WO2008042051A2

WO2008042051A2 - Pickup caps for electrical connectors

Info

Publication number: WO2008042051A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/017971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Minich
Original assignee: Fci; Fci Americas Technology, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-09-29
Filing date: 2007-08-14
Publication date: 2008-04-10
Also published as: US20080153330A1; US7621751B2; WO2008042051A3; TW200822466A; CN101517839A; CN101517839B

Abstract

A pickup cap for an electrical connector is disclosed. The pickup cap may include a planar body portion and a plurality of opposing legs extending from a side of the body portion. A respective friction pad may extend from each leg. The friction pads may be received into complementary slots in the housing of an electrical connector. Friction between the friction pads and walls that define the slots may be sufficient to secure the pickup cap to the connector. The planar body portion may include a pickup portion. When the pickup cap is received into the connector housing, the legs may bow slightly. The pickup portion, however, may remain generally planar, and generally parallel to the mating plane defined by the vertical connector, even when the pickup cap is fully inserted into the connector housing.

Description

PICKUP CAPS FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001J The invention relates to pickup caps that can be mounted on an electrical connector and held by a device such as a vacuum nozzle, so that the electrical connector can be lifted and moved during manufacturing and other operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electrical connectors are commonly lifted and positioned on a mounting surface using automated equipment referred to as "pick and place" equipment. The pick and place equipment typically includes a vacuum nozzle mounted on an arm or other movable structure. A pickup cap is usually placed on the connector to provide a suitable surface for the vacuum nozzle to grasp. Pickup caps are typically equipped with latches or other locking features for securing the pickup cap to the electrical connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention provides a pickup cap for an electrical connector. Such a pickup cap may include a planar body portion and a plurality of opposing legs extending from a side of the body portion. A respective friction pad may extend from each leg. The friction pads may be received into complementary slots in the housing of an electrical connector. The electrical connector may be a vertical connector, wherein the mating plane defined by the connector is parallel to the mounting plane defined by the connector.

[0004] The distance between outermost surfaces of opposing friction pads may be slightly less than the distance between outermost surfaces of the slots that receive those pads. Consequently, when the pickup cap is received into the connector housing, the legs may bow slightly, causing friction between the friction pads and slots to secure the pickup cap to the connector. [0005] The planar body portion may include a pickup portion. The pickup portion may remain generally planar, and generally parallel to the mating plane defined by the vertical connector, even when the pickup cap is fully inserted into the connector housing.

[0006] The pickup cap may include one or more protrusions, which may extend from the body portion, to prevent over-insertion of the pickup cap into the connector housing. The friction pads may have tapered ends to facilitate lead-in into the housing slots. The slots may be chamfered to guide the tapered ends of the posts into the slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIGs. IA and IB are isometric top and bottom views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a pickup cap according to the invention.

[0008] FIGs. 1C, ID, and IE are top, side, and bottom views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a pickup cap according to the invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a mating side view of a plug connector having a connector housing that is suitable for receiving and retaining a pickup cap according to the invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a pickup cap according to the invention being received into a connector housing.

[0011] FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 4C are isometric, side, and top views, respectively, of a pickup cap according to the invention retained in a connector housing.

[0012] FIG. 5 provides a graphic representation of the deformation of an illustrative pickup cap after full insertion into a connector housing.

[0013] FIGs. 6 A, 6B, and 6C provide isometric bottom, isometric top, and bottom views, respectively, of an illustrative pickup cap with latches.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative pickup cap with latches being received into a connector housing.

[0015] FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C provide isometric, top, and side views respectively, of an illustrative pickup cap with latches fully engaged with a connector housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] FIGs. IA through IE depict an illustrative embodiment of a pickup cap 100 according to the invention. The pickup cap 100 may be formed as a single piece of plastic, and may be injection molded, using well-known techniques. As shown, the pickup cap 100 may have a planar body portion 102. The body portion 102 may have a thickness of about 0.5 mm. The body portion may define a pickup portion 104. The pickup portion 104 may be formed such that a vacuum suction nozzle may engage the pickup cap, potentially for lifting, positioning, and placing.

[0017] The body portion 102 may include one or more extensions 108 A-D. The extensions 108A-D may be flexible extensions that extend in the plane defined by the body portion 102. As shown, each extension 108A-D may extend from a respective corner of the body portion 102. Each extension may have a respective length, L1-L4 (i.e., the distance by which the extension extends beyond the planar central portion of the body portion 102). The farther the extension extends beyond the planar central portion, the more resilient the extension will be (for the same material and material thickness). All of the extensions 108 A-D may, but need not, have the same length.

[0018] The body portion 102 may also include one or more protrusions 110A-D. Each protrusion 11 OA-D may extend from a respective one of the extensions 108 A-D. The protrusions 11 OA-D may extend in the plane defined by the body portion 102.

[0019] The pickup cap 100 may include one or more legs 112A-D. The legs 112A-D may be flexible legs that extend at respective angles to the plane defined by the body portion 102. As shown, each leg 112 A-D may extend from a respective corner of the body portion 102. Each leg 112A-D may extend at a 90° angle from the body portion 102.

[0020] The pickup cap 100 may include one or more friction pads 114A-D. Each friction pad 114A-D may extend in one or more directions from a respective one of the legs 112 A-D. As shown, each friction pad 114A-D extends in each of two directions from a respective one of the legs 112A-D. The directions along which the friction pads 114A-D extend from the legs 112A-D may be generally perpendicular to the legs 112A-D, which may be generally parallel to the plane defined by the body portion 102. The friction pads 114A-D may have tapered ends as shown. The distal ends of the friction pads 114A-D₅ as well as the distal ends of the legs 112A-D, may taper away from the body portion 102. Thus, each friction pad 114A-D may define a lead-in to guide the friction pad 114A-D into a complementary slot defined by a connector housing (as shown and described below).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 C, the outermost face of the first friction pad 114A may be separated from the outermost face of the second friction pad 114B by a distance Dl. The outermost face of the second friction pad 114B may be separated from the outermost face of the third friction pad 114C by a distance D2. The outermost face of the third friction pad 114C may be separated from the outermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D by a distance D3. The distance D3 may be the same as the distance Dl, as shown, though it need not be. The outermost face of the first friction pad 114A may be separated from the outermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D by a distance D4. The distance D4 may be the same as the distance D2, as shown, though it need not be.

[0022] Also, the innermost face of the first friction pad 114A may be separated from the innermost face of the second friction pad 114B by a distance Dl 1. The innermost face of the second friction pad 114B may be separated from the innermost face of the third friction pad 114C by a distance D12. The innermost face of the third friction pad 114C may be separated from the innermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D by a distance Dl 3. The distance Dl 3 may be the same as the distance Dl 1, as shown, though it need not be. The innermost face of the first friction pad 114A may be separated from the innermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D by a distance D14. The distance D14 maybe the same as the distance D 12, as shown, though it need not be.

[0023] The profile shape of the planar body portion 102 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The planar body portion 102 may be shaped to reduce the weight of the pickup cap 100. The geometric relationship among the friction pads 114A-D may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. For example, the friction pads 114A-D may be positioned such that, from top to bottom, the first friction pad 114A and the second friction pad 114B are between the third friction pad 114C and the fourth friction pad 114D, or for example, the third friction pad 114C and the fourth friction pad 114D may be positioned between the first friction pad 114A and the second friction pad 114B. Similarly, the friction pads 114A-D may be positioned such that, from left to right, the first friction pad 114A and the fourth friction pad 114D are between the second friction pad 114B and the third friction pad 114C, or for example, the second friction pad 114B and the third friction pad 114C may be positioned between the first friction pad 114A and the fourth friction pad 114D.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a mating-side view of a plug connector 200 having a connector housing 201 that is adapted to receive and retain a pickup cap 100 according to the invention. The connector housing 201 may hold a plurality of insert molded leadframe assemblies (IMLAs) 202. Each IMLA 202 may include a plurality of electrically conductive contacts 204. The electrically conductive contacts 204 may pass through a dielectric leadframe housing 203 that holds the contacts 204 in place. Each contact 204 may be selectively designated as a ground contact, a single-ended signal conductor, or one of a differential signal pair of signal conductors. The contacts are adapted to mate with complementary receptacle contacts.

[0025] The connector housing 201 may define one or more pad receiving slots 21 OA-D. Each slot 21 OA-D may be open to the mating-side of the connector 200 and adapted to receive a respective leg of the pickup cap. The geometric relationships between the pad receiving slots 21 OA-D may be based on the geometric relationships between the friction pads 114A-D. For example, to create sufficient friction between the friction pads and the slots when the pickup cap is received into the connector housing, the distance D5 between the outermost face of the first slot 210A and the outermost face of the second slot 210B may be less than the distance Dl between the outermost face of the first friction pad 114A and the outermost face of the second friction pad 114B. The distance D6 between the outermost face of the second slot 210B and the outermost face of the third slot 210C may be less than the distance D2 between the outermost face of the second friction pad 114B and the outermost face of the third friction pad 114C. The distance D7 between the outermost face of the third slot 210C and the outermost face of the fourth slot 210D maybe less than the distance D3 between the outermost face of the third friction pad 114C and the outermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D. The distance D7 may be the same as the distance D5, as shown, though it need not be. The distance D8 between the outermost face of the first slot 210A and the outermost face of the fourth slot 210D may be less than the distance D4 between the outermost face of the first friction pad 114A and the outermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D. The distance D8 may be the same as the distance D6, as shown, though it need not be.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, wherein the distal ends of the friction pads 114A- D as well as the distal ends of the legs 112A-D taper towards the body portion 102, the innermost faces of the slots 21 OA-D and the innermost faces of the friction pads 114A-D maybe employed. In this example, the distance D9 between the innermost face of the second slot 210B and the innermost face of the third slot 210C may be greater than the distance D12 between the innermost face of the second friction pad 114B and the innermost face of the third friction pad 114C. The distance DlO between the innermost face of the first slot 210A and the innermost face of the fourth slot 210D may be greater than the distance D14 between the innermost face of the first friction pad 114A and the innermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D. The distances DIl and Dl 3 may be less than the respective distances between the innermost faces of corresponding slots defined by the connector housing 201.

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a pickup cap 100 according to the invention being received into a connector housing 201. As shown, the pickup cap 100 may be inserted into the connector housing 201 by aligning the legs 112A-D with the corresponding slots 210A-D, and pressing the pickup cap 100 toward the plug connector 200 such that the friction pads 114A-D are received into the connector housing 201.

[0028] Because the distance D5 between the outermost face of the first slot 210A and the outermost face of the second slot 210B is less than the distance Dl between the outermost face of the first friction pad 114A and the outermost face of the second friction pad 114B, the first and second legs 112A, 112B bend toward one another (or "bow") when the first and second friction pads 114A, 114B are received into the first and second slots 210A, 210B.

[0029] Similarly, because the distance D6 between the outermost face of the second slot 210B and the outermost face of the third slot 210C is less than the distance D2 between the outermost face of the second friction pad 114B and the outermost face of the third friction pad 1 14C, the second and third legs 112B, 112C bend toward one another when the second and third friction pads 114B, 114C are received into the second and third slots 210B, 210C.

[0030] Because the distance D7 between the outermost face of the third slot 210C and the outermost face of the fourth slot 210D is less than the distance D3 between the outermost face of the third friction pad 114C and the outermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D, the third and fourth legs 112C, 112D bend toward one another when the third and fourth friction pads 114C, 114D are received into the third and fourth slots 210C, 210D.

[0031] Because the distance D8 between the outermost face of the first slot 210A and the outermost face of the fourth slot 210D is less than the distance D4 between the outermost face of the first friction pad 114A and the outermost face of the fourth friction pad 114D, the first and fourth legs 112A, 112D bend toward one another when the first and fourth friction pads 114A, 114D are received into the first and fourth slots 210A, 210D.

[0032] Accordingly, when the pickup cap is received into the connector housing, the outermost surfaces of the friction pads 114A-D abut the outermost surfaces of the slots 21 OA-D. Sufficient bowing of the legs may create enough friction between the outermost surfaces of the friction pads 114A-D and the outermost surfaces of the slots 21 OA-D to retain the pickup cap 100 in the connector housing 201 during pick and place operation. Thus, an interference fit may be created between the pickup cap 100 and the connector housing 201.

[0033] FIGs. 4A, 4B, and 4C are isometric, side, and top views, respectively, of a pickup cap 100 retained in a connector housing 201. The protrusions 110A-D may extend farther in the plane of the body portion 102 than do the friction pads 114A-D. The protrusions 110A-D act as stops to prevent the pickup cap from moving too far into the connector housing 201. As described above, the legs will bow when the pickup cap 100 is received into the connector housing 201. Though the legs may bow, the pickup portion 104 remains planar and parallel to the mating plane of the connector.

[0034] FIG. 5 provides a graphic representation of the deformation of an illustrative pickup cap 600 after full insertion into a connector housing (not shown). As shown, the legs 612A-D and extensions 608A-D bow to create sufficient friction between the friction pads 614A- D and the slots 210A-D (shown in FIG.2) to retain the pickup cap 600 in the connector housing. The pickup portion 604, however, remains generally planar, even after full insertion of the pickup cap 600 into the connector housing.

[0035] FIGs. 6 A, 6B, and 6C provide isometric bottom, isometric top, and bottom views, respectively, of an illustrative pickup cap 700 with latches 704A, 704B. The pickup cap 700 may be made of plastic or other materials with manufacturing and physical properties to similar plastic. The pickup cap 700 may be manufactured via injection molding or other known techniques.

[0036] The pickup cap 700 may have a planar body portion 701. The body portion may have a thickness of about 0.5 mm. One or more legs 702A-D may extend from the body portion 701. The legs 702 A-D may extend generally orthogonal to the plane of the planar body 701. The legs 702 A-D may extend in the same direction from the planar body 701. The legs 702A-D may be rectangular, cylindrical, or other shapes. The proximate end of the legs 702 A-D connect to the planar portion 701, and the legs 702A-D may be tapered at the distal end. The legs 702A- D may be positioned on the planar body 701 such that a portion of the planar body 702 extends beyond the points where the legs 702A-D attach, defining one or more ledges 706A, 706B. The ledges 706A, 706B may be situated at one or more edges along the perimeter of the planar body 701.

[0037] Also extending from the body portion 701 may be one or more retention latches 704A-B. The retention latches 704A-B may extend generally orthogonal to the plane of the planar body 701. The proximate end of the retention latches 704A-B connect to the planar portion 701, and the distal end of the retention latch is shaped to provide a latching surface. The body portion may define a pickup portion 703. The pickup portion 703 may be formed such that a vacuum suction nozzle may engage the pickup cap 700 for lifting and positioning.

[0038] FIG. 7 depicts a pickup cap 700 with retention latches 704A-B being received into the connector housing 801 of a plug connector 800. The plug connector 800 may include exterior connector housing 801, The connector housing 801 may be manufactured from plastic. The connector housing 801 may hold a plurality of IMLAs 802. Each IMLA 802 may include a plurality of electrically conductive contacts 803. The electrically conductive contacts 803 may pass through a dielectric frame 804 which holds the contacts 804 in place. Each contact 803 may be selectively designated as a ground contact, a single-ended signal conductor, or one of a differential signal pair of signal conductors. The contacts are adapted to mate with complementary receptacle contacts.

[0039] The connector housing 801 may include a plurality of positioning slots 805A-D. Each positioning slot 805A-D may be an open volume adjacent to or within the connector housing 801. Each positioning slot 805 A-D may be open to the mating-side of the connector plug 800 and adapted to receive the legs 702 A-D of the pickup cap 700. The position of each positioning slot 702 A-D may be relative to the position each leg 702A-D. The connector housing 801 may include one or more mortises 806A-B adapted to receive latches 705A-B. The mortises 806A-B may be open volumes hollowed though the wall of the connector housing, open volumes depressed into the inner wall of the connector housing, overhanging lips designed to engage latches 705 A-B, or any other structure designed to engage latches 705 A-B.

[0040] As shown, the pickup cap 700 may be inserted into the connector housing 801 by aligning the legs 702A-D with the corresponding positioning slots 805 A-D, and pressing the pickup cap 100 toward the plug connector 800 such that the legs 702A-D are received into the connector housing 801 and such that the latches 705 A-B engage the respective mortises 806 A-B. It is preferred that the legs 706A-B extend longer than the latches 704A-B so that when inserting the pickup cap 700 into the connector 800, the legs 706A-B may ensure the pickup cap 700 is properly positioned for the latches 704A-B to engage.

[0041] FIGs. 8A-8C provide isometric, top, and side views, respectively, of a pickup cap 700 fully applied to a plug connector 800. The pickup cap 700 may be inserted into the connector housing 801, such that the latches 704A-B engage the mortises 806A-B. The ledges 706A-B may abut the connector housing 801 in the fully applied position. This abutment may provide a stop for the downward insertion force and may prevent over insertion of the pickup cap 700 into the plug connector 800.

[0042] Once engaged, the pickup cap 700 provides a connection to the plug connector 800 such that pick and place operation is feasible. In addition, the planar body 701 may be flexible such that the pickup cap 700 may be removed from the plug connector 800 by applying a sufficient upward force on the pickup cap 700 while the plug connector is fixed in place. Under this force, the latches 704A-B may deform until they are unengaged from the respective mortises 806A-B and the pickup cap 700 is separated from the plug connector 800.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A pickup cap for an electrical connector, the pickup cap comprising: a planar body portion; and first and second opposing legs extending from a first side of the body portion; wherein each of the first and second legs comprises a respective friction pad that is adapted to be received into a complementary slot in a housing of the electrical connector such that the pickup cap is retained in the connector housing by friction when the friction pads are received into the slots.

2. The pickup cap of claim 1, wherein the legs are adapted to bow when the friction pads are received into the slots.

3. The pickup cap of claim 1, wherein the body portion defines a planar pickup portion, and wherein the pickup portion remains planar when the friction pads are received into the slots.

4. The pickup cap of claim 1, wherein a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and second friction pads exceeds a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and second slots.

5. The pickup cap of claim 4, wherein the legs are adapted to bow when the friction pads are received into the slots.

6. The pickup cap of claim 1, further comprising a third leg extending from the first side of the body portion, the third leg opposing the second leg, wherein the third leg comprises a friction pad that is adapted to be received into a complementary slot in the housing of the electrical connector.

7. The pickup cap of claim 6, wherein (i) a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and second friction pads exceeds a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and second slots, and (ii) a distance between outermost surfaces of the second and third friction pads exceeds a distance between the second and third slots.

8. The pickup cap of claim 6, wherein the legs axe adapted to bow when the friction pads are received into the slots.

9. The pickup cap of claim 6, further comprising a fourth leg extending from the first side of the body portion, the fourth leg opposing each of the first and third legs, wherein the fourth leg comprises a friction pad that is adapted to be received into a complementary slot in the housing of the electrical connector.

10. The^*'pickup cap of claim 9, wherein (i) a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and second friction pads exceeds a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and second slots, (ii) a distance between outermost surfaces of the second and third friction pads exceeds a distance between the second and third slots, (iii) a distance between outermost surfaces of the third and fourth friction pads exceeds a distance between outermost surfaces of the third and fourth slots, (iv) a distance between outermost surfaces of the first and fourth friction pads exceeds a distance between the first and fourth slots.

11. The pickup cap of claim 9, wherein the legs are adapted to bow when the friction pads are received into the slots.

12. A pickup cap for an electrical connector, the pickup cap comprising: a planar body portion that defines a planar pickup portion; and first and second opposing legs extending from a first side of the body portion; wherein each of the first and second legs comprises a respective friction pad that is adapted to be received into a complementary slot in a housing of the electrical connector such that the legs bow and the pickup portion remains planar when the friction pads are received into the slots.

13. A pickup cap for an electrical connector, the pickup cap comprising: a planar body portion; a first leg extending in a first direction from a first side of the body portion; and a first friction pad extending from the first leg in a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction.

14. The pickup cap of claim 13, further comprising: a second leg extending in the first direction from the first side of the body portion; and a second friction pad extending from the second leg in a third direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The pickup cap of claim 14, wherein the third direction is opposite the second direction.

16. The pickup cap of claim 13, further comprising a protrusion extending from the body portion proximate the first leg, the protrusion extending in the plane defined by the body portion.

17. The pickup cap of claim 13, wherein a distal end of the first leg is tapered.