Abstract:
An electrical connector system is adapted for placement into a recessed space defining a raceway formed in a floor of an aircraft having an open region. The electrical connector system includes a first connector and a second connector connectable along a first axis. A frame is provided. The first connector is selectably movable in the frame along the first axis in response to movement of a frame portion, with the second connector being constrained by the frame to resist movement along the first axis. Movement of the frame portion permits selective engagement and disengagement between the first and second connectors, the frame portion being accessible from the open region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to an electrical connector system, and more specifically to an electrical connector system configured for mounting in confined and/or recessed spaces. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Connectors are required to provide electrical power or electrical or electronic control signals between components, such as computers, printers, auxiliary hardware, etc. It is desirable for the connectors and connections therebetween to be configured to provide maximum clearance for living or working space. While the size of fasteners can be reduced, alternatively and/or additionally, the connectors can be installed in confined or recessed spaces within the structure of the components in which they are used. 
   Unfortunately, there are drawbacks associated with locating electrical connectors in confined or recessed spaces. First, accessibility and installation can be problematic, requiring specially configured tools, often in combination with the connectors being installed in positions that present awkward or difficult access. Typically, a further drawback is the necessity to remove the connectors from the confined or recessed space merely to connect or disconnect the connectors. Additionally, while the connectors and connections may be relatively “out of the way,” such as by setting the connectors in a recessed passage along a walking surface, the connectors may be susceptible to damage from foreign matter, including liquid spillage. 
   What is needed is a connector system that can quickly and easily be installed in confined or recessed spaces manually or with standard hand tools, is capable of being connected or disconnected while the connectors remain in the confined or recessed space, and permits sufficient access to the connectors to achieve connection/disconnection with such access substantially not extending into the space. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an electrical connector system adapted for placement into a recessed space defining a raceway formed in a floor of an aircraft having an open region. The electrical connector system includes a first connector and a second connector connectable along a first axis. A frame is provided. The first connector is selectably movable in the frame along the first axis in response to movement of a frame portion, with the second connector being constrained by the frame to resist movement along the first axis. Movement of the frame portion permits selective engagement and disengagement between the first and second connectors, the frame portion being accessible from the open region. 
   The present invention further relates to an electrical connector system adapted for placement into a recessed space defining a raceway formed in a floor of an aircraft having an open region. The electrical connector system includes a first connector and a second connector connectable along a first axis. A third connector and a fourth connector are connectable along a second axis. A first frame is provided. The first connector is selectably movable in the first frame along the first axis in response to movement of a first frame portion, the second connector constrained by the first frame to resist movement along the first axis. A second frame is provided. The third connector is selectably movable in the second frame along the second axis in response to movement of a second frame portion, the fourth connector constrained by the second frame to resist movement along the second axis. Movement of the first and second frame portions permit selective engagement and disengagement between the first and second connectors and between the third and fourth connectors, each of the first and second frame portions being accessible from the open region. 
   An advantage of the present invention is that the connector system can be placed in a confined or recessed space. 
   A further advantage of the present invention is that access to the installed connection system does not require access to connect or disconnect the connectors, as such access substantially does not extend inside the space. 
   A still further advantage of the present invention is that when installed, the connection system substantially prevents foreign matter from reaching the confined and/or recessed space. 
   Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a connector and frame portion of the connection system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a frame and cover used with the connector system of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 3-4  are partial cutaway side views of different slot constructions used with the frame of  FIG. 2  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a body used to bridge opposed connector systems of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 7-12  show sequential steps associated with installing an embodiment of the connector system in an aircraft application of the present invention. 
   

   Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to an electrical connector system  10  permitting selective connection/disconnection or engagement/disengagement of connectors  12 ,  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  6 . A frame  16  (see e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) is configured to fit within a confined or recessed space. Frame  16  is also configured to slidably receive connector  12  that is urged into driven movement along an axis  58  ( FIG. 5 ) by the interaction of a frame portion  14 , connector  12  and frame  16 . This interaction, which is discussed in additional detail below, permits selective connection/disconnection between connector  12  and connector  20  ( FIG. 5 ) while requiring only minimal access to the connector system  10 . Such access substantially does not extend into the confined or recessed space occupied by the connector system. In addition, provision of a cover  18  and/or a hollow body  86  (see e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) permits the connector system  10  to substantially prevent foreign matter, including liquids, from reaching the confined or recessed space in which the connector system is secured. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , connector  12  includes a body  22  having a receptacle portion  24  for receiving a plug portion  25  ( FIG. 6 ) from a connector  20  ( FIG. 6 ) for establishing an electrical connection therebetween. A wire boot  30  extends opposite receptacle portion  24  of connector  12  to protect electrical wires (not shown) that extend through frame  16 . It is to be understood that while connector  12  shows a plug construction and connector  20  shows a receptacle construction, the arrangement could be switched without altering the advantages of the present invention. To slidably secure connector  12  within frame  16 , a pair of rails  28  extend from body  22 , each rail preferably having an angled portion  29 , forming a dovetail half. However, it is to be understood that rail  28  constructions are not limited to dovetails. Rails  28  are received by a pair of guides  46  disposed adjacent a lower surface  56  of an end  57  of frame  16 , forming a dovetail joint therebetween. A channel  26  extends along each of opposite sides of body  22  to slidably receive a frame portion  14 . 
   Further referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , frame portion  14  includes a base  32  extending at opposite ends to a pair of parallel legs  34  that are substantially perpendicular to the frame portion  14 . Adjacent the end of each leg  34  opposite base  32  is a lobe  36  extending substantially perpendicularly away from the opposite leg. Each leg  34  of frame portion  14  is received in a corresponding channel  26  of body  22  of connector  12 . For assembly into frame  16 , each leg  34  of frame portion  14  is brought into engagement with a corresponding channel  26  of body  22  and inserted inside of frame  16  such that each lobe  36  engages a corresponding slot  52  formed in opposite walls  48  of the frame. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , which are partial cutaway side views of frame  16 , several embodiments of slot  52  paths are shown. Slots  52  are substantially aligned with each other. In an embodiment in which frame  16  is rectangular, slots  52  are configured in any configuration to slidably receive lobes  36  to position frame portion  14 . However, it is to be understood that geometries of features of frame  16  can differ from a rectangular construction, so long as lobes  36  of frame portion  14  are slidably received in slots  52 . 
   As further shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , lobe  36  of frame portion  14  is constrained to move along slots  52  and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame portion  14  is constrained to move along channel  26 . In other words, in response to movement parallel to either of directions  35  (due to channel  26 ), lobe  36  is additionally constrained to move in a predetermined path defined by slots  52 , which defines a combination of directions  35  and axis  58 . That is, due to sliding engagement between frame portion  14  and connector  12  along channel  26  of connector  12 , channel  26  being parallel to directions  35  in one embodiment, frame portion  14  simultaneously moves in directions  35  and axis  58 . However, connector  12  is constrained to move only along axis  58  by virtue of guided engagement between rails  28  ( FIG. 1 ) and guide  46  ( FIG. 2 ). 
   Slots  52  can define different predetermined paths. As shown in  FIG. 3 , slot  52  defines a curved path, such as a curved, parabolic path. In one embodiment slot  52  proceeds parallel or nearly parallel to axis  58  when lobe  36  is adjacent upper surface  54  of frame  16 . The angle between axis  58  and the tangential contact between lobe  36  and the slot  52  increases as the slot  52  proceeds toward lower surface  56 . This construction provides a mechanical advantage to transmit a force applied along direction  35  to frame portion  14  to produce a force of increased magnitude that is applied to urge connector  12  ( FIG. 1 ) along axis  58 . Using similar rationale,  FIG. 4  shows an alternate slot  52  path, in which the path includes two angularly directed substantially linear portions. However, it is to be understood that slot  52  can define a linear, as well as a curved path, or combination thereof. The first angular portion is disposed at an angle “A” between axis  58  and the centerline of slot  52 , while the second angular portion is disposed at an angle “B” between axis  58  and the centerline of slot  52 . Angle B is greater than angle A and provides increased mechanical advantage as lobe  36  approaches lower surface  56 . The mechanical advantage permits convenient connection/disconnection between connector  12  ( FIG. 1 ) and connector  20 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5  of connector system  10 , connector  20  includes a pair of opposed channels  98  that engages a corresponding pair of opposed guides  50  formed adjacent end  57  of frame  16 . That is, connector  20  is constrained to move, if it is to move at all, along guides  50 . Guides  50  and axis  58  are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, so that in response to subjecting connector  20  to a force directed along axis  58 , connector  20  resists movement in a direction along guides  50 . In other words, when frame portion  14  is subjected to a force in either of directions  35 , connector  12  is urged along axis  58 , while connector  20  is constrained by frame  16  to substantially not move along axis  58 , thereby permitting selective engagement/disengagement or connection/disconnection between connectors  12 ,  20 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , engagement/disengagement or connection/disconnection between connectors  12 ,  20  is achieved when frame portion  14  is disposed in two different positions with respect to frame  16 . In one position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , which is referred to as a disengaged or disconnected position, i.e., when connectors  12 ,  20  are disengaged or disconnected, base  32  of frame portion  14  is disposed at, or adjacent to, a maximum distance from upper surface  33  of connector  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the maximum distance of frame portion  14  occurs when lobe  36  is in relative proximity to upper surface  54  of frame  16 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a retainer  60  prevents inadvertent removal of lobe  36  from slot  52 , or movement past the disengaged or disconnected position. 
   The other position is referred to as the engaged or connected position, in which connectors  12 ,  20  are engaged or connected to each other.  FIG. 10  shows frame portion  14  in the engaged or connected position, in contrast to  FIG. 9 , which shows the frame portion in the disengaged or disconnected position. In the engaged or connected position, referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , lobe  36  of frame portion  14  is urged to a position along slot  52  that is adjacent lower surface  56  of frame  16 . Similarly, referring to  FIG. 5 , this coincides with base  32  of frame portion  14  being directed toward an upper surface  33  of connector  12  until shoulders  31  extending from the lower surface of base  32  are closely adjacent to, if not in abutting contact with, upper surface  33 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , to retain frame portion  14  in the engaged or connected position, a lobe  36  engages a recess  124  formed in slot  52  in relative proximity of surface  56 . To actuate frame portion  14  from the engaged or connected position ( FIG. 10 ) toward the disengaged or disconnected position ( FIGS. 5 ,  9 ), a tapered access  38  ( FIG. 5 ) is provided. An end of a narrow, flat instrument (not shown), such as the tip of a blade-type screwdriver, can be directed into access  38  and then rotated to produce a prying force between the frame portion  14  and connector  12  to urge frame portion  14  in a direction away from connector  12 . 
   In one embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 5 and 10 , an upper surface  39  of base  32  of frame portion  14  is substantially flush or coincident with upper surface  54  when the frame portion is in the engaged or connected position. That is, upon placement of the connector system  10  in a recessed space (not shown) in which the recess substantially completely receives the connector system, i.e., upper surface  54  of frame  16  is substantially flush with the surface immediately surrounding the recess, the upper surface  39  of frame portion  14  is also substantially flush with the surface immediately surrounding the recess. To clarify, for purposes of this discussion, frame portion  14  is considered part of the frame  16 . Similarly, the term access is intended to refer to accessing frame portion  14 . Therefore, access to the frame, such access permitting selective engagement or disengagement between connectors  12 ,  20 , substantially does not extend into the recess. That is, once the connector system of the present invention is installed in a confined or recessed space or envelope, the extent of access required to connect/disconnect the connectors of the connector system substantially does not require extending into the confined or recessed space or envelope. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, frame  16  can be secured within a recessed or confined space by features, such as a retainer  40 , which extends from lower surface  56  and has outwardly tapered fingers for retention in an aperture (not shown) formed in the space. Optionally, retention is also provided by a fastener (not shown) that extends through aperture  80  and into the recessed space. Fasteners can include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, quick release fasteners, including spring actuated plungers and other types of devices suitable to secure frame  16  in a desired position in a confined or recessed space. 
   Frame  16  includes a cover  18  that is both pivotably and slidably connected to a pair of slots  78  extending from a lower surface  66 . Slots  78  are received by a pair of inwardly directed lobes  74  extending from upper surface  54  of frame  16 . When lobes  74  are disposed adjacent one end of slot  78  as shown in  FIG. 2 , cover  18  can be opened similar to a clam shell about the lobes  74  to access components housed within frame  16 . However, when cover  18  is closed so that lower surface  66  is brought into close proximity with upper surface  54  of frame  16 , cover  18  can be placed in a locked position or locking engagement over the frame. When cover  18  is closed over frame  16 , pairs of retainers  70 ,  82 , which extend outwardly from upper surface  66 , are brought adjacent to respective pairs of ridges  62 ,  64 . A slot  72  formed in each retainer  70  and a slot  84  formed in each retainer  82  are also brought into alignment with corresponding ridges  62 ,  64 . The locked engagement is then achieved by directing cover  18  into movement with respect to frame  16 , i.e., toward lobes  74 , while lobes  74  are in sliding engagement with slot  78 , until slot  118  of cover  18  receives a latch  122  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ) of frame  16 . That is, while lobes  74  proceed along corresponding slots  78  toward the opposite end of slot  78  toward retainers  82 , slots  72  engage corresponding ridges  62  and slots  84  engage corresponding ridges  64  until slot  118  of cover  18  receives latch  122  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ) of frame  16 . In one embodiment, an audible “click” is produced when slot  118  and latch  122  are brought together in mating engagement. When frame  16  is placed in a recess (not shown) such that the surface immediately surrounding the recess abuts shoulder  116 , cover  18  provides a foreign object barrier or shield along the majority of the periphery of the cover. That is, downwardly sloping opposed edges  68  are brought into close proximity between cover  18  and the surface surrounding the recess to form a foreign object barrier or shield to reduce the amount of foreign matter accessing the portion of the recess occupied by the cover. 
   In an embodiment of the invention, referring to  FIG. 6 , a hollow body  86  can be used to connect two connector systems  10 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 7-11 . Body  86  includes opposed ends to each receive connector  20 , each end including a pair of protrusions  90  extending away from an upper portion  112 . Connector  20  includes a pair of slots  88  each receiving a corresponding protrusion  90  to maintain the desired alignment of the connector in body  86 . Extending from upper portion  112  are a pair of parallel walls  114  that are substantially perpendicular to the upper portion. Upper portions  112  further extend to flanged ends  96  that extend toward each other and are mutually parallel. Ends  96  include a spacing therebetween to permit connectors  20  to be connected by wires or other suitable connection (not shown) installed into body  86 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 6 , upper portion  112  extends outwardly to form tapered flanges  94  at opposite ends of the upper portion. To secure body  86  in a recessed or confined space, a retainer  92  is provided that extends from ends  96  and having outwardly tapered fingers for retention in an aperture (not shown) formed in the space. In addition, retainer  92  is also an alignment feature as space apertures  110  ( FIG. 7 ) are uniformly spaced. Body  86  can be cut to length to fit between adjacent connector systems  10 , as shown in one application in  FIGS. 7-12 . 
     FIGS. 7-12  show sequential steps associated with installing an embodiment of the connector system in an aircraft application, for example. As shown, body  86  is disposed between two connector systems  10  that are collectively installed in a recessed space or track  100  formed in a floor  102  of a commercial aircraft. Track  100  includes uniformly spaced apertures  110  to secure aircraft seats, such as by fastener  108 , which is used to secure both the corresponding aircraft seat leg  104 ,  106  and frame  16  of each connector system  10 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Leg  104 , which is an aft leg of an aircraft seat, is disposed in front of forward leg  106  of an adjacent aircraft seat that is in the same row as the seat having leg  104 , but behind the seat having leg  104 .  FIGS. 8-9  show the steps of presenting and installing body  86  between adjacent connector systems  10 .  FIG. 10  shows frame portions  14  being actuated to define an engaged or connected position to connect connectors  12 ,  20  ( FIG. 5 ) as previously discussed. It is appreciated that access required to actuate frame portion  14  is a confined open region immediately above and adjacent the frame portion, but does not require access from within track  100 .  FIG. 11  shows covers  18  and body  86  forming a shield or barrier to reduce the amount of foreign matter reaching recess or track  100 . As is appreciated, movement of covers  18  required to lock the covers against floor  102 , as previously discussed, are also sufficient to hide, and therefore protect, fasteners  108  ( FIGS. 7-10 ). To permit subsequent access to the connectors of the connector system  10 , a slot  118  is formed in each cover  18 . Slot  118  includes stiffening structure  120  surrounding slot  118  ( FIG. 5 ) to provide sufficient structural strength and stiffness to withstand the forces associated with use of a narrow tool, such as a blade-type screwdriver. 
   It is to be appreciated that while an aircraft application is shown in one embodiment, the connector system of the present invention can be used with any vessel or apparatus using connectors that can benefit from locating the connectors in a confined and/or recessed space. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.