CA1222553A - Compliant pin - Google Patents
Compliant pinInfo
- Publication number
- CA1222553A CA1222553A CA000460963A CA460963A CA1222553A CA 1222553 A CA1222553 A CA 1222553A CA 000460963 A CA000460963 A CA 000460963A CA 460963 A CA460963 A CA 460963A CA 1222553 A CA1222553 A CA 1222553A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- aperture
- beams
- pin
- circuit board
- radius
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
- H01R12/58—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals terminals for insertion into holes
- H01R12/585—Terminals having a press fit or a compliant portion and a shank passing through a hole in the printed circuit board
Landscapes
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Insertion Pins And Rivets (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The disclosure relates to a compliant pin that effects a resilient interference fit within a comple-mentary aperture of a printed circuit board. The pin utilizes an improved three beam configuration that optimizes electrical continuity, load distribution and mechanical stability, yet minimizes insertion force.
The compliant pin exhibits contact wiping upon inser-tion and an anti-torque characteristic after insertion.
The disclosure relates to a compliant pin that effects a resilient interference fit within a comple-mentary aperture of a printed circuit board. The pin utilizes an improved three beam configuration that optimizes electrical continuity, load distribution and mechanical stability, yet minimizes insertion force.
The compliant pin exhibits contact wiping upon inser-tion and an anti-torque characteristic after insertion.
Description
~2~ 3 COMPL IANT P IN
BACXROUND OF THE INVENTION
Compliant pins are used to facilitate an electrLcal connection between, for e~ample, printed circuit boards and associated circuitry. Such pin con-nectors generally utilize a 5plit wall or twin beams that are radially contractable upon insertion of the pin into an aperture thereby to provide a positive electrical and mechanical connection to the circuit board An example of a compliant pin heretofore known and used is found in U. S. Patcnt Re. 29,513.
It is desirable that a compliant pin effect resilient engagemen~ with the circuit board so ~hat contact pressure is maintained yet be capable of inser-tion into the circuit board in a high density array without requiring excessive installation force. Yet another desieable ~eature of a compliant pin is that it exhibit contact wiping upon insertion into the circuit board yet be resilient to torque applie~ to the pin in order to preclude an electrical short circuit between adjacent pins and scoring of the aperture in the cir-cuit board.
The problem with pins of conventional design is that in order to meet the force requirements inci dent to insertion, retention and torque, such known pins are relatively stiff. As a result, th~ aperture in the printed circuit board often complies more than the pin. This results in significant hole deformation, both electrical and mechanical damage to the circuit ~222~3 boar~, and ultimate compromise of the integrity of the electrical circuit.
SU~IMARY OF T~ INVENTION
A co~pliant pin in accordance with the instant invention solves the aforesaid problem by utilizing a shank portion that is split into three beams that are seated in an aperture in a printed circuit board or other mounting member. The pin has conventional wire-wrap, solder or mechanical terminations extending above and below the circuit board, of any desired con-figuration. Upon insertion of the pin into the mounting aperture of the circuit board, the three beams engage the aperture walls and maintain a resilient bias thereon. The resilient bias of the 1exed beams against the walls Oe the apertur-e; ensures secure mechanical mounting as well as positive electrical con tact with the conductive platin~ internally-of the aperture. In accordance with one feature, flexure of an intermediate beam of the pin results in torsion of the outer beams to effect contact wiping and insure good electrical contact. The intermediate beam also functions as an anti-torque element to stabilize the rotational position of the pin within the aperture iQ
the circult board~
BACXROUND OF THE INVENTION
Compliant pins are used to facilitate an electrLcal connection between, for e~ample, printed circuit boards and associated circuitry. Such pin con-nectors generally utilize a 5plit wall or twin beams that are radially contractable upon insertion of the pin into an aperture thereby to provide a positive electrical and mechanical connection to the circuit board An example of a compliant pin heretofore known and used is found in U. S. Patcnt Re. 29,513.
It is desirable that a compliant pin effect resilient engagemen~ with the circuit board so ~hat contact pressure is maintained yet be capable of inser-tion into the circuit board in a high density array without requiring excessive installation force. Yet another desieable ~eature of a compliant pin is that it exhibit contact wiping upon insertion into the circuit board yet be resilient to torque applie~ to the pin in order to preclude an electrical short circuit between adjacent pins and scoring of the aperture in the cir-cuit board.
The problem with pins of conventional design is that in order to meet the force requirements inci dent to insertion, retention and torque, such known pins are relatively stiff. As a result, th~ aperture in the printed circuit board often complies more than the pin. This results in significant hole deformation, both electrical and mechanical damage to the circuit ~222~3 boar~, and ultimate compromise of the integrity of the electrical circuit.
SU~IMARY OF T~ INVENTION
A co~pliant pin in accordance with the instant invention solves the aforesaid problem by utilizing a shank portion that is split into three beams that are seated in an aperture in a printed circuit board or other mounting member. The pin has conventional wire-wrap, solder or mechanical terminations extending above and below the circuit board, of any desired con-figuration. Upon insertion of the pin into the mounting aperture of the circuit board, the three beams engage the aperture walls and maintain a resilient bias thereon. The resilient bias of the 1exed beams against the walls Oe the apertur-e; ensures secure mechanical mounting as well as positive electrical con tact with the conductive platin~ internally-of the aperture. In accordance with one feature, flexure of an intermediate beam of the pin results in torsion of the outer beams to effect contact wiping and insure good electrical contact. The intermediate beam also functions as an anti-torque element to stabilize the rotational position of the pin within the aperture iQ
the circult board~
- 2 ~Z~ ;3 Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a compliant pin for acceptance in a comple-mentary aperture in a mounting device which comprises a head portion, a tail portion spaced from the head portion, and an intermediate portion which comprises three resilient beams circumferentially spaced from one another about a central axis and disposed in a generally triangular array. The beams have arcuate edge portions which in the free state prior to insertion into the aperture, lie in a circle generated about the axis having a diameter relatively larger than the aperture.
A radius of development of the arcuate edge portions being equal to or less than the radius of the aperture, two of the beams lying in a common diametrical plane and an intermediate beam being displaced radially from the diametrical plane at an angle of ninety degrees to the plane and equally spaced from the two beams. Each of the beams being movable radially ; inwardly, relative to the aperture upon insertion thereinto.
The two beams being rotatable about an axis generally parallel to the central axis and movable circumferentially relative to andtoward the intermediate beam, respectively, upon , insertion of the pin into t-he aperture to effect contact wiping therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a compliant pin in accordance with the instant invention mounted on a conventional printed circuit board;
ch/~ 2a -~IL2~Z5~;3 Figure 2 is an elevational view of the compliant pin of Figure 1, partly broken away;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the pin of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the compliant pin taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 2 and shown in relation to a maximum and minimum diameter aperture in a circuit board.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE~ERRED
EMBODIMENT OF T}3E INVENTION
As seen in Figure 1, a compliant pin 10, in accordance with a constructed embodiment of the instant invention, is preferably fabricated from a single piece of flat ~etal or other conductive material and adapted to be press fit into an aperture 12 in a printed cir-cuit board 14. The pin 10 is adapted to be electri-cally connected to conductors of any desired configuration at an upper terminal or head portion 15 and a lower terminal or tail portion 16 thereof (not shown), as well as to be electrically connected to con-ductive plating 17 within the aperture 12 in the cir-cuit board 14. A minimum thickness circuit board 14 is illustrated in solid lines, the dashed lines indicating the degree of penetration of the pin 10 in a maximum thickness circuit board.
As shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, the head portion 15 of the pin 10 has shoulders 18 and 19 thereon that limit penetration of the pin 10 iqto the circuit board 14. A shank portion of the pin 10 . comprises an intermediate beam 20 disposed between two : 3 ~2~Z5i~;3 outboard beams 22 and 24. The beams 20, 22 and 24 are disposed in a generally triangular array thereby to mount the pin 10 within the aperture 12 in the circuit board 14. Arcuate sidewall edges 26, 28 and 30 on the beams 20, 22 and 24, respectively, engage the conduc-tive sidewall 17 of the mounting aperture 12 in the board 14. The beams 20, 22 and 29 are bent radially outwardly so that the edge ~rtions 26, 28 and 30 lie in and define a circle o~E predetermined diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the aperture 12 in the circuit board 14. Thus, the beams 20, 22 and 24 provide for both mechanical attachment of the pin 10 to the circuit board 14 and electrical contact with a desired printed circuit thereon.
As best seen in Figure 4 of the drawing, the intermediate beam 20 is displaced radially to the left and out of the plane of the beams 22 and 2g. The beams 22 and 24 are displaced radially outwardly relative to one another and ~o the beam 20 whereby the beams 20, 22 and 24 are disposed in a generally triangular array.
The beams 20, 22 and 24 are provided with arcuate edge surfaces 26, 28 and ~0, the radii of deve-lopment thereof Rl, R2 and R3, respectively, being equal to the radius R4 of a minimum aperture Amin~
Thus, when the pin 10 is inserted into a minimum aper-ture Amin in the circuit board 14, the beams 20, 22 and 24 will be radially inwardly contracted to the extent that the arcua~e edge portions 26, 28 and 30 thereon, respectively, are concentric with the inner surface of the aperture Amin-~222S~3 It is to be noted that the beams 20, 22 and 24are initially expanded, as seen in Pigure 4 of the drawings, to a circle having a radius R6 which is greater than the radius Rs f a maximum size aperture AmaX~ When the beams 20, 22 and 24 contract radially inwardly into an aperture AmaX~ the arcuate edge sur-faces 26, ~8 and 30 thereon make line contact wit~ the periphery of the aperture AmaX~
From the foregoing it shoul~ be apparent that the arcuate edge portions 26~ 28 and 30 of the beams 20, 22 and 24, respectively, never engage the aperture 12 of the circuit board 14 in a manner that brings the circumferentially spaced side corners 32-34, 36-38, and 40-42 thereof into biting contact with the apertures AmaX or Amin- The aforesaid relationship preciudes scoring of the aperture 12 and compromise of circuit board 14 integrlty.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the entire pin 10 is moved radially to the right as seen in Figure 4~ upon insertion into the cir-cuit board 14 by a radial Eorce Fl. Concomitantly, the beams 22 and 24 are biased radially inwardly under the influence of radial forces F2 and F3, resolution o the aforesaid forces resulting in the beam 22 being sub-jected to a counterclockwlse torsional moment TMCc while the beam 24 is subjected to a clockwise torsional moment TMC. The aforesaid torsional moments TMCc and TM~ effect contact wiping between the edge surfaces 28 and 30 on the beams 22, 24, respectively, and the electrically conductive surface 17 of the aperture 12 5~3 in the circuit board 14.
In accocdance with yet another feature of the instant invention, the pin 10 is stabilized against rotation by the intermediate beam 20 since it essen-tially floats between the ~e,ams 22 and 24 thereby to provide a counter torque to aoy twisting moment applied to the upper terminal or head portion 15 or lower ter-minal or tail portion 16 of the pin 10. This anti-torque feature results in maintenancé of a desired orientation for the upper and lower terminal portions 15 and 16 of the pin 10 on the circuit board 14 to ensure electrical spacing between adjacent pins.
While the preferred embodiment of the inven-tion has been disclosed, it should be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of modification without departing from the scope of the following claims.
A radius of development of the arcuate edge portions being equal to or less than the radius of the aperture, two of the beams lying in a common diametrical plane and an intermediate beam being displaced radially from the diametrical plane at an angle of ninety degrees to the plane and equally spaced from the two beams. Each of the beams being movable radially ; inwardly, relative to the aperture upon insertion thereinto.
The two beams being rotatable about an axis generally parallel to the central axis and movable circumferentially relative to andtoward the intermediate beam, respectively, upon , insertion of the pin into t-he aperture to effect contact wiping therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a compliant pin in accordance with the instant invention mounted on a conventional printed circuit board;
ch/~ 2a -~IL2~Z5~;3 Figure 2 is an elevational view of the compliant pin of Figure 1, partly broken away;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the pin of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the compliant pin taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 2 and shown in relation to a maximum and minimum diameter aperture in a circuit board.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRE~ERRED
EMBODIMENT OF T}3E INVENTION
As seen in Figure 1, a compliant pin 10, in accordance with a constructed embodiment of the instant invention, is preferably fabricated from a single piece of flat ~etal or other conductive material and adapted to be press fit into an aperture 12 in a printed cir-cuit board 14. The pin 10 is adapted to be electri-cally connected to conductors of any desired configuration at an upper terminal or head portion 15 and a lower terminal or tail portion 16 thereof (not shown), as well as to be electrically connected to con-ductive plating 17 within the aperture 12 in the cir-cuit board 14. A minimum thickness circuit board 14 is illustrated in solid lines, the dashed lines indicating the degree of penetration of the pin 10 in a maximum thickness circuit board.
As shown in detail in Figures 2 and 3, the head portion 15 of the pin 10 has shoulders 18 and 19 thereon that limit penetration of the pin 10 iqto the circuit board 14. A shank portion of the pin 10 . comprises an intermediate beam 20 disposed between two : 3 ~2~Z5i~;3 outboard beams 22 and 24. The beams 20, 22 and 24 are disposed in a generally triangular array thereby to mount the pin 10 within the aperture 12 in the circuit board 14. Arcuate sidewall edges 26, 28 and 30 on the beams 20, 22 and 24, respectively, engage the conduc-tive sidewall 17 of the mounting aperture 12 in the board 14. The beams 20, 22 and 29 are bent radially outwardly so that the edge ~rtions 26, 28 and 30 lie in and define a circle o~E predetermined diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the aperture 12 in the circuit board 14. Thus, the beams 20, 22 and 24 provide for both mechanical attachment of the pin 10 to the circuit board 14 and electrical contact with a desired printed circuit thereon.
As best seen in Figure 4 of the drawing, the intermediate beam 20 is displaced radially to the left and out of the plane of the beams 22 and 2g. The beams 22 and 24 are displaced radially outwardly relative to one another and ~o the beam 20 whereby the beams 20, 22 and 24 are disposed in a generally triangular array.
The beams 20, 22 and 24 are provided with arcuate edge surfaces 26, 28 and ~0, the radii of deve-lopment thereof Rl, R2 and R3, respectively, being equal to the radius R4 of a minimum aperture Amin~
Thus, when the pin 10 is inserted into a minimum aper-ture Amin in the circuit board 14, the beams 20, 22 and 24 will be radially inwardly contracted to the extent that the arcua~e edge portions 26, 28 and 30 thereon, respectively, are concentric with the inner surface of the aperture Amin-~222S~3 It is to be noted that the beams 20, 22 and 24are initially expanded, as seen in Pigure 4 of the drawings, to a circle having a radius R6 which is greater than the radius Rs f a maximum size aperture AmaX~ When the beams 20, 22 and 24 contract radially inwardly into an aperture AmaX~ the arcuate edge sur-faces 26, ~8 and 30 thereon make line contact wit~ the periphery of the aperture AmaX~
From the foregoing it shoul~ be apparent that the arcuate edge portions 26~ 28 and 30 of the beams 20, 22 and 24, respectively, never engage the aperture 12 of the circuit board 14 in a manner that brings the circumferentially spaced side corners 32-34, 36-38, and 40-42 thereof into biting contact with the apertures AmaX or Amin- The aforesaid relationship preciudes scoring of the aperture 12 and compromise of circuit board 14 integrlty.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the entire pin 10 is moved radially to the right as seen in Figure 4~ upon insertion into the cir-cuit board 14 by a radial Eorce Fl. Concomitantly, the beams 22 and 24 are biased radially inwardly under the influence of radial forces F2 and F3, resolution o the aforesaid forces resulting in the beam 22 being sub-jected to a counterclockwlse torsional moment TMCc while the beam 24 is subjected to a clockwise torsional moment TMC. The aforesaid torsional moments TMCc and TM~ effect contact wiping between the edge surfaces 28 and 30 on the beams 22, 24, respectively, and the electrically conductive surface 17 of the aperture 12 5~3 in the circuit board 14.
In accocdance with yet another feature of the instant invention, the pin 10 is stabilized against rotation by the intermediate beam 20 since it essen-tially floats between the ~e,ams 22 and 24 thereby to provide a counter torque to aoy twisting moment applied to the upper terminal or head portion 15 or lower ter-minal or tail portion 16 of the pin 10. This anti-torque feature results in maintenancé of a desired orientation for the upper and lower terminal portions 15 and 16 of the pin 10 on the circuit board 14 to ensure electrical spacing between adjacent pins.
While the preferred embodiment of the inven-tion has been disclosed, it should be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of modification without departing from the scope of the following claims.
Claims
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A compliant pin for acceptance in a complementary aperture in a mounting device comprising a head portion, a tail portion spaced from said head portion, and an intermediate portion comprising three resilient beams circumferentially spaced from one another about a central axis and disposed in a generally triangular array, said beams have arcuate edge portions which in the free state prior to insertion into said aperture, lie in a circle generated about said axis having a diameter relatively larger than said aperture, a radius of development of said arcuate edge portions being equal to or less than the radius of said aperture, two of said beams lying in a common diametrical plane and an intermediate beam being displaced radially from said diametrical plane at an angle of ninety degrees to said plane and equally spaced from said two beams, each of said beams being movable radially inwardly, relative to said aperture upon insertion thereinto, said two beams being rotatable about an axis generally parallel to said central axis and movable circumferentially relative to and toward said intermediate beam, respectively, upon insertion of said pin into said aperture to effect contact wiping therewith.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US54448483A | 1983-10-24 | 1983-10-24 | |
| US544,484 | 1983-10-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1222553A true CA1222553A (en) | 1987-06-02 |
Family
ID=24172368
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000460963A Expired CA1222553A (en) | 1983-10-24 | 1984-08-14 | Compliant pin |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0141492A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS60101884A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1222553A (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4691979A (en) * | 1983-08-04 | 1987-09-08 | Manda R & D | Compliant press-fit electrical contact |
| JPS60169409U (en) * | 1984-04-19 | 1985-11-09 | 若井産業株式会社 | nail |
| EP0225400B1 (en) * | 1985-12-11 | 1991-02-27 | Burndy Electra N.V. | Contact pin |
| ATE67899T1 (en) * | 1988-11-07 | 1991-10-15 | Burndy Electra Nv | CONTACT PIN. |
| FR2740913B1 (en) | 1995-11-07 | 1997-12-05 | Framatome Connectors France | HOLDING AND CONTACT ELEMENT AND CONNECTOR COMPRISING SAME |
| DE19726759A1 (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1999-01-07 | Elco Europ Gmbh | Press-in contact |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1132614B (en) * | 1960-09-29 | 1962-07-05 | Ft Products Ltd | Connector |
| JPS5163460A (en) * | 1974-10-10 | 1976-06-01 | Du Pont | Kairobanpin oyobi hoho |
| JPS5611863A (en) * | 1979-07-09 | 1981-02-05 | Kel Kk | Connector |
| EP0105044B1 (en) * | 1982-08-31 | 1986-10-29 | Burndy Electra N.V. | Electric contact pin for use in printed circuit boards |
-
1984
- 1984-08-08 EP EP84305416A patent/EP0141492A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1984-08-14 CA CA000460963A patent/CA1222553A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-10-01 JP JP59204208A patent/JPS60101884A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS60101884A (en) | 1985-06-05 |
| EP0141492A3 (en) | 1985-07-03 |
| EP0141492A2 (en) | 1985-05-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |