摘要 |
A floating electrical connector (11,100,200) for rack and panel connector systems capable of being inserted into and reliably retained within an opening (16,18,202) in a panel (12,204) without tools and without separate fastening elements. The connector includes a connector housing having first (61,121,214) and second (62,122,224) transverse slots on opposed first and second sides of the housing within which portions (72,73; 101,102; 226,228) of the opening defining edge of the panel (12,204) extend when the connector is mounted to the panel for longitudinally retaining the connector on the panel while permitting limited longitudinal movement of the connector relative to the panel. The connector also includes first and second retention means for laterally retaining the first and second sides of the connector in the opening while permitting limited lateral movement of the connector relative to the panel. The connector is mountable within a limited space on a panel and can withstand substantial forces encountered while being mated with or disconnected from a complementary connector. |