Patent ID: 6629865
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A zero insertion force electrical connection assembly comprising:a female terminal comprising: a barrel having a floor, a roof and an opening, wherein an aperture is formed in said roof; a resilient tongue connected to said floor and curvably extending inwardly and upwardly with respect to said barrel, wherein said tongue has an interface surface located adjacent said roof when said tongue is in a relaxed state; and a boss feature connected to said tongue and protruding outwardly from said roof through said aperture; and a zero insertion force member slidably interfaced with said barrel for sliding between a first position relative to said barrel and a second position relative to said barrel, said zero insertion force member having a cavity for receiving therein said boss feature when said tongue is in said relaxed state, said cavity having an engagement surface which cams interacting with said boss feature; wherein when said boss feature is subjected to a depression force toward said floor said tongue is caused to resiliently bend such that said interface surface moves toward said floor, and upon removal of the depression force the tongue resiliently rebounds such that said interface surface moves toward said roof; wherein at said first position of said zero insertion force member said tongue is at said relaxed state, and wherein when said zero insertion force member is moved to said second position said boss feature is cammed by said engagement surface so as to cause said interface surface to be depressed away from said roof and toward said floor; and wherein said boss feature comprises a pair of wings respectively located on each side of said tongue substantially adjacent said interface surface.