PANEL CONNECTOR

摘要

A self-ejecting connector (1) comprises a fastener means (2) and a retaining means (3). The fastener means (2) comprises a stud (4), a sleeve (5) having two complementary parts (5a, 5b), and two springs (6a, 6b). The stud (4) and the springs (6a, 6b) are assembled within the sleeve parts (5a, 5b) which are then glued or welded together to form the fastener means (2). The stud (4) comprises a head portion (7) and a shaft portion (8). Engagement lugs (9a, 9b) are formed on the end of the shaft portion (8). The sleeve (5) has a bore (11) and an end face (12). The bore (11) has a wide part (14) to accommodate the head (7) of the stud (4) and a narrow part (15) to accommodate the shaft (8). The stud (4) is retained within the assembled sleeve (5) with the stud (4) being movable along the bore (11) between a fully retracted position and an extended position. The springs (6a, b) are positioned in grooves (17a, b) in the bore (11). The head (7) of the stud (4) rests against the ends of the springs (6a, b) and the springs (6a, b) are compressed as the stud (4) is moved along the bore (11) of the sleeve (5). When pressure on the stud (4) is released, the springs (6a,b) bias the stud (4) back to the retracted position. The retention means (3) comprises a collar (20) with a bore (21). The bore (21) of the collar (20) is formed with two retaining blocks (23a, b) for engagement with the lugs (9a,b). Two stops (24a,b) are further included to limit the rotation of the lugs (9a,b) and prevent accidental disengagement of the connector (1).