Heating element connector assembly with insert molded strips
Inventors
Galauner, Charles • Menn, Gregory • Nelson, Richard A. • Avery, Hazelton P. • Purkis, Timothy E. • Faje, Richard A. • Timmons, Ryan D. • Kelly, Andrew J.G. • Wensley, Martin J.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7513781-B2
Publication Date
2009-04-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
An improved heating element connector assembly includes an insulative, rectangular frame with a central opening, and a plurality of conductive terminals which are press fit into openings in the frame. The terminals are spaced apart from each other lengthwise of two opposing sidewalls of the frame, and pairs of terminals are aligned with each other between the two sidewalls. A plurality of conductive strips are held together in an assembly and the ends of the strips are interconnected along two spaced apart lines by carrier members that may be molded over the ends of the conductive strips. The carrier members extend down into cavities on the frame and terminals are pushed into the cavities to bear against the ends of the strips and effect an electrical connection between the terminals and the strips.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a connector assembly with an insulative frame, conductive terminals, conductive strips extending across the frame opening, and carrier members that retain the strip ends. In the rectangular-frame assembly, terminals are aligned in pairs across the opening, and compliant pin tails are provided for receipt by corresponding circuit-board holes. The conductive strips interconnect the terminal pairs and function as current-responsive heating elements.
The strip ends are retained by carrier members seated with terminals in frame cavities, forming mechanical and electrical connections without solder, as described in the supplied partial content. The construction is presented as simplified, reliable, and lower-cost. The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so it does not explicitly state the problem being solved.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage includes three inventive features across two independent claims, claims 1 and 6, covering the frame and terminal arrangement, conductive strips held by carrier members, and a retainer system securing the terminals and strip ends to the frame.
Frame and paired terminal arrangement
Claim 1 recites an insulative rectangular frame with lengthwise side walls, widthwise end walls, a central opening, and cavities. Conductive terminals are supported in the side walls in pairs across the opening, with compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding circuit-board holes and contact portions having outwardly extending bends.
Conductive strips retained by carrier members
Claim 1 recites conductive strips extending across the frame opening and interconnecting terminal pairs. A pair of carrier members holds the strips as a group and retains individual strip free ends; each carrier-member body portion and a terminal are received in a single frame cavity.
Terminal and strip-end engagement in a retainer system
Claim 6 recites terminal contact portions engaging opposing conductive-strip end portions within a retainer system mounted on the insulative frame. The carrier members retain the strip end portions, and each frame cavity receives a single terminal and a single carrier-member body portion in an interference fit.
The two independent claims cover related connector assemblies in which paired terminals on an insulative frame are interconnected by retained conductive strips. Claim 1 specifies the rectangular frame, outwardly extending contact bends, and shared cavity arrangement; claim 6 specifies terminal engagement with strip ends and an interference-fit retainer arrangement.
Stated Advantages
The assembly is presented as a simplified construction.
The assembly is presented as reliable.
The assembly is presented as lower-cost.
Documented Applications
The connector assembly has compliant pin tail portions for receipt by corresponding holes in a circuit board.
The conductive strips are described as current-responsive heating elements.
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