CN117134141A - Low insertion force contact terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

A low insertion force contact terminal has a conductor mating portion, a fixing portion, and a base mating portion. The conductor mating portion is configured to terminate a conductor therein. The fixing portion is configured to fix the terminal in the terminal receiving cavity of the housing. The base mating portion extends from the fixing portion. The substrate mating portion has at least two sections with curved portions thereon. At least two sections move independently, which allows the bent portion to exert a normal force on the wall of the through hole of the substrate to which the contact terminal is mated, which normal force is sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing a low insertion force.

Description

Low insertion force contact terminal

Technical Field

The present invention is directed to a contact terminal for forming an electrical connection to a plated through hole of a substrate. In particular, the contact terminals are low insertion force contact terminals having compliant portions that can be used in many cycles.

Background

The contact terminals typically mate with through holes in the substrate to provide electrical connection between the terminals to the substrate, and the like. However, proper termination of the contact terminals to the substrate typically requires the use of a header (header) and one or more tools because the insertion and normal forces of the contact terminals are substantial. In addition, the use of such contact terminals causes deformation of both the contact terminals and the through holes, thereby preventing the contact terminals from being used in many cycles.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a contact terminal that overcomes the problems associated with known contact terminals. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a contact terminal that can be used in many cycles and that does not require a tool for insertion. It would also be beneficial to provide low insertion force contact terminals in a connector housing that can be mated to a substrate without the need for a header.

Disclosure of Invention

The following provides a summary of some illustrative embodiments of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention.

Embodiments are directed to a low insertion force contact terminal having a conductor mating portion, a securing portion, and a base mating portion. The conductor mating portion is configured to terminate the conductor therein using known termination methods such as, but not limited to, crimping, insulation displacement, or welding. The fixing portion is configured to fix the terminal in the terminal receiving cavity of the housing. The base mating portion extends from the fixing portion. The substrate mating portion has at least two sections with curved portions thereon. At least two sections move independently, which allows the curved portion to exert a low normal force on the wall of the through hole of the substrate to which the contact terminal is mated. A low normal force is sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing for a low insertion force. The normal force may be, for example, 5 newtons or less.

In an illustrative embodiment, a first of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a first planar piece of conductive material and a second of the at least two sections is a second planar piece of conductive material folded at the edge to place the second planar piece of conductive material on top of the first planar piece of conductive material.

In an illustrative embodiment, the securing portion is formed by folding a planar conductive material into a box-shaped member having a top wall, an oppositely facing bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. A first section of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a first resilient arm extending from the first sidewall and a second section of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a second resilient arm extending from the second sidewall.

In an illustrative embodiment, a first section of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a first arm extending from the top wall and a second section of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a second arm extending from the bottom wall. The first arm has a fork-like configuration with a first resilient arm having a first one of the curved portions disposed proximal to the free end of the first resilient arm and a second resilient arm having a second one of the curved portions disposed proximal to the free end of the second resilient arm.

In an illustrative embodiment, the first resilient arm has a first planar portion, a first u-shaped portion, and a first curved portion. The first curved portion extends rearward from the first u-shaped portion toward the fixed portion, and the second resilient arm has a second planar portion, a second u-shaped portion, and a second curved portion. The second curved portion extends from the second u-shaped portion rearward toward the fixed portion.

Additional features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, additional embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and associated descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more illustrative embodiments of the present invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention, and wherein:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative connector housing in which the contact terminals of the present invention are mated to a substrate.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the connector housing with the contact terminals of fig. 1 removed from the substrate.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of fig. 1, showing the contact terminals in a fully mated position.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of fig. 1, showing the respective contact terminals in a fully mated position.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the contact terminal shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a top view of the contact terminal of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the contact terminal of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a second illustrative connector housing having a second illustrative contact terminal shown in a fully mated position.

Fig. 9 is another cross-sectional view of a second illustrative connector housing having a second illustrative contact terminal shown in a fully mated position.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the contact terminal shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a top view of the contact terminal of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the contact terminal of fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a contact terminal similar to the contact terminal shown in fig. 10 with a resilient locking arm provided thereon.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another illustrative contact terminal.

Fig. 15 is a top view of the contact terminal of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the contact terminal of fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a contact terminal similar to the contact terminal shown in fig. 14 with a resilient locking arm provided thereon.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a fourth illustrative contact terminal.

Fig. 19 is a top view of the contact terminal of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a side view of the contact terminal of fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a contact terminal similar to the contact terminal shown in fig. 18 with a resilient locking arm provided thereon.

Detailed Description

The description of the illustrative embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended merely for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings in the discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and the like refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Furthermore, the features and benefits of the present invention are described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Thus, the invention should not explicitly be limited to such preferred embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting combinations of features, which may be present alone or in other combinations of features, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Reference numerals are used throughout the detailed description to refer to various elements and structures. Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following examples of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

As shown in fig. 1-4, the first illustrative embodiment of the connector 10 has a housing 12, the housing 12 having a wire receiving end 14 and a base mating end 16. The latch arm 18 extends proximally from the wire receiving end 14 beyond the base mating end 16. The latch arm 18 has a lead-in surface 20 proximal to its free end. A locking shoulder 22 is provided proximal to the lead-in surface 20. In the illustrative embodiment, three latch arms 18 are provided, two of which extend from one side of the housing 12 and a third of which extends from the opposite side of the housing 12. However, other numbers and configurations of latch arms 18 may be used. In addition, the latch arm may be provided on an additional portion that mates with the housing.

The housing 12 has a terminal receiving cavity 24, the terminal receiving cavity 24 extending from the wire receiving end 14 to the base mating end 16. As shown in fig. 4, a locking protrusion 26 is provided in the terminal receiving cavity 24. The locking projection 26 is spaced from both the wire receiving end 14 and the base mating end 16. The locking projection 26 has a lead-in surface 28 facing toward the wire receiving end 14 and a locking shoulder 30 facing toward the base mating end 16.

The contact terminals 32 are positioned in the terminal-receiving cavities 24. As shown in fig. 5 to 7, the contact terminal 32 has a conductor mating portion 34, a fixing portion 36, and a base mating portion 38. The conductor mating section 34 is configured to terminate the conductor 40 therein. Conductors 40 may be terminated by crimping, insulation displacement, soldering, or using other known termination methods.

The fixed portion 36 has a resilient locking arm 42. A resilient locking arm 42 extends from the fixed portion 36, whereby a locking surface 44 is provided at the free end of the locking arm 42. The locking arms 42 and locking surfaces 44 cooperate with the locking projections 26 and locking shoulders 30 to hold the terminals 32 in place in the terminal-receiving cavities 24, as shown in fig. 4.

The fixed portion 36 and the base mating portion 38 are formed from a first planar section or piece 46 of conductive material, the first planar section or piece 46 of conductive material being folded at an edge 48 to place a folded or second planar section or piece 50 of conductive material on top of the first planar piece 46 of conductive material. This effectively doubles the thickness of the conductive material at the base mating portion 38.

A first planar member 46 of electrically conductive material extends from the fixed portion 36 to the free end 52. A curved portion 54 is provided proximal to the free end 52. A second planar member 50 of electrically conductive material extends from the fixed portion 36 to a free end 56. A curved portion 58 is provided proximal to the free end 56. In addition to the curved portions 52, 58, the first planar member 46 and the second planar member 50 are provided in-line, with the second planar member 50 positioned on top of the first planar member 46 in the illustrative orientation shown in fig. 5-7.

The curved portion 54 is curved such that an edge 60 of the curved portion 54 extends away from a longitudinal axis 62 of the base mating portion 38. The curved portion 58 is curved such that an edge 64 of the curved portion 58 extends away from the longitudinal axis 62 of the base mating portion 38. The curved portion 58 extends from the longitudinal axis 62 in a direction opposite the curved portion 54.

In use, the connector 10 is moved into engagement with a substrate 70, such as, but not limited to, a panel or printed circuit board, as shown in fig. 1. In the fully inserted position, the end of the latch arm 18 is positioned in the latch receiving opening 72 in the base 70. When fully inserted, the latching shoulder 22 engages the surface 74 of the base 70 and is biased against the surface 74 of the base 70 to removably hold the connector 10 in place on the base 70. Alternatively, the latch arm 18 may have an interference fit with the latch receiving opening 72, or additional components may be provided to ensure that the connector 10 is reliably positioned and prevented from moving relative to the base 70.

As the connector 10 moves from the position shown in fig. 2 to the position shown in fig. 1, the substrate mating portion 38 moves into the plated through hole 76 in the substrate 70. As insertion continues, the curved portions 54, 58 engage the walls of the through-hole 76, elastically deforming the curved portions 54, 58 and the first and second planar members 46, 50 inwardly toward each other while retaining the elastic energy. Because the curved portion 54 is on the first planar member 46 and the curved portion 58 is on the second planar member 50, movement of the curved portion 54 is independent of movement of the curved portion 58. This allows movement of the bent portions 54, 58 to occur with little force, thereby allowing the terminals 32 and the connector 10 to be inserted onto the substrate 70 with low insertion force. The low insertion force allows the connector 10 to be inserted onto a substrate by a user or operator without the need for additional tools.

Once inserted and positioned in the through-hole 70, as shown in fig. 1, the edges 60, 64 of the curved portions 54, 58 engage the wall of the through-hole 76 and exert a normal force on the wall of the through-hole 76 as the first and second planar members 46, 50 attempt to move rearwardly toward their unstressed positions. The normal force is sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing for a low insertion force. The normal force may be, for example, 5 newtons or less. However, other normal forces may be obtained by a change in the configuration of the first planar member 46 and the second planar member 50. The use of terminals 32 with low normal force allows terminals 32, connector 10, and through-holes 76 to be used in many cycles. For example, by adding a detent to the first planar member 46 and/or the second planar member 50, the first planar member 46 and the second planar member 50 can lock together, thereby adjusting the normal force exerted by the terminal 32 on the wall of the through bore 70. This may also help prevent the transfer of deflection stresses or strain transitions to the fixed portion 36.

As shown in fig. 8 and 9, the second illustrative embodiment of the connector 110 has a housing 112, the housing 112 having a wire receiving end 114 and a base mating end 116. A latch arm 118 extends proximally from the wire receiving end 114 beyond the base mating end 116. The latch arm 118 has a lead-in surface 120 proximal to its free end. A latch shoulder 122 is provided proximal to the lead-in surface 120.

The housing 112 has a terminal receiving cavity 124, the terminal receiving cavity 124 extending from the wire receiving end 114 to the base mating end 116. As shown in fig. 8, a locking protrusion 126 is provided in the terminal receiving cavity 124. The locking projection 126 is spaced from both the wire receiving end 114 and the base mating end 116. The locking projection 126 has a lead-in surface 128 facing toward the wire receiving end 114 and a locking shoulder 130 facing toward the base mating end 116.

The contact terminals 132 are positioned in the terminal-receiving cavities 124. As shown in fig. 10 to 12, the contact terminal 132 has a conductor mating portion 134, a fixing portion 136, and a base mating portion 138. The conductor mating section 134 is configured to terminate the conductor 140 therein. Conductors 140 may be terminated by crimping, insulation displacement, soldering, or using other known termination methods.

The fixed portion 136 has a locking wall 143. The locking wall 143 has a locking surface 144. The locking walls 143 and locking surfaces 144 cooperate with the locking protrusions 126 and locking shoulders 130 to hold the terminals 132 in place in the terminal-receiving cavities 124, as shown in fig. 8. The fixed portion 136 is formed by folding a planar conductive material into a box-shaped member having a top wall 142, an oppositely facing bottom wall 141, a first side wall or locking wall 143, and a second side wall 145.

The base mating portion 138 has a first resilient section or arm 146 extending from the first sidewall 143 and a second resilient section or arm 150 extending from the second sidewall 145.

The first resilient arm 146 extends from the fixed portion 136 to a free end 152. The first resilient arm 146 is formed with a curved portion 154, the curved portion 154 being disposed proximal to the free end 152. The second resilient arm 150 extends from the fixed portion 136 to a free end 156. The second resilient arm 150 is formed with a curved portion 158, the curved portion 158 being disposed proximal to the free end 156.

The curved portion 154 is curved such that a face 160 of the curved portion 154 extends away from a longitudinal axis 162 of the base mating portion 138. The curved portion 158 is curved such that a face 164 of the curved portion 158 extends away from a longitudinal axis 162 of the base mating portion 138. The curved portion 158 extends from the longitudinal axis 162 in a direction opposite the curved portion 154. Protrusions or dimples 163 are provided on the faces 160, 164 of the curved portions 154, 158.

In use, the connector 110 is moved into engagement with a substrate 170, such as, but not limited to, a panel or printed circuit board. In the fully inserted position, the ends of the latch arms 118 are positioned in latch-receiving openings (not shown) in the base 70. When fully inserted, the latch shoulder 22 is positioned below the surface 174 of the base 170 or engages the surface 174 of the base 170 to removably hold the connector 110 in place on the base 170. Alternatively, the latch arm 118 may have an interference fit with the latch receiving opening 172 or additional components may be provided to ensure that the connector 110 is reliably positioned and prevented from moving relative to the base 170.

As the connector 110 is inserted onto the substrate 170, the substrate mating portion 138 moves into the plated through hole 176 in the substrate 170. As insertion continues, the curved portions 154, 158 engage the walls of the through-hole 176, elastically deforming the curved portions 154, 158 and the first and second resilient arms 146, 150 inwardly toward each other, while retaining the elastic energy. Because the curved portion 154 is on the first resilient arm 146 and the curved portion 158 is on the second resilient arm 150, movement of the curved portion 154 is independent of movement of the curved portion 158. This allows movement of the curved portions 154, 158 to occur with little force, thereby allowing the terminals 132 and connectors 110 to be inserted onto the substrate 170 with low insertion force. The low insertion force allows the connector 110 to be inserted onto the substrate by a user or operator without the need for additional tools.

Once inserted and positioned in the through-hole 170, as shown in fig. 9, the projections 163 of the curved portions 154, 158 engage the walls of the through-hole 176 and exert a normal force on the walls of the through-hole 176 as the first and second resilient arms 146, 150 attempt to move rearward toward their unstressed positions. The normal force is sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing for a low insertion force. The normal force may be, for example, 5 newtons or less. However, other normal forces may be obtained by a change in the configuration of the first resilient arm 146 and the second resilient arm 150. The use of terminals 132 with low normal force allows terminals 132, connectors 110, and vias 176 to be used in many cycles.

Fig. 13 illustrates a contact terminal similar to contact terminal 132. However, in this embodiment, the touch fixing portion 136 has an elastic locking arm 137. The resilient locking arm 137 extends from the fixed portion 136, whereby a locking surface 139 is provided at the free end of the locking arm 137. The locking arms 137 and locking surfaces 139 cooperate with the locking protrusions 126 and locking shoulders 130 to hold the terminals 132 in place in the terminal-receiving cavities 124.

A third illustrative embodiment of a contact terminal 232 is shown in fig. 14-16. The contact terminal 232 has a conductor mating portion 234, a securing portion 236, and a base mating portion 238. The conductor mating portion 234 is configured to terminate the conductor 240 therein. Conductors 240 may be terminated by crimping, insulation displacement, soldering, or using other known termination methods.

The fixing portion 236 has a locking wall 243. The locking wall 243 has a locking surface 244. The fixing portion 236 is formed by folding a planar conductive material into a box-shaped member having a top wall 242, an oppositely facing bottom wall 241, a first side wall or locking wall 243 and a second side wall 245.

The base mating portion 238 has a first arm 246 extending from the top wall 242 and a second arm 250 extending from the bottom wall 241. The first arm 246 extends from the fixed portion 236 to a free end 252. The first arm 246 has a fork-like configuration with a first resilient arm 247 and a second resilient arm 249. The first resilient arm 247 is formed to have a curved portion 254, the curved portion 254 being disposed proximal to the free end 252. The second spring arm 249 is formed with a curved portion 258, the curved portion 258 being disposed proximal the free end 252.

The second arm 250 extends from the fixed portion 236 to a free end 256. The first arm 250 has a fork-like configuration with a first resilient arm 251 and a second resilient arm 253. The first elastic arm 251 is formed to have a bent portion 255, the bent portion 255 being provided near the free end 256. The second resilient arm 253 is formed with a curved portion 259, the curved portion 259 being disposed proximal the free end 256. The first arm 246 and the second arm 250 are provided in a line, with the first arm 246 being positioned on top of the second arm 250 in the illustrative orientation shown in fig. 13-15.

The curved portions 254, 255 are curved such that the edges 260 of the curved portions 254, 255 extend away from the longitudinal axis 262 of the base mating portion 238. The curved portions 258, 259 are curved such that edges 264 of the curved portions 258, 259 extend away from a longitudinal axis 262 of the base mating portion 238. The curved portions 258, 259 extend from the longitudinal axis 262 in a direction opposite the curved portions 254, 255.

In use, as the terminal 232 moves into the through-hole of the substrate (not shown), the curved portions 254, 255, 258, 259 engage the walls of the through-hole, elastically deforming the curved portions 254, 255, 258, 259 and the resilient arms 247, 249, 251, 253 inwardly toward each other while retaining elastic energy. Because the flexures 254, 255, 258, 259 are positioned on different spring arms 247, 249, 251, 253, movement of the flexures 254, 255, 258, 259 is independent of the other flexures. This allows movement of the curved portions 254, 255, 258, 259 to occur with little force, thereby allowing the terminal 232 to be inserted onto the substrate with low insertion force. The low insertion force allows the terminals 232 to be inserted onto the substrate by a user or operator without the need for additional tools.

Once inserted and positioned in the through-hole of the base, the edges 260, 264 of the curved portions 254, 255, 258, 259 engage the wall of the through-hole and exert a normal force on the wall of the through-hole as the resilient arms 247, 249, 251, 253 attempt to move rearwardly toward their unstressed positions. The normal force is sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing for a low insertion force. The normal force may be, for example, 5 newtons or less. However, other normal forces may be obtained by a change in the configuration of the resilient arms 247, 249, 251, 253. The use of a terminal 232 with a low normal force allows the terminal 232 to be used in many cycles.

Fig. 17 illustrates a contact terminal similar to contact terminal 232. However, in this embodiment, the touch fixing portion 236 has a resilient locking arm 237. The resilient locking arm 237 extends from the fixed portion 236, whereby a locking surface 239 is provided at the free end of the locking arm 237. The locking arms 237 and locking surfaces 239 cooperate with the locking projections and locking shoulders to hold the terminals 232 in place in the terminal-receiving cavities.

A fourth illustrative embodiment of a contact terminal 332 is shown in fig. 18-20. The contact terminal 332 has a conductor mating portion 334, a securing portion 336, and a base mating portion 338. The conductor mating portion 334 is configured to terminate the conductor 340 therein. Conductors 340 may be terminated by crimping, insulation displacement, soldering, or using other known termination methods.

The fixed portion 336 has a locking wall 343. The locking wall 343 has a locking surface 344. A locking wall 343 and a locking surface 344. The fixed portion 336 is formed by folding a planar conductive material into a box-shaped member having a top wall 342, an oppositely facing bottom wall 341, a first side wall or locking wall 343, and a second side wall 345.

The base mating portion 338 has a first resilient arm 346 extending from the first sidewall 343 and a second resilient arm 350 extending from the second sidewall 345. The first spring arm 346 has a first planar portion 353, a u-shaped portion 352, and a curved portion 354. Bending portion 354 extends from u-shaped portion 352 back toward fixed portion 336. The second resilient arm 350 has a second planar portion 357, a u-shaped portion 356, and a curved portion 358. The curved portion 358 extends rearward from the u-shaped portion 356 toward the fixed portion 336.

Bending portion 354 is bent such that face 360 of bending portion 354 extends away from longitudinal axis 362 of base mating portion 338. The curved portion 358 is curved such that a face 364 of the curved portion 358 extends away from a longitudinal axis 362 of the base mating portion 338. Curved portion 358 extends from longitudinal axis 362 in a direction opposite to curved portion 354. Protrusions or dimples 363 are provided on faces 360, 364 of curved portions 354, 358.

In use, as terminal 332 moves into a through-hole of a substrate (not shown), curved portions 354, 358 engage the walls of the through-hole, elastically deforming curved portions 354, 358 inward toward each other while retaining elastic energy. Because bending portions 354, 358 are positioned on different spring arms 346, 350, bending portion 354 moves independently of bending portion 358. This allows movement of bending portions 354, 358 to occur with little force, thereby allowing terminal 332 to be inserted onto a substrate with low insertion force. The low insertion force allows the terminal 332 to be inserted onto the substrate by a user or operator without the need for additional tools.

Once inserted and positioned in the through-hole of the base, protrusions 363 of flexures 354, 358 engage and exert a normal force on the walls of the through-hole as flexures 354, 358 attempt to move rearward toward their unstressed positions. The normal force is sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing for a low insertion force. The normal force may be, for example, 5 newtons or less. However, other normal forces may be obtained by a change in the configuration of bending portions 354, 358. The use of a terminal 332 with a low normal force allows the terminal 332 to be used in many cycles.

Fig. 21 illustrates a contact terminal similar to contact terminal 332. However, in this embodiment, the touch fixing portion 336 has a resilient locking arm 337. A resilient locking arm 337 extends from the fixed portion 336, whereby a locking surface 339 is provided at the free end of the locking arm 337. The locking arms 337 and locking surfaces 339 cooperate with the locking protrusions and locking shoulders to hold the terminal 332 in place in the terminal-receiving cavity.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims below. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.

Claims (22)

1. A low insertion force contact terminal, comprising:

a conductor mating portion for terminating a conductor therein;

a fixing portion for fixing the terminal in the terminal receiving cavity of the housing;

a base mating portion extending from the fixed portion, the base mating portion having at least two sections with curved portions thereon;

wherein the at least two sections are independently movable such that the curved portion exerts a normal force on the wall of the through hole of the substrate to which the contact terminal is mated, the normal force being sufficient to provide a stable electrical connection while allowing for a low insertion force.

2. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 1, wherein a first of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a first planar piece of conductive material and a second of the at least two sections is a second planar piece of conductive material folded at an edge to place the second planar piece of conductive material on top of the first planar piece of conductive material.

3. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 2, wherein the first planar member and the second planar member are provided in line except for the curved portion, wherein the second planar member is positioned on top of the first planar member.

4. A low insertion force contact terminal as defined in claim 3, wherein the curved portion is curved such that an edge of the curved portion extends away from a longitudinal axis of the base mating portion.

5. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 4, wherein a first one of the curved portions extends away from the longitudinal axis and a second one of the curved portions extends from the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite the first curved portion.

6. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 5, wherein the securing portion has a resilient locking arm with a locking surface provided at a free end of the locking arm.

7. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 2, wherein a detent is provided on the first planar member or the second planar member, wherein the first planar member and the second planar member lock together to create a greater normal force and prevent deflection stress or strain transitions from being transferred from the base mating portion to the fixed portion.

8. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 1, wherein the securing portion is formed by folding a planar conductive material into a box-shaped member having a top wall, an oppositely facing bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, a first one of the at least two sections of the base mating portion being a first resilient arm extending from the first side wall, and a second one of the at least two sections of the base mating portion being a second resilient arm extending from the second side wall.

9. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 8, wherein the first resilient arm has a first one of the curved portions having a first face extending away from a longitudinal axis of the base mating portion.

10. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 9, wherein the second resilient arm has a second one of the curved portions having a second face extending away from the longitudinal axis of the base mating portion in a direction opposite the first curved portion.

11. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 10, wherein the first and second curved portions have protrusions provided on the faces thereof.

12. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 8, wherein the securing portion has a resilient locking arm with a locking surface provided at a free end of the locking arm.

13. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 7, wherein a first section of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a first arm extending from the top wall and a second section of the at least two sections of the base mating portion is a second arm extending from the bottom wall.

14. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 13, wherein the first arm has a forked configuration with a first resilient arm and a second resilient arm, the first resilient arm having a first one of the curved portions disposed proximal to a free end of the first resilient arm and the second resilient arm having a second curved portion disposed proximal to a free end of the second resilient arm.

15. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 14, wherein the second arm has a forked configuration with a third spring arm and a fourth spring arm, the third spring arm having a third curved portion disposed in the curved portion proximal to a free end of the third spring arm, and the fourth spring arm having a fourth curved portion disposed proximal to a free end of the fourth spring arm.

16. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 15, wherein the first arm and the second arm are disposed in line with the first arm positioned on top of the second arm.

17. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 16, wherein the curved portion is curved such that an edge of the curved portion extends away from a longitudinal axis of the base mating portion.

18. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 17, wherein the first and third curved portions extend away from the longitudinal axis and the second and fourth curved portions extend from the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite the first and third curved portions.

19. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 9, wherein the first resilient arm has a first planar portion, a first u-shaped portion, and a first curved portion extending from the first u-shaped portion rearward toward the fixed portion, and the second resilient arm has a second planar portion, a second u-shaped portion, and a second curved portion extending from the second u-shaped portion rearward toward the fixed portion.

20. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 19, wherein a face of the first curved portion extends away from a longitudinal axis of the base mating portion and a face of the second curved portion extends away from the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite the first curved portion.

21. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 1, wherein the normal force is equal to or less than 5 newtons.

22. The low insertion force contact terminal of claim 1, wherein the contact terminal is positioned in a housing of a connector having one or more connector latch arms that cooperate with openings in a base to properly position and lock the connector to the base.