Electrical connectors – Having circuit interrupting provision effected by mating or...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-16
2001-05-01
Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Having circuit interrupting provision effected by mating or...
C439S910000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224408
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an electrical connector, and in particular to an audio jack type connector for transmitting audio signals.
2. The Prior Art
Conventional audio jacks usually comprise an insulative casing defining a top opening and an interior space for accommodating a number of conductive terminal members therein. An insulative cover is fixed to the casing to seal the top opening and to fix the terminal members in position. Each conductive terminal member comprises resilient sections that undergo deformation when contacted by a plug inserted into the interior space. Examples of conventional audio jacks are disclosed in Japanese patent publication No. 5-90863 and Taiwan patent application No. 80203161.
However, in such conventional designs, the conductive terminal members are not securely retained in position, especially during insertion of the plug. Thus, intermittent audio signal transmission may result. In addition, conventional audio jacks provide no means for a user to observe and detect disconnection of the terminal members. It is thus desirable to have an audio jack that effectively secures the terminal members in position and also allows the user to observe the terminal members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an audio jack having a structure for effectively securing terminal members in position thereby maintaining proper engagement between the terminal members and providing a continuous transmission of audio signals.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an audio jack having a casing provided with observing windows for a user to visually inspect the terminal members for the detection of disconnection points therebetween.
To achieve the above objects, an audio jack in accordance with the present invention comprises a casing defining an interior space. Two sets of slots are formed on a top face of the casing in communication with the interior space for receiving and retaining conductive terminal members therein, including two stationary members and two associated movable members. The movable members engage with the stationary members and are selectively disengageable therefrom. The conductive terminal members are pre-compressed before being fit into the slots and the reactive spring force thereof retains the terminal members in position inside the slots. A plug receptacle is formed on the casing member for reception of a plug that is insertable into the interior space. When the plug is inserted into the interior space physical/electrical engagement is established with the movable members and the movable members are forced to disengage from the stationary members. The bottom face of the casing is provided with openings that allow a user to visually observe the terminal members.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5075518 (1991-12-01), Matsumoto
patent: 5338215 (1994-08-01), Lee et al.
patent: 5919052 (1999-07-01), Ho
Chung Wei Te
Duverne J. F.
Hon Hai - Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
Nguyen Khiem
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