Female terminal for printed circuit board

摘要

This invention provides a female terminal of one-piece construction for a printed circuit board in which the rectangular receptacle has an interlock arrangement that reduces the length of the open seam at the fourth corner of the rectangular receptacle. The interlock arrangement is accomplished by fabricating one side wall of interlocking segments that are integrally attached to opposite end walls of the rectangular receptacle so that the open seam does not run the entire length of the receptacle. The interlocking side wall segments are preferably shaped to minimize the size of the sheet metal blank to save material and reduce manufacturing costs. The contact tongues of the female terminal are also preferably shaped to provide one or more of the following features-an open and controlled contact gap to lower terminal engage force while maintaining a stable contact force; over stress projection; and double sided mating capability. The solder tabs are also preferably shaped to lock with the printed circuit board mechanically to provide over stress protection on the solder joint.