Patent Grant
8888541
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a press-fit type connector terminal to be inserted into an electrically conductive through-hole formed through a printed circuit board.
Description of the Related Art
Various press-fit type connector terminals have been suggested. For instance, they have a terminal contact section having a cross-section in a needle-eye, C-shaped, N-shaped or Σ-shaped form.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-134275 has suggested a connection terminal including a head to which a cable is connected, and a body to be inserted into a through-hole formed through a substrate. The body is centrally formed with a hole extending in a length-wise direction thereof, and the hole is formed with a plurality of slits extending from an inner wall to an outer wall of the body. The hole is filled with electrically conductive adhesive.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-157469 has suggested a press-fit type terminal including a press-fit section, a terminal base, and a male terminal. The press-fit section includes a contact having a shape which is readily able to make contact with a through-hole, and a compression section composed of elastic material. The compression section is inserted into an opening of the contact, and the compression section exerts an elastic force on the contact such that the contact is compressed onto the through-hole.
The International Publication WO 2006/077827 has suggested a press-fit terminal including a press-fit contact section making electrical contact with an electrically conductive through-hole formed through a printed circuit board. A single underlying plating layer or a plurality of underlying plating layer is(are) formed on a surface of a base material of the press-fit contact section. On the uppermost playing layer is formed a layer composed of an alloy of Sn and a plating metal of which the uppermost playing layer is composed, and non-alloyed Sn is mixed in an outermost layer of the alloy layer.
Since the above-identified conventional press-fit type connector terminals are designed to have an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, and have a press-fit section having low elasticity and to be inserted into a through-hole for making contact with the through-hole, a printed circuit board tends to be whitened due to a contact pressure exerted on the through-hole by the press-fit section, and a playing layer of the through-hole sometimes peels off. Since whitening of a printed circuit board means molecular destruction of components of which the board is composed, the molecular destruction induces not only degradation in electrical insulation of a printed circuit board and deterioration in a withstand voltage, but also an increase in a resistance of a circuit pattern.
In view of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional press-fit type connector terminals, it is an object of the present invention to provide a press-fit type connector terminal which is capable of reducing a force with which a press-fit circuit board, avoiding a contact section from being plastically deformed when a press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole, avoiding a printed circuit board from being whitened, avoiding a plated surface of a through-hole from being degraded, and providing superior contact-reliability.
In the first aspect of the present invention, a press-fit type connector terminal including a pin section having a U-shaped or quadrangular cross-section, and a contact section situated at a front end of the pin section, the contact section including a contact piece surrounding an imaginary center line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pin section, the contact piece being in the form of a barrel or a spindle, and a slit formed at a part of the contact piece and extending substantially parallel to the imaginary center line, the connector terminal being comprised of a single bent metal plate having elasticity.
In the press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the present invention, the contact piece designed in the form of a barrel or a spindle is able to elastically enlarge or reduce a diameter thereof by virtue of the slits, ensuring that the contact piece defining the contact section can be elastically deformed to be inserted into a through-hole when the contact piece is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, the contact section does no longer exert an excessive compression force (contact pressure) onto an inner surface of a through-hole. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a force with which the press-fit type connector terminal in inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, prevent the contact section from being plastically deformed when the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole, prevent a printed circuit board from being whitened, and further prevent a plated surface of a through-hole from being degraded. Furthermore, since the contact piece inserted into a through-hole makes contact with an inner surface of the through-hole, keeping a force with which the contact piece enlarges a diameter thereof, by virtue of elastic force of the metal plate, there can be provided superior contact-reliability.
The press-fit type connector terminal may be designed to further include an inner shaft section situated in the contact section and continuous with at least one of the pin section and the contact piece.
By so designing the press-fit type connector terminal, it is possible to increase a strength of the press-fit type connector terminal, and ensure stable contact.
In the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a press-fit type connector terminal including a pin section having a U-shaped or quadrangular cross-section, and a contact section situated at a front end of the pin section, the contact section including a plurality of “<”-shaped or arcuate contact pieces having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to an imaginary center line extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the pin section, and outwardly protruding so as to surround the imaginary center line, the connector terminal being comprised of a single bent metal plate having elasticity.
In the press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the present invention, the contact section can be entirely in the form of a barrel which is able to elastically enlarge or reduce a diameter thereof, ensuring that since a plurality of the contact pieces defining the contact section are elastically deformed to be inserted into a through-hole when the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, the contact section does no longer exert an excessive compression force (contact pressure) onto an inner surface of a through-hole. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a force with which the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, prevent the contact section from being plastically deformed when the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole, prevent a printed circuit board from being whitened, and further prevent a plated surface of a through-hole from being degraded. Furthermore, since the contact pieces inserted into a through-hole makes contact with an inner surface of the through-hole at a plurality of points, keeping a force with which the contact piece enlarges a diameter thereof, there can be provided superior contact-reliability.
In addition, since the press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the present invention can be formed by bending a single metal plate having elasticity; it is possible to reduce a number of parts and reduce fabrication costs. Comparing the “<”-shaped contact piece to the arcuate contact piece, the arcuate contact piece tends to have a higher yield strength, and hence, does not degrade until it deforms in a relatively much degree. Thus, the arcuate contact piece is superior to the “<”-shaped contact piece for enhancing repeatability with which the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into and pulled out of a through-hole.
In the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a press-fit type connector terminal including a pin section having a U-shaped or quadrangular cross-section, and an inner shaft section situated at a front end of the pin section, and a contact section including a plurality of “<”-shaped or arcuate contact pieces having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section, and outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section, the connector terminal being comprised of a single bent metal plate having elasticity.
In the press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the present invention, similarly to the second aspect of the present invention, the contact section can be entirely in the form of a barrel which is able to elastically enlarge or reduce a diameter thereof, ensuring that since a plurality of the contact pieces defining the contact section are elastically deformed to be inserted into a through-hole when the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, the contact section does no longer exert an excessive compression force (contact pressure) onto an inner surface of a through-hole. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a force with which the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, prevent the contact section from being plastically deformed when the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole, prevent a printed circuit board from being whitened, and further prevent a plated surface of a through-hole from being degraded. Furthermore, since the contact pieces inserted into a through-hole makes contact with an inner surface of the through-hole at a plurality of points, keeping a force with which the contact piece enlarges a diameter thereof, there can be provided superior contact-reliability.
In addition, since the contact section is designed to include a plurality of contact pieces having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section, and outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section, the inner shaft section is situated at the center of the contact pieces, ensuring stable contact.
In addition, similarly to the third aspect of the present invention, since the press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the present invention can be formed by bending a single metal plate having elasticity, it is possible to reduce a number of parts and reduce fabrication costs.
It is preferable that the contact pieces are equally spaced away from adjacent ones.
By so designing the contact pieces, each of the contact pieces makes contact with an inner surface of a through-hole, keeping a force for enlarging a diameter thereof, and hence, the contact pieces make contact with an inner surface of a through-hole at a plurality of positions at an equal pitch, contact reliability can be enhanced.
It is preferable that the inner shaft section is formed at an outer surface thereof with a protrusion protruding towards the contact piece.
By so designing the inner shaft section, it is possible to prevent the excessive deformation of the contact pieces caused by reduction in a diameter of the contact pieces, by virtue of the protrusion, when the contact section of the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, ensuring that repeatability with which the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into an pulled out of a through-hole can be enhanced.
It is preferable that the press-fit type connector terminal further includes C-shaped binders arranged around distal and proximal ends of the contact piece so as to surround the imaginary center line.
By designing the press-fit type connector terminal to further include the C-shaped binders, it is possible to stably arrange a plurality of the contact pieces, ensuring that contact reliability can be enhanced.
It is preferable that the press-fit type connector terminal further includes a tapered inclining section at a distal end of the binder situated at a distal end of the contact piece.
By designing the press-fit type connector terminal to further include the tapered inclining section, since the tapered inclining section continuous to a distal end of the binder makes contact with an inner surface of a through-hole at an opening of the through-hole, and then, is guided into the through-hole when the contact section of the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, ensuring insertability of the contact section can be enhanced.
It is preferable that the press-fit type connector terminal further includes a shoulder having a portion protruding beyond an outer surface of the pin section, or a flange having a portion having a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the pin section.
By designing the press-fit type connector terminal to further include the shoulder or the flange, since it is possible to exert a compression force on the shoulder having a portion protruding beyond an outer surface of the pin section, or the flange having a portion having a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the pin section in order to insert the contact section into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, ensuring that workability with which the contact section is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board can be enhanced.
It is preferable that the metal plate includes a band-shaped first area for forming the pin section, a band-shaped second area for forming the inner shaft section, the second area being continuous to a distal end of the first area and having a width smaller than the same of the first area, a connection area continuous to a distal end of the second area and having a width smaller than the same of the second area, and a third area for forming the contact section, the third area including a plurality of slits extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second area, the third area being continuous to a distal end of the connection area and being in the substantially rectangular form having a width greater than the same of the second area.
By so designing the metal plate, it is possible to form the press-fit type connector terminal by folding the first area and the second area around the connection area longitudinally continuous to the first and second areas, folding the third area by 180 degrees towards the second area around the connection area, and bending the third area such that the third area surrounds the second area, ensuring that a fabrication yield can be enhanced.
The metal plate may be designed to include a band-shaped first area for forming the pin section, a band-shaped second area for forming the inner shaft section, the second area being continuous to a distal end of the first area and having a width smaller than the same of the first area, and a third area for forming the contact section, the third area including a plurality of slits extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second area, the third area being continuous to a distal end of the second area and being in the substantially rectangular form having a width greater than the same of the second area.
The metal plate may be designed to include a band-shaped first area for forming the pin section, a third area for forming the contact section, the third area including a plurality of slits extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first area, the third area being continuous to a distal end of the first area and being in the substantially rectangular form having a width greater than the same of the first area, and a band-shaped second area for forming the inner shaft section, the second area being continuous to a distal end of the third area and having a width smaller than the same of the third area.
It is preferable that at least a portion of the first area has a thickness greater than a thickness of the third area.
By so designing the first area, it is possible to accomplish an optimal contact load regardless of a thickness of the first and third areas.
It is preferable that the second area includes a fourth area for forming a protrusion protruding both in width-wise and thickness-wise directions of the second area.
By designing the second area to include the fourth area, a protrusion protruding towards the contact pieces can be readily formed on an outer surface of the inner shaft section.
The metal plate may be designed to include a band-shaped first area for forming the pin section, and a third area for forming the contact section, the third area including a plurality of slits extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first area, the third area being continuous to a distal end of the first area and being in the substantially rectangular form having a width greater than the same of the first area.
By so designing the metal plate, it is possible to readily form the press-fit type connector terminal having the pin section and the contact section, but not having the inner shaft section. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to form the second area for forming the inner shaft section, it is possible to reduce a volume of the metal plate and lighten the press-fit type connector terminal.
The metal plate may be designed to include a band-shaped first area for forming the pin section, and a third area for forming the contact section, the third area being continuous to a distal end of the first area and being in the substantially rectangular form having a width greater than the same of the first area.
By so designing the metal plate, it is possible to readily form the press-fit type connector terminal having the contact pieces in the form of a barrel or a spindle, and the slits formed at the contact pieces, but not having the inner shaft section.
The press-fit type connector terminal may be designed to further include a band-shaped second area for forming the inner shaft section, the second area being situated continuous to a distal end of the third area or between the first area and the third area, the second area having a width smaller than the same of the third area.
By so designing the press-fit type connector terminal, the press-fit type connector terminal having the inner shaft section within the contact pieces which are in the form of a barrel or a spindle can be readily formed.
The advantages obtained by the aforementioned present invention will be described hereinbelow.
The present invention provides the press-fit type connector terminal which is capable of reducing a force with which the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board, avoiding the contact section from being plastically deformed when the press-fit type connector terminal is inserted into a through-hole, avoiding a printed circuit board from being whitened, avoiding a plated surface of a through-hole from being degraded, and providing superior contact reliability.
The above and other objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be made apparent from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.
FIG. is a perspective view of the press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
(First Embodiment)
As illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 100 includes a pin section 11 having a U-shaped cross-section, an inner shaft section 12 continuous to a front end of the pin section 11, and a contact section 14 including a plurality of “<”-shaped contact pieces 13 extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section 12, outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section 12, and equally spaced away from adjacent ones.
Each of the contact pieces 13 defining the contact section 14 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with C-shaped binders 15 and 16 surrounding the inner shaft section 12.
As illustrated in
Accordingly, as illustrated in
Furthermore, since each of the contact pieces 13 defining the contact section 14 having been inserted into the through-hole 21 equally makes contact with an inner surface of the through-hole 21 at a plurality of positions, keeping a force by which the contact pieces 13 enlarge a diameter thereof, contact defectiveness would not occur, providing superior contact reliability.
In addition, as illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 100 is formed by bending a single metal plate 10 having elasticity, illustrated in
The second area 2 has a width 2w smaller than a width 1w of the first area 1. The connection area 3 has a width 3w smaller than the width 2w of the second area 2 (the width 3w is a half of the width 2w). The third area 5 has a width 5w greater than the width 2w of the second area 2. The third area 5 is formed with a plurality of slits 4 extending in parallel with a longitudinal direction L (see
The press-fit type connector terminal 100 illustrated in
First, both the first area 1 and the second area 2 are folded around a fold line 6 extending in a length-wise direction L of the first and second areas 1 and 2 such that the first and second areas 1 and 2 have a U-shaped cross-section. Then, the third area 5 is folded by 180 degrees towards the second area 2 around a fold line 3a crossing the connection area 3. Then, the third area 5 is bent such that edges 5a and 5b extending perpendicularly to the length-wise direction L are C-shaped, and pillars 5c of the third area 5 extending in parallel with the length-wise direction L are in the “<”-shaped form to thereby cause the third area 5 to be in the form of a barrel surrounding the inner shaft section 2.
As mentioned above, since the press-fit type connector terminal 100 can be formed by bending the single metal plate 100 having elasticity, it is possible to reduce a number of parts and reduce fabrication costs.
(Second Embodiment)
Hereinbelow is explained the press-fit type connector terminal 200 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
The press-fit type connector terminal 200 includes a pin section 211 having a U-shaped cross-section, an inner shaft section 212 continuous to a front end of the pin section 211, and a contact section 214 including a plurality of “<”-shaped contact pieces 213 extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section 212, outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section 212, and equally spaced away from adjacent ones.
Each of the contact pieces 213 defining the contact section 214 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with almost C-shaped binders 215 and 216 surrounding the inner shaft section 212. The pin section 211 is formed in the vicinity of the contact section 214 with shoulders 201 protruding beyond an outer surface of the pin section 211.
The contact section 214 has the same shape and functions as those of the contact section 14 of the press-fit type connector terminal 100 illustrated in
In addition, since the press-fit type connector terminal 200 has the inner shaft section 212, it is possible to perpendicularly insert the press-fit type connector terminal 200 into a through-hole. Furthermore, even if the press-fit type connector terminal 200 were inclined when inserted into a through-hole, since the contact pieces 213 make contact with the inner shaft section 212, it is possible to prevent the press-fit type connector terminal 200 from excessively inclining, ensuring that the contact pieces 213 are not plastically deformed, and hence, can good contact condition with a through-hole.
As illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 200 illustrated in
First, the first area 221 is folded around a fold line 225 extending in a length-wise direction of the first area 221 such that the first area 221 has a U-shaped cross-section. Then, a connection section 226 situated at a boundary between the first area 221 and the second area 222 is stepped. Then, the third area 223 is bent such that pillars 223c of the third area 223 are in the “<”-shaped form to thereby cause the third area 223 to be in the form of a barrel surrounding the inner shaft section 222.
By fabricating the press-fit type connector terminal 200 through the use of the metal plate 210 having a shape illustrated in
(Third Embodiment)
Hereinbelow is explained the press-fit type connector terminal 300 in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
The press-fit type connector terminal 300 includes a pin section 311 having a U-shaped cross-section, an inner shaft section 312 continuous to a front end of the pin section 311, and a contact section 314 including a plurality of “<”-shaped contact pieces 313 extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section 312, outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section 312, and equally spaced away from adjacent ones.
Each of the contact pieces 313 defining the contact section 314 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with C-shaped binders 315 and 316 surrounding the inner shaft section 312. The pin section 311 is formed in the vicinity of the contact section 314 with a flange 301 having a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the pin section 311.
The contact section 314 has the same shape and functions as those of the contact section 14 of the press-fit type connector terminal 100 illustrated in
In addition, since the press-fit type connector terminal 300 has the inner shaft section 312 illustrated in
As illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 300 illustrated in
First, the first area 321 and the second area 325 are folded around fold lines 327 and 328 extending in a length-wise direction of the first and second areas 321 and 325, respectively, such that the first and second areas 321 and 325 have a U-shaped cross-section. Then, the metal plate 310 is folded by 180 degrees around a fold line 329, and the fourth area 326 is bent in the form of a ring so as to surround the pin section 311. Thereafter, the third area 323 is bent such that pillars 323c of the third area 323 are in the “<”-shaped form to thereby cause the third area 323 to be in the form of a barrel surrounding the inner shaft section 312.
By fabricating the press-fit type connector terminal 300 through the use of the metal plate 310 having a shape illustrated in
(Fourth Embodiment)
Hereinbelow is explained the press-fit type connector terminal 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
The press-fit type connector terminal 400 includes a pin section 411 having a quadrangular cross-section, an inner shaft section 412 continuous to a front end of the pin section 411, and a contact section 414 including a plurality of “<”-shaped contact pieces 413 extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section 412, outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section 412, and equally spaced away from adjacent ones.
Each of the contact pieces 413 defining the contact section 414 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with C-shaped binders 415 and 416 surrounding the square-pole shaped inner shaft section 412. The pin section 411 is formed at a center in a length-wise direction with shoulders 401 protruding beyond an outer surface of the pin section 411.
The contact section 414 has the same shape and functions as those of the contact section 14 of the press-fit type connector terminal 100 illustrated in
Since the press-fit type connector terminal 400 is designed to have the inner shaft section 412 having a quadrangular cross-section and being in the form of a square pole, it is possible to perpendicularly insert the press-fit type connector terminal 400 into a through-hole. Furthermore, even if the press-fit type connector terminal 400 were inclined when inserted into a through-hole, since the contact pieces 413 make contact with the inner shaft section 412, it is possible to prevent the press-fit type connector terminal 400 from excessively inclining, ensuring that the contact pieces 413 are not plastically deformed, and hence, can good contact condition with a through-hole.
The press-fit type connector terminal 400 illustrated in
The first area 421 includes at a center in a length-wise direction thereof a fifth area 427 for forming the shoulders 401. The first area 421 has a thickness greater than a thickness of the third area 423. The second area 422 has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first area 421, but greater than a thickness of the third area 423. A relation among the thicknesses of the first to third areas 421, 422 and 423 can be changed by selecting a metal plate having a different shape, collapsing the first to third areas by pressing, or cutting the first to third areas.
The press-fit type connector terminal 400 illustrated in
First, the third area 423 is folded by 180 degrees towards the second area 422 around a fold line 426 situated at a boundary between the second area 422 and the third area 423. Then, the third area 423 is bent such that side edges 423a and 423b of the third area 423 are in the C-shaped form and that pillars 423c of the third area 423 are bend in the “<”-shaped form to thereby cause the third area 423 to be in the form of a barrel surrounding the inner shaft section 422 therein.
By fabricating the press-fit type connector terminal 400 through the use of the metal plate 410 having a shape illustrated in
(Fifth Embodiment)
Hereinbelow is explained the press-fit type connector terminal 500 in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
The press-fit type connector terminal 500 includes a pin section 511 having a U-shaped cross-section, an inner shaft section 512 continuous to a front end of the pin section 511, and a contact section 514 including a plurality of arcuate contact pieces 513 extending in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the inner shaft section 512, outwardly protruding so as to surround the inner shaft section 512, and equally spaced away from adjacent ones.
The inner shaft section 512 is formed at an outer surface thereof with a plurality of protrusions 501 protruding towards the contact pieces 513. Each of the contact pieces 513 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with C-shaped binders 515 and 516 surrounding the inner shaft section 512. The binder 515 situated at front ends of the contact pieces 513 is designed to include at a distal end thereof a tapered inclining section 502. The pin section 511 is formed in the vicinity of the contact section 514 in a length-wise direction thereof with shoulders 503 protruding beyond an outer surface of the pin section 511.
The press-fit type connector terminal 500 is used in the same way and has the same functions as the press-fit type connector terminal 200 illustrated in
Furthermore, since the press-fit type connector terminal 500 is designed to include the tapered inclining section 502 at a distal end of the binder 515 situated at distal ends of the contact pieces 513, when the contact section 514 of the press-fit type connector terminal 500 is inserted into the through-hole 21 (see
Each of the contact pieces 513 defining the contact section 514 in the press-fit type connector terminal 500 is designed to be arcuate. Since the arcuate contact pieces have a higher yield strength than the same of the “<”-shaped contact pieces, it is possible to prevent the contact pieces 513 from being degraded until they deform in a relatively much degree. Thus, the arcuate contact piece 513 is superior to the “<”-shaped contact piece for enhancing repeatability with which the press-fit type connector terminal 500 is inserted into and pulled out of the through-hole 21.
The press-fit type connector terminal 500 illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 500 illustrated in
First, the first area 521 and the second area 525 are folded around fold lines 527 and 528 extending in a length-wise direction of the first and second areas 521 and 525, respectively, such that the first and second areas 521 and 525 have a U-shaped cross-section. Then, the fifth area 526 is folded such that the fifth area 526 protrudes beyond the pin section 511. Then, the second area 525 is folded by 180 degrees around a fold line 529 towards the third area 523. Thereafter, the third area 523 is bent such that pillars 523c of the third area 523 are arcuate to thereby cause the third area 523 to be in the form of a barrel surrounding the inner shaft section 512.
By fabricating the press-fit type connector terminal 500 through the use of the metal plate 510 having a shape illustrated in
(Sixth Embodiment)
Hereinbelow is explained the press-fit type connector terminal 600 in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
The press-fit type connector terminal 600 includes a pin section 611 having a U-shaped cross-section, and a contact section 614 continuous to a front end of the pin section 611. The contact section 614 includes a plurality of “<”-shaped contact pieces 613 extending in parallel with an imaginary center line 614c extending in a length-wise direction L of the pin section 611, and outwardly protruding so as to surround the imaginary center line 614c.
A plurality of the contact pieces 613 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with C-shaped binders 615 and 616 surrounding the imaginary center line 614c. The binder 615 situated at front ends of the contact pieces 613 is designed to include at a distal end thereof a tapered inclining section 602. The pin section 611 is formed in the vicinity of the contact section 614 in a length-wise direction L thereof with shoulders 603 protruding beyond an outer surface of the pin section 611.
The press-fit type connector terminal 600 illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 600 illustrated in
First, the first area 621 is folded around a fold line 627 extending in a length-wise direction of the first areas 621 such that the first area 621 has a U-shaped cross-section. Then, the fifth area 626 is folded such that the fifth area 626 protrudes beyond the pin section 611. Thereafter, the third area 623 is bent such that pillars 623c of the third area 623 are “<”-shaped to thereby cause the third area 623 to be in the form of a barrel surrounding the imaginary center line 614c.
The press-fit type connector terminal 600 is used in the same way and has the same functions as the press-fit type connector terminal 200 illustrated in
(Seventh Embodiment)
Hereinbelow is explained the press-fit type connector terminal 700 in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
As illustrated in
The contact pieces 713 is formed at both distal and proximal ends thereof with C-shaped binders 615 and 616 surrounding the inner shaft section 712 substantially coaxial with the imaginary center line 714c. The binder 715 situated at a front end of the contact piece 713 is designed to include at a distal end thereof a tapered inclining section 702. The pin section 711 is formed in the vicinity of the contact section 714 in a length-wise direction L thereof with shoulders 703 protruding beyond outer surfaces of the pin section 711 and the contact section 714. As illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 700 illustrated in
The press-fit type connector terminal 700 illustrated in
First, the first area 721 and the second area 725 are folded around fold lines 727 and 728 extending in a length-wise direction of the first and second areas 721 and 725 such that the first and second areas 721 and 725 have a U-shaped cross-section to thereby form the pin section 711 and the inner shaft section 712. Then, the fifth area 726 is folded such that the fifth area 726 protrudes beyond the pin section 711. Thereafter, the inner shaft section 712 made from the second area 715 is folded by 180 degrees around a fold line 729 towards the third area 723 to thereby cause the third area 723 to surround the inner shaft section 712 and to be in the form of a barrel having the slit 701 (see
The press-fit type connector terminal 700 is used in the same way and has the same functions as the press-fit type connector terminal 400 illustrated in
A shape of the contact section 714 is not to be limited to a barrel. The contact section 714 may be designed to be in the form of a spindle outwardly protruding in a curved surface at a center in a length-wise direction of the imaginary center line 714c. Furthermore, the press-fit type connector terminal 700 may be designed not to include the inner shaft section 712.
The above-mentioned press-fit type connector terminals 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 are just examples of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not to be limited to those examples.
Industrial Applicability
The press-fit type connector terminal in accordance with the present invention can be broadly employed, for instance, in fields of electric/electronic industry and automobile industry as a connector to be inserted into a through-hole formed through a printed circuit board.
While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-58817 filed on Feb. 28, 2012 including specification, claims, drawings and summary is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-58817 | Mar 2012 | JP | national |
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| 2009-21016 | Jan 2009 | JP |
| 2006077827 | Jul 2006 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| European Search Report dated Jun. 21, 2013 in corresponding European Patent Application No. EP 13 15 3883. |
| Japanese Office Action (OA) issued Jul. 30, 2013 in Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-058817. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20130244512 A1 | Sep 2013 | US |
