Methods and apparatus for securing electrical connectors
View Patent ↗Apparatus for securing a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner. The support structure can be an electrical board supported by a chassis. The apparatus includes a latch having a first end configured to engage the chassis and a lever portion configured to exert a force on the chassis when in a first position. This force allows the first electrical connector to be urged towards the second electrical connector. The apparatus also has a compliant member configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.
1. An apparatus to secure a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner, comprising:
a latch having a first end and a lever portion, the lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position to thereby allow the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to be urged together;
a compliant member positioned between the latch first end and the support structure to thereby bias the lever portion away from the first position; and
a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , and wherein the latch is mounted to the electronic module at a pivot point, and wherein the compliant member comprises a spring disposed between the latch first end and the support structure.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , and wherein the compliant member applies a sustained mating force on the first and second electrical connectors when the latch is in the first position.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , and wherein a first force is required to cause the first and second electrical connectors to initially mate, and further wherein the sustained mating force is less than the first force.
5. An apparatus to secure a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner, comprising:
a latch having a first end and a lever portion, the lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position so as to urge the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector together;
a compliant member contactingly positioned between the latch first end and the support structure when the lever portion is in the first position so as bias the lever portion away from the first position; and
a catch configured to contactingly secure the latch in the first position.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , and wherein the latch is mounted to the electronic module at a pivot point, and wherein the compliant member comprises a spring disposed between the latch first end and the support structure.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 , and wherein the compliant member is further configured such that a sustained mating force is applied to the first and second electrical connectors when the latch is in the first position.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , and wherein a first force is required to cause the first and second electrical connectors to initially mate, and further wherein the sustained mating force is less than the first force.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 , and wherein the compliant member is supported by one of the latch first end, or the support structure.
10. An apparatus to secure a first electrical connector mounted to an electronic module to a second electrical connector supported by a support structure, such that the first and second electrical connectors mate in an electrically conductive manner, comprising:
a latch pivotally mounted on the electronic module having a first cantilevered end and a lever portion, the lever portion configured to exert a force on the electronic module when in a first position to thereby allow the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to be urged together;
a compliant member configured to be contactingly positioned between the latch first cantilevered end and the support structure when the lever portion is in the first position, wherein the compliant member is further configured to bias the lever portion away from the first position, and wherein the compliant member is supported by the latch first cantilevered end; and
a catch configured to secure the latch in the first position by way of direct contact between the catch and the latch.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , and wherein the compliant member comprises a spring.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , and wherein the compliant member is further configured such that a sustained mating force is applied to the first and second electrical connectors when the latch is in the first position.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , and wherein a first force is required to cause the first and second electrical connectors to initially mate, and further wherein the sustained mating force is less than the first force.