EP0236186A1 - Press-fit pin for circuit board connection - Google Patents

Press-fit pin for circuit board connection Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0236186A1
EP0236186A1 EP87400213A EP87400213A EP0236186A1 EP 0236186 A1 EP0236186 A1 EP 0236186A1 EP 87400213 A EP87400213 A EP 87400213A EP 87400213 A EP87400213 A EP 87400213A EP 0236186 A1 EP0236186 A1 EP 0236186A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pin
section
hole
contact
press
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP87400213A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Edwin O. Classon
William C. Mooney
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Digital Equipment Corp
Original Assignee
Digital Equipment Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digital Equipment Corp filed Critical Digital Equipment Corp
Publication of EP0236186A1 publication Critical patent/EP0236186A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
    • H01R12/58—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals terminals for insertion into holes
    • H01R12/585—Terminals having a press fit or a compliant portion and a shank passing through a hole in the printed circuit board

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the solderless connection of contact pins to printed circuit boards. More specifically it relates to press-fit pins that are inserted into plated-through holes to make contacts with conductive surface layers in such holes thereby providingconnections to printed circuit conductors terminating in the surface layers.
  • the pin that is provided by the invention has a compliant contact section that engages a surface layer in a plated-through hole at multiple circumferential locations that are symmetrical with respect to each other. It provides both reliable electrical contact and precise orienting of the pin for external connection of various circuit elements thereto.
  • the contact pin in widest use has been configured with a contact section whose cross section is square and which defines a circumscribed circle somewhat larger in diameter than the plated-through hole into which the pin is to be inserted.
  • the edges of the contact section essentially coin the interior surface of the hole, thereby making a tight fit therein.
  • Pins of this type are characterized by a relatively high insertion force.
  • the difference between the diameter of the hole and the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the pin must be closely controlled. This in turn means that both the pin and the hole have to be made with relatively close tolerances.
  • the pin must be replaced with a larger pin to ensure reliable electrical contact in the hole. This, of course, requires the stocking of pins of various cross sections.
  • the deficiencies of the square pin are largely overcome by pins having radially compliant contact sections. These sections are larger than the holes into which the pins are to be inserted and when the pins are inserted into the holes, the contact sections are therefore squeezed inwardly. The resulting outwardly- directed spring forces of these contact sections maintain electrical contacts between the pins and the plated surfaces of the holes. They also provide sufficient frictional forces to retain the pins in the holes. Because of their compliant nature, the contact sections adjust themselves to a relatively wide range of holediameters, thereby easing the tolerance requirements . for both the pins and the holes. Moreover, the pins can be removed and replaced without seriously damaging the surfaces of the holes.
  • the principle object of the invention therefore is to provide a press-fit pin having a compliant contact section which makes reliable contact with the conductive surface of a plated hole, has a moderate insertion force and a relatively strong retention force.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a pin, having the above characteristics, which causes relatively little damage to a plated hole upon insertion and therefore can be replaced by a pin of the same type and size.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pin which can be used with a relatively wide range of hole diameters while retaining the foregoing characteristics.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide a pin having the foregoing characteristics and which retains a desired orientation with respect to a printed circuit board into which it is inserted.
  • a pin embodying the invention has a compliant contact section comprising a pair of longitudinally extending beams whose cross sections are in the form of opposed C's.
  • the radius of curvature of each of these C-sections is greater than that of the hole into which the pin is to be inserted and the ends of the arms of the C's fit a circle having a larger diameter than that of the hole. Accordingly, when the pin is inserted into the hole, the ends of the two arms of each C are forced toward each other. Also the compliant sections bend so that the C's are forced toward each other.
  • the contact section has six circumferentially spaced areas of contact with the conductive surface of the hole. Moreover, the pin can be removed and replaced by a pin of the same size, while retaining the desired reliability of electrical contact.
  • a press-fit pin embodying the invention and generally indicated at 10 comprises a contact section 12, connected at one end to a head section 14 and at the other end to a tail section 16.
  • the pin 10 is shown in position in a hole 18 in a circuit board fragmentarily shown at 20.
  • the hole 18 has a conductive surface layer 22, connected to a conductor 24 formed in a conventional manner on the board 20.
  • the pin 10 is inserted into the board 10 with a downward motion (FIG. 1). Specifically, the insertion force is provided by a suitable tool that presses down on ears 26 on the head section 14. The downward movement continues until the ears 26 seat against the circuit board 20. During insertion, the contact section 12 is squeezed inwardly by the inner surface of the hole 12 as described below. The resulting outward force exerted by the contact section provides both reliable electrical contact with the surface layer 22 of the hole 18 and a friction force that serves to retain the pin 10 in the hole.
  • the illustrated tail section 16 is suitable for a wire wrap connection to an external conductor.
  • the contact section 12 has a mid portion 12a and upper and lower tapered portions 12b and 12c.
  • the portion 12a which is cylindrical in shape, provides the contact, described above, with the conductive layer 22.
  • the tapered portions are tapered to accommodate the narrower head section 14 and tail section 16 to the wider contact portion 12a.
  • the lower tapered portion 12c also serves as a guide which, on insertion, provides a smooth transition to the larger diameter of the contact portion, so as to minimize damage to the surface layer 22.
  • the contact section 12 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending beams 28 and 30. At least the mid portion of each beam has the shape of a truncated "C" in cross section, with the C's facing each other. In the unstressed condition of the contact section 12, the outer surfaces of the C's have a radius of curvature which is greater than that of the inner surface of the hole 18. Moreover, the ends 28a, 28b, 30a and 38b of the C's define a circumscribing circle whose radius is greater than that of the hole 18. Also, the central portions 28C and 30C of the C's are spaced apart by a distance greater than the diameter of the hole 18.
  • the C ends 28a, 28b, 30a and 30b contact the conductive layer 18 and are electrically forced inwardly thereby. Also the beams 28 and 30 bend inwardly so that the distance between the central portions 28C and 30C conforms to the diameter of the hole 18.
  • FIG. 2 shows the C's in continuous contact with the conductive layer 22.
  • reliable electrical contact will generally take place only at the ends 28a, 28b, 30a and 30b and the central portions 28c and 30c of the C's, as shown in FIG. 3. This is because the forces exerted by the contact section 12 on the conductive layer 22 are applied primarily at these points.
  • the pin provides a reliable electrical connection with the conductive layer 22.
  • the contact areas are symetrically disposed, there is no tendency of the pin to splay and thus the tail section 16 is assured of a predetermined, usually perpendicular, orientation with respect to the board ?0.
  • a novel press-fit contact pin having a compliant contact section which can accommodate a relatively wide range of hole diameters in providing reliable electrical contact with a conductive surface of a hole. Moreover, the pin is readily inserted into a hole and yet, at the same time, it provides sufficient retention force. Furthermore, the pin is readily removed with minimal damage to the conductive layer in the hole and it provides a pre-determined orientation with respect to the circuit board into which it is inserted.

Landscapes

  • Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
EP87400213A 1986-01-31 1987-01-30 Press-fit pin for circuit board connection Ceased EP0236186A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US82510086A 1986-01-31 1986-01-31
US825100 1986-01-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0236186A1 true EP0236186A1 (en) 1987-09-09

Family

ID=25243108

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87400213A Ceased EP0236186A1 (en) 1986-01-31 1987-01-30 Press-fit pin for circuit board connection

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0236186A1 (ja)
JP (1) JPS62271376A (ja)
CA (1) CA1273687A (ja)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2195836B (en) * 1986-07-11 1991-01-02 Neumayer Karl Contact pin
DE4115822A1 (de) * 1990-05-16 1991-11-21 Reflexite Corp Verfahren zum herstellen eines flexiblen rueckstrahlerflachmaterials
EP0472163A1 (en) * 1990-08-22 1992-02-26 Molex Incorporated Press-fit contact
US5548486A (en) * 1994-01-21 1996-08-20 International Business Machines Corporation Pinned module
EP0736939A1 (fr) * 1995-04-04 1996-10-09 Amphenol Socapex Contact électrique à force d'insertion
US5878483A (en) * 1995-06-01 1999-03-09 International Business Machines Corporation Hammer for forming bulges in an array of compliant pin blanks
EP1069650A1 (en) * 1999-07-13 2001-01-17 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Metal terminal
US6292429B1 (en) 1999-08-30 2001-09-18 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Synchronous semiconductor memory device allowing data to be satisfactorily rewritten therein
US9570832B2 (en) 2015-03-19 2017-02-14 Semiconductor Components Industries, Llc Press-fit pin for semiconductor packages and related methods

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0677166U (ja) * 1991-08-31 1994-10-28 モレックス インコーポレーテッド 押し嵌め式コンタクト
US7052288B1 (en) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-30 Fci Americas Technology, Inc. Two piece mid-plane

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1615681A1 (de) * 1967-01-27 1970-06-18 Amp Inc Elektrischer Steckerstift und Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung
DE7615027U1 (de) * 1976-05-12 1976-09-09 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Messerleiste
EP0102786A2 (en) * 1982-08-23 1984-03-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Resilient circuit board contactand a method of forming said contact
GB2161035A (en) * 1984-06-30 1986-01-02 Smiths Industries Plc Backplate connector contact

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS593477B2 (ja) * 1977-02-23 1984-01-24 三菱化学株式会社 環状エ−テルの製造方法
JPS5857869A (ja) * 1981-10-02 1983-04-06 Toshiba Corp 医療診断装置用カメラ
JPS593477U (ja) * 1982-06-29 1984-01-10 富士通株式会社 端子構造
JPS59150183U (ja) * 1983-03-29 1984-10-06 富士通株式会社 打込ピンの構造
US4625936A (en) * 1983-06-06 1986-12-02 Sine Products Company Flexible support and carrier assembly

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1615681A1 (de) * 1967-01-27 1970-06-18 Amp Inc Elektrischer Steckerstift und Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung
DE7615027U1 (de) * 1976-05-12 1976-09-09 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Messerleiste
EP0102786A2 (en) * 1982-08-23 1984-03-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Resilient circuit board contactand a method of forming said contact
GB2161035A (en) * 1984-06-30 1986-01-02 Smiths Industries Plc Backplate connector contact

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2195836B (en) * 1986-07-11 1991-01-02 Neumayer Karl Contact pin
DE4115822A1 (de) * 1990-05-16 1991-11-21 Reflexite Corp Verfahren zum herstellen eines flexiblen rueckstrahlerflachmaterials
EP0472163A1 (en) * 1990-08-22 1992-02-26 Molex Incorporated Press-fit contact
US5715595A (en) * 1994-01-21 1998-02-10 International Business Machines Corporation Method of forming a pinned module
US5548486A (en) * 1994-01-21 1996-08-20 International Business Machines Corporation Pinned module
EP0736939A1 (fr) * 1995-04-04 1996-10-09 Amphenol Socapex Contact électrique à force d'insertion
FR2732821A1 (fr) * 1995-04-04 1996-10-11 Socapex Amphenol Contact electrique a force d'insertion
US5915759A (en) * 1995-04-04 1999-06-29 Amphenol Socapex Method of making an electrical contact of the insertion force type
US5878483A (en) * 1995-06-01 1999-03-09 International Business Machines Corporation Hammer for forming bulges in an array of compliant pin blanks
EP1069650A1 (en) * 1999-07-13 2001-01-17 Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. Metal terminal
US6292429B1 (en) 1999-08-30 2001-09-18 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Synchronous semiconductor memory device allowing data to be satisfactorily rewritten therein
US9570832B2 (en) 2015-03-19 2017-02-14 Semiconductor Components Industries, Llc Press-fit pin for semiconductor packages and related methods
US10693270B2 (en) 2015-03-19 2020-06-23 Semiconductor Components Industries, Llc Press-fit pin for semiconductor packages and related methods
US11374373B2 (en) 2015-03-19 2022-06-28 Semiconductor Components Industries, Llc Press-fit pin for semiconductor packages and related methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0535551B2 (ja) 1993-05-26
JPS62271376A (ja) 1987-11-25
CA1273687A (en) 1990-09-04

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Inventor name: MOONEY, WILLIAM C.

Inventor name: CLASSON, EDWIN O.