Self-lubricating connector

Abstract

A self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) includes a housing (12, 112, 212, 312) having a contact-receiving cavity (18, 118, 218, 318) in which contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) are provided. A lubricating device (20, 120, 220, 320) is disposed in the housing (12, 112, 212, 312) adjacent to the contacts (40, 140, 240, 340). The lubricating device (20, 120, 220, 320) extends into the contact-receiving cavity (18, 118, 218, 318) and is provided with a lubricant. As the contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) are moved between the first position and the second position, lubricant from the lubrication device (20, 120, 220, 320) is deposited on the outer surfaces (44, 144, 244, 344) of the contacts (40, 140, 240, 340), thereby reducing wear on the contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) as they are moved between the first position and the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to a lubricated connector having a lubrication device that reduces contact wear associated with the movement of a contact between a first position and a second position by applying lubrication to the outer surface of the contact as the contact is moved between the first position and the second position.

Background Art

[0002] The durability and insertion force performance of electrical connectors are technical issues that can limit the service life of components used in applications such as, but not limited to, high-power motors, hybrid and electric mobility solutions, equipment, industry, and communication. These applications require stable electrical and mechanical contact performance and, in some cases, a larger number of contact pins.

[0003] To improve the performance of such connectors, lubricants may be used to reduce friction and wear at the mating interface and enhance mating cycle performance. In particular, for noble metal plated connectors, effective lubricants reduce the potential for wear of the noble metal during mating and unmating. Lubricants can also be used to reduce degradation due to corrosion. Lubricants can be used to improve stable contact performance by reducing wear and / or demonstrating durability performance and / or protecting against environmental exposure.

[0004] Generally, lubricants are pre-applied during the manufacture of the contacts. As the connector is mated and unmated, the pre-applied lubricant is removed or degraded in other ways, reducing its ability to provide performance improvement.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved is to provide a lubrication system and connector having a lubrication device that reduces contact wear of the connector as the contact moves between a first position and a second position. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a self-lubricating connector that applies or deposits lubrication on the outer surface of the contact as the contact moves between a first position and a second position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a self-lubricating connector having a housing with a contact receiving cavity in which contacts are provided. A lubrication device is positioned in the housing in close proximity to the contacts. The lubrication device extends into the contact receiving cavity and is provided with a lubricant. As the contacts move between a first position and a second position, the lubricant from the lubrication device accumulates on the outer surface of the contacts, thereby reducing contact wear caused by the movement of the contacts between the first and second positions.

[0007] Here, the present invention will be described as an example with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system for lubricating mating electrical contacts according to the present invention, which exemplifies an unmated condition electrical connector, and the lubrication device located on the connector is shown in a first position. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system shown in a mated state where the mating electrical contacts of the mating connector are engaged with the electrical contacts of the connector, and the lubrication device is shown in a second position. [Figure 3]This is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system for lubricating mating electrical contacts according to the present invention, which illustrates an unmated electrical connector and a mating electrical connector, and the second alternative lubrication device is located on the connector. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system, showing the mating connector partially inserted into the other connector. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system with the mating connector fully inserted into the connector. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication device along line 6-6 in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system for lubricating mating electrical contacts according to the present invention, the embodiment illustrating an electrical connector and a mating electrical connector, a third alternative lubrication device positioned on the mating connector is shown, and the connector and mating connector are shown in an unmated state. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system, showing the mating connector partially inserted into the other connector. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system with the mating connector fully inserted into the connector. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system for lubricating mating electrical contacts according to the present invention, the embodiment illustrating an electrical connector and a mating electrical connector, a fourth alternative lubrication device positioned on the mating connector is shown, and the connector and mating connector are shown in an unmated state. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system, showing the mating connector partially inserted into the other connector. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system with the mating connector fully inserted into the connector. [Figure 13]This is a cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system for lubricating mating electrical contacts according to the present invention, which illustrates an unmatted electrical contact and a mating electrical contact, and a fifth alternative lubrication device is positioned on the contact. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system, showing the mating contact fully inserted into the other contact. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system having electrical contacts on which a lubrication device is arranged. [Figure 16] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a lubrication system having electrical contacts, with the electrical contacts and connectors shown in an unmated state. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system, showing the mating connector partially inserted into the other connector. [Figure 18] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system with the electrical contact fully inserted into the connector. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of the lubrication system, in which the electrical contacts and connectors are shown in an unmated state. [Figure 20] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system, showing the mating connector partially inserted into the other connector. [Figure 21] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the lubrication system with the electrical contact fully inserted into the connector. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 60 shown in FIG. 1 has a housing 62 to which a cap 64 is attached. One or more lubricant receiving recesses 66 extend through the housing 62 and the cap 64. A lubricating device 68 is provided in the lubricant receiving recess 66. In this exemplary embodiment, the lubricating device includes a solid lubricant. The solid lubricant may be any lubricant that provides lubricity to protect the surface to which it is applied. For example, a solid lubricant such as graphite may be used. Alternatively, a liquid lubricant may be used depending on the application.

[0010] One or more springs 70 are disposed in the lubricant receiving recess 66. The spring 70 extends between the end wall 72 of the cap 64 and the lubricating device 68. A lubricant receiving area 74 is attached to the housing 62 at an end of the lubricant receiving recess 66 opposite the end wall 72. The lubricant receiving area 74 is configured to receive lubricant from the lubricating device 68. The lubricant receiving area 74 may be, but is not limited to, a felt pad.

[0011] The lubricating device 68 is movable in the lubricant receiving recess 66 between the first position shown in FIG. 1 and the second position shown in FIG. 2. In the first position, the protrusion 76 of the lubricating device 68 engages the shoulder 78 of the housing 62. In this position, the lubricating device 68 is prevented from further moving away from the end wall 72. In this position, the lubricating device 68 engages the lubricant receiving area 74. The force of the spring 70 maintains the lubricating device 68 in the first position until a greater force is applied.

[0012] In use, the cover 60 is moved so as to engage with the electrical connector 10. The electrical connector 10 has a housing 12 having one or more mating contact receiving openings 14. The housing 12 has one or more electrical contacts 16 disposed in one or more electrical contact receiving cavities 18. The contacts may be made of a material having suitable conductivity, including but not limited to noble metals. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact 16 is a pin, but other contacts may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0013] As the cover 60 and the electrical connector 10 are both moved, the contact 16 engages with the lubrication device 68. Since the insertion force of the contact into the lubrication device 68 is greater than the spring force of the spring 70, the spring 70 is compressed, thereby enabling the lubrication device 68 to move towards the second position with respect to the lubrication receiving region 74. As this occurs, the lubricant from the lubrication device 68 is transferred, deposited or applied to the lubrication receiving region 74 by a wiping action or the like. By continuing to move the contact 16 towards the cover 60, the contact 16 moves so as to engage with the lubrication receiving region 74. As this occurs, as shown by the region 46 shown in FIG. 2, the lubricant from the lubrication receiving region 74 is transferred, deposited or applied to the contact 16 by a wiping action or the like.

[0014] As the connector 10 and the contact 16 are removed from the cover 60, the spring 70 returns towards its non-stressed position, thereby causing the lubrication device 68 to return to the first position. As the lubrication device 68 moves towards the first position, the lubricant from the lubrication device 68 is again transferred, deposited or applied to the lubrication receiving region 74 by a wiping action or the like.

[0015] By transferring the lubricant to the lubrication receiving region 74 and the contact 16, wear of the contact 16 when it mates with the mating contact is minimized, thereby enabling the contact 16 to be used over a number of cycles.

[0016] The cover 60 can be used over multiple cycles to transfer, deposit, or apply lubricant to the contact 16. In addition, the lubricant device 68 may be replaced as needed by removing the cap 64 from the housing 62 to access and replace the lubricant device 68.

[0017] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, the electrical connector 110 has a housing 112 having one or more mating contact receiving openings 114. The housing 112 has one or more electrical contacts 116 disposed in one or more electrical contact receiving cavities 118. In the illustrated embodiments, the contacts 116 are spring contacts, but other contacts may be used as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0018] One or more lubrication devices 120 are positioned between the mating contact receiving opening 114 and the electrical contact 116. In this exemplary embodiment, the lubrication device includes a solid lubricant. The solid lubricant may be any lubricant that protects the surface to which it is applied and provides lubrication that ensures smooth operation during long-term mating and unmating of the connector 110. For example, a solid lubricant such as graphite may be used. Alternatively, a liquid lubricant may be used depending on the application.

[0019] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, one or more lubrication devices 120 extend from the ends of one or more elastic members or spring members 122. A wall or projection 124 is provided in the housing 112 to form a spring receiving recess 126 that receives the spring member 122 and holds it in place relative to the mating contact receiving opening 114 and the electrical contact 116, thereby preventing the spring member 122 from moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 128 of the housing 112, while allowing the spring member 122 to elastically deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 128 of the housing 112. The spring member 122 may be held in the spring receiving recess 126 by friction or other known means.

[0020] As shown in Figure 6, the lubrication devices 120 may be positioned at various locations around the contact receiving cavity 118. The lubrication devices 120 extend into the contact receiving cavity 118. The number and arrangement of the lubrication devices 120 may vary depending on the specific application and environment in which the connector 110 will be used. In the illustrated embodiment, eight lubrication devices 120 are provided to provide eight contact points between the lubrication devices 120 and the mating contacts. However, other numbers of lubrication devices 120 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0021] During use, one or more mating contacts 140 are inserted into the connector housing 112 and form an electrical connection with one or more contacts 116. The mating contacts 140 may be housed in a mating connector (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts 140 are pins, but mating contacts of other configurations may be used.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the mating contact 140 is inserted into the mating contact receiving opening 114. As this occurs, the mating contact 140 engages with the lubrication device 120. The opening 142 between the lubrication devices 120 shown in Figure 6 has a diameter D1 smaller than the diameter D2 of the mating contact 140 shown in Figure 3. Therefore, as the mating contact 140 is inserted through the opening 142, the lubrication device 120 is displaced, causing the spring member 122 to elastically deform. As this occurs, by continuing to insert the mating contact 140 toward the contact 116, the lubrication device 120 engages with the outer surface 144 of the mating contact 140 and exerts a force on the outer surface 144. As the insertion of the mating contact 140 continues, lubricant from the lubrication device 120 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 144 of the mating contact 140, as shown by the region 146 of the mating contact 140 in Figure 5. As a result, the mating contact 140, coated with the lubricant film 146, engages with the contact 116.

[0023] In addition, as the mating contact 140 is removed from the contact 116 and housing 112, the mating contact 140 re-engages with the lubrication device 120. As this occurs, removing the mating contact 140 from the contact 116 causes the lubrication device to engage with the outer surface 144 of the mating contact 140 and exert force on the outer surface 144. As the removal of the mating contact 140 continues, as a result, lubricant from the lubrication device 120 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 144 of the mating contact 140 in the same areas as described above.

[0024] As the mating contact 140 engages and disengages, lubricant is transferred, minimizing wear on the mating contact 140 and contact 116, allowing the mating contact 140 and contact 116 to be used over numerous cycles.

[0025] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, the electrical connector 210 has a housing 212 having one or more mating contact receiving openings 214. The housing 212 has one or more electrical contacts 216 disposed in one or more electrical contact receiving cavities 218. In the illustrated embodiments, the contacts 216 are spring contacts, but other contacts may be used as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] One or more mating contacts 240 are mounted on the housing or panel 250. The mating contacts 240 are inserted into the connector housing 212 and form an electrical connection with one or more contacts 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts 240 are pins, but mating contacts of other configurations may be used.

[0027] One or more lubrication devices 220 are positioned close to the mating end 254 of the mating contact 240. In this exemplary embodiment, the lubrication device 220 includes a solid lubricant. The solid lubricant may be any lubricant that protects the surface to which it is applied and provides lubrication that ensures smooth operation during long-term mating and unmating of the mating contact 240 with the connector 210. For example, a solid lubricant such as graphite may be used. Alternatively, a liquid lubricant may be used depending on the application.

[0028] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 9, one or more lubrication devices 220 extend from the ends of one or more spring members 222. The spring members 222 and the mating contacts 240 are held in a panel 250, thereby allowing the spring members 222 to elastically deform in a direction along the longitudinal axis 228 of the connector 210. An insulating sleeve 252 extends between the spring members 222 and the contacts 240. The spring members 222 are configured to elastically deform or compress in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 228 of the housing 212.

[0029] Similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 6, the number and arrangement of the lubrication devices 220 may vary depending on the specific application and environment in which the connector 250 will be used.

[0030] As shown in Figure 8, the mating contact 240 is inserted into the mating contact receiving opening 214. As this occurs, the mating contact 240 engages with the lubricating device 220. The opening 242 between the lubricating devices 220 shown in Figure 7 has a diameter D3 that is smaller than the diameter D4 of the mating contact 240. Therefore, as the mating contact 240 is inserted through the opening 242, the lubricating device 220 is displaced, causing the spring member 222 to elastically deform. As this occurs, by continuing to insert the mating contact 240 toward the contact 216, the lubricating device engages with the outer surface 244 of the mating contact 240 and exerts a force on the outer surface 244. As the insertion of the mating contact 240 continues, lubricant from the lubrication device 220 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 244 of the mating contact 240, as shown by region 246 of the mating contact 240 in Figure 9. As a result, the mating contact 240, coated with the lubricant film 246, engages with the contact 216.

[0031] In addition, as the mating contact 240 is removed from the contact 216, the mating contact 240 re-engages with the lubrication device 220. As a result of this, removing the mating contact 240 from the contact 216 causes the lubrication device to engage with the outer surface 244 of the mating contact 240 and exert force on the outer surface 244. As the removal of the mating contact 240 continues, as a result, lubricant from the lubrication device 220 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 244 of the mating contact 240 in the same area as described above.

[0032] As the mating contact 240 engages and disengages, lubricant is transferred, minimizing wear on the mating contact 240 and contact 216, allowing the mating contact 240 and contact 216 to be used over numerous cycles.

[0033] In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 12, the electrical connector 310 has a housing 312 having one or more mating contact receiving openings 314. The housing 312 has one or more electrical contacts 316 disposed in one or more electrical contact receiving cavities 318. In the illustrated embodiments, the contacts 316 are spring contacts, but other contacts may be used as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0034] The mating electrical connector 350 has a housing 352 having one or more contact openings 354. The housing 352 has one or more mating contacts 340 that are inserted into the connector housing 312 and form an electrical connection with one or more contacts 316. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts 340 are pins, but mating contacts of other configurations may be used.

[0035] One or more lubrication devices 320 are positioned between the mating contact opening 354 and the electrical contact 340. In this exemplary embodiment, the lubrication device includes a solid lubricant. The solid lubricant may be any lubricant that protects the surface to which it is applied and provides lubrication that ensures smooth operation during long-term mating and unmating of the connector 310 and the mating connector 350. For example, a solid lubricant such as graphite may be used. Alternatively, a liquid lubricant may be used depending on the application.

[0036] In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 12, one or more lubrication devices 320 extend from the ends of one or more spring members 322. A wall or projection 324 is provided in the housing 312 to form a spring-receiving recess 326 that allows the spring member 322 to elastically deform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 328 of the housing 352, while preventing the spring member 322 from moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 328 of the housing 352 by receiving the spring member 322 and maintaining it in a predetermined position relative to the contact opening 314 and the electrical contact 340. The spring member 322 may be held in the spring-receiving recess 326 by friction or other known means.

[0037] Similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, the number and arrangement of the lubrication devices 320 may vary depending on the specific application and environment in which the connector 350 will be used.

[0038] During use, as shown in Figure 11, one or more mating contacts 316 are inserted into the connector housing 352. Then, as shown in Figure 12, the mating contact 340 is inserted into the mating contact receiving opening 314. As this occurs, the mating contact 340 engages with the lubricating device 320. The opening 342 between the lubricating devices 320 shown in Figure 10 has a diameter D5 that is smaller than the diameter D6 of the mating contact 340. Therefore, as the mating contact 340 is inserted through the opening 342, the lubricating device 320 is displaced, causing the spring member 322 to elastically deform. As this occurs, by continuing to insert the mating contact 340 toward the contact 316, the lubricating device engages with the outer surface 344 of the mating contact 340 and exerts force on the outer surface 344. As the insertion of the mating contact 340 continues, lubricant from the lubrication device 320 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 344 of the mating contact 340, as shown by region 356 of the mating contact 340 in Figure 12. As a result, the mating contact 340, coated with the lubricant film 356, engages with the contact 316.

[0039] In addition, as the mating contact 340 is removed from the contact 316, the mating contact 340 re-engages with the lubrication device 320. As a result of this, removing the mating contact 340 from the contact 316 causes the lubrication device to engage with the outer surface 344 of the mating contact 340 and exert force on the outer surface 344. As the removal of the mating contact 340 continues, lubricant from the lubrication device 320 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 344 of the mating contact 340 in the same area as described above.

[0040] As the mating contact 340 engages and disengages, lubricant is transferred, minimizing wear on the mating contact 340 and contact 316, allowing the mating contact 340 and contact 316 to be used over numerous cycles.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 13 and 14, the lubrication device 420 is positioned at the mating end 415 of the contact arm 417 of the electrical contact 416.

[0042] During use, one or more mating contacts 440 are inserted into one or more contacts 416, forming electrical and mechanical connections with the one or more contacts 416. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contact 440 is a pin, but mating contacts of other configurations may be used.

[0043] The mating contact 440 is inserted between the contacts 416. As this occurs, the mating contact 440 engages with the lubricating device 420. The lubricating device 420 is separated by a distance D7, which is smaller than the diameter D8 of the mating contact 440 shown in Figure 13. Therefore, as the mating contact 440 is inserted between the contacts 416, the lubricating device 420 is displaced, causing the contact arm 417 of the contact 416 to elastically deform. As this occurs, and the insertion of the mating contact 440 continues, the lubricating device 420 engages with the outer surface 444 of the mating contact 440 and exerts a force on the outer surface 444. As the insertion of the mating contact 440 continues, lubricant from the lubrication device 420 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 444 of the mating contact 440, as shown by region 446 of the mating contact 440 in Figure 14. As a result, the mating contact 440, coated with the lubricant film 446, engages with the contact 416.

[0044] In addition, as the mating contact 440 is removed from contact 416, the mating contact 440 re-engages with the lubrication device 420. As a result of this, removing the mating contact 440 from contact 416 causes the lubrication device 420 to engage with the outer surface 444 of the mating contact 440 and exert force on the outer surface 444. As the removal of the mating contact 440 continues, as a result, lubricant from the lubrication device 420 is deposited or applied to the outer surface 444 of the mating contact 440 in the same area as described above.

[0045] As the mating contact 440 engages and disengages, lubricant is transferred, minimizing wear on the mating contact 440 and contact 416, allowing the mating contact 440 and contact 416 to be used over numerous cycles.

[0046] The embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 12 can measure voltage drop in addition to providing adequate lubrication. As the lubrication devices 120, 220, 320, and 420 engage with the mating contacts 140, 240, 340, and 440, the lubrication devices 120, 220, 320, and 420 can be used as first voltage pick-off points (voltage drop points) for measuring the first voltage of the mating contacts 140, 240, 340, and 440. Points 190, 290, 390, and 490 on the backs of contacts 116, 216, 316, and 416 can be used as second voltage pick-off points for measuring the second voltage on the backs of contacts 116, 216, 316, and 416. By measuring the voltage at each point and comparing the measured voltages with a known device, the voltage drop can be identified.

[0047] In the embodiments shown in Figures 15 to 18, the electrical connector 510 has a housing 512 having one or more mating contact receiving openings 514. The housing 512 has one or more electrical contacts 516 disposed in one or more electrical contact receiving cavities 518. In the illustrated embodiments, the contacts 516 are spring contacts, but other contacts may be used as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0048] Each mating contact 540, which may be housed in a mating connector (not shown), includes a contact portion 530, a lubrication portion 532, and a retraction portion 534. The contact portion 530 is made of a conductive material such as silver-plated copper, but is not limited to this. The retraction portion 534 is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic, but is not limited to this.

[0049] The lubricating portion 532, located adjacent to the free end of the mating contact 540, includes one or more lubrication devices 520. In this exemplary embodiment, the lubrication device includes a solid lubricant positioned collinear with the outer surface 531 of the contact portion 530. The solid lubricant may be any lubricant that protects the surface to which it is applied and provides lubrication that ensures smooth operation during long-term mating and unmatting of the mating contact 540. The solid lubricant may be, but is not limited to, graphite. Alternatively, a liquid lubricant may be used depending on the application. The lubrication device 520 may have a homogeneous outer surface 522, or it may have protrusions (not shown) positioned at various locations around the outer surface 522.

[0050] During use, one or more mating contacts 540 are inserted into the connector housing 512 and form an electrical connection with one or more contacts 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts 540 are pins, but mating contacts of other configurations may be used.

[0051] As shown in Figure 16, the mating contact 540 is inserted into the mating contact receiving opening 514 of the housing 512. As this occurs, the retracted portion 534 of the mating contact 540 engages with the end portion 536 of the contact 516, causing the ends 536 to separate and the contact 516 to elastically move from a non-stressed position (Figure 16) to a stressed position (Figures 17 and 18). As the insertion continues, the contact portion 538 of the contact 516 moves to engage with the mating contact 540. As the contact 516 is in a stressed position, the contact portion 538 exerts a normal force on the mating contact 540, thereby ensuring that the contact portion 538 remains mechanically engaged with the mating contact 540.

[0052] As the insertion of the mating contact 540 continues, the contact portion 538 moves across the lubrication device 520 of the lubrication portion 532 of the mating contact 540. As the contact portion 538 exerts a normal force on the lubrication device 520, the continued insertion of the mating contact 540 results in lubricant from the lubrication device 520 accumulating or being applied to the contact portion 538 of the contact 516, thereby coating the contact portion 538 with lubricant.

[0053] As insertion continues, the lubrication device 520 moves so as to pass the contact portion 538, and the contact portion 530 moves so as to engage with the contact portion 538. As insertion continues, the covered contact portion 538 slides across the outer surface 531 of the contact portion 530. As the contact portion 538 continues to exert a normal force on the outer surface 531 of the contact portion 530, some of the lubricant is transferred from the contact portion 538 to the outer surface 531 of the contact portion 530, as shown by the region 546 in Figure 18.

[0054] As the mating contact 540 is removed from the contact 516 and housing 512, the covered contact portion 538 slides across the transfer region 546 to facilitate the removal of the mating contact 540 from the housing 512. In addition, during the removal of the mating contact 540, the contact portion 538 re-engages with the lubrication device 520, resulting in lubricant from the lubrication device 520 being deposited or applied to the contact portion 538 in the same region as described above, thereby preparing the contact portion 538 for further engagement.

[0055] As the mating contact 540 engages and disengages, lubricant is transferred, minimizing wear on the mating contact 540 and contact 516, allowing the mating contact 540 and contact 516 to be used over numerous cycles.

[0056] In the embodiments shown in Figures 19 to 21, the electrical connector 610 has a housing 612 having one or more mating contact receiving openings 614. The housing 612 has one or more electrical contacts 616 disposed in one or more electrical contact receiving cavities 618. In the illustrated embodiments, the contacts 616 are spring contacts, but other contacts may be used as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention. The housing 612 also houses one or more transfer mechanisms 680 disposed in the contact receiving cavities 618.

[0057] Each transfer mechanism 680 has a series of contact springs 682 arranged around the transfer mechanism 680. Each contact spring 682 has a contact portion 684 that extends into the contact receiving cavity 618. The diameter D3 between the contact portions 684 is smaller than the diameter D5 of the mating contact 640, as shown in Figure 19.

[0058] Each mating contact 640, which may be housed in a mating connector (not shown), includes a contact portion 630, a lubrication portion 632, and a retraction portion 634. The contact portion 630 is made of a conductive material such as silver-plated copper, but is not limited to this. The retraction portion 634 is made of a non-conductive material such as plastic, but is not limited to this.

[0059] The lubricating portion 632, located adjacent to the free end of the mating contact 640, includes one or more lubrication devices 620. In this exemplary embodiment, the lubrication device includes a solid lubricant positioned collinear with the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630. The solid lubricant may be any lubricant that protects the surface to which it is applied and provides lubrication that ensures smooth operation during long-term mating and unmatting of the mating contact 640. The solid lubricant may be, but is not limited to, graphite. Alternatively, a liquid lubricant may be used depending on the application. The lubrication device 620 may have a homogeneous outer surface 622, or it may have protrusions (not shown) positioned at various locations around the outer surface 622.

[0060] During use, one or more mating contacts 640 are inserted into the connector housing 612 and form an electrical connection with one or more contacts 616. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating contacts 640 are pins, but mating contacts of other configurations may be used.

[0061] As shown in Figure 19, the mating contact 640 is inserted into the mating contact receiving opening 614 of the housing 612. As this occurs, the retracted portion 634 of the mating contact 640 engages with the contact portion 684 of the contact spring 682 of the transfer mechanism 680, causing the contact portions 684 to separate and the contact spring 682 to elastically move from a non-stressed position (Figure 19) to a stressed position (Figure 20). As the contact spring 682 is in the stressed position, the contact portion 684 exerts a normal force on the mating contact 640, thereby ensuring that the contact portion 684 remains mechanically engaged with the mating contact 640.

[0062] As the insertion of the mating contact 640 continues, the contact portion 684 moves across the lubrication device 620 of the lubrication portion 632 of the mating contact 640. As the contact portion 684 exerts a normal force on the lubrication device 620, the continued insertion of the mating contact 640 results in lubricant from the lubrication device 620 accumulating or being applied to the contact portion 684 of the contact spring 682, thereby coating the contact portion 684 with lubricant.

[0063] As insertion continues, the lubricating device 620 moves so as to pass the contact portion 684, and the contact portion 630 moves so as to engage with the contact portion 684. As insertion continues, the covered contact portion 684 slides across the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630. As the contact portion 684 continues to exert a normal force on the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630, some of the lubricant is transferred from the contact portion 684 to the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630, as shown by region 646 in Figure 21.

[0064] As insertion continues, the retractable portion 634 of the mating contact 640 engages with the end portion 636 of contact 616, causing the ends 636 to separate and elastically move contact 616 from a non-stressed position (Figure 20) to a stressed position (Figure 21). As insertion continues, the contact portion 638 of contact 616 moves to engage with the mating contact 640. As contact 616 is in a stressed position, the contact portion 638 exerts a normal force on the mating contact 640, thereby ensuring that the contact portion 638 remains mechanically engaged with the mating contact 640.

[0065] As the insertion of the mating contact 640 continues, the contact portion 638 moves across the lubrication device 620 of the lubrication portion 632 of the mating contact 640. As the contact portion 638 exerts a normal force on the lubrication device 640, the continued insertion of the mating contact 640 results in lubricant from the lubrication device 620 accumulating or being applied to the contact portion 638 of the contact 616, thereby coating the contact portion 638 with lubricant.

[0066] As insertion continues, the lubrication device 620 moves so as to pass the contact portion 638, and the contact portion 630 moves so as to engage with the contact portion 638. As insertion continues, the covered contact portion 638 slides across the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630. As the contact portion 638 continues to exert a normal force on the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630, some of the lubricant is transferred from the contact portion 638 to the outer surface 631 of the contact portion 630, as shown by region 647 in Figure 21.

[0067] As the mating contact 640 is removed from the contact 616 and housing 612, the covered contact portions 684 and 638 slide across the transfer regions 646 and 647 to facilitate the removal of the mating contact 640 from the housing 612. In addition, during the removal of the mating contact 640, the contact portions 684 and 638 re-engage with the lubrication device 620, resulting in lubricant from the lubrication device 620 being deposited or applied to the contact portions 684 and 638 in the same regions as described above, thereby preparing them for further mating.

[0068] As the mating contact 640 engages and disengages, lubricant is transferred, minimizing wear on the mating contact 640 and contact 616, allowing the mating contact 640 and contact 616 to be used over numerous cycles.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment, the transfer mechanism 680 is used in combination with the spring contact 616, but the transfer mechanism may be used with a number of different types of contacts.

[0070] The present invention is applicable to any mating contact, including hermaphroditic contacts. By providing a lubrication device, the connector and / or contacts can be made self-lubricating, thereby allowing lubricant from the lubrication device to be transferred, deposited, or applied to the contacts when the connector contacts are mated or unmatted, thereby reducing contact wear and improving the mating cycle and service life of the contacts and connector.

Claims

1. A housing (12, 112, 212, 312) having contact receiving cavities (18, 118, 218, 318) in which contacts (16, 116, 216, 316) are provided, Lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) are located in the housing (12, 112, 212, 312) in close proximity to the contacts (16, 116, 216, 316), and the lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) extend into the contact receiving cavities (18, 118, 218, 318) and are provided with lubricant. A self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) having, As the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) move between the first and second positions, the lubricant from the lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) is deposited on the outer surfaces (44, 144, 244, 344) of the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340), thereby reducing wear on the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) as they move between the first and second positions. The elastic members (122, 222, 322) are attached to the lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320), and the elastic members (122, 222, 322) are configured to allow the lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) to remain in contact with the outer surfaces (44, 144, 244, 344) of the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) when the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) are moved between the first and second positions. The first position is a position in which the contacts (16, 116, 216, 316) and the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) are separated from each other, and the second position is a position in which the contacts (16, 116, 216, 316) and the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340) are fitted together. The housing (112, 212, 312) has mating contact receiving openings (114, 214, 314) configured such that the mating contacts (140, 240, 340) are inserted into it. The lubrication devices (120, 220, 320) are positioned in front of the contacts (116, 216, 316) in the orientation in which the mating contacts (140, 240, 340) are inserted into the mating contact receiving openings (114, 214, 314). The lubrication devices (120, 220, 320) are configured such that when the mating contacts (140, 240, 340) are inserted into the mating contact receiving openings (114, 214, 314), the mating contacts (140, 240, 340) can engage with the lubrication devices (120, 220, 320) even when the contacts (116, 216, 316) and the mating contacts (140, 240, 340) are not in contact. Self-lubricating connectors (10, 110, 210, 310).

2. The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the elastic members (122, 222, 322) and the lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) are arranged in recesses (126, 326) in the housing (12, 112, 212, 312), and the elastic members (122, 222, 322) and the lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) are held in predetermined positions relative to the mating contacts (40, 140, 240, 340).

3. The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 2, wherein the recesses (126, 326) in the housing (12, 112, 212, 312) are provided between the mating contact receiving opening (114) of the housing (12, 112, 212, 312) and the contact (116), which are configured to allow the mating contact (40, 140, 240, 340) to be inserted.

4. A self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, wherein more than one lubrication device (20, 120, 220, 320) is arranged around the contact receiving cavity (18, 118, 218, 318), and the more than one lubrication device (20, 120, 220, 320) provides lubrication to the outer surface (44, 144, 244, 344) of the mating contact (40, 140, 240, 340).

5. The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication device (20, 120, 220, 320) measures a first voltage of the mating contact (40, 140, 240, 340) when the mating contact (40, 140, 240, 340) is inserted into the contact (16, 116, 216, 316), and the contact (16, 116, 216, 316) measures a second voltage of the mating contact (40, 140, 240, 340) at a point on the back of the contact (16, 116, 216, 316), and the voltage drop can be determined by comparing the first voltage and the second voltage.

6. The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication device (20, 120, 220, 320) engages with the lubricant receiving area as the mating contact (40, 140, 240, 340) moves between the first position and the second position.

7. The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the lubrication device (20, 120, 220, 320) has a solid lubricant.

8. The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 7, wherein the lubricant is graphite.

9. The aforementioned lubrication devices (20, 120, 220, 320) are The ring-shaped base, A plurality of elastic members (122, 222, 322) extend from the inner circumferential surface of the base toward its center by a predetermined length and are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction, The device comprises a solid lubricant applied to at least the tip side of each of the multiple elastic members (122, 222, 322), The self-lubricating connector (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic members (122, 222, 322) are spring members (122, 222, 322).

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