Machine-pluggable electronic package having a mechanical interlock

Claim 1

An electronic package adapted to be connected to a machine and to an external connector, said machine having a cavity therein for receiving said package, a first electrical connector for connection to said package, and first and second locking means extending into said cavity, said first electrical connector being located at one end of said cavity, said package comprising: a housing of a shape adapted to fit into said cavity; a printed circuit board mounted within said housing and having electronic components thereon; a second electrical connector mounted at one end of said housing and being connected to said printed circuit board, said second electrical connector being adapted to mate with said first electrical connector upon said package being inserted into said cavity; a third electrical connector mounted on said housing at another end thereof and being adapted to mate with said external electrical connector to establish an electrical connection between said package and equipment outside said machine; and a lever mounted on said housing and being movable between first and second positions, said lever having first and second lever locking means, and first lever locking means being adapted to engage said first locking means on said machine and move said package in said cavity so as to engage said first and second electrical connectors upon movement of said lever from said first position to sid second position, said first lever locking means being operative to prevent sid package from being removed from said machine while said lever is in said second position, said second lever locking means being adapted to engage said second locking means on said machine upon movement of said lever from said second position to said first position and disengage said first and second electrical connectors, said lever having a portion located adjacent to said third electrical connector when sid lever is in said second position which portion is adapted to engage said external connector and prevent said lever from being moved from said second position when said third electrical connector is connected to said external connector, and thereby prevent said package from being removed from said machine without first disengaging said external connector.