English:
[0001] The described invention relates in general to electrical connectors and contacts used with electronic equipment, and more specifically to electrical contact members for use with rotary interfaces or other challenging interfaces found within certain connector assemblies.
[0002] Certain electronic equipment such as surgical systems and devices frequently utilize connector assemblies for the purpose of connecting system or device components to one other. Depending on the design of the connector assembly and the various components thereof, establishing and maintaining reliable electrical connections may be challenging. Connector assemblies that include rotary interfaces or other uniquely shaped or configured mechanical or electrical interfaces may experience intermittent or inadequate electrical connections if the contacts used within the connector assembly must move or travel any significant distance within the assembly. While spring probes and other similar prior art devices may offer a partial or temporary solution, these device may ultimately prove to be inadequate for use in such connector assemblies. Thus, there is an ongoing need for a contact that offers consistent and reliable performance when incorporated into connector assemblies that include unique connection configurations or geometries.
[0003] The following provides a summary of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the present invention or to delineate its scope.
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an electrical contact system for a rotary interface within a connector assembly is provided. This system includes: (a) a first connector assembly housing, wherein the first housing further includes first electrically conductive ring mounted therein and a second electrically conductive ring disposed within the first contact ring; (b) a second connector assembly housing connectable to the first housing, wherein the second housing is adapted to receive at least two electrical contact members; (c) a first substantially Y-shaped electrical contact member mounted within the second housing, wherein the first contact member includes a lower portion connected to or formed integrally with an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes at least two contact points, and wherein each of the contact points makes physical and electrical contact with a portion of the first electrically conductive ring when the housing portions are connected to one another; and (d) a second substantially Y-shaped electrical contact member mounted within the second housing, wherein the second contact member includes a lower portion connected to or formed integrally an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes at least two contact points, and wherein each of the contact points makes physical and electrical contact with a portion of the second electrically conductive ring when the first and second housings are connected to one another.
[0007] Additional features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, further embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and associated descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention, and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of an electrical contact system for a rotary interface within a connector assembly in accordance with the present invention showing the first and second contacts positioned within the second connector assembly housing.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the system of FIG. 1 showing the outer and inner contact rings positioned above the first and second contacts.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the system of FIG. 1 showing the first and second contacts positioned within the second connector assembly housing as well as the relative positions of the contact rings within the first connector assembly (bottom view).
[0012] FIGS. 4a-d are top, top perspective, side, and front views of a first or outer electrical contact in accordance with the present invention showing the relative positions and geometries of the upper and lower portions of the contact.
[0013] FIGS. 5a-d are top, top perspective, side, and front views of a second or inner electrical contact in accordance with the present invention showing the relative positions and geometries of the upper and lower portions of the contact.
[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the Figures. Reference numerals are used throughout the detailed description to refer to the various elements and structures. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form for purposes of simplifying the description. Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.
[0016] FIGS. l-4a-d and 5a-d provide various views of an exemplary embodiment of the system of the present invention and the electrical contact members of the present invention. FIGS. 1 and 2 provide partially exploded perspective views of connector assembly 10, which in this embodiment includes a rotary interface between connector assembly components. As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, first connector assembly housing 20, which is the mating ring portion of connector assembly 10 includes a generally cylindrical body 22 having a centrally placed aperture 24, through which a threaded component connector rod (not shown) typically passes. Contained within housing 20 are two electrical contact rings that are concentrically arranged relative to one another. Electrical wires are terminated to these contact rings. Inner contact ring 28 is disposed within outer contact ring 26 (see FIGS. 2-3). Second connector assembly housing 40, which is the contact portion of connector assembly 10, includes crown 42, central aperture 44, outer contact slot 46, inner contact slot 48, stem 50 and pedestal 52. First and second contacts 60 and 80 respectively, are inserted into contact slots 46 and 48 and make physical and electrical contact with (i.e., are seated onto) outer contact ring 26 and inner contact ring 28 respectively when housings 20 and 40 are connected to one another.
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4a-d, first or outer contact 60 includes an upper portion 62 and a lower portion 72. Upper portion 62 is positioned perpendicular to lower portion 72 and is set slightly forward from lower portion 72 due to the forward curvature of stem 74 (see FIG. 4C). Upper portion 62 includes a first contact point 64 which is formed at the end of curved arm 66 and a second contact point 70, which is formed at the end of curved arm 68. Contact points 64 and 70 each include a slightly rounded upper surface that makes direct contact with outer ring 26 when housings 20 and 40 are connected to one another. As best shown in FIG. 4d, the ends of curved arms 66 and 68 are twisted slightly forward relative to the transverse axis of upper portion 62. This configuration provides a degree of biasing or spring-like behavior to upper portion 62. As downward pressure is applied to contact points 64 and 70, curved arms 66 and 68 flex slightly downward while still maintaining contact with outer ring 26. When such pressure is decreased or removed, curved arms 66 and 68 "spring" back to their neutral position again while still maintaining direct physical contact with outer ring 26. In this manner, first contact 60 permits a certain degree of travel between the components of the connector assembly while maintaining the integrity of the electrical interface therebetween. As best shown in FIG. 3, upper portion 62 is also curved (as viewed from above). This curvature combined with the twists in arms 66 and 68 create a deflection path for contact points 64 and 70 that follows the centerline of outer ring 26, thereby permitting deflection in a generally circular pattern without the need for geometric features in upper portion 62 that match the geometry of outer ring 26. As best shown in FIG. 4D, base portion 76 includes contoured surfaces 77 and 78 which are retention features for retaining the contact within second connector assembly housing 40.
[0018] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5a-d, second or inner contact 80 includes an upper portion 82 and a lower portion 92. Upper portion 82 is positioned perpendicular to lower portion 92 and is set slightly forward from lower portion 92 due to the forward curvature of stem 94 (see FIG. 5C). Upper portion 82 includes a first contact point 84 which is formed at the end of curved arm 86 and a second contact point 90, which is formed at the end of curved arm 88. Contact points 84 and 90 each include a slightly rounded upper surface that makes direct contact with inner ring 28 when housings 20 and 40 are connected to one another. As best shown in FIG. 5d, the ends of curved arms 86 and 88 are twisted slightly forward relative to the transverse axis of upper portion 82. This configuration provides a degree of biasing or spring-like behavior to upper portion 82. As downward pressure is applied to contact points 84 and 90, curved arms 86 and 88 flex slightly downward while still maintaining contact with inner ring 28. When such pressure is decreased or removed, curved arms 86 and 88 "spring" back to their neutral position again while still maintaining direct physical contact with inner ring 28. In this manner, second contact 80 permits a certain degree of travel between the components of the connector assembly while maintaining the integrity of the electrical interface therebetween. As best shown in FIG. 3, upper portion 82 is also curved (as viewed from above). This curvature combined with the twists in arms 86 and 88 create a deflection path for contact points 84 and 90 that follows the centerline of inner ring 28, thereby permitting deflection in a generally circular pattern without the need for geometric features in upper portion 82 that match the geometry of inner ring 28. As best shown in FIG. 5D, base portion 96 includes contoured surfaces 97 and 98 which are retention features for retaining the contact within second connector assembly housing 40. As shown in FIGS. 4D and 5D, base 76 is typically wider than base 96.
[0019] In one exemplary application, the spring-loaded Y-shaped electrical contacts of the present invention may be used to connect a handle or base portion to a functional or operative portion used for medical or surgical procedures. Systems of this nature typically include a mating ring connector that must make sufficient electrical contact with another connector that is axially aligned with the mating ring connector. The Y-shaped contacts of this invention can accommodate a relatively large amount of variation in the distance between the two connectors in the direction perpendicular to the axis and allow for rotation between connectors while still maintaining consistent electrical connection therebetween. The upper portions of each Y-shaped contact deflect to allow the contact points on the ends of the upper portions to follow the shaping of the mating ring regardless of the amount of deflection. In one example, electrical contact is maintained when the deflection experienced by the contact is 0.050 inches and the mating ring is only 0.014 inches wide. The described "twist" in each contact member facilitates maintaining the electrical contact.
[0020] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in certain detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representative devices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

中文:
[0001]本发明通常涉及与电子设备一起使用的电连接器和接触件,更具体地涉及在特定的连接器组件中存在的与旋转接口或其它有挑战性的接口一起使用的电接触构件。
[0002]为了将系统或装置部件连接到另一部件上的目的,诸如外科系统和装置的特定电子设备经常利用连接器组件。依赖于连接器组件和它的多种部件的设计,建立和保持可靠的电连接可能是有挑战性的。如果在连接器组件中使用的接触件必须在所述组件中移动或行进任何相当大的距离,包括旋转接口或其它的独特地制定形状或配置的机械或电接口的连接器组件,可能经历间歇的或不充分的电连接。虽然弹簧探针和其它的类似的现有技术装置可以提供部分的或暂时的方案,但是这些装置可能最终证明用在这样的连接器组件中是不充分的。因此,对接触件具有持续的需要,该接触件在被包含在包括独特的连接配置或几何构型的连接器组件中时能够提供一致的且可靠的性能。
[0003]下文提供了本发明的示例性实施例的概要。这个概要不是一个广泛性的评述,且该概要并非旨在确定本发明的关键或决定性的方面或元件,也不是旨在描述其范围。
[0004]根据本发明的一个方面,提供了一种用于连接器组件中的旋转接口的电接触系统。该电接触系统包括:(a)第一连接器组件外壳,其中所述第一外壳还包括安装在其中的第一导电环和设置在所述第一接触环中的第二导电环;(b)与所述第一外壳可连接的第二连接器组件外壳,其中,所述第二外壳适合于接收至少两个电接触构件;(c)安装在所述第二外壳中的第一大致Y形的电接触构件,其中,所述第一接触构件包括连接至上部上或与上部一体地形成的下部,其中,所述上部包括至少两个接触点,和其中当所述外壳部分彼此连接时所述接触点中的每一个与所述第一导电环的一部分物理和电接触;和(d)安装在所述第二外壳中的第二大致Y形的电接触构件,其中,所述第二接触构件包括连接至上部上或与上部一体地形成的下部,其中,所述上部包括至少两个接触点,和其中当所述第一外壳和第二外壳彼此连接时所述接触点中的每一个与所述第二导电环的一部分物理和电接触。
[0007]在阅读和理解示例性实施例的下述的详细的描述时,本发明的额外的特征和方面对于本领域的普通技术人员来说将变得清楚。如熟练的技术人员所能理解的,在不偏离本发明的范围和精神的情况下本发明是可以有另外的实施例的。因此,附图和相关联的描述在本质上被认为是说明性的且不是限制性的。
[0008]包含在本说明书中且形成本说明书的一部分的附图,示意性地显示出本发明的一个或更多个示例性的实施例,并结合上文给出的一般描述和下文给出的详细的描述用于说明本发明的原理,其中:
[0009]图1是根据本发明的用于连接器组件中的旋转接口的电接触系统的示例性实施例的部分分解图,显示出定位在第二连接器组件外壳中的第一接触件和第二接触件。
[0010]图2是图1所示的系统的部分分解图,显示出定位在第一和第二接触件之上的外部接触环和内部接触环。
[0011]图3是图1所示的系统的俯视图,显示出定位在第二连接器组件外壳中的第一接触件和第二接触件,以及在第一连接器组件中的接触环的相对位置(仰视图)。
[0012]图4a-d是根据本发明所述的第一或外部电接触件的俯视图、顶部透视图、侧视图以及正视图,显示出接触件的上部和下部的相对位置和几何构型。
[0013]图5a-d是根据本发明所述的第二或内部电接触件的俯视图、顶部透视图、侧视图以及正视图,显示出接触件的上部和下部的相对位置和几何构型。
[0014]现在参考附图对本发明的示例性实施例进行描述。贯穿详细的描述所使用的参考标记表示各种元件和结构。在其它的例子中,为了简化描述的目的,已知的结构和装置以方框图显示。虽然为了说明的目的下述的详细描述包含许多细节,但是任何一个本领域普通技术人员将理解对下述的细节的许多变形和更改在本发明的范围中。因此,在不损失所要求保护的本发明的一般性的情形下和在不对所要求保护的本发明施加限制的情形下阐明了本发明的下述的实施例。
[0016]图1-4a-d和5a-d提供本发明的系统和本发明的电接触构件的示例性实施例的多个视图。图1和2提供了连接器组件10的部分分解的透视图,这个实施例中的连接器组件10包括在连接器组件部件之间的旋转接口。如在图1-3中最佳地显示的,第一连接器组件外壳20是连接器组件10的配合环部,第一连接器组件外壳20包括具有中心设置孔24的大致圆柱形主体22,螺纹部件连接器杆(未显示)典型地穿过孔24。包含在外壳20中的是彼此同心地布置的两个电接触环。电线终止于这些接触环处。内部接触环28设置在外部接触环26中(参见图2-3)。第二连接器组件外壳40是连接器组件10的接触部分,第二连接器组件外壳40包括冠部42、中心孔44、外部接触槽46、内部接触槽48、杆50以及底座52。第一和第二接触件60和80分别插入到接触槽46和48中,且在外壳20和40彼此连接时分别与外部接触环26和内部接触环28物理和电接触(即位于其上)。
[0017]参考图3和4a-d,第一或外部接触件60包括上部62和下部72。上部62被定位成垂直于下部72,且由于杆74的向前的弯曲被设定成从下部72略微向前(参考图4C)。上部62包括在弯曲臂66的末端处形成的第一接触点64和在弯曲臂68的末端处形成的第二接触点70。每个接触点64和70包括略微成圆形的表面,当外壳20和40彼此连接时该表面与外部环26直接接触。如在图4d中最优地显示的,弯曲臂66和68的末端相对于上部62的横向轴线略微向前扭曲。这一配置给上部62提供了一定程度的偏压性能或类似于弹簧的性能。随着将向下的压力施加到接触点64和70上,弯曲臂66和68略微向下弯曲,同时仍然保持与外部环26的接触。在这样的压力被减少或移除时,弯曲臂66和68再次“弹性”返回至它们的中立位置(neutral position),同时仍然保持与外部环26的直接物理接触。以这种方式,第一接触件60允许在连接器组件的部件之间的一定程度的移动,同时保持它们之间的电接口的完整性。如在图3中最优地显示的,上部62也是弯曲的(如从其上所看到的)。与臂66和68中的扭曲相结合的这种弯曲产生了用于接触点64和70的偏转路径,该偏转路径跟随外部环26的中心线,从而允许在大致圆形图案中的偏转,而不需要上部62的几何特征与外部环26的几何构型匹配。如在图4D中最优地显示的,基底部76包括轮廓表面77和78,该轮廓表面77和78是用于将接触件保持在第二连接器组件外壳40中的保持特征。
[0018]参考图3和5a-d,第二或内部接触件80包括上部82和下部92。上部82被定位成垂直于下部92,且由于杆94的向前的弯曲被设定成从下部92略微向前(参考图5C)。上部82包括在弯曲臂86的末端处形成的第一接触点84和在弯曲臂88的末端处形成的第二接触点90。每个接触点84和90包括略微成圆形的表面,当外壳20和40彼此连接时该表面与内部环28直接接触。如在图5d中最优地显示的,弯曲臂86和88的末端相对于上部82的横向轴线略微向前扭曲。这一配置给上部82提供了一定程度的偏压性能或类似于弹簧的性能。随着将向下的压力施加到接触点84和90上,弯曲臂86和88略微向下弯曲,同时仍然保持与内部环28的接触。在这样的压力被减少或移除时,弯曲臂86和88再次“弹性”返回至它们的中立位置,同时仍然保持与内部环28的直接物理接触。以这种方式,第二接触件80允许在连接器组件的部件之间的一定程度的移动,同时保持它们之间的电接口的完整性。如在图3中最优地显示的,上部82也是弯曲的(如从其上所看到的)。与臂86和88中的扭曲相结合的这种弯曲产生了用于接触点84和90的偏转路径,该偏转路径跟随内部环28的中心线,从而允许在大致圆形图案中的偏转,而不需要上部82的几何特征与内部环28的几何构型匹配。如在图5D中最优地显示的,基底部96包括轮廓表面97和98,该轮廓表面97和98是用于将接触件保持在第二连接器组件外壳40中的保持特征。如在图4D和5D中显示的,基底76典型地比基底96宽。
[0019]在一个示例性应用中,本发明的弹簧加载的Y形电接触件可以用于将手柄或基底部分连接至医学或外科程序所使用的功能性或操作性的部分上。这种性质的系统典型地包括配合环连接器,该配合环连接器必须与另一连接器进行充足的电接触,该另一连接器与配合环连接器轴向地对齐。本发明的Y形接触件可以在垂直于轴线的方向上容许两个连接器之间的距离上的相当大量的变化,并且允许连接器之间的旋转,同时仍然保持它们之间的一致的电连接。每个Y形接触件的上部偏转以允许上部的末端上的接触点跟随配合环的形状,而不管偏转的量。在一个例子中,在接触件所经历的偏转是0.050英寸和配合环的宽度仅是0.014英寸时,保持电接触。所描述的在每个接触构件上的“扭曲”便于保持电接触。
[0020]虽然通过本发明的示例性的实施例的描述来说明本发明,且虽然在特定细节上对实施例进行了描述,但是申请人的意图不是将随附的权利要求限制或以任何方式限制成这样的细节。对本领域的技术人员来说,额外的优点和修改将是易于明白的。因此,在更宽广的方面中本发明不是被限制成任何特定的细节、代表性的装置和方法和/或显示出的和被描述的说明性例子。因此,在不偏离申请人的总体发明性构思的精神或范围的情形下,可以从这样的细节中做出偏离。