JPS60165073A - Connector mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a connector mechanism for removably electrically interconnecting two structures each having a conductive path. It solves a problem common to such connector mechanisms, which is that the parts must be able to be attached and detached without damaging them and that the required secure and accurate internal electrical connections must be made possible. Such mechanisms often have “Zero In5er Force”
tionForce)” connector.

[Prior Art] Data processing equipment typically uses a number of cards with electrical components mounted on the surface and electrical connections between the components and between the cards by means of conductive tracks on the surface. ing. Such cards are assembled, for example, in a housing and/or on a board that includes conductive paths for carrying electrical signals from component to component, card to card, and card to board. Those repairs are done by converting the card. The function of the connector mechanism to which this invention relates is to interconnect conductive paths on a pair of adjacent structures, be it cards, boards, cables, or housings.

Many types of such connectors have been proposed in the past, and examples of the prior art that use some form of flexible conductive member are shown below, but one of the basic elements of the present invention is
Flexible films are used in a different manner than in the prior art. U.S. Patent No. 314989
No. 6 describes connecting a plurality of conductor cables to a rigid circuit element, where the conductor cables are attached to pins in a housing that extend into slots into which the circuit elements are pushed. The conductor cables are secured in the housing so as to be connected, and the pins are removed to provide the necessary electrical connections. This is a typical example of a type of connector in which conductive paths of circuit elements that are repeatedly forced into slots are guaranteed to be damaged. Specifications of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,825,878 and 4,227,767, and IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Volume 25, No. 1, June 1982, No. 370
The apparatus described on page 371 is essentially similar.

Nos. 3,573,704, 3,629,787, and 4,116,516 are disassembled and then reassembled around the elements to be interconnected, so that
This eliminates the problem of damage, but describes a connector that is by no means convenient. U.S. Patent No. 41165 mentioned above
No. 16 describes providing electrical connections to various layers in a multilayer cable.

US Pat. No. 3,977,756 describes a connector in which a flexible printed circuit is wrapped around a rigid printed circuit and a cap is pressed from above to fix it in its operational state.

In this case, apart from being limited in the types of structures that can be interconnected, the connectors have the potential to damage flexible circuit boards.

US Pat. No. 4,252,389 and US Pat. No. 4,334,728 describe forceless connectors that do not cause substantial damage. In this case, a wipe (tiipi) is applied to the loose side of the flexible conductive film placed between the rigid structure and the fastener supported by the structure.
ng) The fasteners described above are used to apply pressure. These types of devices have several undesirable drawbacks, including reliance on user accuracy and the need for fasteners supported by rigid structures. There is. Moreover, the applications of such devices are inherently limited.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-damaging, versatile, adaptable combination of structures and conductive paths that allows for less precise handling by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector mechanism that enables reliable electrical connection between each other.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a connector mechanism for removably electrically interconnecting two structures each having a conductive path; fixed contact means electrically connected to said conductive path on said structure; a flexible film comprising an extension of said conductive path on the other structure; said flexible film; floating contact means connected to said extension of said floating contact means; with said two structures in the connected position, said floating contact means as a separate operation;
common actuator means having a cam mechanism for moving said flexible film toward, away from, and across said fixed contact means; Provides a connector mechanism.

Rough positioning is achieved by providing a shroud on the fixed contact structure that is aligned with the fixed contact and has markings that engage the actuator, and the film is flexible. The positioning and wiping motions are facilitated by floating contacts mounted on resilient members on a carriage provided with cam followers.
Separately from each other, this is done at selected pressures, including, of course, zero pressure at the time of insertion.

Embodiment FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one complete connector mechanism 20 and multiple partial connector mechanisms according to one embodiment of the present invention. Several component parts of the complete connector mechanism are shown in detail and are hidden in the complete connector mechanism located in the positive hemispace indicated by the coordinate axes in FIG. Some of the component parts located on the top surface are shown in detail in a partial connector arrangement, as shown for clarity. A single connector mechanism consists of two structures 22 each having a conductive path 26.
and 24 are electrically connected, and a fixed contact 2 is placed on the structure 22.
8 and a floating contact 30 on the structure 24, the floating contact 30 being an electrically integral part of the flexible film 34 and supported by a common actuator 32;
Under the control of the common actuator 32, it is possible to move towards, away from, and across the fixed contact means in separate movements. The flexible film 34, as shown in FIG.
The film 34 is comprised of a plurality of alternating layers of conductive and non-conductive materials such that at least a portion of the layers of conductive material form a transmission line structure; Apertures 44 are provided so that the distance increases.

The common actuator 32 is a compound cam mechanism capable of producing temporally separated motions in different directions in a single biasing, as shown in FIG. It is supported by a resilient member 38 secured to a carriage 50 having cam followers 54A and 54B that engage a linear cam 52.

One pass of linear cam 52 when connector mechanism 20 is assembled into the configuration shown in FIG. 1 by engaging the two structures 22 and 24 by relative motion in the ZZ direction This results in the following main series of temporally separated relative movements:

- the floating contact 30 until it just contacts the fixed contact 28;
After moving towards the fixed contact 28 in the XX direction, it tends to move further towards the fixed contact 28 such that the strain of the elastic member 38 applies pressure between the fixed contact 28 and the floating contact 30.

- The floating contact 30 moves across the fixed contact 28 in the YY direction.

- The floating contact 30 moves substantially back at least part of the path it previously moved across the fixed contact 28 in the YY direction.

- The floating contact 30 tries to move further towards the fixed contact 28, further increasing the pressure between the fixed contact 28 and the floating contact 30.

The fixed contact structure 22 of the two structures shown in FIGS.
6. The shroud 46 has positioning markings 48A and 48B aligned with the fixed contacts to position the cam in the XX and YY directions with respect to the fixed contacts when the connector mechanism is initially assembled. When actuator 32 is initially biased by a handle (not shown), carriage 50 moves in the YY direction;
engaging with the positioning marking 48B of the shroud plate 46;
Positioned in the XX direction.

The initial and final phases of operation of the actuator 32 have relatively much play, and when the actuator 32 is reset,
The floating contacts 30 return to their starting positions and reverse the previously described operations in reverse order.

As previously mentioned, a solid connection structure or card 22 is provided with connector mechanisms 20 on each side, and the two connector mechanisms are loosely connected, such as by a connecting yoke 64, as shown in FIG. has been done.

In further detailing the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, structure 22 is a printed circuit card with only one corner shown, having conductive paths 26 on both sides; Each set of conductive paths terminates in a 4.times.N array of mound-shaped fixed contacts 28 that are fixed relative to the card. The conductive path 26 is shown only schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. In most applications, many of the conductive paths are buried. The shrouding plate 46 is a mound-shaped fixed contact 2
8 and are substantially identical
It consists of two mutually perpendicular shroud sections 46A and 46B. Portion 46A projects perpendicularly from the face of the card and extends parallel to the edge of the card and the array of N rows of contacts. Portion 46B extends beyond the edge of the card parallel to the plane of the card and has a groove 48A with a T-shaped cross section within its inner surface facing the contact array.

Portion 46B has a notch 48B at its exposed end. Selected surfaces of the grooves and notches are precisely aligned with the array of contacts and serve as positioning markings.

The linear cam 52 has an integrally extending longitudinally extending cam rail 52A that extends from the groove 4 of the shroud.
8A to align the direction of passage of the linear cam with respect to the array of fixed contacts in the Zz force direction. Although the linear cam 52 has pairs of cam surfaces having travel in both the XX and YY directions, they may at any time have effective travel that is entirely in the XX direction or entirely in the XX direction. The cam followers 54A and 54B are arranged to be in the YY direction. Their strokes for one pass of the linear cam are shown in FIG.

In addition to fitting into the shroud groove 48A, the linear cam 52 also
Ends open for access zz force directions and xx
Also fitted is the carriage 5o, which is a generally rectangular channel with walls extending in the direction. Eight cam followers are positioned on the inner surface of the channel of the carriage. The four cam followers 54A cooperate with the linear cam 52 to move the carriage in the YY direction, and the four cam followers 54B cooperate with the linear cam 52 to move the carriage in the XX direction. This relative orientation of the component parts preserves the connector mechanism when assembled. Such orientation is not absolutely critical as each connector mechanism can be disassembled and handled separately. The purpose is to position the linear cam within the shroud and move the carriage in the XX and YY directions within the carriage so that each movement is kept completely separate by moving the linear cam in the zz direction. It is to move in both directions.

Therefore, the bottom of the channel of the carriage is part 4 of the shroud.
6B, and an elastic member 38 is provided on the exposed surface of the bottom.
is fixed. An end of a flexible film 34 with floating contacts 30 hidden in the complete connector mechanism in the positive bulk space but shown in the opposing partially illustrated connector mechanism. the carriage such that the floating contacts are fixed to the exposed surface of the resilient member, a 4XN array of floating contacts corresponding to the array of fixed contacts are exposed, and the array of fixed contacts is aligned with respect to the shroud. are harmonized with respect to Although the floating contacts 30 form a flat square, the intention is that each flat floating contact 3
One mound-like fixed contact is placed in the center of 0 to form a fully functional array.

The film 34 passes under the carriage and onto the board 72.
The conductive track 26 in the film 34 is locked under the guide rail 70 which is fixed to the conductive track 70 of the board 72 (
(not shown).

Thus, the single basic floating contact structure 24 in this arrangement consists of the linear cam 52, carriage 50, elastic member 38, film 34, guide rail 70, and board 7.
2 (the connector mechanisms and certain components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shared).

The linear cam and carriage combination is connected to board 72 by film 34. The inherent flexibility of the film 34 is increased by the longitudinal apertures 44 in the film 34, but the flexibility of the film 34 also increases the length of the film, although not a minimum requirement. This allows the combination to move relatively freely away from and across board 72. The fact that the above combination can move freely like this means that
This is necessary to allow the actuator, shroud and guide rail to be aligned and cooperate as described below, and to allow for a linear cam driven floating contact sequence of operation. The connector mechanism of the present invention is designed as an electrical connector rather than a physical locking mechanism. The connector mechanism of the present invention allows card structures to be mated and mechanically held together without requiring precision alignment equal to the pitch between contacts.

The cooperation between these components includes engagement between the cam rail 52A and the shroud groove 48A, a pair of protrusions 55 extending outwardly and downwardly from the lower wall of the carriage, and a notch in the shroud. 48B and a corresponding pair of cutouts 73 in the guide rail.

The protrusion 55 remains substantially engaged in the cutout 73 but has a smaller b1 dimension than the cutout so that it can move in three directions within the cutout, in particular the film 34 downwardly in the YY direction by at least the depth of notch 48B. When the cam rail is fixed relative to the board in the YY direction and the cam is fully retracted, the cam slides forward in the ZZ direction over the top of the protrusion 55 by the cam rail engaging the groove in the shroud. At this time, the carriage is sufficiently pushed down in the YY direction against the bottom of the shroud. In this way, the notch 48B can be placed in the proper position on the projection 55.

Also, at the beginning of such engagement, the other surfaces of the cam keep the carriage, and therefore the floating contacts, from contacting the fixed contacts on the card. To electrically connect the contacts, the cam mechanism is idle and the third
This is the initial state of the graph in the figure. At the beginning of engagement,
The cam does not move relative to the carriage.

To electrically connect the contacts, when the cam is slowly pulled a fixed distance in 22 directions, the carriage moves with respect to the shroud alternately in the YY and XX directions, correspondingly moving the floating contacts to the fixed contacts. move or attempt to move in relation to This operation is shown to the right of the origin in FIG. The cam is moved in the direction of position Z2 from its returned position corresponding to the origin in FIG. 55 moves into the upper hemlock 48B in the YY direction.

The notches have sloped side walls and serve to align the carriage in the zZ direction with respect to the shroud and thus the contacts in the zZ direction.

In the next part of the movement, in which the cam moves from position 2□ to position Z3, the carriage moves in the XX direction from the shroud towards the card, and at a point z2 in the movement of the cam. At this point, both contacts come into contact and the elastic member 38 begins to compress. At this point, actual pressure between the contacts begins to build up, as shown in the middle graph of FIG. The pressure between the contacts is maintained at position Z3 until the cam stops driving the carriage in the XX direction and begins to drive the carriage in the YY direction, first upwards and then partially backwards. It is accumulated by compressing the elastic member 38. This movement, which corresponds to the travel of the cam from position Z3 to position Z4, causes the floating contact to wipe over the stationary contact and vice versa at constant contact pressure. Then, on the journey from position Z4 to position Z5, the cam stops driving the carriage in the YY direction and continues to drive the carriage away from the shroud in the XX direction, compressing the elastic member and pressing the contact point. Increase the pressure between. There is then play in the cam and it remains there until the cam stops moving and the contacts are electrically connected at position z5.

In the above arrangement, the contacts of the cart are well protected.

While engaged, the cam is retracted, so the cam
It is impossible for the rail to engage the shroud and damage the contacts. During the wiping motion, the pressure between the contacts is controlled and constant, resulting in a proper wiping motion that minimizes wear.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the film 34, focusing on the end of the film 34 containing the floating contact 30. The film 34 consists of five layers 30 and 26, 42, 4, which are shown separated in the figure but are actually interconnected.
0.42 and 26 Sandinch bodies. Layer 42 is comprised of a non-conductive polymer and encapsulates the conductive layer 40, which is grounded except for the array of apertures 41 and apertures 44 corresponding to the array of contacts. It is a continuous layer forming a plane. The outer two layers are conductive and the floating contact 3
o and forming individual conductive paths to the contacts. Since a dense array of contacts is desired, only the two rows of contacts 30 are directly connected to conductive tracks 26 provided on the same exposed surface (top surface) as the surface on which the contacts are provided. . The other two rows of contacts are connected via conductive paths 31 in the film.
It is connected to each conductive path provided on the other exposed surface (lower surface).

As previously mentioned, the basic connector mechanism connects to one area on one side of the card. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a connector mechanism is required on both sides of the card, and for cards with long ends, multiple films, elastic members (which may be springs) are required on each side. ),
It is naturally expected that a carriage and a carriage would be required.

In the latter case, the cams and shrouds on each side of the card can be used commonly for all connector features on each side, and if there are connector features on both sides of the card, those cams They are loosely interconnected by a connecting yoke 64 as shown.

When the cam is then moved to the returned position, the connector mechanism disengages by repeating the previously described sequence of operations in reverse and sliding the card and shroud in the opposite direction of the Zz force. However, by using a cam of a different configuration, the contacts are moved completely apart in the XX direction on the first movement, and then the carriage is directly moved to the point where the carriage is depressed sufficiently to release the protrusion 55 from the notch 48B. The order of the relative motion of the cam backtracking can be changed to allow passage.

Unlike the particular arrangement shown in the figures, the portion 60 of the film 34 remote from the floating contact 30 can also be connected as shown below.

(a) If the conductive paths of the floating contact structures are each simply a flexible film, they are connected to floating contacts 30 of a similar connector mechanism 20;

(b) Connected to a fixed structure, such as a housing, or a movable structure that does not need to be precisely aligned with respect to the fixed contacts 28 or even in the vicinity thereof.

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention provides reliable electrical connection between compatible structure and conductive path combinations without causing damage, being versatile, and allowing less precise handling by the user. A connector mechanism is provided that allows connection.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view schematically showing a plurality of connector mechanisms according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
Fig. 3 is a graph showing the operation and pressure between the contacts included in the operation of the device shown in Figs. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the fixed contact area of the connector mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. , FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing another embodiment of the present invention. 20... Connector mechanism, 22... Fixed contact structure (printed circuit card), 24... Floating contact structure, 26... Conductive path, 28... Fixed contact, 30
...Floating contact, 31...Conducting path, 32...
Common actuator, 34...Flexible film, 3
8... Elastic member, 40... Conductive layer (grounding brain), 41.44... Opening, 42... Non-conductive layer, 46... Shrouding plate, 46A, 46B ... Shrouding plate part, 48A ... Positioning marking (groove with T-shaped cross section), 48B ... Positioning marking (notch), 50 ... Carriage, 52 ...
Linear cam, 5-2 A...Cam rail, 54
A, 54B...Cam follower, 55...Protrusion, 60...Flexible film part, 64...
Connection yoke, 70...Guide rail, 72...Board, 73...Removed portion. Applicant International Business Machines
Corporation agent Patent attorney Oka 1) Tsugumi (1 other person)

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] In a connector mechanism for removably electrically interconnecting two structures each having a conductive path, the conductive path is fixedly attached to one of the structures, and the conductive path is mounted on the structure. fixed contact means electrically connected to; a flexible film comprising an extension of said conductive path on the other structure; and a floating film connected to said extension of said flexible film. With the contact means and the two structures in the connected position, the floating contact means is moved in a separate motion towards the fixed contact means, the fixed contact means is moved away from the fixed contact means, and the floating contact means is moved away from the fixed contact means; a common actuator means having a cam mechanism for moving the flexible film to transversely move the contact means;