Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – Distinct contact secured to panel circuit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-27
2001-05-08
Paumen, Gary F. (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
Distinct contact secured to panel circuit
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227875
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a connector assembly, and particularly to a connector assembly for vertically mounting a hard disk drive within a portable computer casing.
2. Description of Prior Art
Most portable computers are equipped with a hard disk drive (HDD) for mass data storage. As portable computers have evolved into more sophisticated computer systems with smaller dimensions and lighter weight, efforts have been directed at providing increasing amounts of data storage with smaller weight and physical dimensions.
In conventional designs, as shown in
FIG. 6
, an HDD
4
is horizontally inserted into a portable computer
5
through a side opening
52
defined in a casing
51
thereof. To guide the HDD
4
into the casing
51
, a pair of guiding rails
53
shown in dashed lines is provided in the casing
51
. However, with the space in the portable computer
5
being very valuable, there is little room available for such guiding rails
53
. In addition, the insertion or withdrawal of the HDD
4
into or from the side opening
52
will bring static charges to electronic components (not shown) in the computer
5
, which are sensitive to the static charges.
Furthermore, to bring a header connector
42
(shown in phantom) at a rear end of the HDD
4
into proper and reliable connection with mating connectors
54
(shown in phantom) in the casing
51
, one has to forcibly push the HDD
4
into the side opening
52
. This may cause problems. A very important factor to be taken into consideration in engaging the connectors
42
and
54
is that the connectors
42
and
54
have to be in exact alignment with each other. An imperfect alignment, which is usually caused by manufacturing tolerance or undesired deformation or improper insertion of the HDD
4
into the side opening
52
, may result in physical damage to the connectors
42
and
54
.
The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by providing a connector assembly to vertically mount an HDD on a PCB in a portable computer casing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector connectable with each other for vertically mounting an HDD on a PCB in a portable computer casing thereby insuring a proper and reliable connection between the HDD and the PCB.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector for vertically mounting an HDD on a PCB in a portable computer casing thereby conserving the occupied area of the PCB.
In order to achieve the objects set forth, a connector assembly of the present invention comprises a pair of first and second connectors for respectively connecting with an HDD and a PCB in a portable computer casing thereby vertically mounting the HDD in the portable computer casing and interconnecting the HDD with the PCB.
The first connector comprises a first housing with an upper row and a lower row of first passageways defined in a front mating surface thereof for receiving a plurality of first terminals. An intermediate plate separates the two rows of first passageways with upper and lower recesses defined in a rear end portion thereof. Each first terminal includes a pair of inwardly inclined first contact arms for mating with a corresponding pin of the HDD, a first retention portion interferentially retained in the first passageway, and a right-angle bent first tail portion for connecting with the second connector. The first tail portions are retained in the recesses of the intermediate plate and downwardly extending therefrom.
The second connector comprises a second housing with two rows of second passageways defined in an upper surface thereof for receiving a plurality of second terminals. Each second terminal includes a pair of inwardly inclined second contact arms for mating with the first tail portion of a corresponding first terminal, an abutting arm between the second contact arms for abutting against an inner surface of each of opposite outside walls of the second housing, a second retention portion interferentially retained in the second passageway, and a downwardly extending second tail portion for being inserted into the PCB.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5286207 (1994-02-01), McHugh
patent: 5636999 (1997-06-01), Hirai et al.
patent: 5688130 (1997-11-01), Huang
patent: 5713747 (1998-02-01), Hsia et al.
patent: 5775923 (1998-07-01), Tomioka
Shih Kelly
Wang Chi Sheng
Wu Jerry
Chung Wei Te
Hon Hai - Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
Paumen Gary F.
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