(19)
(11) EP 0 967 694 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
28.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/26

(43) Date of publication A2:
29.12.1999 Bulletin 1999/52

(21) Application number: 99303913.0

(22) Date of filing: 20.05.1999
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H01R 27/02, H01R 13/436
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 29.05.1998 US 87326

(71) Applicant: THE WHITAKER CORPORATION
Wilmington, Delaware 19808 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Ward, Bobby Gene
    King, NC 27021 (US)
  • Hoelscher, Wolfgang
    Stokesdale, NC 27357 (US)

(74) Representative: Johnstone, Douglas Ian et al
Baron & Warren, 18 South End
Kensington, London W8 5BU
Kensington, London W8 5BU (GB)

   


(54) Automotive cellular phone connector assembly


(57) An electrical connector assembly (20) for use in connecting portable electronic devices, such a cellular telephones, to the electrical system of a motor vehicle. The electrical connector assembly (20) includes a plug connector (30) that can be attached to a cord for connection to the portable electronic device. A mating receptacle connector (60) is permanently mounted in the motor vehicle and is attached to an automotive wiring harness. The receptacle connector (60) includes a terminal position assurance member (110) that forms a front cover of the receptacle connector (60) when properly positioned. Primary terminal latches securing receptacle terminals (62) in a housing (74) of the receptacle connector (60) are exposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the housing (74) and prevent full seating of the assurance member (110) on the housing (74) when any receptacle terminals are not correctly latched into the housing (74). Terminals (62) can therefore be positioned on the relatively close centerlines characteristic of electrical connectors used with portable electronic devices.






Search report