Floating mounting means for electrical connector assembly.

摘要

A floating first electrical connector (11) such as a receptacle has a plurality of contacts adapted to mate with complementary contacts carried by a second electrical connector (21) (such as a plug). The receptacle (11) has a limited floating movement within the plane of an opening (12) in a panel (13) of a power supply or other electrical apparatus and a retaining clip (17) is snapped over the receptacle (11) (from externally of the power supply) to releasably secure the receptacle (11) on the panel (13), yet accommodate the limited floating movement of the receptacle (11). The receptacle (11) is retained by the retaining clip (17), externally of the power supply, but the receptacle (11) is only accessibly internally of the power supply. The arrangement permits a smooth engagement between the contacts on the plug (21) and receptacle (11), respectively, either by an axial sliding movement or by a relative angular movement therebetween. A flange (31) on the retaining clip covers the opening in the panel (13) and precludes access interiorly of the panel.