Patent ID: 6186815
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
A zero insertion force socket for electrically connecting an electronic package with a mother board, said electronic package having a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in rows, the conductive terminals in a same row are not offset relative to each other in a predetermined direction, said socket comprising:an insulative base defining a plurality of engaging slots therethrough arranged in an array;an insulative cover operably mounted on the insulative base and being slidable along the insulative base in a first sliding direction defined by relative sliding movement between the insulative cover and the insulative base, and defining a plurality of terminal receiving passageways therein adapted for receiving conductive terminals of an electronic package therein; anda plurality of engaging terminals each being received in a corresponding engaging slot of the insulative base, the engaging terminals comprising at least first engaging terminals and second engaging terminals, each of the first and second engaging terminals having a contact section adapted for contacting a corresponding conductive terminal of the electronic package; whereinthe array of engaging slots in the insulative base comprises at least one row extending in a second direction which is perpendicular to said first sliding direction, and wherein the adjacent engaging slots in said at least one row are not offset relative to each other in said first sliding direction, and wherein the first engaging terminals and the second engaging terminals are alternately disposed in the rows of engaging slots in said second direction, wherein the contact sections of the first and second engaging terminals in said at least one row of engaging slots are offset from each other.