US 2006/0050429 A1 · Flex spring for sealed connections

Abstract

In an enclosure, electrical connections to a bulkhead connector may be made using a flex spring. The flex spring may have a frame and one or more spring members supported at their proximal ends by the frame. At their distal ends, the spring members may be configured to apply a distributed load to compress a set of contacts on a flex assembly against a corresponding set of contacts on a bulkhead connector. The pressure applied by the flex spring may be distributed to make reliable electrical connection between the corresponding sets of contacts. In one embodiment, the frame of the flex spring may be attached to a flex bracket. The flex bracket may mount to a wall of a base to which the bulkhead connector is mounted.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A data storage device having a sealed enclosure, the data storage device comprising:

a base portion of the enclosure, the base portion having an aperture in a first wall;
a flex bracket mounted to the first wall;
a flex spring disposed between the flex bracket and an interior surface of the first wall;
a flexible flat circuit cable for conducting operating signals for the device, the distal end of the flexible flat circuit cable including a first set of contacts and being disposed between the flex spring and the first wall;
a bulkhead connector mounted to the first wall and providing an electrical interface for conductors that pass through the aperture, the bulkhead connector including a second set of contacts corresponding to the first set of contacts,
wherein the flex spring exerts a compression force on the flexible flat circuit cable to maintain electrical connection between the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flex spring for sealed connections

Life of this patent

Flex spring for sealed connections

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20