 221 , parallel to X-axis, can be provided on sides of the protruding elements  210 - 220  and complementary ribs  111 - 121 , parallel to X-axis, can be provided on sides of the cavities  110 - 120 , for improving the guiding of the connexion when they cooperate to each other. This configuration then helps for a better connection. 
     Advantageously, between each connector casing, the receptacle  200  comprises flat panels  231  that preferably extend in one (YZ) plane. 
     From two of these flat panels  231 , two respective centring fingers  230 - 230 ′ extend according to directions parallel to the X-axis, towards the front part  1  of the support structure. The length and positions of these centring fingers  230 - 230 ′ are chosen such that they can enter into said transversal channels  130 - 130 ′ provided in the header  100 , when the receptacle  200  and the header  100  are sufficiently close to each other. Thus, the centring fingers  230 - 230 ′ allows a first guiding step during the mating of the header  100  onto the receptacle  200 , for operating the connection between the circuit board  600  (i.e. the device) and the external electrical network. Optionally, the end parts of the centring fingers  230 - 230 ′ are tipped in order to facilitate the engagement of the centring fingers  230 - 230 ′ into the corresponding transversal channels  130 - 130 ′, especially useful if a misalignment exists between the header  100  and the receptacle  200 . 
     Furthermore, some lateral flat panels  250  are each provided with a transversal aperture to be engaged by one associated protrusion  350  of the frame  300 . The cross-section of each aperture is equal or slightly greater than the cross-section of the associated protrusion  350 . Thus, when the receptacle  200  is engaged onto said protrusions  350  of the frame  300  through these apertures, the receptacle  200  is hung on the frame  300 . More particularly, the receptacle  200  is movable along the X-axis by sliding along the length of the protrusions  350 . 
     Moreover, with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  7 ,  8 ,  11 A and  11 B, two portions of the top side of the receptacle  200  are each provided with one front shoulder  260  and one rear shoulder  260 ′. Each one of these shoulders comprises: 
     a front ramp  261 - 261 ′ extending from the receptacle  200  top surface towards the rear part  2  of the support structure; and 
     a back stop wall  262 - 262 ′ that extends from the receptacle  200  top surface substantially perpendicularly to the X-axis. 
     From  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the relative positions of these shoulders  260 - 260 ′ are chosen such that: 
     The front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  can contact the frame shoulder  380  at a determined position of the receptacle  200  with respect to the frame  300 . More particularly, at this determined position, the front ramp  261  of the front shoulder  260  can slide on the rear ramp  382  of the frame shoulder  380  when the receptacle  200  is deplaced opposite to the plugging direction, and the back stop wall  262  of the front shoulder  260  can come into abutment onto both the front ramp  381  of the frame shoulder  380  and the end  370  of the frame tongue  360  when the receptacle  200  is deplaced towards the plugging direction. Especially, the height of the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  is chosen such that, when the back stop wall  262  of the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  is stopped by the end part  370  of the frame tongue  360 , said back stop wall  262  can go beyond said end part  370  of the frame tongue  360  if the frame tongue  360  is sufficiently deflected into the Z-direction. This deflection can be caused by a pressure exerted by the header tab  164  on the frame tab  364  at their respective front ramps  164 ′- 364 ′ (as foregoing detailed), when these two tabs  164 - 364  are in contact to each other and the header  100  is in motion along the plugging direction. 
     The rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200  can contact the header ramp  161 , at a determined distance separating the receptacle  200  from the header  100 . More particularly, at this determined distance, the header ramp  161  and the ramp  161 ′ of the rear shoulder  260 ′ are slidable one onto the other when the header  100  and the receptacle  200  approach one to the other, and the header back stop wall  162  can come into abutment onto the back stop wall  262 ′ of said rear shoulder  260 ′ when the header  100  and the receptacle  200  go away from each other. Especially, the respective positions of these two last back stop walls  162 - 262 ′ are chosen such that, when they are in contact to each other the plugging between the header  100  and the receptacle  200  is done. Moreover, the height of the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200  is chosen such that, when the header back stop wall  162  is stopped by the back stop wall  262 ′ of the rear shoulder  260 ′, the header back stop wall  163  can go beyond the back stop wall of the rear shoulder  260 ′ if the header tongue  160  is sufficiently deflected into the Z-direction. This deflection can be caused by a pressure exerted by the frame tab  364  on the header tab  164  at their respective rear ramps  364 ″- 164 ″ (as foregoing detailed), when these two tabs  164 - 364  are in contact to each other and the header  100  is in motion in a direction opposite to the plugging axis. 
     The purpose of these motions and deflections will be clearly apparent from the following part of the specification. 
     Said shoulders  260 - 260 ′ of the receptacle  200  can be formed directly on a top surface of the receptacle  200  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), or been attached to the latter by an intermediate piece extending according to a direction generally parallel to the X-axis, like a supporting tongue  268 - 269  (see for example  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). This second configuration may be especially chosen if the header tongue  160  is housed in a channel  170  (as previously described for a second embodiment of the header  100  according to the invention): Indeed, the supporting tongue  268  of the rear shoulder  260 ′ is necessary in this case for reaching the channel  170  and especially the header ramp  161 . Moreover, as the frame tongue  360  has to be longer for reaching the channel  170  such that the frame tab  364  and the header tab  164  contact each other, it may also be necessary to add a supporting tongue  269  under the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  such that it can contact the frame shoulder  380 . 
     Moreover, guiding means  401  are provided on both lateral sides of the support structure extending between the front part  1  and the rear part  2  of the support structure. These guiding means  401  may comprise longitudinal grooves (i.e. grooves parallel to the X-axis) for guiding a corresponding part of the electrical device (not shown). A corresponding part of the device provided on its lateral side can be for example a complementary longitudinal rib, or rollers whose diameters correspond to the width of the grooves. Of course, these longitudinal grooves  401  can alternatively be replaced by longitudinal ribs or rollers for receiving complementary grooves provided on the lateral sides of the electrical device. Other guiding means may be provided. 
     These guiding means  401  are provided on respective lateral guiding supports, like the internal sides of lateral walls or of lateral girders  400  (as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), or in any other means adapted for receiving guiding means  401  according to the invention. 
     Lateral guiding supports  400  can be fixed, at one end, to vertical columns  410 - 420 , themselves respectively fixed to the frame  300 . 
     The frame  300  and the columns  410 - 420  are preferably two distinct elements in order to allow a parallel movement of the frame  300  relatively to the columns  410 - 420  for compensating positional tolerances into the (YZ) plane. The lateral guiding supports can thus float or rotate with respect to said (YZ) plane. Centring pins  50  can be provided for ensuring such a (YZ) tolerance. With reference to  FIG. 3 , each centring pin  50  has a head  52  and a threaded rod  51  to be engaged through an associated crossing hole  331  provided through at a terminal portion of a column  330  of the frame  300  and in an associated hole  411  provided in a terminal portion of an associated said vertical column  410 , these holes  331 - 411  being parallel to the X-axis. The hole  411  is threaded for cooperating with the threaded rod  51  of the centring pin  50 , such that the centring pin  50  is screwed within. The frame  300 , sandwiched between each head  52  of the centring pins  50  and the columns  410 - 430 , is then fixed to the vertical columns  410 - 420 . However, the holes  331  are provided with a diameter greater than those of the rod  51  of the centring pin  50 . A (YZ) tolerance is then defined by the difference of diameter between the rod  51  and the hole  331 . 
     In the following, it will be disclosed a method for mating the electrical device into the support structure. 
     This method only requires from the operator to push the device into the support structure according to the plugging direction, the forces required to bring changes depending on the stage of the mating. In the following, the values of this force will be indicated by the “E” symbol. 
     The mating method comprises the following steps: 
     the introducing of the electrical (or electronic) device into the support structure through the dashboard  500 ; 
     a first guiding step of the device along the X-axis towards the rear part  2  of the support structure by sliding the guiding means of the device with the guiding means  401  of the support structure; 
     a second guiding step of the device towards the receptacle  200  by engaging the centring fingers  230  of the receptacle  200  into the transversal cavities  130  of the header  100  until the header ramp  161  contacts the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200  ( FIG. 13A ), 
     once the header  100  is stopped at said rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200 , the receptacle  200  is pushed away (by pushing the header  100  stopped at the rear shoulder  260 ) until the back stop wall  262  of the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  comes into abutment with the end  370  of the frame tongue  360 ; 
     with reference to  FIG. 13B , applying a force F 1  to the header  100  for allowing the front ramp  164 ′ of the header tab  164  sliding on the front ramp  364 ′ of the frame tab  364 , involving a pressure into the Z-direction on the front ramp  364 ′ of the frame tab  364 , leading to a deflection of the frame tongue  360  that is sufficient so that the end  370  of the frame tongue  360  is upper than the apex  263  of the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200 ; 
     as the header  100  is still stopped at the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200 , a force exerted on the header  100  involves then the motion of the receptacle  200  such that the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  is moved under the end  370  of the deflected frame tongue  360  towards the plugging direction until the back stop wall  262  of its front shoulder  260  stops onto the front ramp  381  of the frame shoulder  380  (see  FIG. 13C ); at this stage, the receptacle  200  is at an intermediate position; at the same time, the pressure exerted on the header  100  can be released or kept; 
     with reference to  FIG. 13D , a force F 2  is applied to the header  100  such that the header ramp  161  slides on the ramp  261 ′ of the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200  until the rear shoulder  260 ′ is gone beyond; the rear shoulder  260 ′ is then housed in the cavity  262  of the header tongue  160 ; it is to be noticed that the header  100  is stopped at its header back stop wall  162  by the back stop wall  262 ′ of the rear shoulder  260 ′ if it is pulled away from the support structure; at this stage, the header  100  is then mounted onto the receptacle  200 ; particularly the connecting elements of the receptacle  200  and of the header  100  cooperates together, and the electrical connection between the device and the external electrical network is thus established; it is also to be noticed that the cooperation between the protruding elements  210 - 220  of the receptacle  200  and the front cavities  110 - 120  of the header  100  can help to have a good connection; 
     with reference to  FIG. 13E , as the header  100  is now coupled to the receptacle  200 , a sufficient force F 3  applied to the header  100  involves the sliding of the receptacle  200 , and especially of the back stop wall  262  of the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  onto the front ramp  381  of the frame shoulder  380  until the front shoulder  260  goes beyond the frame shoulder  380 ; the receptacle  200  is then on a final position; the receptacle  200  (and the header  100  connected to it) is thus mounted to the frame  300 ; the device is now mounted in the support structure and connected to the external electrical network; the device can thus be powered on and used. 
     For implementing these steps in this order, it is necessary to have F 3 &gt;F 2 &gt;F 1 . 
     It is to be noticed that, once the assembly receptacle  200 -header  100  is mounted to the frame  300 , a degree of freedom according to the X-axis is found by sliding this assembly onto the protrusions  350  of the frame  300 . 
     Accordingly, the position of the device in the support structure can be adjusted along the X-axis. 
     Especially, the position of the device can be adjusted according to the size of the device and/or of the external housing. 
     Then, the operator will be able to fix the front part of the device onto the dashboard  500  very precisely and with a degree of freedom in the depth of the housing. 
     Additionally, the tolerance given in the (YZ) plane (thanks to the connection of the lateral guiding supports  400  to the frame  300 ), gives to the operator two other degrees of freedom. 
     The system according to the invention allows then a mating of devices having different dimensions in housings having different dimensions. 
     In the following, it will be detailed a method for removing the electrical device from the support structure. 
     This method only requires from the operator to pull away the device from the support structure in a direction opposite to the plugging axis. The mechanical force required for pulling away the device changes depending on the stage of the montage. In the following, the value of this force will be indicated by the “E” symbol. 
     It is to be noticed that the header  100  and the receptacle  200  are connected together and that these two latter elements are mounted to the frame  300 . 
     The dismounting method comprises the following steps: 
     by pulling away the device, with reference to  FIG. 14A , the header back stop wall  162  presses the back stop wall  262 ′ of the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200 , involving the displacement of the assembly header  100 -receptacle  200  (connected together) such that the front ramp  261  of the front shoulder  260  of the receptacle  200  slides onto the rear ramp  382  of the frame shoulder  380  until the front shoulder  260  goes beyond the frame shoulder  380 ; the receptacle  200  is then at an intermediate position; the receptacle  200  (and the header  100  mounted onto) is then dismounted from the frame  300 ; the device is now free from the frame  300  but is still connected to the receptacle  200 ; 
     pulling away the assembly header  100 -receptacle  200  until the header  164  contacts the frame tab  364  ( FIGS. 14B-14C ); 
     with reference to  FIG. 14D , sliding the rear ramp  164 ″ of the header tab  164  on the rear ramp  364 ″ of the frame tab  364 , involving then a pressure into the Z-direction on the rear ramp  164 ″ of the header  164 , and leading to a deflection of the header tongue  160  sufficient so that the header back stop wall  162  is higher than the apex  263 ′ of the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200 ; 
     by pulling away the header  100 , the header  100  goes then beyond the rear shoulder  260 ′ of the receptacle  200  ( FIG. 14E ); at this stage, the header  100  is then disconnected from the receptacle  200 ; particularly the connecting elements  112 - 122 - 212 - 222  of the receptacle  200  and of the header  100  are separated, and the electrical connection between the device and the external electrical network is off; 
     guiding and removing the device from the support structure through the dashboard  500 . 
     The method for disconnecting the electrical device from the support structure requires only to pull away the device according to a direction opposite to the plugging axis, by holding the device from its lateral sides for example.