Microminiature Multi-pin Connector

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a microminiature multi-pin connector wherein plural high voltage terminals are closely spaced, yet electrically isolated. This is accomplished by use of a triple O-ring formed integral member into which a mating member is forced which has a diameter larger than the O-ring and smaller than the valleys between the O-rings in order to essentially flatten the O-rings and remove substantially all entrapped air. The fit with the triple O-ring avoids the use of pressure closing devices and therefore minimizes space requirements.

Description

This invention relates to a microminiature multi-pin connector and, more specifically, to a high voltage multi-pin connector having small pin spacing, yet retaining electrical isolation between pins.

Multi-pin high voltage connectors have had the problems of corona-discharge between pins, thereby requiring that pins be separated by a substantial distance. This prevented the possibility of providing a compact multi-pin connector for use in high voltage applications.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-pin connector capable of carrying as high as about 10 KV test, wherein as many as six lines can be assembled in a package about 1/2 inch by 1 inch. Briefly, the above is accomplished by providing socket and receptacle, each of the rectangular rack and panel type, which are mounted in a cabinet, the cabinets being moved together for connection. The connector includes a male connector formed by a hard plastic molded around a female connector, the male connector passing into a female connector formed with a pin surrounded by a molding, preferably of silicon rubber, the molding having plural O-rings formed thereon and integral therewith. The male connector has an outer diameter which is intermediate the outer diameters of the O-rings and the valleys between the O-rings so that the O-rings deform into the empty spaces to form an essentially flat and continuous member with the male connector. This causes evacuation of substantially all of the air, provides a good electrical sealing function and provides a long distance between adjacent terminals when travelling along the O-rings to provide less chance for current flow between adjacent pins.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a high voltage multi-pin connector which has relatively short spacing between pins.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a high voltage multi-pin connector which is compact in size relative to prior art high voltage multi-pin connectors.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a multi-pin high voltage connector having a rigid member engaging plural O-rings formed of semi-rigid material.

The above objects and still further objects of the invention will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art after consideration of the following preferred embodiment thereof, which is provided by way of example and not by way of limitation wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view in elevation of receptacle and socket members in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the receptacle portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the socket portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view, partly in section, of the socket and receptacle in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the receptacle and socket of FIG. 4 in the connected condition.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a receptacle assembly 1 and a socket assembly 3. The socket assembly 3, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a hard plastic body 5 which performs a support function for the resilient plastic insert 7 which can be formed of silicon rubber or the like. The plastic body 5 includes grooves 9 in which mounting flanges 11 can be secured for mounting the socket assembly 3. Wires 13 are connected to contact pins 15. The insert 7 includes apertures 17 for receiving connectors from a mating element. The body 5 has a bevelled edge 19 to aid in alinement of the mating parts and a lengthwise bevel 21 to provide for polarization.

Referring now to the right hand portion of FIG. 4, there is shown a partial cross-section of the socket assembly 3. The hard plastic body 5 is bonded to the insert 7 by means of a bonding material 23 placed therebetween. The insert 7 includes a plurality of apertures 17, the apertures being defined by an undulating interior in the form of three O-rings 25. The pin 15 extends into the apertures and is secured in the insert 7.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the receptacle assembly 1 of FIG. 1. The receptacle assembly includes a hard plastic body 27 having an outer shroud 29 and an inner cylindrical portion 31 having an aperture 43 therein. The shroud 29 has an open end for receiving the body 5, the forward end of the shroud 5 having a bevel 35 for alinement with the mating member and an angular portion 37 for polarization. A rear member 39 of hard plastic retains wires 41 to which are connected female socket members 33. A groove 45 is formed in the shroud 29 for receiving a flange is in the member 5.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a partial cross-section of the receptacle assembly. The shroud 29 is bonded to the rear member and the socket members 33 a portion 31 so that the hollow interiors of the socket members 33 surround the apertures 43. The wires 41 extend through the rear member 39, the socket members 33 being positioned in the cylindrical portions 31.

The cross-sectional diameters of the member 31 is intermediate the cross-sectional diameter of the O-rings 25 and the valleys between the O-rings.

The socket 3 and receptacle 1 are connected by bringing these members together as shown in FIG. 5. The socket 3 and receptacle 1 become alined and enter each other due to the bevels 35 and 19, the rigid members 31 entering the apertures 17 and flattening the resilient O-rings 25 to essentially remove all air therein. The pin 15 and socket 33 mate to provide electrical connection.

The insert 7 and shroud 29 form a substantially continuous insulator, corona or conduction between adjacent terminals only being possible around the O-rings, thereby providing an extended path. This provides a good electrical sealing function. This allows for a compact connector which requires no axial pressure to maintain its seal integrity. Engagement must be accurate but the parts need not be forced together. The members also provide good mechanical protection for the electrical connection and prevents contamination from dirt as well as providing protection from impact damage. The members 27 and 5 are formed of a rigid plastic such as thermoplastic polyester.

The provision of the triple O-ring array avoids the use of pressure closing mechanisms such as caps, jack screws and the like which require space, thereby permitting a very compact high voltage multi-pin connector.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment thereof, many variations and modifications will immediately become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A microminiature mutli-pin high voltage connector which comprises,

a. a receptacle, said receptacle including plural electrical connecting terminals, each of said terminals being encased in a rigid material of substantially circular cross-section, and

b. a socket, said socket including a rigid outer body with a resilient insert bonded therein, said insert including plural apertures and an electrical terminal in each said aperture for mating with the terminals of said receptacle, said apertures being defined by an undulating surface having ridges and valleys, the diameter of said rigid material of circular cross-section being intermediate the cross-section through said ridges and said valleys.

2. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ridges and valleys define plural O-rings.

3. A connector as set forth in claim 2 having at least three of said O-rings.

4. A connector as set forth in claim 1 further including means in said socket and receptacle to aline said terminals in said socket with said terminals in said receptacle.

5. A connector as set forth in claim 2 further including means in said socket and receptacle to aline said terminals in said socket with said terminals in said receptacle.

6. A connector as set forth in claim 3 further including means in said socket and receptacle to aline said terminals in said socket with said terminals in said receptacle.

7. A connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rigid material in said receptacle is forced into said aperture, said undulating surface being substantially flat over said rigid material.

8. A connector as set forth in claim 2 wherein said rigid material in said receptacle is forced into said aperture, said undulating surface being substantially flat over said rigid material.

9. A connector as set forth in claim 3 wherein said rigid material in said receptacle is forced into said aperture, said undulating surface being substantially flat over said rigid material.

10. A connector as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rigid material in said receptacle is forced into said aperture, said undulating surface being substantially flat over said rigid material.

11. A connector as set forth in claim 5 wherein said rigid material in said receptacle is forced into said aperture, said undulating surface being substantially flat over said rigid material.

12. A connector as set forth in claim 6 wherein said rigid material in said receptacle is forced into said aperture, said undulating surfaces being substantially flat over said rigid material.