Limited insertion force contact terminals and connectors
US4655526A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 1986 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 29, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S439/923
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A passive cam follower comprising a bracing means and a compression means is provided for an electrical article (such as an active socket terminal) having spring contact arms, which holds the spring contact arms in a spring biased position for mating with another electrical article (such as a pin terminal) requiring subtantially lessened insertion force. Upon mating the bracing means is urged away from the spring contact arms by the mating article and into a compressed state. Upon withdrawal of the mating article the bracing means is urged forward by the compressed compression means and follows the mating article and resumes its original bracing position relative to the spring contact arms. The bracing means may be a compression spring and have a cap on the forward end and may be a coil spring or an integral molded plastic spring. In a card edge connector a bracing means may be disposed in the card-receiving cavity and comprise an integral molded plastic spring. In an active pin terminal, the passive cam follower may be a coaxially disposed coil compression spring holding together the spring contact arms comprising the pin contact section, and the spring may have a collar on the fo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.