(12) United States Patent
`Bruce
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,406,330 B2
`Jun. 18, 2002
`
`US006406330B2
`
`(54) CLIP RING FOR AN ELECTRICAL
`CONNECTOR
`
`4,426,127 A
`5,898,993 A
`
`1/1984 Kubota
`5/1999 Inaba et al.
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Burton B. Bruce, New Hartford, CT
`(US)
`
`DE
`FR
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`544104
`1/1932
`2667451
`4/1992
`
`(73) Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los
`Angeles’ CA (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No‘, 09/938,487
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 27, 2001
`
`Related U-S- APPliC3ti011 Data
`.
`.
`.
`.
`(63) Contlnuatlon Of aPP11°at1°n N°- 09/458982: filed 0“ D60
`10’ 1999’ now Pat’ No‘ 6332315’
`Int. Cl.7 ............................................ .. H01R 13/648
`(51)
`(52) U.s. Ci.
`...................... .. 439/609; 439/862; 439/578
`(58) Field of Search ............................... .. 439/609, 578,
`439/862, 860, 868, 883
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`US PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,844,644 A
`7/1958 Souk,/9 Jr.
`3,678,445 A
`7/1972 Brancaleone
`4,106,839 A
`8/1978 Cooper
`4,423,919 A
`1/1984 Hillis
`
`Primary Exami/1er—Tho D. Ta
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Lowe Hauptman Gilman &
`Bemer’ LLP
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention is directed to an integrally formed clip
`ring made out of a conductive. resilient material such as
`beryllium copper. The clip ring is used for retaining a male
`member and a female member of an electrical connector and
`for forming a ground circuit between the male member and
`the female member of the electrical connector. The clip ring
`of the present invention fully engages the outside diameter
`of the male retaining groove and the inside diameter of the
`female retaining groove simultaneously. Advantageously,
`this eliminates the potential for discontinuities in a ground
`circuit in a vibrational envirenrnent; The clip ring includes
`an annular-shaped body havlng an Inner Wall and an outer
`wall where the outer wall has a plurality of circumferentially
`spaced slots. The outer wall has a first end circumferentially
`spaced from a second end wherein when the clip ring is
`compressed a first end and a second end are brought into
`contact with each other. In this manner, a complete 360°
`contact is maintained when the male member and the female
`member are fully engaged.
`
`24 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
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`CORNING EXHIBIT 1031
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`CORNING EXHIBIT 1031
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 18, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 0f 2
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`US 6,406,330 B2
`
`
`
`(PRIOR ART)
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`
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`FIG. 4
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 18, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 0f 2
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`US 6,406,330 B2
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`US 6,406,330 B2
`
`1
`CLIP RING FOR AN ELECTRICAL
`CONNECTOR
`
`This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No.
`09/458,082 filed Dec. 10, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,815.
`
`5
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to clip rings, and
`more particularly to clip rings for electrical connectors.
`
`10
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a simple “C” ring that fits
`in a groove on a male member of a mated pair of electrical
`connectors. When the male member and the female member
`
`15
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`are being engaged, this “C” ring is compelled to close into
`the groove on the male member so that the inside diameter
`of the female member may pass around it. Once the male
`member and the female member are fully engaged there is
`a concentric undercut groove in the female member that the
`“C” ring on the male member engages by springing back and
`partially engaging the outside diameter of the retaining
`groove of the male member and the inside diameter of the
`retaining groove of the female member.
`The problem with the “C” ring depicted in FIGS. 1A and
`1B is that the “C” ring can only touch a portion of the inside
`diameter of the female connector and a portion of the male
`connector simultaneously. The “C” ring can rattle in a
`vibrational environment causing a discontinuity in the cir-
`cuit. In addition, the insertion withdrawal forces cannot be
`accurately tuned to the needs of the user. Accordingly, a need
`exists for a clip ring in which the insertion forces can be
`accurately predicted, and in which a complete electrical
`circuit is completed when the male member and the female
`member are fully engaged.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide
`a clip ring in which the insertion withdrawal forces can be
`kept within a narrow band.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a clip
`ring which provides an excellent grounding path completing
`a ground circuit between a male and female connector when
`the male member and the female member are fully engaged.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`a retaining clip in which the outside diameter and inside
`diameter of the clip extend for a fully 360° contact with both
`the female member and the male member when the male
`
`member and the female member are fully engaged.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`a clip ring in which the withdrawal and insertion forces can
`be tuned to a great degree by varying the material thickness
`and beam length of the fingers of the clip ring.
`The present invention is directed to an integrally formed
`clip ring made out of a conductive resilient material such as
`beryllium copper. The clip ring is used for retaining a male
`member and a female member of an electrical connector and
`
`for forming a ground circuit between the male member and
`the female member of the electrical connector. The clip ring
`of the present invention fully engages the outside diameter
`of the male retaining groove and the inside diameter of the
`female retaining groove simultaneously. Advantageously,
`this eliminates the potential for discontinuities in a ground
`circuit in a vibrational environment. The clip ring includes
`an annular-shaped body having an inner wall and an outer
`wall where the outer wall has a plurality of circumferentially
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`2
`spaced slots. The outer wall has a first end circumferentially
`spaced from a second end wherein when the clip ring is
`compressed a first end and a second end are brought into
`contact with each other. In this manner, a complete 360°
`contact is maintained when the male member and the female
`
`member are fully engaged.
`invention are
`These and other objects of the present
`achieved by a resilient clip ring which includes an annular-
`shaped body having an inner wall and an outer wall. The
`outer wall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots.
`The foregoing and other objects of the present invention
`are achieved by a resilient clip ring which includes an
`annular-shaped body having an inner wall and an outer wall.
`The outer wall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced
`slots. The body has a first end circumferentially spaced from
`a second end. The first end and the second edge are brought
`into contact when the clip ring is inserted into a groove.
`Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
`will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from
`the following detailed description, wherein the preferred
`embodiments of the invention are shown and described,
`simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated
`of carrying out
`the invention. As will be realized,
`the
`invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and
`its several details are capable of modifications in various
`obvious respects, all without departing from the invention.
`Accordingly, the drawings and description thereof are to be
`regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The present invention is illustrated by way of example,
`and not by limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
`drawings, wherein elements having the same reference
`numeral designations represent
`like elements throughout
`and wherein:
`
`FIG. 1A is a top view of a prior art clip ring;
`FIG. 1B is cross-sectional view taken along lines 1B—1B
`of FIG. 1A depicting a cross-sectional view of the clip ring;
`FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a clip ring according to the
`present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3—3 in
`FIG. 2; and
`FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the clip ring
`according to the present invention;
`FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an exemplary elec-
`trical connector in an uncoupled condition which is usable
`with the inventive clip ring of the present invention; and
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6—6 in
`FIG. 5 within the electrical connector in a coupled condition.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`Referring first to FIG. 2, a bottom plan view of a clip ring
`30 according to the present invention is depicted. The clip
`ring 30 includes an annular body 40 having an outer surface
`45 and an inner surface 50. Afirst edge 52 and a second edge
`54 are circumferentially spaced from each other and form a
`gap g. As depicted in FIG. 2, seven slots extend from outer
`wall 45 and are equally circumferentially spaced. The seven
`slots 60-72 and the gap g essentially form eight weak areas
`in the body 40 thereby providing flexibility to the clip ring
`30. The slots 60-72 and the gap g are equally circumferen-
`tially spaced. Slots 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 extend inwardly
`from the outer wall 45 and terminate before inner wall 50.
`
`

`
`US 6,406,330 B2
`
`3
`As depicted in FIG. 3, clip ring 30 has an inner section 80
`and outer fingers 82 formed between each of the inwardly
`extending slots. Although seven slots are depicted, any
`number of slots can be used. As should be understood, the
`more slots that are used the lower the insertion forces would
`be for any given material thickness and the fewer slots that
`are used for any given material
`thickness will
`increase
`insertion withdrawal forces. Each of the fingers 82 has a first
`rounded section 90 which connects the finger 82 to the inner
`wall 80, a front ramp section 92 and a rear ramp section 94.
`As depicted in FIG. 4, the rear ramp section 94 is spaced
`from the inner wall 80. Referring back to FIG. 3, front ramp
`section 92 and rear ramp section 94 meet at a knuckle
`portion 96.
`As depicted in FIG. 5, the clip ring 30 is positioned in a
`groove 110 in a male connector 120 for mating with a female
`connector 125. The components of the male connector 120
`and the female connector 125 are not described herein as
`
`they form no part of the present invention. It should be
`appreciated that the clip ring 30 according to the present
`invention is usable on any type of male/female connector
`which are mated in a push/pull manner. In operation, when
`one connector is being inserted into the other, front ramp
`section 92 will make contact with a lead in ramp 130 on the
`female connector 125,
`the outer diameter of the female
`connector 125, thereby causing the outer section 82 to flex
`radially inwardly. That is, rear section 94 will be brought
`nearer to inner wall 80. The knuckle portion 96 will be
`brought into contact with the inner diameter 140 of the
`female connector 125. Upon full insertion into the groove,
`the portion 82 will flex radially outwardly and be in full
`engagement with the inner diameter 140. Most preferably,
`the inner diameter 140 will have a curved shape as depicted
`in FIG. 6. The shape of the curved surface should be such
`that rear ramp section 94 is in contact with the curved
`surface when the clip ring 30 is fully inserted into the female
`connector 125. The shape of the curved surface will help
`retain the clip ring 30 in the curved surface.
`As should be appreciated, the clip ring 30 of the present
`invention will fully engage the outside diameter of the male
`retaining groove and the inside diameter of the female
`retaining groove simultaneously. Further, upon insertion of
`the clip ring into the groove, the gap will be closed and
`surfaces 52 and 54 will be brought into contact with each
`other. This eliminates the potential for discontinuities in the
`ground circuit in a vibrational environment. In addition, the
`insertion and withdrawal forces can be tuned to a greater
`degree by varying the material
`thickness and the beam
`length of the fingers 82.
`It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art
`that the present invention fulfills all of the objects set forth
`above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of
`ordinary skill will be able to affect various changes, substi-
`tutions of equivalents and various other aspects of the
`invention as broadly disclosed herein.
`It
`is therefore
`intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only
`by the definition contained in the appended claims and
`equivalents thereof.
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. Aresilient electrically conductive clip ring, comprising:
`an annular-shaped body having an inner wall and an outer
`wall;
`said outer wall having a plurality of circumferentially
`spaced slots extending substantially through the whole
`entirety of said outer wall, thereby rendering said outer
`wall operatively elastically flexible radially inwardly
`toward said inner wall;
`
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`said body extending circumferentially for less than 360°,
`and having first and second ends circumferentially
`spaced from each other and adapted to be brought into
`contact;
`wherein said outer wall has a first section extending
`obliquely and away from an edge of said inner wall,
`and a second section extending obliquely from an edge
`of the first section and towards said inner wall.
`2. The resilient clip ring of claim 1, wherein said body
`extends circumferentially for a fill 360° when said first and
`second ends are brought into contact.
`3. The resilient clip ring of claim 1, wherein said outer
`wall has a plurality of radially outwardly extending fingers.
`4. The resilient clip ring of claim 1, wherein said first
`section is a ramp extending radially away from said inner
`wall.
`5. The resilient clip ring of claim 1, wherein said second
`section is a ramp extending radially toward said inner wall.
`6. The resilient clip ring of claim 1, wherein said body is
`made of beryllium copper.
`7. The resilient clip ring of claim 1, wherein said clip ring
`is integrally formed.
`8. A resilient electrically conductive clip ring for connect-
`ing a male connector with a mating female connector, said
`clip ring comprising:
`an annular-shaped body having an inner wall and an outer
`wall;
`said inner wall forming an electrical contact with an
`outside diameter of said male connector when said clip
`ring is positioned on said male connector;
`said outer wall having a convex shape including a first
`section extending from an edge of said inner wall, a
`knuckle portion extending from an edge of said first
`section, and a second section extending from an edge of
`said knuckle portion,
`said outer wall being operatively elastically flexible radi-
`ally inwardly toward said inner wall and said knuckle
`portion forming an electrical contact with an inner
`diameter of said female connector when said clip ring
`is introduced into said female connector; and
`said body extending circumferentially for less than 360°,
`and having first and second ends circumferentially
`spaced from each other and adapted to be brought into
`non-overlapping contact.
`9. The resilient clip ring of claim 8, wherein said body
`extends circumferentially for a full 360° when said first and
`second ends are brought into contact.
`10. The resilient clip ring of claim 8, wherein said body
`is made of beryllium copper.
`11. The resilient clip ring of claim 8, wherein said clip
`ring is integrally formed.
`12. The resilient clip ring of claim 8, wherein said first
`section is angled to form a lead in section when said clip ring
`is introduced into said female connector.
`
`13. The resilient clip ring of claim 12, wherein said lead
`in section is a ramp.
`14. The resilient clip ring of claim 8, wherein said second
`section is angled to form a lead out section when said clip
`ring is withdrawn from said female connector.
`15. The resilient clip ring of claim 14, wherein said lead
`out section is a ramp.
`16. The resilient clip ring of claim 8, wherein said outer
`wall has a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots and a
`plurality of radially outwardly extending fingers formed
`therebetween.
`
`17. The resilient clip ring of claim 16, wherein said slots
`extend substantially through the whole entirety of said outer
`wall.
`
`

`
`US 6,406,330 B2
`
`5
`18. An electrical joint, comprising
`a male electrical connector;
`a mating female electrical connector; and
`a resilient electrically conductive clip ring electrically
`connecting an outer diameter of said male connector
`with an inner diameter of said female connector, said
`clip ring comprising:
`an annular-shaped body having an inner wall and an outer
`wall;
`said inner wall engaging said outer diameter of said male
`connector;
`
`said outer wall engaging said inner diameter of said
`female connector and having a plurality of circumfer-
`entially spaced slots, thereby rendering said outer wall
`operatively elastically flexible radially inwardly toward
`said inner wall when said clip ring is brought by said
`male connector into an interior of said female connec-
`tor;
`
`wherein said outer wall has a first section extending
`obliquely and away from an edge of said inner wall,
`and a second section extending obliquely from an edge
`of the first section and towards said inner wall.
`
`6
`19. The electrical joint of claim 18, wherein said plurality
`of circumferentially spaced slots extend substantially
`through the whole entirety of said outer wall.
`20. The electrical joint of claim 18, wherein said inner
`wall and said outer wall fully engage said outer diameter of
`said male connector and said inner diameter of said female
`
`connector, respectively.
`21. The electrical joint of claim 18, wherein said inner
`wall is positioned in a first groove formed in said outer
`diameter of said male connector.
`
`22. The electrical joint of claim 21, wherein said outer
`wall is received within a second groove formed in said inner
`diameter of said female connector.
`
`23. The electrical joint of claim 18, wherein said body
`extending circumferentially for less than 360°, and having
`first and second ends circumferentially spaced from each
`other.
`
`24. The electrical joint of claim 23, wherein said first and
`second ends are brought into non-overlapping contact when
`said male and female connectors are fully mated.
`
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`

`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
`
`PATENT NO.
`DATED
`INVENTOR(S)
`
`: 6,406,330 B2
`: June 18, 2002
`: Burton B. Bruce
`
`Page 1 of 1
`
`It is certified that error appears in the above—identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
`hereby corrected as shown below:
`
`Title page,
`Item [73], Assignee, please replace “Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles,
`CA (US)” with —— Litton Systems, Inc., Los Angeles, California (US) --
`
`Signed and Sealed this
`
`Twenty—ninth Day of July, 2003
`
`JAMES E. ROGAN
`Director ofthe United States Patent and Trademark O}j"ice