High density bi-pin receptacle

Abstract

A simple and durable socket receptacle is adapted for receiving an electrical device such as a lamp which has a plurality of closely spaced contact pins. The receptacle comprises a dielectric means for receiving the contact pins which has a plurality of apertures which are in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of pins. When the device is inserted into the receptacle, each of the pins are received by a corresponding aperture. Above the dielectric pin receiving means is a space, into which extends at least one finger-like projection, upwardly from the pin receiving means. There is one projection for each two contact pins, and the projection is adapted to separate and insulate the plurality of contact pins from one another. A plurality of spring-like terminals also extend from the pin receiving means. The terminals are in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of pins and are biased such that the corresponding pins and terminals are in contact with one another in the space above the receiving means and adjacent to the finger-like projection. A key feature is that the plurality of terminals are more widely spaced at the point at which they extend from the pin receiving means than are the apertures for receiving the corresponding pins. This greater spacing between the terminals allows greater insulation between them than is permitted in conventional sockets, thereby allowing the receptacle to meet government specifications with respect to dielectric withstanding voltage (DWV).