Secured By Part Resiliently Gripping Insulation Patents (Class 439/751)
  • Patent number: 7670196
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A segment of the first leg may be deformed in one direction, while a segment of the second leg may deformed in the opposite direction. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Patent number: 7661998
    Abstract: An electrical contact configured to engage an electrical component. The contact includes a compressive body that is configured to be press-fit into a hole of the electrical component. The body includes a center portion and a pair of opposing arcuate arms that extend along a central axis. The arcuate arms project from the center portion to respective end portions and are configured to bend toward each other when inserted into the hole. The arcuate arms form a transition region and a compliant region of the body where the transition region engages the hole before the compliant region. The end portions of the transition region have a first arcuate path and the end portions of the compliant region have a second arcuate path. The second arcuate path has a greater radius of curvature than the first arcuate path before the body is inserted into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Sypolt, James Lee Fedder
  • Patent number: 7661997
    Abstract: Contacts (16) of a circuit component (12) have contact top regions (30) that extend down close to the upper face of a circuit board, and have contact inboard regions (32) that each lies primarily in a plated circuit board hole (34), wherein each contact is formed of bent sheet metal. The contact has a box-shaped cross-section along most of its length, which includes rear and front walls (40, 41) and first and second side walls (42, 44). Along the inboard region, the first side wall has a forward extension (90) that is bent by 90° to form a front wall with a free edge (94) that lies against the front (52) of the second side wall. Along a lower portion of the top region the side walls have forward projections (64, 66) that form upper shoulders (60, 62) for receiving downward forces to press the inboard portions down into the circuit board holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Woody Wurster
  • Publication number: 20090325406
    Abstract: A press-fit contact to be press-fit into a hole formed in a substrate so as to be retained in and electrically connected to the substrate includes a retention part configured to be retained in the substrate by being press-fit into the hole and a contact part configured to be electrically connected to the substrate, wherein the retention part and the contact part are separated and spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Setsuo Kojima
  • Patent number: 7632157
    Abstract: An electrical connector has a plurality of first contact pieces, each including a body portion, an arm portion extending from the body portion and a leg portion extending from the body portion, a plurality of second contact pieces, each including a body portion, an arm portion extending from the body portion and a leg portion extending from the body portion. The leg portion of each first contact piece is twisted at a right angle with respect to the body portion of the first contact piece and the leg portion of each second contact piece is twisted at a right angle with respect to the body portion of the second contact piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Imai
  • Publication number: 20090269991
    Abstract: A contact pin is adapted for matching a via in a printed circuit board to generate a reliable electrical connection therebetween, and has a pin body and a contact portion. The contact portion is electrically fixed to the pin body and is bendable to be curved extending from one end of the pin body to the other end thereof. The contact portion is flexible metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fei Gao
  • Publication number: 20090221192
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A segment of the first leg may be deformed in one direction, while a segment of the second leg may deformed in the opposite direction. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Douglas W. Glover, David W. Helster, Chad W. Morgan, Brent Rothermel, Alex M. Sharf, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Publication number: 20090197439
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical press-in contact, particularly press-in pin con-tact, for transmitting electric current and/or electrical signals, comprising a press-in section and a mounting section which are mechanically coupled with each other via a relief section, and the relief section comprises a compensating portion and a stop portion, wherein the compensating portion allows a coupled relative movement of the press-in section and the mounting section, and the stop portion blocks a movement of press-in section and mounting section towards each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical or electronic module or a printed circuit board comprising an electrical press-in contact according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: VINCOTECH HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Janos Nabilek, Ralf Ehler
  • Patent number: 7559809
    Abstract: A connector terminal holding structure which holds a metallic connector terminal press-fitted into a resin case is provided. The connector terminal includes a terminal contact portion that has such a width as not to come in contact with a discharge hole of a through-groove provided in the resin case, a press-fitted width portion that is connected to the terminal contact portion and has such a width as to be press-fitted into the inner wall of the discharge hole, and an insertion position determination portion that determines an insertion position of the connector terminal. The connector terminal is inserted into the through-groove from the terminal contact portion so as to be exposed from the discharge hole, the insertion position of the connector terminal is determined by the insertion position determination portion, and only the vicinity of a leading end portion of the press-fitted width portion is press-fitted into and held by the inner wall of the discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Takahashi, Yasuo Tsuchida
  • Patent number: 7549897
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal may include a base, an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end, a slit formed through the insertion portion and defining a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. Midpoints of each or both legs may be offset from the midpoint of the slit to achieve improved mechanical and electrical performance within a connector. Also provided is an electrical terminal having a tip that facilitates alignment with a panel member aperture and provides tactile feedback to a user, as well as an electrical terminal having a mounting end that is substantially smaller than its mating end, and connectors containing such terminals. Methods of routing electrical traces between adjacent electrical terminals are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Douglas W. Glover, David W. Helster, Chad W. Morgan, Brent Rothermel, Alex M. Sharf, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Patent number: 7532484
    Abstract: An electronic component assembly includes an electrical component assembled to a base and mounted to a support. The component electrical leads protrude through holes, along a channel, and make contact with connectors on the base. The base is formed of a polymeric material and contains protrusions for mechanically supporting the electrical component. When the base is mounted to the support, the connectors complete the electrical connection between the electrical component and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Sailor, Hugh R. Hunkeler, Lee R. Hinze
  • Patent number: 7527533
    Abstract: A press-fit contact for a plug-in connector, a conductor bar or the like, has a press-in pin at its rear end. A slot is provided in lengthwise direction of the press-in pin. At least one projection is disposed on at least one boundary face of the slot, and a recess, neighboring the projection, is disposed in the circumferential direction of the press-in pin. The recess forms together with the projection a spring element that provides at least part of the retention pressure in the pressed-in condition of the press-in pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: ERNI Electronics GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Lappoehn
  • Patent number: 7503811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an interconnect device for a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignees: Phicom Corporation
    Inventors: Dongweon Seo, Juntae Hwang
  • Patent number: 7488219
    Abstract: An onboard connector is mounted on a circuit board. The onboard connector includes a plurality of terminals, each of which having a first electrical contact portion formed at one end portion thereof so as to be electrically connected to a mating connector and a second electrical contact portion formed at the other end portion thereof so as to be press-fitted into the corresponding through-hole land to electrically contact an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole land, the second electrical contact portion being plated, and a connector housing including a plurality of terminal receiving chambers which are open to a lower face of the connector housing. The terminals are received in the connector housing so that the second electrical contact portions project from the lower surface of the connector housing through openings of the respective terminal receiving chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kaoru Matsumura
  • Publication number: 20090035999
    Abstract: A connector terminal holding structure which holds a metallic connector terminal press-fitted into a resin case is provided. The connector terminal includes a terminal contact portion that has such a width as not to come in contact with a discharge hole of a through-groove provided in the resin case, a press-fitted width portion that is connected to the terminal contact portion and has such a width as to be press-fitted into the inner wall of the discharge hole, and an insertion position determination portion that determines an insertion position of the connector terminal. The connector terminal is inserted into the through-groove from the terminal contact portion so as to be exposed from the discharge hole, the insertion position of the connector terminal is determined by the insertion position determination portion, and only the vicinity of a leading end portion of the press-fitted width portion is press-fitted into and held by the inner wall of the discharge hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Masashi Takahashi, Yasuo Tsuchida
  • Publication number: 20090023346
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1) comprises a dielectric housing (2) and a plurality of conductive contacts (3). The dielectric housing (2) comprises a plurality of contact passages (20) having retaining means (206) therein. Each conductive contact (3) comprises a retaining portion (30) engaging corresponding the contact passage (20) and a resiliently depressible contacting portion (34). When inserting, the conductive contact (3) is respectively inserted in the contact passages (20) along an inserting direction while the retaining portion (30) along a first path, the contacting portion (34) along a second path, but the retaining means (206) is not on the first path and second path and engages the inserted conductive contact (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Yu Zhu
  • Patent number: 7465198
    Abstract: A press-fit power connector includes a female terminal base, a plurality of female power terminals and a plurality of female signal terminals. The female power terminals and the female signal terminals are mounted on the female terminal base. Each female power terminal has a terminal contacting portion, a fixing portion, and a pin portion. The terminal contacting portion has an end hole and a clamp slot on one end, and the end hole connects with the clamp slot. The fixing portion is formed by extending the other end of the terminal contacting portion and has at least one borehole. The pin portion is formed by bending and extending one end of the fixing portion which is far away from the terminal contacting portion and has an eye of needle. Based on the above structure, the present invention can improve the yield of products and reduces manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nextronics Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Hou-An Su, You-Hua Cai, Hai-Wen Yang, Jie-Xian He, Jia-Le Zhang
  • Patent number: 7452248
    Abstract: An interconnect assembly including a contact, a first guide film, a space transformer, a second guide film, and an interconnect device including a second contact section having an O-ring-like shape to be inserted into the contact hole by an interference fit, a support section having an engaging protrusion in a predetermined portion and connected to the second contact section in an integrated manner to be inserted into the inside of the first guide opening, a connecting section having an O-ring-like shape of which one side is opened and connected to the support section in an integrated manner thereby being placed between the first guide film and the second guide film, and a first contact section connected to the connecting section in an integrated manner for making contact with the second contact section through the second guide opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignees: Phicom Corporation
    Inventors: Dongweon Seo, Juntae Hwang
  • Publication number: 20080280504
    Abstract: An electrical connection terminal for a connection hole includes: a base-side end portion (310) having a predetermined width; a retaining portion (313) having an increasing width wider than the predetermined width of the base-side end portion (310), the retaining portion (313) being formed integrally with the base-side end portion (310); and an insertion taper portion (315) having a taper width narrower than the increasing width of the retaining portion (313) to reach a leading end portion, the insertion taper portion (315) being formed integrally with the retaining portion (313); in which the insertion taper portion (315) is composed of a plurality of taper portions taper angles of which change so as to increase along an insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Shinji TAKAHASHI, Yoshiaki KATO, Harehide SASAKI, Hiroshi KOBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 7413484
    Abstract: An electrical terminal of the type to be inserted into an aperture of an electrical panel member is provided. The electrical terminal includes a base and an insertion portion extending from the base to a first end. A slit formed through the insertion portion and extending from or between the base and between the first end defines a compliant portion having a first leg and a second leg. A substantially central axis extends between opposite ends of the slit so that a segment of the first leg is deformed in one direction away from the axis, while a segment of the second leg is deformed in a direction away from the axis opposite the first leg. The deformed first leg segment and the deformed second leg segment are offset from the center of the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Fedder, Attalee S. Taylor, David A. Trout
  • Publication number: 20080166928
    Abstract: A pin for insertion into a hole includes a compliant zone having a first flex-beam and a second flex-beam, the first flex-beam being a predetermined distance from the second flex-beam. The pin further includes a lead-in zone extending from the compliant zone, wherein a width of the lead-in zone narrows to a tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Liang Tang
  • Patent number: 7377823
    Abstract: A press-fit pin is press-fitted into a conductive through-hole disposed on a printed circuit board. The press-fit pin includes a contact portion, a shoulder portion, a press-fit portion, and a tip portion. The contact portion forms a terminal of a male connector to be mounted on the printed circuit board by inserting into a housing of the male connector along with the shoulder portion. The press-fit portion includes a interference fit mechanism that comprises a complementary protrusion and recess. The press-fit portion has the property of elastic deformation. Thus, the interference fit mechanism comes into interference with the through-hole, thereby allowing the press-fit pin to be mechanically fixed to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: J.S.T. Corporation
    Inventor: Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 7371131
    Abstract: A connector includes conductive pins inserted into apertures in a housing. The pins may include a single groove or a pair of opposing grooves in which ribs of the housing are disposed. The ribs may conform to the shape of the grooves to retain the pins in the housing apertures. The apertures may includes an extended side opening that opens onto an upper surface of the housing to enable a contact beam and shielding bar to be inserted from the top. Solder balls may be disposed on an underside of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy W. Houtz
  • Publication number: 20080096421
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement having a partition and a plurality of contact pins is disclosed. Each contact pin has two contact portions and a fastening portion electrically connecting the contact portions to each other, the contact portions each being arranged so as to be accessible from one side of the partition. The connecting arrangement also has a plurality of contact chambers into which the contact pins are arranged, a radially resilient sealing sleeve arranged in each contact chamber, and at least one seal. The seal is configured as a radially outwardly projecting circumferential annular web being arranged on the fastening portion of each contact pin and being sealingly pressed into the sealing sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS AMP GMBH
    Inventor: Juergen Hass
  • Patent number: 7344388
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for contacting an electrical conductor of a cable with a conductor trace (8) of a circuit board (2), characterized in that the device is made as a press-in contact (1) fittable in a hole of the circuit board (2) and securable there without solder and having a press-in part electrically contacting the conductor trace (8) and a contacting region (5) for securing and electrically contacting the end of the electrical conductor of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hirschmann Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Kreuter
  • Patent number: 7323421
    Abstract: A process for etching silicon wafers using a caustic etchant in the form of an aqueous solution comprising water, a hydroxide ion source, and a chelating agent. The process produces silicon wafers substantially free from diffused metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark G. Stinson, Henry F. Erk, Guoqiang (David) Zhang, Mick Bjelopavlic, Alexis Grabbe, Jozef G. Vermeire, Judith A. Schmidt, Thomas E. Doane, James R. Capstick
  • Patent number: 7320627
    Abstract: A secure electrical connector for wire conductors. An electrical connector can be pressed into place in the base of a toggle switch and includes an electrically conductive cylinder having a slot in the forward end of the electrical connector. The wire conductor is inserted into the longitudinal hole through the cylinder and protrudes from the forward end. The lateral slot deforms inward around the wire conductor as the connector is pressed in a screw terminal, securely holding the wire conductor in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Skarlupka, Matthew J. Brose, David S. Evans
  • Publication number: 20080003891
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in connector with a secondary locking device comprising at least one contact element arranged in a plug-in connector base element. At least one secondary locking recess is provided in the contact element, which extends transversely to the plug-in direction and which is engaged by a locking cam of a secondary locking element in the locking position of the secondary locking element. The plug-in connector according to the invention permits high extraction forces to be achieved and is especially well suited for use in high-current plug-in connection devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: ERNI Elektro-Apparate GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Lappoehn
  • Patent number: 7306493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interconnect device for a printed circuit board, a method of manufacturing the same and an inter-connect assembly having the same. According to one aspect of the present invention, the interconnect device for a printed circuit board comprises: a first contact section 10 having a bar-like shape for making contact with a second contact terminal 76 in a space transformer 52; a connecting section 12 having an O-ring-like shape of which one side is opened and connected to one end of the first contact section 10 in an integrated manner; a support section 14 having an engaging protrusion 14a in a predetermined portion and connected to one end of the connecting section 12 in an integrated manner; and a second contact section 16 having an O-ring-like shape and connected to one end of the support section 14, wherein the whole inter-connect device is made up of an identical resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignees: Phicom Corporation
    Inventors: Dongweon Seo, Juntae Hwang
  • Publication number: 20070218778
    Abstract: The invention proposes a press-fit contact (10) for a plug-in connector, a conductor bar or the like, having a press-in pin (12) at its rear end. A slot (30) is provided in lengthwise direction (11) of the press-in pin (12). At least one projection (32a, 32b; 33a, 33b) is disposed on at least one boundary face (31a, 31b) of the slot (30), and a recess (35a, 35b; 36a, 36b), neighboring the projection (32a, 32b; 33a, 33b), is disposed in the circumferential direction (34) of the press-in pin (12). The recess (35a, 35b; 36a, 36b) forms together with the projection (32a, 32b; 33a, 33b) a spring element that provides at least part of the retention pressure in the pressed-in condition of the press-in pin (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: ERNI-ELEKTRO-APPARATE GMBH
    Inventor: Juergen Lappoehn
  • Patent number: 7264485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and, in particular, to power connectors and to improved contact structures and methods related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Winchester Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Larsen, Lee M. Drozdenko
  • Publication number: 20070197104
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting a flat-type circuit board (1) includes a pressing member (3) to press the flat-type circuit board (1) to a member to be connected (P). The pressing member (3) includes a section to be supported by a support member (2); a bent section (6); a flat section (7); and a pressing section (8) having elasticity and facing the flat section, with the flat section (7) and the pressing section (8) being provided across the bent section (6). The pressing section (8) holds the flat-type circuit board (1) by elastically pressing it toward a corresponding connecting section (P2) in a state that the flat-type circuit board (1) is between the pressing section (8) and the corresponding connecting section (P2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Takashi Nagawatari
  • Patent number: 7255612
    Abstract: An electrical component comprises a housing having a plurality of compliant pins. A circuit board is provided with though-holes. Each of the through-holes has an inner surface with a plating layer. Each of the compliant pins has an elastic press-fit portion with an outer surface provided with a step. The step has an engaging surface that engages the plating layer of the though-hole to secure the compliant pin therein. The engaging surface has a width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the through-hole smaller than a thickness of the plating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP K.K.
    Inventor: Yukio Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7249981
    Abstract: A press-fit pin is press-fitted into a conductive through-hole disposed on a substrate such as a printed circuit board. The press-fit pin includes a contact portion, a shoulder portion, a press-fit portion, and a tip portion. The contact portion along with the shoulder portion is inserted into a housing of a connector to be mounted on the printed circuit board, thereby forming a terminal of the connector. The press-fit portion spirally extends downward from a lower portion of the shoulder portion and is connected to the tip portion. The press-fit portion has the property of elastic deformation. Thus, the press-fit portion comes into interference with the through-hole, thereby allowing the press-fit pin to be mechanically fixed to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: J.S.T. Corporation
    Inventor: Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 7220151
    Abstract: A power connector for receiving a circuit board in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The power connector includes first and second walls operably disposed on a first side of a base portion for receiving at least a portion of a circuit board therebetween. The base portion has a second side opposite the first side and a first aperture extending from the second side into the base portion. The first aperture has a first diameter. The power connector further includes at least one electrically conductive pin having both first and second compliant end portions. The first compliant end portion has a second diameter when the first compliant end portion has a non-compressed state, and a third diameter smaller than the second diameter when the first compliant end portion has a compressed state. The second diameter of the first compliant end portion is larger than the first diameter of the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Brehm, Robert Nicoletti, Kent D. Waddell
  • Patent number: 7210969
    Abstract: A press-fit fixing terminal is mountable to a wiring board by being inserted into a through-hole of the wiring board, and includes a flat plate section and a resilient contacting section. The flat plate section is made of metal thin plate and double-backed such that an end of the flat plate section is placed on a root side and a bent point works as an insertion tip when the terminal is inserted into the through-hole. The resilient contacting sections sandwich the double-backed portion of the flat plate section such that they are placed symmetrically with respect to the double-backed portion and both of the ridges of the resilient contacting section face outward viewed from the double-backed portion, so that each one of the resilient contacting sections forms a V-shape including an obtuse angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Hashimoto, Seiki Miura, Takumi Nishimoto, Takashi Tomago
  • Patent number: 7160122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical connectors, and, in particular, to power connectors and to improved contact structures and methods related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Winchester Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Larsen, Lee M. Drozdenko
  • Patent number: 7083434
    Abstract: An improved electrical apparatus concludes a manually actuatable electrical device which is disposed on a printed circuit board and has a manually movable control element. A plurality of electrical current conducting compliant pins extend into engagement with conductive linings in openings in the printed circuit board. The electrical apparatus is free of solder connecting the compliant pins to the conductive linings in the openings in the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive US LLC
    Inventor: Mike Blossfeld
  • Patent number: 7083431
    Abstract: Method and system of electrically connecting multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs). A pin may be used for establishing electrical connecting the PCBs. The PCBs may include one or more openings for receiving one or more corresponding pins. The pins may include securing and alignment features to facilitate proper securing and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Darr, Peter Kowtun
  • Patent number: 7074094
    Abstract: A compliant pin comprises a contact portion, an end portion, and a press-fit portion. The press-fit portion is arranged between the contact portion and the end portion. The press-fit portion is deformable in a radial direction. The press-fit portion has a first tapered surface with a first end and a second end. The first tapered surface has recesses for receiving shavings generated when the compliant pin is press-fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP K.K.
    Inventors: Yuzo Kawahara, Hidehisa Yamagami
  • Patent number: 7048594
    Abstract: A terminal (10) has two high-rigidity portions (14) for resiliently contacting the inner surface of a through hole (23). A low-rigidity portion (17) spans between the high-rigidity portions (14) and is compressively deformable along its spanning direction. The low-rigidity portion (17) has an easily breakable portion (19) that breaks when a stress acting during the insertion of the terminal (10) into the through hole (23) exceeds a resiliency limit. Thus, the terminal (10) is held resiliently in contact with a large diameter through hole (23) by resilient forces of the two high-rigidity portions (14) and a resilient force of the low-rigidity portion (17). However, the terminal (10) is held resiliently in contact with a small diameter through hole (23) only by the resilient forces of the two high-rigidity portions (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7048595
    Abstract: Terminal fittings (40) extend through a back wall (22) of a receptacle (21) of a housing (20). The terminal fittings (40) have receiving portions (43) that bulge out sideways along a width direction. The receiving portions (43) have jig receiving surfaces (45) exposed at the inner surface of the back wall (22) of the receptacle (21). A pressing surface (61) of a pressing jig (60) contacts the jig receiving surfaces (45) so that a pressing force of the pressing jig (60) is received directly by the terminal fittings (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiichi Nakamura, Hajime Kawase
  • Patent number: 7044807
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a terminal having a stable electric contact without reducing supporting force of the terminal. The terminal is force fitted into a through-hole of a circuit board and connected to conductive portions inside the through-hole electrically. The terminal includes resilient contact portions at both sides of escape spaces formed through in the thickness direction of the insertion portion and the resilient contact portions are elastic along the long axis of the through-hole and are connected with the conductive portions inside the through-hole. The terminal also includes a plurality of leaf spring contact pieces in the escape spaces which are resilient in the short axis of the through-hole and connected electrically to the walls of the through-hole. Locking protrusions are formed at tip end of the insertion portion to engage with an edge of the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomomi Furuno, Nobuyuki Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7037146
    Abstract: Inserting holes (25) are formed in a row in a base wall (21) of a housing (20) and receive press-fit terminals (10). Each inserting hole (25) has a relatively wide through hole section (26) for permitting the passage of a resilient bulge (12) of the press-fit terminal (10) and a narrower press-in hole section (28) for receiving a press-in portion (13) of the press-fit terminal (10). The width direction of the through hole section (26) is normal to an arranging direction of the terminals (10) and the width direction of the press-in hole section (28) is parallel with the arranging direction of the terminals (10). The resilient bulge (12) of the press-fit terminal (10) is inserted through the through hole section (26) and then the press-fit terminal (10) is turned by 90° about its longitudinal axis. Thereafter, the press-in portion (13) is pressed into the press-in hole (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7037115
    Abstract: A land grid array socket may receive an integrated circuit package for electrical connection thereto through lands on the integrated circuit package and spring contacts which extend upwardly to engage those lands from the socket. A protector plate may be situated over the spring contacts prior to the time at which the integrated circuit package is assembled onto the socket. As a result, the spring contacts on the socket may be prevented from damage prior to the time that they are engaged by the integrated circuit package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Tim A. Renfro
  • Patent number: 7025639
    Abstract: A press-fit portion (24) of a press-fit pin (22) is constructed by cutting and outwardly pushing a band-like region (24a), which is placed in the vicinity of the widthwise center of a pin material, in one of orientations of the thickness direction in such a way as to project from peripheral regions (24b) of the band-like region (24a). At that time, the thickness dimension (W3) of the press-fit portion (24) is set to be equal to or less than that W1 of a pin body (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Wataru Aoki, Satoshi Sugimoto, Koji Hishikawa, Fusatomo Miyake, Takahiro Oshima
  • Patent number: 7021975
    Abstract: A plug-in connector having a housing, particularly a multi-pole, multi-row male or female multi-point plug, whereby the housing is provided with insertion chambers for inserting electrical contact elements. In order to be able to insert different contact elements into one and the same insertion chamber in the housing, this insertion chamber is configured to accommodate different insertion regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: ERNI Elektroapparate GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Lappöhn
  • Patent number: 7018246
    Abstract: An electrical contact that is particularly suitable for use in high speed, grid array connectors is disclosed. The contact includes a retention member extending along a length thereof. The retention member is adapted to retain the contact within a connector base and to deform upon insertion of the contact into the base to cause a generally straight edge to be formed along a portion of the contact that includes the length along which the retention member extends. Thus, a generally uniform impedance profile may be created between adjacent contacts along the respective portions that are inserted into the connector base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Raistrick, Joseph B. Shuey
  • Patent number: 7008272
    Abstract: A compliant pin (10) is adapted to be pressed into a through-hole (12) of a printed circuit board (14) and have electrical contact with opposing surfaces of a side wall (16) of the through-hole. The compliant pin (10) includes a portion (30) insertable in the through-hole (12) that includes spaced deflectable beam portions (32) having outer surfaces (54 and 56) spaced apart a distance greater than the spacing of the opposing surfaces of the side wall (16). The beam portions (32) engage the side wall (16) and deflect toward each other when the portion (30) is inserted in the through-hole (12) and provide a frictional engagement between the beam portions and the side wall. The frictional engagement provides a retention force for retaining the portion (30) in the through-hole (12). The portion (30) includes an opening (50) that extends through the portion and defines inner surfaces (52) of said beam portions (32) opposite the outer surfaces (54 and 56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Mike Blossfeld
  • Patent number: 6997757
    Abstract: According to the invention, said charge of solder is in the form of a ring (9) crimped onto to said pin (1), coaxially with the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: SM Contact
    Inventor: Christophe Roshardt