Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – Distinct contact secured to panel circuit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-01
2001-04-17
Patel, Tulsidas (Department: 2839)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
Distinct contact secured to panel circuit
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217347
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Personal computers are typically used in conjunction with peripheral devices such as disk-drive units that store and retrieve digital data from some type of storage medium. Peripheral devices supplement the computing operations carried out by the computer's microprocessor. Peripheral devices may be disposed external to the computer. Alternatively, peripheral devices may be adapted for installation within the computer. Internally-disposed peripheral devices that can be installed by the computer user are commonly available.
Internally-disposed peripheral devices are typically housed in bays within the computer. Access to these bays is typically achieved by way of an opening disposed along the computer's outer casing. The peripheral device is inserted through the access opening, thereby avoiding the need to remove the outer casing in order to install the device. The bay and the peripheral device are usually equipped with a series of rails and grooves. The rails and grooves guide the device into its installed position as it is inserted into the bay. Connectors are disposed on the peripheral device, and on one or more of the surfaces that form the sides of the bay. These connectors electrically couple the peripheral device and the computer. The connectors are typically arranged in a so-called “blind-mate” configuration, i.e., a configuration that allows a plug (male connector) and a receptacle (female connector) to mate with no action of the part of the user other than urging the two portions together in a particular alignment.
Compact external dimensions are considered a highly desirable characteristic of a personal computer. Hence, strict spatial constraints are imposed on the components utilized within such computers. These spatial constraints also apply to peripheral devices intended for use within personal computers.
Connector manufacturers have responded to the noted spatial constraints by reducing the physical dimensions of connectors employed in personal computers and peripheral devices. One means of reducing connector size is straddle mounting. The spring contacts of a straddle-mounted connecter are disposed along two facing rows wherein each contact is positioned to contact a printed circuit board positioned between the rows. This arrangement effectively doubles the number of contacts that can be accommodated within a given area on the mounting surface. The protrusion of contacts below the circuit board, however, makes straddle mounting impractical in certain densely-packaged electronic devices.
An alternative to straddle mounting consists of mounting both rows of contacts on the same side of the circuit board, with one row disposed directly above and extending beyond the other. This arrangement typically necessitates two adjacent rows of mounting points on the circuit board. Multiple rows of mounting points increase the footprint of the connector, i.e., the area on the circuit board needed to accommodate the connector. Such footprint increases consume space within the electronic device in which the connector is utilized.
It is therefore desirable to provide an improved blind-mate connector. The connector should accommodate multiple rows of electrical contacts in a manner that minimizes the dimensions of the connector both on and above the corresponding mounting surface. The present invention achieves these and other goals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an electrical connector that is adapted for use on a substantially planar surface. The connector comprises a first and a second array of electrical contacts. Each array is coupled to the substantially planar surface. The second array of contacts is disposed above the first array in relation to the planar surface. Each contact in the first array is mounted directly to the planar surface, with the mounting points arranged in a substantially straight line. The second array is coupled to the planar surface by way of one or more tabs affixed to the surface. Each tab comprises a vertically-oriented member and a horizontally-oriented base. The vertically-oriented member elevates the second array in relation to the planar surface and the first array. The base of each tab is fixed to the planar surface along the same substantially straight line on which the first array of contacts is mounted. Furthermore, each tab is laterally offset from the second array of connectors, thereby allowing the second array to be positioned directly above the first array. The two arrays of contacts are thus disposed on the planar surface in a manner that minimizes the amount of space occupied by the connector both on and above the surface. A preferred embodiment of the connector further comprises a housing that is fixed to the planar surface. The housing has a plurality of apertures and troughs that engage the contacts. The contact arrays and the housing form a plug, i.e., a male connector.
The invention also provides a system for electrically coupling a first and a second electronic device. The system comprises a plug-type connector as described above, and a receptacle-type connector. The plug and the receptacle are fixed to the first and the second electronic devices, respectively. The receptacle comprises a plurality of contact elements that are adapted to engage the contact arrays of the plug. The engagement of the contact elements and the contact arrays electrically couples the first and the second electronic devices.
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McClune Donald W.
Schell Mark S.
Wagner Douglas L.
Berg Technology Inc.
Patel Tulsidas
Woodcock Washburn Kurtz Mackiewicz & Norris LLP
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