CA1124809A - Electrical terminals with laminated precious metal contacts, with sliding contact making - Google Patents
Electrical terminals with laminated precious metal contacts, with sliding contact makingInfo
- Publication number
- CA1124809A CA1124809A CA352,689A CA352689A CA1124809A CA 1124809 A CA1124809 A CA 1124809A CA 352689 A CA352689 A CA 352689A CA 1124809 A CA1124809 A CA 1124809A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- terminal
- surface layer
- section
- precious metal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
- H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
Landscapes
- Connections Effected By Soldering, Adhesion, Or Permanent Deformation (AREA)
Abstract
ELECTRICAL TERMINALS WITH LAMINATED PRECIOUS
METAL CONTACTS, WITH SLIDING CONTACT MAKING
Abstract of the Disclosure A terminal having sliding contact with another member has contacts having a main portion of a non-precious metal and a surface layer of precious metal, the surface layer having an arcuate convex cross-section when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of sliding. This enables a reduction in the amount of precious metal and also avoids shearing of the surface layer by the further member. The contact material is supplied in strips and short sections cut-off and welded to the terminal member. The contact can be formed after welding to give the arcuate cross-section, or the strip may be supplied with the arcuate cross-section already formed. Further forming can be carried out on the preformed material, after welding.
METAL CONTACTS, WITH SLIDING CONTACT MAKING
Abstract of the Disclosure A terminal having sliding contact with another member has contacts having a main portion of a non-precious metal and a surface layer of precious metal, the surface layer having an arcuate convex cross-section when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of sliding. This enables a reduction in the amount of precious metal and also avoids shearing of the surface layer by the further member. The contact material is supplied in strips and short sections cut-off and welded to the terminal member. The contact can be formed after welding to give the arcuate cross-section, or the strip may be supplied with the arcuate cross-section already formed. Further forming can be carried out on the preformed material, after welding.
Description
This invention relates to electrical terminals with sliding contacts, such as are used in telecommunications and electronics, where electrical contact occurs between contact members and terminals by a sliding action. In particular the invention is concerned with terminals having contacts which are normally formed of a precious metal, for example gold.
The cost of precious metals is increasing rapidly. At the same time, with the increased complexity and miniaturization of electrical and electronic devices, the quality of contact between contact members and terminals becomes increasingly important. Contacts are therefore often made of a precious metal, such as gold, and also silver and palladium, to reduce corrosion and other problems.
The present invention provides for terminals with contacts to be of laminated form, with the top or outer layer of precious metal, the contacts being domed or curved, to give a convex arcuate contact surface, at least when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of the sliding contact making and breaking.
The invention will be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a side view of one form of a terminal member;
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are side views of three different forms of box terminals;
Figures 5 and 6 are end views of the terminals illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 respectively;
Figure 7 is a plan view of a metal strip as used for the manufacture of terminals such as are illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, with contacts welded thereon, Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sections on the lines YIII-VIII and al~, .. ~
. ~,Z4Y09 IX-IX respectively on Figure 7;
Figure lO is a bottom plan view of a length of tape as used for making contacts, Figure 11 is a cross-section on the line XI-XI of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a similar view as Figure 10 of another form of tape;
Figure 13 is a cross-section on the line XII-XII of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a similar view as Figure 10 of yet a further form of tape; and Figure 15 is a cross-section on the line XV-XV of Figure 14.
The terminals 10 as illustrated in Figure 1 are terminals of the form which are inserted in molded plastic bodies, usually in two spaced rows, to form the female part of a connector, particularly as used in telecommunications and similar systems. Printed circuit boards or similar assemblies are inserted at one edge into the female part, contacts on the boards moving into contact with contacts on the terminal.
In the terminal illustrated in Figure 1 a contact 11 is provided.
At present the contacts 11 are formed by a spot of gold welded to the terminal.
Gold is used because of its high corrosion resistance and good electrical characteristics. The terminals usually have localized raised portions 1~ to provide a tight fit.
The terminals illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 are what are referred to as box terminals, which receive square pins projecting from an edge of a printed circuit board. The drawings are to a very large scale. The particular terminals as manufactured are about 1/6" square at the box portion, with the box portion less than 1/4" long. Miniaturization of printed circuit boards and the associated electronic devices has produced the need for very small terminals. At the same time the contact conditions become increasingly ~4809 critical. To give good contact conditions gold is again used.
Considering the terminal 15 of Figures 2 and 4, the box portion has two opposed sides 16 which are bent inwardly intermediate their lengths to have an arcuate form, as indicated at 17. Two other opposed sides 18 are cantilevered from one end and formed with arcuate contacts 19 at their ends.
Lateral extensions 20 limit the inward deformation of the sides 18. Two further portions 21, aligned with sides 18, are formed to provide guide members for the terminal pins. A tail portion 22 provides for attachment of a conductor, as by wire wrapping or soldering.
The terminal 25 of Figures 3 and 6 have two opposed sides 26 with inwardly projecting dimples or domed portions 27. Two other opposed sides 28 are cantilevered back inwardly from the entry end of the box portions, indicated at 29 and have contacts 30 at their ends. A tail portion 22 is also provided.
Figure 4 illustrates a further form of terminal 35 which is very similar to that of Figures 2 and 4, but which has the end 36 overlapping the port~ons 21 to limit the inward deformation of the sides 18. In this example there are no lateral extensions 20, as in Figures 2 and 5.
The box terminals as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 are illustrated and described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4 076,369.
The contacts l9 and 30 in Figures 2 to 6 are also formed by gold dots, welded to the strip material, from which the term1nals are formed, prior to forming.
Figure 7 is a plan view of strip material 40, as used for forming the terminals as in Figures 2 to 6, with the contacts 41 welded thereto and of a form in accordance with the present invention. In the example of Figure 7, the contacts are given an arcuate, convex, top surface, in one direction only, -~i2~Q9 as illustrated by the cross-sections in Figure 8 and 9. Each contact 41 has a main portion 42 with a top surface layer 43. The top surface layer is of for example, gold, gold alloy, palladium, palladium/silver alloy or other suitable material. The main portion is of a material, metal, which is compatible with the top surface layer and with the terminal material. Typical examples are copper and nickel and their alloys. There can be an intervening layer between the main portion 42 and the top surface layer 43 and this will widen the range of metals which can be used for the main portion, and for the top surface. The top surface layer may be applied in various ways, including electro-plating.
The contact material is supplied in tape form and is applied by automatic machinery which cuts off a short section, positions the cut-off section and then welds it to the terminal. The tape can be of two forms, one thin and unformed, the other thicker and having a preformed arcuate surface which forms the top surface of the contact. For the thin rectangular cross-section top the contacts are formed after welding to give the arcuate top surface. With the thicker tape, the arcuate top surface is already in being, although some forming can be done, if desired.
For the thin tape, it can be fed laterally relative to the direction of the strip 40, contact forming pieces cut off by cutting members on the machine. For the formed, thicker tape, it is fed in the same direction as the strip 40. However the thin tape can also be fed in the same direction as the strip.
Figures 10 to 15 illustrate three forms of tape. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the thinner tape 45, of rectangular cross-section. The main portion 42 and top surface layer 43 are shown. On the bottom surface 46 of the maln portion is a longitudinally extending rib or bead 47. Rib 47 makes initial contact with the terminal when the contact is being welded, the rib 1~Z4809 deforming.
Figures 12 and 13 illustrate one form of a thicker, formed tape, 48, again with main portion 42 and top surface layer 43. Also on the bottom surface 49 is a single rib or bead 50. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a tape 55 similar to that of Figures 12 and 13 but with two ribs or beads 56 and 57.
Ribs or beads 47, 50, 56 and 57, make initial contact in the welding cycle and create a high heat zone which improve welding.
Instead of ribs or beads, the bottom surface of the tape can have other forms. The objective is to provide a roughened or irregular surface giving one or a plurality of high points which make initial contact in the welding cycle. Thus knurling, or raised dots or other formations can be used.
In all cases, the top surface 43 of a contact has a final form which is curved, convex, when viewed in a direction normal to the relative direction of movement between the terminal and the member wfth which contact is to be made. The contacts can be curved also in the direction at right angles to that defined above, but in this case, the contacts would normally be made from rectangular cross-section tape and then formed. Generally the contacts will be formed as a dome in such instances. However, formed tape can also be formed after welding, to modify the contact cross-section.
Sliding contacts create certain problems in that the mating member may have a flat leading edge. Using laminated tape can create the situation that the top surface layer could be sheared off by the mating member.
Thus by either forming the contact after welding, or giving the initial tape a desired cross-section, an arcuate surface is provided which will deflect the mating member and which will avold the possibility of the mating member meeting the contact at an interface between top surface and main 1~24809 portion. Shearing of the top surface is thus avoided. It is therefore possible to reduce the amount of precious metal needed, with considerable economies.
The cost of precious metals is increasing rapidly. At the same time, with the increased complexity and miniaturization of electrical and electronic devices, the quality of contact between contact members and terminals becomes increasingly important. Contacts are therefore often made of a precious metal, such as gold, and also silver and palladium, to reduce corrosion and other problems.
The present invention provides for terminals with contacts to be of laminated form, with the top or outer layer of precious metal, the contacts being domed or curved, to give a convex arcuate contact surface, at least when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of the sliding contact making and breaking.
The invention will be understood by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a side view of one form of a terminal member;
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are side views of three different forms of box terminals;
Figures 5 and 6 are end views of the terminals illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 respectively;
Figure 7 is a plan view of a metal strip as used for the manufacture of terminals such as are illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, with contacts welded thereon, Figures 8 and 9 are cross-sections on the lines YIII-VIII and al~, .. ~
. ~,Z4Y09 IX-IX respectively on Figure 7;
Figure lO is a bottom plan view of a length of tape as used for making contacts, Figure 11 is a cross-section on the line XI-XI of Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a similar view as Figure 10 of another form of tape;
Figure 13 is a cross-section on the line XII-XII of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is a similar view as Figure 10 of yet a further form of tape; and Figure 15 is a cross-section on the line XV-XV of Figure 14.
The terminals 10 as illustrated in Figure 1 are terminals of the form which are inserted in molded plastic bodies, usually in two spaced rows, to form the female part of a connector, particularly as used in telecommunications and similar systems. Printed circuit boards or similar assemblies are inserted at one edge into the female part, contacts on the boards moving into contact with contacts on the terminal.
In the terminal illustrated in Figure 1 a contact 11 is provided.
At present the contacts 11 are formed by a spot of gold welded to the terminal.
Gold is used because of its high corrosion resistance and good electrical characteristics. The terminals usually have localized raised portions 1~ to provide a tight fit.
The terminals illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 are what are referred to as box terminals, which receive square pins projecting from an edge of a printed circuit board. The drawings are to a very large scale. The particular terminals as manufactured are about 1/6" square at the box portion, with the box portion less than 1/4" long. Miniaturization of printed circuit boards and the associated electronic devices has produced the need for very small terminals. At the same time the contact conditions become increasingly ~4809 critical. To give good contact conditions gold is again used.
Considering the terminal 15 of Figures 2 and 4, the box portion has two opposed sides 16 which are bent inwardly intermediate their lengths to have an arcuate form, as indicated at 17. Two other opposed sides 18 are cantilevered from one end and formed with arcuate contacts 19 at their ends.
Lateral extensions 20 limit the inward deformation of the sides 18. Two further portions 21, aligned with sides 18, are formed to provide guide members for the terminal pins. A tail portion 22 provides for attachment of a conductor, as by wire wrapping or soldering.
The terminal 25 of Figures 3 and 6 have two opposed sides 26 with inwardly projecting dimples or domed portions 27. Two other opposed sides 28 are cantilevered back inwardly from the entry end of the box portions, indicated at 29 and have contacts 30 at their ends. A tail portion 22 is also provided.
Figure 4 illustrates a further form of terminal 35 which is very similar to that of Figures 2 and 4, but which has the end 36 overlapping the port~ons 21 to limit the inward deformation of the sides 18. In this example there are no lateral extensions 20, as in Figures 2 and 5.
The box terminals as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 are illustrated and described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 4 076,369.
The contacts l9 and 30 in Figures 2 to 6 are also formed by gold dots, welded to the strip material, from which the term1nals are formed, prior to forming.
Figure 7 is a plan view of strip material 40, as used for forming the terminals as in Figures 2 to 6, with the contacts 41 welded thereto and of a form in accordance with the present invention. In the example of Figure 7, the contacts are given an arcuate, convex, top surface, in one direction only, -~i2~Q9 as illustrated by the cross-sections in Figure 8 and 9. Each contact 41 has a main portion 42 with a top surface layer 43. The top surface layer is of for example, gold, gold alloy, palladium, palladium/silver alloy or other suitable material. The main portion is of a material, metal, which is compatible with the top surface layer and with the terminal material. Typical examples are copper and nickel and their alloys. There can be an intervening layer between the main portion 42 and the top surface layer 43 and this will widen the range of metals which can be used for the main portion, and for the top surface. The top surface layer may be applied in various ways, including electro-plating.
The contact material is supplied in tape form and is applied by automatic machinery which cuts off a short section, positions the cut-off section and then welds it to the terminal. The tape can be of two forms, one thin and unformed, the other thicker and having a preformed arcuate surface which forms the top surface of the contact. For the thin rectangular cross-section top the contacts are formed after welding to give the arcuate top surface. With the thicker tape, the arcuate top surface is already in being, although some forming can be done, if desired.
For the thin tape, it can be fed laterally relative to the direction of the strip 40, contact forming pieces cut off by cutting members on the machine. For the formed, thicker tape, it is fed in the same direction as the strip 40. However the thin tape can also be fed in the same direction as the strip.
Figures 10 to 15 illustrate three forms of tape. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the thinner tape 45, of rectangular cross-section. The main portion 42 and top surface layer 43 are shown. On the bottom surface 46 of the maln portion is a longitudinally extending rib or bead 47. Rib 47 makes initial contact with the terminal when the contact is being welded, the rib 1~Z4809 deforming.
Figures 12 and 13 illustrate one form of a thicker, formed tape, 48, again with main portion 42 and top surface layer 43. Also on the bottom surface 49 is a single rib or bead 50. Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a tape 55 similar to that of Figures 12 and 13 but with two ribs or beads 56 and 57.
Ribs or beads 47, 50, 56 and 57, make initial contact in the welding cycle and create a high heat zone which improve welding.
Instead of ribs or beads, the bottom surface of the tape can have other forms. The objective is to provide a roughened or irregular surface giving one or a plurality of high points which make initial contact in the welding cycle. Thus knurling, or raised dots or other formations can be used.
In all cases, the top surface 43 of a contact has a final form which is curved, convex, when viewed in a direction normal to the relative direction of movement between the terminal and the member wfth which contact is to be made. The contacts can be curved also in the direction at right angles to that defined above, but in this case, the contacts would normally be made from rectangular cross-section tape and then formed. Generally the contacts will be formed as a dome in such instances. However, formed tape can also be formed after welding, to modify the contact cross-section.
Sliding contacts create certain problems in that the mating member may have a flat leading edge. Using laminated tape can create the situation that the top surface layer could be sheared off by the mating member.
Thus by either forming the contact after welding, or giving the initial tape a desired cross-section, an arcuate surface is provided which will deflect the mating member and which will avold the possibility of the mating member meeting the contact at an interface between top surface and main 1~24809 portion. Shearing of the top surface is thus avoided. It is therefore possible to reduce the amount of precious metal needed, with considerable economies.
Claims (11)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An electrical terminal having sliding contact with another conducting member, comprising a terminal member and at least one electrical contact thereon, said contact comprising:-a main portion of electrically conductive non-precious metal;
and a surface layer of precious metal attached to said main portion;
said surface layer formed to an arcuate convex cross-section when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of said sliding contact.
and a surface layer of precious metal attached to said main portion;
said surface layer formed to an arcuate convex cross-section when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of said sliding contact.
2. A terminal as claimed in claim 1, said surface layer formed to said arcuate cross-section after attachment to said terminal member.
3. A terminal as claimed in claim 1, said surface layer preformed to said arcuate cross-section prior to attachment to said terminal member.
4. A terminal as claimed in claim 1, said contact including an intermediate layer of electrically conductive non-precious metal between said main portion and said surface layer, said intermediate layer of a different composition to that of the main portion.
5. A terminal as claimed in claim 1, said surface layer being one of gold, silver and palladium.
6. A terminal as claimed in claim 1, said main portion being one of copper, copper alloy, nickel and nickel alloy.
7. A method of forming an electrical terminal having sliding contact with another conducting member, comprising:
providing a strip of contact material, the strip having a main portion of electrically conductive non-precious metal and a surface layer of precious metal attached to said main portion;
cutting a short section from said strip, positioning said section on a terminal member and welding thereto to form a contact, said surface layer having an arcuate convex cross-section when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of said sliding contact.
providing a strip of contact material, the strip having a main portion of electrically conductive non-precious metal and a surface layer of precious metal attached to said main portion;
cutting a short section from said strip, positioning said section on a terminal member and welding thereto to form a contact, said surface layer having an arcuate convex cross-section when viewed in a direction normal to the direction of said sliding contact.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7, said strip of contact material provided with an irregular surface on said main portion, said irregular surface positioned in contact with said terminal member for initiation of the welding cycle.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, said contact material provided with at least one bead extending longitudinally of said strip, said at least one bead positioned in contact with said terminal member.
10. A method as claimed in claim 7, including the step of forming said contact after welding to said terminal member, to form said arcuate cross-section.
11. A method as claimed in claim 1, said strip having said surface layer of arcuate cross-section prior to cutting and welding, and including the step of forming said contact after welding to said terminal member, to modify said arcuate cross-section.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA352,689A CA1124809A (en) | 1980-05-26 | 1980-05-26 | Electrical terminals with laminated precious metal contacts, with sliding contact making |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA352,689A CA1124809A (en) | 1980-05-26 | 1980-05-26 | Electrical terminals with laminated precious metal contacts, with sliding contact making |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1124809A true CA1124809A (en) | 1982-06-01 |
Family
ID=4117029
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA352,689A Expired CA1124809A (en) | 1980-05-26 | 1980-05-26 | Electrical terminals with laminated precious metal contacts, with sliding contact making |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1124809A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0633625A2 (en) * | 1993-07-08 | 1995-01-11 | Framatome Connectors International | Electric socket contact for insertion into a socket housing |
| EP0697752A3 (en) * | 1994-08-19 | 1996-05-29 | Whitaker Corp | Electrical receptacle terminal |
| CN112350092A (en) * | 2019-08-08 | 2021-02-09 | 上海莫仕连接器有限公司 | Connector and terminal |
-
1980
- 1980-05-26 CA CA352,689A patent/CA1124809A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0633625A2 (en) * | 1993-07-08 | 1995-01-11 | Framatome Connectors International | Electric socket contact for insertion into a socket housing |
| EP0633625A3 (en) * | 1993-07-08 | 1996-02-14 | Framatome Connectors Int | Electric socket contact for insertion into a socket housing. |
| EP0697752A3 (en) * | 1994-08-19 | 1996-05-29 | Whitaker Corp | Electrical receptacle terminal |
| US5645458A (en) * | 1994-08-19 | 1997-07-08 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical receptacle terminal |
| CN112350092A (en) * | 2019-08-08 | 2021-02-09 | 上海莫仕连接器有限公司 | Connector and terminal |
| US11394153B2 (en) | 2019-08-08 | 2022-07-19 | Molex, Llc | Connector and terminal |
| CN112350092B (en) * | 2019-08-08 | 2023-07-18 | 上海莫仕连接器有限公司 | Connector and terminal |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |