CA1209659A - Ground plug system - Google Patents
Ground plug systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1209659A CA1209659A CA000434487A CA434487A CA1209659A CA 1209659 A CA1209659 A CA 1209659A CA 000434487 A CA000434487 A CA 000434487A CA 434487 A CA434487 A CA 434487A CA 1209659 A CA1209659 A CA 1209659A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pin
- connector
- pins
- passage
- terminal
- 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
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
- H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
- H01R13/422—Securing in resilient one-piece base or case, e.g. by friction; One-piece base or case formed with resilient locking means
Landscapes
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
GROUND PLUG SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A multiple pin electrical connector for use with appliances, by means of which an electric cord may be plugged into the appliance is provided with a low cost unitary molded plastic body having integral resilient stop means for retaining each of the electric contact pins in secured relation to the body. The pins are a simple stamping of robust construction to permit attachment of conductors thereto by welding, or by use of a push-on terminal.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A multiple pin electrical connector for use with appliances, by means of which an electric cord may be plugged into the appliance is provided with a low cost unitary molded plastic body having integral resilient stop means for retaining each of the electric contact pins in secured relation to the body. The pins are a simple stamping of robust construction to permit attachment of conductors thereto by welding, or by use of a push-on terminal.
Description
GROUND PLUG SYSTEM
This invention is directed to an electxical connector, and in particular to a plug-in connector for connecting a plug-in cord to an appliance such as a kettle.
The connection of power cords to appliances has involved a number of solutions, ranging from direct connection wherein a power cord is permanently connected to the appliance, to connectors forming a part of th~ appliance, into which the cord plug may be in~er~ed.
~ n the case of electric kettles, there has evolved a trend, for purposes of safety and electric cord replaceability, to provide electric connectors having a plurality of recessed pins, into which a cord plug may be inserted in energy connecting relation therewith~
Many such connectors have comprised ~0 elaborate housings containing complex pins formed from sheet metal by means of which electric multi-filament stranded leads may be mechanically crimped by way of claws stuck out from the pinsO
Such prior art connectors are unsuited to the use of single strand conductors that require to be welded to the connector pins, and are usually characterized by both a high unit cost, and ~y '~
~s~
complexities in connecting stranded electrical leads thereto which result in slow assembly times.
Furthermore, disassembly of the connecting pins from the connector is not readily effected without the use of specialized tools.
The pr~sent invention provides a connector utiliæing a low cost injection molded unitary body and simple, low cost pins permitting attachment of connections by welding, or using push-on terminals if so desired with standard leads.
In the preferred embodiment the connector pins are of substantially planar form having a plurality of shoulder projections extending therefrom in laterally symmetrical arrangement, so that assembly o~ the connector re~uire~ only longitudinal orientation of the pins relative to the connector body.
Thus, ~here i8 provided in a multi-pin electrical connector having a unitary body for receiving the p~ug of an electrical cord in inserted connecting relation therewith, a body housing portion, a plurality of electrical terminal pins extending in mutually parallel relation, each in secured relation within an individual passage extending through at least a portion of said body, each passage including integral resilient stop means to engage a shoulder portion of the respective pin in order to retain the pin in secured, non-withdrawable entered relation within the housing portion~
The resilient stop means comprises a cantilever spring portion having an abuttment portion thereon to engage the respective terminal pin.
The cantilever springs for the respective terminal pins are each integrally molded as part of the connector body by way of injection molding.
The subject connector may be provided with securing means for detachably securing the body thereof to an electrica~ device.
The terminal pins of the preferred embodiment are substantially planar, having a plurality of inclined edge surfaces thereon for engaging respective portions of the connector body.
In making the subject terminal pins by way of stamping from plate of suitable thickness it has been found that handling of the pins for purposes of assembly with the connector body i6 facilitated by making the pins symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the pins, so that they require to be oriented only in a longitudinal sense, and may be laterally oriented from one edge or the other.
In providing inclined edge surfaces to the pin, a laterally extending portion of the pin adja~ent lS that end of the pin which is inserted fir~t within the pa~age of the connector housing is inclined with a lead angle, to act as a divergent cam surface against the cantilevered spr.ing portion of the connector body, to wedge the spring portion ~owards an open condition, and permit the entry of the pin along the passage.
An inclined cam surface may be provided on the first contacted surface o the cantilevered spring portion, complementary to the pin cam surface, a serving, if desired, as a substitute therefore~ Upon axial displacement of the pin cam portion past the spring portion, the spring contact portion is then free to snap to a closed position whereby a buttress portion of the spring is engaged behind the laterally extending pin portion of which the cam surfaces forms a part, by means of which the pin is thus secured against inadvertant withdrawal. Provision may be made in the moulding of the connector body for recesses in the molded body permitting individual deformation of each of the cantilevered spring portions by way of a tool inserted in the respective recess, whereby the respective connector pins may be withdrawn from the connector body.
~5~
The connector pins of the preferred embodiment are of a standard length, having an inner end portion extending beyond the confines of the passage through the connector body sufficiently to gi~e access for a push-on connection terminal to be attached to the respective pin, pri~arily ~or the connection thereto of stranded leadsO
In the case of solid conductors, the mass of the pin ènd portion is sufficient for the conductor to be spot welded thereto. In the case of the centrally located grounding pin passage, entry of the pin therein is axially limited to provide greater pin protrusion into the housing recess.
Certain embodiments of the invention are lS described, reEerence being had to the acco~panying drawings, wherein;
Figure 1 is a general view o~ an electrical plug-in connector in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a general view of a connector pin;
Figur~ 3 is a general view of a connector pin in association with a push-on connection lug;
Figure 4 is a general view from beneath of the inner end of the subject connector, showing a connector pin in phantom assembly therein;
Figure 5 i3 a side elevation view sectioned to show the connector pin when partially inserted, and Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the pin in fully in~erted relation.
Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 the connector 10 has unitary moulded body 12 containing three electrical connection pins 14, 15, 16 extending forwardly into a housing recess 18 within which the plug portion of an electric lead, (not ~hown) ~ay be inserted. The body 12 has an upstanding recessed flange 20 and a pair of ears 22 for positioning within a recess in a kettle wall to hold the connector 10 in secured relation with the kettle.
The centre pin 15, being an earth or ground pin protrudes into the recess 18 to a greater extent than the other pins 14, 16.
The pins 14, 15, 16 illustrated more completely in Figures 2 and 3 extend by way of passagec 24, 25, 26 to the rear of the connector, where the inner ends 21 are accessible for making an electrical connection therewith. In the case of a solid conductor such connection may be a brazed or spot welded connection~ In the case of a stranded lead, a push-on lug 27 may be used.
lS Retention of the pins 14, 15, 16 within their respective passages 24, 25, 26 is effected by way of haad portion 37 of resilient spring portions 3~, 35, 36 integrally moulded as part of housing 12.
The head portions 37 engage in securing relation within recesses 41 of the pins 14, 15, 16, bounded by end walls 43 which are inclined at sensibly 90~ from the main axis of pin 14.
It will be seen that t~e main or polar axis of each pin 14, 15, 16 is coincident with the axis of symmetry of the pin, which extends longitudinally, having th~ recesses 41, shoulder portions 47 and cam portions 49 located symmetrically on both sides thereof. It will be understood that the necessary functions of the pins 14 may be provided by an asymmetric arrangement thereof.
An enlarged entry portion 53 having a shoulder 55, of the respective passages 24, 25, 26 receives the shoulders 47 of the pin 14, to limit the penetration of the respective pin 14 into its passage to a predetermined extent. In the case of the centre pin 15, being the ground pin, the entry portion 53 is `~
5s~9 of lesser axial extent, whereby the pin 15 is precluded from penetrating as far beyond the housing 18, as is the ca~e of pins 14, 16.
The cantilever spring portions 34, 35, 36 of the unitary moulded body 12 are provided with recesses 39 to permit the insertion therein of ~he blade of a screwdriver or the like in flexing relation to the respective spring portion 34, 35; 36 so as to displace the respective head portion 37 lateral:Ly away from the pin 14, 15 or 16 and thereby release the pin for withdrawal out of the body 12 of connector 10.
It will be understood that while the pre~erred embodiment is disclosed with reference to a kettle, that certain characteristics thereoE may be readily utilized with other installations or appliance~.
This invention is directed to an electxical connector, and in particular to a plug-in connector for connecting a plug-in cord to an appliance such as a kettle.
The connection of power cords to appliances has involved a number of solutions, ranging from direct connection wherein a power cord is permanently connected to the appliance, to connectors forming a part of th~ appliance, into which the cord plug may be in~er~ed.
~ n the case of electric kettles, there has evolved a trend, for purposes of safety and electric cord replaceability, to provide electric connectors having a plurality of recessed pins, into which a cord plug may be inserted in energy connecting relation therewith~
Many such connectors have comprised ~0 elaborate housings containing complex pins formed from sheet metal by means of which electric multi-filament stranded leads may be mechanically crimped by way of claws stuck out from the pinsO
Such prior art connectors are unsuited to the use of single strand conductors that require to be welded to the connector pins, and are usually characterized by both a high unit cost, and ~y '~
~s~
complexities in connecting stranded electrical leads thereto which result in slow assembly times.
Furthermore, disassembly of the connecting pins from the connector is not readily effected without the use of specialized tools.
The pr~sent invention provides a connector utiliæing a low cost injection molded unitary body and simple, low cost pins permitting attachment of connections by welding, or using push-on terminals if so desired with standard leads.
In the preferred embodiment the connector pins are of substantially planar form having a plurality of shoulder projections extending therefrom in laterally symmetrical arrangement, so that assembly o~ the connector re~uire~ only longitudinal orientation of the pins relative to the connector body.
Thus, ~here i8 provided in a multi-pin electrical connector having a unitary body for receiving the p~ug of an electrical cord in inserted connecting relation therewith, a body housing portion, a plurality of electrical terminal pins extending in mutually parallel relation, each in secured relation within an individual passage extending through at least a portion of said body, each passage including integral resilient stop means to engage a shoulder portion of the respective pin in order to retain the pin in secured, non-withdrawable entered relation within the housing portion~
The resilient stop means comprises a cantilever spring portion having an abuttment portion thereon to engage the respective terminal pin.
The cantilever springs for the respective terminal pins are each integrally molded as part of the connector body by way of injection molding.
The subject connector may be provided with securing means for detachably securing the body thereof to an electrica~ device.
The terminal pins of the preferred embodiment are substantially planar, having a plurality of inclined edge surfaces thereon for engaging respective portions of the connector body.
In making the subject terminal pins by way of stamping from plate of suitable thickness it has been found that handling of the pins for purposes of assembly with the connector body i6 facilitated by making the pins symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the pins, so that they require to be oriented only in a longitudinal sense, and may be laterally oriented from one edge or the other.
In providing inclined edge surfaces to the pin, a laterally extending portion of the pin adja~ent lS that end of the pin which is inserted fir~t within the pa~age of the connector housing is inclined with a lead angle, to act as a divergent cam surface against the cantilevered spr.ing portion of the connector body, to wedge the spring portion ~owards an open condition, and permit the entry of the pin along the passage.
An inclined cam surface may be provided on the first contacted surface o the cantilevered spring portion, complementary to the pin cam surface, a serving, if desired, as a substitute therefore~ Upon axial displacement of the pin cam portion past the spring portion, the spring contact portion is then free to snap to a closed position whereby a buttress portion of the spring is engaged behind the laterally extending pin portion of which the cam surfaces forms a part, by means of which the pin is thus secured against inadvertant withdrawal. Provision may be made in the moulding of the connector body for recesses in the molded body permitting individual deformation of each of the cantilevered spring portions by way of a tool inserted in the respective recess, whereby the respective connector pins may be withdrawn from the connector body.
~5~
The connector pins of the preferred embodiment are of a standard length, having an inner end portion extending beyond the confines of the passage through the connector body sufficiently to gi~e access for a push-on connection terminal to be attached to the respective pin, pri~arily ~or the connection thereto of stranded leadsO
In the case of solid conductors, the mass of the pin ènd portion is sufficient for the conductor to be spot welded thereto. In the case of the centrally located grounding pin passage, entry of the pin therein is axially limited to provide greater pin protrusion into the housing recess.
Certain embodiments of the invention are lS described, reEerence being had to the acco~panying drawings, wherein;
Figure 1 is a general view o~ an electrical plug-in connector in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a general view of a connector pin;
Figur~ 3 is a general view of a connector pin in association with a push-on connection lug;
Figure 4 is a general view from beneath of the inner end of the subject connector, showing a connector pin in phantom assembly therein;
Figure 5 i3 a side elevation view sectioned to show the connector pin when partially inserted, and Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the pin in fully in~erted relation.
Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 the connector 10 has unitary moulded body 12 containing three electrical connection pins 14, 15, 16 extending forwardly into a housing recess 18 within which the plug portion of an electric lead, (not ~hown) ~ay be inserted. The body 12 has an upstanding recessed flange 20 and a pair of ears 22 for positioning within a recess in a kettle wall to hold the connector 10 in secured relation with the kettle.
The centre pin 15, being an earth or ground pin protrudes into the recess 18 to a greater extent than the other pins 14, 16.
The pins 14, 15, 16 illustrated more completely in Figures 2 and 3 extend by way of passagec 24, 25, 26 to the rear of the connector, where the inner ends 21 are accessible for making an electrical connection therewith. In the case of a solid conductor such connection may be a brazed or spot welded connection~ In the case of a stranded lead, a push-on lug 27 may be used.
lS Retention of the pins 14, 15, 16 within their respective passages 24, 25, 26 is effected by way of haad portion 37 of resilient spring portions 3~, 35, 36 integrally moulded as part of housing 12.
The head portions 37 engage in securing relation within recesses 41 of the pins 14, 15, 16, bounded by end walls 43 which are inclined at sensibly 90~ from the main axis of pin 14.
It will be seen that t~e main or polar axis of each pin 14, 15, 16 is coincident with the axis of symmetry of the pin, which extends longitudinally, having th~ recesses 41, shoulder portions 47 and cam portions 49 located symmetrically on both sides thereof. It will be understood that the necessary functions of the pins 14 may be provided by an asymmetric arrangement thereof.
An enlarged entry portion 53 having a shoulder 55, of the respective passages 24, 25, 26 receives the shoulders 47 of the pin 14, to limit the penetration of the respective pin 14 into its passage to a predetermined extent. In the case of the centre pin 15, being the ground pin, the entry portion 53 is `~
5s~9 of lesser axial extent, whereby the pin 15 is precluded from penetrating as far beyond the housing 18, as is the ca~e of pins 14, 16.
The cantilever spring portions 34, 35, 36 of the unitary moulded body 12 are provided with recesses 39 to permit the insertion therein of ~he blade of a screwdriver or the like in flexing relation to the respective spring portion 34, 35; 36 so as to displace the respective head portion 37 lateral:Ly away from the pin 14, 15 or 16 and thereby release the pin for withdrawal out of the body 12 of connector 10.
It will be understood that while the pre~erred embodiment is disclosed with reference to a kettle, that certain characteristics thereoE may be readily utilized with other installations or appliance~.
Claims (12)
1. In a multi-pin electrical connector having a molded unitary body for receiving a plug connector in entered relation within a housing portion of the body, a plurality of substantially planar electrical terminal pins extending in mutually parallel relation within the housing, each terminal pin being secured in a passage extending through said body, each said passage including integral resilient stop means to engage an edge surface portion of a said pin, to retain said pin within said housing portion, said resilient stop means being accessible from without the connector to permit, in use, the release of a selected said terminal pin for withdrawal from the connector.
2. The connector as claimed in claim 1, said resilient stop means including a spring portion having an abuttment portion thereon to engage said terminal pin.
3. The connector as claimed in claim 1, including securing means for detachably securing said body to an electrical device.
4. The connector as claimed in claim 1, said pins being of solid plate each having a plurality of inclined edge surfaces thereon.
5. The connector as claimed in claim 4, each said terminal pin having an axis of symmetry coincidental with the longitudinal axis of the pin, in relation to variations in the width of the pin, to permit axial insertion of the pin in either one of two edge related orientations.
6. The connector as claimed in claim 1, each said pin and said resilient stop means having cooperating surfaces providing a cam portion for displacing said resilient stop means, to permit entry of said shoulder portion of said pin therepast.
7. The connector as claimed in claim 4, each said terminal pin inclined edge surfaces including a laterally extending abuttment to engage a recess wall in a said passage, to thereby limit entry of said pin within said passage to a predetermined extent.
8. The connector as claimed in claim 1 having three said pins, said resilient stop means being individually accessible from without the connector for selective displacement away from a respective said pin, to release said shoulder portion and permit withdrawal of said pin from said passage.
9. The connector as claimed in claim 1, claim 4 or claim 8, said terminal pins each having an end portion thereof extending in projecting relation beyond said connector body to receive a push-on terminal in attached relation thereto.
10. The connector as claimed in claim 1, claim 4 or claim 8, said terminal pins each being of plate construction and having an end portion thereof projecting beyond said passage, for attachment of a solid conductor thereto by welded connection therewith.
11. The connector as claimed in claim 1, said pin passages in said connector body each having an enlarged entry thereto terminating at an internal shoulder, to engage a shoulder portion of a said pin in abutting relation thereagainst to limit entry of the pin within the passage to a predetermined extent.
12. The connector as claimed in claim 11, having a central earthing pin passage limiting entry of a said pin therein to a greater extent than for other ones of said passages, whereby said pin protrudes forwardly of the flanking pins thereto, to provide in use a preliminary earthing contact, during connection with the connector.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000434487A CA1209659A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1983-08-12 | Ground plug system |
| GB08418552A GB2144929A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1984-07-20 | Multi-pin electrical connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000434487A CA1209659A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1983-08-12 | Ground plug system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1209659A true CA1209659A (en) | 1986-08-12 |
Family
ID=4125855
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000434487A Expired CA1209659A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1983-08-12 | Ground plug system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1209659A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2144929A (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH056692U (en) * | 1991-07-01 | 1993-01-29 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | connector |
| GB2271890A (en) * | 1992-09-17 | 1994-04-27 | Gem Machinery Industry Company | Three-pole electrical plug |
| AU2844692A (en) * | 1992-11-17 | 1994-06-02 | Gem Machinery Industry Company Limited | A three-pole plug |
| US6113438A (en) * | 1999-06-16 | 2000-09-05 | Molex Incorporated | Electrical connector and method of assembling same |
| MX2008014090A (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2009-02-04 | Multi Holding Ag | Plug connector. |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS52134681U (en) * | 1976-04-05 | 1977-10-13 | ||
| DE2707254C2 (en) * | 1977-02-19 | 1983-01-05 | Cannon Electric Gmbh, 7056 Weinstadt | Electric clutch |
| EP0052540A3 (en) * | 1980-11-14 | 1982-06-09 | The Bendix Corporation | Molded plastic connector |
| US4387944A (en) * | 1981-06-30 | 1983-06-14 | The Bendix Corporation | Electrical connector insert |
| US4406507A (en) * | 1981-06-30 | 1983-09-27 | The Bendix Corporation | Electrical connector insert |
-
1983
- 1983-08-12 CA CA000434487A patent/CA1209659A/en not_active Expired
-
1984
- 1984-07-20 GB GB08418552A patent/GB2144929A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8418552D0 (en) | 1984-08-22 |
| GB2144929A (en) | 1985-03-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |