DE102013009131B4 - Grooved connectors with retaining mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector (20, 62, 100, 112) comprising:a housing (22) with a housing groove (24) in a housing bore (40) and a pin (26, 64, 102, 114) with a tapered end (46) and a pin groove (28) located within the housing bore (40), the housing groove (24) having a V-groove, two generally parallel sidewalls (36a, 36b) with a defined distance therebetween, and each sidewall having an inclined sidewall portion, the two oblique side wall sections (42a, 42b) define a reduced groove entry (38) with a dimension that is smaller than the distance between the two generally parallel side walls (36a, 36b), and wherein in the housing groove (24) there is a radially inclined coil spring (30) is arranged, which has a plurality of turns (17) with a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein the major axis is larger than the dimension of the reduced groove entry (38), and the radially inclined coil spring (30) from the two side walls (36a, 36b) is spaced apart.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Electrical and mechanical connectors that use a housing and a pin or shaft with an inclined coil spring positioned therebetween to connect the two components together.

BACKGROUND

Electrical and mechanical connectors with an inclined coil spring arranged between a housing and a shaft are known in the art. Typically, the inclined coil spring is arranged in a groove, which may be located on or in the housing or on or in the shaft. The spring can also be captured between a common groove at the same time, i.e. H. be captured by a groove on or in the housing and by another on the shaft.

Different groove geometries can be used to capture the spring at a specific spring angle or in a specific position within the groove or common groove so that different spring forces can be applied to the surfaces in contact with the spring. For example, for a retaining application, the spring may be received within a groove on either the housing or the shaft in a particular groove orientation. Instead, the spring may be received within a common groove for a locking application that allows subsequent separation between the housing and the shaft. Alternatively, for a locking application that does not allow subsequent separation between the housing and the shaft, the spring may be received within a common groove without destroying the spring.

WO 2005/079 456 A2 relates to a sealing device with a lid gasket for placement in a housing for sealing to the housing. The lid gasket has a body and a cylindrical sleeve. A radial inner groove is provided in a bore of the sleeve. A piston with a circumferential groove and a biasing element is arranged in the bore. The biasing element presses against the inner groove of the housing and the circumferential groove. Surfaces of the inner groove and the circumferential groove are provided to orient the spring to effect a seal between the housing and the sleeve by engaging or locking the cover seal and piston.

US 2004 / 0 245 686 A1 discloses a spring latch connector having a housing with a bore and a piston, the piston being slidably received in the bore and having a circular groove. A circular coil spring is disposed in a housing groove and the piston groove to lock the piston and housing together. The groove is shaped to orient the spring to control connection and separation forces of the spring detent connector.

WO 03/077 372 A1 names a contact arrangement for sliding and plug-in contacts in electrical devices and systems. The assembly has a first current path or shaft and a second current path or housing. The shaft is solid and without a groove, while the housing has a groove in which a helical spring is arranged. The housing groove has a narrowing to prevent the spring from escaping. When the shaft acts on the spring, the helical spring is loaded near its main axis and contacts the two side walls.

SUMMARY

One object is to provide an improved connector.

This object is achieved with a connector according to claim 1 (first aspect) and a method for forming a connector according to claim 8 (second aspect).

A connector is provided comprising a housing with a housing groove having two spaced side walls and a shaft having a pin groove having two spaced side walls. In order to reduce or limit the spring movement within one of the grooves, a reduced groove entry of the housing groove or the pin groove is provided. The reduced groove entry is dimensioned such that the reduced groove tread has a smaller width than the housing groove and the pin groove, with an inclined coil spring being positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Furthermore, a connector is provided in which the reduced groove entry is located on the housing groove.

Furthermore, a connector is provided in which the reduced groove entry is located on the pin groove.

Furthermore, a connector is provided having a housing with a housing groove and a pin with a pin groove. In an example the housing groove has a V-groove, two side walls with a distance and two reduced, inclined side walls with an opening, the opening being dimensioned such that it is smaller than the distance between the two side walls, and a spring in the housing groove located.

In another example, a connector is provided comprising a housing with a housing groove and a pin with a pin groove. In one embodiment, the pin groove includes a V-groove, two sidewalls spaced apart, and two reduced, sloped sidewalls having an opening sized to be smaller than the spacing of the two sidewalls, and wherein in the pin groove is one Spring is located.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a housing with a housing groove having two spaced side walls and a shank, and wherein the reduced groove entry of the housing groove is dimensioned such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the housing groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a shaft with a pin groove having two spaced side walls and a housing, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the pin groove is dimensioned such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the pin groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a housing with a housing groove having two spaced side walls and a shaft having a V-bottomed pin groove, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the housing groove is dimensioned such that the reduced groove entry is a smaller width than the housing groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a shaft with a pin groove having two spaced side walls and a housing having a V-bottomed housing groove, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the pin groove is sized such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the pin groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a housing with a housing groove having two spaced sidewalls and a shaft having a pin groove with a curved bottom, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the housing groove is dimensioned such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the housing groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a shaft with a pin groove having two spaced sidewalls, and a housing having a housing groove with a curved bottom, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the pin groove is dimensioned such that the reduced groove entry is a smaller width than the pin groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

A connector includes a housing having a housing groove having a maximum internal width and a shaft having a pin groove, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the housing groove is sized such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the maximum internal width of the housing groove, and wherein An inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a housing with a housing groove having two spaced sidewalls and a shank, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the housing groove is sized such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the housing groove , and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another feature of the present invention is a connector comprising a shaft with a pin groove having two spaced side walls and a housing, and wherein a reduced groove entry of the pin groove is dimensioned such that the reduced groove entry has a smaller width than the pin groove, and wherein an inclined coil spring is positioned adjacent to the groove or in the groove with the reduced groove entry.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a link spring retaining mechanism. In one example, the method includes providing a housing with a bore and providing a shaft with a tapered entry and an elongated body. Optionally, a groove can be formed in the bore of the housing or on the elongated body of the shaft. The groove can have a groove bottom, two side walls and at least one oblique side wall section with a groove edge extending from one of the two side walls with an inclination which differs from an inclination of the at least one oblique side wall extending therefrom, the groove having a reduced groove entry with a dimension at least partially defined by the groove edge of the oblique side wall section. The method further includes the step of applying an inclined coil spring in the groove with the reduced groove entry, the inclined coil spring having a major axis with a larger dimension than that of the reduced groove entry. The method further includes the step of inserting the shaft into the bore of the housing such that the spring is in contact with both the housing and the shaft, and wherein the groove bottom has a V-shaped configuration and/or a V- shaped configuration with a truncated bottom and/or a flat surface and/or a curved surface.

Furthermore, a method is provided in which the reduced entry groove is located in the bore of the housing.

The method may further include a second groove positioned on the elongated body of the shaft.

The method may further include a second slanted sidewall portion, wherein the at least one slanted sidewall portion and the second slanted sidewall portion define the reduced groove entry.

Furthermore, a method is provided in which the spring is in contact with the at least one inclined side wall section.

Furthermore, a method is provided in which a bottom of the second groove has a V-shaped configuration, and/or a V-shaped configuration with a truncated bottom, and/or a flat surface, and/or a curved surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

• 1 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines Verbinders gemäß den Aspekten der vorliegenden Vorrichtung, des vorliegenden Systems und des vorliegenden Verfahrens.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht des Verbinders aus 1 in einer Systemumgebung.
• 3 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines nicht zur Erfindung gehörenden Verbinders.
• 4 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines nicht zur Erfindung gehörenden Verbinders.
• 5 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines nicht zur Erfindung gehörenden Verbinders.
• 6 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines weiteren alternativen Verbinders gemäß den Aspekten der vorliegenden Vorrichtung, des vorliegenden Systems und des vorliegenden Verfahrens.
• 7 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines weiteren alternativen Verbinders gemäß den Aspekten der vorliegenden Vorrichtung, des vorliegenden Systems und des vorliegenden Verfahrens.
• 8 ist eine schematische, seitliche Querschnittsansicht eines nicht zur Erfindung gehörenden Verbinders.
• 9 zeigt einen schematischen Prozessablaufplan, der ein beispielhaftes Verfahren zum Bilden eines Verbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung illustriert.

These and other features and advantages of the present device, system and method will be better understood from the following description, claims and accompanying drawings:

• 1 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a connector according to aspects of the present apparatus, system, and method.
• 2 shows a schematic, perspective view of the connector 1 in a system environment.
• 3 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a connector not part of the invention.
• 4 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a connector not part of the invention.
• 5 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a connector not part of the invention.
• 6 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of another alternative connector according to aspects of the present device, system and method.
• 7 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of another alternative connector according to aspects of the present device, system and method.
• 8th is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a connector not part of the invention.
• 9 shows a schematic process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for forming a connector in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to be understood as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of grooved connectors in accordance with aspects of the present apparatus, system and method, and not as the sole embodiments thereof the present device, the present system and the present method can be made or used. The description sets the tone describe and describe the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present device, system, and method in conjunction with the illustrated embodiments. However, the description is to be understood to mean that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be achieved by other embodiments may have the same inventive concept and be included within the scope of the present invention. As designated herein and elsewhere, like reference numerals are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features.

1 is a schematic, side cross-sectional view of a connector 20, consistent with aspects of the present apparatus, system, and method. The connector 20 has a housing 22 which has a housing groove 24, a shaft 26 with a shaft or pin groove 28 and an inclined coil spring 30 which is received between the two grooves 24, 28, ie which is received in the common groove 15. In some embodiments, the shaft 26 may instead be a rod, pin, piston, or tenon, which are elongated structures or members configured for insertion into a bore of a housing. As shown, the canted coil spring 30, or spring for short, is attached to the housing and the connector is a locking connector which, in a locking application, uses the pin groove 28 to receive the spring 30 in the common groove 15. However, the pin groove 28 may be omitted when using the connector in a retaining application (not shown). Alternatively, the connector can be used in a combined locking and retention application. Although the pin groove 28 is present here, it only makes contact with the spring 30 via its flat groove bottom surface 48, similar to a holding application with only a single groove.

In a further embodiment, the spring 30 is attached to the shaft. Thus, the pin groove 28 is sufficiently deep to hold the spring 30 from insertion and the housing groove 24 is provided with a relatively flatter bottom wall, e.g. B. the two grooves shown are reversed such that the groove with the V-groove is on the shaft 26. In further embodiments, the disclosed groove for retaining the spring may be mounted in any conceivable mounting shape or configuration so long as there is reduced entry to prevent the spring from falling out, as discussed below. In another example, the spring 30 is attached to the shaft for a retaining application and the housing has a flat interior wall surface. Although the various drawings show the spring 30 mounted in a housing groove, it should be understood that the spring may also be mounted on the shaft.

In one example, the housing groove 24 is provided with a V-groove having two inclined surfaces 32a, 32b that converge at a vertex 34 as shown. In another example, the housing V-groove includes a bottom wall (not shown) located between the two inclined surfaces 32a, 32b. The V-groove is designed such that the two inclined surfaces 32a, 32b abut the spring 30 with or without the intermediate bottom wall (not shown). In applications in which the shaft 26 and the housing 22 can swing or move relative to one another in such a way that the plurality of coils 17 of the inclined coil spring 30 are inclined and thereby no longer contact the tips of the reduced inlet 38, this is prevented the contact with the inclined surfaces 32a, 32b of the housing groove 24 thus causes the spring 30 to move within the housing groove.

des Schafts 26. In einem Beispiel sind die zwei Seitenwände 36a, 36b, mit einer Abweichung von plus/minus einiger weniger Grad, allgemein parallel zueinander und allgemein senkrecht zu der Schaftmittellinie

In einem weiteren Beispiel weisen die zwei Seitenwände 36a, 36b einen geringfügigen Freiwinkel in Richtung der Mittellinie auf, z. B. 0,5 Grad oder höher, wie etwa 1,5 Grad oder höher, so dass die zwei Seitenwände zueinander nicht exakt parallel ausgerichtet sind. In Richtung der Schaftmittellinie nimmt der Freiwinkel zu, so dass die Seitenwände 36a, 36b weiter voneinander beabstandet sind. In einem weiteren Beispiel nimmt der Freiwinkel ab, so dass die zwei Seitenwände 36a, 36b in Richtung des Schafts enger beieinander sind.The two side walls 36a, 36b extend generally radially toward the centerline

of the shaft 26. In one example, the two sidewalls 36a, 36b are, with a deviation of plus/minus a few degrees, generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the shaft centerline

In a further example, the two side walls 36a, 36b have a slight clearance angle in the direction of the center line, e.g. B. 0.5 degrees or higher, such as 1.5 degrees or higher, so that the two side walls are not aligned exactly parallel to each other. The clearance angle increases in the direction of the shaft center line, so that the side walls 36a, 36b are spaced further apart from one another. In another example, the clearance angle decreases so that the two side walls 36a, 36b are closer together in the direction of the shaft.

Unlike a typical prior art groove in which the groove entry for spring insertion is generally the same width as the groove bottom wall width, the present housing groove 24 has a reduced groove entry 38 that is noticeably reduced over entries with typical sloped sidewalls or generally parallel sidewalls is. The reduced groove entry 38 is designed in such a way that the spring is held therein in such a way that when the shaft 26 is pulled back from the bore 40 of the housing 22, the spring falls out of the housing groove 24, for example due to shocks, unintentional knocking or hitting or sticking Spring on the shaft is prevented.

unterschieden werden können. Die schrägen Seitenwandabschnitte 42a, 42b verringern die Rillenbreite bei dem am Ende der Seitenwände 36a, 36b nächstliegenden Punkt 44 von einer Breite „X“ auf eine Breite „X - Y“, wobei Y die Summe der Abmessungen der zwei schrägen Seitenwandabschnitte 42a, 42b darstellt, die in orthogonaler Richtung zu den Seitenwänden 36a, 36b, wie in 1 als „1/2Y“ gezeigt, gemessen wird. In einem weiteren Beispiel ist nur ein einziger schräger Seitenwandabschnitt enthalten, so dass die Rillenbreite verringert wird, ohne dass zwei schräge Seitenwandabschnitte vorhanden sind. In einem weiteren Beispiel können die zwei schrägen Seitenwandabschnitte 42a, 42b unterschiedliche Neigungen aufweisen, so dass sie den Eintritt 38 um jeweils einen unterschiedlichen Betrag verringern. Die schrägen Seitenwandabschnitte 42a, 42b können eine Neigung von etwa 30 Grad bis etwa 75 bis 80 Grad gegenüber der Vertikalen aufweisen, wobei 90 Grad gegenüber der Schaftmittellinie als vertikal bezeichnet wird. Wie gezeigt, weisen die schrägen Seitenwände 42a, 42b eine Neigung von etwa 55 Grad auf. Somit weisen die schrägen Seitenwandabschnitte 42a, 42b im Vergleich zu den zwei Rillenseitenwänden 36a, 36b merklich unterscheidbare Neigungen auf.In one example, the reduced groove entry 38 is defined by two inclined or slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b that are inclined relative to the two sidewalls 36a, 36b and which are separated from the upper sidewalls 36a, 36b by their relative angles with respect to the shaft centerline

can be distinguished. The oblique side wall sections 42a, 42b reduce the groove width at the point 44 closest to the end of the side walls 36a, 36b from a width “X” to a width “X - Y”, where Y represents the sum of the dimensions of the two oblique side wall sections 42a, 42b , which are in the orthogonal direction to the side walls 36a, 36b, as in 1 shown as “1/2Y”. In another example, only a single slanted sidewall portion is included so that the groove width is reduced without having two slanted sidewall portions. In another example, the two slanted side wall sections 42a, 42b may have different inclinations so that they each reduce the entrance 38 by a different amount. The slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b may have an inclination of from about 30 degrees to about 75 to 80 degrees from vertical, with 90 degrees from the shaft centerline being referred to as vertical. As shown, the sloping side walls 42a, 42b have an inclination of approximately 55 degrees. Thus, the oblique side wall sections 42a, 42b have noticeably distinguishable inclinations compared to the two groove side walls 36a, 36b.

The housing groove 24 may be machined or formed by casting. In a particular example, a conventional V-groove is provided and one or two rings are secured to the housing bore at the housing groove 24 to form the reduced entry 38. Referring to 1A a modified housing groove 24.1 is shown having two rings 23 arranged within the bore of the housing to form a reduced inlet 38. The rings 23 may be short, like a conventional ring, or, similar to a hollow shaft or rod, may be elongated to form the majority or all of the bore 40. When one or two rings are attached to the housing bore, the reduced entry 38 resembles an opening with one or two lips 25, depending on whether one or two rings are included. The housing 22 and the shaft 26 can be made of an electrically conductive material such as such as copper, brass or stainless steel. The housing and shaft may also be made of a metal material and the outside or outer surface may be plated or coated with platinum, iridium, rhodium, rhenium, ruthenium or palladium. The base material may be made of a high-strength nickel alloy such as MP35N or stainless steel such as 316L stainless steel. Alternatively, the housing and stylus may be made entirely of a platinum-iridium alloy.

des Schafts aufweisen, so dass die Abtrennung in einer Richtung leichter ist, d. h. weniger Kraft erfordert als in der anderen. Zum Beispiel kann die Seitenwand 50a vertikal oder zwischen 91 Grad bis etwa 120 Grad relativ zu der Bodenwand 48 ausgerichtet sein, während die Seitenwand 50b etwa 121 Grad bis etwa 140 Grad relativ zu der Bodenwand 48 ausgerichtet ist. Die Seitenwand 50b mit der gegenüber der steiler stehenden Seitenwand 50a größeren Neigung kann die Feder beim Abtrennen des Stifts anheben und erleichtert somit die Entnahme in der einen Richtung gegenüber der anderen. In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann die Bodenwand 48 der Stiftrille geneigt sein anstatt allgemein parallel zu der Schaftmittellinie

zu verlaufen. Vorzugsweise berühren die zwei Seitenwände 50a, 50b die Feder 30 während der Verriegelung nicht gleichzeitig oder haben nicht gleichzeitig mit ihr Kontakt. Da die Feder 30 nur Kontakt mit der flachen Bodenwand 48 hat, ähnelt die Verbindung somit einer Halteverbindung. Wo Klappern oder Bewegung weniger erwünscht sind, können die zwei Seitenwände 50a, 50b und die Breite der Bodenwand 48 so bemessen sein, dass die zwei Seitenwände 50a, 50b gleichzeitig Kontakt mit der Feder 30 haben. Der Schaft 26 kann dadurch von dem Gehäuse 22 getrennt oder entfernt werden, durch Bewegen des Schafts in einer Richtung 1a oder 1b, während das Gehäuse feststehend gehalten wird oder durch das Bewegen des Gehäuses in die entgegengesetzte Richtung. Je nachdem in welcher Richtung sich der Schaft bewegt, heben die geneigten Seitenwände 50a, 50b der Stiftrille 28 die Feder 30 an, beispielsweise um die Feder innerhalb der Gehäuserille 24 weiter abzuschrägen und um eine Trennung zwischen dem Schaft und dem Gehäuse zu ermöglichen.Referring to 1 The shaft 26 preferably has an inclined entry or tapered end 46 to facilitate insertion of the shaft into the bore 40 of the housing 22. The tapered end 46 lifts the spring 30 during insertion of the pin to reduce the insertion force of the pin into the bore of the housing. The shaft groove 28 has a bottom wall 48 which is arranged between two side walls 50a, 50b. In one example, both side walls 50a, 50b are sloped so that the pin groove entry is greater than the groove width at the bottom of the groove. The inclined side walls 50a, 50b allow the pin to be separated from the housing in a direction 1a or 1b after locking. For example, the pen 26 can move along the arrow 1a or 1b by holding the housing 22 or by moving the housing in the direction opposite to the pen. Of course, the pin can remain stationary while the housing is moved to separate the two components. The pin groove 28 resembles a V-groove with a truncated tip. In a further embodiment, the two side walls 50a, 50b may be inclined at different angles, ie, different inclinations relative to the centerline

of the shaft, so that separation in one direction is easier, ie requires less force, than in the other. For example, the side wall 50a may be oriented vertically or between 91 degrees to about 120 degrees relative to the bottom wall 48, while the side wall 50b may be oriented about 121 degrees to about 140 degrees relative to the bottom wall 48. The side wall 50b with the greater inclination compared to the steeper side wall 50a can lift the spring when the pin is separated and thus facilitates removal in one direction compared to the other. In another embodiment, the bottom wall 48 of the pin groove may be inclined rather than generally parallel to the shaft centerline

to get lost. Preferably, the two side walls 50a, 50b do not touch or come into contact with the spring 30 simultaneously during locking. Since the spring 30 only makes contact with the flat bottom wall 48, the connection is thus similar to a retaining connection. Where rattling or movement is less desired, the two side walls 50a, 50b and the width of the bottom wall 48 can be sized so that the two side walls 50a, 50b are in contact with the spring 30 at the same time. The shaft 26 can thereby be separated or removed from the housing 22 by moving the shaft in a direction 1a or 1b while the housing is held stationary or by moving of the housing in the opposite direction. Depending on which direction the shaft moves, the inclined side walls 50a, 50b of the pin groove 28 raise the spring 30, for example to further bevel the spring within the housing groove 24 and to enable separation between the shaft and the housing.

For a purely mechanical connection without electrical conductivity, the housing 22 or the pin 26 or both can be made of a metal or non-metal material, such as a polymer, or of an engineering plastic, such as PC, PEEK or similar materials. When using electrically conductive connectors, the housing and shaft may preferably be made of a conductive material, such as stainless steel, and may include one or more cladding layers, such as copper or copper alloys. Likewise, the spring can be made from a highly conductive wire or from a multi-metal wire that has both high tensile strength and high conduction properties.

Referring to 1 is the major axis of the spring 30, ie the widest dimension of each spring coil, preferably wider or larger than the reduced entrance 38 of the housing groove 24. This reduces or prevents the spring 30 from falling out of the groove 24 during retraction of the pin 26 from the housing 22. The spring may be positioned within the groove 24 so that the coils are compressed, skewed, or aligned to fit through the reduced entry 38 before being released to move to a position of least resistance turn. The spring 30 may be a radially inclined coil spring or an axially inclined coil spring. Depending on whether the spring is a radial spring or an axial spring, the width of the housing groove and the width of the shaft groove can be adjusted accordingly.

Thus, one aspect of the present invention is a connector comprising a housing 22 having a bore 40 receiving an elongated shaft 26, a groove having two inclined surfaces defining a V-shaped configuration in which an inclined coil spring 30 is received, and both inclined surfaces in contact with the spring, the groove further comprising two side walls 36a, 36b, each of which has a slanted side wall portion 42a, 42b, the two slanted side wall portions 42a, 42b defining a reduced groove entry 38 with a gap whose dimension is smaller than that Major axis of the canted coil spring and wherein the canted coil spring continues to come into contact with a flat surface on either the housing or the elongated shaft. The two sidewalls are preferably generally parallel within manufacturing tolerance. If the groove 24 with the V-shaped configuration is disposed in the housing bore, the flat surface is on the shaft 26. If the groove with the V-shaped configuration is disposed on the shaft, the flat surface is in the housing bore. In another embodiment, the flat surface is provided with two slanted side walls 50a, 50b to form a truncated V-groove. While the spring 30 comes into contact with the two slanted sidewalls of the truncated V-groove, in some examples the slanted sidewalls are spaced from the spring.

In other examples, the slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b are sized and configured to contact the spring 30 along the flat surface portions of the slanted sidewall portions, rather than only contacting the spring at their respective groove inlet edges. This results in line contact rather than point contact with the spring 30. Thus, the spring has at least two spaced apart contacts with the V-groove with the slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b and a point of contact with the flat surface 48. In addition, the spring has line contact with each of the inclined side wall sections 42a, 42b. The pin and housing may represent a mechanical fastener for holding together first and second structures or an electrical connector in which the pin and/or housing are connected to a power source.

2 shows a perspective, schematic view of the connector 20 1 prior to insertion of the shaft 26 into the bore 40 of the connector housing 22. The shaft 26 may have any number of different structures, such as a pin of a battery connector, a male portion of a conductor connector, or a connector fastener of a mechanical connector. Accordingly, the housing 22 may include any number of different structures, such as a terminal for use with a pin on a battery terminal, a socket of a conductor, or a female portion of a connector similar to a nut. For an electrically conductive application, the shaft 26 may be connected to a power source, to a circuit board, or to a controller 56 either directly or via a lead cable 58. The connector housing 22 can be connected, for example, in cases where the shaft is either not connected directly or via a line cable 62 to a power source, to a circuit board or to a controller 60 connected to a power source.

Referring to 3 A connector 62, not part of the invention, is shown comprising a rod, pin or shaft 64 and a housing 22 with a housing groove 24. The housing 22 and the housing groove 24 may be the same as the housing of FIG 1 and the two inclined side wall portions 42a, 42b are in contact with the plurality of coils 17 of the inclined coil spring 30, while also in contact with the inclined surfaces 32a, 32b of the V-groove. In the present embodiment, the slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b are inclined relative to the centerline of the shaft 64 at a greater degree than the slanted sidewalls of the housing groove 1 , for example an inclination of 70 degrees, so that the spring is 30 out 3 in a normal holding application has no contact with the two inclined side wall sections 42a, 42b of the housing groove 24. Furthermore, the two inlet edges 70a, 70b of the reduced groove entry 38 have no contact with the spring due to the greater inclinations of the two inclined side wall sections 42a, 42b. Nevertheless, the space or gap between the two inlet edges 70a, 70b is smaller than the main axis of the spring 30, so that the spring is held better within the housing groove 24 than with a groove entry without the two oblique side wall sections. In particular, since the spring 30 is tensioned or aligned against the V-groove surfaces 32a, 32b of the housing groove 24, the spring 30 also tends to buckle upon the occurrence of vibration and upon insertion or removal of the shaft 64 into or out of the bore 40 of the housing 22 to remain stationary within the housing groove, although the spring 30 is spaced from the two side walls 36a, 36b and from the two inclined side wall sections 42a, 42b.

As shown, the shaft 64 has a generally constant outer perimeter 66 along the length of the shaft except for the tapered end 46. The shaft 64 therefore has no pin or shaft groove. Since the spring 30 is aligned against the outer surface 66 of the shaft and resists separation from the shaft by the frictional forces acting between the contact surfaces of the shaft and the individual coils 17, the connection shown between the housing 22 and the shaft 64 is a retaining application. The amount of frictional forces also depends on the spring force exerted by the spring normal to the contact surfaces. Therefore, the greater the tension force generated by the spring, the greater the friction forces.

In one example, the spring 30 is along its minor axis, ie the shorter of the two axes, at the load point 67 against the shaft 64 and at the load points 68a, 68b against the housing groove 24, the two side walls 36a, 36b and two oblique side wall sections 42a, 42b has aligned. In a further embodiment, the groove width of the housing groove 24 is narrowed such that the spring 30 is rotated within the groove 24 and the loading point 67 is moved closer to one of the ends of the main axis, ie the longer axis of the coil spring 17. This increases the tension force of the spring directed against the shaft and the housing and thus the holding force that counteracts the separation of the shaft from the bore. Furthermore, the insertion force is compared to the shaft 46 1 , after the tapered end portion 46 passes the contact point 67, is generally constant along the length of the shaft, in contrast to the slight decrease as the spring reaches a pin groove and, to restrict the pin groove, is skewed slightly less. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft may have a V-groove with a peak between two sloping surfaces or a truncated V-groove installed.

angeordnet ist, mit einer Einlasskante 70a auf. Ein verringerter, durch zwei Einlasskanten 70a, 70b definierter Rilleneintritt 38 wird bereitgestellt, wobei sich eine der Einlasskanten bei einem Ende einer schrägen Seitenwand befindet und sich von einem anderen Teil der Rillenseitenwand aus erstreckt. In einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist der schräge Seitenwandabschnitt mit einer Seitenwand 36a versehen. Für Diskussionszwecke können die zwei verschiedenen, in einem Winkel zueinander stehenden Seitenwandabschnitte als ein erster Seitenwandabschnitt und als ein zweiter Seitenwandabschnitt bezeichnet werden. Zum Beispiel kann die dem Rillenboden nächstgelegene Seitenwand 36a oder 36b als der erste Seitenwandabschnitt bezeichnet werden und der schräge Seitenwandabschnitt oder der dem Rilleneintritt 38 nächstgelegene Seitenwandabschnitt als der zweite Seitenwandabschnitt bezeichnet werden.With reference to 4 A connector 72 not belonging to the invention is shown comprising a housing 22 and a shaft 64, which may also be a pin, a rod or generally an elongated element. In the present embodiment, the housing groove 74 is modified to have a single slanted sidewall extending from one of the groove sidewalls 36a, 36b. In other words, in the present embodiment, the housing groove 74 includes a groove sidewall 36b disposed generally orthogonal to the centerline of the shaft 63 and an inclined sidewall extending from the groove sidewall to form an inlet edge 70b. The other groove sidewall 36a has a generally constant wall area generally orthogonal to the shaft centerline

is arranged, with an inlet edge 70a. A reduced groove entry 38 is provided defined by two inlet edges 70a, 70b, one of the inlet edges being at one end of a sloped sidewall and extending from another portion of the groove sidewall. In a further embodiment, the inclined side wall section is provided with a side wall 36a. For purposes of discussion, the two different angled sidewall portions may be referred to as a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion. For example, the sidewall 36a or 36b closest to the groove bottom may be referred to as the first sidewall portion the and the inclined side wall section or the side wall section closest to the groove entry 38 are referred to as the second side wall section.

The spring 30 of the connector 72 is off 4 has similar to the connector 3 Contacts the two inclined surfaces 32a, 32b of the bottom wall 76 of the housing groove 74, but is spaced from the two side walls 36a, 36b. To facilitate retention of the spring within the housing groove 74 and to prevent the spring from falling out of the groove, the reduced groove entry 38 defined by the inlet edges 70a, 70b has a gap or width that is smaller than the major axis of the spring 30. Also similar to that 3 the shaft 64 has no shaft groove. The connection shown between the housing 22 and the shaft 64 represents a retaining application in which the spring 30 is aligned against the outer surface 66 of the shaft and resists separation from the shaft by frictional forces and by ordinary spring force acting against the contact surfaces. After the tapered end portion 46 of the shaft passes the contact point 67, the insertion force is generally constant along the length of the shaft, whereas it decreases slightly as the spring reaches a pin groove to restrict the pin groove and is slightly less skewed. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft may include a pin groove, which may be a V-groove with a crest or a V-groove with a truncated end. Although for the present embodiment the spring is shown to be located within the housing, it may also be mounted to the shaft, ie, the reverse of that shown. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the reverse arrangement is applicable to other embodiments discussed elsewhere.

Thus, one aspect of the present invention is to be understood as providing a connector comprising a housing 22 having a bore 40 receiving an elongated shaft 64, a groove having two oblique surfaces defining a V-shaped configuration, one inclined Receives coil spring 30 therein and the spring is in contact with both inclined surfaces, the groove further having two side walls 36a, 36b, only one of the two side walls having an inclined side wall section, the inclined side wall section and the other of the side walls without the inclined side wall section define a reduced groove entry 38 with a gap, the dimension of the gap being smaller than a major axis of the canted coil spring, and wherein the canted coil spring further contacts a flat surface on either the housing or the elongated shaft. The two side walls are preferably generally parallel within the manufacturing tolerance. If the groove 74 with the V-shaped configuration is located in the housing bore, the flat surface is on the shaft 64. If the groove with the V-shaped configuration is on the shaft, the flat surface is in the housing bore 40. In a further embodiment, the flat surface is provided with two sloping side walls so that a truncated V-groove is formed. While the spring 30 may contact the two slanted sidewalls of the truncated V-groove on the shaft, in some examples the slanted sidewalls are spaced from the spring.

In other examples, the slanted sidewall portion is inclined to come into contact with the tongue 30 along a flat surface portion of the slanted sidewall portion, rather than contacting the tongue of a groove inlet edge. Thus, line contact rather than point contact with the spring 30 is provided. Thus, the spring has at least two spaced apart contacts with the V-groove and a point of contact with the flat surface of the shaft. In addition, the spring has line contact with the sloping side wall portion. Alternatively, the spring can be used as in 4 shown, be spaced from the sloping side wall section. The pin and housing may be a mechanical fastener to hold together first and second structures, or an electrical connector, with the pin and/or housing connected to a power source.

verläuft. Somit hat die Feder 30 an einem einzigen Kontaktpunkt 88 Kontakt mit dem flachen Rillenboden. 5 1 shows a connector 78 not belonging to the invention comprising a housing 80 and a shaft 82. In the embodiment shown, the housing has a housing groove 84, a flat bottom surface or a flat bottom groove 86, which is to be understood as having a surface which is generally parallel to the shaft centerline

runs. Thus, the spring 30 has contact with the flat groove bottom at a single contact point 88.

The housing groove 84 has a similar design to the groove 1 two side walls 36a, 36b and two oblique side wall sections 42a, 42b. Thus, the groove 84 has two sidewalls, each having a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion. Because the spring 30 makes contact with the groove bottom at a single contact point 88, it can slide laterally within the groove. Accordingly, the two oblique side wall sections 42a, 42b and the housing groove width are dimensioned and designed so that the two inlet edges 70a, 70b of the housing groove of the spring 30 are in contact or nearly in contact to limit the lateral sliding of the spring within the housing groove during insertion and/or removal of the shaft 82 into or out of the bore 40 of the housing 80. In a further embodiment, the inclinations of the inclined side wall sections 42a, 42b are sized and dimensioned such that the spring 30 contacts the inclined side wall sections 42a, 42b along their respective planar surfaces in such a way that line contacts are formed.

The shaft 82 has a pin groove 90. The pin groove 90 includes a flat-bottomed groove 92 and two side walls 94a, 94b which, in the embodiment shown, are generally parallel to each other or generally orthogonal to the shaft centerline with a deviation of plus or minus a few degrees and/or a deviation within manufacturing tolerance. The spring 30 thus has contact with the groove bottom of the pin groove 90 at a single contact point 67. The shaft 82 can be separated or removed from the housing 80 by moving the shaft in either direction 1a or 1b while holding the housing stationary or moving the housing in the direction opposite to the shaft. It can be seen that the shaft can be held stationary while the housing is moved for separation from one another. Depending on the direction in which the shaft moves, the two side walls 94a, 94b of the pin groove 90 lift the spring 30, for example to make the spring more inclined within the housing groove 84, so that a separation between the shaft and the housing is made possible . Because the two sidewalls 94a, 94b are generally parallel to each other and generally orthogonal to the shaft centerline, the spring 30 makes contact with the sidewall 94a or 94b at the groove edge 96a or 96b, depending on the direction of the shaft, to lift the spring. This lifting occurs by a single point contact at the groove entry or edge and requires a higher force compared to the force required to remove the shaft having a pin groove and a sloped sidewall because the spring travels along a larger contact surface, such as the in 1 shown is raised.

6 shows another alternative connector 100 in accordance with aspects of the present system, apparatus and method. The connector 100 has a shaft 102 and a housing 22 with a bore 40. The housing groove 24 is comparable to that shown above 1 described groove. In the present connector, the shaft 102 has a V-groove 106 with two oblique groove surfaces 108a, 108b with a crest 110 therebetween. In the connection configuration shown, the spring 30 has contact with both oblique groove surfaces 108a, 108b at two contact points or loading points 67a, 67b. Thus, the spring 30 has at least four points of contact with the housing and with the shaft at 67a, 67b, 68a and 68b. As shown, the spring is also in contact with the two inlet edges 70a, 70b of the housing groove 24. However, in an alternative embodiment, the spring is not in contact with the two inlet edges or is in contact with only one inlet edge but not both. Alternatively, the spring forms line contact with each or at least one of the two inclined side wall sections. Any relative movement between the shaft and the housing requires a lateral force sufficient to tilt the spring 30 before the movement can occur.

7 shows another connector 112 in accordance with other aspects of the present system, apparatus and method. The connector 112 has a shaft 114 and a housing 22 with a bore 40. The housing groove 24 is comparable to that shown above 1 described groove. In the present connector, the shaft 114 has a pin groove 116 for receiving the spring 30. As shown, the pin groove 116 resembles a crescent-shaped surface or smooth curve terminating in the two inlet edges 70a, 70b. The curve surface can be complex or have a single radius. Because the pin groove 116 is curved, the spring 30 makes contact with the curved groove along a larger surface area of the spring and groove, such as longer line contact in cross-sectional view than the other pin grooves discussed elsewhere herein. The contact or loading point 118 of the present embodiment can thus be viewed as an arc length contact since the contact occurs along the arc of the individual turns and the arc of the pin groove 116. Thus, the spring 30 has at least two points of contact with the housing at 68a and 68b and one arc length contact 118 with the shaft 114. As shown, the spring 30 also makes contact with two inlet edges 70a, 70b of the housing groove 24. However, in an alternative embodiment, the spring does not make contact with two inlet edges 70a, 70b or only makes contact with one but not both.

Instead of being flat or linear, the groove portions 120a, 120b to the left and right of the arc length contact 118 are curved. Thus, as the shaft moves in the direction 1a or 1b, the curved portion 120a or 120b gradually lifts the spring into the housing groove 24. Thus, the removal force from the pin groove 116 upon separation of the shaft from the housing is a curved extraction force characteristic, as opposed to a linear extraction force for a pin groove with an oblique or inclined groove.

8th shows a connector 122 not part of the invention. The connector 122 has a shaft 26 and a housing 124 having a bore 40 for receiving the shaft. The housing 124 has a housing groove 126 with a curved groove outline 128, which in one embodiment has a constant radius. In an alternative embodiment, the curved groove outline 128 has a generally round outline, but with a slightly altered radius along the curve to create a slightly non-rounded curvature. The curved groove outline 128 forms an elongated contact with the spring 30 along an arc length 130 of the groove bottom and the arc of the individual turns 17. To the left and right of the arc length contact 130, the curved groove outline 128 is spaced from the spring 30, ie has no contact with it. The curved groove outline to the left and right of the arc length contact 130 can be viewed as the side walls of the housing groove 126. The side walls of the housing groove 126 are understood to be curved or curved rather than generally straight or planar. Further, the housing groove 126 includes two inclined side wall portions 42a, 42b which terminate in the respective inlet edges 70a, 70b. The slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b are preferably flat or planar, but may alternatively be curved or curved. The gap or space between the two inlet edges defines a reduced groove entry 38, the dimension of which is smaller than the major axis of the spring. Although the spring 30 is in contact with the two inlet edges 70a, 70b, the spring may be spaced from both edges or in contact with only one of the two edges. The spring may also form line contact with one or both of the slanted sidewall portions 42a, 42b.

The shaft 26 contains comparable to the shaft 1 a pin groove 28 for receiving the spring 30. In another example, the pin groove is similar to the pin groove 6 two sloping surfaces and a vertex. The shaft can move in direction 1a or 1b to separate from the housing.

9 is a schematic process flow diagram showing an exemplary method for forming or manufacturing a connector, generally designated 170, constructed in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Although the steps of the method are discussed in the sequence shown, the scope of the present invention is not to be construed as limiting unless the context indicates otherwise. In step 172, the method includes the step of forming or providing a housing with a bore. In step 174, the method includes the step of forming or providing a pin, a shaft, a rod, or an elongate member. In some examples the shaft may be hollow. For an electrical connector, the housing and shaft are made of an electrically conductive material and may be sheathed or coated. For example, the base material can be stainless steel and the outside can be coated with copper or with a copper alloy. In other examples, the interior base material may be a soft and highly conductive metal, such as copper, and the exterior casing may be a higher tensile strength material, such as stainless steel.

In step 176, a groove with a reduced entry, such as in 1-3 or 8th shown, for a spring mounted in a housing in the bore of the housing or for a spring mounted on a shaft on the shaft. Then, in step 178, an inclined coil spring is positioned in the reduced entry groove. The spring may be any number of prior art inclined coil springs. This can be a radially inclined coil spring or an axially inclined coil spring. The spring can also be made from a single metal or from a multi-metal material.

If the connector is of a locking type, a second groove may be formed on the other component without the use of a reduced entry groove in step 180. The second groove may be a V-groove, a flat-bottomed groove with generally parallel sidewalls, a truncated V-groove or a groove with a curved bottom for forming arc length contact with the spring. The locking type connector may also have a retaining function by providing a flat bottom for alignment against the spring without making contact with the side walls of the pin groove. If the connector is intended for a retaining application, a pin groove may be omitted entirely. However, the tension force on the spring can be adjusted by moving the loading point closer to the main axis of the spring. This can be done by changing the groove configuration such that the spring is rotated as it is installed therein. In step 182, the connector is assembled by inserting the pin into the bore of the housing.

Although not shown, the present invention further includes a method of using the in 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 connector shown.

Although limited embodiments of the connector assemblies and their components have been specifically described and illustrated, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, other housing and pin geometries or other materials may be used, a different jacket or coating may be used, two or more back-to-back common grooves with springs may be included, etc. Accordingly, the connector assemblies and their components described in accordance with FIGS Principles of the disclosed device, system and method are embodied in a manner other than as described herein. Although certain features are discussed only for one embodiment and not for another, the features are to be understood as being applicable to all embodiments unless the use or introduction of the features is contrary to the description of the individual embodiments .

Claims (13)

Connector (20, 62, 100, 112) comprising: a housing (22) with a housing groove (24) in a housing bore (40) and a pin (26, 64, 102, 114) with a tapered end (46) and a pin groove (28) which is arranged within the housing bore (40), wherein the housing groove (24) has a V-groove, two generally parallel side walls (36a, 36b) with a defined distance therebetween and each side wall has an oblique side wall portion, wherein the two inclined sidewall portions (42a, 42b) define a reduced groove entry (38) having a dimension that is less than the distance of the two generally parallel sidewalls (36a, 36b) from one another, and wherein a radially inclined helical spring (30) is arranged in the housing groove (24), which has a plurality of turns (17) with a major axis and a minor axis, and wherein the major axis is larger than the dimension of the reduced groove entry (38), and the radially inclined coil spring (30) is spaced from the two side walls (36a, 36b). Connectors (20, 62, 100, 112). Claim 1 , wherein the pin groove (28) has a flat bottom (48). Connectors (20, 62, 100, 112). Claim 1 , wherein the pin groove (116) has a curved bottom which contacts the radially inclined coil spring (30) along an arc length (118). Connectors (20, 62, 100, 112). Claim 2 , wherein the pin groove (28) has a V-shaped configuration with the flat bottom (48) located between two inclined side walls (50a, 50b). Connectors (20, 62, 100, 112). Claim 1 , wherein the radially inclined coil spring (30) is in contact with the two inclined side wall sections (42a, 42b) and forms line contacts with the inclined side wall sections (42a, 42b). Connectors (20, 62, 100, 112). Claim 1 , wherein the pin (26, 64, 102, 114) and / or the housing (22) is connected to a power source. Connectors (20, 62, 100, 112). Claim 1 , wherein the radially inclined coil spring (30) is made of a first metal material and is covered with a second metal material. A method (170) for forming a connector (20, 62, 100, 112) having a spring retention mechanism, the method comprising: providing a housing (22, 80) having a bore (40), providing a pin (26, 82, 102, 114) with a tapered end (46), a pin groove (28, 90, 106, 116) and with an elongated body, forming a housing groove (24, 84) in the bore (40) of the housing (22, 80) , wherein the housing groove (24, 84) has a groove bottom, two generally parallel side walls (36a, 36b) and at least one inclined side wall section with a grooved edge, the two inclined side wall sections (42a, 42b) extending from each of the two side walls (36a, 36b), the two oblique side wall sections (42a, 42b) defining a reduced groove entry (38) with a dimension that is less than the distance of the two generally parallel side walls (36a, 36b) from one another, arranging a radially inclined coil spring (30 ) in the housing groove (24, 84) with the reduced groove entry (38), the radially inclined coil spring (30) having a plurality of turns (17), each of the turns having a main axis with a dimension larger than the dimension of the reduced groove entry (38), inserting the pin (26, 102, 114) into the bore (40) of the housing (22, 80) in such a way that the radially inclined coil spring (30) both comes into contact with the housing (22, 80) as well as with the pin (26, 102, 114) but is spaced from the two generally parallel side walls (36a, 36b), and wherein the groove bottom has a V-shaped configuration and / or is a V-shaped configuration with a truncated bottom and/or a flat surface. Procedure according to Claim 8 , wherein the pin groove (28, 90, 106, 116) is located on the elongated body of the pin (26, 82, 102, 114). Procedure according to Claim 8 , wherein the radially inclined coil spring (30) is in contact with the two inclined side wall sections (42a, 42b). Procedure according to Claim 9 , wherein a bottom of the pin groove (28, 90, 106, 116) has a V-shaped configuration and/or a V-shaped configuration with a truncated bottom and/or a flat surface. Procedure according to one of the Claims 8 until 11 , wherein the pin (26, 82, 102, 114) and / or the housing (22, 80) is connected to a power source (56, 60). Procedure according to one of the Claims 8 - 12 , wherein the radially inclined coil spring (30) is made with a first metal material and encased or plated with a second metal material.

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