CA2892779C - Electronic device socket - Google Patents
Electronic device socket Download PDFInfo
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- CA2892779C CA2892779C CA2892779A CA2892779A CA2892779C CA 2892779 C CA2892779 C CA 2892779C CA 2892779 A CA2892779 A CA 2892779A CA 2892779 A CA2892779 A CA 2892779A CA 2892779 C CA2892779 C CA 2892779C
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- socket
- electronic device
- contact member
- contact point
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Abstract
An electronic device socket is mounted on a printed circuit board. The socket has a frame and a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting, electrically conductive contact members. The socket is constructed and arranged for receiving and securing an electronic device thereto. The electronic device includes a frame having a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots in registry with and capable of receiving the contact members therein for securing the electronic device to the socket. Each receiving slot has an electrically conductive surface mount for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and printed circuit board. Each contact member has a serrated contact point that increases friction between the contact member and the electronic device and increases the retention of the electronic device within the socket.
Description
ELECTRONIC DEVICE SOCKET
Field [01] The following relates generally to an electronic device mount, and more particularly to an electronic device socket especially suited for mounting a pluggable electronic device on a printed circuit board.
Background
Field [01] The following relates generally to an electronic device mount, and more particularly to an electronic device socket especially suited for mounting a pluggable electronic device on a printed circuit board.
Background
[02] In the computer chip industry, there are several methods used to mount an electronic device, such as a semiconductor device, to a printed circuit board.
One such method is by mounting the electronic device in a device socket which is soldered onto the printed circuit board. Pursuant to the teachings of this method, the socket includes a plurality of contact members which are resiliently engageable with the electronic device.
More particularly, the electronic device has a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots (castellations) aligned with the contact members of the device socket for receiving the contact members therein. Each of the contact members resiliently engages the device for securing the electronic device to the device socket and for providing electrical continuity between the electronic device, device socket and printed circuit board.
One such method is by mounting the electronic device in a device socket which is soldered onto the printed circuit board. Pursuant to the teachings of this method, the socket includes a plurality of contact members which are resiliently engageable with the electronic device.
More particularly, the electronic device has a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots (castellations) aligned with the contact members of the device socket for receiving the contact members therein. Each of the contact members resiliently engages the device for securing the electronic device to the device socket and for providing electrical continuity between the electronic device, device socket and printed circuit board.
[03] One disadvantage associated with this method is that the electronic device may "pop-out" of the device socket if it is not physically restrained with sufficient contact spring force, a clip or other retention mechanism. This is particularly true for electronic devices that are substantially heavy. The weight and the center of mass of an electronic device can cause it to fall out of the device socket, particularly when mounted in a vertical or inverted orientation. In addition, vibration and thermal cycling can also cause gradual loosening of the devices from the socket contacts. Accordingly, there is presently a need for a mounting system which more securely retains an electronic device to a printed circuit board without the need for external retention clips.
Summary
Summary
[04] In one embodiment, there is provided: an electronic device mounting system which may improve the electrical contact between the electronic device and the device socket;
the provision of such a mounting system which may provide increased frictional contact between the device socket and the electronic device; the provision of such a mounting system which may make it easy to replace an electronic device on a printed circuit board;
and the provision of such a mounting system which may be easy to install.
the provision of such a mounting system which may provide increased frictional contact between the device socket and the electronic device; the provision of such a mounting system which may make it easy to replace an electronic device on a printed circuit board;
and the provision of such a mounting system which may be easy to install.
[05] In general, the electronic device socket of one embodiment is mounted (e.g., by soldering) on a printed circuit board. The socket has a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, and a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame and resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of its respective surface. Each contact member is constructed of electrically conductive material and has an inwardly extending contact point.
The socket is configured and arranged to receive an electronic device, such as a semiconductor device.
The electronic device has outwardly facing surfaces adapted to face the inwardly facing surfaces of the device socket when placing the device within the opening of the socket, and =
a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots in registry with and capable of receiving the contact members therein for securing the device to the socket. Each receiving slot has an electrically conductive surface mount for providing electrical connection between the device, device socket and printed circuit board when the contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive surface mount of its respective receiving slot.
The socket is configured and arranged to receive an electronic device, such as a semiconductor device.
The electronic device has outwardly facing surfaces adapted to face the inwardly facing surfaces of the device socket when placing the device within the opening of the socket, and =
a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots in registry with and capable of receiving the contact members therein for securing the device to the socket. Each receiving slot has an electrically conductive surface mount for providing electrical connection between the device, device socket and printed circuit board when the contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive surface mount of its respective receiving slot.
[06] The socket can be provided to a user without a device mounted thereto.
This allows a user to mount an electronic device onto a printed circuit board to which the socket is secured. Alternatively, the socket can be provided to a user with a device mounted thereto.
The socket and device can be incorporated in a fully formed electronic device.
This allows a user to mount an electronic device onto a printed circuit board to which the socket is secured. Alternatively, the socket can be provided to a user with a device mounted thereto.
The socket and device can be incorporated in a fully formed electronic device.
[07] To allow the electronic device socket to support heavier devices, the contact member may have a textured surface on its contact point. Preferably, the textured surface is a serrated surface. The textured surface or serrations increase the frictional engagement of the contact member with the device mounted in the socket. The textured surface or serrations may be cut into or superposed on a rounded surface of the contact point.
[08] In one embodiment, each individual contact point has a textured surface or serrations. In other embodiments, selective location of the serrated contact points allows the manufacturer to adjust and optimize insertion and removal force for the socket. For example, in one embodiment, a textured surface or serrations are provided on alternating contact points. In yet another embodiment, a textured surface or serrations are provided =
' T054 P02804-US
, , only on contact points that engage the corner surface contacts of the electronic device.
Other configurations are also possible.
' T054 P02804-US
, , only on contact points that engage the corner surface contacts of the electronic device.
Other configurations are also possible.
[09] According to one embodiment, there is provided a socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots, each receiving slot having an electrically conductive surface mount, said socket comprising: a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket; a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame and resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of its respective surface, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material and having a leg with a base and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point; wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and a printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive surface mount of its respective receiving slot; wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical connection between said contact member and surface mount; and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation.
In some embodiments, the textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated surface, said serrated surface having at least one peak extending inwardly to engage the electronic device received in said opening. In some embodiments, the serrated surface of said contact point is defined by notches defined on a rounded surface. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive surface mount of each receiving slot is flat or concave. In some embodiments, on each of said contact members, said contact , point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation. In some embodiments, on alternating contact members, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each contact member between said alternating contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface. In some embodiments, on contact members adjacent to corners of the frame, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each of the other contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface.
110] According to another embodiment, there is provided an electrically conductive contact member for an electronic device socket comprising: a base portion; an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, said leg portion having a terminal end, said terminal end being resiliently movable; and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point on said terminal end of said leg portion, said contact point tapering from the terminal end of the leg portion in a widthwise dimensions to a narrowed end, said contact point having a plurality of contact serrations for increasing frictional engagement with a corresponding surface contact.
[11] According to another embodiment, there is provided a socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive contact surface, said socket comprising: a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket;
a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered , contact point; wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive contact surface of its respective receiving slot;
wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said contact surface; and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface of said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation; wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface. In some embodiments, said serrated surface of said contact point is defined by notches defined on a rounded surface. In some embodiments, said socket is capable of mounting an electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots, each receiving slot having an electrically conductive surface mount, said electrically conductive surface mount of each receiving slot being flat or concave. In some embodiments, on alternating contact members, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each contact member between said alternating contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface. In some embodiments, said plurality of contact members comprises contact members adjacent to corners of the frame and contact members in middle portions of the frame, wherein, on contact members adjacent to corners of the frame, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on contact members in middle portions of the frame, said contact point does not have a serrated surface.
[12] According to another embodiment, there is provided an electrically conductive contact member for an electronic device socket comprising: a base portion; an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, said leg portion having a terminal end, said terminal end being resiliently movable; and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point on said terminal end of said leg portion, said contact point tapering from the terminal end of the leg portion in a widthwise dimensions to a narrowed end, said contact point having a plurality of contact serrations for increasing sliding frictional engagement with a corresponding surface contact, said contact serrations further comprising at least two distinct horizontally extending serrated teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into a contact surface of said electrically conductive surface mount, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
[13] According to another embodiment, there is provided a socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart concave receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each concave receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive concave contact surface, said socket comprising: a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket; a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered contact point; wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart concave receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive, concave contact surface of its respective receiving slot; wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said concave contact surface; and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation; wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said concave contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said concave contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
[14] Other objects, features and advantages of certain embodiments shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.
Description of the Drawings [15] In the drawings:
[16] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the socket and an electronic device;
[17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device socket taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[18] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a contact member of the socket;
[19] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a larger electronic device mounted in the device socket;
[20] Fig. 5 is a magnified view of the contact area encircled in Fig. 4;
[21] Fig. 6 is a further magnified view of the serrated contact point encircled in Fig. 5;
[22] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment having contact members that alternate between serrated contact points and non-serrated contact points along one side of the frame opening; and [23] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of still another exemplary embodiment having serrated contact points towards the corners of the socket frame.
[24] Description of the Preferred Embodiments:
[25] Referring now to the drawings, the electronic device socket system of one embodiment is illustrated and generally indicated at 10 in Figs. 1-6. The socket system 10 includes a socket 16 which is capable of mounting an electronic device 18 on a printed circuit board (not shown). The electronic device 18 may be a semiconductor device, other computer device, a vision device, or any another pluggable electronic device.
As will hereinafter be more fully described, the instant electronic device socket 16 provides both electrical and frictional engagement between the device socket 16 and the device 18.
[26] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device socket 16 comprises a rectangular (or square) frame 22 fabricated from insulating (nonconductive) material, such as plastic or ceramic material. The frame 22 has four rail members 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d having respective inwardly facing surfaces 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d which together define a rectangular (or square) opening 28. It should be noted that while the socket 16 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular or square configuration, any one of a variety of socket shapes is contemplated. For example, the socket 16 could easily comprise a circular, octagonal or other shape suitable for receiving standard or custom shaped electronic devices 18.
[27] Turning back to Figs. 1 and 2, a plurality of vertically disposed, relatively thin, notches 30 are formed in the inwardly facing surfaces 26a-26d of the frame 22.
Each notch 30 receives an inwardly projecting contact member generally indicated at 32 suitably mounted on the frame 22 and resiliently moveable along a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of its respective surface 26a-26d. As illustrated throughout the drawings, there are provided a plurality (e.g., nine) contact members 32 on the long rail members 24b, 24d of the frame 22 and a plurality (e.g., seven) contact members 32 on the short rail members 24a, 24c of the frame 22. It should be understood that any number of contact members 32 may be provided and fall within the scope of the present invention. Each contact member 32 is constructed of electrically conductive material, such as beryllium copper or any conductive material which is gold plated, non-plated, or with any type of plating.
[28] FIGS. 2 and 3 better illustrate the attachment of the contact members 32 to the frame 22 of the device socket 16 and the construction of each contact member 32. As illustrated in FIG. 2, there are vertically oriented cavities 34 formed in the underside of the frame 22 which receive upwardly extending extensions 36 of the contact members 32 for attaching the contact members 32 to the frame 22. More specifically, for each contact member 32, the extension 36 is formed with a tapered head 38 which has an interference fit with the frame 22 when inserting the head 38 of the extension into the bore 34.
Referring to FIG. 3, each contact member 32 also includes an inverted U-shaped contact spring 40 wherein an inner leg 42 of the contact spring 40 is disposed within the notch 30 of the frame 22 for providing lateral stability to the contact member 32 and an outer leg 44 of the portion which extends inwardly within the opening 28 of the frame 22. The outer leg 44 is resiliently attached to the inner leg 42 so that it can resiliently move along the aforementioned plane in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the plane of its respective surface 26a-26d. Each outer leg 44 has a tapered contact point 46 which is best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6. The contact point 46 ensures that electrical connection is made between the contact member 32 and the device 18. More specifically, the contact point 46 is formed to taper from the base of the leg 44 in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed, rounded end. Additionally, the tapered contact point 46 is provided with textured, i.e.
serrated formations 46a that significantly improve the frictional engagement of the contact point 46 with the device 18. The importance of this particular construction will become apparent as the description of the mounting socket 16 continues.
[29] Turning back to FIG. 1, the electronic device 18 comprises a rectangular (or square) frame 48 having a rectangular base portion 50 and a top wall 52 which overlies the base portion 50. Like the frame 22 of the device socket 16, the electronic device frame 48 is fabricated from insulating (nonconductive) material, such as plastic or ceramic material. The base portion 50 has four outwardly facing surfaces 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d which are adapted to face the inwardly facing surfaces 26a-26d of the device socket 16 when placing the device 18 within the opening 28 of the socket 16.
[30] As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the base portion 50 of the electronic device 18 has a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots 60 (castellations) in registry with and capable of receiving the contact members 32 therein when the device 18 is placed within the opening 28 of the socket 16. Electrically conductive surface mounts 64 are housed within the slots 60 so that when the device 18 is placed in the socket 16, the surface mounts 64 engage the tapered contact points 46 of the contact members 32 of the socket 16 for releasably securing the device 18 to the socket 16 and for providing electrical continuity between the device's electrical components and the printed circuit board 14. When all of the tapered contact points 46 of the contact members 32 are in engagement with their respective surface mounts 64, the device 18 is secured in place with respect to the socket 16 and can only be removed therefrom by applying a substantial axial removal force on the device 18.
The reason for the strong securement of the device 18 to the socket 16 is because each contact point 46 is in resilient frictional engagement with its respective surface mount 64.
The contact serrations 46a provide improved frictional engagement of the contact member 32 with the electronic device 18, as described in more detail below. As with the contact members 32, the surface mounts 64 are preferably fabricated from metal (e.g., beryllium copper) and are plated (e.g., with gold).
[31] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the surface mounts 64 of the electronic device have concave surfaces especially suited for engaging the tapered contact points 46 of the contact members 32. The concave-shaped surfaces of each surface mount 64 assist in securing the device 18 to the device socket 16 thereby reducing the likelihood of the device 18 from "popping-out" of the socket 16. The resilient nature of the outer leg 44 of each contact member 32 provides a suitable engaging force for securing the electronic device 18 to the socket 16. An additional benefit of having tapered contact points 46 is that they will engage mounts 64 having varying surface radii or surface mounts 64 having a relatively planar surface.
[32] In assembly, the electronic device 18 is inserted into the opening 28 of the device socket 16 in such a manner that the contact members 32 resiliently engage the electrically conductive surface mounts 64 for securing the device 18 to the socket 16.
Thus, electrical continuity is established between the electrical components of the device and the printed circuit board 14.
[33] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a larger, heavier electronic device 100 is shown mounted in the device socket 16. FIG. 4 shows the device 100 having a base 110 mounted within the socket 16. The device 100 extends vertically above the upper surface of the rail members 24a-d of the socket 16. Thus, when the socket 16 is mounted vertically, for example by rotating the device socket of FIG. 4 ninety (90) degrees clockwise, the device 100 would extend horizontally beyond the upper surface of the device socket 16. In this rotated orientation, the center of mass of the heavier device 100 provides a moment of force on the device 100 that would tend to disengage it from the socket 16, particularly under vibration.
Frictional engagement of the serrated tips 46a of the contact members 32 with the device 100 opposes such a moment force. The frictional engagement can be configured for various applications, so that it provides sufficient friction to retain the device 100 within the device socket 16.
[34] Similarly, there may be applications where it is necessary for the socket 16 to be inverted. In such an application, it is necessary to ensure that the device 100 does not fall out when the socket 16 is inverted. Frictional engagement between the contact members 32 and the device 100 ensures that the device is retained within the socket 16.
[35] FIGS. 5 and 6 show greater detail of the contact member 32 engaging the electronic device 100. FIG. 5 shows the general structure of the contact member 32 engaging the surface mount 64, while FIG. 6 shows a further detailed view of the serrated contact tips 46a of contact point 46 engaging the surface mount 64. Notches or serrations 90 are formed on the contact points 46 with peaks 94 and valleys 92 between the peaks 94. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there are three peaks 94 and two valleys 92. These peaks 94 and valleys combined with the resilient spring force of the contact spring 40 provide frictional engagement of the contact member 32 with the respective concave-shaped surface mounts 64 in the base 110 of the device 100.
[36] Although the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 has three peaks, more or fewer peaks 94 are possible, and the depth of the notches 92 that form the peaks may be adjusted, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other methods of providing frictional engagement are also possible. For example, it is possible to provide an otherwise textured surface on the contact point 46 that is not a notched/serrated pattern. In one embodiment, an abrasive coating applied to the surface of the contact point 46 would create a rough surface for frictionally engaging the surface mount of a device 10/100. Other textured patterns are also contemplated.
[37] Turning now to Figs. 7 and 8, in some applications, it is necessary to adjust the insertion/removal force between the socket 16 and the device 18. For example, if the contact points 46 provide too much friction between the socket 16 and a device 18, a user could damage a device when either inserting or removing the device from the socket 16.
Many devices specifically identify a suitable insertion/removal force to prevent damage. To optimize the friction between the socket 16 and the device 10/100, fewer than all of the contacts 32 may be provided with contact serrations 46a. In the primary exemplary embodiment, each contact 32 has contact serrations 46a. However, in another embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, the contact serrations 46a are provided only on alternating feet. In yet another embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, contact serrations 46a are provided only on contacts 32 that engage corner surface mounts of electronic device
In some embodiments, the textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated surface, said serrated surface having at least one peak extending inwardly to engage the electronic device received in said opening. In some embodiments, the serrated surface of said contact point is defined by notches defined on a rounded surface. In some embodiments, the electrically conductive surface mount of each receiving slot is flat or concave. In some embodiments, on each of said contact members, said contact , point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation. In some embodiments, on alternating contact members, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each contact member between said alternating contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface. In some embodiments, on contact members adjacent to corners of the frame, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each of the other contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface.
110] According to another embodiment, there is provided an electrically conductive contact member for an electronic device socket comprising: a base portion; an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, said leg portion having a terminal end, said terminal end being resiliently movable; and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point on said terminal end of said leg portion, said contact point tapering from the terminal end of the leg portion in a widthwise dimensions to a narrowed end, said contact point having a plurality of contact serrations for increasing frictional engagement with a corresponding surface contact.
[11] According to another embodiment, there is provided a socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive contact surface, said socket comprising: a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket;
a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered , contact point; wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive contact surface of its respective receiving slot;
wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said contact surface; and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface of said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation; wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface. In some embodiments, said serrated surface of said contact point is defined by notches defined on a rounded surface. In some embodiments, said socket is capable of mounting an electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots, each receiving slot having an electrically conductive surface mount, said electrically conductive surface mount of each receiving slot being flat or concave. In some embodiments, on alternating contact members, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each contact member between said alternating contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface. In some embodiments, said plurality of contact members comprises contact members adjacent to corners of the frame and contact members in middle portions of the frame, wherein, on contact members adjacent to corners of the frame, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on contact members in middle portions of the frame, said contact point does not have a serrated surface.
[12] According to another embodiment, there is provided an electrically conductive contact member for an electronic device socket comprising: a base portion; an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, said leg portion having a terminal end, said terminal end being resiliently movable; and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point on said terminal end of said leg portion, said contact point tapering from the terminal end of the leg portion in a widthwise dimensions to a narrowed end, said contact point having a plurality of contact serrations for increasing sliding frictional engagement with a corresponding surface contact, said contact serrations further comprising at least two distinct horizontally extending serrated teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into a contact surface of said electrically conductive surface mount, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
[13] According to another embodiment, there is provided a socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart concave receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each concave receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive concave contact surface, said socket comprising: a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket; a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered contact point; wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart concave receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive, concave contact surface of its respective receiving slot; wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said concave contact surface; and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation; wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said concave contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said concave contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
[14] Other objects, features and advantages of certain embodiments shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.
Description of the Drawings [15] In the drawings:
[16] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the socket and an electronic device;
[17] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device socket taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[18] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a contact member of the socket;
[19] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a larger electronic device mounted in the device socket;
[20] Fig. 5 is a magnified view of the contact area encircled in Fig. 4;
[21] Fig. 6 is a further magnified view of the serrated contact point encircled in Fig. 5;
[22] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment having contact members that alternate between serrated contact points and non-serrated contact points along one side of the frame opening; and [23] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of still another exemplary embodiment having serrated contact points towards the corners of the socket frame.
[24] Description of the Preferred Embodiments:
[25] Referring now to the drawings, the electronic device socket system of one embodiment is illustrated and generally indicated at 10 in Figs. 1-6. The socket system 10 includes a socket 16 which is capable of mounting an electronic device 18 on a printed circuit board (not shown). The electronic device 18 may be a semiconductor device, other computer device, a vision device, or any another pluggable electronic device.
As will hereinafter be more fully described, the instant electronic device socket 16 provides both electrical and frictional engagement between the device socket 16 and the device 18.
[26] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device socket 16 comprises a rectangular (or square) frame 22 fabricated from insulating (nonconductive) material, such as plastic or ceramic material. The frame 22 has four rail members 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d having respective inwardly facing surfaces 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d which together define a rectangular (or square) opening 28. It should be noted that while the socket 16 is illustrated as comprising a rectangular or square configuration, any one of a variety of socket shapes is contemplated. For example, the socket 16 could easily comprise a circular, octagonal or other shape suitable for receiving standard or custom shaped electronic devices 18.
[27] Turning back to Figs. 1 and 2, a plurality of vertically disposed, relatively thin, notches 30 are formed in the inwardly facing surfaces 26a-26d of the frame 22.
Each notch 30 receives an inwardly projecting contact member generally indicated at 32 suitably mounted on the frame 22 and resiliently moveable along a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of its respective surface 26a-26d. As illustrated throughout the drawings, there are provided a plurality (e.g., nine) contact members 32 on the long rail members 24b, 24d of the frame 22 and a plurality (e.g., seven) contact members 32 on the short rail members 24a, 24c of the frame 22. It should be understood that any number of contact members 32 may be provided and fall within the scope of the present invention. Each contact member 32 is constructed of electrically conductive material, such as beryllium copper or any conductive material which is gold plated, non-plated, or with any type of plating.
[28] FIGS. 2 and 3 better illustrate the attachment of the contact members 32 to the frame 22 of the device socket 16 and the construction of each contact member 32. As illustrated in FIG. 2, there are vertically oriented cavities 34 formed in the underside of the frame 22 which receive upwardly extending extensions 36 of the contact members 32 for attaching the contact members 32 to the frame 22. More specifically, for each contact member 32, the extension 36 is formed with a tapered head 38 which has an interference fit with the frame 22 when inserting the head 38 of the extension into the bore 34.
Referring to FIG. 3, each contact member 32 also includes an inverted U-shaped contact spring 40 wherein an inner leg 42 of the contact spring 40 is disposed within the notch 30 of the frame 22 for providing lateral stability to the contact member 32 and an outer leg 44 of the portion which extends inwardly within the opening 28 of the frame 22. The outer leg 44 is resiliently attached to the inner leg 42 so that it can resiliently move along the aforementioned plane in a generally perpendicular direction with respect to the plane of its respective surface 26a-26d. Each outer leg 44 has a tapered contact point 46 which is best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 6. The contact point 46 ensures that electrical connection is made between the contact member 32 and the device 18. More specifically, the contact point 46 is formed to taper from the base of the leg 44 in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed, rounded end. Additionally, the tapered contact point 46 is provided with textured, i.e.
serrated formations 46a that significantly improve the frictional engagement of the contact point 46 with the device 18. The importance of this particular construction will become apparent as the description of the mounting socket 16 continues.
[29] Turning back to FIG. 1, the electronic device 18 comprises a rectangular (or square) frame 48 having a rectangular base portion 50 and a top wall 52 which overlies the base portion 50. Like the frame 22 of the device socket 16, the electronic device frame 48 is fabricated from insulating (nonconductive) material, such as plastic or ceramic material. The base portion 50 has four outwardly facing surfaces 54a, 54b, 54c and 54d which are adapted to face the inwardly facing surfaces 26a-26d of the device socket 16 when placing the device 18 within the opening 28 of the socket 16.
[30] As best illustrated in FIG. 1, the base portion 50 of the electronic device 18 has a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots 60 (castellations) in registry with and capable of receiving the contact members 32 therein when the device 18 is placed within the opening 28 of the socket 16. Electrically conductive surface mounts 64 are housed within the slots 60 so that when the device 18 is placed in the socket 16, the surface mounts 64 engage the tapered contact points 46 of the contact members 32 of the socket 16 for releasably securing the device 18 to the socket 16 and for providing electrical continuity between the device's electrical components and the printed circuit board 14. When all of the tapered contact points 46 of the contact members 32 are in engagement with their respective surface mounts 64, the device 18 is secured in place with respect to the socket 16 and can only be removed therefrom by applying a substantial axial removal force on the device 18.
The reason for the strong securement of the device 18 to the socket 16 is because each contact point 46 is in resilient frictional engagement with its respective surface mount 64.
The contact serrations 46a provide improved frictional engagement of the contact member 32 with the electronic device 18, as described in more detail below. As with the contact members 32, the surface mounts 64 are preferably fabricated from metal (e.g., beryllium copper) and are plated (e.g., with gold).
[31] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the surface mounts 64 of the electronic device have concave surfaces especially suited for engaging the tapered contact points 46 of the contact members 32. The concave-shaped surfaces of each surface mount 64 assist in securing the device 18 to the device socket 16 thereby reducing the likelihood of the device 18 from "popping-out" of the socket 16. The resilient nature of the outer leg 44 of each contact member 32 provides a suitable engaging force for securing the electronic device 18 to the socket 16. An additional benefit of having tapered contact points 46 is that they will engage mounts 64 having varying surface radii or surface mounts 64 having a relatively planar surface.
[32] In assembly, the electronic device 18 is inserted into the opening 28 of the device socket 16 in such a manner that the contact members 32 resiliently engage the electrically conductive surface mounts 64 for securing the device 18 to the socket 16.
Thus, electrical continuity is established between the electrical components of the device and the printed circuit board 14.
[33] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, a larger, heavier electronic device 100 is shown mounted in the device socket 16. FIG. 4 shows the device 100 having a base 110 mounted within the socket 16. The device 100 extends vertically above the upper surface of the rail members 24a-d of the socket 16. Thus, when the socket 16 is mounted vertically, for example by rotating the device socket of FIG. 4 ninety (90) degrees clockwise, the device 100 would extend horizontally beyond the upper surface of the device socket 16. In this rotated orientation, the center of mass of the heavier device 100 provides a moment of force on the device 100 that would tend to disengage it from the socket 16, particularly under vibration.
Frictional engagement of the serrated tips 46a of the contact members 32 with the device 100 opposes such a moment force. The frictional engagement can be configured for various applications, so that it provides sufficient friction to retain the device 100 within the device socket 16.
[34] Similarly, there may be applications where it is necessary for the socket 16 to be inverted. In such an application, it is necessary to ensure that the device 100 does not fall out when the socket 16 is inverted. Frictional engagement between the contact members 32 and the device 100 ensures that the device is retained within the socket 16.
[35] FIGS. 5 and 6 show greater detail of the contact member 32 engaging the electronic device 100. FIG. 5 shows the general structure of the contact member 32 engaging the surface mount 64, while FIG. 6 shows a further detailed view of the serrated contact tips 46a of contact point 46 engaging the surface mount 64. Notches or serrations 90 are formed on the contact points 46 with peaks 94 and valleys 92 between the peaks 94. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there are three peaks 94 and two valleys 92. These peaks 94 and valleys combined with the resilient spring force of the contact spring 40 provide frictional engagement of the contact member 32 with the respective concave-shaped surface mounts 64 in the base 110 of the device 100.
[36] Although the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 has three peaks, more or fewer peaks 94 are possible, and the depth of the notches 92 that form the peaks may be adjusted, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other methods of providing frictional engagement are also possible. For example, it is possible to provide an otherwise textured surface on the contact point 46 that is not a notched/serrated pattern. In one embodiment, an abrasive coating applied to the surface of the contact point 46 would create a rough surface for frictionally engaging the surface mount of a device 10/100. Other textured patterns are also contemplated.
[37] Turning now to Figs. 7 and 8, in some applications, it is necessary to adjust the insertion/removal force between the socket 16 and the device 18. For example, if the contact points 46 provide too much friction between the socket 16 and a device 18, a user could damage a device when either inserting or removing the device from the socket 16.
Many devices specifically identify a suitable insertion/removal force to prevent damage. To optimize the friction between the socket 16 and the device 10/100, fewer than all of the contacts 32 may be provided with contact serrations 46a. In the primary exemplary embodiment, each contact 32 has contact serrations 46a. However, in another embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 7, the contact serrations 46a are provided only on alternating feet. In yet another embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 8, contact serrations 46a are provided only on contacts 32 that engage corner surface mounts of electronic device
10/100. Other embodiments are possible.
[38] It can therefore be seen that there may be an improved frictional engagement between a device 10/100 and a device socket 16. A user may securely mount a device 10/100 within the socket 16 when the socket is in a vertical orientation or an inverted orientation.
[39] While there is known and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
[38] It can therefore be seen that there may be an improved frictional engagement between a device 10/100 and a device socket 16. A user may securely mount a device 10/100 within the socket 16 when the socket is in a vertical orientation or an inverted orientation.
[39] While there is known and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (7)
1. A
socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive contact surface, said socket comprising:
a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket;
a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered contact point;
wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive contact surface of its respective receiving slot;
wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said contact surface;
and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface of said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation;
wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive contact surface, said socket comprising:
a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket;
a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered contact point;
wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive contact surface of its respective receiving slot;
wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said contact surface;
and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface of said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation;
wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
2. The socket of claim 1, said serrated surface of said contact point being defined by notches defined on a rounded surface.
3. The socket of claim 1, wherein said socket is capable of mounting an electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart receiving slots, each receiving slot having an electrically conductive surface mount, said electrically conductive surface mount of each receiving slot being flat or concave.
4. The socket of claim 1, wherein, on alternating contact members, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on each contact member between said alternating contact members, said contact point does not have a serrated surface.
5. The socket of claim 1, wherein said plurality of contact members comprises contact members adjacent to corners of the frame and contact members in middle portions of the frame, wherein, on contact members adjacent to corners of the frame, said contact point has a serrated surface for increasing frictional engagement between said contact member and said electronic device thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation, and wherein on contact members in middle portions of the frame, said contact point does not have a serrated surface.
6. An electrically conductive contact member for an electronic device socket comprising:
a base portion;
an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, said leg portion having a terminal end, said terminal end being resiliently movable; and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point on said terminal end of said leg portion, said contact point tapering from the terminal end of the leg portion in a widthwise dimensions to a narrowed end, said contact point having a plurality of contact serrations for increasing sliding frictional engagement with a corresponding surface contact, said contact serrations further comprising at least two distinct horizontally extending serrated teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into a contact surface of said electrically conductive surface mount, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
a base portion;
an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, said leg portion having a terminal end, said terminal end being resiliently movable; and an inwardly extending, tapered contact point on said terminal end of said leg portion, said contact point tapering from the terminal end of the leg portion in a widthwise dimensions to a narrowed end, said contact point having a plurality of contact serrations for increasing sliding frictional engagement with a corresponding surface contact, said contact serrations further comprising at least two distinct horizontally extending serrated teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into a contact surface of said electrically conductive surface mount, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
7. A socket capable of mounting an electronic device on a printed circuit board, the electronic device having outwardly facing surfaces and a plurality of spaced-apart concave receiving slots adjacent to a bottom of the device, each concave receiving slot having a vertically oriented electrically conductive concave contact surface, said socket comprising:
a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket;
a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered contact point;
wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart concave receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive, concave contact surface of its respective receiving slot;
wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said concave contact surface;
and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation;
wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said concave contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said concave contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
a frame with inwardly facing surfaces which define an opening, said inwardly facing surfaces being adapted to face the outwardly facing surfaces of the electronic device when placing the electronic device within the opening of the socket;
a plurality of spaced-apart, inwardly projecting contact members each being mounted on the frame, each contact member having a base portion, and an inverted U-shaped leg portion extending from the base, the leg portion having a terminal end which is resiliently movable along a plane generally perpendicular to a plane extending along a respective inwardly facing surface of said frame, each contact member being constructed of electrically conductive material, said terminal end having an inwardly extending, tapered contact point;
wherein said contact members are in registry with and capable of being received in the spaced-apart concave receiving slots on the device for securing the electronic device to the socket and for providing electrical connection between the electronic device, socket, and the printed circuit board when said contact point of each contact member is in resilient engagement with the electrically conductive, concave contact surface of its respective receiving slot;
wherein said contact point of each contact member is formed to taper from the base of the leg in a widthwise dimension to a narrowed end for enhancing the electrical and physical connection between said contact member and said concave contact surface;
and wherein, on at least one of said contact members, said contact point has a textured surface for increasing sliding frictional engagement between said contact member and said contact surface thereby maintaining said electronic device and socket in assembled relation;
wherein said textured surface of said contact point of said at least one contact member is a serrated tooth surface, said serrated tooth surface having at least two distinct horizontally extending teeth extending inwardly, each of the teeth having an angled peak with a vertex which frictionally engages and bites into said concave contact surface, said biting frictional engagement enhancing electrical and physical contact therebetween and reducing perpendicular sliding movement of said concave contact surface relative to said serrated tooth surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US201414285723A | 2014-05-23 | 2014-05-23 | |
| US14/285,723 | 2014-05-23 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2892779A1 CA2892779A1 (en) | 2015-11-23 |
| CA2892779C true CA2892779C (en) | 2019-10-01 |
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ID=54704523
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2892779A Active CA2892779C (en) | 2014-05-23 | 2015-05-22 | Electronic device socket |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | USD772818S1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2892779C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD807294S1 (en) * | 2016-04-25 | 2018-01-09 | Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg | Contact for electrical connector |
| USD883069S1 (en) * | 2018-05-21 | 2020-05-05 | Expedition One, LLC | Latch system |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD514522S1 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2006-02-07 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Latch device for an electrical connector |
| USD589902S1 (en) * | 2008-06-26 | 2009-04-07 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Contact |
| USD656100S1 (en) * | 2011-01-28 | 2012-03-20 | Fci | Electrical terminal |
| USD665361S1 (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2012-08-14 | Omron Corporation | Electric connector terminal |
| USD731983S1 (en) * | 2012-12-25 | 2015-06-16 | Omron Corporation | Electric connector terminal |
| USD717739S1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2014-11-18 | Iriso Electronics Co., Ltd. | Contact member |
| JP5457595B1 (en) * | 2013-08-08 | 2014-04-02 | イリソ電子工業株式会社 | Connectors and terminals |
-
2015
- 2015-05-22 CA CA2892779A patent/CA2892779C/en active Active
- 2015-12-11 US US29/548,226 patent/USD772818S1/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| USD772818S1 (en) | 2016-11-29 |
| CA2892779A1 (en) | 2015-11-23 |
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Effective date: 20180607 |