US3654595A

US3654595A - Socket contact for electrical connector

Info

Publication number: US3654595A
Application number: US78761A
Authority: US
Inventors: Maurice D Curr
Original assignee: Deutsch Co Electronic Components Division
Current assignee: Deutsch Co Electronic Components Division
Priority date: 1970-10-07
Filing date: 1970-10-07
Publication date: 1972-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 1989-04-04

Abstract

A socket contact including an elongated cylindrical member having a cylindrical opening extending inwardly from the outer end thereof, a portion of the member being cut aay inwardly of the outer end, the cutaway portion intersecting the opening and providing parallel side edges along opposite sides of the opening and a flat surface rearwardly of the opening, a sleeve being positioned over the cylindrical member to enclose the cutaway portion and provide a space within which is a spring, which may be integral with the sleeve, having a rectangular flat inner portion with an outwardly inclined forward end, a narrower arcuate outer portion overlying the inner portion and having a convex surface engaging the midportion of the inner part, and a bent portion interconnecting the inner and outer spring portions, the bent portion of the spring being adjacent the flat surface rearwardly of the opening.

Description

United States Patent Curr [ Apr. 4, 1972 SOCKET CONTACT FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR [72] Inventor: Maurice D. Curr, Idyllwild, Calif. [73] Assignee: The Deutsch Company Electronics Components Division, Banning, Calif. [22] Filed: Oct. 7, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 78,761

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 45,411, June, 1970,

3,543,227 11/1970 Moulin .i339/256R Primary Examiner-Joseph H. McGlynn Attorney-Gausewitz, Carr & Rothenberg [5 7] ABSTRACT A socket contact including an elongated cylindrical member having a cylindrical opening extending inwardly from the outer end thereof, a portion of the member being cut aay inwardly of the outer end, the cutaway portion intersecting the opening and providing parallel side edges along opposite sides of the opening and a flat surface rearwardly of the opening, a sleeve being positioned over the cylindrical member to enclose the cutaway portion and provide a space within which is a spring, which may be integral with the sleeve, having a rectangular flat inner portion with an outwardly inclined forward end, a narrower arcuate outer portion overlying the inner portion and having a convex surface engaging the midportion of the inner part, and a bent portion interconnecting the inner and outer spring portions, the bent portion of the spring being adjacent the flat surface rearwardly of the openmg.

20 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTED FR 4 I912 SHEET 1 BF 3 INVENTOR. MAZ/F/(E 0. (1/16? ,4 Tram/Em PATENTEDAPR 4 I972 SHEET 2 [1F 3 INVENTOR. 4441/8/66 0. (0 6? Q Q Q SOCKET CONTACT FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR REFERENCE TO PARENT APPLICATION This is a continuation-in-part of my copending patent application filed June II, 1970, Ser. No. 45,411, for Socket Contact for Electrical Connector, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention pertains to socket contacts for use in electrical connectors.

2. Description of Prior Art In electrical connectors that utilize pin and socket contacts, it is conventional to provide for some lateral spring force on the contacts when they are in the mated position. Primarily, this is to assure a good electrical connection between the pin and socket, generally accomplished by biasing the pin to one side so that it firmly engages the wall of the socket contact. The springs to accomplish this purpose must be constructed so that they do not interfere with the entry of the pin into the socket. Excessive forces applied by the spring can cause galling of the pins as well as result in undue wear upon repeated cycles of mating and unmating. A constant lateral force is preferred to avoid peak loads that will cause galling and too much wear. Where the connectors are made small, which is the trend for connectors for aerospace use, the pins and sockets are short so that it is necessary to achieve full lateral force upon a minimum amount of the travel of the pin into the socket. Otherwise, an electrical connection may not be effected because of the limited engagement of the pins and sockets.

One of the major difficulties encountered with prior designs is in withstanding damage from test probes, which must be inserted into the socket contacts from time to time to determine electrical continuity. These probes may become cocked and exert very high side forces within the socket contacts, collapsing the springs and causing permanent deformation, so that they no longer can properly bias the pins against the walls of the socket openings. This problem was alleviated through the use of floating plates positioned between the spring and the pin to protect the pin. Designs of this type are shown in US. Pat. No. 3,205,474 and 3,253,253. When connectors are reduced in size, however, the floating plates and springs become so minute that handling and assembly of the parts become extremely difficult. The danger of incorrect assembly becomes acute.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The socket contact of the present invention includes an elongated electrically conductive member having a forward end which is exteriorly cylindrical, with an axial cylindrical opening extending inwardly from the forward end. A portion of this member is cut away inwardly ofthe forward end along a chordal surface to one side of the axis of the opening. The cutaway portion intersects the opening and provides elongated side edges along either side of the opening. The cutaway portion also extends inwardly beyond the inner end of the opening. A thin cylindrical sleeve fits over the forward end of the cylindrical member, providing an enclosed recess on one side ofthe opening where the cylindrical member is cut away.

Within this recess is a spring having an elongated, flat, rectangular portion adjacent the axis of the opening, being doubled over at the rearward end and connecting to an outer arcuate part that extends forwardly. The arcuate part presents a convex surface adjacent the inner flat portion, which engages the inner portion at approximately its midpoint. The bend where the two portions of the spring are connected is located in the rearward part of the recess beyond the inner end of the opening. The inner flat portion of the spring is wider than the curved outer portion and provided with a forward end that is inclined outwardly away from the axis. Normally, the side edges of the inner portion of the spring rest on the elongated side edges where the cylindrical member is cut away.

The spring and sleeve may be integral, which simplifies the construction of the contact and makes it impossible to install the spring incorrectly. In this embodiment, the sleeve and spring are formed from a flat sheet of spring material that includes a wide rectangular portion at one end of which is a narrow projection. The wide portion is bent to a cylindrical shape to define the sleeve, while the projection is given the configuration of the spring. Narrow flanges are formed on the opposite edges of the sleeve portion and introduced into a longitudinal groove in the body of the contact. This holds the sleeve in its cylindrical shape, preventing the edges from separating.

When the pin enters the socket opening, it engages the inclined forward end ofthe spring, prying the spring outwardly as the contact moves beneath the spring. As this occurs, a dual-spring action results which imposes an immediate substantial lateral side force on the pin to effect an electrical connection. The inner flat portion flexes as it is deflected by the pin, and the outer curved section of the spring tends to flatten as it is pushed outwardly by the inner portion of the spring. The combined effect produces the biasing force on the pin which holds it against the opposite wall of the socket and assures the existence of an electrical connection.

Further movement of the pin into the socket causes the forward end of the inner spring portion to be brought into engagement with the cylindrical surface of the pin. When the pin has fully entered the socket opening, it is engaged for a substantial portion of its length by the inner flat portion of the spring and held firmly against the socket wall. Current flows directly from the pin to the socket wall it engages, while an additional current path is formed between the pin and socket through the spring section.

The side load on the pin is substantially constant throughout its travel into the socket from the time of initial engagement with the spring. Thus, the force exerted by the spring reaches substantially its maximum value almost immediately upon entry of the pin into the socket, and does not vary materially thereafter. Consequently, there are no excessive peak forces on the pin to cause galling. Wear is minimized.

The inner flat portion of the spring not only assists in biasing the pin to one side of the socket opening, as described above, but also serves to protect the spring against damage. It provides a barrier that limits the deflection which can be given to the arcuate outer spring section. When the inner portion of the spring unit is pressed outwardly, such as by a test probe, its side edges will engage the surface of the sleeve that provides the outer wall of the recess. Because the sleeve wall is cylindrical, there is a space between this wall and the flat inner portion of the spring. The outer spring portion occupies this space, isolated from the test probe and prevented from further flexure. The outer portion of the spring, therefore, cannot be pressed flat by the test probe and cannot be overstressed so as to experience permanent deformation.

The bend where the inner and outer spring sections join likewise is protected by being located in the rearward end of the recess beyond the socket opening. There, it cannot be reached by the test probe or other object inserted into the socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector utilizing the socket contact of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the socket contact;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing the flat pattern of the spring member prior to its being bent to the curved overlapping configuration;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the socket contact as the pin contact enters it but before engagement of the pin contact with the spring;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. showing the parts in the position where the pin contact has made initial engagement with the spring;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 with the pin and socket fully engaged;

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modification of the contact in which the sleeve and spring are integral;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the contact of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken along line 1111 ofFIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the flat sheet from which the integral sleeve and spring are formed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The socket contact of this invention is for use in an electrical connector such as that shown in FIG. 1, which includes a plug 10 and a receptacle 11. The connector includes pin contacts in one of its sections, which enter socket contacts in the other connector section when the connector is in the mated position, for thereby completing electrical circuits through the wires connected to the pins and sockets. As shown in the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 2, the socket contacts 12 are mounted in openings 13 in the insert 14 of the receptacle 1!, while the pin contacts 15 are in openings 16 in the insert 17 of the plug 10. This may be reversed if desired, with the socket contacts in the plug and the pin contacts in the receptacle.

The socket contacts 12, in accordance with conventional practice, include enlarged annular portions 18 which provide forward and rearward shoulders 19 and 20, respectively. The forward shoulder 19 is positioned against a radial shoulder 21 in the opening 13, which prevents the contact from moving forwardly. The rearward shoulder is engaged by the ends of spring fingers 22 that extend inwardly from a retainer clip 23, which is a split metal sleeve held between shoulders 21 and 25 of the opening 13. The rearward barrel 26 of the socket contact 12 is tubular and receives the end ofa wire 27 from which the insulation has been stripped, being crimped to the wire to provide a mechanical and electrical connection. An inspection opening 28 in the barrel 26 enables visual observation to make certain that the end of the wire 27 has been inserted far enough into the barrel 26 of the contact 12.

The forward end portion of the socket contact 12 is adapted to receive the projecting end 30 of the pin contact 15. The latter contact is held in the opening 16 in a manner similar to the retention of the socket contact, having an annular enlarged portion 31 that is engaged by a shoulder 32 and the ends of spring fingers 33 to hold the pin contact against axial movement. The rearward end of the pin contact is crimped to a wire 34.

The forward end of the socket contact 12 includes an inner portion 35, a spring 36 and a sleeve 37, all of electrically conductive material. The inner portion is integral with the annular enlarged portion 18 and the rearward barrel 26. It includes a rearward cylindrical section 38 adjacent the shoulder 19 of the contact, and a forward cylindrical section 39 at the forward end of the contact. The sections 38 and 39 have the same diameters. Intermediate the sections 38 and 39 is an elongated portion 40 of slightly reduced diameter. One side of the portion 40 is removed to provide a longitudinally extending flat surface 42, parallel to the axis of the contact, connecting at its rearward end to a radial shoulder 43 and at its forward end to a radial shoulder 44. The surface 42 is to one side of the longitudinal axis of the contact 12, so that the intermediate portion 40 of the contact defines more than a semicircle in cross section.

An axial bore 46 extends inwardly from the forward end 47 of the contact 12, passing through the forward end section 39 and into the intermediate portion 40. A beveled surface 48 is provided at the entrance to the bore 46. The bore 46 does not extend the full length of the intermediate section 40 of the forward end portion of the contact. Therefore, the inner end 49 of the bore 46 is spaced outwardly from the shoulder 43 at the rearward end of the surface 42. The bore 46 is sufficiently large in diameter to intersect the surface 42 to provide forward parallel ledges S0 and 51 which extend from an uninterrupted surface portion 52.

The spring 36 includes an inner, flat, generally rectangular portion 54 having a short outwardly inclined forward end 55. At the rearward end of the inner portion 54, the spring is reduced in width and provided with a bend 56 from which the outer portion 57 of the spring extends. The spring reduces in width at the vicinity of the bend 56, with the outer portion 57 being considerably narrower than the inner portion 54. The outer spring portion 57 is bowed, presenting a convex surface inwardly that makes line contact with the inner portion 54 at approximately the midsection S8 of the inner portion.

The sleeve 37 fits over the inner portion 35 of the contact, having a press fit with the rearward cylindrical section 38 and the forward cylindrical section 39. The clearance around the slightly smaller section 40 facilitates movement of the sleeve onto the contact as the parts are assembled. The rearward end 60 of the sleeve 37 is positioned adjacent the forward shoulder 19 of the contact, and the sleeve is crimped to enter an annular groove 61 in the rearward cylindrical section 38, thereby locking the sleeve 37 in place. The forward radial flange 62 of the sleeve overlies the forward end surface 47 of the contact.

In the assembled contact, the spring 36 is retained in the space between the surface 42, the sleeve 37 and the radial shoulders 43 and 44, The forward side edges of the inner portion 54 of the spring rest on the

ledges

50 and 51 so that the portion 54 of the spring 36 faces the bore 46 through a major portion of its length. The rearward part of the inner portion 54 and the bent portion 56, however, are rearwardly of the bore 46 adjacent the surface portion 52 and the shoulder 43. The end corners of the outer portion 57 of the spring engage the inner wall of the sleeve 37, but the central part of the outer spring portion 57 is spaced from the sleeve because of its bowed configuration.

The projecting end 30 of the pin contact 15 is provided with a generally conical end surface 63. inwardly of this, the pin contact is of cylindrical configuration, having a radius slightly less than that of the bore 46. Therefore, the end 30 of the pin can readily enter the bore 46, initially passing through the forward cylindrical section 39. Continued movement of the pin into the socket causes the end 63 of the pin to engage the outwardly inclined forward end 55 of the inner portion 54 of the spring 36. This pries the forward end of the spring outwardly as these sloping surfaces slide over each other. The inner portion 54 of the spring rides up over the conical end surface 63 to bear against the cylindrical surface of the pin as seen in FIG. 6.

As this movement takes place, a double-spring action occurs. First, the inner portion 54 of the spring is bent outwardly as it is deflected by the pin. The outward force exerted by the inner portion 54 of the spring against the outer spring portion 57 also tends to flatten the outer portion 57, thus deflecting the outer portion 57 from its free position. Both inner and outer sections of the spring are bent when the pin enters the socket, therefore, and impose a lateral force on the pin end 30. This force immediately biases the pin end 30 to the opposite side of the bore 46 so that the pin is brought into firm engagement with the wall of the bore 46 opposite from the slot where the surface 42 intersects the bore.

The pin end 63 then slides to a position adjacent the inner end 49 of the bore 46, as seen in FIG. 7, as the pin and socket are brought to the fully mated position. At this time, the inner portion 54 of the spring becomes bowed, with its inner surface assuming a concave curvature adjacent the pin end 39. The outer spring portion 57 is considerably flattened by this deflection of the inner spring portion 54. As the movement occurs between the point of initial engagement as shown in FIG. 6 and the final engagement of FIG. 7, the force exerted by the spring on the pin remains substantially constant throughout the travel of the pin into the socket. This is advantageous in avoiding high peak loads as the parts move to the mated position. Consequently, the loads do not exceed desired values, so that there is no tendency toward galling, nor is wear excessive. This arrangement also assures that there is an electrical connection between the pin and socket upon a small amount of movement of the pin into the socket. Even with a very short pin and a short socket bore, as required in miniaturized electrical connectors, the electrical circuit is completed upon very slight movement of the parts toward the mated position.

In the event of an extreme side load on the spring 36, such as from a test probe, the inner spring section 54 will protect the outer spring section 57. The longitudinal side edges 64 and 65 of the relatively wide rectangular inner portion 54 will be brought into engagement with the inner wall of the sleeve 37 upon movement of the spring outwardly, as indicated in phantom in FIG. 8. This leaves the outer spring section 57 isolated in the space provided between the inner portion 54 and the sleeve 37 where there is ample room for the spring section to retain its bowed configuration. Hence, the outer spring section 57 will not become overstressed and will experience no permanent deformation. Only the wider inner spring section 54 is engaged by the test probe, the mating pin contact or other object that enters the socket opening.

Preferably, the side edges 64 and 65 of the inner spring 54 are beveled outwardly, allowing movement of the spring into engagement with the inner wall of the sleeve 37 without tending to wedge against the sleeve 37 and adhere to it. Similarly, the

forward corners

66 and 67 of the spring portion 54 may be beveled inwardly toward the longitudinal axis.

The bend area 56 of the spring 36 likewise is protected from damage. This portion of the spring is at the rearward end of the spring recess, beyond the end of the bore. Therefore, objects entering the socket cannot reach the bent part 56 and cannot flatten this portion of the spring.

The construction of the contact may be simplified by the arrangement of FIGS. 9-11, in which, in effect, the spring and sleeve of the previously described embodiment are made integral. The embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 makes it impossible to install the spring incorrectly. The inner portion 69 of the contact is similar to that of the inner portion 35 in that it includes a tubular barrel end 70 to receive a wire, an annular ridge 71 providing forward and rearward retention shoulders, and a bore 72 in the forward section 73 of the contact, which is adapted to receive the mating pin contact. A beveled inner edge 74 is provided at the entrance to the bore 72. One side of the cylindrical forward portion 73 of the inner section 69 of the contact is cut away in a chordal plane from a location adjacent the annular ridge 71 to the forward end of the contact. This provides a flat surface 75 parallel to the axis of the bore 72, which terminates at a rearward radial shoulder 76. The bore 72 bisects the surface 75 for most ofits length, but it does not extend to the inner radial shoulder 76 so that the rearward portion ofthe surface 75 is uninterrupted. Adjacent the annular ridge 71, the section 69 of the contact is provided with an annular groove 78.

The integral spring and sleeve assembly 80 is in one piece and made from the flat pattern shown in FIG, 12. This is a thin sheet metal element of suitable spring material, such as beryllium copper, including a wide rectangular section 82 from the middle of one side of which extends a narrow rectangular strip 83, beyond which is a wider end portion 84. The latter part of the flat pattern includes beveled side edges 85 and 86, and beveled

forward corners

87 and 88.

In the completed contact, the wide rectangular portion 82 of the flat pattern is given a substantially cylindrical configuration to define a sleeve, while suitable bends are provided in the

sections

83 and 84 to provide a spring having the shape illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The rectangular portion 82 of the flat pattern is bent to a tubular shape by bringing its opposite longitudinal edges 90 and 91 into adjacency and forming it to a circular cross section. In the assembled contact, the sleeve fits closely over the exterior of the cylindrical portion 73 of the inner section 69 of the contact beyond the annular ridge 71. Longitudinal bends are made adjacent the edges and 91 to provide short flanges 92 and 93. These flanges fit within a groove 94 extending longitudinally of the forward section 73 of the inner section 69 of the contact from the forward end to the annular ridge 71. The groove 94, which is diametrically opposite the flat surface 75, is rectangular in cross section, providing sidewalls 95 and 96 which are engaged complementarily by the flanges 92 and 93. The sidewalls 95 and 96 are parallel to a plane that is radial with respect to the contact section 69, which assures that the edges of the sleeve portion are held securely and prevented from opening up. It is possible to braze the flanges 92 and 93 to the member 69 at the groove 94, but normally this extra operation is not required. Longitudinal movement of the sleeve element relative to the inner section 69 of the contact is prevented by crimping the rearward portion ofthe tubular element into the annular groove 78.

A first bend 98 is provided in the intermediate narrow strip portion 83 adjacent its connection to the wider rectangular part 82. The bend 98 is for more than bringing the element 83 into adjacency with the outer sleeve portion. A second and more shallow bend 99 is provided at this location, beyond which is a more gently curved portion 100, which presents a convex surface inwardly adjacent the axis of the contact. A further bend 101 ofjust slightly over 180 is provided adjacent the juncture between the section 83 and the section 84. The latter portion remains flat, but has an upwardly bent forward edge 102.

As a result of this construction, the section 84 corresponds to the inner spring portion 54 of the previously described embodiment, lying against surface 75 of the contact, with its inner surface communicating with the bore for engagement by the mating pin contact. The outer portion of the spring overlies and engages the central portion of the inner part, as before. The spring is positioned in the space between the flat contact surface 75 and the sleeve, so that it can engage the pin contact and will have room for flexure. The flexing action of the spring of this embodiment corresponds to that of the spring 36. Again, the dual-spring action is obtained as the inner portion of the spring element is engaged by the pin. Also, the bend area between the inner and outer portions of the spring is in the recess beyond the bore 72 for the pin, so that it never can be crushed flat at that area. The inner portion 84 of the spring will engage the wall of the sleeve portion in the event of an extreme side load, thereby protecting the outer section of the spring.

The foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of this invention being limited solely by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An electrical socket contact comprising a member having an outer end and an elongated opening extending inwardly from said outer end and adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening having a recess in one side thereof,

said recess including an inner end portion extending beyond the inner end of said opening, and a leaf spring in said recess,

said spring having a first portion adjacent the longitudinal axis of said opening engageable with an electrical pin contact received in said opening,

a second portion remote from the longitudinal axis of said opening and overlying said first portion,

and a bent portion interconnecting said first and second portions, said bent portion being in said inner portion of said recess.

2. A device as recited in claim 1 including in addition surfaces along the side edges of said recess engageable by the side edges of said first portion of said spring for supporting said spring in said recess.

3. A device as recited in claim 1 in which said first portion of said spring has a relatively short end section adjacent said outer end which is inclined toward said outer end and away from the longitudinal axis of said opening.

4. A device as recited in claim 1 in which said recess has an arcuate outer wall, said second portion of said spring is narrower than said first portion of said spring, and said first portion of said spring is substantially flat.

5. A device as recited in claim 1 in which said recess includes an outer wall, said leaf spring being integral with and extending from said outer wall.

6. A device as recited in claim 5 in which said leaf spring extends from said outer wall at said outer end of said member.

7. An electrical socket contact comprising a member having an outer end and an elongated opening extending inwardly from said outer end and adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening having a recess in one side thereof, and a leaf spring in said recess,

said spring having a first portion adjacent the longitudinal axis of said opening engageable with an electrical pin contact received in said opening, a second portion remote from the longitudinal axis of said opening and overlying said first portion, said second portion being arcuate and providing a convex surface adjacent said first portion, and a bent portion interconnecting said first and second portions, said bent portion being remote from said outer end.

8. A device as recited in claim 7 in which said second portion of said spring engages said first portion of said] spring at the central portion of said convex surface and intermediate the ends of said first portion.

9. A device as recited in claim 8 in which said second portion of said spring engages said first portion of said spring at approximately the middle of said first portion of said spring.

10. An electrical socket contact comprising a member having an outer end and an elongated opening extending inwardly from said outer end and adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening having a recess in one side thereof, said recess having a curved outer wall, and a leaf spring in said recess,

said spring having a relatively flat first portion adjacent the longitudinal axis ofsaid opening engageable with an electrical pin contact received in said opening, a second portion remote from the longitudinal axis of said opening and overlying said first portion, and a bent portion interconnecting said first and second portions, said bent portion being remote from said outer end, said first portion having edge surface means engageable with said outer wall upon outward movement of said first portion for defining a space between said first portion and said outer wall, said second portion being received in said space, whereby said first portion protects said second portion.

11. An electrical socket contact comprising a first member having an outer surface,

a first portion of said outer surface being defined by a segment ofa cylinder,

and a second portion of said outer surface being defined by a longitudinal section chordal with respect to said cylindrical segment,

said member having an axial opening extending inwardly from one end thereof, one side of said opening intersecting at least a part of said portion of said outer surface so as to bisect the same, and an additional member,

said additional member having a tubular portion overlying said first portion of said outer surface and extending over said second portion of said outer surface in a spaced relationship therewith so as to define a space communicating with said axial opening, said additional member having an extension integral with said tubular portion positioned in said space and providing a spring for engagement with an electrically conductive member received in said opening, said extension being engageable with said second portion of said outer surface of said first member.

12. A device as recited in claim 11 in which said space extends axially inwardly beyond said axial opening, and in which said extension includes a first portion adjacent said tubular portion and a second portion adjacent said second portion of said outer surface, said first and second portions of said extension being interconnected within said space beyond said axial opening.

13. An electrical socket contact comprising a first member having an outer surface,

a first portion of said outer surface being defined by a segment of a cylinder, and a second portion of said outer surface being defined by a longitudinal section chordal with respect to said cylindrical segment, said member having an axial opening extending inwardly from one end thereof, one side of said opening intersecting at least a part of said second portion of said outer surface so as to bisect the same, and an additional member,

said additional member having a tubular portion overlying said first portion of said outer surface and extending over said second portion of said outer surface in a spaced relationship therewith so as to define a space communicating with said axial opening,

said additional member having an extension integral with said tubular portion positioned in said space and providing a spring for engagement with an electrically conductive member received in said opening,

said tubular portion being split and having adjacent inwardly directed flanges at the location of the split therein,

said first portion of said outer surface having a longitudinal recess receiving said flanges for preventing said tubular portion from opening up.

14. A device as recited in claim 13 in which said longitudinal recess has opposite substantially parallel side edges substantially parallel to a plane radial with respect to said cylindrical segment.

15. A device as recited in claim 14 in which said longitudinal recess is in said first portion of said outer surface and is diametrically opposite said second portion of said outer surface.

16. A device as recited in claim 15 in which said first portion of said outer surface includes an annular groove beyond said second portion of said outer surface, said tubular portion having a portion thereof deflected into said annular groove for preventing longitudinal movement of said additional member relative to said first member.

17. An electrical socket contact comprising a first elongated member having a longitudinal bore extending inwardly from one end thereof for receiving a pin contact,

one side of said bore intersecting the outer surface of said first elongated member on one side thereof so that said one side of said bore is open to the exterior of said first elongated member,

and a second member, said second member being in one piece and including a tubular portion around said first elongated member,

a spring member integral with said tubular portion and extending therein adjacent the circumferential wall thereof,

and an additional member integral with said spring member and adjacent said bore for engagement with a pin contact received in said bore, said additional member having surface meansengageable with said circumferential wall upon deflection of said spring member for providing with said circumferential wall a space for said spring member, thereby protecting said spring member. 18. An electrical socket contact comprising a cylindrical member having an outer end and a cylindrical opening adapted to receive an electrical pin contact,

said opening extending inwardly from said outer end of said member to an inner end of said opening, said member having a longitudinal recess inwardly of said outer end and positioned to one side of the axis of said opening, said recess having an arcuate outer wall, a generally radially extending surface at either end thereof, and an inner wall extending between said end surfaces. said recess having a first portion adjacent said outer end in which said inner wall is intersected by said opening so as to define a ledge along either side of said opening with said opening and said recess being in communication intermediate said ledges, and a second portion remote from said outer end extending inwardly beyond said inner end of said opening,

and a leaf spring in said recess between end surfaces thereof,

said leaf spring having a'first substantially flat elongated portion, a second elongated arcuate portion overlying said first portion and having a convex surface engaging said first portion intermediate the ends of said first portion, and a belt portion interconnecting said first and said second portions, said second portion of said spring being narrower than said first portion of said spring, said spring having longitudinal side edges in said first portion of said recess engaging said ledges so as to present a surface in said opening for engagement with a pin contact received therein, and having an end adjacent said outer end of said member which is inclined toward said outer end and away from the longitudinal axis of said opening, said bent portion of said spring being in said second portion of said recess.

19. A device as recited in claim 18 in which said cylindrical member includes a first cylindrical element defining said opening, and a sleeve received on said first element, said sleeve defining said arcuate outer wall of said recess.

20. A device as recited in claim 19 in which said sleeve and said leaf spring are integral.

ggggg mime STATES PATENT OFFICE QER'HMCATE OF QQRREQTWN Dated Apr. 4, 1972 Patent No. 3, 654, 595

Inventor(s) Maurice D. Curr It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 8, line 4, before "porcion' insert second-. Column 10, line 10, "a belt portion" should read -a bent portion--.

Signed and sealed this 5th day of September 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD MFLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims

1. An electrical socket contact comprising a member having an outer end and an elongated opening extending inwardly from said outer end and adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening having a recess in one side thereof, said recess including an inner end portion extending beyond the inner end of said opening, and a leaf spring in said recess, said spring having a first portion adjacent the longitudinal axis of said opening engageable with an electrical pin contact received in said opening, a second portion remote from the longitudinal axis of said opening and overlying said first portion, and a bent portion interconnecting said first and second portions, said bent portion being in said inner portion of said recess.

7. An electrical socket contact comprising a member having an outer end and an elongated opening extending inwardly from said outer end and adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening having a recess in one side thereof, and a leaf spring in said recess, said spring having a first portion adjacent the longitudinal axis of said opening engageable with an electrical pin contact received in said opening, a second portion remote from the longitudinal axis of said opening and overlying said first portion, said second portion being arcuate and providing a convex surface adjacent said first portion, and a bent portion interconnecting said first and second portions, said bent portion being remote from said outer end.

8. A device as recited in claim 7 in which said second portion of said spring engages said first portion of said spring at The central portion of said convex surface and intermediate the ends of said first portion.

10. An electrical socket contact comprising a member having an outer end and an elongated opening extending inwardly from said outer end and adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening having a recess in one side thereof, said recess having a curved outer wall, and a leaf spring in said recess, said spring having a relatively flat first portion adjacent the longitudinal axis of said opening engageable with an electrical pin contact received in said opening, a second portion remote from the longitudinal axis of said opening and overlying said first portion, and a bent portion interconnecting said first and second portions, said bent portion being remote from said outer end, said first portion having edge surface means engageable with said outer wall upon outward movement of said first portion for defining a space between said first portion and said outer wall, said second portion being received in said space, whereby said first portion protects said second portion.

11. An electrical socket contact comprising a first member having an outer surface, a first portion of said outer surface being defined by a segment of a cylinder, and a second portion of said outer surface being defined by a longitudinal section chordal with respect to said cylindrical segment, said member having an axial opening extending inwardly from one end thereof, one side of said opening intersecting at least a part of said portion of said outer surface so as to bisect the same, and an additional member, said additional member having a tubular portion overlying said first portion of said outer surface and extending over said second portion of said outer surface in a spaced relationship therewith so as to define a space communicating with said axial opening, said additional member having an extension integral with said tubular portion positioned in said space and providing a spring for engagement with an electrically conductive member received in said opening, said extension being engageable with said second portion of said outer surface of said first member.

13. An electrical socket contact comprising a first member having an outer surface, a first portion of said outer surface being defined by a segment of a cylinder, and a second portion of said outer surface being defined by a longitudinal section chordal with respect to said cylindrical segment, said member having an axial opening extending inwardly from one end thereof, one side of said opening intersecting at least a part of said second portion of said outer surface so as to bisect the same, and an additional member, said additional member having a tubular portion overlying said first portion of said outer surface and extending over said second portion of said outer surface in a spaced relationship therewith so as to define a space communicating with said axial opening, said additional member having an extension integral with said tubular portion positioned in said space and providing a spring for engagement with an electrically conductive member received in said opening, said tubular portion being split and having adjacent inwardly directed flanges at the location of the split therein, said first portion of said outer surface having a longitudinal recess receiving said flanges for preventing said tubular portion from opening up.

17. An electrical socket contact comprising a first elongated member having a longitudinal bore extending inwardly from one end thereof for receiving a pin contact, one side of said bore intersecting the outer surface of said first elongated member on one side thereof so that said one side of said bore is open to the exterior of said first elongated member, and a second member, said second member being in one piece and including a tubular portion around said first elongated member, a spring member integral with said tubular portion and extending therein adjacent the circumferential wall thereof, and an additional member integral with said spring member and adjacent said bore for engagement with a pin contact received in said bore, said additional member having surface means engageable with said circumferential wall upon deflection of said spring member for providing with said circumferential wall a space for said spring member, thereby protecting said spring member.

18. An electrical socket contact comprising a cylindrical member having an outer end and a cylindrical opening adapted to receive an electrical pin contact, said opening extending inwardly from said outer end of said member to an inner end of said opening, said member having a longitudinal recess inwardly of said outer end and positioned to one side of the axis of said opening, said recess having an arcuate outer wall, a generally radially extending surface at either end thereof, and an inner wall extending between said end surfaces, said recess having a first portion adjacent said outer end in which said inner wall is intersected by said opening so as to define a ledge along either side of said opening with said opening and said recess being in communication intermediate said ledges, and a second portion remote from said outer end extending inwardly beyond said inner end of said opening, and a leaf spring in said recess between end surfaces thereof, said leaf spring having a first substantially flat elongated portion, a second elongated arcuate portion overlying said first portion and having a convex surface engaging said first portion intermediate the ends of said first portion, and a belt portion interconnecting said first and said second portions, said second portion of said spring being narrower than said first portion of said spring, said spring having longitudinal side edges in said first portion of said recess engaging said ledges so as to present a surface in said opening for engagement with a pin contact received therein, and having an end adjacent said outer end of said member which is inclined toward said outer end and away from the longitudinal axis of said opening, said bent portion of said spring being in said second portion of said recess.