Dual row socket with ejector

Abstract: An ejector (24) for use in a socket (10) has two parallel slots (12) for receiving modules therein. The ejector (24) includes a cam (28) having lobes (40) at each end and a handle (26) for rotating the cam (28) and thereby lifting one or another lobe (40) to raise an end of a module out of one or another slot (12)

Description: The invention disclosed herein relates to a single in line memory module, or SIMM, and in particular to dual row SIMM sockets and devices for ejecting modules from such sockets. It is known to provide ejectors in single row SIMM sockets, as US-A-4 698 024 and US-A-4 898 540 disclose. It is also known to provide an ejector for each row in a dual row SIMM socket as shown in US-A-4 990 097. According to US-A-4 990 097, a socket comprises a housing, slots in the housing receiving electronic devices, and an ejector actuated by a handle to lift the electronic devices along the slots. WO93/01630 discloses a similar socket construction and forms part of the state of the art under Art 54(3) EPC. The present invention consists in a socket as defined in claim 1. An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a partly sectioned view of a dual row SIMM socket with an ejector of the present invention exploded out; Figures 2 and 3 are partly sectioned views of the socket with the ejector in place; and Figures 4 and 5 are views of the socket without the sectioning. SIMM socket 10, shown in Figure 1, includes housing 11 having two side-by-side slots 12 (one of the slots 12 is hidden from view) which receive single in-line memory modules (not shown) so that the electronic components thereon can be electrically connected to circuits on an electronic substrate (not shown) on which socket 10 may be mounted. The connection is made through socket contact elements 16 having spring contact beams 18 on each side of respective slots 12,12 and leads 20 for insertion into the substrate. Socket 10 further includes ejector 24 shown exploded out in Figure 1. Ejector 24 includes handle 26, dual lobe cam 28 and shaft 30 between and connecting the handle 26 and cam 28. Handle 26 may be of any configuration and for use with fingers of a hand or a tool. As shown, indents 34 on each side provide positive and convenient locations for an operator's fore finger and thumb. A slot (not shown) in the top free end 36 of handle 26 would permit rotation of ejector 24 with a screw driver. Cam 28 is somewhat kidney-shaped with convex shaped lobes 40 at each end of top edge 42, only one lobe 40 being shown. Further, outwardly projecting detent 44 is provided midway along the length of a gently rounded bottom edge 46. Shaft 30 is cylindrical but could be of any convenient shape. As shown, shaft 30 connects with cam 28 at its mid-point 48 between ends. Socket 10 is based on a SIMM socket made and sold by AMP Incorporated under the name Dual Read-Out SIMM socket described in U.S. Patent 4,990,097. End 50 has been modified for use with ejector 24. End wall 54 is spaced from module support side posts 56 and center member 58 to define cam-receiving space or pocket 60. Gaps 62,64 between respective posts 56 and center member 58, are open to pocket 60 and slots 12,14. Floor 66 of pocket 60 is spaced to conformably receive bottom edge 44 of cam 28 and includes recess 68 to receive detent 44 when ejector 24 is in a neutral position. Floors 70 of gaps 62,64 are spaced above floor 66 so that lobes 40 on cam 28 are level with floors 70 when ejector 24 is positioned in socket 10. The outwardly facing surface 72 of end wall 54 is stepped and includes two sides 74,76 which are angled with respect to each other to form a V-shaped, side 76 is shown in Figures 4 and 5. An opening 78 through end wall 54 extends from free edge 80 to adjacent floor 66 of pocket 60. Ejector 24 is positioned in socket 10 by sliding cam 28 into pocket 60 to rest on floor 66. Shaft 30 extends through opening 78 and handle 26 is between sides 74,76 as shown in Figure 2. In Figures 2 and 4, ejector 24 is in a neutral position which is where both lobes 40 are on level with floors 70 in respective gaps 62,64 and detent 44 is in recess 68. To eject a module from left slot 12 for example, handle 26 is rotated toward side 76 as shown in Figures 3 and 5. This causes cam 28 to rotate in the same direction whereby lobe 40 is raised, lifting an edge of a module extending into pocket 60 through gap 64. The operator can then grasp the raised end of the module and remove it from socket 10. A module in right hand slot 12 is likewise removed by rotating handle 26 towards side 74. Detent 44 and recess 68 cooperate to maintain handle 26 in an upright position and to require a deliberate force to actuate ejector 24. The invention, ejector 24 and end 50 of socket 10, has been described in the context of a SIMM socket. However the invention can be used in any socket having slots for receiving electronic devices such as printed circuit cards as well as memory modules. As can be discerned from the foregoing discussion, a dual row SIMM socket having parallel module-receiving slots and a single ejector for serially lifting modules out of the socket has been disclosed. The ejector, located at one end of the socket, includes a cam having a lobe at each end and a handle for rotating the cam to raise one or the other lobe and thereby lift an end of a module out of the respective slot.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : FR, DE, GB, IT A socket comprising a housing (11), slots (12) in the housing (11) for receiving electronic devices, and an ejector (24) actuated by a handle (26) to lift the electronic devices along the slots (12), characterized in that the ejector (24) comprises a rotatable cam (28) having lifting lobes (38,40), the handle (26) is connected to the cam (28) and is rotatable to rotate the cam (28) in opposite directions, thereby raising respective lobes (40) against respective electronic devices in the slots (12) of the housing (11) and lifting the respective electronic devices along the slots (12), and the cam (28) is retained in position by a detent (44) which is dislodged by rotation of the handle (26). A socket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle (26) is mounted for rotation on an end wall (54) of the housing (11) with the cam (28) in a cam receiving pocket (60) which (60) opens into the slots (12). Claims for the following Contracting State : NL A socket comprising a housing (11), slots (12) in the housing (11) for receiving electronic devices, and an ejector (24) actuated by a handle (26) to lift the electronic devices along the slots (12), characterized in that the ejector (24) comprises a rotatable cam (28) having lifting lobes (40), and the handle (26) is connected to the cam (28) and is rotatable to rotate the cam (28) in opposite directions, thereby raising respective lobes (40) against respective electronic devices in the slots (12) of the housing (11) and lifting the respective electronic devices along the slots (12). A socket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle (26) is mounted for rotation on an end wall (54) of the housing (11) with the cam (28) in a cam receiving pocket (60) which (60) opens into the slots (12). A socket as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the cam (28) is retained in position by a detent (44) which is dislodged by rotation of the handle (26).

Inventors: BILLMAN TIMOTHY BRIAN, THRUSH ROGER LEE, BILLMAN, TIMOTHY BRIAN, THRUSH, ROGER LEE
Applicants: WHITAKER CORP, THE WHITAKER CORPORATION
Application year: 1992
Main classification: H01R13
IPC codes: H01R12, H01R33, G06F1, H01R13, G06F3