GB2573566A - Compact custom press-fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever - Google Patents
Compact custom press-fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2573566A GB2573566A GB1807668.7A GB201807668A GB2573566A GB 2573566 A GB2573566 A GB 2573566A GB 201807668 A GB201807668 A GB 201807668A GB 2573566 A GB2573566 A GB 2573566A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- press
- fit
- fit pin
- elastic
- substrate
- 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.)
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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
-
- 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
- H01R12/52—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures connecting to other rigid printed circuits or like structures
-
- 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
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
- H01R12/714—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit with contacts abutting directly the printed circuit; Button contacts therefore provided on the printed circuit
-
- 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
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/73—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures connecting to other rigid printed circuits or like structures
-
- 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
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
- H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
- H01R13/2407—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means
-
- 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
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
Landscapes
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
Abstract
A compact custom press-fit pit 9 for mechanical and electrical connection of two parallel substrates, the first substrate comprising conductive through-holes and the second substrate comprising conductive pads, the pin providing two elements made of the same material that provides electrical conductivity, strength and resilience: a press-fit part 9.1 which is inserted perpendicularly and retained in one of the through-holes of said first substrate; an elastic lever 9.2 having a uniform cross-section thickness, disposed at the opposite side of the press-fit part 9.1; said elastic lever 9.2 comprising: a straight portion 9.2.2 having the length between 70 mm and 100 mm; said straight portion 9.2.2 being inclined at an angle varying between 15° - 60°; a pad portion 9.2.3 disposed at the free end of the straight portion 9.2.2 configured to provide the electrical contact with the second substrate; a curved elastic portion 9.2.1 having a radius varying between two times and ten times the cross-section thickness of the lever portion 9.2.
Description
COMPACT CUSTOM PRESS-FIT PIN WITH ELASTIC ELECTRICAL CONTACT LEVER
Field of the invention [0001]The invention relates to a compact custom press fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever, used for low current electrical connections between different components from the electronic or automotive industry, such us connectors, sensors, other electrical devices and in particular for connecting two substrates to each other, such as Printed Circuit Boards, hereafter PCBs.
Prior Art [0002]In the automotive industry there is always a need to realize electrical connections between different components, e.g. connectors, sensors, other electrical devices, and sometimes even to connect electrically two PCBs one to the other.
[0003]Such electrical connections are realized very often using a combination of known technical solutions such as: press-fit pins to PCB, soldered pins to PCB, helical spring contacts to PCB or other components, screw connections.
[0004]Fig. 1 and 2 show examples of known solutions to realize an electrical connection between two PCBs for low current equipments, where a PCB 1 is used for press-fit electrical contacts and the other PCB 6 is used for helical springs electrical contacts.
[0005]Cn one side the electrical connection is realized via press-fit pins 2 and on the other side via helical springs 4. The press-fit contacts 2 could be overmolded, and have a length depending on the distance between the components. The press-fit pin could be inserted on the PCB as single component or as a bundle of press-fit pins which might be connected in between by a connector plastic housing 3. The press-fit contacts 2 present on one side some round pads 5 on which the helical springs 4 will seat and have permanent contact in mounted mode of the connector.
[0006]The plastic cover 7 presented in the Fig. 2 is used to keep the helical springs 4 partially compressed in the assembled mode of the connector. The helical springs 4 will be even more compressed in the elastic domain when the connector will be mounted on the PCB 6 in order to realize the electrical contact. The plastic guiding component 8 is used to provide an increased position accuracy of the helical springs 4 in regards to the PCB pads 5.
[0007]As it is shown, there are different electrical possible connections to be used for PCBs connection such as press-fit pins on both sides, press-fit pins on one side and soldered pins on the other side, press-fit pins on one side and screw connections on the other side, other combinations without using press-fit pins.
[0008]Current solutions have disadvantages such as:
- High number of parts and various materials, with negative impact on tolerance chain/stack-up and may require a more production time;
- Most of the existing connectors require a big packaging space between the two connected substrates, such as PCBs.
- Complex manufacturing processes which require specific tools and devices (e.g. for screwing, soldering etc.) determining increased cost and production cycle time.
Problem to be solved by the invention [0009]The invention attempts to solve the problems of high number of parts and materials of the press-fit pin, big packaging space between the two connected substrates and the complex manufacturing process by providing a new compact custom press-fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever, that will be easier to be produced; easier to adapt to the necessity of each type of connection and dimension between two substrates; easier to be put in work leading to reducing the complexity of the electrical connection between two substrates or between substrates such as PCBs and other components, by this reducing the production cycle time and the corresponding costs.
Summary of the invention [0010]The objective of the invention is to provide a compact custom press-fit pin, also referenced throughout this invention with the term press-fit pin for mechanical and electrical connection of two parallel substrates, the first substrate comprising conductive through-holes and the second substrate comprising conductive pads. The press-fit pin according to the invention comprises two elements made of the same material that provides excellent electrical conductivity, strength and resilience:
- a press-fit part configured so that, upon perpendicular insertion into one of the through-holes of said first substrate, a retention force is created in the same direction with the insertion with the effect of retaining the press-fit pin in place;
- an elastic lever having a uniform cross-section thickness, disposed at the opposite side of the press-fit part as respect to the portion of the press-fit part that is inserted into the through- hole of said first substrate;
said elastic lever comprising:
- a straight portion having the length between 70 mm and 100 mm inclusive; the straight portion being inclined in respect to the axis perpendicular to the axis of the press-fit part with an angle varying between 15° -60°;
- a pad portion disposed at the free end of the straight portion configured to provide the electrical contact of the compact custom press-fit pin with the second substrate;
- a curved elastic portion connecting the press-fit part with the straight portion, having a radius varying between a minimum of two times the cross-section thickness, and a maximum of ten times the cross-section thickness including the ends of the interval, said curved elastic portion being configured to elastically bend when a compression force, which value is lower than the value of the retention force, is applied perpendicularly on the pad portion with the purpose of connecting the two substrates in the final assembled mode.
[0011] The invention important advantages are as follows:
- Getting a compact design, allowing working space when a small distance between two substrates is required;
- Reduced manufacturing complexity because the entire press-fit pin is made from the same material that can lead to reduced production cycle time;
- Compensation of a wide tolerance interval in between the two components which must be electrically connected;
- Compact design solving packaging issues.
- Very versatile design that allows fine-tuning of the elasticity conduct by varying a large selection of parameters values as follows;
- by selecting different parameter values for the bending radius R depending of the thickness of the material it is obtained a press fit pin having different elasticity conduct for different thicknesses to avoid producing exaggerated internal tension in the press-fit pin material when bent and thus to avoid early destruction of the press-fit pin;
- by selecting different parameter values for the angle of the elastic lever and the length L of the straight portion it is possible to use the press fit pin according to the invention for a wide range of PCB assemblies having different distances between the PCB, and depending of the position of the components placed on each PCB;
- by selecting different types of material from which the press-fit is manufactured, IT may be obtained a press fit pin with different degrees of elasticity, but having the possibility to adjust the transfer of electric power depending the technical requirements for the PCB assembly.
by adopting different cross-section thickness for various sections of the press fit pin it is obtained a press fit pin with sections having different stiffness, specifically a rigid section for the press fit part, and an elastic section for the elastic lever, maintaining in the same time the structural integrity of the material.
- The possibility to fine-tune the elasticity conduct by varying a large selection of parameters value allows the press-fit pin according to the invention to be used in a PCB assemblies having a plurality of technical requirements or constraints. For example, in some cases, a constraint may be that the material from which the press-fit is manufactured is given or pre-determined therefore the elastic conduct must be given by varying the other parameters. In other cases, for example the distance between the two PCB assemblies or the free space may be very small, thus in this case the selection of the geometrical characteristics of the press-fit pin is limited, reasons for which the elastic conduct can be varied by selecting different cross-section thickness and the type of the press-fit pin material.
[0012] Further features and advantages of the invention stems from the following description and the claims with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate the same component throughout the figures.
Brief description of the drawings:
[0013] The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the drawings where:
- Fig. 1 shows an example of a compact custom press fit pin from the state of the art indicated in a schematic PCB-PCB connection;
- Fig. 2 shows another example of a press fit pin from the state of the art indicating a PCB-PCB connector;
- Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a compact custom press-fit pin with electrical contact lever, according to the invention;
- Fig.4 shows two substrates, such as PCBs assembly connected by a compact custom press-fit pin with electrical contact lever according to the invention;
- Fig. 5 is a side view of the compact custom press-fit pin with electrical contact lever according to the invention, showing a schematic representation of the thickness and forces directions;
- Fig.6 shows geometrical elements of the compact custom press-fit pin with electrical contact lever according to the invention and the elastic variation of the height of the elastic lever.
[0014]List of references in the drawings:
- Substrate
1a - Substrate comprising through - hole b- Substrate comprising conductive pads
- Press-fit connector to PCB
- Connector plastic housing
- Helical springs
- Connection pads of the substrate 1 b paired to the through-hole 6 of the other substrate 1a
- Through - hole of the substrate 1 a
- Plastic springs cover
- Plastic guiding component to PCB
- Compact custom press-fit pin with elastic lever
9.1- Press-fit part of the compact custom press-fit pin 9
9.2 - Elastic lever of the compact custom press-fit pin 9
9.2.1. Curved elastic portion of the elastic lever 9.2
9.2.2. - Straight portion of the elastic lever 9.2.
9.2.3. - Pad portion of the elastic lever 9.2.
a - Press-fit area b - Elastic lever area c - Shoulder portion of the press-fit part 9.1.
t - Tip of the press-fit area a of the press-fit part 9.1.
h - Height of the press-fit pin 9 when not compressed h1 - height of the press-fit pin 9 when compressed in the final assembled mode between the two parallel substrates 1a, and 1b; it is equivalent to the distance between the parallel faces of the two substrates 1a, and 1b when in compressed position h2 - distance of insertion of the press-fit part 9 into the through-hole of the substrate 1 a g - cross-section thickness of the material from which the press-fit pin (9) is processed corresponding to the thickness of the elastic lever 9.2.
Ah = h -h2-h1-g - elastic variation of the height of the elastic lever 9.2. of the press-fit pin 9
L - Length of the straight portion 9.2.2.
β - Angle made by the straight portion 9.2.2. with the axis perpendicular to the axis of the press-fit part 9.1.
R - Radius of the curved elastic portion 9.2.1.
Frt - retention force
Fc- compression force
Fe- elastic force [0015]For the ease of understanding of the teaching of the invention, drawings show the curved elastic portion 9.2.1 of the compact custom press fit pin 9, in a vertical position whereas the two substrates 1a, and 1b are shown in a horizontal position. The press fit pin 9 according to the invention can work in any position as respect to the vertical, depending on the respective position of the two substrates 1a, and 1b to be connected.
Detailed description of the invention and of the embodiments [0016]The inventors conceived a compact custom press-fit pin 9, made of a single material, namely any material suitable for forming a communication link between two electrical substrates 1a, and 1b, as long as it provides excellent electrical conductivity, strength and resilience.
[0017]The press-fit pin 9 according to the invention comprises the press-fit part 9.1. and the elastic lever 9.2, both of them made of the same material, which simplifies manufacturing process.
[0018]The elastic lever 9.2. has the cross-thickness g of the material that is uniform across the elastic lever 9.2.; this cross-thickness may be or not equal to the cross-thickness of the press-fit part 9.1.; all preferred embodiments show that the cross-thickness is different on the two main parts of the press-fit pin 9.
[0019] With reference to Fig. 3 to 6, the compact custom press-fit pin 9 is configured to provide mechanical and electrical connection between two parallel substrates 1a, and
1b, such as, but not limited, to PCBs, the first substrate 1a comprising conductive through-holes 6 and the second substrate 1b comprising conductive pads 5.
[0020]The press-fit part 9.1. is inserted into one of the through-holes 6 of the first substrate 1a, until the height h2 corresponding to the final assembled mode, where the required distance h1 between the two substrates 1 is reached, whereas on the opposite side, the elastic lever 9.2. is connected via the pad portion 9.2.3. to the conductive pads of the second substrate 1 b.
[0021]As it is shown in Fig. 3, the press-fit part 9.1 includes a shoulder portion c disposed between the press-fit area a, and the elastic lever area b, towards the end connected to the elastic lever 9.2, and a press fit area a, which extends downward from the lower part of the shoulder portion c, when the press-fit part 9.1. is placed in vertical position, to be in pressure contact with an internal surface of a through-hole 6 of the PCB; it further includes a tip portion t at the free end of the press-fit area a.
[0022]The shoulder portion c extends outward beyond the width of the press-fit area a, and prevents the compact custom press-fit pin 9 from passing through the through-hole formed on the first substrate 1a, such as a PCB, even an excessive insertion force is applied to the compact custom press-fit pin 9.
[0023]The shoulder portion c is, preferably, formed in a rectangular shape in cross section, but may be formed in any other shape which is suitable to prevent the passing through the through-hole 6 formed on the first substrate 1a.
[0024]The press fit area a comprises two arm portions a1 and a2, which define a slit (needle eye), as shown in Fig 3. Specifically, the arm portions a1 and a2 split from the shoulder portion extend c, and merge together before they reach the tip portion t. This configuration enhances the elastic deformability of the press fit area a along the longitudinal axis of the press-fit part 9.1, thereby obtaining an adequate frictional force when the press-fit part 9.1. is inserted into the through-hole 6 of the first substrate 1a.
[0025]This frictional force is called in this invention retention force F^and is obtained when the press-fit part 9.1. is inserted perpendicularly into one of the through-holes 6 of the first substrate 1 a, purpose for which the diameter of the through-holes 6 is slightly smaller than the width of the press-fit pin area a of the press-fit part 9.1, allowing the compact custom press-fit pin 9 itself to be retained in place, that is into the first substrate 1a, within the limits of the elastic deformation of the press-fit part 9.1.
[0026] If necessary, additional blocking elements (not represented graphically) of the press-fit part 9.1. inside the through- hole 6 may be provided.
[0027]The tip portion t of the press-fit part 9.1. serves as positioning and setting mechanism during the process of press-fitting into the through- hole 6 of the first substrate 1a.
[0028]The elastic lever 9.2. is disposed at the opposite side of the press-fit part 9.1., thus when the press-fit part 9.1 .is represented graphically as being vertical, the elastic lever 9.2. is placed at the upper end of the press-fit part 9.1., said elastic lever 9.2. comprising three elements:
- A straight portion 9.2.2. that has the length L said portion being inclined in respect to the axis perpendicular to the axis of the press-fit part with the angle β;
- A pad portion 9.2.3. disposed at the free end of the straight portion 9.2.2. configured to provide the electrical contact of with the press-fit pin 9 with the second substrate 1 b;
- A curved elastic portion 9.2.1 connecting the press-fit part 9.1 with straight portion 9.2.2; having the radius R.
[0029]According to the invention, when the compression force Fc is applied to the elastic lever 9.2, an elastic force Fe smaller than the compression force Fc is created by the elastic lever 9.2., in such a way to be able to assure a permanent contact between the pad portion 9.2.3. and corresponding second substrate 1b in the mounted mode of the compact custom press-fit pin 9.
[0030]In order to keep the press fit pin 9 entirely in its place, two conditions regarding the forces must be simultaneously fulfilled: the compression force Fc to be smaller than the retention force FRTand the elastic force Fe to be smaller than the compression force Fc.
[0031]In order to fulfil the conditions regarding the equilibrium of the forces, the curved elastic portion 9.2.1 has the radius R - also called bending radius, configured to elastically bend when the compression force Fc is applied perpendicularly on the pad portion 9.2.3 with the purpose of connecting the two substrates 1 in the final assembled mode.
[0032]The entire configuration of the custom press-fit pin 9 according to the invention serves the purpose to enhance the elastic conduct. In this respect, said elastic conduct is the result of the interaction of various elements:
- The angle β that varies between 15°-60° inclusive;
- The length L of the straight portion 9.2.2. that varies between 70 mm and 100 mm inclusive;
- The radius R of the curved elastic portion 9.2.1. that varies between a minimum two times the thickness g of the material of elastic lever 9.2. and a maximum of ten times the thickness of said material;
- The material from which the press-fit pin is manufactured, including the cross-section thickness g of the elastic lever 9.2.
[0033]The measure of the elastic conduct is given by the elastic variation Ah of the height of the elastic lever 9.2. of the press-fit pin 9, representing the difference between the height h of the press fit pin 9 in an uncompressed position and three other heights, namely h1 representing the distance between the two substrates, h2 representing the height of insertion of the press-fit part 9.1. into the through-hole 6 of the first substrate 1a, and the cross-thickness of the material g.
[0034]According to the invention, in the assembled mode of the substrates 1, when the elastic lever 9.2 of the compact custom press-fit pin 9 is compressed (Fig.4), it remains in the elastic domain so that, if taken out from its compressed position, it returns to the dimensions in the uncompressed state, thus the height of the press-fit pin 9 returns to its initial value h.
[0035]The elastic variation on the height Ah of the height of the elastic lever 9.2. shall be at least equal to the interval of tolerance that must be compensated in-between the two connected substrates 1. This is useful in the situations when it is required to have a short distance between the two connected substrates 1.
[0036]The compact custom press-fit pin 9 according to the invention is being further configured so that, in its uncompressed state, which is before putting said press-fit pin 9 at work, the distance between the face of the substrate 1 and the pad portion 9.2.3 must be greater than the distance h1 between the two substrates 1, to be electrically connected.
[0037]The detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is exemplary and shall not be considered as limiting of the scope of protection sought.
[0038]Multiple embodiments of the invention corresponding to the fine tuning of the elastic conduct of the elastic lever 9.2. may be developed by selecting different parameter values: the bending radius R; the angle of the elastic lever β; the length L of the straight portion 9.2.2.; the material from which the press-fit is manufactured; or by adopting different cross-section thickness g for various sections of the press fit pin 9, in all cases provided that the elastic force Fe is smaller than the compression force Fc and that the compression force Fc is smaller than the retention force Frt.
[0039]The bending radius R of the curved elastic portion 9.2.1 depends on the thickness of the material from which the press-fit pin 9 is processed. According to the invention, the bending radius R varies between a minimum two times the thickness g of the material of elastic lever 9.2. and a maximum of ten times the thickness of said material inclusive. An increase of the bending radius R leads to an increase of the elasticity of the elastic lever 9.2.
[0040]According to a first preferred embodiment (Fig.6), the bending radius R may be two times the cross-thickness g of the material from which the press-fit pin is processed. [0041] In case of the angle β, varying between 15°-60° inclusive according to the invention, a smaller angle increases the elasticity of the elastic lever 9.2.
[0042]According to another preferred embodiment (Fig 6), the angle β may be of 15°. [0043] In case of the length L, varying between 70 mm and 100 mm inclusive according to the invention, the elasticity of the elastic lever is increased proportionally with the increase of the length.
[0044] According to another preferred embodiment (Fig.6), the length L of the straight portion 9.2.2. may be 80 mm.
[0045]According to another preferred embodiment of the invention (Fig. 6), the elastic variation of the height Ah of the compact custom press-fit pin 9 may be 14 mm, whereas the height of the lever h in the uncompressed state may be 120 mm.
[0046]ln another preferred embodiment of the invention, not represented graphically, fine tuning of the elastic conduct of the elastic lever 9.2. is realized by using of a press-fit material with higher elasticity, such as preferably CuMgP CuNiSi; CuSn6; CuSn0.15.
[0047]ln another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Fig. 5, the fine tuning of the elastic conduct of the elastic lever 9.2. is realized by press-fit material with different cross section thickness for the elastic lever 9.2. than that used for the press-fit part 9.1., preferably thinner on the elastic lever 9.2. as compared with the press-fit area 9.1., in order to reduce the stiffness. Thus, it is obtained a press fit pin 9 with sections having different stiffness, specifically a rigid section for the press fit part 9.1, and an elastic section for the elastic lever 9.2.
[0048]ln another preferred embodiment of the invention, not represented graphically, considering that the press-fit material is stiff in general, in order to increase the elasticity of elastic lever 9.2. maintaining the structural integrity of the material, the thickness of the sheet metal on the lever area b could be further reduced by an additional manufacturing process, such as lamination.
[0049]ln another preferred embodiment of the invention, not represented graphically, it is contemplated that the compact custom press-fit pin 9 is realized by a stamping and bending process, which is further advantageous because it maintained the structural integrity of the material while the manufacturing complexity is reduced, that can lead to 5 a short production cycle time.
[0050]All the above captioned parameters of fine tuning of the elastic conduct of the elastic lever 9.2. - namely geometrical characteristics of the press-fit pin 9, the material from which it is manufactured and the cross-thickness of each of the two parts of the press-fit pin 9 can be combined together, to accommodate specific conditions in terms 10 of distance between the two substrates 1, dimensions thereof, tolerances to be compensated between them, or current supported by the two substrates 1.
[0051]While the description is made with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the claims.
Claims (11)
1. A compact custom press-fit pin (9) for mechanical and electrical connection of two parallel substrates (1 a; 1 b), the first substrate (1 a) comprising conductive through-holes (6) and the second substrate (1b) comprising conductive pads (5) characterized in that it comprises two elements made of the same material that provides electrical conductivity, strength and resilience:
- a press-fit part (9.1) configured so that, upon perpendicular insertion into one of the through- holes (6) of said first substrate (1a), a retention force (Frt) is created in the same direction with the insertion with the effect of retaining the press-fit pin (9) in place;
- an elastic lever (9.2) having a uniform cross-section thickness (g), disposed at the opposite side of the press-fit part (9.1) as respect to the portion of the press-fit (9.1.) part that is inserted into the through- hole (6) of said first substrate (1a);
said elastic lever (9.2) comprising:
- a straight portion (9.2.2.) having the length (L) between 70 mm and 100 mm inclusive; said straight portion (9.2.2.) being inclined in respect to the axis perpendicular to the axis of the press-fit part (9.1.) with an angle (β) varying between 15° - 60° including the ends of the interval;
- a pad portion (9.2.3.) disposed at the free end of the straight portion configured to provide the electrical contact of the compact custom press-fit pin (9) with the second substrate (1b);
- a curved elastic portion (9.2.1) connecting the press-fit part (9.1) with the straight portion (9.2.2.) having a radius (R) varying between a minimum of two times the cross-section thickness (g) and a maximum often times the cross-section thickness g -including the ends of the interval, said curved elastic portion (9.2.1) being configured to elastically bend when a compression force (Fc), which value is lower than the value of the retention force (Frt), is applied perpendicularly on the pad portion (9.2.3) with the purpose of connecting the two substrates (1a; 1b) in the final assembled mode.
2. A compact custom press-fit pin according to claim 1 characterized in that said compact custom press-fit pin (9) is configured so that in an uncompressed state, the distance between the face of the first substrate (1a) and the pad portion (9.2.3) be greater than the distance (h1) between the two substrates (1a; 1b) to be electrically connected in order to ensure that an elastic variation (Ah) of the height of the elastic lever (9.2) of the press-fit pin (9) be given by the interaction between the configuration of its elements: the angle (β); the length (L) of the straight portion (9.2.2); the radius (R) of the curved elastic portion (9.2.1); the material from which the press-fit pin (9) is processed; and the cross-section thickness (g) of said material, in such a way that when a compression force (Fc) - is applied to the elastic lever (9.2), an elastic force (Fe), which value is lower than the value compression force (Fc) is created by the elastic lever (9.2.), able to ensure permanent contact between the pad portion (9.2.3.) and corresponding substrate (1b) in the mounted mode of the compact custom press-fit pin (9).
3. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curved elastic portion (9.2.1.) has the radius (R) of two times the cross-section thickness (g).
4. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straight portion (9.2.2.) makes an angle of 15° with the axis perpendicular to the axis of the press-fit part (9.1).
5. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the straight portion (9.2.2.) has a length L of 80 mm.
6. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic variation (Ah) on the elastic lever (9.2.) has the dimension of 14 mm and the height (h) of the lever in an uncompressed state is of 120 mm.
7. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the elastic lever (9.2) is a press fit material with high elasticity, such as CuMgP, CuNiSi; CuSn6; CuSn0.15.
8. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic lever (9.2) is made from a press-fit material with different cross section thickness (g) than used for the press-fit part (9.1), preferably thinner on the elastic lever (9.2) area in order to reduce the stiffness.
9. A compact custom press-fit pin according to claim 8, characterized in that the elasticity of the elastic lever (9.2) is further increased by an additional manufacturing process, such as for example by lamination.
10. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said compact custom press-fit pin (9) is produced by a stamping and
5 bending process.
11. A compact custom press-fit pin according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the pad portion (9.2.3.) has essentially a circular shape which dimensions are adapted to fit the pads of the second substrate 1 b.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1807668.7A GB2573566A (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2018-05-11 | Compact custom press-fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1807668.7A GB2573566A (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2018-05-11 | Compact custom press-fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201807668D0 GB201807668D0 (en) | 2018-06-27 |
| GB2573566A true GB2573566A (en) | 2019-11-13 |
Family
ID=62623356
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1807668.7A Withdrawn GB2573566A (en) | 2018-05-11 | 2018-05-11 | Compact custom press-fit pin with elastic electrical contact lever |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2573566A (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4274691A (en) * | 1978-12-05 | 1981-06-23 | Amp Incorporated | Modular jack |
| US20040209523A1 (en) * | 2000-08-14 | 2004-10-21 | Milner John J | Electrical connector contact configurations |
| US20080293272A1 (en) * | 2007-05-22 | 2008-11-27 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Two piece single use security module mezzanine connector |
| US20080293264A1 (en) * | 2007-05-22 | 2008-11-27 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Single use security module mezzanine connector |
| US20110151681A1 (en) * | 2009-12-18 | 2011-06-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Printed circuit board with holes with conductors compressing a compliant portion of contact posts |
-
2018
- 2018-05-11 GB GB1807668.7A patent/GB2573566A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4274691A (en) * | 1978-12-05 | 1981-06-23 | Amp Incorporated | Modular jack |
| US20040209523A1 (en) * | 2000-08-14 | 2004-10-21 | Milner John J | Electrical connector contact configurations |
| US20080293272A1 (en) * | 2007-05-22 | 2008-11-27 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Two piece single use security module mezzanine connector |
| US20080293264A1 (en) * | 2007-05-22 | 2008-11-27 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Single use security module mezzanine connector |
| US20110151681A1 (en) * | 2009-12-18 | 2011-06-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Printed circuit board with holes with conductors compressing a compliant portion of contact posts |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201807668D0 (en) | 2018-06-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |