Patent ID: 6296506
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: H01R,H05K

Abstract:
A zero insertion force electrical connector for mounting on a circuit member and receiving a device having a pin terminal array, said electrical connector comprising:a dielectric generally planar base housing, said base housing having an upper surface and a lower surface and a plurality of individual terminal-receiving cavities extending between said upper and lower surfaces and arranged in a terminal-receiving cavity array generally corresponding to the pin terminal array;a generally planar cover mounted on said upper surface of the base housing, said cover being movable relative to the base housing between a first insertion position and a second engagement position, said cover having opposed upper and lower surfaces and including a a metal plate stiffener and a molded plate composed of insulating material, said metal plate stiffener including a first array of holes therein corresponding to the pin terminal array, said molded plate including a second array of holes corresponding to the pin terminal array, said first array and said second array being aligned to define a plurality of through holes extending between said upper and lower surface and arranged in an array corresponding to the pin terminal array to facilitate receiving said pin terminals in said through holes, each said through hole including a tapered lead-in section adjacent said cover upper surface to facilitate insertion of said conductive pin terminals through said through holes, said tapered lead-in sections having a larger diameter than said through holes;a plurality of conductive terminals, one of said terminals being mounted in each of said cavities, each said terminal including a retention section for securing said terminal in said base housing, a mounting section for contacting a conductive portion of said circuit member and a contact structure positioned within its respective terminal-receiving cavity and configured for engaging a portion of a respective one of said pin terminals; andan eccentric cam member to slide the cover relative to the base housing between said first insertion position and said second engagement position.