Next generation interconnect

Details Next generation interconnect Next generation interconnect

1999-11-12

2001-06-05

Paumen, Gary F. (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With insulation other than conductor sheath

Plural-contact coupling part

C439S065000, C439S066000, C439S500000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06241558

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cell phones are becoming progressively smaller in size while functions and versatility are increased. This requires additional lines and corresponding contacts for data and power, and a small pitch to fit them all into a very small cell phone. One recent cell phone requires contacts at a pitch of 0.8 mm (0.0315 inch). A new approach is required in order to provide contacts of very small width so they can be spaced at a pitch such as 0.8 mm or less. One application is where such a connector is built into a cell phone, for mating with a corresponding cradle on a car kit, where the contacts must be constructed for a low mating force, narrow geometry to fit into a 0.8 mm pitch, and high durability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, connectors with unusual contacts are provided, that enable the contacts to be very closely spaced along a row of contacts. A first connector includes an insulator with a row of passages and a plurality of signal contacts that are each mounted in one of the passages, with each contact having a front mating end. The contact front mating end comprises a loop that projects forward of the insulator front mating end. Second contacts of the second connector have mating ends in the form of vertically-elongated plates that face generally rearwardly and that compress the projecting loop at the mating end of a first contact when the connectors are mated.
Each passage of the first connector insulator is of generally rectangular cross-section, with a height that is a plurality of times as great as the width. Each first contact includes a plate portion that extends along the height of the passage, in interference with the passage, and a 90° bend at the top of the plate that connects the strip-shaped portion of the first contact to the plate.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


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