CA2018179C - Electrical contact arrangement - Google Patents
Electrical contact arrangement Download PDFInfo
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- CA2018179C CA2018179C CA 2018179 CA2018179A CA2018179C CA 2018179 C CA2018179 C CA 2018179C CA 2018179 CA2018179 CA 2018179 CA 2018179 A CA2018179 A CA 2018179A CA 2018179 C CA2018179 C CA 2018179C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lateral arms
- bridge portion
- contact
- electrical receptacle
- accordance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
- H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
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- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
Abstract
An electrical contact unit (100) is disclosed, having a series of four electrical receptacles (102, 104, 105, 108). Each of the receptacles includes an upper cantilever member (110) and a lower cantilever member (112). Upper lateral arms (114) are conductively interconnected by an upper bridge portion (115). Correspondingly, lower lateral arms (118) are conductively interconnected by a lower bridge portion (120). The upper lateral arms (114) and upper bridge portion (116) provide a pair of contact surfaces or edges (122). Correspondingly, the lower lateral arms (118) and lower bridge portion (120) form a pair of lower contact surfaces or edges (124). In addition, an upper cantilever member (128) positioned inwardly of the upper lateral arms (114) is also provided. A lower and inner cantilever member (130) is disposed directly below the upper and inner cantilever member (128) and is located in a spatial area formed by the lower lateral arms (118) and lower bridge portion (120). The inner and upper cantilever member (128) is shaped so as to form a contact surface (140) an a lower surface thereof. Correspondingly, the lower and inner cantilever member (130) is shaped sa as to form an electrical contact surface or edge (142) on an upper surface thereof.
Description
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ELECTRICAL CONTACT ARRANGEMENT
Description Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to electrical terminals and, more particularly, to a multiple-contact configuration for electrical engagement of a blade terminal within a mating receptacle.
Hackctround of the Invention Historically, various types of assemblies have been developed for electrically and conductively interconnecting devices to be electrically energized to sources of electrical power. For example, it is well known to provide various spatial areas of residential, commercial and industrial establishments with electrical receptacle units permanently (through fuses, circuit breakers or other emergency shut-c>ff elements) conductively connected to one or more sources of main utility power. Each of 'the receptacle units typically comprises one or more engaging assemblies often referred to by the colloquial term "female receptacle."
These receptacle units are conventionally mounted in stationary walls or, alternatively, in the case of modern and modular office furniture systems, in moveable wall panels or even within work surfaces. Devices to b~ electrically energized often comprise receptacle plugs having two or more prongs or blade terminals adapted to be conductively engaged within the female receptacles. The prongs or blade terminals are conventionally referred to by the colloquial terms "male" plugs, prongs, blades or terminals. The receptacle plugs are typically interconnected to thQ circuitry of the device so as to be energized by wires axtandi,ng through flexible Insulat:Lve cards o.r the like.
This type of male/female electrical, interconnection configuration to provide removable or releasable conductive engagement is utilized in a myriad of electrical connector arrangements. ~'or exampl.e, in addition to electrical energization ~~~~~3~~.~~~
ELECTRICAL CONTACT ARRANGEMENT
Description Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to electrical terminals and, more particularly, to a multiple-contact configuration for electrical engagement of a blade terminal within a mating receptacle.
Hackctround of the Invention Historically, various types of assemblies have been developed for electrically and conductively interconnecting devices to be electrically energized to sources of electrical power. For example, it is well known to provide various spatial areas of residential, commercial and industrial establishments with electrical receptacle units permanently (through fuses, circuit breakers or other emergency shut-c>ff elements) conductively connected to one or more sources of main utility power. Each of 'the receptacle units typically comprises one or more engaging assemblies often referred to by the colloquial term "female receptacle."
These receptacle units are conventionally mounted in stationary walls or, alternatively, in the case of modern and modular office furniture systems, in moveable wall panels or even within work surfaces. Devices to b~ electrically energized often comprise receptacle plugs having two or more prongs or blade terminals adapted to be conductively engaged within the female receptacles. The prongs or blade terminals are conventionally referred to by the colloquial terms "male" plugs, prongs, blades or terminals. The receptacle plugs are typically interconnected to thQ circuitry of the device so as to be energized by wires axtandi,ng through flexible Insulat:Lve cards o.r the like.
This type of male/female electrical, interconnection configuration to provide removable or releasable conductive engagement is utilized in a myriad of electrical connector arrangements. ~'or exampl.e, in addition to electrical energization ~~~~~3~~.~~~
of relatively large and discrete devices (such as lamps, televisions, stereos, typewriters, etc.), male/female interconnection configurations are also utilized internally in electrical devices such as computers and associated peripherals.
In addition, male/female electrical interconnection arrangements are also utilized in a number of other applications, such as internal circuit wiring for electrical apparatus of modular office systems and the like.
In the design of male/female electrical interconnection configurations, it is of primary importance to provide a secure and stationary electrical contact between the conductive surfaces of the elements of the electrical receptacle and the conductive surfaces of the prongs or blade terminals. It is also of primary importance to provide surface connections having relatively little resistance. In view of the foregaing, various types of interfaces have been developed for engaging males prongs or blade terminals with mating female receptacles. For example, it is known to utilize an opposing pair of can~tilev~er beams within the female receptacle, which provide a single point of contact on each side of an inserted male terminal. Other known arrangements include the use of single cantilever spring pressure, backed with a steel or similar spring supported within a plastic housing. This type of arrangement will conventionally provide a single point of contact at the electrical interface.
It has become known that it is preferable to provide as many interface points of contact as is reasonably possible, while still maintaining a releasable engagement. For example, an arrangement for providing four contact points is disclosed in Sasaki et al, U.S, patent No. 4,795,379 issued January 3, 19$9, The Sasaki et al patent refers to 'the coxicept 'that it has bean known to utilize certain types of electrical connections in computers, telecammunications equipment and other data processing equipment, which are in the form of a receptacle contact having four resilient cantilever contact members ex~tenda.ng forwardly from ~a base. The contact members are adapted to provide an electrical connectian with a tab contact inserted from the front of the receptacle unit.
The tab contact is electrically engaged by four leaves from four directions. The four leaves can be arranged as opposing pairs, with each pair arranged orthogonally.
In this type of arrangement, electrical engagement is made with the tab contact at four points, thereby increasing reliability of the receptacle contact relative to a contact arrangement having only two contact points. Sasak:i et al also explains that a problem can wise in that a possibility of an incomplete electrical engagement can be caused by foreign matter on the surface of the tab contact. In addition, one of the pairs of contact members may engage the edge surfaces of the tab contact. The edge surfaces of the tab contact are typically the surface edges formed when the contact is made by stamping a sheet off: conductive material. Ths surfaces are often rough in comparison with the planar rolled or formed surface of the sheet, and thus have a lower contact reliability. Accordingly, these contact members may not provide a reliable electrical connection, and a greater insertion force may be required at the time of insertion.
As an improvement, Sasaki et al describes a receptacle contact having opposed leaf spring members formed by two parallel plates linked through a U-shaped portion extending between adjacent sides of the leaf spring members. The leaf spring members include first spring arms and second spring arms formed integrally with the spring members.
The first spring arms and second spring arms are opposed to each ether, and outer contact and inner contact members axe formed at the free ends of the spring arms, which are also opposed to each other. Additional contact members are located to the rear of the first set of contact members. The spring arms extend side by side from the leaf spring mombars, with thQ outer contact members being slightly twice thca width of the inner contact members. The contact members are arcuate tn facilitate insertion of a tab contact therebetween.
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_4_ The receptacle contact described in Sasaki et al is formed by stamping from a suitable metal sheet having the desirable conductive and spring characteristics. The stamping process is performed by shaping the metal sheet in an appropriate configuration, and then folding the spring arms to the shape required, while folding another portion into a U-shape. In use, the tip of a tab contact can be inserted into the space between the outer contact members opposed to each other at the front portion of the receptacle contact. Upon insertion, upper and lower surfaces of the contact are brought into a wiping engagement with the outer contact members. Accordingly, foreign matter on upper and lower surfaces of the contact is removed. When the contact is inserted further, the upper and lower surfaces which have been cleaned by the outer contact members are else wipingly engaged by the inner contact members. Tn this manner, a relatively greater electrical connection reliability bei:~ween the tab contact and the inner contact members is provided. Tn addition, the outer contact members and inner contact members are in electrical engagement with upper and lower planar surfaces of the tab contact, and not with side surfaces which may comprise the cut edge surfaces of the contact. Accordingly, this decreases the force needed to insert the contact unto the receptacle contact, thereby improving reliability of electrical connection.
In addition, the length of the spring arms which provide the contact force created between the outer contact members and the tab contact, is longer than the length of the spring arms which provide the contact force between inner contact members and the tab cantact. Accordingly, the insertion farce is reduced by reducing the contact force created between the tab contact and 'the outer contact members, which clQan the upper and lower surfaces of 'the tab contact. Tn 'this manner, the initial insertian force of the tab contact within the outer contact members is less than the insertion force of 'the inner contact members.
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Summary of the Invention Tn accordance with the invention, an electrical receptacle apparatus includes at least one electrical receptacle adapted to conductively engage a blade terminal or the like. The electrical receptacle includes upper means extending forwardly, and having a lower surface with at least first, second and third upper contact locations formed thereon. Lower means are provided which extend forwardly and are conductively interconnected to and positioned substantially directly below the upper means. The lower means include an upper surface with at least first, second and third lower contact locations formed thereon. The receptacle is sized and configured so that the blade terminal is insertable between the upper means and the lower means, and is adapted to conductively contact the receptacle at the first, second and 'third upper and lower contact locations. Tn this manner, at least six conductive electrical contact locations are formed with the receptacle.
The first, second and third upper contact locations can be foamed substantially within a single upper plane, and form a triangular configuration within the upper plane. Corresponding3y, the first, second and third lower contact locations can be formed substantially within a single lower plane, and form a triangular configuration with the lower plane. each of the first, second and third lower contact locations can be respectively positioned substantially directly below each of the first, second and third upper contact locations.
The upper means can include at least one pair of upper lateral arms extending forwardly. The upper means can also include an upper bridge portion positioned transversely across forward portions of the upper lateral arms. The upper bridge portion and 'the upper lateral arms form an upper spatial area. Upper cantilever means are positianed substantially within 'the upper spatial area, and comprise an arcuate shags forming the first upper contact location thereon. Correspondingly, the second and third upper contact locations can ?ae formed at interconnections of the upper bridge portion and the upper lateral arms.
The lower surface of the upper means is formed of a lower surface of the upper cantilever means and lower surfaces of the upper bridge portion and upper lateral arms. The upper cantilever means is conductively interconnected to the upper lateral arms.
The lower means can include at least one pair of lower lateral arms extending forwardly. A lower bridge portion can be positioned transversely across forward portions of the lower lateral arms, and conductively interconnect the lower lateral arms. The lower bridge portion and lower lateral arms form a lower spatial area. Lower 20 cantilever means are provided which are positioned substantially within the lower spatial area, and comprise an arcuate shape forming the first lower contact location thereon. Correspondingly, the second and third lower contact locations are formed at interconnections of the lower bridge portion and lower lateral arms.
The upper surface of the lower means is formed of an upper surface of the lower cantilever means and upper surfaces of the lower bridge portion and the lower lateral arms. The lower cantilever means is conductively interconnected to the lower lateral arms.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the receptacle apparatus can comprise four of the electrical receptacles, The apparatus can further comprise a connecting beam central to and symmetrically located relative to the four receptacles. The connecting beam can be rectangular in configuration and integrally connected to each of a pair of secondary connecting portions through a pair of L1-shaped connecting portions foamed at ends of the connecting beam. Each of the secondary connecting portions can farm an integral support pardon for the upper means, The apparatus can further camprise a common 'terminal input channel conductively interconnected to the receptacles. A pair of crimp wings can be farmed at lateral sides thereof.
The upper means can include a pair of upper substantially parallel and elongated lateral arms extending forwardly. An upper bridge portion can be conductively interconnected to the upper lateral arms. The upper bridge portion and the upper lateral arms form an upper spatial area. An upper cantilever member can extend forwardly within the upper spatial area, and comprise an arcuate shape forming a first upper contact location on a lower surface thereof. The upper bridge portion can be angled upwardly in a forward direction, and the upper lateral arms can be angled downwardly in a forward direction. The intersections of the upper bridge portion and upper lateral arms form the second and third upper contact locations. The upper cantilever member can be resilient in structure and comprise a rear downwardly angled portion integrally connected at a forward portion thereof to a forward upwardly angled portion. Ths: first upper contact location can be formed at an interface of the rear downwardly angled portion and the forward upwardly angled portion.
Brief Description of the Drawings An illustrative embodiment of the invention will now be described with respect to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical contact arrangement in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a tog plan view of the contact arrangement shown in FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the contact arrangement shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is an and view of the contact arrangement shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 5 is an underside view from the opposing side of the contact arrangement shaven in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the contact arrangement, taken along section lines 6-5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a side view showa.ng an example insertion arrangement of a blade terminal into the contact arrangement;
_g_ FIG. 8 is an illustration similar to FIG. 7, showing further insertion of the blade terminal; and FIG. 9 is an illustration similar to FIG. 8, showing final position insertion of the blade terminal.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The principles of the invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in an electrical contact unit 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. Although the electrical contact unit 100 described in subsequent paragraphs herein includes a series of four electrical receptacles, the principles of the invention are not limited, in any manner, to the use of four such receptacles. For example, the principles of the invention can be included within one electrical receptacle or any other desired number. The contact unit 100 as described herein provides at least six locations of contact with respect to the electrical engagement of male blade terminals with the electrical contact unit. In addition, the contact unit 100 in accordance with the invention also provides a preferable triangular positioning of contact points so as to maintain a stable electrical connection between the blade terminals and the elements of the electrical receptacles.
Referring primarily to FIG. 1, the electrical contact unit 3.00 includes a series of four electrical receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, each electrical receptacle 102, 104, 106 and 108 includes an outer, elongated and upper cantilever member 110, and an opposing lower cantilever member 112.
The upper cantilever members 110 each include a pair of lateral and parallel elongated arms 114 integrally cannected at their forward ends lay a bridge portion 116. Correspondingly, each of the lower cantilever members 3,12 includes corresponding lateral arms 118 integrally connected at their forward ends by a lower bridge portion 120.
As .illustrated primarily in FTGS. 3 and 6, the upper lateral arms 1'.4 have a sla.ght downwardly angled configuration, while the ~5 upper bridge portion 116 is angled slightly upwardly. With this ~~~ s. ~.~. ~r~
configuration, a contact surface or edge 122 is formed at the integral interface between the upper bridge portion 116 and each of the lateral arms 114. Correspondingly, the lateral arms 118 of the lower cantilever members 112, as further illustrated in FIGS.
3 and 6, are angled slightly upwardly, while the lower bridge portion 120 is angled slightly downwardly. With this configuration, a contact surface or edge 124 is provided at the interface between the integrally connected lateral arms 118 and lower bridge portion 120.
As shown primarily in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lateral arms 110 and bridge portion 116 of the upper cantilever members 110 form an arcuate spatial area 126 internal to the arms 114 in bridge portion 116. A similar spatial area 127 is formed by the lateral arms 118 and lower bridge portion 120 of the lower cantilever members 112.
With respect specifically to FTG. 2, each of the receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108 also include an inner and upper cantilever member 128 which extends forwardly within the spatial area 126 formed by the lateral arms 114 and bridge portion 116. An opposing inner cantilever member 130 is formed within the corresponding spatial area 127 of the lower cantilever members 112 and also extends forwardly. As illustrated primarily in FTGS, 3 and 6, each of the upper cantilever members 128 is resilient in structure and has a rear downwardly angled portion 132 integrally connected at the forward portion thereof to a forward upwardly angled portion 134.
Correspondingly, each of the lower and inner cantilever members 130 includes a rear upwardly angled portion 136 integrally connected at its forward end to a forward downwardly angled portion 138. The interface between the rear downwardly angled portion 132 and forward upwardly angled portion 134 of the upper cantilever me~~ber 128 forms a contact surface or edge 140. Correspondingly, a contact surface or edge 142 is formed at the interface between the integrally connected rear upwardly angled portion 136 and forward downwardly angled portion 138 of the lower cantilever members 130.
The opposing upp~ar and lower cantilever members 110, 112 and the oppasing inner cantilever members 128, 130 are flexible and resilient in nature so as to be appropriately flexed when a male blade terminal (illustrated in FIGS. 7-9) is inserted between the opposing cantilever members. Tn addition, as will be further apparent from additional description herein, the contact surfaces 122 and 140 associated with the upper cantilever member 110 and the upper cantilever member 128 form a triangular contact surface configuration with the male blade terminal. Correspondingly, the contact surfaces 124 and 142 form an opposing triangular contact surface configuration, thereby providing six points of contact between the electrical receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108 and the inserted male blade terminal. This triangular configuration provides a substantial stabilizing effect to the interconnection between the male blade terminal and the electrical receptacles, while correspondingly providing six points of contact.
Referring again primarily to 1~TGS. 1, 2 and 5, the four-roceptacle unit 100 includes a connecting beam 144 central to and symmetrically located relative to 'the receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108. The connecting beam 144 is rectangular in configuration and is integrally connected to each of two secondary connecting portions 146 by means of a U-shaped connecting portion formed at each of the ends of the connecting beam 144. Each of the secondary connecting portions l46 also forms an integral inner support portion for the upper cantilever members 110 and the upper cantilever members 128.
~s further illustrated in FIGS. ~., 2 and 5, the four-receptacle unit 100 includes a common terminal input channel 150 having a pair of crimp wings 152 integrally formed at the lateral sides of the channel 150. The channel 150 includes a transition portion 154 integrally connecting the common terminal input channel 150 with the connecting ba~am 1,44. In addition to the foregoing, the receptacle unit 100 also includes a pair of tabs 156 each formed on one side of each of the secondary connecting portions 146, These tabs 156 provide a means for controlling positioning of the ~~boxes~~ formed by 'the surfaces of the aonnec~ting beam 144, -11°
secondary connecting portions 146 and U-shaped connecting portions 148.
The use of the electrical contact unit 100 with corresponding insertion of a male blade terminal 158 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 7-9. The male blade terminal or tab contact 158 may, as illustrated in FIGS. ~, 8 and 9, include tapered surfaces at its forward portion for purposes of facilitating insertion into the electrical receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108. For purposes of illustration, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 only illustrate one of the electrical receptacles 106. The forward portion of the blade terminal 158 is first inserted into the spatial area formed between the upper bridge portion 116 and lower bridge portion 120. As 'the blade terminal 158 is inserted, upper and lower surfaces of the terminal 158 will contact the upper contact surfaces 122 and lower contact surfaces 124 formed at the interface between the bridge portions 116, 118 and the lateral arms 114, 118. As the blade terminal 158 is further :inserted, the forward portion of the terminal 158, at its upper and lower surfaces near the central portions thereof, will engage in an electrical contact with the contact surfaces 140, 142 formed at the interfaces of the integrally connected downwardly angled portion 132 and forwardly and upwardly angled portion 134 of the upper cantilever member 128, and the interface between the integrally connected upwardly angled portion 136 and downwardly angled portion 138.
As previously described, the upper contact surfaces 122 and 140 provide a triangular configuration, with three locations of electrical contact. This triangular configuration provides a substantial stabilizing effect which prevents .relatively poor contact if the interconnection between the male blade terminal 158 and the corresponding receptacle is jarred or otherwise subjected to a '°rocking" movement. Correspondingly, the three locations of lower contact provided by the contacts surfaces 124 and 142 provide a corresponding triangular contact surface configuration opposing the upper contact configuration. With the three paints of lower contact, the interconnea~tion and engagement between the male blade terminal 158 and the corresponding electrical receptacle is provided with six locations of contact. Still further, if the male blade terminal 158 is appropriately sized relative to the relative positioning of the bridge portions 116, 120, the surfaces of the bridge portions 116, 7.20 will provide a °'wiping" engagement with the central portion of the upper and lower surfaces of the blade terminal 158. This wiping engagement will ensure that the central portion of the blade terminal 158 which will be in electrical contact with the upper and inner cantilever member 128 and lower and inner cantilever member 130 will be free from any foreign matter as a result of the "cleaning'° function carried out by the bridge portions 116, 118. With the six locations of contact ~>rovided for each of the electrical receptacles 102, 104, 7.06 and 108, the electrical current-carrying capability of the receptacles is greatly improved. Tn addition, with respect to the particular four-receptacle unit 100 illustrated herein, four receptacles are provided with the necessity of only a single wire crimp configuration in an integral terniinal, thereby providing an efficient use of space within a connector system. Still further, the triangular positioning of the three locations of contact on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the male blade terminal provide a substantially "steady°' platform for the male blade terminal 158.
As apparent from the foregoing, the electrical connector unit 100 can be formed from a suitable metal sheet by means of stamping and forming the unit 100, with the sheet having the appropriate conductive and spring and resiliency characteristics. Such a stamping process can be achieved by utilizing a suitably formed metal sheet, and then fo:Lding over the elements forming the upper cantilev~ar members 110 and the secondary connecting portions 146.
7a will be apparent to those sk:Llled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of electrical contact units in accordance with the invention can be achieved. That is, the principles of an electrical contact unit ~.n accordance with the invention era a~ot limited to the specific embodiment described herein. For example, :r~.~~~..~1~
an electrical contact unit in accordance with the invention can employ other than four electrical receptacles. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiment of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
In addition, male/female electrical interconnection arrangements are also utilized in a number of other applications, such as internal circuit wiring for electrical apparatus of modular office systems and the like.
In the design of male/female electrical interconnection configurations, it is of primary importance to provide a secure and stationary electrical contact between the conductive surfaces of the elements of the electrical receptacle and the conductive surfaces of the prongs or blade terminals. It is also of primary importance to provide surface connections having relatively little resistance. In view of the foregaing, various types of interfaces have been developed for engaging males prongs or blade terminals with mating female receptacles. For example, it is known to utilize an opposing pair of can~tilev~er beams within the female receptacle, which provide a single point of contact on each side of an inserted male terminal. Other known arrangements include the use of single cantilever spring pressure, backed with a steel or similar spring supported within a plastic housing. This type of arrangement will conventionally provide a single point of contact at the electrical interface.
It has become known that it is preferable to provide as many interface points of contact as is reasonably possible, while still maintaining a releasable engagement. For example, an arrangement for providing four contact points is disclosed in Sasaki et al, U.S, patent No. 4,795,379 issued January 3, 19$9, The Sasaki et al patent refers to 'the coxicept 'that it has bean known to utilize certain types of electrical connections in computers, telecammunications equipment and other data processing equipment, which are in the form of a receptacle contact having four resilient cantilever contact members ex~tenda.ng forwardly from ~a base. The contact members are adapted to provide an electrical connectian with a tab contact inserted from the front of the receptacle unit.
The tab contact is electrically engaged by four leaves from four directions. The four leaves can be arranged as opposing pairs, with each pair arranged orthogonally.
In this type of arrangement, electrical engagement is made with the tab contact at four points, thereby increasing reliability of the receptacle contact relative to a contact arrangement having only two contact points. Sasak:i et al also explains that a problem can wise in that a possibility of an incomplete electrical engagement can be caused by foreign matter on the surface of the tab contact. In addition, one of the pairs of contact members may engage the edge surfaces of the tab contact. The edge surfaces of the tab contact are typically the surface edges formed when the contact is made by stamping a sheet off: conductive material. Ths surfaces are often rough in comparison with the planar rolled or formed surface of the sheet, and thus have a lower contact reliability. Accordingly, these contact members may not provide a reliable electrical connection, and a greater insertion force may be required at the time of insertion.
As an improvement, Sasaki et al describes a receptacle contact having opposed leaf spring members formed by two parallel plates linked through a U-shaped portion extending between adjacent sides of the leaf spring members. The leaf spring members include first spring arms and second spring arms formed integrally with the spring members.
The first spring arms and second spring arms are opposed to each ether, and outer contact and inner contact members axe formed at the free ends of the spring arms, which are also opposed to each other. Additional contact members are located to the rear of the first set of contact members. The spring arms extend side by side from the leaf spring mombars, with thQ outer contact members being slightly twice thca width of the inner contact members. The contact members are arcuate tn facilitate insertion of a tab contact therebetween.
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_4_ The receptacle contact described in Sasaki et al is formed by stamping from a suitable metal sheet having the desirable conductive and spring characteristics. The stamping process is performed by shaping the metal sheet in an appropriate configuration, and then folding the spring arms to the shape required, while folding another portion into a U-shape. In use, the tip of a tab contact can be inserted into the space between the outer contact members opposed to each other at the front portion of the receptacle contact. Upon insertion, upper and lower surfaces of the contact are brought into a wiping engagement with the outer contact members. Accordingly, foreign matter on upper and lower surfaces of the contact is removed. When the contact is inserted further, the upper and lower surfaces which have been cleaned by the outer contact members are else wipingly engaged by the inner contact members. Tn this manner, a relatively greater electrical connection reliability bei:~ween the tab contact and the inner contact members is provided. Tn addition, the outer contact members and inner contact members are in electrical engagement with upper and lower planar surfaces of the tab contact, and not with side surfaces which may comprise the cut edge surfaces of the contact. Accordingly, this decreases the force needed to insert the contact unto the receptacle contact, thereby improving reliability of electrical connection.
In addition, the length of the spring arms which provide the contact force created between the outer contact members and the tab contact, is longer than the length of the spring arms which provide the contact force between inner contact members and the tab cantact. Accordingly, the insertion farce is reduced by reducing the contact force created between the tab contact and 'the outer contact members, which clQan the upper and lower surfaces of 'the tab contact. Tn 'this manner, the initial insertian force of the tab contact within the outer contact members is less than the insertion force of 'the inner contact members.
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Summary of the Invention Tn accordance with the invention, an electrical receptacle apparatus includes at least one electrical receptacle adapted to conductively engage a blade terminal or the like. The electrical receptacle includes upper means extending forwardly, and having a lower surface with at least first, second and third upper contact locations formed thereon. Lower means are provided which extend forwardly and are conductively interconnected to and positioned substantially directly below the upper means. The lower means include an upper surface with at least first, second and third lower contact locations formed thereon. The receptacle is sized and configured so that the blade terminal is insertable between the upper means and the lower means, and is adapted to conductively contact the receptacle at the first, second and 'third upper and lower contact locations. Tn this manner, at least six conductive electrical contact locations are formed with the receptacle.
The first, second and third upper contact locations can be foamed substantially within a single upper plane, and form a triangular configuration within the upper plane. Corresponding3y, the first, second and third lower contact locations can be formed substantially within a single lower plane, and form a triangular configuration with the lower plane. each of the first, second and third lower contact locations can be respectively positioned substantially directly below each of the first, second and third upper contact locations.
The upper means can include at least one pair of upper lateral arms extending forwardly. The upper means can also include an upper bridge portion positioned transversely across forward portions of the upper lateral arms. The upper bridge portion and 'the upper lateral arms form an upper spatial area. Upper cantilever means are positianed substantially within 'the upper spatial area, and comprise an arcuate shags forming the first upper contact location thereon. Correspondingly, the second and third upper contact locations can ?ae formed at interconnections of the upper bridge portion and the upper lateral arms.
The lower surface of the upper means is formed of a lower surface of the upper cantilever means and lower surfaces of the upper bridge portion and upper lateral arms. The upper cantilever means is conductively interconnected to the upper lateral arms.
The lower means can include at least one pair of lower lateral arms extending forwardly. A lower bridge portion can be positioned transversely across forward portions of the lower lateral arms, and conductively interconnect the lower lateral arms. The lower bridge portion and lower lateral arms form a lower spatial area. Lower 20 cantilever means are provided which are positioned substantially within the lower spatial area, and comprise an arcuate shape forming the first lower contact location thereon. Correspondingly, the second and third lower contact locations are formed at interconnections of the lower bridge portion and lower lateral arms.
The upper surface of the lower means is formed of an upper surface of the lower cantilever means and upper surfaces of the lower bridge portion and the lower lateral arms. The lower cantilever means is conductively interconnected to the lower lateral arms.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the receptacle apparatus can comprise four of the electrical receptacles, The apparatus can further comprise a connecting beam central to and symmetrically located relative to the four receptacles. The connecting beam can be rectangular in configuration and integrally connected to each of a pair of secondary connecting portions through a pair of L1-shaped connecting portions foamed at ends of the connecting beam. Each of the secondary connecting portions can farm an integral support pardon for the upper means, The apparatus can further camprise a common 'terminal input channel conductively interconnected to the receptacles. A pair of crimp wings can be farmed at lateral sides thereof.
The upper means can include a pair of upper substantially parallel and elongated lateral arms extending forwardly. An upper bridge portion can be conductively interconnected to the upper lateral arms. The upper bridge portion and the upper lateral arms form an upper spatial area. An upper cantilever member can extend forwardly within the upper spatial area, and comprise an arcuate shape forming a first upper contact location on a lower surface thereof. The upper bridge portion can be angled upwardly in a forward direction, and the upper lateral arms can be angled downwardly in a forward direction. The intersections of the upper bridge portion and upper lateral arms form the second and third upper contact locations. The upper cantilever member can be resilient in structure and comprise a rear downwardly angled portion integrally connected at a forward portion thereof to a forward upwardly angled portion. Ths: first upper contact location can be formed at an interface of the rear downwardly angled portion and the forward upwardly angled portion.
Brief Description of the Drawings An illustrative embodiment of the invention will now be described with respect to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrical contact arrangement in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a tog plan view of the contact arrangement shown in FIG. l;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the contact arrangement shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is an and view of the contact arrangement shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 5 is an underside view from the opposing side of the contact arrangement shaven in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the contact arrangement, taken along section lines 6-5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a side view showa.ng an example insertion arrangement of a blade terminal into the contact arrangement;
_g_ FIG. 8 is an illustration similar to FIG. 7, showing further insertion of the blade terminal; and FIG. 9 is an illustration similar to FIG. 8, showing final position insertion of the blade terminal.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The principles of the invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in an electrical contact unit 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. Although the electrical contact unit 100 described in subsequent paragraphs herein includes a series of four electrical receptacles, the principles of the invention are not limited, in any manner, to the use of four such receptacles. For example, the principles of the invention can be included within one electrical receptacle or any other desired number. The contact unit 100 as described herein provides at least six locations of contact with respect to the electrical engagement of male blade terminals with the electrical contact unit. In addition, the contact unit 100 in accordance with the invention also provides a preferable triangular positioning of contact points so as to maintain a stable electrical connection between the blade terminals and the elements of the electrical receptacles.
Referring primarily to FIG. 1, the electrical contact unit 3.00 includes a series of four electrical receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, each electrical receptacle 102, 104, 106 and 108 includes an outer, elongated and upper cantilever member 110, and an opposing lower cantilever member 112.
The upper cantilever members 110 each include a pair of lateral and parallel elongated arms 114 integrally cannected at their forward ends lay a bridge portion 116. Correspondingly, each of the lower cantilever members 3,12 includes corresponding lateral arms 118 integrally connected at their forward ends by a lower bridge portion 120.
As .illustrated primarily in FTGS. 3 and 6, the upper lateral arms 1'.4 have a sla.ght downwardly angled configuration, while the ~5 upper bridge portion 116 is angled slightly upwardly. With this ~~~ s. ~.~. ~r~
configuration, a contact surface or edge 122 is formed at the integral interface between the upper bridge portion 116 and each of the lateral arms 114. Correspondingly, the lateral arms 118 of the lower cantilever members 112, as further illustrated in FIGS.
3 and 6, are angled slightly upwardly, while the lower bridge portion 120 is angled slightly downwardly. With this configuration, a contact surface or edge 124 is provided at the interface between the integrally connected lateral arms 118 and lower bridge portion 120.
As shown primarily in FIGS. 2 and 5, the lateral arms 110 and bridge portion 116 of the upper cantilever members 110 form an arcuate spatial area 126 internal to the arms 114 in bridge portion 116. A similar spatial area 127 is formed by the lateral arms 118 and lower bridge portion 120 of the lower cantilever members 112.
With respect specifically to FTG. 2, each of the receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108 also include an inner and upper cantilever member 128 which extends forwardly within the spatial area 126 formed by the lateral arms 114 and bridge portion 116. An opposing inner cantilever member 130 is formed within the corresponding spatial area 127 of the lower cantilever members 112 and also extends forwardly. As illustrated primarily in FTGS, 3 and 6, each of the upper cantilever members 128 is resilient in structure and has a rear downwardly angled portion 132 integrally connected at the forward portion thereof to a forward upwardly angled portion 134.
Correspondingly, each of the lower and inner cantilever members 130 includes a rear upwardly angled portion 136 integrally connected at its forward end to a forward downwardly angled portion 138. The interface between the rear downwardly angled portion 132 and forward upwardly angled portion 134 of the upper cantilever me~~ber 128 forms a contact surface or edge 140. Correspondingly, a contact surface or edge 142 is formed at the interface between the integrally connected rear upwardly angled portion 136 and forward downwardly angled portion 138 of the lower cantilever members 130.
The opposing upp~ar and lower cantilever members 110, 112 and the oppasing inner cantilever members 128, 130 are flexible and resilient in nature so as to be appropriately flexed when a male blade terminal (illustrated in FIGS. 7-9) is inserted between the opposing cantilever members. Tn addition, as will be further apparent from additional description herein, the contact surfaces 122 and 140 associated with the upper cantilever member 110 and the upper cantilever member 128 form a triangular contact surface configuration with the male blade terminal. Correspondingly, the contact surfaces 124 and 142 form an opposing triangular contact surface configuration, thereby providing six points of contact between the electrical receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108 and the inserted male blade terminal. This triangular configuration provides a substantial stabilizing effect to the interconnection between the male blade terminal and the electrical receptacles, while correspondingly providing six points of contact.
Referring again primarily to 1~TGS. 1, 2 and 5, the four-roceptacle unit 100 includes a connecting beam 144 central to and symmetrically located relative to 'the receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108. The connecting beam 144 is rectangular in configuration and is integrally connected to each of two secondary connecting portions 146 by means of a U-shaped connecting portion formed at each of the ends of the connecting beam 144. Each of the secondary connecting portions l46 also forms an integral inner support portion for the upper cantilever members 110 and the upper cantilever members 128.
~s further illustrated in FIGS. ~., 2 and 5, the four-receptacle unit 100 includes a common terminal input channel 150 having a pair of crimp wings 152 integrally formed at the lateral sides of the channel 150. The channel 150 includes a transition portion 154 integrally connecting the common terminal input channel 150 with the connecting ba~am 1,44. In addition to the foregoing, the receptacle unit 100 also includes a pair of tabs 156 each formed on one side of each of the secondary connecting portions 146, These tabs 156 provide a means for controlling positioning of the ~~boxes~~ formed by 'the surfaces of the aonnec~ting beam 144, -11°
secondary connecting portions 146 and U-shaped connecting portions 148.
The use of the electrical contact unit 100 with corresponding insertion of a male blade terminal 158 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 7-9. The male blade terminal or tab contact 158 may, as illustrated in FIGS. ~, 8 and 9, include tapered surfaces at its forward portion for purposes of facilitating insertion into the electrical receptacles 102, 104, 106 and 108. For purposes of illustration, FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 only illustrate one of the electrical receptacles 106. The forward portion of the blade terminal 158 is first inserted into the spatial area formed between the upper bridge portion 116 and lower bridge portion 120. As 'the blade terminal 158 is inserted, upper and lower surfaces of the terminal 158 will contact the upper contact surfaces 122 and lower contact surfaces 124 formed at the interface between the bridge portions 116, 118 and the lateral arms 114, 118. As the blade terminal 158 is further :inserted, the forward portion of the terminal 158, at its upper and lower surfaces near the central portions thereof, will engage in an electrical contact with the contact surfaces 140, 142 formed at the interfaces of the integrally connected downwardly angled portion 132 and forwardly and upwardly angled portion 134 of the upper cantilever member 128, and the interface between the integrally connected upwardly angled portion 136 and downwardly angled portion 138.
As previously described, the upper contact surfaces 122 and 140 provide a triangular configuration, with three locations of electrical contact. This triangular configuration provides a substantial stabilizing effect which prevents .relatively poor contact if the interconnection between the male blade terminal 158 and the corresponding receptacle is jarred or otherwise subjected to a '°rocking" movement. Correspondingly, the three locations of lower contact provided by the contacts surfaces 124 and 142 provide a corresponding triangular contact surface configuration opposing the upper contact configuration. With the three paints of lower contact, the interconnea~tion and engagement between the male blade terminal 158 and the corresponding electrical receptacle is provided with six locations of contact. Still further, if the male blade terminal 158 is appropriately sized relative to the relative positioning of the bridge portions 116, 120, the surfaces of the bridge portions 116, 7.20 will provide a °'wiping" engagement with the central portion of the upper and lower surfaces of the blade terminal 158. This wiping engagement will ensure that the central portion of the blade terminal 158 which will be in electrical contact with the upper and inner cantilever member 128 and lower and inner cantilever member 130 will be free from any foreign matter as a result of the "cleaning'° function carried out by the bridge portions 116, 118. With the six locations of contact ~>rovided for each of the electrical receptacles 102, 104, 7.06 and 108, the electrical current-carrying capability of the receptacles is greatly improved. Tn addition, with respect to the particular four-receptacle unit 100 illustrated herein, four receptacles are provided with the necessity of only a single wire crimp configuration in an integral terniinal, thereby providing an efficient use of space within a connector system. Still further, the triangular positioning of the three locations of contact on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the male blade terminal provide a substantially "steady°' platform for the male blade terminal 158.
As apparent from the foregoing, the electrical connector unit 100 can be formed from a suitable metal sheet by means of stamping and forming the unit 100, with the sheet having the appropriate conductive and spring and resiliency characteristics. Such a stamping process can be achieved by utilizing a suitably formed metal sheet, and then fo:Lding over the elements forming the upper cantilev~ar members 110 and the secondary connecting portions 146.
7a will be apparent to those sk:Llled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of electrical contact units in accordance with the invention can be achieved. That is, the principles of an electrical contact unit ~.n accordance with the invention era a~ot limited to the specific embodiment described herein. For example, :r~.~~~..~1~
an electrical contact unit in accordance with the invention can employ other than four electrical receptacles. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiment of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. An electrical receptacle apparatus comprising at least one electrical receptacle adapted to conductively engage a blade terminal or the like, said electrical receptacle comprising:
a pair of upper substantially parallel arid elongated lateral arms extending forwardly;
an upper bridge portion conductively interconnecting said upper lateral arms, said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms forming an upper spatial creep a pair of lower substantially parallel and elongated lateral arms extending forwardly and positioned substantially directly below said pair of upper lateral arms;
a lower bridge portion conductively interconnecting said lower lateral arms, said lower bridge portion and said lower lateral arms forming a lower spatial area;
an upper cantilever member extending forwardly within said upper spatial area and having an arcuate shape forming an upper first contact location on a lower surface thereof;
a lower cantilever member extending forwardly within said lower spatial area and having an arcuate shape forming a lower first contact location on an upper surface thereof;
said interconnection of said upper bridge portion to said upper lateral arms forming second and third upper contact locations, and said interconnection of said lower bridge portion to said lower lateral arms forming second and third lower contact locations; and said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms are conductively interconnected to said upper cantilever member, lower cantilever member, lower bridge portion and lower lateral arms, and said receptacle is sized and configured so that said male blade terminal inserted between said upper and lower bridge portions is adapted to conductively contact said receptacle at said first, second and third upper and lower contact locations so as to form at least six electrical contact locations with said receptacle.
a pair of upper substantially parallel arid elongated lateral arms extending forwardly;
an upper bridge portion conductively interconnecting said upper lateral arms, said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms forming an upper spatial creep a pair of lower substantially parallel and elongated lateral arms extending forwardly and positioned substantially directly below said pair of upper lateral arms;
a lower bridge portion conductively interconnecting said lower lateral arms, said lower bridge portion and said lower lateral arms forming a lower spatial area;
an upper cantilever member extending forwardly within said upper spatial area and having an arcuate shape forming an upper first contact location on a lower surface thereof;
a lower cantilever member extending forwardly within said lower spatial area and having an arcuate shape forming a lower first contact location on an upper surface thereof;
said interconnection of said upper bridge portion to said upper lateral arms forming second and third upper contact locations, and said interconnection of said lower bridge portion to said lower lateral arms forming second and third lower contact locations; and said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms are conductively interconnected to said upper cantilever member, lower cantilever member, lower bridge portion and lower lateral arms, and said receptacle is sized and configured so that said male blade terminal inserted between said upper and lower bridge portions is adapted to conductively contact said receptacle at said first, second and third upper and lower contact locations so as to form at least six electrical contact locations with said receptacle.
2. An electrical receptacle apparatus comprising at least one electrical receptacle adapted to conductively engage a blade terminal or the like, said electrical receptacle comprising:
upper means extending forwardly, and having a lower surface with at least first, second and third upper contact locations formed thereon;
lower means extending forwardly and conductively interconnected to and positioned substantially directly below said upper means, and having an upper surface with at least first, second and third lower contact locations farmed thereon; and said receptacle is sized and configured so that said blade terminal is insertable between said upper means and said lower means, and is adapted to conductively contact said receptacle at said first, second and third upper and lower contact locations, sa as to form at least six conductive electrical contact locations with said receptacle.
upper means extending forwardly, and having a lower surface with at least first, second and third upper contact locations formed thereon;
lower means extending forwardly and conductively interconnected to and positioned substantially directly below said upper means, and having an upper surface with at least first, second and third lower contact locations farmed thereon; and said receptacle is sized and configured so that said blade terminal is insertable between said upper means and said lower means, and is adapted to conductively contact said receptacle at said first, second and third upper and lower contact locations, sa as to form at least six conductive electrical contact locations with said receptacle.
3. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that said first, second and third upper contact locations are formed substantially within a single upper plane, and form a triangular configuration within said upper plane.
4. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that said first, second and third lower contact locations are formed substantially within a single lower plane, and form a triangular configuration within said lower plane.
5. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that each of said first, second and third lower contact locations is respectively positioned substantially directly below each of said first, second and third upper contact locations.
6. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that said upper means comprises:
at least one pair of upper lateral arms extending forwardly;
an upper bridge portion positioned transversely across forward portions of said upper lateral arms, and conductively interconnecting said upper lateral arms, said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms forming an upper spatial area; and upper cantilever means positioned substantially within said upper spatial area, and having an arcuate shape forming said first upper contact location thereon.
at least one pair of upper lateral arms extending forwardly;
an upper bridge portion positioned transversely across forward portions of said upper lateral arms, and conductively interconnecting said upper lateral arms, said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms forming an upper spatial area; and upper cantilever means positioned substantially within said upper spatial area, and having an arcuate shape forming said first upper contact location thereon.
7. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 6 characterized in that said second and said third upper contact locations are formed at interconnections of said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms.
8. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 6 characterized in that said lower surface of said upper means is formed of a lower surface of said upper cantilever means and lower surfaces of said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms.
9. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 6 characterized in that said upper cantilever means is conductively interconnected to said upper lateral arms.
10. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that said lower means comprises;
at least one pair of lower lateral arms extending forwardly;
a lower bridge portion positioned transversely across forward portions of said lower lateral arms, and conductively interconnecting said lower lateral arms, said lower bridge portion and said lower lateral arms forming a lower spatial area; and lower cantilever means positioned substantially within said lower spatial area, and having an arcuate shape forming said first lower contact location thereon.
at least one pair of lower lateral arms extending forwardly;
a lower bridge portion positioned transversely across forward portions of said lower lateral arms, and conductively interconnecting said lower lateral arms, said lower bridge portion and said lower lateral arms forming a lower spatial area; and lower cantilever means positioned substantially within said lower spatial area, and having an arcuate shape forming said first lower contact location thereon.
11. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 10 characterized in that said second and said third lower contact locations are formed at interconnections of said lower bridge portion and said lower lateral arms.
12. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 10 characterized in that said upper surface of said lower means is formed of an upper surface of said lower cantilever means and upper surfaces of said lower bridge portion and said lower lateral arms.
13. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 10 characterized in that said lower cantilever means is conductively interconnected to said lower lateral arms.
14. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that said receptacle apparatus comprises four of said electrical receptacles.
15. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 14 characterized in that said apparatus further comprises a connecting beam central to and symmetrically located relative to said four receptacles.
16. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 15 Characterized in that said connecting beam is rectangular in configuration and is integrally connected to each of a pair of secondary connecting portions through a pair of U-shaped connecting portions formed at ends of said connecting beam.
17. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 16 characterized in that each of said secondary connecting portions forms an integral support portion for said upper means.
18. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 14 characterized. in that said apparatus further comprises a common terminal input channel conductively interconnected to said receptacles and having a pair of crimp wings formed at lateral sides thereof.
19. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 2 characterized in that said upper means comprises:
a pair of upper substantially parallel and elongated lateral arms extending forwardly;
an upper bridge portion conductively interconnecting said upper lateral arms, said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms forming an upper spatial area;
an upper cantilever member extending forwardly within said upper spatial area and having an arcuate shape forming a first upper contact location on a lower surface thereof; and said upper bridge portion is angled upwardly in a forward direction, and said upper lateral arms are angled downwardly in a forward direction, and intersections of said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms form said second and said third upper contact locations.
a pair of upper substantially parallel and elongated lateral arms extending forwardly;
an upper bridge portion conductively interconnecting said upper lateral arms, said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms forming an upper spatial area;
an upper cantilever member extending forwardly within said upper spatial area and having an arcuate shape forming a first upper contact location on a lower surface thereof; and said upper bridge portion is angled upwardly in a forward direction, and said upper lateral arms are angled downwardly in a forward direction, and intersections of said upper bridge portion and said upper lateral arms form said second and said third upper contact locations.
20. An electrical receptacle apparatus in accordance with claim 19 characterized in that said upper cantilever member is resilient in structure and comprises a rear downwardly angled portion integrally connected at a forward portion thereof to a forward upwardly angled portion, and said first upper contact location is formed at an interface of said rear downwardly angled portion and said forward upwardly angled portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US36519489A | 1989-06-12 | 1989-06-12 | |
| US07/365,194 | 1989-06-12 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2018179A1 CA2018179A1 (en) | 1990-12-12 |
| CA2018179C true CA2018179C (en) | 2000-04-18 |
Family
ID=23437853
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2018179 Expired - Lifetime CA2018179C (en) | 1989-06-12 | 1990-06-04 | Electrical contact arrangement |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0402792B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2018179C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69022888T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5551897A (en) * | 1995-02-08 | 1996-09-03 | Osram Sylvania Inc. | Electrical contact |
| US5938485A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1999-08-17 | The Whitaker Corporation | Electrical terminal |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1492101A (en) * | 1975-04-18 | 1977-11-16 | Amp Inc | Electrical contacts |
| DE8600211U1 (en) * | 1986-01-07 | 1987-07-02 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Contact spring |
| JPS6358776A (en) * | 1986-08-27 | 1988-03-14 | アンプ インコ−ポレ−テツド | 4-sheet leaf receptacle contact |
| US4700997A (en) * | 1986-11-14 | 1987-10-20 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Electrical connector |
-
1990
- 1990-06-04 CA CA 2018179 patent/CA2018179C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-06-08 DE DE1990622888 patent/DE69022888T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-06-08 EP EP90110898A patent/EP0402792B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69022888T2 (en) | 1996-05-30 |
| EP0402792B1 (en) | 1995-10-11 |
| CA2018179A1 (en) | 1990-12-12 |
| EP0402792A3 (en) | 1991-07-17 |
| DE69022888D1 (en) | 1995-11-16 |
| EP0402792A2 (en) | 1990-12-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |