Strengthen electrical terminals

Abstract

An electrical contact (10) has a mating portion (12) for mating with a mating contact. The mating portion (12) has a contact portion (16) and a retaining portion (32). The mating portion (12) has a bottom wall (18), a top wall (20), and side walls (22, 24). The corresponding side walls (22, 24) have an upper portion (26) extending beyond the top wall (28). The retaining portion (32) has a top wall (28), a side wall (30), and a rear wall (50). The rear wall (50) is configured to approach the top wall (20), the upper portion (26) of the corresponding side walls (22, 24), the top wall (28), and the side wall (30). The rear wall (50) prevents the retaining portion (32) from being damaged or deformed when a force is applied to the retaining portion (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical terminal with improved strength. In particular, this invention relates to a terminal with improved strength to prevent damage during qualification or assembly into a connector housing. Background Technology

[0002] The demand for compact electrical connectors is constantly increasing. As connectors become smaller, the electrical terminals within them must also become smaller. This miniaturization of terminals requires terminal manufacturers to use less material, making the terminals more susceptible to damage or deformation during use, testing, qualification, or assembly into the connector housing.

[0003] The problem to be solved is to provide a terminal with improved strength to prevent damage or deformation. It would also be beneficial to provide such a reinforced terminal without increasing the overall size of the terminal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This problem is solved by an integrated connector, which eliminates loose parts that may fall off during installation or loosen during operation.

[0005] The embodiment relates to an electrical contact having a mating portion for engaging with a mating contact. The mating portion has a contact portion and a retaining portion. The mating portion has a bottom wall, a top wall, and a side wall. A corresponding side wall has an upper portion extending beyond the top wall to form the retaining portion. The retaining portion has a top wall, a side wall, and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to be close to the top wall, the upper portion of the corresponding side wall, and a space provided between the top and side walls. The rear wall cooperates with one or more of the top wall, the upper portion of the corresponding side wall, the top wall, and the side wall to prevent damage or deformation of the retaining portion when force is applied. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the electrical terminals according to the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the electrical terminals.

[0009] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken from line 3-3.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the electrical terminals.

[0011] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view taken from line 5-5.

[0012] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view taken from line 6-6.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a rear perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the electrical terminals of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Rear view of the electrical terminals.

[0015] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 The sectional view taken from line 9-9. Detailed Implementation

[0016] like Figure 1 and 2 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the socket contact 10 includes a mating portion 12 and a transition portion or region 14. The transition portion 14 extends to a termination portion (not shown), such as, but not limited to, a crimp portion. The entire socket contact 10 is formed from a single piece of stamped metal sheet, which is stamped or bent into shape. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the mating portion 12 includes a front end or mating contact receiving end 13 and a rear end 15 near the transition portion 14. The mating portion 12 includes a box-shaped contact portion 16 for receiving a corresponding mating contact or mating pin-type contact (not shown). The box-shaped contact portion 16 has a bottom wall 18, a top wall 20, and side walls 22, 24.

[0018] The corresponding sidewall 22 has an upper portion 26 extending beyond the top wall 20. The upper portion 26 of the sidewall 22 is formed to provide a top wall 28 and an inclined sidewall 30. The upper portion 26 of the sidewall 22, the top wall 28, and the inclined sidewall 30 form a retaining portion 32 of the mating portion 12 of the contact 10. The retaining portion 32 extends from the front end 13 of the mating portion 12 to the rear end 15.

[0019] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the upper portion 26 of sidewall 22, the top wall 28, and the inclined sidewall 30 have cavities or openings 34 disposed therein. The openings 34 are configured to receive locking protrusions (not shown) of a connector housing (not shown), into which the contact 10 is inserted. The locking protrusions are sized to cooperate with the cavities or openings 34 to retain the receptacle contact 10 in proper position within the housing. The locking protrusions cooperate with the receptacle contact 10 to provide primary retention of the receptacle contact 10 within the housing.

[0020] In alternative embodiments, the upper portion 26, top wall 28, or inclined sidewall 30 of sidewall 22 may have outwardly projecting directional and / or locking features or locking protrusions (not shown). The locking protrusions are sized to cooperate with cavities (not shown) in the housing to hold the receptacle contact 10 in proper position within the housing. The locking protrusions cooperate with the housing to provide primary retention of the receptacle contact 10 within the housing. The locking protrusions can also serve as polarization devices. If the housing into which the receptacle contact 10 is to be inserted has a corresponding cavity, the protrusions are positioned within that cavity to ensure that the receptacle contact 10 is not improperly inserted into the housing.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the integrated socket contact 10 has a first resilient contact protrusion 36 and a second resilient contact protrusion or spring arm 38, which are integrally formed by the bottom wall 18 and the top wall 20, respectively. Portions of the two resilient contact arms 36, 38 extend toward each other. The resilient contact protrusions 36, 38 have corresponding freely movable contact areas 44, 46 ( ) located close to them. Figure 4 and 6 In the illustrated embodiment, contact areas 44, 46 are circular and laterally offset, but relatively close to each other, thus ensuring a robust and reliable mechanical and electrical connection even when inserting small styluses. At least in the areas of contact areas 44, 46, the resilient contact protrusions 36, 38 are preferably provided with a plating or metallization layer, such as a gold or tin overlay, to provide enhanced electrical connection with the inserted styluse. Overstress protection portion 21 is provided from the sidewall 24 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown) extends to cooperate with the free end 42 of the resilient contact arm 38 to prevent overstressing of the contact protrusion 38. The overstress protection portion 21 extends substantially parallel to the top wall 20.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the free end 48 of the inclined sidewall 30 is located near the top wall 20 of the box-shaped contact portion 16. When no force is applied to the contact 10, the free end 48 may be located near or engaged with the top wall 20. If a force is applied to the upper portion 26 of the sidewall 22, the top wall 28, or the inclined sidewall 30, the retaining portion 32 may be compressed or rotated, causing the free end 48 to engage with the top wall 20, thereby preventing deformation of the retaining portion 32.

[0023] like Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the retaining portion 32 has a rear wall 50 extending from the inclined sidewall 30. The rear wall 50 extends from the inclined sidewall 30 at approximately 90 degrees. The rear wall 50 is configured to approach the space provided between the inclined sidewall 30, the top wall 20 of the box-shaped contact portion 16, the upper portion 26 of the sidewall 22, and the top wall 28. The retaining portion 52 of the rear wall 50 extends into a cavity 54 formed in the top wall 20 of the box-shaped contact portion 16 near the rear end 15. The cavity 54, as... Figure 2 and 4 As shown, there is a cut or opening extending through the top wall 20, the size of which is designed to receive and retain the fixed portion 52 of the rear wall 50.

[0024] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the retaining portion 32 has pawls 60 spaced apart along the length of the inclined sidewall 30. The pawls 60 extend from the free end 48 of the inclined sidewall 30. In the illustrated embodiment, two pawls 60 are shown. However, other numbers and configurations of pawls can be used. Figure 5 As shown, the pawl 60 has an engagement shoulder 62 disposed near the free end 48 of the inclined sidewall 30.

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, pawl receiving openings 64 are spaced apart along the length of the top wall 20 of the box-shaped contact portion 16. The pawl receiving openings 64 are positioned to align with the pawl 60. In the illustrated embodiment, two pawl receiving openings 64 are shown. Each pawl receiving opening 64 has an engaging shoulder 66 disposed near the side wall 24 of the box-shaped contact portion 16.

[0026] In use, the contact 10 is inserted into the contact receiving cavity of the contact receiving housing (not shown). If the contact 10 is not fully or correctly inserted, the contact receiving cavity will not completely surround or enclose the contact 10, thereby allowing the contact 10, particularly the retaining portion 32, to be engaged from the top or side by an auxiliary lock or the like. In previously known contacts, the forces associated with this engagement can cause the retaining portion to fail because the top wall 28 and the inclined side wall 30 can easily move or deform. In contrast, the retaining portion 32 of the present invention is reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, a force F1 applied to the top surface 28 of the retaining portion 32 will cause the fixing portion 52 of the rear wall 50 to move further downward (as shown in Figures 4 to 6) into the cavity 54. When this occurs, the sidewall 70 of the rear wall 50 will engage with the sidewall 22. Alternatively, when force F1 is applied, the sidewall 72 of the fixing protrusion 52 will engage with the sidewall 74 of the cavity 54 formed in the top wall 20. In either case, lateral movement of the rear wall 50 and the retaining portion 32 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 16 is prevented.

[0028] Furthermore, when force F1 is applied to the top surface 28 of the retaining portion 32, the engaging shoulder 62 of the pawl 60 engages the engaging shoulder 66 of the pawl receiving opening 64 to prevent downward and lateral movement of the pawl 60 and the retaining portion 32 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 16. In doing so, the retaining portion 32 and the contact 10 are reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the force F2 applied to the sidewall 22 causes the retaining portion 52 of the rear wall 50 to engage with the sidewall 74 of the cavity 54 formed in the top wall 20, preventing lateral movement of the rear wall 50 and the retaining portion 32 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 16. Furthermore, the engaging shoulder 62 of the pawl 60 engages the engaging shoulder 66 of the pawl receiving opening 64 to prevent downward and lateral movement of the pawl 60 and the retaining portion 32 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 16. In doing so, the retaining portion 32 and the contact 10 are reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0030] Again Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the force F3 applied to the inclined sidewall 30 will cause the sidewall 70 of the rear wall 50 to engage with the sidewall 22 to prevent lateral movement of the rear wall 50 and the retaining portion 32 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 16. In doing so, the retaining portion 32 and the contact 10 are reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0031] Alternative embodiments of contact 110 are shown in Figures 7 to 9 The contact 110 is stamped from a single piece of material and forms... Figure 7 The structure shown is as follows. In this embodiment, the contact 110 has a mating portion 112 and a transition portion or region 114. The contact 110, mating portion 112, and transition portion 114 are similar to the contact 10, mating portion 12, and transition portion 14.

[0032] The retaining portion 132 has a rear wall 150 extending from the inclined sidewall 130. The rear wall 150 extends from the inclined sidewall 130 at approximately 90 degrees. The rear wall 150 is configured to approach the space provided between the inclined sidewall 130, the top wall 120 of the box-shaped contact portion 116, the upper portion 126 of the sidewall 122, and the top wall 128. As shown in FIG8, a retaining piece 152 disposed at the distal end of the top wall 120 extends into a cavity 154 formed in the sidewall 122 near the rear end 115. Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the cavity is a cut or opening extending through the sidewall 122, the size of which is designed to receive and retain the retaining piece 152 therein.

[0033] The retaining portion 132 has a pawl 160 disposed on the inclined sidewall 130. The pawl 160 extends from the free end 148 of the inclined sidewall 130. In the illustrative embodiment shown, one pawl 160 is illustrated. However, other numbers and configurations of pawls may be used. The pawl 160 has an engagement shoulder 162 disposed near the free end 148 of the inclined sidewall 130. Figure 9 ).

[0034] like Figure 9 As shown, a pawl receiving opening 164 is provided in the top wall 120 of the box-shaped contact portion 116. The pawl receiving opening 164 is positioned to align with the pawl 160. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a pawl receiving opening 164 is illustrated. The pawl receiving opening 164 has an engaging shoulder 166 disposed near the side wall 124 of the box-shaped contact portion 116.

[0035] In use, contact 110 is inserted into contact receiving cavity of contact receiving housing (not shown). If contact 110 is not fully or correctly inserted, contact receiving cavity does not completely surround or enclose contact 1110, thereby allowing contact 110, in particular retaining portion 132, to be engaged from the top or side by auxiliary lock or the like.

[0036] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the force F4 applied to the top surface 128 of the retaining portion 132 will cause the bottom wall 171 of the rear wall 150 to engage with the top wall 120. Since the retaining piece 152 of the top wall 120 is positioned in the cavity 154, the retaining piece 152 engages with the wall 173 of the cavity 154 to prevent downward movement of the retaining piece 152 and the top wall 120. Because the top wall 120 is prevented from moving downward, the rear wall 150 is also prevented from moving downward (as shown in Figures 8 and 9).

[0037] When force F4 is applied to the top surface 128 of the retaining portion 132, the side wall 170 of the rear wall 150 can also engage the side wall 122 to prevent lateral movement of the rear wall 150 and the retaining portion 132 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 116. Furthermore, the engaging shoulder 162 of the pawl 160 engages the engaging shoulder 166 of the pawl receiving opening 164 to prevent downward and lateral movement of the pawl 160 and the retaining portion 132 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 116. In doing so, the retaining portion 132 and the contact 110 are reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0038] Refer again Figure 8 and 9 The force F5 applied to the sidewall 122 will cause the engagement shoulder 162 of the pawl 160 to engage the engagement shoulder 166 of the pawl receiving opening 164 to prevent downward and lateral movement of the pawl 160 and the retaining portion 132 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 116. In doing so, the retaining portion 132 and the contact 110 are reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0039] Refer again Figure 8 and 9 The force F6 applied to the inclined sidewall 130 will cause the sidewall 170 of the rear wall 150 to engage with the sidewall 122 to prevent lateral movement of the rear wall 150 and the retaining portion 132 relative to the box-shaped contact portion 116. In doing so, the retaining portion 132 and the contact 110 are reinforced to prevent damage or deformation without increasing the overall size of the terminal.

[0040] Contacts 10 and 110 have increased strength to prevent damage or deformation. Contacts 10 and 110 provide increased strength and stability without increasing the overall size of the terminal, thus allowing the contacts to be used in miniature contacts.

Claims

1. An electrical contact (10), comprising: The mating part (12) is used to mate with the mating contact, and the mating part (12) has a contact part (16) and a retaining part (32); The mating part (12) has a bottom wall (18), a top wall (20), and side walls (22, 24), with the corresponding side wall (22) having an upper part (26) extending beyond the top wall (20), the upper part (26) extending to form a retaining part (32); The retaining portion (32) has a retaining portion top wall (28), a retaining portion side wall (30) and a retaining portion rear wall (50), the retaining portion rear wall (50) being configured to approach the space provided between the mating portion top wall (20), the upper part (26) of the corresponding mating portion side wall (22), the retaining portion top wall (28) and the retaining portion side wall (30); The retaining portion rear wall (50) cooperates with one or more of the mating portion top wall (20), the upper part (26) of the corresponding mating portion side wall (22), the retaining portion top wall (28), and the retaining portion side wall (30) to prevent the retaining portion (32) from being damaged or deformed when force is applied to the retaining portion (32). The pawl (60) is disposed on the side wall (30) of the retaining portion, the pawl (60) extends from the free end (48) of the side wall (30) of the retaining portion, the pawl (60) has an engagement shoulder (62) disposed near the free end (48) of the side wall (30) of the retaining portion, and a pawl receiving opening (64) is disposed on the top wall (20) of the mating portion, the pawl receiving opening (64) being positioned to be aligned with the pawl (60).

2. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining portion sidewall (30) is inclined relative to the retaining portion topwall (28) and the mating portion topwall (20).

3. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the free end (48) of the inclined retaining portion sidewall (30) is positioned close to the mating portion top wall (20).

4. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rear wall (50) of the retaining portion extends from the inclined retaining portion sidewall (30) at approximately 90 degrees to the inclined retaining portion sidewall (30).

5. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pawl receiving opening (64) has an engagement shoulder (66) disposed near the mating portion sidewall (24).

6. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixing portion (52) extends from the rear wall (50) of the retaining portion and extends into a cavity (54) formed in the top wall (20) of the mating portion.

7. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining portion (32) has an opening (64) extending through the top wall (20) and side wall (24) of the mating portion, the opening (64) being sized to receive a locking protrusion of the connector housing into which the contact (10) is inserted.

8. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mating portion (12) has a first elastic contact protrusion (36) and a second elastic contact protrusion (38), the first elastic contact protrusion (36) and the second elastic contact protrusion (38) being integrally formed with the bottom wall (18) and the top wall (20) of the mating portion, respectively.

9. The electrical contact (10) of claim 8, wherein the resilient contact protrusions (36, 38) have movable contact areas (44, 46), the contact areas (44, 46) being circular and laterally offset.

10. The electrical contact (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the overstress protection portion (21) extends from the mating portion sidewall (24) to cooperate in preventing overstress of the corresponding contact protrusion (38).

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