JP2002008790A - Electric connector capable of exerting selectively variable contact force - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector capable of exerting selectively variable contact force. SOLUTION: This electric connector is provided with lead wires and a conductive member having contact beams electrically connected to the lead wires. The contact beams elastically engage with male contacts. The electric connector additionally has a contact housing. At least part of the lead wires is formed in the contact housing. At least part of the contact beams is so formed in the contact housing that the contact beams are faced to the inside of the contact housing and restrained by the contact housing when the contact beams are elastically engaged with the male contacts. The contact force is generated between the contact beam and a contact pin. The contact housing can selectively be disposed with respect to the contact beams so that the restraining point of the contact beams can selectively be varied. The contact force between the contact beam and the male contact can be varied according to a selection standard.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical connectors. In particular, the invention relates to an electrical connector capable of applying a contact force that can be selectively changed.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electrical connectors are typically associated with one or more conductive contacts. The contact is
It is typically engaged with the contacts of another connector to establish an electrical path between the connectors. For example, a typical container-type connector is a mating connector.
connector (male co.)
One or more contact beams that slidably engage the ntacts are coupled, thereby forming a conductive path between the connectors.

A pair of first and second electrical contacts create a contact force between each contact. Achieving the proper contact force between a pair of contacts is critical to proper operation of the connector. For example, the contact force must be large enough to ensure that the contacts engage securely. Poor engagement results in unsatisfactory electrical conductivity (and significant signal loss). However, excessive contact forces lead to several problems. For example, a large contact force can make the connector difficult to engage and damage the contacts. The high contact force also prevents removal of the male contact from the mating connector. This problem is particularly troublesome in unmating and unmating connectors with many contacts because the contact forces associated with each individual contact can be combined to create excessive insertion and removal forces. is there.

[0004] In addition, the high contact forces will create excessive sweeping action during insertion and removal of the male contact. Excessive sweeping action results in premature wear of the contacts. Excessive sweeping action also erodes various coatings commonly used for contacts, such as gold plating.
Therefore, the contact force generated by a given connector pair must be considered when determining whether a connector pair is suitable for a particular application. For example, some applications require very little signal loss. Connector pairs that generate relatively large contact forces are particularly suitable for applications where frequent insertion and removal of male contacts is not expected. Conversely, connector pairs that generate relatively low contact forces are particularly suitable for applications where frequent insertion and removal of male contacts is performed, and where minimal signal loss is not absolutely necessary. is there.

[0005] Conventional connectors produce a fixed, or non-changeable, contact force. Therefore, different types of connectors must be used in applications requiring different contact forces. Therefore, connector manufacturers must produce different types of connectors for each application that requires different contact forces. All other requirements for connectors, such as overall dimensions,
This is true even when the number and type of individual contacts are similar. The above discussion shows the current need for connectors that can exert a contact force that can vary between different values. Such a connector can be used in a variety of different applications requiring different contact forces, thus obviating the need to produce different types of connectors for different applications.

[0006] The use of a single connector structure for a variety of different applications can lead to significant cost savings. For example, manufacturing costs can be reduced by reducing the different number of hardware structures that must be manufactured for a given number of applications. Savings in inventory, packaging, and distribution costs can be realized by using a single type of connector in a multiple connector type location. Also, the use of a connector capable of exerting a variable contact force allows for a tailored contact force that is closer to the optimum value than would otherwise be possible.

[0007]

Therefore, there is a need for an electrical connector that can provide a selectively variable contact force.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector capable of providing a selectively variable contact force. A presently preferred embodiment of the present invention for this purpose is to provide an electrical connector for engaging a male contact of a mating connector. The connector module includes a lead and a contact beam electrically coupled to the lead.
beam). The contact beam is suitable for resiliently engaging a male contact. The connector module further has a contact housing. At least a portion of the lead is provided within the contact housing. At least a portion of the contact beam is provided in the contact housing such that the contact beam is directed into the contact housing when the contact beam resiliently engages the male contact. The contact force is suppressed by the contact housing and a contact force is generated between the contact beam and the contact pin.

[0009] In one preferred embodiment, the contact housing includes a contact point of the contact beam.
The contact housing can be selectively positioned with respect to the contact beam such that the restrint can be selectively varied, such that the contact force between the contact beam and the male contact is selected criterion. (Selective bas
is). Further according to the objects noted above, the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an electrical connector for engaging a male contact of a mating connector. The electrical connector includes a conductive member having a lead wire. The conductive member also includes a contact beam having a first end fixedly coupled to the lead. The contact beam also includes a separate second end for resiliently engaging the male contact such that the contact beam is displaced when the contact beam engages the male contact. Part. The electrical connector further comprises a housing, the housing being configured to constrain the contact beam to a constraining point provided between the first and second ends of the contact beam. Suitable for preventing beam displacement, a contact force is generated between the contact beam and the male contact, the contact force also depending on the position of the restraining point.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a spring rate of a contact in an electrical connector.
Is to provide a way to adjust. To this end, before the connector engages the mating connector,
A presently preferred method of adjusting a spring constant of a contact of an electrical connector comprises providing an electrical connector having a housing and a displaceable contact, the housing being located at a plurality of locations relative to the contact. It is possible. The preferred method further comprises positioning the housing at one of a plurality of predetermined positions, wherein the predetermined position of the housing is determined by a spring constant of the contact.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a kit for manufacturing an electrical connector. A presently preferred embodiment of the present invention for this purpose provides a kit for manufacturing an electrical connector with contacts having a predetermined spring constant. The kit includes a plurality of housings and a displaceable contact that is mountable on any one of the plurality of housings to form an electrical connector, the housing having a predetermined spring constant for the contact. Contacts can be engaged to provide, and each one of the housings has a different predetermined spring constant. The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a presently preferred embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the detailed configuration disclosed in the drawings.

[0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A currently preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. These figures are
Reference is made to each of the conventional coordinate systems 10 shown in each illustration. The present invention provides an electrical connector 11 formed by a plurality of connector modules 12. The electrical connector 11 is suitable for engaging one or more male contacts of a mating connector. The electrical connector 11 also has an electrically insulating main housing 13. The connector module 12 is at least partially provided in the main housing 13 and will be described in detail below.

Each connector module 12 includes a contact housing 15, an overmold 18,
It has a plurality of conductive members 20 and a grounding device 22 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The conductive member 20 is formed from an electrically conductive material. The conductive member 20 includes
It has a contact portion 24 (see FIG. 4). The contact portion 24
Lateral contact beam 24a, lower contact beam 24
b, and a rear portion 24c. The side contact beam 24a, the lower contact beam 24b, and the rear portion 24c are preferably integrally formed. The rear portion 24c has a substantially L-shaped cross section. Contact beams 24a and 24b extend from rear portion 24c and are provided in a substantially parallel orientation.

The side contact beam 24a has a contact tab 24d (see FIG. 4). The lower contact beam 24b also has a contact tab 24e. Contact tabs 24d and 24e are provided for each contact beam 24a and 24b.
Is formed. ("Forward" and "backward"
Are y ⁺ and y represented by the coordinate system 10.
^-Corresponds to each. ) The cam surface 24f is formed at the upper end 24g of the rear portion 24c. Similarly, the cam surface 24h
It is formed at the side end 24i of the rear part 24c. The significance of the cam surfaces 24h and 24j will be described below. The contact member 20 further includes a signal lead 26 and a contact pin 2.
8 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). A first end of the signal lead 26 is mechanically coupled to the contact pin 28. A second end opposite the signal lead 26 is
It is mechanically connected to the rear part 24c of the contact part 24.
This arrangement forms an electrical path between the contact pin 28 and the contact 24. Each signal lead wire 26 is
And the contact pins 28 have one or more bends that extend in a substantially vertical direction.

The grounding device 22 is formed of an electrically conductive material. The grounding device 22 has a plurality of grounding leads 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Each ground lead 30 contacts one or more adjacent ground leads 30. A first end of each ground lead 30 is mechanically coupled to a contact pin 32. The opposite second end of each ground lead is mechanically coupled to a first ground contact 34a and a second ground contact 34b. This arrangement electrically couples contact pins 32 to ground contacts 34a and 34b. Each ground lead 30 has one or more bends that cause the ground contacts 34a and 34b to be substantially perpendicular to the contact pins 32. The overlay mold 18 is formed from an electrically insulating material such as plastic. The covering mold 18 has a front surface 18a and a lower surface 18b (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The front surface 18a and the lower surface 18b are provided in a substantially perpendicular direction. The cover mold 18 is molded around the signal lead wire 26 of the contact member 20. More particularly, the overmold 18 partially surrounds the signal leads 26 so that the contact portions 24 corresponding to a portion of each signal lead 26 extend away from the front surface 18a, and Pin 28 extends away from lower surface 18b.

The covering mold 18 has a plurality of grooves 18c (see FIG. 3). This groove 18c is
a and the lower surface 18b. Grounding device 22
Each of the ground lead wires 30 is partially provided in the corresponding groove 18c. A part of each ground lead 30 and the corresponding ground contact 34a and 34b are separated from the front surface 18a of the covering mold 18 when the ground lead 30 is partially provided in the groove 18c. And extend. Further, the contact pins 32 of the grounding device 22 extend away from the lower surface 18b of the covering mold 18 when the grounding lead wire 30 is provided. Each covering mold 1
8 can accommodate six conductive members 20 and six grounding devices 22. An alternative embodiment of the overlay mold 18 is:
A desired number of conductive members 20 and grounding devices 22 may be accommodated. Conductive member 2 in each connector module 12
The zero contacts 24 are substantially vertically aligned (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 6A-6C). The grounding contacts 34a and 34b of the grounding device 22 in each connector module 12 are similarly substantially vertically aligned. An alternative embodiment of the connector module 12 is:
Two rows of grounding contacts 34a, 34 for unique pair placement
b and two rows of contact portions 24 may be provided.

The exemplary electrical connector 11 has thirteen connector modules 12 arranged in a side-by-side arrangement. In other words, the connector module 12 is arranged such that the front surface 18a of the cover mold 18 forms the same plane, and the lower surface 18b of the cover mold 18 also forms the same plane. Connector module 12 is then inserted into a larger main housing 13 to form electrical connector 11. Main housing 13
Does not particularly surround the portion of the connector module 12 in front of the overlay mold 18 (see FIG. 1). The rest of the connector module 12 is substantially surrounded by the main housing 13. Alternative embodiments of the main housing 13 may be dimensioned such that the main housing 13 substantially entirely surrounds the connector module 12. Further, various main housings 13 are described in detail below.

The structural details of the contact housing 15 are as follows. FIGS. 1, 3 and 6A-6C
The contact housing 15 inserted into the connector module 12 is shown. Contact housing 15 is also shown in FIG. The plurality of passages 38 are provided in the contact housing 1.
5 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 6A-6C). FIG. 5 is a detailed schematic depiction showing one passage 38. Each passage 38 includes a top wall 38a and an opposing bottom wall 38.
b, a first side wall 38c, and a second side wall 38d opposed to the first side wall 38c. The cam surface 38e is formed on the bottom wall 38b (see FIG. 5).
The significance of this aspect is described in detail below. Each passage 38
Extends between (and through) the front end 15a and the rear end 15b of the contact housing 15. The passages 38 are arranged such that the space between the passages substantially coincides with the vertical space between the contact portions 24 of the contact member 20.
The function of the passage 38 will be described below.

The contact housing 15 defines a plurality of troughs 39 (see FIGS. 2, 3, and 6A-6C). This trough 39 is arranged between the passages 38. Each trough 39 is a contact housing 1
5 extends between (and through) a front end 15a and a rear end 15b. The function of the trough 39 is shown below. The contact housing 15 engages the contact portion 24 of the conductive member 20. According to the invention, the contact housing 15 can be variably arranged with respect to the contact beams 24a and 24b. This aspect allows the contact force between each lower contact beam 24b and the corresponding mating connector male contact to be selectively altered, as described below.

The contact housing 15 is engaged with the contacts 24 by aligning each passage 38 with one of the contacts 24 of the conductive member 20. Then insertion force, behind the contact housing ^- is applied in a direction (y). The insertion force is
The contact portion 24 is provided in the passage. further,
The grounding contacts 34a and 34b are provided in the trough 39. Passage 38 defines contact beam 24a on each side such that contact housing 15 is mated with contact portion 24.
Are dimensioned such that the cam surface 24f of each of the slideways engages the top wall 38a of each passage 38. Further, the cam surface 24h of each lower contact beam 24b slidably engages a side wall 38c of each passage 38 such that the contact housing 15 is paired with the contact portion 24. Cam surface 24g, 24
The frictional force between h and each of the passage walls 38a, 38c causes the contact housing 15 to stay in place once the insertion force is removed. Alternatively, passageway 38 may be equipped with a detent engaging the cam surface, thereby limiting the contact housing to a limited number of possible ones.
You may lock in one.

The cam surface 38e of the bottom wall 38b of each passage 38
Slidably engage a corresponding lower contact beam 24b such that the contact housing 15 is paired with the contact portion 24. In particular, each cam surface slidably engages a lower surface 24j of a corresponding lower contact beam 24b (see FIGS. 7A-7C and 8). The cam surface 38e has a contact point 4
At 3 it contacts the lower surface 24j. The contact point 43 depends on the relative positions of the contact housing 15 and the contact portion 24.
For example, the contact housing 15 can be located in a forward position as shown in FIG. 6C. Arranging the contact housing 15 in this manner causes the contact point 43 to be located furthest forward along the lower contact beam 24b, as shown in FIG. 7C. In other words, the contact point 43 is disposed relatively close to and adjacent to the contact tab 24e of the lower contact beam 24b when the contact housing 15 is provided at its front position.

The contact housing 15 can also be provided in an intermediate position, as shown in FIG. 6B. Moving the contact housing 15 from its forward position to an intermediate position, as shown in FIG.
The distance between the contact and the contact tab 24e. The contact housing 15 can also be provided in a rearward position (see FIG. 6A). Thus, the contact housing 15
This means that the contact point 43 is provided at the rearmost position along the lower contact beam 24a as shown in FIG. 7A. In other words, when the contact housing 15 is disposed at the rear position, the contact point 43 is provided at the position farthest from the contact tab 24e. The importance of locating the contact point 43 so as to be changeable in this way will be explained below.

The contact portions 24 of the contact members 20, as noted above, are suitable for engaging the male contacts of a mating connector. FIG. 8 shows one of the contacts engaged with the male contact 40 of the mating connector. The contact portion 24 and the male contact 40 move the male contact 40 rearward,
Engagement is achieved by sliding in the direction indicated by arrow 46 in FIG. The backward movement of the male contact 40 is
Contact tab 24e (and the adjacent portion of contact beam 24b below) will be displaced downward in the direction indicated by arrow 48. The displacement of the lower contact beam 24b is suppressed by the cam surface 38e of the bottom wall 38b of the passage 38. The effect of suppressing the cam surface 38e is to generate a contact force between the male contact 40 and the lower contact beam 24b together with the elasticity of the lower contact beam 24b (this force is generally a male The "spring constant (sp
ring rate) "). Contact force also occurs between the male contact 40 and the side contact beam 24a. A detailed discussion of this contact force is not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the contact force between the side contact beam 24a and the male contact 40 will not be discussed in detail.

The lower contact beam 24b and the male contact 4
The contact force between zero depends on the position of the contact point 43 between the lower contact beam 24b and the cam surface 38. In particular, the downward displacement of the lower contact beam 24b is
e, and the contact tab 24e is moved to the cam surface 38.
e (and the contact point 43).
The resistance of the contact beam 24b to such rotation is
The moment arm between the applied force (contact tab 24e) and the point of rotation (contact point 43)
m). Therefore, the resistance of the contact beam 24b (and the resulting contact force between the male contact 40 and the lower contact beam 24b) changes the distance between the contact tab 24e and the contact point 43. Can be changed by In other words, the effective beam length of the lower contact beam 24b can be changed by changing the position of the contact point 43.

The distance between the contact tab 24e and the contact point 43 can be changed by the selective placement of the contact housing 15, as described above. For example, contact housing 1
5 is located in front of it.
Minimize the distance between e and the contact point 43 (see FIGS. 6C and 7C). Thus, the length of the moment arm between the contact tab 24e and the contact point 43 is minimized when the contact housing 15 is so arranged. The relatively small moment arm causes the lower contact beam 24b to exert a relatively large amount of resistance when the contact tab 24e is displaced downward by the male contact 40. Therefore, the contact force between the lower contact beam 24b and the male contact 40 is relatively large when the contact housing 15 is located at a position in front of it.

Conversely, placing contact housing 15 in its rearward position requires contact tab 24e and contact point 43.
Between the contact tabs 2
Minimize the length of the moment arm between 4e and the contact point 43 (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). The relatively large moment arm is such that the contact tab 24e has a male contact 40
Causes the contact tab 24e to be rotated about the contact point 43 with a relatively small amount of resistance. Thus, the contact force between the contact beam 24 and the male contact 40 is relatively low when the contact housing is arranged in this manner. Placing the contact housing 15 in an intermediate position causes the length of the moment arm to be between its maximum and minimum values.
Therefore, the contact force is between its maximum and minimum values when the contact housing 15 is arranged in an intermediate position. The contact housing 15 remains in a fixed position with respect to the contact point 24 once the connector is assembled, thereby creating a constant spring constant. In other words, the spring constant does not change after the connector has been assembled.

The present invention thus utilizes the contact force between a row of male contacts, such as contacts 40, and an electrical connector, such as electrical connector 11, in a conventional hardware configuration. Allows to be changed within a range of values.
This feature allows for a single type of electrical connector to be used for various applications that require different amounts of contact force. The use of conventional electrical connectors for a variety of different applications offers substantial advantages. For example, the use of conventional electrical connectors reduces the number of different components that a connector manufacturer must produce. Such a reduction can result in relatively substantially lower manufacturing costs. Further, inventory-related costs for both normal electrical connector manufacturers and users can be reduced by reducing the number of different types of connector modules that are transported and stored prior to use. Similarly, the costs associated with packaging and distribution of many different connector types can be reduced by the use of conventional electrical connectors.

Furthermore, the ability to change the contact force of the electrical connector allows the contact force to be tailored closer to the desired value than would otherwise be possible. In particular, electrical connectors that produce the desired amount of contact force are not available for certain applications, thus requiring the use of electrical connectors that produce less than the optimal amount of contact. Connector 11
The use of an electrical connector such as this allows the contact force to be set within the range of values described above. This feature provides for the use of electrical connectors with relatively great flexibility in selecting the actual contact force, thereby increasing the possibility for contact force to be set at or near its optimum value I do.

Although many features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the above description, together with the structure and function of the present invention, the disclosure is illustrative only and the changes may be detailed, particularly It will be appreciated that the shape, dimensions and arrangement of parts may be varied within the principles of the invention to the fullest extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terminology recited in the claims. For example, the contact force between the lateral contact beam 24a and the corresponding male contact 40 is not changeable in the exemplary electrical connector 11. Another embodiment of the invention embodies features that allow for changing the contact force between the lateral contact beam 24a and the male contact 40.

Another possible variant of the invention precedes the use of a contact housing. Contact beam 24 of this embodiment
a and 24b and the contact force between each male contact 40
It is determined by the entire length (x direction) of each covering mold 18. In particular, each overmold 18 is formed such that the contact beams 24a and 24b extend through the front surface 18a, i.e., the front surface 18a is formed around the rear portion of the contact beams 24a and 24b. It is formed by such a method. When the contact beams 24a and 24b are displaced by each male contact 40, the front surface 18a thereby suppresses the contact beams 24a and 24b. The length of the overmold 18 determines the position of the front face 18a in relation to the contact beams 24a and 24b. Therefore, the length of the overmold 18 determines the point of suppression of the contactor beams 24a and 24b and, as such,
Each contact force between the contact beams 24a and 24b and the male contact 40 is determined.

FIG. 9 shows another possible variant of the invention. FIG. 9 shows an electrical connector 11a having a main housing 13a to which an outer contact housing 49 is fixed.
Represents. The electrical connector 11a is substantially the same as the electrical connector 11 in other respects. Electrical connector 1 substantially identical in structure to corresponding electrical connector 11
The structure of 1a will be described using similar reference numerals.
The fixed outer contact housing 49 covers the contact housing 15 and the contact portion 24 of the conductive member 20 after the contact housing 15 is positioned at the desired position in relation to the contact portion 24. Be placed. The outer contact housing 49 connects the projection 49a to the outer contact housing 4.
9 and is fixed to the main housing 13a by the interlocking locking portion 13b of the main housing 13a. The intruding portion 49b is provided in the contact portion 24 by the male contact 40.
To achieve access to the fixed contact housing 49 at the forward end 49c.

Yet another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10A to 11C.
Is shown in FIGS. 10A to 11C show movable outer contact housing 50 and contact housing 15.
c represents the portion of the electrical connector 11b having the letter c.
Each contact housing 15c is a contact housing 15c.
(See FIGS. 11A to 11C). The electrical connector 11c is substantially the same as the electrical connector 11 in other respects.
The structure of the electrical connector 11c that is substantially the same as the structure of the corresponding electrical connector 11 will be described using similar reference numerals.

Movable outer contact housing 50
Are suitable for surrounding the contact housing 15c. The outer contact housing 50 is selectively positionable with the contact housing 15c. The outer contact housing 50 covers the contact housing 15c, and is disposed over the contact housing 15c by sliding the outer contact housing 50 in the rearward direction (the rearward direction is shown in the drawing). (Indicated by arrows 52 shown in 11A and 11B). The groove 50a defined by the upper inner surface 50b of the outer contact housing 50
When the housing 50 is slid rearward, the fins 15d are slidably engaged. The rearward movement of the outer contact housing 50 ultimately causes the front end 15e of each fin 15d to abut the front end 50c of the corresponding groove 50a (see FIG. 11C). The continuous rearward movement of the housing 50 drives the contact housing 15c rearward, thereby exposing the contact portions 24 of the conductive member 20. The relative position of the contact housing 15c and the contact portion 24 is thereby determined by the outer contact housing 50.
Is adjusted by selecting the length of the groove 50a. Therefore,
The contact force between the contact beam 24b of the contact portion 24 and the male contact 40 of the mating connector can be controlled by the outer contact housing 50.

The projections (not shown) of the outer contact housing 50 can engage the locking portions of the main housing 13 to hold the contact housing 15c together, as in the previously described embodiment. . Intrusion 50d is provided at front end 50 of outer contact housing 50 to achieve access to contact 40 by male contact 40.
e.

[0035]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector capable of exerting a selectively changeable contact force.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of an electrical connector according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector module shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is another exploded perspective view of the connector module shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan perspective view of a contact portion of the connector module shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan perspective view of the front part of the contact housing of the connector module shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

6A is a front side view of the contact housing of FIG. 5 provided at a rear position of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a front side view of the contact housing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A with the contact housing located in an intermediate position of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

6C is a front side view of the contact housing shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B with the contact housing provided in a forward position of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

7A shows the contact portion shown in FIG. 4 and the cam surface of the contact housing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6C with the contact housing arranged as shown in FIG. 6A. Side view.

FIG. 7B shows the contact portion shown in FIGS. 4 and 7A and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the contact housing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6C with the contact surface arranged as shown in FIG.

FIG. 7C shows the contacts shown in FIGS. 5, 6A-6C with the contacts shown in FIGS. 4, 7A and 7B and the contact housing arranged as shown in FIG. 6C. FIG. 4 is a side view of the housing with a cam surface.

FIG. 8 and FIGS. 7A to 7 engaging a male contact.
The side view of the contact part shown by C.

FIG. 9 is a plan perspective view of another embodiment of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1;

10A is a rear perspective view showing an outer contact housing of yet another embodiment of the electrical connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 10B is a side view showing the outer contact housing shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A substantially engages the contact housing.
And FIG. 10B is a side view of the outer contact housing shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 11B is a side view of the outer contact housing shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11A partially engaging the contact housing shown in FIG. 11A.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11A with the contact housings shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B fully engaged.
And FIG. 11B is a side view of the outer contact housing shown in FIG. 11B.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 11a, 11c ... electrical connector 12 ... connector module 13, 13a ... main housing 15, 15c, 49, 50 ... contact housing 15a, 49c, 50e ... front end 15b ... rear end Part 20: Conductive member 24a, 24b Contact beam 24c: Rear part 24f, 24h, 24j, 38e: Cam surface 26: (Signal) lead wire 28, 32 ... Contact pin 40 ... (Male) contact

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Brian J. Hamila 17315. Pennsylvania, USA. Dover, Bull Road 5987 F-term (reference) 5E023 AA04 BB02 DD01 EE04 EE10 HH08

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. An electrical connector for mating with a male contact of a mating connector, the electrical connector having: a lead having a contact beam electrically coupled to the lead. A contact member, wherein the contact beam is adapted to resiliently engage the male contact; comprising a contact housing, wherein at least a portion of the contact beam is provided within the contact housing; When the contact beam resiliently engages the male contact, the contact beam is directed into the contact housing and is suppressed by the contact housing, and the contact force is applied between the contact beam and the contact pin. An electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector is generated. 2. The contact housing can be selectively positioned with respect to the contact beam such that the contact point of the contact beam can be selectively changed, wherein the contact beam and the male contact are provided. 2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein a contact force between the first connector and the second connector can be changed according to a selection criterion. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein the contact housing is positionable at a rear position, a front position, and an intermediate position. 4. The contact housing having a cam surface, wherein the contact beam is directed toward and constrained by the cam surface when the contact beam resiliently engages the male contact. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the contact beam has a contact tab for engaging a male contact. 6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, further comprising a connector module having a conductive member, a cover mold surrounding at least a portion of the conductive member, and a contact housing. 7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, further comprising a main housing surrounding at least a portion of the connector module. 8. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein the lead wire is a signal lead wire, and the connector module further includes a grounding device having a lead wire portion. 9. The conductive member further includes a contact pin electrically coupled to the lead wire, the contact pin and the contact beam being mechanically coupled to opposing ends of the lead wire. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein 10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, wherein the longitudinal axis of the contact pin is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the contact beam. 11. The electrical connector of claim 6, wherein the connector module has a plurality of conductive members, at least a portion of the conductive members being substantially vertically aligned. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising connector modules arranged substantially side by side.
Electrical connector as described. 13. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the conductive member has two contact beams. 14. The electrical connector of claim 4, wherein the contact housing defines a passage for receiving at least a portion of the contact beam, and wherein the cam surface is provided in the passage. 15. The electrical connector of claim 14, wherein the conductive member has a cam surface for engaging a wall of the passage such that a portion of the contact beam is constrained within the passage. . 16. The electrical connector of claim 8, wherein the contact housing defines a trough for receiving a lead portion of the grounding device. 17. A grounding device comprising: a contact pin coupled to a first end of a lead portion; and a ground contact coupled to a second end of the lead portion. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein 18. An electrical connector for engaging a male contact of a mating connector, the electrical connector comprising: a lead and a conductive member, the conductive member being secured to the lead. A contact beam having a first end, which is positively coupled, and a separate second end for resiliently engaging a mating male contact, thereby providing The contact beam is displaced when the contact beam engages the male contact; the contact beam is located at a suppression point provided between the first end and the second end of the contact beam. Providing a housing suitable for preventing displacement of the contact beam by suppressing the contact force between the contact beam and the male contact, wherein the contact force is also An electrical connector characterized by depending on the position of a beam suppression point. 19. The contact housing of claim 18, wherein the contact housing is selectively positionable with respect to the contact beam such that the contact point of the contact beam can be selectively changed. Electrical connector. 20. The housing, wherein: (i) a contact point of the contact beam is located adjacent the first end of the contact beam so that contact force between the contact beam and the male contact is minimized. A rearward position having a value, (ii) a suppression point of the contactor beam is positioned adjacent the second end of the contactor beam;
A forward position where the contact force between the contact beam and the male contact has a maximum value, and (iii) a suppression point of the contact beam, which is arranged adjacent to the center of the contact beam, 20. The electrical connector of claim 19, wherein the electrical connector can be located at an intermediate position such that the contact force between the beam and the male contact is greater than a minimum and less than a maximum. 21. The electrical connector according to claim 18, wherein the housing has a cam surface for suppressing a contact beam. 22. The electrical connector according to claim 18, further comprising a connector module, wherein the connector module has a conductive member and a cover mold surrounding at least a portion of the conductive member. 23. The electrical connector of claim 22, wherein the leads are signal leads and the connector module further comprises a grounding device having a lead portion. 24. The housing according to claim 21, wherein the housing defines a passage for receiving at least a portion of the contact beam, the cam surface being provided in the passage.
Electrical connector as described. 25. The electrical connector according to claim 24, wherein the housing defines a trough for receiving a lead portion of the grounding device. 26. A method of adjusting a spring constant of a contact of an electrical connector before the connector engages a mating connector, the method comprising: locating a plurality of locations relative to the contact. Providing an electrical connector having a secure housing and a displaceable contact; and positioning the housing in one of a plurality of predetermined positions, the predetermined position of the housing comprising: A method characterized by being determined by the spring constant of the contact. 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising maintaining a predetermined position while the electrical connector engages the mating connector. 28. A kit for manufacturing an electrical connector with contacts having a predetermined spring constant: a plurality of housings; and one of the plurality of housings to form the electrical connector. A housing that is engageable to provide the contact with a predetermined spring constant, wherein each one of the housings has a different predetermined spring constant. A kit comprising: 29. The kit of claim 28, wherein the plurality of housings are substantially similar, and wherein predetermined different spring rates are achieved by selective placement of the plurality of housings with respect to the contacts. 30. The kit according to claim 28, wherein each housing is different from the other housings.