US3256510A - Plural socket contact - Google Patents

Description

June 14, 1966 A. D. VAN HORSSEN PLURAL SOCKET CONTACT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 26, 1965 5 m m# mm W D. R

June 1966 A. D. VAN HORSSEN 3,256,510

PLURAL SOCKET CONTACT Filed Nov. 26, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 KHZ/Ev United States Patent 3,256,510 PLURAL SOCKET CONTACT Arden D. Van Horssen, Minneapolis, Minn., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to United-Carr Incorporated, Boston, Mass, a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 26, 1963, Ser. No. 326,175 11 Claims. (Cl. 339-198) This invention relates generally to electrical contacts, and pertains more specifically to a socket contact for accommodating or receiving a plurality of pins.

One object of the invention is to provide a plural or multiple socket contact that can be readily fabricated from sheet metal. More specifically, it is an aim of the invention to provide such a contact that will accommodate at least one tapered pin and one straight pin. In its preferred form, it is planned that a pair of receptacles for tapered pins face in one direction and that an intermediate receptacle for the receiving of a straight pin face in an opposite direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a contact of the foregoing character that will be of small size. In this regard, contacts having oppositely directed receptacles are currently available but the receptacles extend in opposite directions from a central bridging member, thereby causing each contact to take up a considerable amount of space. With the present invention, it is envisaged that one receptacle will lie between two adjacent receptacles so that the distance between the openings for the several receptacles will be appreciably reduced as compared with prior art contacts. Not only does this have a decided advantage where numerous such contacts are employed, but in high-speed data processing there is the added advantage of shortening the electrical path so that the equipment can operate at a higher rate. V

Still another object of the invention is to provide a plural or multiple socket contact that can be readily inserted and removed from a molded plastic block or shell. It is contemplated that the plastic block or shell will house a number of contacts fabricated in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, perhaps 30 or more, and if any individual contact should break or otherwise require replacement, the contact can be easily removed and a new one substituted therefor. Also, since in a number of instances access is available only from one side of an array of such molded blocks, a large number of such' blocks constituting a large panel, it is within the purview of the invention to provide an electrical contact that is accessible from either or both sides to initiate release although the contact is taken out or removed only from one side.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a contact having a receptacle arrangement as outlined above which contact is made from relatively thin gauge sheet metal stock, it being envisaged that the plastic material constituting the molded block or shell will provide additional strength that is particularly needed in conjunction with the tapered receptacles that flank the receptacle for the straight pin. It is also an aim of the invention to provide an electrical contact capable of receiving both tapered and straight pins that will allow the tapered pin to be forced into the tapered receptacle and thereby expand the receptacle to whatever extent is necessary for the firm and positive retention of that particular tapered pin or plug. Stated somewhat differently, when practicing the invention, it is not necessary to have an electrical contact with tapered receptacles that must be fabricated with close tolerances, for with the envisioned arrangement the tapered pin will merely force the tapered receptacle outwardly against the tapered plastic wall to whatever extent is necessary in order to maintain engagement between the tapered pin and the tapered receptacle.

"Ice

While it is contemplated that an electrical contact having tapered receptacles will be adequate for most purposes without imparting any non-circular cross section to the receptacle, nonetheless the invention permits the formation of generally tapered receptacles that can be distorted so as to possess a hexagonal or other non-circular configuration when viewed in cross section. Thus, where the invention permits the use of relatively thin stock, it follows that various cross sectional configurations can be formed in the receptacles or barrels for receiving the tapered pins, the tapered pins then expanding and conforming the receptacles to the exact taper of the pins when inserted therein. Such an arrangement can be used to provide an exceedingly tight fit when circumstances so dictate.

Still another object of the invention is to provide multiple socket contacts that can be manufactured at a very low cost. For example, it is intended that the contact be stamped from a piece of sheet metal and that the resulting blank be formed into the appropriate configuration Without resort to brazing or adding any other parts. In other Words, if it is within the scope of the present invention to make an electrical contact that is capable of accom-modating a plurality of pins that will be of a unitary construction.

The attributes of my electrical contact make it especially suitable for use in conjunction with logic circuitry for high-speed electronic data processing. While those familiar with the computer art will immediately recognize where contacts of this type will be used, it can be explained that it is conventional to provide printed circuit boards having straight pins extending therefrom that are to be plugged into the appropriate receptacles for receiving these straight pins. These printed circuit boards carry the logic circuits. On the other hand, a semi-perma nent type of connection is desired at the other side of the blocks or shells containing the multiple socket contacts, such wiring leading to more permanently installed equipment. It is for this reason that tapered pins have been employed, such pins providing a semi-permanent connection. Also, by having two tapered receptacles associated with a single straight pin receptacle, it is possible to interconnect various contacts with each other as well as with the more permanently installed equipment. Where thousands of such contacts are used in a given computer, it will be apparent that the cost of the various contacts is important, although reliability cannot in any Way be sacrificed. Consequently, the invention has as a general or over-all object the provision of a multiple socket contact that will possess especial utility 'for data processing applications.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views and in which:

FIGURE =1 is a perspective view taken from one side of an electrical contact fabricated in accordance with my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view looking at the other side of the electrical contact shown in FIGURE 1, the

view being somewhat enlarged over FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a sheet metal blank to be formed into the socket configuration pictured in 'FIGURES '1 and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of a fragmentary portion of a molded block or shell assembly in which a number of the contacts shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 would be inserted, no contacts having been depicted, however, in this view;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken in the direction of line 55 of FIGURE 4, an electrical contact having been inserted therein;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken in the direction of line 6-6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical contact in the process of being inserted into the molded block assembly;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional detail view taken generally in the direction of line 88 of FIGURE but illustrating a suitable probe or implement for effecting the removal of the contact from the plastic block;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective exploded view corresponding to FIGURE 7 but depicting a somewhat modified electrical contact with respect to the particular means for retaining the contact within the confines of the plastic block, and

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the modified contact of FIGURE 9, the view illustrating the ditferent tang arrangement for holding the contact in a captive relationship with the plastic block.

Referring now in detail to the embodiment shown in FIGURES 1-8, it will be observed that the sheet metal plural socket contact has been denoted generally by the reference numeral 10. As can best be discerned from FIGURES 1 and 2, the contact 10 includes an integral and centrally disposed U-shaped or reversely bent body 12 having side or front and back panels '14, 16 and an interconnecting bridging or bight portion 18. Actually, by virtue of a specific tang arrangement hereinafter referred to, the bight portion 18 constitutes a pair of connecting strips rather than a single portion, although reference to a single portion facilitates the description and also the claim language. Extending downwardly from the panels 14, 16 are front and back tines or spring fingers 20.

The contact 10 additionally includes a pair of laterally extending tapered barrels or receptacles 24, 26. These tapered receptacles 24, 26 each have a free edge 28 that has been rolled or otherwise curved into an adjacent relationship with rear or back panel 16. 'Described in a somewhat different fashion, it will be perceived that each of the tapered receptacles 24, 26 includes an upper tapered barrel portion 30 forming a circular opening 32 for the entrance of a conventional tapered pin (not shown). Each of the receptacles 24, 26 further includes three tines or spring fingers 34, 36, 38 plus a fourth spring finger 48. It will be observed that the fourth spring finger 40 in each instance is longer than the spring fingers 34, 36 and 38. In this way, the additional spring fingers 40 cooperate with the earlier-described spring fingers to form an intermediate receptacle for the accommodation of a conventional straight pin (not shown).

At this time, attention is directed to the presence of a tang 42 that has an upwardly inclining portion 44 and a horizontal portion .46. The horizontal portion 46, as will be clarified later on, constitutes a latching element that serves to retain the contact 10 in place. A slot 4-8 in the rear panel 16 permits the horizontal portion 46 to project rearwardly from the backside of the contact, this being evident from FIGURE 2.

To assist in understanding the construction of the contact 10, it will be of help to refer at this time to a sheet metal blank 50 from which the contact 10 is fabricated. It is believed that only a glance at the blank 50 set forth in FIGURE 3 will be necessary in order to demonstrate the simplicity of the unitary electrical contact 18 shown in its completed form in FIGURES l and 2. With reference now to FIGURES 48 in particular, it can be seen that a plastic block or shell assembly 52 has been depicted. The block assembly 52 includes a retaining casing or housing '54 and a face plate 56. For immediate purposes, the face plate 56 can be said to be provided with an oval opening 58; actually, one such opening 58 exists for each contact 10 and there would normally be at least or so contacts contained in each block assembly 52.

Although discernible from FIGURE 4, it can best be understood from FIGURE 5 that the casing 54 is provided with a pair of tapered bores 60, 62 for each opening 58 that extend completely through the thickness of the casing. This results in an opening at the smaller end of the bores 60, 62 which has been designated by the numeral 64. It will be noted that an interior wall 66 forms a cylindrical recess or pocket which has a chamfered entranceway or opening 70.

It has already been mentioned that the tang 42 provides a horizontal portion 46 that functions as a latching element. It can now be stated that there is an inclined or sloping cam surface 72 that deflects the end of the horizontal portion 46 as the electrical contact is inserted into the block assembly 52. This results in the tang being urged in a direction so that once it passes the sloping cam surface 72, its inherent resiliency will cause it to project into the pocket or recess 74 formed in the casing 54 immediately adjacent the plate 56. For obvious reasons, two such pockets or recesses 74 are provided so that it does not require that the contact 10 be oriented in a particular direction when inserting same into the plastic block assembly 52. By virtue of an overhanging lip 76 adjacent each pocket or recess 74, it follows that the horizontal portion 56 will be latched so that the contact cannot be inadvertently dislodged from the block assembly 52. However, the contact 10 can be intentionally removed, and the procedure for achieving thi goal will be described presently.

A somewhat modified socket contact 80 is depicted in FIGURE 9 and a portion thereof is illustrated in FIG- URE 10 on a larger scale. The real difference between the contact 80 and the contact 10 resides in the tang construction and the modified tang has been labeled 82. From FIGURE 10, it will be noted that a pair of ears 84 are provided for latching the contact 80 in place. Asso ciated with the cars 84 is a platform 86 for use when removing or dislodging the contact 80, the platform having a hole 88 therein which assists in this operation. It

will be appreciated that the cars 84 abut against the overhanging lip 76 when the contact 80 is inserted into a block assembly 52.

Having presented the foregoing information, the manner in which my contact 10 is used, as well as the somewhat modified contact 80, should be readily understood. With the face plate 56 appropriately secured to the casing 54, this constituting the block assembly 52, all that need be done in order to insert the contacts 10 is to force the particular contact 10 through the oval opening 58 in the plate 56. When fully inserted, the tang 42 will flex in a direction so as to cause engagement of its horizontal end portion 46 with a particular pocket or recess 74 and will in this way positively lock the contact 10 in place within the block assembly 52.

When the various contacts 10 have been inserted into the block assembly 52, the block assembly will be mounted along with others, to constitute an array of such assemblies. It has already been mentioned that the invention will find especial utility in connection with logic circuitry for data processing purposes. When so mounted, the tapered receptacles 24, 26 are readied for the accommodation of conventonal tapered pins. It will be recognized that the edge 28 of each receptacle 24, 26 is free to flex outwardly when the tapered pin is forced inwardly. Thus, the tapered receptacles 24, 26 need not be fabri cated with any close tolerances, for their edges 28 will yield to whatever extent is necessary to permit reception of the tapered pins. The tapered pins, though do effect a considerable pressural action against the walls of the receptacles 24, 26 so that this action is resisted by the material constituting the casing 54. Hence, even though the contact 10 is stamped from relatively lightweight sheet material, the tapered bores 60, 62 shoulder very adequately any pressural load applied by the tapered pins. In this way, the tapered pins are retained in a semi-permanent relationship with the socket contact 10. However, should a need arise for removing a particular tapered pin, such as to allow a circuit change to be made, then the opening 64 for that particular bore will be available to provide access for knocking the pin out.

The receptacle for the straight pin is formed by the four spring fingers 20 and 40. These spring fingers extend into the recess or pocket 68 and the straight pin in each instance can readily be inserted through the entranceway 70. It has already been explained that the straight pins will usually project from a printed circuit board or card when the contact is employed in connection with logic circuitry.

If a contact 10 becomes damaged or broken, its removal can easily be realized. All that the technician need do is insert an appropriate tool or probe 90 through the entranceway 70. The tool 90 pictured in FIGURE 8 has a tit 92 thereon which is readily brought to bear against the inclined portion 44 of the tang 42. Sufiicient movement in an upward direction as viewed in FIGURE 8 will cam the tang 42 to the left and thus retract the horizontal portion 46 from its particular pocket or recess 74 so that the contact 10 will be completely removed from the block assembly 52. If a hole 88, similar to that shown in FIGURE 10, is provided in the tang 42, a pointed tool can be inserted through the oval opening 48 to effect the removal of the contact 10 from the opposite side of the block assembly 52. Thus, the technician has a choice as to whether he wishes to force the contact 10 outwardly from either side of the block assembly 52.

Somewhat the same procedure is utilized in removing the contact 80. The insertion process is identical, however. With the ears 84 flexed into engagement with the appropriate lip 76, the technician need only insert a pointed tool, such as the probe 90 with its tit 92 thereon, into the hole 88, doing so from either side of the block assembly 52. With the probe 90 or other-tool so inserted, then he moves the platform 86 laterally so as to withdraw the ears 84 from the position they normally occupy within a given pocket or recess 74, thereby freeing them from the lip 76 for that particular recess. This can be done from either side of the block assembly 52. Once the ears 84 have been retracted as above outlined, then the contact 80 can be readily removed without difiiculty.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangements and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A sheet metal socket contact for accommodating a plurality of pins comprising:

(a) a reversely bent central portion forming side panels and a connecting bight section;

(b) laterally extending rolled portions integral with one of said panels, each being capable of receiving therein one pin, and

(c) tine sections connected to said side panels and to said laterally extending portions for receiving therein an additional pin.

2. A sheet metal socket contact comprising:

(a) a centrally disposed receptacle means facing in one direction including a reversibly bent portion forming spaced panels, and

(b) a pair of tapered receptacle means facing in an opposite direction,

(c) said tapered receptacle means being joined to one of said panels,

(d) whereby the major portion of said centrally disposed receptacle means lies intermediate said pair of tapered receptacle means. I 3. A socket contact in accordance with claim 2 where (a) each of said tapered receptacles includes a tapered portion curving laterally away from said one panel,

. 6 y then toward said other of said panels and then toward said one panel to provide a free edge adjacent said one panel.

4. A sheet metal socket contact for accommodating-a plurality of pins comprising:

(a) a U-shaped body forming generally parallel side panels and a transverse connecting section;

(b) a pair of integral barrel elements extending laterally from said U-shaped body forming right and left receptacles;

(c) a first pair of resilient fingers projecting from said side panels, and

(d) a second pair of resilient fingers projecting from said barrel elements,

(e) said first and second pairs of resilient fingers forming a central receptacle.

5. A socket contact in accordance with claim 4 where- (a) one of said side panels carries an integral tang for latching said contact within a casing.

6. A socket contact in accordance with claim 5 where- (a) the other of said panels has a slot through which said tang projects.

7. A socket contact in accordance with claim 5 where- (a) said tang comprises at least one ear and a laterally extending platform for deflecting said ear from its normal position.

8. A sheet metal socket contact for accommodating tapered and straight pins comprising:

(a) a U-shaped body forming generally parallel side panels and a transverse connecting section at one end;

(b) a pair of laterally extending barrel portions integral with one of said panels for accommodating tapered pins;

(0) a first pair of resilient fingers projecting from the other ends of said panels, and

(d) a second pair of resilient fingers projecting from said barrel portions to accommodate in conjunction with said first pair of resilient fingers a straight pin. a

9. A sheet metal socket contact for accommodating tapered and straight pins comprising:

(a) a U-shaped body forming generally parallel side panels and a transverse connecting section at one end;

(b) a pair of laterallyextending barrel portions integral with one of said panels having a generally circular opening at the end thereof adjacent said one end of said U-shaped body;

(0) a pair of resilient fingers projecting from the ends of said panels remote from said connecting section,

((1) each of said barrel portions having a plurality of resilient fingers projecting in the same general direction as said pair of fingers;

(e) one of each of said plurality of fingers cooperating with said pair of fingers for the engagement of a straight pin therebetween, and

(f) the remaining fingers of said plurality of fingers on each of said barrel portions cooperating to engage a tapered pin when inserted into the generally circular opening of that said barrel portion. a

10. A socket contact assembly comprising:

(a) a casing having a pair of tapered bores and a space therebetween;

(b) a plate having an elongated opening therein, the

ends of said opening being aligned with the enlarged ends of said tapered bores;

(c) an inverted U-shaped receptacle disposed in said space between the bores of said casing and having a bridging section extending across said elongated opening, said casing having an opening opposite said plate for the entrance of a straight pin into said receptacle, and

(d) a tapered receptacle to either ,side of said U- shaped receptacle disposed in each of said tapered bores.

11. A socket contact assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein:

(a) said casing has a recess adjacent said plate, said plate overhanging said recess to form a lip, and

(b) a tang on said U-shaped receptacle for projecting into said recess to retain said contact within said casing.

8 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,816,275 12/1953 Hammell 339-273 5 2,883,586 5/1953 Christensen 339258 X 2,937,357 5/1960 Kennedy 339-176 X 3,173,737 3/1965 Kinkaid et al 339-217 X P. TEITELBAUM, Assistant Examiner. JOSEPH D. SEERS, Primary Examiner. PATRICK A. CLIFFORD, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A SHEET METAL SOCKET CONTACT FOR ACCOMMODATING A PLURALITY OF PINS COMPRIISNG: (A) A REVERSELY BENT CENTRAL PORTION FORMING SIDE PANELS AND A CONNECTING BIGHT SECTION; (B) LATERALLY EXTENDING ROLLED PORTIONS INTEGRAL WITH ONE OF SAID PANELS, EACH BEING CAPABLE OF RECEIVING THEREIN ONE PINE, AND (C) TINE SECTIONS CONNECTED TO SAID SIDE PANELS AND TO SAID LATERALLY EXTENDING PORTIONS FOR RECEIVING THEREIN AN ADDITIONAL PIN.

Images