GB2360400A

GB2360400A - Connector with offset terminals

Info

Publication number: GB2360400A
Application number: GB0103908A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lin Yu-Ru; George M Hubbard
Original assignee: Molex LLC
Current assignee: Molex LLC
Priority date: 2000-02-25
Filing date: 2001-02-16
Publication date: 2001-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-16
Also published as: GB2360400B; GB0103908D0; FR2805670A1; DE10107627A1; IE20010168A1; ITMI20010372A1; DE10107627B4

Abstract

A connector includes a casing (1, 1a), an insulator (2, 2a), and at least one terminal (3, 3a). The casing may include two mounting legs (14, 14') extending from a rear thereof. The terminal (3, 3a) is mounted within the insulator (2, 2a) and the insulator is mounted within the casing (1, 1a). The terminal has a step (32, 34) at the rear end (28, 35) thereof which is adapted for positioning on a circuit board to which the connector is to be installed. In addition, the terminal may have a flat surface which facilitates positioning of the terminal on the circuit board.

Description

2360400

SPECIFICATION

CONNECTOR WITH OFFSET TERMINALS Field of the Invention

The present invention provides a novel connector and, more particularly, a novel connector with offset terminals which is adapted for soldering to a circuit board.

Backnound of the Invention FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art connector 51. The connector 5' includes a casing

1 an insulator 2', and a terminal Y. The connector 5' is connected to conventional circuit board 4'.

The casing 1' includes front chamber 12' which has an open end, a rear chamber 13' which has an open end, an aperture l l' which extends axially through the center of the casing 1' and is connected to the front chamber 12' and to the rear chamber 131 and provides communication therebetween, and two mounting legs 14? (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) which extend outwardly from the rear side of the casing V. The mounting legs 141 are provided on each side of the rear chamber 13 are parallel with each other and are aligned with each other.

is The insulator 2? is formed of suitable insulative material. A cavity 21' extends axially through the center of insulator 2'.

The terminal 3' is an elongated member having an enlargement 3 1' provided along the length thereof The rear of the terminal 3' is flat to provide a flat portion 32 The terminal 3' is provided through the cavity 21' through the insulator V.

The enlargement 3 1' retains the terminal 31 within the cavity 21 " through the insulator 21. A front portion of the terminal 3' extends outwardly from the front of the insulator 21 a predetermined distance, and a rear portion of the terminal 3' extends outwardly from the rear of the insulator 21 a predetermined distance.

The insulator 2' is inserted into the rear chamber 131 such that terminal 31 extends through the aperture 11' and the front portion of the terminal 3' extends into the front chamber 12' of the casing I'. The rear portion of the terminal 3' extends outwardly from the rear of the casing 1'. The circuit board 4' is attached to the connector 5' by soldering the flat portion 32' thereto.

When the mating connector is connected to the connector 5', the insertion force directly acts on the connection area between the flat portion 32' and the circuit board 4', which can cause damage to the soldered area. In addition, because the terminal 3' is a straight member which is directly soldered to the circuit board 4', the height of the connector 5' above the circuit board 4' cannot be minimized because the centerline of the circuit board 4' and the centerline of the connector S' are offset from each other.

The present invention provides a novel connector which overcomes the problems presented in the prior art and which provides additional advantages over the prior art. Such advantages will become clear upon a reading of the attached specification in combination with a study of the drawings.

Objects and Summan of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide a novel connector which has an elevation at the circuit board which is minimized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel connector which has improved strength against compression forces and pulling forces upon connection or disconnection of a mating connector.

A further object of the present invention to provide a novel connector which has prolonged service life over prior art connectors.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel connector which provides for reduced noise transmission.

The present invention provides a connector which includes a casing, an insulator, and at least one terminal. The casing includes two mounting legs which 2 i extend from a rear thereof. The terminal is mounted within the insulator and the insulator is mounted within the casing. The terminal has a step at the rear end thereof which is adapted for positioning on a circuit board to which the connector is to be installed. In addition, the terminal has a flat surface which enables mating of the terminal with the circuit board.

3 Brief Description of the Drawings

The orgaffization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a prior art connector, with a terminal of the connector shown in side elevation, and shown attached to a circuit board which is shown in cross-section; FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of a connector which incorporates features of a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is an assembled, perspective view of the connector of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 2, with a terminal of the connector shown in side elevation, and shown attached to a circuit board which is shown in cross-section; and FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector which incorporates features of a second embodiment of the invention, with a terminal of the connector shown in side elevation, and shown attached to a circuit board which is shown in cross-section.

4 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein.

A first embodiment of the connector 5 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 2-4. A second embodiment of the connector Sa of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. Each embodiment of the connector 5, Sa includes a casing 1, 1 a an insulator 2, 2a and a terminal 3, 3a. Each embodiment of the connector 5, Sa is connected to conventional circuit board 4. The casing 1, l a and the insulator 2, 2a are identical in the first and second embodiments of the connector 5, 5a. The structure of the casing 1, l a and of the insulator 2, 2a are described with respect to the first embodiment with the understanding that like components in the second embodiment are denoted with like reference numerals having the suffix "a" after the reference numeral. Thereafter, the structure of the respective terminals 3, 3a will be described along with the assembly of the respective connector 5, 5a and the assembly of the respective connector 5, 5a with the circuit board 4. Like elements of the terminals 3, 3a are denoted with like reference numerals with the second embodiment having the suffix "a" after the reference numeral.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the casing 1 is formed of a rear wall 8 having a cylindrical portion 9 extending from a front side thereof and a pair of mounting legs 14, 14'extending from a rear side thereof A central passageway is provided through the casing 1 and is formed from a front chamber 12, an aperture 11 and a rear chamber 13.

The front chamber 12 is formed within a front portion of the cylindrical portion 9 and is open to the front of the casing 1. The rear chamber 13 is formed within a rear portion of the casing 1 such that the rear chamber 13 is extends through the rear wall 8 and extends into the cylindrical portion 9. The rear chamber 13 is open to the rear of the casing 1. The aperture 11 extends axially through the center of the casing 1 and is connected to the front chamber 12 and to the rear chamber 13 and provides communication therebetween. The front chamber 12 has a dimension, such as diameter, which is greater than the dimension, such as diameter, of the aperture 11.

The rear chamber 13 has a dimension, such as diameter, which is greater than the dimension, such as diameter, of the aperture 11. The pair of mounting legs 14, 14' (only one of which is shown in the second embodiment in FIG. 5) extend outwardly from the rear side of the rear wall 8.

The mounting legs 14, 14' are provided on each side of the rear chamber 13 at a predetermined elevation along the height of the casing 1, are parallel with each other and are aligned with each other. The rear wall 8, the cylindrical portion 9 and the mounting legs 14, 14' are formed of a suitable conductive material, such as bronze, and can be integrally formed.

The insulator 2 is formed of suitable electrically insulative material, for example, TeflonO material. A cavity 21 extends axially through the center of insulator 2. The insulator 2 has an exterior shape which corresponds to the shape of the rear chamber 13. As shown, the insulator 2 and the rear chamber 13 are cylindrical.

Attention is now invited to the first embodiment of the terminal 3, shown in FIGURES 2-4. As best shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 3 of the first embodiment includes an intermediate portion 22, having a first elongated portion 23 extending outwardly from a front side thereof, and a second elongated portion 24 extending outwardly from a rear side thereof. The terminal 3 is formed of a suitable electrically conductive material and is preferably integrally formed. The first elongated portion 23 and the second elongated portion 24 are parallel to each other, but are offset from each other. The intermediate portion 22 has a first flat surface 25 which extends from the first elongated portion 23 and is perpendicular to the first elongated portion 23, such that a first shoulder is defined between the first elongated portion 23 and the intermediate portion 22. The intermediate portion 22 has a second flat surface 32 6 which extends ftorn the second elongated portion 24 and is perpendicular to the second elongated portion 24, such that a second shoulder is defined between the second elongated portion 24 and the intermediate portion 22. Accordingly, a step of a predetermined height is provided in the terminal 3. The first flat surface 25 and the second flat surface 32 are parallel to each other. The second elongated portion 24 has a square cross-section such that a flat surface is provided on each side of thereof.

Importantly, a flat surface 28 is provided on the surface which is perpendicular to the second flat surface 32 so that the terminal 3 can be easily soldered to the circuit board 4 as discussed herein. The second elongated portion 24 can have other cross-sections so long as the flat surface 28 is provided. An enlargement 31 is provided along the length of the first elongated portion 23 at a position which is spaced from the intermediate portion 22.

The first elongated portion 23 of the terminal 3 is provided through the cavity 21 through the insulator 2 such that the first flat surface 25 abuts against a rear surface of the insulator 2. The enlargement 31 retains the terminal 3 within the cavity 21 through the insulator 2. A section 29 of the first elongated portion 23 of the terminal 3 extends outwardly from the front of the insulator 2 a predetermined distance. The intermediate portion 22 and the second elongated portion 24 of the terminal 3 extends outwardly from the rear of the insulator 2.

The insulator 2 is inserted into the rear chamber 13 by suitable means, such as press fitting, such that section 29 extends through the aperture 11 and into the front chamber 12 of the casing 1. The intermediate portion 22 and the second elongated portion 24 of the terminal 3 extend outwardly from the rear of the casing 1. The intermediate portion 22 and the second elongated portion 24 of the terminal 3 are parallel to the mounting legs 14, 141 of the casing 1.

To attach the circuit board 4 to the first embodiment of the connector 5, the terminal 3 is seated against the circuit board 4 such that the flat surface 32 of the intermediate portion 22 abuts against a side edge of the circuit board 4 and the flat surface 28 of the second elongated portion 24 abuts against the top surface of the 7 circuit board 4. The centerline of the circuit board 4 substantially aligns with the centerline of the connector 5 therefore creating a low profile connector. The step in the terminal 3 can be designed such that the centerline of the circuit board 4 and the centerline of the connector 5 exactly align, if desired. The mounting legs 14, 14' are spaced ftom the circuit board 4. The second elongated portion 24 is soldered to the circuit board 4.

Because of the step formed within the terminal 3, the terminal 3 can be easily and properly positioned on the circuit board 4. In addition, because of the step formed within the terminal 3, the elevation of this first embodiment of the connector 5 at the circuit board 4 is minimized as the centerline of the circuit board 4 substantially aligns with the centerline of the connector 5. Furthermore, because of the step formed within the terminal 3, the strength of the connector 5 is improved against compression forces and pulling forces upon connection or disconnection of the mating connector (not shown). These advantages greatly prolong the service life of the connector 5 over prior art connectors.

Attention is now invited to the second embodiment of the connector Sa, shown in FIGURE 5. The casing 1 a and the insulator 2a are identical to that of the first embodiment.

The terminal 3a of the second embodiment includes a first elongated portion 23a and a second elongated portion 24a which are connected together. The terminal 3a is formed of a suitable electrically conductive material and is preferably integrally formed.

The first elongated portion 23a is straight. An enlargement 31 a is provided along the length thereof the first elongated portion 23a at a position which is spaced from the second portion 24a.

The second elongated portion 24a includes a first portion 33 which is straight and is aligned with the first elongated portion 23a, a second portion 34 which is obliquely angled relative to the first straight portion 33, and a third portion 35 which is obliquely angled relative to the second portion 34 and parallel to the first straight 8 portion 33. The third portion 35 is offset relative to the first portion 33 and first elongated portion 23a. A first shoulder is formed between the first portion 33 and the second portion 34. A second shoulder is formed between the second portion 34 and the third portion 35. Accordingly, a step is provided in the terminal 3a. The second elongated portion 24a is square in cross-section such that a flat surface is provided on each side of thereof. Importantly, a flat surface 28a is provided on the surface shown in FIG. 5 so that the terminal 3a can be easily soldered to the circuit board 4 as discussed herein. The second elongated portion 24a can have other cross- sections so long as the flat surface 28a is provided. Preferably, the second elongated portion 24a has a dimension, such as height and/or width, which is greater than the diameter of the first elongated portion 23a so that the terminal 3a can be properly positioned within the insulator 2a as discussed herein.

The first elongated portion 23a of the terminal 3a is provided through the cavity 21 a through the insulator 2a such that the second elongated portion 24a abuts against a rear surface of the insulator 2a. The provision of a larger dimensioned second elongated portion 24a aids in properly positioning of the second elongated portion 24a relative to the insulator 2a. The enlargement 31 a retains the terminal 3a within the cavity 21 a through the insulator 2a. A section 29a of the first elongated portion 23a of the terminal 3a extends outwardly from the front of the insulator 2a a predetermined distance. The second elongated portion 24a of the terminal 3a extends outwardly from the rear of the insulator 2a.

The insulator 2a is inserted into the rear chamber 13a by suitable means, such as press fitting, such that section 29a extends through the aperture 11 a and into the front chamber 12a of the casing l a. The second elongated portion 24a of the terminal 3a extends outwardly from the rear of the casing la. The second elongated portion 24a of the terminal 3a is parallel to the mounting legs 14a' (only one of the pair of mounting legs is shown in FIG. 5) of the casing la.

To attach the circuit board 4 to the second embodiment of the connector 5a, the terminal 3a is seated against the circuit board 4 such that the flat surface 28a of 9 the second elongated portion 24a abuts against the top surface of the circuit board 4.

The centerline of the circuit board 4 substantially aligns with the centerline of the connector 5a therefore creating a low profile connector. The step in the terminal 3a can be designed such that the centerline of the circuit board 4 and the centerline of the connector Sa exactly align, if desired. The second elongated portion 24a is soldered to the circuit board 4. The mounting legs 14a, 14a' are spaced from the circuit board 4.

Because of the step formed within the terminal 3a, the terminal 3a can be easily and properly positioned on the circuit board 4. In addition, because of the step formed within the terminal 3a, the elevation of this second embodiment of the connector 5a at the circuit board 4 is minimized as the centerline of the circuit board 4 substantially aligns with the centerline of the connector 5a. Furthermore, because of the step formed within the terminal 3a, the strength of the connector 5a is improved against compression forces and pulling forces upon connection or disconnection of the mating connector (not shown). These advantages greatly prolong the service life of the connector 5a over prior art connectors. Additionally, because the step is formed by the obliquely angled second portion 34 instead of corners as provided in the first embodiment of the terminal 3, this connector 5a is more suitable for high speed transmission because the amount of noise transmitted by the terminal 3a of the second embodiment is reduced over the terminal 3 of the first embodiment.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 A connector capable of being soldering to a circuit board, comprising:

a casing having a passageway provided therethrough; an insulator mounted within said passageway of said casing; and at least one terminal provided through said insulator such that a first section of said terminal extends into said passageway of said casing and a second section of said terminal extends outwardly from said casing, said second section of said terminal having a step provided therein which is adapted for positioning on the circuit board.

2. A connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said passageway through said casing comprises a front chamber disposed at a front side thereof, a rear chamber disposed at a rear side thereof, said rear chamber having said insulator mounted therein, and communication means provided between said front chamber and said rear chamber for providing communication between said front chamber and said rear chamber.

3. A connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said terminal includes an intermediate portion, a first elongated portion extending outwardly from a front side of said intermediate portion, and a second elongated portion extending outwardly from a rear side of said intermediate portion, said first elongated portion and said second elongated portion being parallel to each other and being offset from each other to form said step.

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4. A connector as defined in claim 3, wherein said intermediate portion has a first flat surface which extends from said first elongated portion and is perpendicular to the first elongated portion, such that a first shoulder is defined between said first elongated portion and said intermediate portion, and said intermediate portion has a second flat surface which extends from said second elongated portion and is perpendicular to said second elongated portion, such that a second shoulder is defined between said second elongated portion and said intermediate portion.

5. A connector as defined in claim 4, wherein said first flat surface and said second flat surface are parallel to each other.

6. A connector as defined in claim 3, wherein said second elongated portion has at least one flat surface provided thereon.

7. A connector as defined in claim 3, further including an enlargement on said first elongated portion provided at a position which is spaced from said intermediate portion.

8. A connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said terminal includes a first elongated portion and a second elongated portion which are connected together, said second elongated portion including a first portion which is aligned with said first elongated portion, a second portion which is obliquely angled relative to said first portion, and a third portion which is obliquely angled relative to said second portion and parallel to said first portion, said second elongated portion forming said step.

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9. A connector as defined in claim 8, wherein said second elongated portion has a dimension which is greater than a dimension of said first elongated portion.

10. A connector as defined in claim 8, wherein said second elongated portion has at least one flat surface provided thereon.

11. A connector as defined in claim 8, further including an enlargement on said first elongated portion provided at a position which is spaced from said intermediate portion.

12. A connector as defined in claim 1, wherein said second section has at least one flat surface provided thereon.

13. A connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 2 to 4 or Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings.

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