Panel-mountable connector block assembly

摘要

A printed circuit board connector block is inserted partly through a cutout in a panel, and then locked to the panel in its inserted position. The depth to which the connector block is inserted through the cutout is determined by protrusions extending laterally from the block into interfering relationship with the panel. A sliding movement of the block in a direction parallel to the panel translates lugs which were previously inserted through the cutout into vertically interfering relationship with the panel to lock the connector block to the panels. A key is inserted into a gap between the connector block and the panel to eliminate the possibility of a sliding movement of the connector block in a direction opposite to that of the locking movement. The insertion of the key thereby latches the connector block in its mounted position. Since the key is not subjected to vertical forces which may be transmitted through the block to the panel, the key may be of a flexible, thermoplastic material, while the connector block may be formed of a stronger and less heat sensitive thermosetting material. However, the key may be attached to, or guided by, the connector block to facilitate alignment of the key with the gap prior to its insertion therein.