WO2006059292A1

WO2006059292A1 - A current terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2006059292A1
Application number: PCT/IB2005/053981
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ahmet Yurt
Original assignee: Beko Electronik AS
Current assignee: Beko Electronik AS
Priority date: 2004-12-01
Filing date: 2005-11-30
Publication date: 2006-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-01
Also published as: TR200703692T2

Abstract

This invention relates to a current terminal with low malfunction rate. The current terminal (1) of the invention which enables the conductive rod (2) to move to all directions and upwards and downwards parallel to its axis comprises, fundamentally, a conductor rod (2), an assembly apparatus (4), at least one tightening spring (3), a conductor (5), a body cover (7) and electric socket inlet (8).

Description

Description A CURRENT TERMINAL

[001] Technical Field

[002] This invention relates to a current terminal with low malfunction rate.

[003] Prior Art

[004] The current terminals known in the art are formed according to a principle wherein a copper or a conductive metal rod is mounted on a spring and then seated on a non conductive plastic apparatus.

[005] These types of current terminals are used for conveying line voltage to moving pallets or bands in order conduct the electrical tests of assembled electronic devices.

[006] Conducting final tests of assembled electronic devices on moving bands is a frequently used application in the art. The purpose herein is to supply electrical current to pallets which move on the moving bands. The pallets convey this electric current to the electronic devices which they carry. In this way, the devices are turned on, heated for certain tests and controlled.

[007] The tests are usually conducted on final assembly lines. Feeding the moving pallets from line voltage is realized by means of current terminals which are arranged at certain intervals on the final assembly line. Tubular type current terminals called fingers are usually preferred in assembly lines. These types of current terminals are formed according to a principle wherein a copper or a conductive metal rod is mounted on a single spring and then seated on a plastic apparatus.

[008] The conductive rod bends towards the passageway of the pallets when the electronic devices situated on the pallets pass above the current terminal while traveling on the band and by contacting the current receiving points located under the pallets it ensures that the devices receive the current. After the pallet passes, the conductive rod returns back to its previous position by means of the attached spring. However, the spring gradually loses its quality and functionality. Along with this, the spring may be deformed in a shorter period of time due to the opposite movement of the pallets or their random thrust against the current terminals. These opposite movements sometimes lead to cracks or permanent deformation in the spring.

[009] The current terminals which have lost their functionality cannot recover to their normal state after the pallet passes and cannot contact the current receiving points situated below the pallets. Therefore, the pallet cannot receive electrical current, the electronic devices cannot be turned on and their tests cannot be conducted. This situation leads to frequent stoppages in the assembly line and decreases production efficiency. Moreover, the maintenance and repair of the impaired current terminals leads to additional costs. [010] Due to these reasons several solutions have been proposed in order to reduce the malfunction rate of the current terminals.

[011] One of these solutions has been disclosed in the German patent application

DE 10211815. With the spring system used in this invention the flexibility of the rod which is connected to the spring is increased. Whereas, in the invention disclosed in the United States patent application US6340320, the electric current is realized by means of a spring situated in a recess and a conductive rod. In the United States patent application US2004077225, the durability of the conductive rod is increased by means of the springs used.

[012] However, although the applications known in the art increase the durability of the current terminals they are not sufficient for developing current terminals with sufficiently low malfunction rates. As the conductive rods used cannot bend downwards, their breakage caused by the pressure when the pallets drop over them cannot be prevented. Furthermore, the malfunction rate of the present current terminals cannot be reduced as their flexibility is ensured by only a single spring and as all the weight accumulates on this spring.

[013] Brief Description of the Invention

[014] The object of this invention is to realize a current terminal with low malfunction rate.

[015] The current terminal realized in order to attain the object of this invention comprises, fundamentally, tightening springs which enable angled and parallel movement towards the axis of the conductive rod.

[016] By means of the tightening springs, the conductive rod is able to bend to all directions, particularly upwards and downwards parallel to its axis and in this way the malfunction rate decreases. Furthermore, the durability of the current terminal increases as the weight accumulating on the current terminal is distributed between the springs.

[017] Detailed Description of the Invention

[018] The current terminal realized in order to attain the object of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying figure, wherein;

[019] Figure 1 - is an exploded view of the current terminal.

[020] The components in the figures have each been numbered corresponding to the following:

1. Current terminal

2. Conductive rod

3. Tightening springs

4. Assembly apparatus

5. Conductor 6. Assembly screw

7. Body cover

8. Electric socket inlet

9. Body

10. Connection screw

[021] The current terminal (1) of the invention which enables the conductive rod (2) to move to all directions and upwards and downwards parallel to its axis comprises, fundamentally, a conductor rod (2), an assembly apparatus (4), at least one tightening spring (3), a conductor (5), a body cover (7) and an electric socket inlet (8).

[022] In the current terminal, which is the subject of the invention, the conductive rod (2) is able to bend to all directions and upwards and downwards parallel to its axis by means of the tightening springs (3). The conductive rod (2) is generally made of copper; however, it can also be made of other conductive metals. The conductive rod (2) can have different sizes with respect to the structure and feature of the assembly line and the pallets to which current is to be supplied. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this rod has a cylindrical shape with one end which is spherical. The conductive rod (2), which functions to convey current to the pallets by contacting the current receiving points situated below the pallet that is to pass above it, has another end which is not in contact with the pallets and which has a threaded structure in order to fasten it to the assembly apparatus (4).

[023] The assembly apparatus (4) is fastened to an end of the conductive rod (2) which is not in contact with the pallet and enables the conductive rod (2) to remain upright. The said assembly apparatus (4) comprises a hallow ceiling and a cylindrical tube, the base of which is open, and a plate which extends perpendicularly to this tube and which has an area that is larger than the assembly apparatus. The plate can have different geometric shapes; however, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it has a shape of a disc which is concentric with the cylindrical tube. The plate and the cylindrical tube are manufactured either as being fastened to one another or as a single piece. This cylindrical tube structure of the assembly apparatus (4) facilitates the connection of the conductive rod (2) and the conductor (5). The inner part of the assembly apparatus (4), in other words the inner part of the cylindrical tube which is hallow and which has an open ceiling and base, is composed of sets which ensure the threaded end of the conductive rod (2) to fit in properly. In this way, the threaded end of the conductive rod (2) which does not contact the pallets is fixed to the assembly apparatus (4). Accordingly, cable assembly screw is also fixed to the other end of the assembly apparatus (4).

[024] The tightening springs (3) are attached to the assembly apparatus (4) from the connection points situated on the plate of the cylindrical tube. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the hook shaped ends of the tightening springs (3) enable the connection of the springs (3) to the assembly apparatus (4) by being fastened to the orifices located on the plate. These connections can also be realized in different ways. The tightening springs have ends which are connected to the assembly apparatus (4) and other ends which are connected to the body cover (7). In this way, the assembly apparatus (4) and the conductive rod (2) which remains suspended in the air are able to bend to all directions and upwards and downwards parallel to the axis of the conductive rod. More than one tightening spring can be used in the system; however, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, 3 tightening springs which are placed at 120° angles with respect to each other are utilized. In this way, the weight accumulated on each spring is reduced, the life of the springs is increased and current terminal is able to operate more efficiently for a longer period of time.

[025] A conductor (5) is connected to the other end of the assembly apparatus (4) to which the conductive rod (2) is not attached. This connection is realized when the assembly screw (6) is fixed to the assembly apparatus (4) by passing through a circular ring situated at the end of the conductor. A bolt can be used on the assembly screw (6) in order to ensure a more secure connection of the conductor. In this way, the current passing from the conductor (5) is conveyed to the assembly apparatus (4) and from the assembly apparatus to the conductive rod (2).

[026] The assembly apparatus (4) can be manufactured from a conductive metal or any other nonconductive material. In the case, wherein the assembly apparatus (4) is manufactured from a nonconductive material, an additional cable can be utilized which enables conduction through the assembly apparatus in order to ensure conduction between the conductor (5) and the conductive rod (2). Apart from this, a contact between the assembly screw (6) and the conductive rod (2) can be realized. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the assembly apparatus (4) is made of a conductive metal. The current is conveyed to the conductive rod (2) from the conductor (5) via the assembly apparatus.

[027] One end of the conductor (5) is connected to the assembly screw (6) and the assembly apparatus (4) and its other end is connected to the connection screw (10) and to the electrical socket inlet located on the body (9). The conductor (5) conveys the current received from the electric socket inlet (8) to the assembly apparatus (4) and therefore to the conductive rod (2). The conductor can be made of copper or any other conductive metal. The ring shaped circular end of the conductor (5) ensures connection of the assembly screw to the assembly apparatus (4). Accordingly, its end which is to be connected to the electric socket inlet (8) can also have a ring shape. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is used as a semi-circle and again a screw (10) is used for the connection. [028] The body cover (7) is usually made of plastic; however, it can also be made of other nonconducive materials. Its main function is to ensure the tightening springs (3) remain suspended in the air. The body cover (7) which is fastened to the body can be manufactured in many ways; however, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, it has a cone shape with open ends. The wide bottom part of the body cover (7) fits on to the body (9). Orifices which ensure the connection of the tightening springs (3) are located on the narrow upper part. The tightening springs (3) which are connected to the upper part of the body cover (7) ensure the assembly apparatus (4) and the conductive rod (2) to remain suspended in the air. The conductor (5) which is connected to the assembly apparatus extends from the upper part to the lower part of the cut cone shaped body cover (7), parallel to its conical height, and connects to the electric socket inlet (8) situated on the body (9). The conductor (5) has a length and flexibility which enables conveyance during the movement and bending of the conductive rod (2). There are corresponding pair of orifices on the lateral surface of the body cover (7) which enable external connection of the electric cables to the electric socket inlet (8).

[029] The electric socket inlet (8) is situated on the body (9) in such a way that the conductor is perpendicular. At the center of the body there is a bed which enables positioning the electric socket inlet (8). The electric socket inlet (8) is made of a conductive metal and it conveys the electric current received from an external source to the conductor (5). The thin plate shaped electric socket inlet (8) is screwed to the body (9) through the orifice situated at its center point. This connection screw (10) enables both fixing the electric socket inlet (8) to the body (9) and connection of the conductor (5) to the electric socket inlet (8). This connection can be realized in different ways. In order to connect electric cables externally, the ends of the electric socket inlet (8) has a height similar to that of the orifices situated on the lateral surface of the body cover (7). This height can be formed in different ways. In the preferred embodiment, the plate shaped socket inlet (8) forms a height by bending 90° at both ends while traveling from the center point of the plate to the ends thereof. The electric socket inlet (8) once again bends 90° at the same level with the orifices and in this way the ends are aligned with the orifices and to which electric cables can be connected externally.

[030] The body (9), whereon the body cover (7) and the electric socket inlet (8) is situated, can be made of plastic or any other nonconductive material. The body (9), which can be manufactured in different ways, must have a structure which enables fastening the body cover (7) to its surface. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the body has a cylindrical shape. A bed is present on the body wherein the electric socket inlet (8) is positioned. In order to attach the body cover (7) to the body, latches can be provided at the edges of the body. Furthermore, there can be a pair of orifices on the body in order to connect electric cables to the electric socket inlet (8) externally. At the center there is a screw recess in order to fasten the socket inlet (8) and the electric socket inlet (8) is fastened to the body (9) by means of the connection screw (10). It is possible to develop wide range of embodiments for the mechanism which is the subject of the invention without departing from this main concept and the invention is principally as disclosed in the claims and it cannot be restricted with the examples stated herein.

Claims

[001] A current terminal (1) comprising; a conductive rod (2), a body (9), a conductor

(5) which ensures conveying current during the movements of the conductive rod (2) and, an electric socket inlet (8) which conveys the current received from an external source to the conductor (5); characterized with; an assembly apparatus (4) which enables the conductive rod (2) to remain upright, at least one tightening spring (3) which enables the said conductive rod (2) to move to all directions and upwards and downwards parallel to its axis, and a body cover (7) which ensures the tightening springs (3) to remain suspended in the air.

[002] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claim 1 characterized with a conductive rod

(2) which is made of copper or any other conductive metal.

[003] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claims 1 and 2 characterized with a conductive rod (2) which has a cylindrical shaped end with a spherical tip which contacts the pallets and another end which is not in contact with the pallets and which has a threaded structure enabling it to be fastened to the assembly apparatus (4).

[004] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claim 1 characterized with an assembly apparatus (4) comprising a hallow ceiling and a cylindrical tube, the base of which is open, and a plate which extends perpendicularly to this tube and which has an area that is larger than the assembly apparatus (4).

[005] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claim 4 characterized with an assembly apparatus (4) wherein the disc shaped plate and the cylindrical tube, which are concentric with each other, are either fastened to one another or are manufactured as a single piece.

[006] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claims 4 or 5 characterized with an assembly apparatus (4) comprising a cylindrical tube with an open ceiling and a base and an inner part composed of sets so that the threaded end of the conductive rod (2) fits inside its one end and the cable assembly screw (6) is fastened in order to connect the conductor (5) to its other end.

[007] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with an assembly apparatus (4) which is made of a conductive or a non-conductive material and inside its inner part which has a cable for ensuring conveyance.

[008] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with tightening springs (3) which have ends connected to the assembly apparatus (4) from the connection points situated on the plate of the cylindrical tube and other ends connected to the body cover (7) and, in this way, which ensure the conductive rod (2) to remain suspended in the air and which have ends generally with hook shapes.

[009] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claim 8 characterized with 3 tightening springs (3) positioned at 120° intervals.

[010] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims of above characterized with a conductor (5) with one end connected to the assembly apparatus (4) and other end connected to the electric socket inlet (8) and which conveys the current it receives from the electric socket inlet (8) to the assembly apparatus (4).

[011] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with a body cover (7) made of plastic or other nonconductive material.

[012] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with a body cover (7) which has a cone shape with open ends, wherein the wide bottom part of the cone fits on to the body (9) and on the narrow upper part of the cone there are orifices which ensure the connection of the tightening springs (3), and which has a pair of corresponding orifices on its lateral surface that enable external connection of the electric cables to the electric socket inlet (8).

[013] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with an electric socket inlet (8) which is positioned on the body, perpendicular to the conductor (5), and which is made of a conductive material.

[014] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claim 13 characterized with an electric socket inlet (8) with a thin plate shape, which forms a height by bending 90° while traveling from the center point of the plate to the ends thereof and which once again bends 90° at the same level with the corresponding pair of orifices situated again on the lateral area of the body cover (7) so that the ends are aligned with the orifices and to which electric cables can be connected externally.

[015] A current terminal (1) as defined in any of the claims above characterized with a body (9) whereon the body cover (7) and the electric socket inlet (8) is situated, which can be made of plastic or any other nonconductive material and which has a structure which enables fastening the body cover (7) and the electric socket inlet (8) to its surface.

[016] A current terminal (1) as defined in Claim 15 characterized with a body (9) on which there is a bed for positioning the electric socket inlet (8) and a screw recess for facilitating the connection of the conductor (5) to the electric socket inlet (8), and whereon latches can be provided at the edges in order to attach the body cover (7).