Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – With mating connector which receives panel circuit edge
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-30
2001-03-20
Abrams, Neil (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
With mating connector which receives panel circuit edge
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203328
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to electrical connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to a structure for releasably connecting contacts of a circuit to conductive pads on a printed circuit board.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In electrical arts, it is a common practice to use a connector to mechanically and electrically couple one printed circuit board (PCB) to another PCB. In such a practice, there has been an evolution towards placing electrical contacts closer and closer together while maintaining a high, constant stress between the electrical contact and the areas to be contacted. In electrical systems, flexible printed circuits are employed as electrical jumpers or cables for interconnecting rows of terminal pins or pads of PCBs. A connector, mounted to one or both ends of the jumper, is formed with a set of electrical receptacles or sockets which is designed to receive the terminal posts or contact the pads on the PCB.
A primary focus of manufacturers is to increase the circuit density associated with interconnecting the sub-assemblies and components found within their products. This leads to higher density modules, each requiring multiple interconnections to other modules. However, major problems with connectors having closely spaced contacts include the problems of cross-talk, lack of controlled impedance, and increased inductance.
Moreover, to minimize power drain, the computer industry desires the ability to power down a system when not in use and then “instantaneously” power up the system when needed. This combination of high current and fast front edge response requires that the power connector for these new computer systems must be able to handle high currents with minimal resistive losses and minimal inductive voltage spikes.
Although the art of connectors is well developed, there remain some problems inherent in this technology, particularly connectors having closely spaced contacts and include the problems of cross-talk, lack of controlled impedance, and increased inductance. Therefore, a need exists for a connector structure and assembly that reduces cross-talk, controls impedance, and reduces inductance as connector density increases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a connector comprising: a first contact assembly comprising a first flexible contact and a second flexible contact, each flexible contact having a contact area towards one end of the flexible contact that is electrically connectable with associated electrically conductive pads on a circuit board; a second contact assembly comprising a flexible contact having a contact area at one end thereof for electrically connecting with an associated electrically conductive pad on the circuit board; and an outer housing for accepting the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly, the housing having an aperture at one end to receive the circuit board containing the electrically conductive pads.
According to one aspect of the present invention, each of the first and second flexible contacts comprises a flexible substrate carrying at least one electrical conductor on which the contact area is disposed. Preferably, the first and second flexible contacts are biased towards one another and the contact areas face one another.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the first contact assembly further comprises a mounting portion for securing the first and second flexible contacts, and each of the first and second flexible contacts comprises a bump that is used to secure the flexible contact to the mounting portion. Preferably, the first and second flexible contacts are sandwiched within the mounting portion.
In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, each of the first and second flexible contacts has an alignment hole to provide for alignment during fabrication. Moreover, each of the first and second flexible contacts is attached to a flexible cable at the end of the flexible contact opposite the contact area. A plurality of first flexible contacts can be in parallel with one another and a plurality of second flexible contacts can be in parallel with one another.
In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the second contact assembly further comprises a housing, and the flexible contact in the second contact assembly has an undercut to trap the flexible contact in the housing. Preferably, the housing of the second contact assembly has a slot for receiving the first contact assembly to form a subassembly. The subassembly is then disposed within the outer housing.
Another embodiment within the scope of this invention includes a connector comprising: a first contact assembly comprising a first flexible contact and a second flexible contact, each flexible contact having a contact area towards one of the flexible contact that is electrically connectable with associated electrically conductive pads on a circuit board; a second contact assembly comprising a flexible contact having a contact area at one end thereof for electrically connecting with an associated electrically conductive pad on the circuit board; and an outer housing for accepting the first contact assembly and the second contact assembly, the outer housing having an aperture at one end to receive the circuit board containing electrically conductive pads and through holes along one surface through which the ends of the flexible contacts away from the contact areas extend perpendicularly.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the first and second flexible contacts are interleaved or are disposed in a side-by-side arrangement.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the contacts are releasably connectable to the circuit board via the through holes.
The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4710133 (1987-12-01), Linderman
patent: 5035632 (1991-07-01), Rudoy et al.
patent: 5156554 (1992-10-01), Rudoy et al.
Johnescu Douglas M.
Ortega Jose L.
Strawser Michael V.
Abrams Neil
Berg Technology Inc.
Duverne J. F.
Woodcock Washburn Kurtz Mackiewicz & Norris LLP
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