Abstract:
A connector for securely and electrically connecting flexible substrates requires zero insertion force (ZIF) and includes a slider, a housing and a lever. The housing houses electrical contacts and includes an insertion opening to receive the flexible substrate. The slider includes a pressing plate and securing projections. The slider and lever operate to slide the slider adjacent the housing and urge the pressing plate into the insertion opening. The securing projections secure the slider and the pressing plate presses the flexible substrate against the contacts establishing stable electrical connection. The connector provides uniform contact pressure, minimizes operating space, and eliminates interference from the flexible substrate.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a connector for connecting flexible substrates to electrical circuits. E.g., a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit substrate (FPC). More specifically, the present invention relates to a connector for connecting flexible substrates that allows a flexible substrate to be connected using low or zero insertion force.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Conventionally, flexible substrate connectors serve multiple functions including electrically connecting FFCs and FPCs to each other, providing a relay connection between the two, or electrically connecting either one to a circuit substrate mounting electronic parts.  
           [0005]    Since flexible substrates are flexible, flexible substrate connectors typically use a ZIF (zero insertion force) structure. ZIF structures allow flexible substrates to be inserted in a connector with low insertion force without exerting a contact pressure. After the flexible substrate is inserted, contact with the connector&#39;s contacts is made using a predetermined contact pressure. This contact provides a stable electrical connection.  
           [0006]    In conventional flexible substrate connectors equipped with a ZIF structure, contact sections of multiple contacts extend into an insertion opening of a housing. A slider attaches to the insertion opening and can move forward and back. When the slider is drawn outward from the insertion opening, a space for the insertion of the flexible substrate is provided. This space allows the flexible substrate to be inserted using a low insertion force without receiving contact pressure from the contacts.  
           [0007]    After conventional insertion, the slider is inserted into the insertion opening. The slider presses the flexible substrate toward the contact sections, resulting in adequate contact pressure with the contacts. During conventional release, the slider is withdrawn and the space around the flexible substrate allows the flexible substrate to be removed without receiving contact pressure from the contacts.  
           [0008]    In this type of conventional connector equipped with a ZIF structure, the slider is inserted along the direction of the flexible substrate. The ZIF structure is thus difficult to use since the flexible substrate gets in the way. Further, difficulty exists since the slider is held from both sides while inserted into or removed from the insertion opening. This insertion or removal requires operating space on either side of the connector. The requirement for additional space limits printed circuit substrate density.  
           [0009]    Referring now to FIG. 9, a conventional flexible substrate connector  100  including a ZIF structure, employs a pivotable lever  102  in place of the slider described above.  
           [0010]    Connector  100  includes a housing  101  formed from an insulative plastic resin and mounted on a printed circuit substrate (not shown). A series of contacts  103  attached to housing  101 . Lever  102  formed from an insulative plastic resin.  
           [0011]    Contacts  103  are stamped from a conductive metal plate and each includes a contact section  103   a , a leg  103   b  and a support  103   c . Contact section  103   a  is positioned in a cantilevered manner to contact a conductive pattern (not shown) formed on flexible substrate  130 . Leg  103   b  connects with solder to the circuit pattern on the printed circuit substrate(not shown). Support  103   c  engages lever  102 .  
           [0012]    Housing  101  includes an insertion opening  104  formed to receive flexible substrate  130 . Each contact  103  is attached at a pitch corresponding to the circuit pattern formed on flexible substrate  130  so that contact section  103   a  extend into insertion opening  104 .  
           [0013]    The base end of lever  102  is bent to form a U-shaped cross-section with an inner perimeter surface formed as an arc to engage support  103   c  of contact  103 , and pivot around support  103   c . An outer perimeter surface of lever  102  is formed with a recessed surface  105   a  and a projected surface  105   b  around the rotation axis of the lever  102 .  
           [0014]    During connection, lever  102  is pivoted vertically and flexible substrate  130  is inserted into insertion opening  104  of housing  101 . When flexible substrate  130  is inserted, a lowermost portion of recessed surface  105   a  of lever  102  initially extends into insertion opening  104 . This action forms a space between recessed surface  105   a  and contact section  103   a  of contact  103   a  and allows flexible substrate  130  to be inserted. Flexible substrate  130  can thereby be inserted without receiving initial contact pressure from contact section  103   a.    
           [0015]    After flexible substrate  130  is inserted, lever  102  is pivoted to a closed position and projected surface  105   b  presses against the upper surface of flexible substrate  130 . This pressing causing contact section  103   a  to flex downward and results in an elastic contact with a predetermined contact pressure between contact section  103   a  and the conductor pattern of flexible substrate  130 .  
           [0016]    During removal, lever  102  is pivoted in the opposite direction to an open position. This pivoting action forms a space in insertion opening  104  so that flexible substrate  130  can be removed without receiving contact pressure from contact section  103   a.    
           [0017]    With connector  100  equipped with a ZIF structure and lever  102 , lever  102  can be operated without being obstructed by the now inserted flexible substrate  130 . Since the insertion-removal operation is performed from above connector  100 , there is no need to provide additional operating space on either side of connector  100 .  
           [0018]    However, this type of pivoting flexible substrate connector  100  uses the difference in height from the rotation axis between recessed surface  105   a  and projected surface  105   b . This difference in height allows flexible substrate  130  to press toward contact  103 , providing a predetermined contact pressure with contact section  103   a . Forming a projected surface  105   b  to provide contact pressure with a large height difference at the base end of lever  102  is difficult. Connector  100  thereby requires either a larger size or a reduction in contact pressure since a large height difference could not be provided.  
           [0019]    Lever  102  and flexible substrate  130  only contact along projected surface  105   b . This minimal contact allows flexible substrate  130  to be easily pulled out with a minimal pulling force. Easy removal of flexible substrate  130  would rotate lever  102  itself, thus requiring a stopper (not shown) to prevent lever  102  from rotating as a safety backup.  
           [0020]    Additionally, where contacts  103  are attached with a narrow pitch in housing  101 , contact sections  103   a  are exposed in insertion opening  104  in a longitudinally staggered manner along the insertion direction. Since pressure on flexible substrate  130  is applied only at one position along projected surface  105   b  it is difficult to provide an elastic contact with flexible substrate  130  having uniform contact pressure. Where two different contact types (not shown) are used, uniform elastic contact pressure is very difficult.  
           [0021]    An additional negative to this type of design is that action of projected surface  105   b  tends to wear out and distort contact section  103   a  and contacts  103  over time. A final negative to the design is that one side of flexible substrate  130  is dominated by lever  102  thereby providing a design restricting contact sections  103   a  to a single side of flexible substrate  130 .  
         OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0022]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector for providing stable electrical connection between a flexible substrate and a circuit.  
           [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector for connecting flexible substrates that does not require operating space on either side of a housing.  
           [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that allows a lever to operate without interference from a flexible substrate.  
           [0025]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that prevents a connected flexible substrate from being easily removed from a connector.  
           [0026]    It is another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible substrate connector that allows a uniform-pressure elastic contact with a flexible substrate even where the contacts are attached to a housing in a staggered manner.  
           [0027]    Briefly stated the present invention relates to a connector for securely and electrically connecting flexible substrates requires zero insertion force (ZIF) and includes a slider, a housing and a lever. The housing houses electrical contacts and includes an insertion opening to receive the flexible substrate. The slider includes a pressing plate and securing projections. The slider and lever operate to slide the slider adjacent the housing and urge the pressing plate into the insertion opening. The securing projections secure the slider and the pressing plate presses the flexible substrate against the contacts establishing stable electrical connection. The connector provides uniform contact pressure, minimizes operating space, and eliminates interference from the flexible substrate.  
           [0028]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector for connecting a pattern of conductors in a flexible flat cable to a circuit comprising: a housing, the housing including a slot for receiving an end of the flexible flat cable, a plurality of contacts in the housing alignable with the pattern of conductors when the end is inserted into the slot, a slider having a pressing plate thereon, the pressing plate being insertable into the slot adjacent the flexible flat cable, and at least one of the housing and the pressing plate having a shape which urges the pressing plate into firm contact with a surface of the flexible cable as the pressing plate is inserted, whereby the pattern of conductors is urged into stable electrical contact with the plurality of connectors and the housing provides a minimum profile.  
           [0029]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: a first and a second guide frame on the housing, a first arm and a second arm on the slider, and the first arm and the second arm slidably engaging each respective the first and the second guide frame, whereby the housing guides the slider into uniform close contact.  
           [0030]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: a lever, a first and a second pivot arm on the lever, a first shaft extending from each the first and the second pivot arm, each the first shaft rotatably joining the lever to the housing, whereby the lever is operable relative to the housing and provides a narrow profile to the electrical connector, and the lever at a first side of the housing after the pressing plate is inserted whereby the lever provides protection to the plurality of contacts.  
           [0031]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: an open position and a closed position on the slider, and the lever engagable with the slider and operating the slider between the open position and the closed position, whereby the lever urges the slider into uniform close contact with the housing as the pressing plate is inserted in the slot.  
           [0032]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: a front cam surface on each the first and the second pivot arm, a rear cam surface on each the first and the second pivot arm, a front follower surface on the first and the second arm of the slider, a rear follower surface on the first and the second arm of the slider, each the front cam surface engagable with each the front follower surface during an opening action of the slider, and each the rear cam surface engagable with the rear follower surface during a closing action of the slider to urge the slider into the uniform close contact.  
           [0033]    According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector for connecting a pattern of conductors in a flexible substrate to a circuit comprising: a housing, a plurality of contacts in the housing for electrical connection to the circuit, the housing including means for receiving the flexible substrate in a clearance position in the housing, the means for receiving including means for aligning the pattern of conductors with the plurality of contacts when an end of the flexible substrate is received into the housing, means for engaging the flexible substrate to force the pattern of conductors into firm electrical connection with the plurality of contacts, and at least one of the housing and the means for engaging having a shape which urges the pattern of conductors into secure electrical connection with the plurality of contacts in a direction perpendicular to an insertion direction whereby the electrical connector minimizes operating space, eliminates interference from the flexible substrate and provides uniform contact pressure.  
           [0034]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: a slider in the means for engaging, the slider slidably engaging the housing, a pressing plate on the slider slidably insertable in the means for receiving, and the pressing plate resiliently urging the pattern of conductors into secure electrical connection with the plurality of contacts.  
           [0035]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: means for operating the slider between a projected position and a recessed position, the means for operating providing a uniform insertion force along a width direction of the flexible substrate during engagement.  
           [0036]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector, further comprising: a lever in the means for operating, the lever engaging the slider to operate the slider between the projected position and the recessed position, and the lever receiving a closing force and magnifying the closing force applied to the slider thereby maximizing the urging and permitting the electrical connection to the circuit with a minimum effort.  
           [0037]    According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an electrical connector for connecting a patter of conductors in a flexible substrate to a circuit, comprising: a housing, the housing including a slot for receiving an end of the flexible substrate, a plurality of contacts in the housing alignable with the pattern of conductors when the end is inserted into the slot, a slider having a pressing plate thereon, the pressing plate being insertable into the slot adjacent the flexible substrate, at least one of the housing and the pressing plate having a shape which urges the pressing plate into firm contact with a surface of the flexible substrate as the pressing plate is inserted whereby the pattern of conductors is urged into stable electrical connection with the plurality of contacts, means for operating the slider between a projected position and a recessed position, the means for operating providing a uniform insertion force along a width direction of the flexible substrate during insertion, a lever in the means for operating, the lever engaging the slider to operate the slider between the projected position and the recessed position, and the lever magnifying a closing force applied to the slider thereby maximizing the urging and permits the electrical connection to the circuit with a minimum effort.  
           [0038]    According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector for connecting a pattern of conductors in a flexible substrate to a circuit, comprising: a housing, a plurality of contacts in the housing for electrically connecting the circuit, an insertion slot in the housing for receiving an end of the flexible substrate, the plurality of contacts alignable with the pattern of conductors when the end is inserted into the slot, a slider slidably engaging the housing, a pressing plate on the slider slidably insertable in the housing through the insertion slot adjacent the flexible substrate, a lever rotatably engaging the housing, the lever camably engaging the slider to operate the slider between an inserted position and a closed position whereby the lever provides a uniform engaging force along a width direction of the slider during insertion and the flexible connector minimizes operating space, and at least one of the housing, the pressing plate, and the plurality of contacts having a shape which urges the pressing plate into firm contact with a surface of the flexible substrate as the pressing plate is inserted whereby the pattern of conductors is urged into stable electrical contact with the plurality of contacts.  
           [0039]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, further comprising: the plurality of position slits having a pitch corresponding to a pitch of the pattern of conductors, a contact section and an attachment section on each the contact, the contact sections having a shape enabling elastic engagement with the pattern of conductors, the plurality of contacts arrayed along a width direction of the housing in at least a first row, a plurality of position slits in the housing adjacent the insertion slot, and each the attachment section engagable with each the position slit whereby the plurality of contacts is firmly retained in the housing in positions corresponding to the pattern of conductors.  
           [0040]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, further comprising: a first arm and a second arm on the slider, a first and a second guide frame on the housing, and the first and the second guide frame slidably guiding the first and the second arm of the slider during insertion whereby the slider maintains an aligned relation between the pressing plate, the slider, and the housing.  
           [0041]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, further comprising: a first securing projection on each the first arm and the second arm, a first securing slit on each the first and the second guide frame, and each the first securing projection slidably retained within each the first securing slit during operation whereby the slider is prevented from separating from the housing and the flexible substrate connector has a minimum size.  
           [0042]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, further comprising: a first and a second pivot arm on the lever, a bounded hole in the housing opposite each the first and the second pivot arm, a pivot shaft on each the first and the second pivot arm engaging the bounded hole and rotatably connecting the lever to the housing, a front cam surface on each the first and the second pivot arm, a rear cam surface on each the first and the second pivot arm, a front follower surface on each the first and the second arm, a rear follower surface on each the first and the second arm, each the front cam surface engaging each the front follower surface during the insertion and driving the slide to the inserted position, and each the rear cam surface engaging each the rear follower surface during an opening operation of the slider, whereby the lever cam-ably engages the slider and operates the slider between the inserted position and the closed position and provides the uniform engaging force along a width direction of the slider in a minimum of space.  
           [0043]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, wherein: each the first and the second guide frame extend from opposite sides of the housing to an end adjacent the plurality of contacts whereby the plurality of contacts is protected from lateral damage during use and attachment to the circuit, and the lever at the closed position of the slider extending above the end of the plurality of contacts whereby the plurality of contacts is protected from vertical damage during use and attachment to the circuit.  
           [0044]    According to another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, wherein: the plurality of contacts is arrayed in at least the first and a second row along the width direction of the housing.  
           [0045]    According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a flexible substrate connector, comprising: a housing containing a plurality of electrically conductive contacts for electrically connecting to a printed circuit substrate, the plurality of contacts elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to an insertion direction, the housing including an insertion slot formed for receiving a flexible substrate with a conductor pattern adjacent the plurality of contacts, a slider slidably engagable with the housing, the slider including a pressing plate member for slidably inserting in the housing, lever means for urging the pressing plate member into the housing, the pressing plate member pressing the plurality of contacts against the conductor pattern to secure firm electrical connection to the printed circuit substrate, the pressing plate member providing resilient urging to the flexible substrate in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and the plurality of contacts electrically connecting the flexible substrate to the printed circuit substrate whereby the flexible substrate is firmly retained in the housing with zero insertion force and is securely and elastically retained in the housing to ensure stable electrical contact.  
       
    
    
       [0046]    The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0047]    [0047]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible substrate connector.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 2(A) is sectional view of a flexible substrate connector in a ready state.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2(B) is a side view of a flexible substrate connector.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 3(A) is sectional view of a flexible substrate connector in a connected state.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 3(B) is a side view of a flexible substrate connector.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 4 is a partially cut away plan view of a flexible substrate connector.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 5 is a front-view drawing of a flexible substrate connector.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 6(A) is a plan view of a slider.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 6(B) is a front-view of a slider.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 6(C) is a vertical cross-section view of a slider.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 7(A) is a plain view of a lever.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 7(B) is a front-view of a lever.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 7(C) is a vertical cross-section view of a lever.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 7(D) is a side-view of a lever.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 8(A) is a descriptive view of the tandem action of a lever and a slider.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 8(B) is a descriptive view of the tandem action of a lever and a slider.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 8(C) is a descriptive view of the tandem action of a lever and a slider.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 8(D) is a descriptive view of the tandem action of a lever and a slider.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 8(E) is a descriptive view of the tandem action of a lever and a slider.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-section view of a conventional flexible substrate connector. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0067]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a connector  1 , being a flexible substrate connector, includes a housing  2 , a slider  3  a lever  4 , and multiple contacts  5 ,  6 , as will be explained.  
         [0068]    Housing  2  includes a main unit  2   a  molded from an insulative plastic resin. Main unit  2   a  forms a wide, rectangular box shape and retains contacts  5 ,  6 , as will be explained. Contacts  5 ,  6  are secured within main unit  2   a.    
         [0069]    An insertion opening  7  is formed along one side of main unit  2   a  as a lateral slit. Insertion opening  7  is formed to receive a flexible substrate  20 , as will be explained. Insertion opening  7  includes positioning slits  7   a ,  7   b  formed on inner walls above and below insertion opening  7 . Position slits  7   a ,  7   b  position contacts  5 ,  6 .  
         [0070]    Position slits  7   a ,  7   b  are positioned and aligned with conductor patterns (not shown) on flexible substrate  20 . Slits  7   a  open to a front side of housing  2  and position contacts  5 . Slits  7   b  are also open to the front side and position contacts  6 . Each contact  5 ,  6  includes a contact section  5   a ,  6   a . Contact sections  5   a ,  6   a  are exposed along a bottom surface of insertion opening  7  and form two operable rows.  
         [0071]    A pair of guide frames  8 ,  8  extend longitudinally along either side of main unit  2   a . Guide frames  8 ,  8  open upwardly toward a top surface of main unit  2   a.    
         [0072]    A pair of arms  9 ,  9  extend from slider  3 . Arms  9 ,  9  are slidable within respective guide frames  8 ,  8 . Guide frames  8 ,  8  have a shape that holds slide arms  9 ,  9  so that slide arms  9 ,  9  can slide back and forth along main unit  2   a.    
         [0073]    A pair of pivot arms  10 ,  10  are on lever  4 . Guide frames  8 ,  8  rotatively hold pivot arms  10 ,  10  during operation of lever  4 , as will be explained.  
         [0074]    A pair of securing projections  9   a  on arms  9  of slider  3  loosely fit and slide in slits  11 . Securing projections  9   a  prevent slider  3  from slipping out of slits  11 , after installation, as will be explained. A slider opening  19  on a face of slider  3 , provides access to insertion opening  7 , as will be explained.  
         [0075]    A pair of projection holes  13 ,  13  are on a rear of each guide frame  8 ,  8 . A pair of shafts  12 ,  12  extend inward from each pivot arm  10 ,  10 . Shafts  12 ,  12  are loosely retained in projection holes  13 ,  13  and pivotably support lever  4 .  
         [0076]    Slider  3  is molded from an insulative plastic resin. Slide arms  9 ,  9  project forward from either side of slider  3  and are shaped as horizontal rod. Slider  3  covers the front side of housing  2 . A pressing plate  14 , having a generally rectangular shape projects toward housing  2  between slide arms  9 ,  9 .  
         [0077]    Securing projections  9   a ,  9   a  are integrally formed on an outside surface of slide arms  9 . Cavities  3   b ,  3   b  are formed on the inside of arms  9 ,  9 . Cavities  3   b,    3   b  are formed to receive respective pivot arms  10 ,  10  of pivoting lever  4 . Lever  4  includes cam surfaces  15 ,  16  on each pivot arm  10 ,  10 . The upper parts of opposing frontward and rearward inner walls of cavities  3   b ,  3   b  are formed as projecting curved surfaces that abut each respective cam surfaces  15 ,  16 . The frontward wall surface of each cavity  3   b ,  3   b  is a front follower surface  17 . The rearward wall surface of each cavity  3   b ,  3   b  is a rear follower surface  18 .  
         [0078]    Pressing plate  14  can be inserted in insertion opening  7  and operates to press flexible substrate  20  toward contact sections  5   a ,  6   a  of respective contacts  5 ,  6 . It is to be understood that a contact pressure or ‘flexion’ of contacts  5 ,  6  can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of pressing plate  14 . It is to be additionally understood that the contact pressure or ‘flexion’ of contacts  5 ,  6  may be additionally adjusted through alternative material selection for contacts  5 ,  6  or through changing a thickness of contact sections  5   a ,  6   a.    
         [0079]    It is to be understood that during insertion of pressing plate  14  in opening  7 , guide frames  8 ,  8  longitudinally guide respective slide arms  9 ,  9 . As a result, the slider  3  is able to move forward and back between a recessed position, where pressing plate  14  is drawn out from the insertion opening  7 , and a projected position, where pressing plate  14  is inserted into the insertion opening  7 .  
         [0080]    It is to be understood that main unit  2   a  provides a clearance position along insertion opening  7  to slidably and guidably receive flexible substrate  20  and prevent an end of flexible substrate  20  from inappropriately curling or blocking complete insertion.  
         [0081]    Lever  4  is molded from an insulative plastic resin in a “C-type” shape. An operating section  4   a , shaped as a horizontal rod operably connects pivot arms  10 ,  10 . A gently rising sloped surface extends continuously from each shaft  12 ,  12  along pivot arms  10 ,  10 . This sloped surface forms rear cam surface  16  that abuts rear follower surface  18  during operation.  
         [0082]    An outer surface of pivot arms  10 ,  10  projects outward at a center. The outer surface formed from the base side to the top side of arms  10 ,  10  is an arced surface. This arced surface is front cam surface  15 ,  15 . During operation, each front cam surface  15 , abuts respective front follower surface  17 .  
         [0083]    Lever  4  freely pivots in holes  13 ,  13  around shafts  12 ,  12 . During assembly, when is attached to housing  2 , each pivot arm  10  is inserted through each cavity  3   b , of slider  3  so that each front cam surface  15  and each rear cam surface  16  face respective front follower surface  17  and rear follower surface  18 .  
         [0084]    Contacts  5 ,  6  are formed by stamping an elastic conductive metal plate, typically a copper alloy, in the shape of a two-pronged fork. It is to be understood  5  that contacts  5 ,  6  maybe formed from any elastic electrically conductive medium and do not require a copper alloy to function.  
         [0085]    An upper prong of contact  5  forms contact section  5   a  and a lower prong forms the an attachment section  5   b . During assembly, attachment section  5   b  is pressed into position slit  7   a  of housing  2 . After assembly, attachment section  5   b  is secured in slit  7   a  and is secured to housing  2 . An end of cantilevered contact section  5   a  projects forward from the bottom surface of insertion opening  7 .  
         [0086]    A lower prong of contact  6  forms contact section  6   a  and the upper prong forms an attachment section  6   b . During assembly, attachment section  6   b  is pressed into slit  7   b  of housing  2 . After assembly, attachment section  6   b  is secured to housing  2  and an end of cantilevered contact section  6   a  projects forward from the bottom surface of insertion opening  7 .  
         [0087]    A base of the respective prongs of contacts  5 ,  6  are exposed in parallel along a bottom surface of housing  2 . The base of contacts  5 ,  6  are soldered to land patterns (not shown) disposed at positions facing the printed circuit substrate (not shown) on which connector  1  is mounted.  
         [0088]    Additionally referring now to FIGS.  2 (A) and  2 (B), operating section  4   a  of lever  4  is in a ready state and slider  3  with pressing plate  14  is positioned for insertion into insertion opening  7 . During assembly, lever  4  is rotated in the direction of the arrow thereby urging slider  3  along slits  11 .  
         [0089]    Additionally referring now to FIGS.  3 (A) and  3 (B) lever  4  is in a connected state and pressing plate  14  is positioned between contacts  5 ,  6  above contact sections  5   a ,  6   a.    
         [0090]    Additionally referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, multiple contacts  5 ,  6  are arranged parallel to each other with a uniform pitch along the width of main unit  2   a . Contacts  5 ,  6  form a staggered pattern from the rear to the front of main unit  2   a . This staggered pattern allows connectors  5 ,  6  to be both electrically connected to conductor patterns on flexible substrate  20  which have a narrow pitch, and to densely printed land patterns on a printed circuit substrate. It is to be understood, that designs allowing reliable dense electrical connection are desirably for miniaturization and efficiency reasons. It is to be additionally understood that a uniform pitch for contacts  5 ,  6  is not required only that contacts  5 ,  6  are positioned to secure electrical connection between flexible substrate  20  and the printed circuit substrate (not shown).  
         [0091]    Additionally referring now to FIGS.  6 (A),  6 (B), and  6 (C), slider  3  includes arms  9 . Each arm  9  includes cavities  3   b  on an inside portion. Each cavity  3   b  is bounded by front follower surface  17  and rear follower surface  18 .  
         [0092]    Additionally referring now to FIGS.  7 (A) through  7 (D), each lever  4  includes pivot arms  10 ,  10 . Each pivot arm  10  includes cam surfaces  15 ,  16  extending from shaft  12  along a respective lower and upper surface of pivot arm  10 .  
         [0093]    Additionally referring now to FIGS.  8 (A) through  8 (E), during insertion, lever  4  is pivoted rearward relative to housing  2  before inserting flexible substrate  20  through slider opening  19 . This pivoting action causes rear cam surface  16  of lever  4  to abut rear follower surface  18  of slider  3 , resulting in slider  3  sliding away from housing  2 .  
         [0094]    During the pivoting action, an angle between lever  4  and housing  2  increases until securing projections  9   a  of slider  3  abut the rear ends of slots  11 , thus stopping the sliding action. At this recessed position, where slider  3  is fully extended, pressing plate  14  is drawn out from insertion opening  7  creating a ready state.  
         [0095]    In the ready state, since pressing plate  14  is not in insertion opening  7 , a space exists between contact sections  5   a ,  6   a  of respective contacts  5 ,  6  and the inner wall surfaces of insertion opening  7 . This space is wider than the thickness of flexible substrate  20 . As a result, flexible substrate  20  is readily insertable into insertion opening  7  without receiving contact pressure from contacts  5 ,  6 .  
         [0096]    During assembly, after flexible substrate  20  is inserted, lever  4  is pivoted forward around shafts  12 . During pivoting, front cam surface  15  of lever  4  abuts front follower surface  17  of slider  3 , urging slider  3  and pressing plate  14  forward and into main unit  2   a.    
         [0097]    When lever  4  is filly pivoted until parallel with slider  3 , slider  3  stops at a projected position where pressing plate  14  is fully inserted into insertion opening  7  and urging flexible substrate  20  against contacts  5 ,  6 , thereby crating a connected state.  
         [0098]    Approaching the connected state, pressing plate  14  is urged into the space in insertion opening  7  and pushes flexible substrate  20  toward contact sections  5   a,    6   a  of contacts  5 ,  6 , causing contact sections  5   a ,  6   a  to elastically flex downward. Since contacts  5 ,  6  are elastic, an elastic contact is formed at a predetermined contact pressure with the conductor patterns of flexible substrate  20 . This elastic contact is to be understood to provide a good electrical contact with flexible substrate  20 .  
         [0099]    In the connected state, pressing plate  14  is pressed tightly against the upper surface of flexible substrate  20 , thus preventing flexible substrate  20  from being accidentally removed even under substantial force. Further, slider  3  abuts front cam surface  15  of the lever  4 , thus restricting rearward sliding and preventing slider  3  from accidentally slipping out away from main unit  2   a . It is to be understood that these combined actions provide a secure and elastic connection with good electrical contact to contacts  5 ,  6 .  
         [0100]    It is to be further understood that the thickness and flexibility of pressing plate  14  are selectable according to the requirements flexible substrate  20 , contacts  5 ,  6  and other factors sufficient to achieve the goal stated above.  
         [0101]    It is to be further understood that insertion opening  7  has a shape and size that allows a front end of flexible substrate  20  to be non-uniform, thus allowing easy insertion and rapid connection under non-ideal conditions. Since insertion opening  7  extends beyond contact section  5   a,  additional space is provided for nonideal conditions and non-ideal insertion thereby allowing easy operation and secure connection under field conditions.  
         [0102]    During disengagement, lever  4  is pivoted rearward and slider  3  slides rearward to the recessed position, thus brining connector  1  back to its ready state. As a result, pressing plate  14  is drawn out and the same operations described above allow flexible substrate  20  to be pulled out with a very low removal force. This low removal force allows easy inspection and re-attachment.  
         [0103]    The embodiment described above uses a cam-type mechanism in which front and rear cam surfaces  15 ,  16  are formed on lever  4  and slider  3  moves in tandem with lever  4  by using respective front and rear follower surfaces  17 ,  18 .  
         [0104]    It is to be understood that other joining-type mechanisms, e.g., linking mechanisms, can be used instead of surfaces  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 , as long as the rotation of lever  4  can be converted to linear reciprocating motion of slider  3 . It is to be further understood, that the cam-type mechanism described in the embodiment above may be adapted to other types of cam mechanisms such as a solid cam formed from a groove cam, and a pin that engages with the groove gam.  
         [0105]    Further, since flexible substrate  20  is pushed by slider  3  toward contacts  5 ,  6 , it should also be understood that pressing plate  14  may be inserted in housing  2  before insertion so that contacts  5 ,  6  are pressed toward flexible substrate  20  without first sliding forward. It should be further understood, that an another embodiment of pressing plate  14  and housing  2 , may allow pressing plate  14  to push contacts  5 ,  6 , into electrical contact with flexible substrate  20  and not the reverse, as in the present embodiment.  
         [0106]    Further, it should be understood that one or more sets of additional contacts maybe employed and positioned to electrically connect flexible substrate  20  with a circuit board (not shown).  
         [0107]    An important benefit of the present embodiment is that a ZIF mechanism, with a pivoting lever is embodied so that lever  4  can be rotated without obstructing inserted flexible substrate  20 . This provides the added benefit of reducing the need for operating space around connector  1 .  
         [0108]    Another benefit is that guides  8 , on either side of main unit  2   a  extend beyond main unit  2   a  and protect an external portion of contact  6 . This design minimizes external damage during assembly, handling and use while allowing ready attachment to a circuit board (not shown) thereby speeding installation.  
         [0109]    A further benefit is that adequate contact pressure between contacts  5 ,  6  and flexible substrate  20  can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of inserted slider  14 . This adjustment is easily accomplished by the ready replaceability of different sliders  3 . Since slider  3  is easily removable from guides  8 , replacement is simple and fast.  
         [0110]    An additional benefit is that pulling force on flexible substrate  20  does not directly transfer to lever  4 . Slider  3  with pressing plate  14  resists any pulling force without transmission to lever  4 . This resistance prevents lever  4  from being accidentally pivoted and allows contact to be maintained reliably.  
         [0111]    Furthermore, in a connected state, slider  3  is pressed tightly parallel against flexible substrate  20 , providing even pressure on flexible substrate  20  over a wide contact area. This even pressure prevents flexible substrate  20  from being easily pulled out and from damage at stress concentrations. Pressing plate  14  provides further uniform pressure across contacts  5 ,  6  further minimizing stress concentrations and damage.  
         [0112]    Addition embodiments are readily adapted to have contact sections  5   a ,  6   a  of contacts  5 ,  6  placed additionally above flexible substrate  20  so that flexible substrate  20  can be pushed from below toward contacts  5 ,  6  positioned above.  
         [0113]    It is to be understood that the mechanism of lever  4  and slider  3  operate in tandem to secure flexible substrate  20  thereby providing a secure and speed contact. Further, since lever  4  acts using multiple cam surfaces, pressing force is lowered and easily and uniformly applied across the face of flexible substrate  20 .  
         [0114]    It is to be understood that when closed, lever  4  and the extensions of guide grooves  8 ,  8  provide protection for the portion of contacts  6  exposed on a back side of main unit  2   a . This protection minimizes electrical shorting from poor soldering, damage from unplanned physical contact, and facilitates handling of a completed circuit.  
         [0115]    Since the multiple cam surfaces are close to the rotation axis of shafts  12 ,  12  during pivoting leverage will allow slider  3  to operate with less operator force, thereby minimizing damage to surrounding equipment.  
         [0116]    According to the embodiment described, pressing plate  14  acts on contact sections  5   a ,  6   a  in the same manner even if they are exposed at different longitudinal positions in insertion opening  7 . Thus, elastic contact with flexible substrate  20  can be provided with uniform contact pressure.  
         [0117]    It is to be understood that contact pressure can be adjusted for individual contacts by changing the thickness of a particular position or section on pressing plate  14  at a position where it abuts a particular contact section  5   a ,  6   a.    
         [0118]    It is to be understood that the shape of either or both of pressing plate  14 , contacts  5 ,  6 , and housing  2  can be selected to provide stable electrical connection to flexible substrate  20 .  
         [0119]    Although only a single or few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiment(s) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies entirely on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface whereas a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.  
         [0120]    Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.