CA2229817C - Contact block having snap in features - Google Patents

Contact block having snap in features Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2229817C
CA2229817C CA002229817A CA2229817A CA2229817C CA 2229817 C CA2229817 C CA 2229817C CA 002229817 A CA002229817 A CA 002229817A CA 2229817 A CA2229817 A CA 2229817A CA 2229817 C CA2229817 C CA 2229817C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
contact
contact block
electrical
edge
electrical device
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 - Fee Related
Application number
CA002229817A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Barbara A. Ruth
Aaron P. Clark
Micheal M. Austin
Raymond J. Kleinert
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Motorola Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Motorola Inc filed Critical Motorola Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2229817C publication Critical patent/CA2229817C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/213Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/58Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation characterised by the form or material of the contacting members
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/50Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02Contact members
    • H01R13/22Contacts for co-operating by abutting
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10Energy storage using batteries

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)

Abstract

A contact block (10) is provided with a first ledge (34) and a second ledge (38) that deflectably engage a first edge (46) and a second edge (48) of an opening (44) in the housing (42) of an electrical device. The contact block (10) mechanically supports at least one electrical contact (14) to provide a contact surface (18) whereby the first electrical device (40) may be electrically interconnected with a second electrical device (60). The contact block (10) is snapped into place during assembly until it is secured during a final assembly operation.

Description

-W O 97/08777 PCT~US96/13442 CONTACT BLOCK HAVING SNAP IN FEATURES

Technical Field This invention relates in general to connectors for electrical devices, and more particularly to contact blocks for supporting electrical contacts used for electrically interconnecting electrical devices.

Background Electronic and electrical devices are being made for an increasing number of applications. Cellular phones, palm top computers, scanners, power tools, and digital cameras are but a few examples. Many of these devices must electrically interconnect with another device, typically at least a battery pack and a battery charger. The electrical connections required to successfully mate two devices must be mechanically supported to ensure sufficient pressure between the device connectors.
There are a large number of connector styles currently being marketed. These can all be lumped into one of three categories: pin, card edge, and surface. The pin type connectors comprise variations of the male-female type connector in which a pin shaped conductor offered by a first device is received in a corresponding socket of a second device. The card edge type connectors are typically found in computer systems applications where a sub-system board is added to a larger system.
~onductor traces or runners are deposited on circuit boards at the edge of the board and are connected to the circuit of the board. These edges are received in a corresponding socket when the board is installed. Surface type connectors rely on pressing two generally flat conductor surfaces together to make the connection. This type is the most versatile and has a wide variety of embodiments.
Of the three, the surface type is most suited for rugged applications.
Pin type connectors work well in applications where the equipment is generally stationary during operation, such as power cords or computer cables. If they experience rough treatment it's likely that the pins will shear off, and disable the equipment. Edge type connectors are intended for an even more lasting connection. Once a board is installed it is typically a period of months, and likely years before it is removed. These type of connectors do not bear repeated installation and removal because it wears down the conductor on the board edge. Surface type connectors however W O 97/08777 PCT~US96/13442 offer a durable and rugged alternative. Many systems take advantage of this type of connector including, but not limited to, telephone jacks, automotive connectors, and battery packs.
The typical surface contact is a flat conductor mechanically supported by an electrically insulative material such as plastic. In many applications there are numerous electrical connections that need to be made between two electrical devices, and care must be taken to ensure proper alignment. One common way of providing alignment of contacts between two devices is to employ a connector or contact block. The 10 contacts are embedded in a block of, for example, plastic, leaving the contact surface exposed on a portion of the block.
However, while the contact block approach has solved the problem of alignment between adjacent contacts, problems during assembly have come to light. A significant drawback to the contact block approach is the 15 time needed for assembly of a device incorporating one. Care must be taken to insure that the block stays in place while the various device component are assembled until the block can be secured. Therefore there exists a need to provide a contact block with a means to secure it's position during assembly until the block can be secured in place.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspectiye view of a contact block in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a battery pack in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of a contact block assembled into the housing of an electrical device in accordance with the invention; and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a contact block in accordance with the invention.
Detailed Description of the Prefelled Embodiment While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the t invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following 3~ description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
Referring now to FIG. 1, where there is illustrated therein a perspective view of a contact block 10 in accordance with the instant W O 97/08777 PCT~US96/13442 invention. The contact block has a body 12 which is fabricated from an electrically insulative material such as, for example, plastic. At least one electrical contact 14 is disposed in the body 12, and has a first contact surface 16 and a second contact surface 18. The electrical contact is fabricated from an electrically conductive material, and is preferably a metal insert molded into the body 12. In many cases, at least two electrical contacts will be required, and when two or more are present, they are preferably recessed slightly into the body 12 so that ridges 15 separate the electrical contacts.
The purpose of recessing the electrical contacts is to reduce the risk of 1 0 shorting the contacts together, such as by a coin or keys.
In general, the body 12 has six surfaces such as top 20, bottom 22, front 24, back 26, and two opposing sides 27 and 28. The first contact surface 16 may be located, for example, on top 20, and the second contact surface on another surface such as front 24. It is contemplated that a third contact 1 5 surface 30 may be used in some cases, and as such, the third contact surface30 could be located on the bottom 22 of the body. In all instances where a contact surface is located on a surface of the body, the contact surface and the body surface are generally co-planar.
Where two surfaces come together, an edge is defined. Top 20 and front 24 define a first edge 32, which has a first ledge 34 formed along the length of the first edge. It is contemplated that the first ledge need not be formed along the entire length of the first edge, but should be formed along at least a portion of the first edge. Similarly, a second edge 36 is defined where bottom 22 and back 26 rr~eet, and a second ledge 38 is formed along second edge 36.
To illustrate how contact block 10 functions in an electrical device, FIG. 2 shows the incorporation of the contact block into a battery pack 40.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated therein generally an exploded view of a battery pack 40. The battery pack comprises housing 42 which is preferably molded plastic, and is somewhat resilient. An opening 44 is formed in the housing, and has a first edge 46 and a second edge 48. Both edges of the opening 44 are chamfered to facilitate assembly, as will be described below.
Contact block 10 is shown connected to an electrical circuit 50, which in the case of a battery pack, includes at least one battery cell 52. The circuit components 54 may be carried on a flexible circuit board 56. In other cases the circuit board 56 may be a more typical rigid board, but it is preferred thatthe connection between the board and contact block be a flexible carrier, the W O 97/08777 PCT~US96/1344t carrier being connected to the first contact surface(s) shown in FIG. 1. This will facilitate assembly.
Upon assembly, the circuit portion comprising contact block 10, electrical circuit 50, and battery cell(s) 52, is placed into housing 42. The contact block is snapped into place in opening 44 by engaging the front 24 of the contact block with the first edge of the opening, and the bottom 22 of the contact block with second edge of the opening. A small amount of force applied to the contact block is transmitted to the edges of the opening, causing them to deflect slightly, until first ledge 34 and second ledge 38 1 0 become engaged with first edge 46 and second edge 48, respectively. This produces both audible and tactile feed back; a snap can be heard and felt by someone assembling the device. When assembled, contact surface 18 is accessible through opening 44. By snapping the contact block into place, it is held throughout the assembly process. The battery pack 40, or similar 1 5 electrical device, can be manipulated without moving the contact block out of it's position. In practice this significantly improves assembly time of an electrical device, such as battery pack 40. Once the circuit portion is in place, and contact block 10 is engaged, cover 58 is attached to housing 42 by, for example, ultrasonic welding. The final position of the cover is such that it locks the contact block in place, and thereby prevents unintentional disengagement of the contact block from the housing.
FIG 3 shows the final assembly in more detail. Referring now to FIG.
3, where there is illustrated therein a side cutaway view of contact block 10 assembled into housing 42. From this view the engagement of first ledge 34 and second ledge 38 of the contact block with first edge 46 and second edge 48 of the opening of the housing can be seen. The first contact surface 16 is connected to circuit board or carrier 56, thereby allowing an electrical interconnection through exposed contact surface 18 with a second electrical device 60 when moved in the direction of arrow 62. The second electrical device could be, for example, a charger. In some cases, a third electrical device 64 may be simultaneously connected by contacting contact surface 66 of the third electrical device with a third contact surface 68 of contact 14 on the bottom 22 of the contact block 10. The third electrical device could be, forexample, a cellular phone. It is quite common for the exemplary devices 3~ given, i.e. a battery pack, charger, and cellular phone, to be simultaneously interconnected. It should be appreciated however that the invention may be practiced in a wide variety of such devices.

W O 97/08777 PCTrUS96/13442 FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate preferred embodiment of contact block 10. As shown in FIG. 4, electrical contact 14 is configured such that a tab of the conducting material extends from the back 26 of the body 12. This leaves the first contact surface 16 exposed at a position behind the body instead of 5 on the top 20. This provides a location for connecting to a circuit board, as in FIG. 2. However, the back surface of the body acts as a guide to align the circuit board during assembly.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited.
10 Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

Claims (10)

Claims
1. A contact block for electrically interconnecting a first electrical device with a second electrical device, said first electrical device having an electrical circuit and a housing, a opening having first and second edges formed in said housing, said contact block comprising:
a body having a top, bottom, front, back and two opposing sides, said top defining a first edge along said front, said bottom defining a second edge along said back, said body fabricated of an electrically insulative material;
at least one electrical contact disposed in said body of said contact block, and having a first contact surface for electrically connecting with said electrical circuit of said first electrical device, and a second contact surfacefor electrically connecting with said second electrical device;
a first ledge formed along at least a portion of said first edge of said body for deflectably engaging said first edge of said opening in said housing;
and a second ledge formed along at least a portion of said second edge of said body for deflectably engaging said second edge of said opening formed in said housing.
2. A contact block as defined in, claim 1, wherein said at least one electrical contact further comprises a third surface disposed on said bottom of said body for electrically interconnecting said first electrical device with a third electrical device.
3. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one electrical contact is at least two electrical contacts.
4. A contact block as defined in claim 3, wherein said second surfaces of said at least two electrical contacts are recessed in said body.
5. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said first ledge extends along all of said first edge of said body.
6. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said second ledge extends along all of said second edge of said contact body.
7. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said first contact surface of said at least one electrical contact is disposed on said top of said body.
8. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said first contact surface extends from said back of said body.
9. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said first electrical device is a battery pack.
10. A contact block as defined in claim 1, wherein said contact block produces both audible and tactile feed back when asembled into said first electronic device.
CA002229817A 1995-08-28 1996-08-20 Contact block having snap in features Expired - Fee Related CA2229817C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/520,359 1995-08-28
US08/520,359 US5626980A (en) 1995-08-28 1995-08-28 Contact block in a battery pack having snap in features
PCT/US1996/013442 WO1997008777A1 (en) 1995-08-28 1996-08-20 Contact block having snap in features

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2229817C true CA2229817C (en) 2001-01-02

Family

ID=24072262

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002229817A Expired - Fee Related CA2229817C (en) 1995-08-28 1996-08-20 Contact block having snap in features

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US5626980A (en)
EP (1) EP0847602B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3294279B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100311700B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1096721C (en)
CA (1) CA2229817C (en)
DE (1) DE69620893T2 (en)
WO (1) WO1997008777A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5850078A (en) * 1996-01-16 1998-12-15 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Simplified assembly and automatic testing of components in electro-optical systems for reading coded indicia
US5786106A (en) * 1996-06-24 1998-07-28 Armani; Shane Battery pack with interchangeable tag-along supplemental feature cartridge particularly for cellular telephones
US5770330A (en) * 1996-10-24 1998-06-23 Motorola, Inc. Battery package with multiple surface charging contacts
JP3454748B2 (en) * 1999-02-26 2003-10-06 三洋電機株式会社 Battery pack
US6171138B1 (en) * 2000-01-28 2001-01-09 Motorola, Inc. Electrical connector for removable components
JP2003324783A (en) * 2002-05-02 2003-11-14 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Plug-in arrangement structure and portable device
KR100468318B1 (en) * 2002-11-21 2005-01-27 (주)대호하이텍 Method for manufacturing cellular-phone battery terminal contact and cellular-phone battery terminal contact assembly having coupling structure of terminal contact and spacer
DE102004003217A1 (en) * 2004-01-22 2005-08-11 Braun Gmbh Electrical device with battery and connecting part connected to electric circuit designed for electric toothbrush

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5766864U (en) * 1980-10-08 1982-04-21
US4576430A (en) * 1984-05-30 1986-03-18 Dufresne Raymond A Snap cable clamp apparatus for battery terminals
US4655524A (en) * 1985-01-07 1987-04-07 Rogers Corporation Solderless connection apparatus
DE69114748T2 (en) * 1990-04-02 1996-06-05 Whitaker Corp Connectors mounted on a surface.
IT220654Z2 (en) * 1990-10-30 1993-10-08 Marelli Autronica CONNECTOR FOR A CONTROL UNIT OF A FUNCTION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
US5180644A (en) * 1992-03-09 1993-01-19 Motorola, Inc. Weldless battery pack
US5183404A (en) * 1992-04-08 1993-02-02 Megahertz Corporation Systems for connection of physical/electrical media connectors to computer communications cards
US5415570A (en) * 1992-12-28 1995-05-16 At&T Corp. Modular connector with contacts associated with more than one surface
US5421745A (en) * 1994-01-03 1995-06-06 Motorola, Inc. Contact array

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR19990044258A (en) 1999-06-25
WO1997008777A1 (en) 1997-03-06
JPH11512228A (en) 1999-10-19
EP0847602A1 (en) 1998-06-17
DE69620893D1 (en) 2002-05-29
JP3294279B2 (en) 2002-06-24
CN1096721C (en) 2002-12-18
DE69620893T2 (en) 2002-10-10
KR100311700B1 (en) 2001-12-17
EP0847602A4 (en) 1998-11-18
CN1194729A (en) 1998-09-30
EP0847602B1 (en) 2002-04-24
US5626980A (en) 1997-05-06

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