Rack and pinion electrical connector with offset gear teeth

摘要

An electrical connector assembly (2) includes a plug connector assembly (10) matable with a pin header (50) by rack and pinion means. The plug connector assembly (10) includes a shield (26) in which an inner connector housing (16) containing receptacle terminals (12) is mounted. A lever (30) is mounted on the shield (26), and includes pinion gear members (40, 44) that protrude from the side of lever arms (32). The pinion gear members engage rack gear members (70, 74) located on the interior of header walls (64). The rack gear members (70, 74) are laterally offset so that they can be molded using straight action mold tooling with no undercuts or side action. The lever pinion gear members (40, 44) protrude so that they can engage the laterally offset rack gear members (70, 74). <IMAGE>