Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – Distinct contact secured to panel circuit
Patent
1987-03-09
1988-12-13
Abrams, Neil
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
Distinct contact secured to panel circuit
439746, 439825, H01R 909
Patent
active
047907649
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an electrical terminal for interconnecting a circuit board with a power supply section, and more particularly to an electrical terminal which occupies minimal space and requires no tools for connection to the circuit board or the power supply.
Electrical terminals for transmitting current from a power supply section to circuit elements on a circuit board are known in the industry. The electrical terminal shown in FIG. 1 is one such terminal. The power supply is connected to the connector through the use of a screw requiring the use of tools for proper installation. This is particularly labor intensive when the circuit board has a large current capacity which requires a plurality of terminals, each of which must have the power supply individually secured by a screw. Further, this type of design occupies a relatively large area on the circuit board which causes problems when high density circuit elements are required. The contact pins cannot be arranged at equal intervals corresponding with the holes of the circuit board because the width of the terminal must be relatively large in order to allow for insertion of the screw and to provide for a flat power supply receiving surface having a width at least equal to the width of the power supply source. Consequently, the rows of contact pins must be spaced from each other more than an optimal amount.
The press-fit type contact pins used in terminals of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,982. It is essential that the material of the contact pin have a thickness sufficient to withstand the large elastic force which is applied thereto. In order for easy manufacture of terminals using this contact pin, the thickness required for the contact pin must be maintained throughout the terminal. This can be done in devices such as the above-described electrical terminal which require hardware for installation. However, if the thick metal plate is bent to form a small diameter tubular male contact, eliminating the need for hardware, cracks are created on the tubular surface because of the small radius of curvature of the tubular portion. Consequently, the male contact cannot be used.
An object of the present invention is to provide a compact electrical terminal having a plurality of press-fit type contact pins at one end thereof and a contact portion engageable with a matable contact at the other end. The terminal may be easily manufactured and ensures reliable electrical connection while reducing the area needed by the terminal on the circuit board. The contact pins include a mounting portion which is resiliently press-fitted into the holes of the circuit board and fixed therein. The contact portion is provided with a noncylindrical contact section having a thickness identical with that of the contact pins. The contact portion is also provided with a resilient contact arm stamped and formed from a part of the contact portion. Lances are provided so that the terminals may be enclosed in a housing if necessary.
The invention will be described by way of example by reference to the drawings of which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical terminal as disclosed by the prior art.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical power terminal of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the terminal in engagement with a power supply section in phantom.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical connector of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing a terminal insertion opening of the housing.
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a flat wall contact section.
FIG. 7 is a second alternative embodiment showing a receptacle contact section.
FIG. 2 shows an electrical power terminal 10 of the present invention which is stamped and formed from a metal sheet having desirable conductive and spring characteristics. Terminal 10 has a rectangular annular base 11 and a male contact section 18 extending from base 11.
Base 11 has a plurality of contact
REFERENCES:
patent: 4186982 (1980-02-01), Cobaugh et al.
Kawaguchi Akira
Sasaki Takinori
Abrams Neil
AMP Incorporated
Wolstoncroft Bruce J.
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