Electrical connector employing dual locking contact retention

摘要

An electrical connector assembly securely locks electrical contacts within a connector housing. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical contacts each having first and second longitudinally spaced locking elements. A connector housing includes an interconnection end and a contact insertion end. The connector housing also includes an initial contact support member positioned adjacent the insertion end of the housing. The initial contact support member includes a plurality of apertures permitting insertable passage of the contacts therethrough. Engagement elements on the initial contact support member engage the first locking element of the contacts preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the contacts from the housing. A final contact support member is movably positioned adjacent the interconnection end of the housing. The final contact support member includes contact passage apertures therethrough. Each contact passage aperture has a first aperture portion which permits insertion of the contacts therethrough and a second aperture portion which restricts withdrawal of the contacts therethrough. The final contact support member is movable within the housing to move from a first position permitting contact passage through the apertures to a second position preventing contact passage through the apertures.