Patent Application
20120184156
The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connectors and, more particularly, to a contact assembly for an electrical connector.
Electrical connectors generally include a connector housing that is configured to engage a corresponding housing of a mating connector or the like. The connector housing includes electrical contacts positioned within the housing. The electrical contacts electrically couple to electrical contacts in the mating connector. The electrical contacts include a contact end and a socket end. The contact end extends from the connector housing to engage the mating connector. The socket end is secured within the contact housing. The socket end is typically inserted into a contact hood that protects the electrical connector and secures the electrical connector to the connector housing. The socket end may be retained within the contact hood through an interference fit.
However, electrical contacts are not without disadvantages. Typically, the interference fit between the socket end of the electrical contact and the contact hood allows movement of the electrical contact within the contact hood. Accordingly, the electrical contacts are subject to misalignment within the contact hood. Misalignment of the electrical contacts may result in poor connections with the mating connector. A poor connection may damage the connector and/or any devices joined to the connector.
Additionally, the electrical contact may become disengaged from the contact hood. When disengaged, the electrical contact may come in contact with other electrical contacts, thereby causing shorts in the other contacts within the connector. Shorts in the connector may damage the connector and/or any device joined to the connector.
A need remains for an electrical contact that properly secures in a contact hood to prevent the contact from misaligning within the hood and/or becoming disengaged from the hood.
In one embodiment, an electrical contact assembly is provided. The assembly includes a connector housing having a body with a mating end and a wire end. An opening extends through the body from the mating end to the wire end. A contact hood is provided having a body including an axis and an opening extending through the body along the axis. The opening has an inner surface including at least two hood fasteners. The contact hood is received in the opening of the connector housing. An electrical contact is provided having a body including a contact end and a socket end. The socket end has at least two contact fasteners. The socket end is inserted axially into the opening of the contact hood so that the at least two hood fasteners engage the at least two contact fasteners to secure the electrical contact within the contact hood. The contact end of the electrical contact configured to extend from the mating end of the connector housing and connect to a contact of a mating connector.
In another embodiment, an electrical contact assembly is provided. The assembly includes a contact hood having a body including an axis and an opening extending through the body along the axis. The opening has an inner surface. The contact hood is configured to be received in an opening of a connector housing. At least two protrusions are formed on the inner surface of the contact hood opening. An electrical contact is provided having a body including a contact end and a socket end. The socket end is inserted axially into the opening of the contact hood. The contact end of the electrical contact is configured to extend from a mating end of the connector housing. At least two apertures are formed on the socket end of the electrical contact. The at least two protrusions are received in the at least two apertures to secure the electrical contact within the contact hood.
In another embodiment, an electrical contact assembly is provided. The assembly includes a contact hood having a body including an axis and an opening extending through the body along the axis. The opening has an inner surface including a circumference. The contact hood is configured to be received in an opening of a connector housing. At least two contact fasteners are formed on the inner surface of the contact hood opening. The at least two hood fasteners are equally spaced around the circumference of the inner surface of the contact hood. An electrical contact is provided having a body including a contact end and a socket end. The socket end is inserted axially into the opening of the contact hood. The contact end of the electrical contact is configured to extend from a mating end of the connector housing. At least two contact fasteners are formed on the socket end of the electrical contact. The at least two hood fasteners engaging the at two contact fasteners to secure the electrical contact within the contact hood.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.
Each contact 104 includes a body 106 having a contact end 108 and a socket end 110. The body 106 may be circular and include a circumference. Alternatively, the body 106 may have any shape forming a perimeter around the body 106. An intermediate body portion 112 extends between the contact end 108 and the socket end 110. The body 106 extends along an axis 118 from the contact end 108 to the socket end 110. The socket end 110 is configured to be inserted axially into the connector housing 52 (shown in
The socket end 110 includes contact fasteners 116.
The contact end 108 of the contact 104 is configured to engage a corresponding contact of a mating connector (not shown). The contact end 108 includes a connector 120 having engagement features 122. The engagement features 122 extend from the connector 120. An engagement feature 122 is provided on opposite sides of the connector 120. The engagement features 122 are spaced 180 degrees apart. Alternatively, the connector 120 may only include one engagement feature 122. In another embodiment, the connector 120 includes any number of engagement features 122. The engagement features 122 are equally spaced about the connector 120. Alternatively, the engagement features 122 may have any spacing about the connector 120.
The connector 120 is formed as an eye-of-the-needle connector. Alternatively, the connector 120 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the connector may be formed as a solder tail connector, a crimp contact, or the like. The connector 120 is configured to be press-fit into a contact opening (not shown) of the mating connector. The connector 120 may be retained within the contact opening by friction. In one embodiment, the engagement features 122 deform to create an interference fit with the contact opening. In another embodiment, the contact opening deforms to receive the connector 120. Alternatively, both the engagement features 122 and the contact opening deform. In one embodiment, the connector 120 may include grooves, notches, or the like to retain the connector 120 within the contact opening. Alternatively, the connector 120 may be retained within the contact opening with a latch and/or other suitable locking mechanism.
The contact end 108 includes engagement flanges 124 extending therefrom. The engagement flanges 124 are positioned between the connector 120 and the intermediate body portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement flanges 124 are positioned proximate to the connector 120. Alternatively, the engagement flanges 124 may be positioned proximate to the intermediate body portion 112. In another embodiment, the engagement flanges 124 may be positioned at any intermediate location between the connector 120 and the intermediate body portion 112. An engagement flange 124 extends from each side of the contact end 108. The engagement flanges 124 are positioned 180 degrees apart around the contact end 108. In one embodiment, the contact end 108 may include only one engagement flange 124. Alternatively, the contact end may include any number of engagement flanges 124. The engagement flanges 124 may be equally spaced about the contact end 108. Alternatively, the engagement flanges 124 may have any spacing about the contact end 108.
The engagement flanges 124 are configured to form an interference fit with the mating connector. The engagement flanges 124 may deform to create a press-fit with an opening of the mating connector. Alternatively, the opening of the mating connector may deform to receive the engagement flanges 124. In another embodiment, both the engagement flanges 124 and the opening of the mating connector deform to create a press-fit. The engagement flanges 124 may include grooves, notches, protrusions, or the like that engage corresponding features on the mating connector.
The contact end 108 extends from the front end 126 of the intermediate body portion 112. The contact end 108 steps down a distance 134 from the top 130 of the intermediate body portion 112. Alternatively, the contact end 108 may step up from the bottom 132 of the intermediate body portion 112. The contact end 108 extends along the axis 118. Alternatively, the contact end 108 extends parallel to the axis 118. The contact end 108 has a flat configuration. Alternatively, the contact end 108 may be formed as a cylinder having a circumference. In another embodiment, the contact end 108 has any shape having a perimeter.
The engagement flanges 124 extend from the contact end 108. The engagement flanges 124 include ribs 136 that extend outward from the engagement flange 124. In one embodiment, a first rib 138 extends upward from an engagement flange 124 in a first direction 140. The first rib 138 extends between the contact end 108 and a line 142 defined by the top 130 of the intermediate body portion 112. A second rib 144 extends downward from another engagement flange 124 in a second direction 146. The second rib 144 extends between the contact end 108 and a line 148 defined by the bottom 132 of the intermediate body portion 112. In one embodiment, the contact end 108 includes only one rib 136 extending upward or downward. In another embodiment, the contact end 108 includes any number of ribs 136 extending upward, downward, and/or outward. In one embodiment, both ribs 138 and 144 extend from the same engagement flange 124.
The connector 120 of the contact end 108 steps down a distance 152 proximate to the engagement flanges 124. The connector 120 may extend along the axis 118. Alternatively, the connector 120 extends parallel to the axis 118. The connector 120 has a flat configuration. Alternatively, the connector 120 may have a cylindrical configuration having a circumference. In another embodiment, the connector 120 has any shape having a perimeter. The connector 120 includes the engagement features 122. The engagement features 122 extend outward from the connector 120 within the same plane as the connector 120. Alternatively, the engagement features 122 may extend upward and/or downward from the connector 120.
The socket end 110 of the contact 104 extends from the back end 128 of the intermediate body portion 112. The socket end 110 may extend along the axis 118. Alternatively, the socket end 110 may extend parallel to the axis 118. The socket end 110 includes a front end 154 and a back end 156. The front end 154 is joined to the back end 128 of the intermediate body portion. The tines 114 extend proximate to the back end 156 of the socket end 110. The tines 114 include a front end 158 and a back end 160. The back end 160 is positioned at the back end 156 of the socket end 110. The tines 114 taper inward toward the axis 118 from the front end 158 to the back end 160. Alternatively, the tines 114 may taper outward from the back end 160 to the front end 158.
The socket end 110 includes a top 151 and a bottom 153. The socket end 110 includes two contact fasteners 116. One of the contact fasteners 116 is located at the top 151 of the socket end 110. The other contact fastener 116 is located at the bottom 153 of the socket end 110. The contact fasteners 116 are configured to secure the hood 180 to the socket end 110 such that it can be properly installed within the connector 50. The contact fasteners 116 are aligned along the axis 118 of the contact 104. Alternatively, the contact fasteners 116 may be offset along the axis 118 of the contact 104. In one embodiment, the socket end 110 of the contact 104 may include more than one contact fastener 116 on the top 151 and/or the bottom 153 of the socket end 110. Optionally, the socket end 110 may include contact fastener 116 at intermediate locations between the top 151 and the bottom 153 of the socket end 110.
The tines 114 are configured to engage a wire and/or contact of the electrical connector 50. The tines 114 are electrically coupled to the cable 58. The tines 114 receive and carry data and/or power signals through the electrical contact 104. The tines 114 may be inserted into a corresponding contact within the electrical connector 50. The tines 114 may attach to the wires 59 (shown in
The contact fasteners 116 are provided between the front end 154 and the back end 156 of the socket end 110. The contact fasteners 116 may be positioned at any intermediate location between the front end 154 and the back end 156 of the socket end 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact fasteners 116 are positioned between the front end 154 of the socket end 110 and the tines 114. The contact fasteners 116 are formed as an aperture that extends through the socket end 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact fastener 116 is formed as a circular aperture. In alternative embodiments, the contact fastener 116 may have any shape. Alternatively, the contact fasteners 116 may be formed as grooves, notches, protrusions, or the like.
By utilizing at least two contact fasteners 116, the contact 104 may be uniformly retained within the connector 50. The contact fasteners 116 provide retention forces on the contact 104 around the circumference 161 of the socket end 110. The contact fasteners 116 may be evenly spaced to provide a uniform retention force around the circumference 161 of the contact 104. A retention force is applied to each of the contact fasteners 116. The contact 104 may experience outside forces, for example, forces on the connector 50. The forces on the connector 50 may be imposed at an angle with respect to the axis 118 of the contact. The uniform retention force provided by the contact fasteners 116 prevents the contact from becoming misaligned within the connector 50 due to the forces on the connector 50. The contact fasteners 116 also prevent the contact from being dislodged from the connector 50 when experiencing an angular force with respect to the axis 118 of the contact 104.
The socket end 110 includes two contact fasteners 116. The contact fasteners 116 are formed as apertures that extend through the outer surface 190 of the socket end 110. The contact fasteners 116 may extend partially through the socket end 110. Alternatively, the contact fasteners 116 extend entirely through the socket end 110. The electrical contacts fasteners 116 are formed as apertures having a circular shape. Alternatively, the contact fasteners 116 may be formed as apertures having any shape. In another embodiment, the contact fasteners 116 may be formed as a notch, groove, tab, or the like that is configured to engage a corresponding feature on the contact hood 180. The contact fasteners 116 are equally spaced 180 degrees about the circumference of the socket end 110.
The contact hood 180 includes an axis 200. The hood fasteners 188 extend from the inner surface 192 of the contact hood 180 toward the axis 200. The hood fasteners 188 are configured to be retained within the contact fasteners 116. The hood fasteners 180 are formed as protrusions. The hood fasteners 180 have an arcuate shape. Alternatively, the hood fasteners 180 may have any shape that is capable of being received within a contact fastener 116. The hood fasteners 188 are positioned 180 degrees apart around the circumference of the contact hood 180. The hood fasteners 188 are spaced to correspond to the spacing of the contact fasteners 116 of the contact 104. The contact hood 180 may include any number of hood fasteners 188. In one embodiment, the contact 104 has at least as many contact fasteners 116 as the contact hood 180 has hood fasteners 188. The hood fasteners 188 and the contact fasteners 116 form a symmetrical force on the contact 104.
The socket end 300 includes an axis 308. Contact fasteners 310 extend from the outer surface 304 of the socket end 300. The contact fasteners 310 extend outward from the axis 308 of the socket end 300. The contact fasteners 310 are formed as protrusions having an arcuate shape. Alternatively, the contact fasteners 310 may have any suitable shape. The contact fasteners 310 are evenly spaced about the socket end 110.
The contact hood 302 includes hood fasteners 312 extending therethrough. The hood fasteners 312 are formed as apertures that are sized to receive the contact fasteners 310 of the socket end 300. The hood fasteners 312 are evenly spaced about the contact hood 302. The hood fasteners 312 are spaced to align with the contact fasteners 310 of the socket end 110. The hood fasteners 312 engage the contact fasteners 310 of the socket end 110 to retain the socket end 110 within the contact hood 302.
The present embodiment includes multiple contact fasteners and corresponding hood fasteners. The fasteners align the contacts with contacts of a corresponding mating connector. The fasteners may be equally spaced about the contact and the contact hood. The fasteners provide uniform retention of the contact within a contact hood about a perimeter of the contact. The fasteners prevent the contact from becoming dislodged from the contact hood due to angular forces on the contact.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
