WO1997019492A1 - Receptacle contact - Google Patents
Receptacle contact Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997019492A1 WO1997019492A1 PCT/US1996/018369 US9618369W WO9719492A1 WO 1997019492 A1 WO1997019492 A1 WO 1997019492A1 US 9618369 W US9618369 W US 9618369W WO 9719492 A1 WO9719492 A1 WO 9719492A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- spring
- contact
- contact member
- loaded
- receptacle
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
- H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
- H01R13/113—Resilient sockets co-operating with pins or blades having a rectangular transverse section
Definitions
- This invention relates to receptacle contacts, especially to receptacle contacts which prevent excessive stress in the spring-loaded contact member at the time when a mating contact is inserted into the receptacle contact.
- Receptacle contacts are widely used in the automotive industry for the purpose of forming electrical connections with tab and other types of male contacts. No problems are encountered when a male contact is inserted in such receptacle contact straight along its axis. But if a male contact is skewed relative to the axis of the receptacle contact or if a screw driver or other tool is mistakenly inserted in the receptacle contact while an attempt is made to pull it out a connector, the stress in the spring-loaded contact member of the receptacle contact can exceed allowable limits, which can lead to deformation of the spring-loaded contact member. In order to solve this problem, a number of receptacle contacts have been proposed with the intention of preventing excessive stress in the spring-loaded contact member. For example, receptacle contacts are disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1987-137575 which are depicted in Figs. 7 and 8.
- Receptacle contact 100 shown in Fig. 7 comprises a box-like receptacle section 102 for a male contact inside which a spring-loaded contact member 106 formed by bending backward the front end of base section 104 is located and includes extension 108 formed by bending a rear end of spring-loaded contact member 106 toward base section 104.
- a projection 110 is formed by cutting out a portion of base section 104 near the center of spring-loaded contact member 106 and bending it upward. By restricting the amount of displacement of spring-loaded contact member 106, projection 110 prevents development of excessive stress in spring-loaded contact member 106.
- Receptacle contact 150 shown in Fig. 8 similar to receptacle contact 100 described above, also has a box-like receptacle section 152 for a male contact inside which spring-loaded contact member 156 having extension 158 is located.
- the difference with the receptacle contact 100 is that instead of projection 110, a collapse-preventing tab 160 is stamped from extension 158 protruding toward base section 154. Because of such construction, extension 158 can move toward the front end of receptacle contact 150 when spring-loaded contact member 156 is deformed by a male contact (not shown in the drawing) inserted into it.
- Lengthwise dimension of receptacle contact 150 shown in Fig. 8 is also small; however, due to the fact that collapse-preventing tab 160 is stamped from extension 158, actual width of extension 158 is reduced leading to the concentration of bending stress in this section which can easily result in deformation thereof.
- Another problem consists in the fact that while collapse preventing tab 160 is not in contact with base 154, the spring-loaded area covers the span from the bend 162 to the tip of extension 158. But as soon as collapse-preventing tab 160 engages with base 154, the spring-loaded area becomes sharply reduced from the bend 162 to collapse-preventing tab 160. Therefore, the rigidity of spring-loaded contact member 156 and of extension 158 experience abrupt variations before and after collapse-preventing tab 160 engages with base 154. This makes it difficult to absorb intense vibration to which the device can be exposed during operation, for example in automotive applications.
- the first purpose of this invention is to provide a receptacle contact which will make it possible to prevent sudden variations in rigidity of the spring-loaded contact member during connection and which will allow arranging the contacts in the housing at a narrower pitch.
- the second purpose of this invention is to offer a receptacle contact having reliable protection for a spring-loaded contact member and an extension thereof in the event when a male contact is inserted at an angle or a foreign object, such as for example, a tool, is inserted in the receptacle contact.
- a receptacle contact according to the invention comprises a spring-loaded contact member starting from a front end of a bottom wall and bent back inside a space formed by the bottom wall, side walls emerging from side edges of the bottom wall and an upper wall situated opposite to the bottom wall, with the rear end of the spring-loaded contact member having an extension bent forward which is located between the spring-loaded contact member and the bottom wall and the extension is bent in such a manner that it has a flat section for engaging flat against the bottom wall when the spring-loaded contact member is subject to deformation and a vertical projection bent from the free end of the extension in the direction of the spring-loaded contact member.
- a receptacle contact according to the invention comprises a spring-loaded contact member starting from a front end of a bottom wall and bent back inside a space formed by the bottom wall, side walls emerging from side edges of the bottom wall and an upper wall situated opposite to the bottom wall, with the rear end of the spring-loaded contact member having an extension bent forward which is located between the spring-loaded contact member and the bottom wall and a fact that the first projection is provided near front end of the bottom wall which extends from the bottom wall toward the spring-loaded contact member, and a second projection is made by bending a front end of the extension toward the spring-loaded contact member.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a receptacle contact according to this invention.
- Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1.
- Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a correctly-inserted mating-tab contact.
- Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a mating- tab contact inserted at a slightly-skewed position.
- Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a mating- tab contact inserted at a greater angle.
- Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a mating- tab contact inserted even at a greater angle than shown in Fig. 5.
- Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional receptacle contact.
- Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another type of conventional receptacle contact.
- Receptacle contact 1 depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 is manufactured from a copper alloy or other metal sheet material by stamping and forming. It includes a terminating section 3 intended for electrical connection to electrical wire 7 by crimping and a contact section 10 intended for electrical connection with a mating-tab contact 5 (see Fig. 3) .
- Terminating section 3 can be either of a wire-crimping type or of a type intended for soldering to a printed circuit board using through holes or to conductive pads on the printed circuit board.
- Contact section 10 is a box-like structure formed by base wall 12 forming its bottom surface and two side walls 14 and 16 extending from sides of base wall 12, and by a first upper wall 18 located opposite to base wall 12 which extends from the upper edge of side wall 14 and a second upper wall 20 covering the first upper wall 18 which extends from the upper edge of side wall 16.
- Spring-loaded contact member 22 is formed as an integral part of and is connected to base wall 12 , and it is made by bending the front end (the first bend 24) of base wall 12 backward to the right side in Fig. 2, and it is located inside space 23 surrounded by walls 12, 14, 16, 18.
- Base wall 12 has a projection 26 (the first projection) formed by stamping from base wall 12 which is located toward the front end off the center of spring-loaded contact member 28.
- a salient part-spherical contact protrusion 28 is made facing the first upper wall 18.
- an elongated protrusion 30 is made extending from front to back thereof (in Fig. 2, from left to right) .
- Extension 32 is formed as an integral part of spring-loaded contact member 22 by bending it at its rear end (the second bend 34) toward the front. Starting from the second bend 34, extension 32 extends in an inclined straight manner forming a flat section 36 extending toward the front. As illustrated in Fig. 1, flat section 36 is tapered, that is it is made narrower toward the front end. It also can be made in a hook-like configuration shown by the dash-and-dot line. Since the width of flat section 36 is not the same along its entire length, the stress generated in this section is distributed evenly to avoid concentration of stress in one particular location.
- Windows 42 made in side walls 14, 16 make it possible to inspect whether the gap between the first projection 26 and spring-loaded contact member 22 is within specified limits or not.
- Side walls 14 and 16 also have lugs 44 (only shown in side wall 16) protruding outside thereof for the purpose of keying when receptacle contacts 1 are inserted in a connector housing (not shown in the drawings) .
- Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating- tab contact 5 inserted in it.
- Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating-tab contact 5 inserted in it at a slightly skewed position.
- Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating-tab contact 5 inserted in it at an angle.
- Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating-tab contact 5 inserted in it at even greater angle than that shown in Fig. 5.
- spring-loaded contact member 22 of receptacle contact 1 is displaced from unloaded position shown by the broken line to its loaded position shown by the solid lines.
- the inserted tab contact 5 is sandwiched between protrusion 30 on the first upper wall 18 and salient contact protrusion 28 of spring-loaded contact member 22.
- Spring-loaded contact member 22 and extension 32 form a bridge-like structure whose one support is the first bend 24 where the contact member is an integral part of base 12, and another is bend 38 which is in engagement with base 12. Therefore, it can provide sufficient contact pressure against tab contact 5.
- the first projection 26 does not engage with the lower surface of spring-loaded contact member 22, while bend 38 of extension 32 is in engagement with base 12. Because of this, spring-loaded contact member 22 and extension 32 form a long spring-loaded region extending from the first bend 24 to bend 38, thus preventing deformation caused by stress concentration.
- the flat area of extension 32 between second bend 34 and bend 38 engages with base 12.
- the spring-loaded region extends from the first bend 24 of spring-loaded contact member 22 to the second bend 34 of extension 32; that is, the spring-loaded region is smaller than that shown in Fig. 3, but its rigidity is higher.
- the contact surface between extension 32 and base 12 changes from a single point of contact 46 (see Fig. 2) to a section of flat surface 36 between points 46 and 48. Since transition to the state when engagement takes place over the entire flat surface 36 of extension 32 is a continuous process, the increase in rigidity also occurs gradually. This makes it possible to absorb vibrations during operation and to easily compensate for errors made during the manufacture of spring-loaded contact member 22 and other elements of the contact.
- Fig. 5 represents a situation when the angle at which tab contact 5 or a tool is even greater than that shown in Fig. 5. In such a case, spring-loaded contact member 22 engages with the front tip of the second projection 40.
- the front tip of tab contact 5 does not engage with the section of spring-loaded contact member 22 located between salient contact protrusion 28 and the second bend 34. Therefore, there is no need in devices limiting deformation of the second bend in its vicinity. However, if receptacle contact 1 is made larger, then there can be cases that the tip of a tool will engage with the section of spring-loaded contact member 22. In such an event it is possible to provide indentations 50 in side walls 14, 16, shown by dotted lines in Fig. 5, which will prevent deformation of the second bend 34.
- mating-male contacts were of the tab type, however, it is possible to make receptacle contacts suitable for male post contacts having round or square cross section.
- An advantage of this invention is that the extension, which is an integral part of the spring-loaded contact member of the receptacle contact according to this invention, has a flat section whose entire surface can engage with the base wall and its free end is bent toward the spring-loaded contact member so that it can engage with the contact member, which results in a continuous change of rigidity, thus offering a highly reliable receptacle contact which can easily withstand vibration during operation and compensate for production errors.
- Another advantage of this invention is that lateral dimensions of the receptacle contact can be made small, thus allowing for a higher density in a connector.
- a further advantage of this invention is that in the receptacle contact according to this invention, for the purpose of protection of the spring-loaded contact member and its extension, especially in the areas of the bends thereof, two projections are provided; a first projection made as a part of the base wall and located near its front end and a second projection made by bending the tip of the extension toward the spring-loaded contact member, thus assuring strong resistance to improper insertion of mating-male contacts.
Landscapes
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
A receptacle contact in which the rigitidy of the spring-loaded contacting arms changes continuously. The receptacle contact (1) has a spring-loaded contact member (22) which is formed by bending backward a base wall (12) into a space (23) of a box-shaped contact section (10) and an extension (32) formed by bending back an inner end of the spring-loaded contact member (22) forward. Extension (32) has a flat section (36) which engages with the base wall (12) when spring-loaded contact member (22) is deformed; with the area of engagement or contact being changed gradually. In order to prevent excessive stress in bend (34), at a front end of extension (32), a projection (40) is made by bending the tip of the extension toward spring-loaded contact member (22). And in order to prevent excessive stress in bend (24), a projection (26) is made by bending a portion of base wall (12) upward in the area of bend (24).
Description
RECEPTACLE CONTACT
This invention relates to receptacle contacts, especially to receptacle contacts which prevent excessive stress in the spring-loaded contact member at the time when a mating contact is inserted into the receptacle contact.
Receptacle contacts are widely used in the automotive industry for the purpose of forming electrical connections with tab and other types of male contacts. No problems are encountered when a male contact is inserted in such receptacle contact straight along its axis. But if a male contact is skewed relative to the axis of the receptacle contact or if a screw driver or other tool is mistakenly inserted in the receptacle contact while an attempt is made to pull it out a connector, the stress in the spring-loaded contact member of the receptacle contact can exceed allowable limits, which can lead to deformation of the spring-loaded contact member. In order to solve this problem, a number of receptacle contacts have been proposed with the intention of preventing excessive stress in the spring-loaded contact member. For example, receptacle contacts are disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1987-137575 which are depicted in Figs. 7 and 8.
Receptacle contact 100 shown in Fig. 7 comprises a box-like receptacle section 102 for a male contact inside which a spring-loaded contact member 106 formed by bending backward the front end of base section 104 is located and includes extension 108 formed by bending a rear end of spring-loaded contact member 106 toward base section 104. A projection 110 is formed by cutting out a portion of base section 104 near the center of spring-loaded contact member 106 and bending it upward. By restricting the amount of displacement of
spring-loaded contact member 106, projection 110 prevents development of excessive stress in spring-loaded contact member 106.
Receptacle contact 150 shown in Fig. 8, similar to receptacle contact 100 described above, also has a box-like receptacle section 152 for a male contact inside which spring-loaded contact member 156 having extension 158 is located. The difference with the receptacle contact 100 is that instead of projection 110, a collapse-preventing tab 160 is stamped from extension 158 protruding toward base section 154. Because of such construction, extension 158 can move toward the front end of receptacle contact 150 when spring-loaded contact member 156 is deformed by a male contact (not shown in the drawing) inserted into it.
This makes it possible to reduce lengthwise dimensions of receptacle contact 150.
When a male contact is inserted in receptacle contact 100 shown in Fig. 7, spring-loaded contact member 106 is displaced in the direction shown by arrow A and extension 108 is displaced in the direction shown by arrow B. However, since displacement of extension 108 is restricted by projection 110, excessive stress can take place in spring-loaded contact member 106 or in extension 108. In addition, since projection 110 is located near the middle of spring-loaded contact member, it can not provide sufficient protection from excessive stress in the bent section near the front end of base section 104 if a male contact is inserted at an angle or if a tool is inserted in the receptacle contact by mistake.
Lengthwise dimension of receptacle contact 150 shown in Fig. 8 is also small; however, due to the fact that collapse-preventing tab 160 is stamped from extension 158, actual width of extension 158 is reduced leading to the concentration of bending stress in this
section which can easily result in deformation thereof. In addition, recent trends to a reduction of all electronic components in size and to an increase in the density call for an even greater reduction of extension 158 in width, which makes the stamping of collapse- preventing tab 160 even more difficult if not impossible. That is, there are certain limits to which the width of extension 158 can be reduced. Therefore, attempts to increase the density by decreasing the lateral pitch of receptacle contacts 150 meet serious problems. Another problem consists in the fact that while collapse preventing tab 160 is not in contact with base 154, the spring-loaded area covers the span from the bend 162 to the tip of extension 158. But as soon as collapse-preventing tab 160 engages with base 154, the spring-loaded area becomes sharply reduced from the bend 162 to collapse-preventing tab 160. Therefore, the rigidity of spring-loaded contact member 156 and of extension 158 experience abrupt variations before and after collapse-preventing tab 160 engages with base 154. This makes it difficult to absorb intense vibration to which the device can be exposed during operation, for example in automotive applications. Since no means is provided in the space surrounded by base 154, spring-loaded contact member 156 and extension 158 to limit the deformation of spring-loaded contact member 156, there is a serious problem with protection for bend 162 at the front end of spring-loaded contact member 156. Therefore, the first purpose of this invention is to provide a receptacle contact which will make it possible to prevent sudden variations in rigidity of the spring-loaded contact member during connection and which will allow arranging the contacts in the housing at a narrower pitch.
The second purpose of this invention is to offer a receptacle contact having reliable protection for a spring-loaded contact member and an extension thereof in the event when a male contact is inserted at an angle or a foreign object, such as for example, a tool, is inserted in the receptacle contact.
A receptacle contact according to the invention comprises a spring-loaded contact member starting from a front end of a bottom wall and bent back inside a space formed by the bottom wall, side walls emerging from side edges of the bottom wall and an upper wall situated opposite to the bottom wall, with the rear end of the spring-loaded contact member having an extension bent forward which is located between the spring-loaded contact member and the bottom wall and the extension is bent in such a manner that it has a flat section for engaging flat against the bottom wall when the spring-loaded contact member is subject to deformation and a vertical projection bent from the free end of the extension in the direction of the spring-loaded contact member.
A receptacle contact according to the invention comprises a spring-loaded contact member starting from a front end of a bottom wall and bent back inside a space formed by the bottom wall, side walls emerging from side edges of the bottom wall and an upper wall situated opposite to the bottom wall, with the rear end of the spring-loaded contact member having an extension bent forward which is located between the spring-loaded contact member and the bottom wall and a fact that the first projection is provided near front end of the bottom wall which extends from the bottom wall toward the spring-loaded contact member, and a second projection is made by bending a front end of the extension toward the spring-loaded contact member.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view partly in section of a receptacle contact according to this invention.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a correctly-inserted mating-tab contact.
Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a mating- tab contact inserted at a slightly-skewed position.
Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a mating- tab contact inserted at a greater angle.
Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact shown in Fig. 1 showing a mating- tab contact inserted even at a greater angle than shown in Fig. 5.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conventional receptacle contact.
Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another type of conventional receptacle contact. Receptacle contact 1 depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 is manufactured from a copper alloy or other metal sheet material by stamping and forming. It includes a terminating section 3 intended for electrical connection to electrical wire 7 by crimping and a contact section 10 intended for electrical connection with a mating-tab contact 5 (see Fig. 3) . Terminating section 3 can be either of a wire-crimping type or of a type intended for soldering to a printed circuit board using through holes or to conductive pads on the printed circuit board. Contact section 10 is a box-like structure formed by base wall 12 forming its bottom surface and two side
walls 14 and 16 extending from sides of base wall 12, and by a first upper wall 18 located opposite to base wall 12 which extends from the upper edge of side wall 14 and a second upper wall 20 covering the first upper wall 18 which extends from the upper edge of side wall 16. Spring-loaded contact member 22 is formed as an integral part of and is connected to base wall 12 , and it is made by bending the front end (the first bend 24) of base wall 12 backward to the right side in Fig. 2, and it is located inside space 23 surrounded by walls 12, 14, 16, 18.
Base wall 12 has a projection 26 (the first projection) formed by stamping from base wall 12 which is located toward the front end off the center of spring-loaded contact member 28. Approximately at the center of spring-loaded contact member 22, a salient part-spherical contact protrusion 28 is made facing the first upper wall 18. Opposite to salient part-spherical contact protrusion 28 of the first upper wall 18, an elongated protrusion 30 is made extending from front to back thereof (in Fig. 2, from left to right) .
Extension 32 is formed as an integral part of spring-loaded contact member 22 by bending it at its rear end (the second bend 34) toward the front. Starting from the second bend 34, extension 32 extends in an inclined straight manner forming a flat section 36 extending toward the front. As illustrated in Fig. 1, flat section 36 is tapered, that is it is made narrower toward the front end. It also can be made in a hook-like configuration shown by the dash-and-dot line. Since the width of flat section 36 is not the same along its entire length, the stress generated in this section is distributed evenly to avoid concentration of stress in one particular location. As will be explained below, when spring-loaded contact member 22 is displaced downward under a load applied to it (in the direction
indicated by arrow A) , flat section 36 engages with base wall 12. At the front end of flat section 36, a bend 38 is made forming a projection 40 (the second projection post) extending toward spring-loaded contact member 22. Since bend 38 is formed at a position engaging with base wall 12, it is a rounded corner, therefore it can smoothly slide along the base wall 12 in the direction shown by arrow B.
Windows 42 made in side walls 14, 16 (only shown in side wall 16) make it possible to inspect whether the gap between the first projection 26 and spring-loaded contact member 22 is within specified limits or not. Side walls 14 and 16 also have lugs 44 (only shown in side wall 16) protruding outside thereof for the purpose of keying when receptacle contacts 1 are inserted in a connector housing (not shown in the drawings) .
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating- tab contact 5 inserted in it. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating-tab contact 5 inserted in it at a slightly skewed position. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating-tab contact 5 inserted in it at an angle. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receptacle contact 1 shown in Fig. 1 with a mating-tab contact 5 inserted in it at even greater angle than that shown in Fig. 5.
When tab contact 5 is inserted in receptacle contact 1 straight from the front end as shown in Fig.
3, spring-loaded contact member 22 of receptacle contact 1 is displaced from unloaded position shown by the broken line to its loaded position shown by the solid lines. The inserted tab contact 5 is sandwiched between protrusion 30 on the first upper wall 18 and salient contact protrusion 28 of spring-loaded contact member
22. In this position, the contact surface between receptacle contact 1 and tab contact 5 is the largest. Spring-loaded contact member 22 and extension 32 form a bridge-like structure whose one support is the first bend 24 where the contact member is an integral part of base 12, and another is bend 38 which is in engagement with base 12. Therefore, it can provide sufficient contact pressure against tab contact 5. In addition, in the position depicted in Fig. 3, the first projection 26 does not engage with the lower surface of spring-loaded contact member 22, while bend 38 of extension 32 is in engagement with base 12. Because of this, spring-loaded contact member 22 and extension 32 form a long spring-loaded region extending from the first bend 24 to bend 38, thus preventing deformation caused by stress concentration.
In the event of deviation of tab contact 5 from its normal position inside the receptacle contact due to interference or because of vibration during operation as shown in Fig. 4, the flat area of extension 32 between second bend 34 and bend 38 engages with base 12. In this case, the spring-loaded region extends from the first bend 24 of spring-loaded contact member 22 to the second bend 34 of extension 32; that is, the spring-loaded region is smaller than that shown in Fig. 3, but its rigidity is higher.
During the transition from the state shown in Fig. 3 to the one shown in Fig. 4, the contact surface between extension 32 and base 12 changes from a single point of contact 46 (see Fig. 2) to a section of flat surface 36 between points 46 and 48. Since transition to the state when engagement takes place over the entire flat surface 36 of extension 32 is a continuous process, the increase in rigidity also occurs gradually. This makes it possible to absorb vibrations during operation and to easily compensate for errors made during the
manufacture of spring-loaded contact member 22 and other elements of the contact.
From Fig. 5, it can be discussed that when tab contact 5 or a tool (not shown in the drawing) is inserted in receptacle contact l at an angle, the flat section 36 of extension 32 engages with the surface of base 12 and the first projection 26 engages with spring-loaded contact member 22. Therefore, the extent of deformation of spring-loaded contact member 22 is limited, thus making it possible to prevent generation of excessive stress especially in the first bend 24. At the same time, the spring-loaded area is reduced, and the rigidity of spring-loaded contact member 22 and extension 32 is increased. Fig. 6 represents a situation when the angle at which tab contact 5 or a tool is even greater than that shown in Fig. 5. In such a case, spring-loaded contact member 22 engages with the front tip of the second projection 40. This results in a situation that the restriction of the deformation of the first bend 24 due to the engagement between the first projection 26 and spring-loaded contact member 22 is supplemented by restriction of deformation of the second bend 34 by second projection 40. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to avoid development of deformation in the areas of the first and second bends 24, 34, which are the weakest spots in this respect, if tab contact 5 is inserted in a wrong direction or if a tool is mistakenly inserted in the receptacle contact. Explanations concerning a preferable embodiment of this invention has been given; however, this invention is not limited only to the embodiment described above, but it covers also modifications and variations which can be introduced as required. For example, as can be discussed from Figs. 5 and 6, the front tip of tab contact 5 does not engage with the section of
spring-loaded contact member 22 located between salient contact protrusion 28 and the second bend 34. Therefore, there is no need in devices limiting deformation of the second bend in its vicinity. However, if receptacle contact 1 is made larger, then there can be cases that the tip of a tool will engage with the section of spring-loaded contact member 22. In such an event it is possible to provide indentations 50 in side walls 14, 16, shown by dotted lines in Fig. 5, which will prevent deformation of the second bend 34.
In the described embodiments, mating-male contacts were of the tab type, however, it is possible to make receptacle contacts suitable for male post contacts having round or square cross section. An advantage of this invention is that the extension, which is an integral part of the spring-loaded contact member of the receptacle contact according to this invention, has a flat section whose entire surface can engage with the base wall and its free end is bent toward the spring-loaded contact member so that it can engage with the contact member, which results in a continuous change of rigidity, thus offering a highly reliable receptacle contact which can easily withstand vibration during operation and compensate for production errors. Another advantage of this invention is that lateral dimensions of the receptacle contact can be made small, thus allowing for a higher density in a connector.
A further advantage of this invention is that in the receptacle contact according to this invention, for the purpose of protection of the spring-loaded contact member and its extension, especially in the areas of the bends thereof, two projections are provided; a first projection made as a part of the base wall and located near its front end and a second projection made by bending the tip of the extension toward the
spring-loaded contact member, thus assuring strong resistance to improper insertion of mating-male contacts.
Claims
1. A receptacle contact comprising a contact section (10) having a spring-loaded contact member (22) extending from a front end (24) of a bottom wall (12) and along a space (23) formed by the bottom wall, side walls (14, 16) extending upwardly from side edges of the bottom wall and an upper wall (18) disposed opposed the bottom wall, a rear end of the spring-loaded contact member (22) having an extension (32) bent forward and located between the spring-loaded contact member and the bottom wall, characterized in that the extension (32) includes a flat section (36) engaging the bottom wall (12) when the spring-loaded contact member is deformed, and a projection (40) bent upwardly from a free end of the extension in the direction of the spring-loaded contact member (22) .
2. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 1, wherein another projection (26) extends from said bottom wall (12) toward said spring-loaded contact member (22).
3. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 2, wherein said another projection (26) is disposed adjacent the front end (24) of said bottom wall.
4. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spring-loaded contact member (22) includes a contact protrusion (28) about midway thereof.
5. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 1, wherein indentations (50) extend inwardly from said side walls (14, 16) between the spring-biased contact member
(22) and the extension (32) .
6. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 1, wherein an elongated protrusion (30) is located in said upper wall (18) .
7. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 2, wherein windows (42) are disposed in said side walls (14, 16) in alignment with said another projection (26).
8. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of said flat section (36) is tapered toward a front end thereof.
9. A receptacle contact as claimed in claim 1, wherein another upper wall (20) extends across the upper wall (18) .
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7/329736 | 1995-11-24 | ||
| JP32973695A JP3152385B2 (en) | 1995-11-24 | 1995-11-24 | Receptacle contact |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1997019492A1 true WO1997019492A1 (en) | 1997-05-29 |
Family
ID=18224707
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1996/018369 WO1997019492A1 (en) | 1995-11-24 | 1996-11-15 | Receptacle contact |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3152385B2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997019492A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1107376A2 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2001-06-13 | Yazaki Corporation | Female connection terminal |
| EP1215764A2 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-19 | J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Electrical female terminal |
| WO2007012883A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Dialight Blp Limited | Electrical connector |
| DE10322976B4 (en) * | 2002-05-24 | 2013-01-17 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Socket contact and method of forming the same |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002184479A (en) | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-28 | Jst Mfg Co Ltd | Female crimp-type terminal |
| JP3874346B2 (en) * | 2002-03-11 | 2007-01-31 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Low insertion force female conductor terminal |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3713080A (en) * | 1971-09-20 | 1973-01-23 | Ford Motor Co | Electrical terminal |
| DE9015110U1 (en) * | 1990-11-02 | 1991-01-10 | Amp Inc., Harrisburg, Pa. | Electrical terminal contact |
| DE4432140A1 (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1995-03-16 | Yazaki Corp | Electrical connecting element |
| JPH0785917A (en) * | 1993-09-17 | 1995-03-31 | Kansei Corp | Terminal |
| US5540603A (en) * | 1994-04-21 | 1996-07-30 | The Whitaker Corporation | Female contact |
-
1995
- 1995-11-24 JP JP32973695A patent/JP3152385B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-11-15 WO PCT/US1996/018369 patent/WO1997019492A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3713080A (en) * | 1971-09-20 | 1973-01-23 | Ford Motor Co | Electrical terminal |
| DE9015110U1 (en) * | 1990-11-02 | 1991-01-10 | Amp Inc., Harrisburg, Pa. | Electrical terminal contact |
| DE4432140A1 (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1995-03-16 | Yazaki Corp | Electrical connecting element |
| JPH0785917A (en) * | 1993-09-17 | 1995-03-31 | Kansei Corp | Terminal |
| US5540603A (en) * | 1994-04-21 | 1996-07-30 | The Whitaker Corporation | Female contact |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 095, no. 006 31 July 1995 (1995-07-31) * |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1107376A2 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2001-06-13 | Yazaki Corporation | Female connection terminal |
| EP1107376A3 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2002-07-17 | Yazaki Corporation | Female connection terminal |
| EP1215764A2 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-19 | J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Electrical female terminal |
| EP1215764A3 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2003-08-27 | J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Electrical female terminal |
| KR100845489B1 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2008-07-10 | 니혼 앗사쿠단시세이조 가부시키가이샤 | Female terminal |
| CN100416932C (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2008-09-03 | 日本压着端子制造株式会社 | Mother terminal |
| DE10322976B4 (en) * | 2002-05-24 | 2013-01-17 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Socket contact and method of forming the same |
| WO2007012883A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-01 | Dialight Blp Limited | Electrical connector |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH09147950A (en) | 1997-06-06 |
| JP3152385B2 (en) | 2001-04-03 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP4978313B2 (en) | connector | |
| EP1628365B1 (en) | Connector, and portable terminal equipment including the connector | |
| EP1503461B1 (en) | Connector assembly | |
| JP4782740B2 (en) | Low profile connector | |
| US8454397B2 (en) | Anti-wicking terminal and connector | |
| US4857001A (en) | Electrical connectors for leadless circuit boards | |
| US7052320B2 (en) | Electrical connector having shielding plates | |
| KR20070007740A (en) | Electric connector and method for manufacturing the same | |
| JP4723308B2 (en) | Electrical connector | |
| JP3075461B2 (en) | Contact terminals for boards | |
| KR20020051838A (en) | electrical connector | |
| US5788515A (en) | Electrical connector for mounting on the surface of a printed circuit board | |
| US7458848B2 (en) | Connector | |
| WO1997019492A1 (en) | Receptacle contact | |
| JP3568507B2 (en) | Conductive material | |
| US4596429A (en) | Electrical commoning arrangement for pin arrays | |
| CN110800166B (en) | Substrate connector and connection structure of circuit substrate and substrate connector | |
| EP1453143B1 (en) | Electrical connector having a holddown for ground connection | |
| JPH06260238A (en) | Connecting terminal | |
| JP3026335B2 (en) | connector | |
| EP1478052B1 (en) | Sheath stripping pressure contact terminal | |
| EP0762559A2 (en) | Electric connector terminal having a round soldering tail | |
| US20090298345A1 (en) | Connector | |
| US20180151972A1 (en) | Female electrical terminal | |
| EP1037315B1 (en) | Connector with contact |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): CN KR SG US |
|
| AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE |
|
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
| 122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |