EP0944129A1 - Multi-Receptacle Electical Connector - Google Patents
Multi-Receptacle Electical Connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0944129A1 EP0944129A1 EP98105033A EP98105033A EP0944129A1 EP 0944129 A1 EP0944129 A1 EP 0944129A1 EP 98105033 A EP98105033 A EP 98105033A EP 98105033 A EP98105033 A EP 98105033A EP 0944129 A1 EP0944129 A1 EP 0944129A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- terminal support
- electrical connector
- terminals
- grounding spring
- shell
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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Images
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
- H01R27/00—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
- H01R27/02—Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for simultaneous co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding
- H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
- H01R13/6581—Shield structure
- H01R13/6582—Shield structure with resilient means for engaging mating connector
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding
- H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
- H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
- H01R13/6594—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the shield being mounted on a PCB and connected to conductive members
Definitions
- the shell include a pair of first grounding spring fingers projecting into the first receptacle from opposite edges of the first opening for engaging an appropriate shell of the first mating connector. At least one second grounding spring finger projects into the second receptacle from an edge of the second opening for engaging an appropriate shell of the second mating connector.
- the second grounding spring finger is pre-loaded with a distal end of the finger seated behind a ledge of the housing within the second receptacle.
- a plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing, with some of the terminals having contact portions on opposite sides of the first terminal support. Other of the terminals have contact portions on only one side of the second terminal support.
- the electrical connector is disclosed herein for mounting on a printed circuit board.
- the plurality of terminals have tail portions for connection to circuit traces on the printed circuit board.
- the conductive shell has leg portions for insertion into holes in the circuit board.
- Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of an electrical connector, generally designated 10C.
- Connector 10C is substantially identical to connector 10 (Figs. 1-3) except that receptacle 16 of connector 10C is wider than receptacle 16 of connector 10.
- the enlarged receptacle 16 in connector 10C is provided for accommodating an enlarged or elongated second mating connector.
Landscapes
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
An electrical connector (10-10C) includes a dielectric housing (12) having differently configured receptacles (14,16) and differently configured terminal supports (18,20) projecting forwardly in the receptacles. A conductive shell (22) surrounds a substantial portion of the housing (12) and includes openings (30,32) in registry with the receptacles (14,16). The shell has different arrays of grounding spring fingers (34,38) projecting into the receptacles from edges of the openings. A plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing, with contact portions (50,62) in different arrays on selective sides of the terminal supports (18,20). <IMAGE>
Description
This invention generally relates to the art of
electrical connectors and, particularly, to a connector
which has a plurality of receptacles of different
configurations for receiving differently configured
electrical plugs.
In computer design, a computer mainboard mounts
different interface cards for different computer peripheral
apparatuses, and different connectors must be provided for
connecting the different peripheral apparatus to different
interface cards on the computer mainboard. There are known
connectors providing specified functions. Because these
connectors are independent components, they occupy
considerable space on the computer mainboard. When
installed, they must be separately soldered to the
mainboard. Furthermore, separate assembly procedures as
well as separate dismounting procedures are required for
each connector.
There is a need to provide a single connector
receptacle assembly which is capable of receiving multiple
connectors of different configurations and different
functions and solving the duplicity problems discussed
above. The present invention is directed to satisfying
this need and solving those problems.
An object, therefore, of the invention is to
provide a new and improved multi-receptacle electrical
connector of the character described.
In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having
at least first and second receptacles for receiving
appropriate complementary first and second mating
connectors. A first terminal support projects forwardly in
a mating direction within the first receptacle. A second
terminal support projects forwardly in a mating direction
within the second receptacle. A conductive shell
substantially surrounds the dielectric housing and includes
first and second openings in registry with the first and
second receptacles, respectively, for insertion
therethrough of the mating connectors.
The invention contemplates that the shell include
a pair of first grounding spring fingers projecting into
the first receptacle from opposite edges of the first
opening for engaging an appropriate shell of the first
mating connector. At least one second grounding spring
finger projects into the second receptacle from an edge of
the second opening for engaging an appropriate shell of the
second mating connector. The second grounding spring
finger is pre-loaded with a distal end of the finger seated
behind a ledge of the housing within the second receptacle.
A plurality of terminals are mounted on the housing, with
some of the terminals having contact portions on opposite
sides of the first terminal support. Other of the
terminals have contact portions on only one side of the
second terminal support.
As disclosed herein, the first terminal support
includes opposite sides and opposite ends, with contact
portions of some of the terminals on both opposite sides.
The pair of first grounding spring fingers are located near
both opposite ends of the first terminal support. The
second grounding spring finger is located near one side of
the second terminal support, with the contact portions of
the other of the terminals being on an opposite side of the
second terminal support. Preferably, a pair of the second
grounding spring fingers are located near the one side of
the second terminal support. Each of the second grounding
spring fingers includes angled portions defining an apex
directed inwardly toward the second terminal support.
The electrical connector is disclosed herein for
mounting on a printed circuit board. The plurality of
terminals have tail portions for connection to circuit
traces on the printed circuit board. The conductive shell
has leg portions for insertion into holes in the circuit
board.
Other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
The features of this invention which are believed
to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended
claims. The invention, together with its objects and
the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference
to the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
identify like elements in the figures and in which:
Referring to the drawings in greater detail, and
first to Figures 1-3, a first embodiment of an electrical
connector, generally designated 10, includes a dielectric
housing 12 (Fig. 3) having first and second receptacles 14
and 16, respectively, for receiving appropriate
complementary first and second mating connectors (not
shown). The housing includes a first terminal support 18
projecting forwardly in a mating direction generally
centrally within first receptacle 14. As can be seen in
Figures 2 and 3, terminal support 18 is elongated to define
opposite sides and opposite ends. A second terminal
support 20 projects forwardly in a mating direction
generally centrally within second receptacle 16. Like
terminal support 18, terminal support 20 is elongated to
define opposite sides and opposite ends.
As best seen in Figure 3, the shell has a
substantial bottom plate 44 and side plates 45 (Fig. 1)
which project inwardly into second receptacle 16 of the
housing to define the transverse bottom wall and parallel
side walls of the receptacle. Finally, the shell includes
a plurality of leg portions 46 for insertion into
appropriate holes in a printed circuit board to solder-connect
the shell to grounding traces on the board and/or
in the holes. It can be seen that the legs are offset and
angled to provide a press-fit in the board holes to
facilitate holding the connector to the board during a
soldering process.
Generally, a plurality of terminals 48, 50, 52
are mounted on housing 12 and include respective tail
portions 48b, 50b, 52b, for insertion into appropriate
holes in the printed circuit board to solder-connect the
terminals to circuit traces on the board and/or in the
holes. The terminals 48, 50 in the first receptacle 14
have contact portions 48a, 50a supported in grooves on both
opposite sides of first terminal support 18 within first
receptacle 14 of the housing. First grounding spring
fingers 34 are located near both opposite ends of the
terminal support 18.
The terminals 52 have contact portions 52a
supported in grooves located on only one side of second
terminal support 20 within second receptacle 16 of the
housing. It can be seen that second grounding spring
fingers 38 are located at one side of the terminal support
and contact portions 52a are located at an opposite side of
the terminal support.
Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of an
electrical connector, generally designated 10A, according
to the invention. It can be seen that the basic
configurations of the two receptacles 14 and 16, as well as
the associated shell portions and contact portions have the
same configurations as shown in the embodiment of Figures
1-3 and described above. Consequently, like reference
numerals have been applied in Figures 4 and 5 corresponding
to like components described above in relation to Figures
1-3.
The difference between connector 10A (Figs. 4 and
5) and connector 10 (Figs. 1-3) is that receptacles 14 and
16 have been reoriented in Figures 4 and 5 so that
elongated terminal supports 18 and 20 extend generally in
relative perpendicular directions versus the parallel
directions of connector 10 in Figures 1-3. The terminals
48, 50, 52 are configured so that tail portions 48b and 50b
do not laterally overlap with tail portions 52b. Tail
portions 52b now project from a side of receptacle 16 of
connector 10A in comparison to the bottom of receptacle 16
of connector 10. Leg portions 46 of the shell also have
been relocated.
Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of an
electrical connector, generally designated 10B, according
to the invention. Again, like reference numerals are
applied in Figure 6 corresponding to like components
described above in relation to the embodiments of Figures
1-5. Connector 10B in Figure 6 has a configuration
substantially identical to that of connector 10A (Figs. 4
and 5), except that receptacle 16 has been located in
connector 10B to the left of receptacle 14, versus
receptacle 16 of connector 10A being located at the right
of receptacle 14.
Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of an
electrical connector, generally designated 10C. Again,
like reference numerals have been applied in Figure 7
corresponding to like components described above in
relation to the embodiments of Figures 1-6. Connector 10C
is substantially identical to connector 10 (Figs. 1-3)
except that receptacle 16 of connector 10C is wider than
receptacle 16 of connector 10. The enlarged receptacle 16
in connector 10C is provided for accommodating an enlarged
or elongated second mating connector.
It will be understood that the invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present
examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered
in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and
the invention is not to be limited to the details given
herein.
Claims (21)
- An electrical connector (10-10C), comprising:a dielectric housing (12) having at least first (14) and second (16) receptacles for receiving appropriate complementary first and second mating connectors, a first terminal support (18) projecting forwardly in a mating direction within the first receptacle (14), and a second terminal support (20) projecting forwardly in mating direction within the second receptacle (16);a conductive shell (22) substantially surrounding the dielectric housing (12) and including first (30) and second (32) openings in registry with the first and second receptacles, respectively, for insertion therethrough of the mating connectors, the shell including a pair of first grounding spring fingers (34) projecting into the first receptacle (14) from opposite edges of said first opening (30) for engaging an appropriate shell of the first mating connector, and at least one second grounding spring finger (38) projecting into the second receptacle (16) from an edge of said second opening (32) for engaging an appropriate shell of the second mating connector, the second grounding spring finger (38) being pre-loaded with a distal end (38a) of the finger seated behind a ledge (40) of the housing; anda plurality of terminals mounted on the housing, some of the terminals having contact portions (50) on opposite sides of the first terminal support (18), and other of the terminals having contact portions (52) on only one side of the second terminal support (20).
- The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said first terminal support (18) includes opposite sides and opposite ends, said some of the terminals having contact portions (50) on both opposite sides and said pair of first grounding spring fingers (34) being located near both opposite ends of the first terminal support (18).
- The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said second grounding spring finger (38) is located near one side of the second terminal support (20) and paid other of the terminals have contact portions (52) on an opposite side of the second terminal support (20).
- The electrical connector of claim 3, including a pair of said second grounding spring fingers (38) located near said one side of the second terminal support (20).
- The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said plurality of terminals have tail portions (48) for connection to circuit traces of an appropriate printed circuit board.
- The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said conductive shell (22) has leg portions (46) for insertion into holes in an appropriate printed circuit board.
- The electrical connector of claim 6 wherein said plurality of terminals have tail portions (48) for connection to circuit traces of an appropriate printed circuit board.
- The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said conductive shell (22) includes flanges (42) flared outwardly from edges of the second opening (32) remote from said edge from which the second grounding spring finger (38) projects.
- The electrical connector of claim 1 wherein said second grounding spring finger (38) includes angled portions defining an apex (38b) directed inwardly toward the second terminal support (20).
- An electrical connector (10-10C), comprising:a dielectric housing (12) having at least first (18) and second (20) terminal supports spaced from each other and projecting forwardly in a mating direction;a conductive shell (22) about a substantial portion of the dielectric housing (12) and including first (30) and second (32) openings in registry with the first and second terminal supports, respectively, for insertion therethrough of appropriate complementary first and second mating connectors, the shell including a pair of first grounding spring fingers (34) projecting inwardly from opposite edges of said first opening (30) for engaging an appropriate shell of the first mating connector, and at least one second grounding spring finger (38) projecting inwardly from an edge of said second opening (32) for engaging an appropriate shell of the second mating connector; anda plurality of terminals mounted on the housing (12), some of the terminals having contact portions (50) on opposite sides of the first terminal support (18), and other of the terminals having contact portions (52) on only one side of the second terminal support (20).
- The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said first terminal support (18) includes opposite sides and opposite ends, said some of the terminals having contact portions (50) on both opposite sides and said pair of first grounding spring fingers (34) being located near both opposite ends of the first terminal support (18).
- The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said second grounding spring finger (38) is located near one side of the second terminal support (20) and Said other of the terminals have contact portions (52) on an opposite side of the second terminal support (20).
- The electrical connector of claim 12, including a pair of said second grounding spring fingers (38) located near said one side of the second terminal support (20).
- The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said plurality of terminals have tail portions (48) for connection to circuit traces of an appropriate printed circuit board.
- The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said conductive shell (22) has leg portions (46) for insertion into holes in an appropriate printed circuit board.
- The electrical connector of claim 15 wherein said plurality of terminals have tail portions (48) for connection to circuit traces of an appropriate printed circuit board.
- The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said conductive shell (22) includes flanges (42) flared outwardly from edges of the second opening (32) remote from said edge from which the second grounding spring finger (38) projects.
- The electrical connector of claim 10 wherein said second grounding spring finger (38) includes angled portions defining an apex (38b) directed inwardly toward the second terminal support (20).
- An electrical connector (10-10C), comprising:a dielectric housing (12) having a first terminal support (18) projecting forwardly in a mating direction, the first terminal support being elongated in cross-section defining opposite sides and opposite ends, a second terminal support (20) projecting forwardly in said mating direction, and the second terminal support being elongated in cross-section defining opposite sides and opposite ends;a plurality of terminals mounted on the housing, some of the terminals having contact portions (50) on said opposite sides of the first terminal support (18), and other of the terminals having contact portions (52) on only one side of the second terminal support (20); anda conductive shell (22) about a substantial portion of the dielectric housing (12) and including first (30) and second (32) openings in registry with the first (18) and second (20) terminal supports, respectively, the shell including a first grounding finger (34) projecting inwardly near the first terminal (18) support from an edge of said first opening (30), and a second grounding finger (38) projecting inwardly near the second terminal support (20) from an edge of said second opening (32).
- The electrical connector of claim 19 wherein said second grounding finger (38) is located on the other side of the second terminal support (20) opposite the contact portions (52) of said other of the terminals.
- The electrical connector of claim 19, including a pair of said first grounding fingers (34) located near said opposite ends of the first terminal support (18).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP98105033A EP0944129A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1998-03-19 | Multi-Receptacle Electical Connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP98105033A EP0944129A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1998-03-19 | Multi-Receptacle Electical Connector |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0944129A1 true EP0944129A1 (en) | 1999-09-22 |
Family
ID=8231622
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP98105033A Withdrawn EP0944129A1 (en) | 1998-03-19 | 1998-03-19 | Multi-Receptacle Electical Connector |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0944129A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7249977B2 (en) | 2002-08-16 | 2007-07-31 | Harting Electric Gmbh & Co. Kg | USB type plug connector |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5221212A (en) * | 1992-08-27 | 1993-06-22 | Amp Incorporated | Shielding a surface mount electrical connector |
US5399105A (en) * | 1994-04-29 | 1995-03-21 | The Whitaker Corporation | Conductive shroud for electrical connectors |
EP0739062A1 (en) * | 1995-04-17 | 1996-10-23 | Amphenol Corporation | Combination connector |
US5702271A (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1997-12-30 | The Whitaker Corporation | Ultra low profile board-mounted modular jack |
-
1998
- 1998-03-19 EP EP98105033A patent/EP0944129A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5221212A (en) * | 1992-08-27 | 1993-06-22 | Amp Incorporated | Shielding a surface mount electrical connector |
US5399105A (en) * | 1994-04-29 | 1995-03-21 | The Whitaker Corporation | Conductive shroud for electrical connectors |
EP0739062A1 (en) * | 1995-04-17 | 1996-10-23 | Amphenol Corporation | Combination connector |
US5702271A (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1997-12-30 | The Whitaker Corporation | Ultra low profile board-mounted modular jack |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7249977B2 (en) | 2002-08-16 | 2007-07-31 | Harting Electric Gmbh & Co. Kg | USB type plug connector |
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