Patent ID: 6083037
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: H01R,H05K

Abstract:
A contact element for electrical contact of a printed circuit board to a front module rail of a module support structure, the front module rail extending in a transverse direction of the module support structure, the contact element mounting to a forward region of a guide rail, the guide rail having a guide groove extending in a longitudinal direction of said support structure, perpendicular to the front module rail, the guide rail seating on the front module rail and having a connection arm projecting below the guide rail to engage a positioning hole of the module rail, the contact element comprising:a U-shaped resilient member seating with the guide rail, said resilient member having a first side with a first leaf spring member projecting into the guide rail groove at a first side of the guide rail, a second side with a second leaf spring member for projecting into the guide rail groove at a second side of the guide rail opposite the first side, and a bottom member mechanically and electrically connecting said first leaf spring member to said second leaf spring member, said first and second leaf spring members electrically contacting the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is inserted into the guide groove between said first and said second leaf spring members;a U-shaped contact member extending in a downward direction away from said bottom member of said resilient member, said contact member having a first leg tapering in a downward direction towards an end thereof, a second leg tapering in a downward direction towards an end thereof, and a slot separating said first leg from said second leg, said U-shaped contact member shaped to seat on an outside surface of the guide rail connection arm; anda connecting piece electrically and mechanically connecting said contact member to said resilient member, wherein said contact member inserts together with the connection arm, into the module rail positioning hole to press outwardly with said first and second legs against an inner surface of the module rail positioning hole to establish electrical contact between the module rail and the printed circuit board.