Patent Publication Number: US-6213804-B1

Title: Socket and connector

Description:
This patent application claims priority based on Japanese patent application, H10-351495 filed on Dec. 10, 1998 and H11-111433 filed on Apr. 19, 1999, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a socket for receiving an electric component, having an electrical component, a connector that contains the socket, and an inserter which holds the electrical component. In particular, the present invention relates to a socket and a connector thereof which can easily and reliably receive electric components, and at the same time, have a high durability against insertion and removal of the electric components. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventional sockets for receiving electrical components, such as semiconductor components, generally have a contact for connecting with the electric terminal of a semiconductor component inserted in the socket, and a pressing mechanism for pressing the contact against the electric terminal. The conventional sockets are of two types, a non-zero insertion-force type and a zero insertion-force type. With the non-zero insertion-force type, when the semiconductor component is inserted into the socket, it presses the contact back against the pressing mechanism. With the zero insertion-force type, the semiconductor component does not press the contact back against the pressing mechanism during its insertion. 
     A semiconductor component can be inserted into the socket of the zero insertion-force type with little insertion force. However, with this of socket type, the contact cannot be maintained with the electric terminal of the semiconductor component if the semiconductor component is simply inserted into the socket. Accordingly, the zero insertion-force type socket generally has mechanical means, such as a lever, for keeping the contact in touch with the electric terminal of the semiconductor component. 
     In constant, the non-zero insertion-force type socket lacks durability and due to its structure, the insertion and removal of the semiconductor components cause the contact of the socket to be worn out. That is, the contact of the socket rubs against the semiconductor component during insertion and removal. Moreover, the contact tends to damage the electric terminal of the semiconductor component. The lack of durability and the possible damage to the electric terminal are major shortfalls in the semiconductor component test since a number of semiconductor components are repeatedly tested. 
     The zero insertion-force type socket has a higher durability because the contact of the socket not rubs against the electric terminal of the inserted component. However, because there is no rubbing motion (or wiping motion) between the contact and the electric terminal, connection may not be reliably established with the electric terminal when the surface of the electric terminal is oxidized, or when dust or other undesirable particles adhere on the surface of the electric terminal. In addition, because an extra step is required in moving the lever in order to mount the semiconductor component, the retaining mechanism of the socket becomes complicated, and the total test time increases when a number of semiconductor components are to be repeatedly tested. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a socket and a connector which overcome the above problems in the related art. This object is achieved by combinations described in the independent claims. The dependent claims further define advantageous and exemplary combinations of the present invention. 
     In order to achieve the object according to a first aspect of the invention, a socket, for receiving an electric component having an electric terminal, comprises a contact, to which the electric terminal of the electric component is to be corrected, and a driving mechanism for moving the contact toward the electric terminal. 
     The driving mechanism has a movable separation member for keeping the contact away from the insertion position of the electric component when the electric component is not inserted in the socket. Preferably, the socket further comprises a spring which is compressed as the electric component is inserted into the socket, and pushes the movable separation member toward the electric component. The electric component is, for example, a RIMM type semiconductor module having a plurality of electric terminals on both faces of the component. In this case, the socket has a plurality of contacts, each corresponding to one of the electric terminals. 
     The socket may further comprise a pushing member for pushing the contact toward the electric terminal of the electric component inserted into the socket. In this case, the driving mechanism includes a mechanism for moving the movable separation member in response to the insertion of the electric component into the socket. The motion of the movable separation member causes the pushing member to bring the contact into contact with the electric terminal of the electric component. 
     During insertion of the electric component into the socket, the contact is wiped against the electric terminal of the electric component. This wiping action reliably brings the contact in electrical connection with the electric terminal of the electric component. 
     The contact and the pushing member may be integrally formed into a single pin. In this case, the socket further comprises a housing accommodating the movable separation member and the spring, and a pin holder for holding the pin, the pin holder being detachable from the housing so as to allow the pin to be replaced easily. Preferably, the housing has a protector for protecting the contact, the protector being positioned between the home position of the contact, at which the contact stays when the electric component is not inserted in the socket, and the insertion position of the electric component. This arrangement prevents the contact from touching undesirable regions of the electric component when the electric component is inserted into and removed from the socket. 
     The socket may further comprises a conductive layer formed in a part of the surface area of the pin, and an insulating layer for insulating the conductive layer from the pushing member. This arrangement can reduce the electrical impedance of the pin. The conductive layer and the insulating layer are preferably formed in a part of the surface area of the pin which does not come into contact with either the electric terminal of the electric component or the movable separation member of the socket, o that the conductive layer and the insulating layer will not be worn. 
     The socket may further comprise a positioning member which positions the electric component in a position in which the electric component is to be inserted into the socket. The positioning member may have a taper part on at least a part of the periphery of the insertion position. This taper part introduces the electric component into the insertion position. The electric component may have a reference member which is a reference for positioning the electric component against the socket, and the positioning member may have a reference corresponding member, which engages with the reference member, at the insertion position. 
     The positioning member may further have a reference corresponding member holder which holds the reference corresponding member at the insertion position so that the reference corresponding member can be inserted into and removed from the reference corresponding member holder. The reference member maybe located in different positions according to he type of electric component. The reference corresponding member holder can hold the reference corresponding member at a position where the reference corresponding member can engage with the reference members of a plurality of types of electric components. 
     According to the second aspect of the present invention, a connector comprising: an inserter which holds a semiconductor component having an electric terminal; and a socket to which the inserter is connected can be provided. The connector can be provided such that the inserter has: a position fixing member which fixes the semiconductor component at a predetermined position inside the inserter, and a first structure member which determines the connecting point of the inserter against the socket for inserting the semiconductor component into an insertion position of the socket; and the socket has: a second structure member which engages with the first structure member of the inserter, a contact which contacts with the electric terminal, and a driving mechanism for moving the contact toward the electric terminal when the semiconductor component is moved into the insertion position in the socket. 
     The position fixing member may have a sandwiching member which sandwiches a predetermined pair of opposite faces of the semiconductor component. The semiconductor component may have a reference member which is a reference for positioning the semiconductor component against the inserter, and the position fixing member may have a reference corresponding member, which engages with the reference member, at the insertion position. 
     According to the third aspect of the present invention, a connector comprising: an inserter which holds a semiconductor component having an electric terminal; and a socket to which the inserter is connected, can be provided. The connector can be provided such that the inserter has a holding member which movably holds the semiconductor component inside the inserter, and a first structure member which determines the connecting position of the inserter against the socket; and the socket has: a second structure member which engages with the first structure member of the inserter, a positioning member which positions the semiconductor component to an insertion position of the socket, a contact which contacts with the electric terminal, and a riving mechanism for moving the contact toward the electric terminal when the semiconductor component is inserted into the insertion position. 
     The semiconductor component may have a reference member which is a reference for positioning the semiconductor component against the socket; and the positioning member has a reference corresponding member, which engages with the reference member, at the insertion position. The positioning member may further have a reference corresponding member holder which holds the reference corresponding member at the insertion position so that the reference corresponding member can be inserted into and removed from the reference corresponding member holder. The reference member may be located at different positions according to the type of semiconductor component. The reference corresponding member holder can hold the reference corresponding member at a position where the reference corresponding member can engage with the reference members of a plurality of types of semiconductor components. 
    
    
     This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all essential features so that the invention may also be a sub-combination of these described features. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1A to  1 C shows plan views of a socket of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2A shows a cross sectional view of the socket with the inserted semiconductor component  10  at an initial position in contact with a the movable separation member  40 , and FIG. 2B shows a partial view of the socket along an oblique direction thereof. 
     FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the socket with the semiconductor component  10  at an intermediate position at which the contact  31  contacts with the electric terminal  12 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the socket with the semiconductor component  10  at a position that is further inserted into the socket and in full engagement with the socket. 
     FIG. 5 shows a socket and semiconductor component  10  when the semiconductor component  10  held by a carrier  62  is inserted into the socket. 
     FIG. 6 shows another embodiment for positioning the semiconductor component  10  against the socket. 
     FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of the socket shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B shows an example of use of the socket of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B shows another example of use of the socket of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 10A and 10B shows yet another example of use of the socket of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 11A to  11 D shows a configuration of a connector of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 12A to  12 D shows a configuration of a connector of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 13A and 13B shows a configuration of an inserter connector of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a socket of the connector of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 shows a cross sectional view of a socket body of the connector of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 shows an enlarged view of the socket in FIG.  14 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention will now be described based on the preferred embodiments, which do not intend to limit the scope of the present invention, but exemplify the invention. All of the features and the combinations thereof described in the embodiment are not necessarily essential to the invention. 
     FIGS. 1A to  1 C show an example of a socket of an embodiment of the present invention. A semiconductor component  10 , which is one example of an electric component that can be used with a socket of the present invention, is inserted into a socket in a vertical manner. The semiconductor component  10  of the present embodiment is a Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) type semiconductor memory module. The semiconductor component  10  has a plurality of electric terminals  12  on both faces. The, electric components for use with this invention are not limited to this type, for example, a semiconductor component such as a memory chip. The electric components may also be a cable connector, modem card, ISDN card, flush memory card, IC card such as smart media, and a power supply plug. 
     FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a socket with a semiconductor component  10  inserted into the socket at an initial position in slight contact. FIG.  2 (B) shows an oblique view of a part of the socket. The socket of the present invention has a housing  20 , a pin older  38 , a plurality of pins  34 , conductive layers  33  and  36 , and an insulating layer. The housing  20  supports the pin holder  38 . The plurality of pins  34  are installed on the pin holder  38 . The conductive layer  33  and  36  are provided on the surface of the pins  34 . 
     The insulating layer is made of, for example, epoxy resin and is provided between the conductive layers  33  and  36  and the pins  34 . Because the pins  34  and the conductive layers  33  and  36  are capacity coupled to each other, via the insulating layer, the surface area of the high frequency propagation path is increased by the conductive layers  33  and  36 . Therefore, electric impedance of the pins  34  against high frequency waves can be set arbitrarily. 
     Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the pins  34  has a contact  31  and a pushing member  32 . The contact  31  contacts with the electric terminal  12  of the semiconductor component  10 . The pushing member  32  pushes the contact  31  to move toward the electric terminal  12  as described hereafter. The socket has a mechanism for controlling drive of the contact  31  toward the electric terminal  12  known herein as a “driving mechanism”. As an example, the driving mechanism has a movable separation member  40  and a spring  50 . The operation of this driving mechanism results in movement of the contact  31  toward the electric terminal  12  when the semiconductor component  10  is inserted into the socket (see FIGS.  3  and  4 ). The movable separation member  40  and the spring  50  are supported by the housing  20 . When the semiconductor component  10  is not inserted into the socket, the movable separation member  40  and the spring  50  keep the contact  31  at a position away from the insertion position of the semiconductor component  10 . See FIG. 2A with the semiconductor component  10  at an initial position partially inserted into the socket and the contact  31  separated from the electric terminal  12 . See also FIGS. 3 and 4 showing subsequent position of the semiconductor component  10  during insertion in to the socket. 
     A protector  21  is provided between the home position of the contact  31 , at which the contact stays when the electric component is not inserted into the socket, and the insertion position of the semiconductor component  10 . The protector  21  protects the contact  31 . As shown in FIG.  2 (B), the protector  21  extends beyond the outside the outside surface of the contact  31  when the semiconductor component  10  is not inserted into the socket. By positioning the protector  21  such that it protects beyond the outside surface of the contact  31 , the protector  21  can protect the contact  31  by preventing the contact  31  from unnecessarily contacting parts of the semiconductor component  10  other than the electric terminal  12  during insertion and removal of the semiconductor component  10  into and from the socket. 
     FIG. 3 shows a socket and a semiconductor component  10  at an intermediate position during insertion of the semiconductor component  10  into the socket when the contact  31  contacts with the electric terminal  12 . When the semiconductor component  10  is inserted into the socket, the semiconductor component  10  pushes the movable separation member  40  downwardly and moves the movable separation member  40  in the downward direction. At this time, the spring  50  is compressed, and presses the movable separation member  40  against the semiconductor component  10 . Because the movable separation member  40  moves in the downward direction, the pushing member  32  pushes the contact  31  in contact with the electric terminal  12 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a socket and a semiconductor component  10  with the semiconductor component  10  inserted further into the socket so as to completely engage with the socket. During insertion of the semiconductor component  10 , as shown in FIGS. 3 to  4 , the contact  31  wipes or rubs against the electric terminal  12  of the semiconductor component  10 . As used herein, wiping means moving while in contact, although the electric terminal  12  may or may not be scraped by this motion. Because dirt, oil and oxidized membrane attached to the surface of the electric terminal  12  can be removed by this wiping or rubbing contact, the contact  31  can make a firm and good electrical contact with the electric terminal  12 . 
     The contact  31  of the present embodiment wipes only a portion of the electric terminal  12 , so the deterioration or wear of the contact  31  can be prevented as compared to a conventional socket. However, the contact  31  gradually deteriorates a wears out due to the friction with a portion of the electric terminal  12 . To overcome this problem, the pin holder  38  of the present embodiment can be removed from the housing  20 . The pin holder  38  and the pin  34  can thus be easily exchanged and replaced. Furthermore, the conductive layer  33  and the insulating layer are formed in a part of the surface area of each pin  34  which does not contact with the electric terminal  12  of the semiconductor component  10  or the movable separation member  40 . Therefore, wear of the conductive layer  33  and the insulating layer can be prevented. 
     FIG. 5 shows a socket and semiconductor component  10  with the semiconductor component  10  held by the carrier or insert  62  for insertion into the socket. In this embodiment, the socket itself does not hold the semiconductor component  10 . Instead, the carrier  62  holds the semiconductor component  10 . The carrier  62  has guide holes  64  for positioning the semiconductor component  10  with the socket. The socket has guide pins  26  to fit into the guide holes  64  of the carrier  62 . The tip of each guide pin  26  is tapered and the rim of each guide hole  64  is preferably chamfered, so that the semiconductor component  10  and the carrier  62  can be easily inserted into the socket. 
     In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the guide pin  26  can be removed from the housing  20 . Therefore, a guide pin  26 , which is worn out by contacting with the rim of the guide hole  64 , can be exchanged with a new guide pin  26 . Furthermore, at least part of the surface area of the guide pin  26  can be covered by a metal. By use of a metal covering, abrasion of the guide pin  26 , which is caused by contact with the rim of the guide hole  64 , can be effectively prevented. 
     If a number of semiconductor components  10  are successively inserted into a socket for testing, it is preferable to reduce the replacement time as much as possible. For this reason, the semiconductor components  10  to be tested are held in advance by the carrier  62 . A comparatively long time is needed to fix the semiconductor component  10  to the carrier  62 . However, by fixing in advance the semiconductor component  10  to be tested next in the carrier  62 , while another semiconductor component  10  is being tested, the semiconductor components  10  can be tested more rapidly. 
     FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the alignment between the socket and the semiconductor component  10  to be inserted. A slot  26 , the rim of which is chamfered, is provided on the upper part of the socket. Because the taper part  24  is provide at the upper interior of the slot  28 , the semiconductor component  10  can be easily inserted into the predetermined insertion position of the socket. 
     FIG. 7 shows the cross section of the socket shown in FIG.  6 . This semiconductor component  10  is, for example, a RMMI type semiconductor module which has a notch  14  for alignment. The notch  14  is an example of a reference part for alignment. A projection  22  is provided inside the socket. The projection  22  is an example of a reference corresponding member, which engages with the notch  14 . Using the notch  14  and the projection  22 , the semiconductor component  10  can be easily held at the correct position in the socket. 
     FIGS. 8A and 8B shows an example of use of the socket of the resent invention. FIG.  8 (A) shows a configuration of a power supply plug  60 , as an example of the electric components, and a plug socket  62 , as an example of the socket. FIG.  8 (B) shows a detailed configuration of a socket body  65  of a plug socket  62 . Here, the same reference numerals are provided for elements having the same function as elements shown in FIG.  2 . The power supply plug  60  has a plurality of plug pins  64 , but in FIG. 8, for example, two plug pins  64  are provided. The plug pin  64  is an example of an electric terminal  12 . The plug socket  62  has socket bodies  65  for connecting each plug pin  64  and the power supply. 
     Referring to FIG. 8B, the socket body  65  has a housing  20 , a pin holder  38 , pins  34 , conductive layers  33  and  36 , an insulating layer, a movable separation member  40 , a spring  50 , and a protector  21 . The housing  20  supports the pin holder  38 . The pins  34  are installed on the pin holder  38 . The conductive layers  33  and  36  are provided on the surface of the pins  34 . The insulating layer such as epoxy resin is provided between the conductive layers  33  and  36  and the pins  34 . The pins  34  have a contact  31  and a pushing member  32 . The contact  31  contacts with the electric terminal of the electric component. The pushing member  32  pushes the contact  31  toward the electric terminal of the electric component. 
     In the case of the plug socket  62 , when the plug pin  64  of the power supply plug  60  is beginning to be inserted into the opening of the socket body  65 , the plug pin  64  pushes the movable separation member  40  in a downward direction without contacting with the contact  31 . If the plug pin  64  is then further inserted into the socket body  65 , the contact  31  gradually moves toward the plug pin  64  as the movable separation member  40  moves down. Next, if the plug pin  64  reaches a predetermined depth, the contact  31  contacts with the plug pin  64 . If the plug pin  64  is then further inserted to go deeper into the socket body  65 , the contact  31  wipes the plug pin  64 . Therefore, the deterioration of the contact  31  and the plug pin  64  can be effectively prevented. 
     FIG. 9 shows another example of use of the socket present invention. FIG.  9 (A) shows a configuration of a male plug  70  as an example of an electric component, and a female plug  72  as an example of a socket. FIG.  9 (B) shows a cross section of a female plug  72 . Here, the same reference numerals are provided to the elements having the same function as the elements shown in FIG.  2 . The male plug  70  has a plurality of electrodes  74  as an example of an electric terminal, and a holding member  73 , to hold the electrode  74  at a predetermined position. The female plug  72  has a socket body  76  to contact with each of the electrodes  74 . 
     The socket body  76  has a housing  20 , a pin holder  38 , pins  34 , conductive layers  33  and  36 , an insulating layer, a movable separation member  40 , a spring  50 , and a protector  21 . The housing  20  supports the pin holder  38 . The pins  34  are installed on the pin holder  38 . The conductive layers  33  and  36  are provided on the surface of the pins  34 . The insulating layer, for example, an epoxy resin is provided between the conductive layers  33  and  36  and the pin  34 . The pin  34  has a contact  31  and a pushing member  32 . The contact  31  contacts with the electric terminal  12  of the electric component. The pushing member  32  pushes the contact  31  toward the electric terminal of the electric component. 
     When the holding member  73  of the male plug  70  is just being inserted into the opening of the socket body  76  in the female plug  72 , the holding member  73  pushes the movable separation member  40  in a downward direction. At this time, the electrodes  74  do not make contact with the contact  31 . If the holding member  73  is then further inserted into the socket body  76 , the contact  31  gradually moves toward the electrodes  74 . Next, when the holding member  73  reaches a predetermined depth with respect to the socket body  76 , the contact  31  contacts with the electrode  74 . If the holding member  73  is then inserted further to move deeper into the socket body  76 , the contact  31  wipes the electrode  74 . Therefore, the deterioration of the contact  31  and electrode  74  can be effectively prevented. 
     FIG. 10 shows another example of use of the socket of the present invention. FIG.  10 (A) shows an oblique view of an IC card  80 , as an example of an electric component, and a card connector  82 , as an example of the socket. FIG.  10 (B) shows a cross sectional view of an IC card  80  and a card connector  82  along line A—A in FIG.  10 A. Examples of an IC card  80  include a modem card, an ISDN card, a flush memory card, smart media and so on. The IC card  80  has an IC inside and has an electrode  84  as an electric terminal to output signals. A card connector  82  has a socket body  86  and a card guiding member  88 . The card guiding member  88  introduces the IC card  80  into the socket body  86 . The socket body  86  has the same configuration as the socket shown in FIG.  2 . 
     When the IC card  80  is inserted into the socket body  86  of the card connector  82  along the card guiding member  88 , the electrode  84  contacts with the contact of the socket body  86 . Here, because the socket body  86  has the same configuration as the socket described above and the socket body  72  shown in FIG. 9, the deterioration of the contact and the electrode  84  can be effectively prevented. 
     FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a connector of the present invention. FIG.  11 (A) shows a top view of an inserter  90 . FIG.  11 (B) shows a cross sectional view of an inserter  90 . FIG.  11 (C) shows a front view of a socket  100 . FIG.  11 (D) shows a B—B cross sectional view of the socket  100  shown in FIG.  11 (C) along line B—B in FIG.  10 C. The connector has an inserter  90 , which holds a semiconductor component  10 , and a socket  100 . The inserter  90  has a pair of side walls  90 C and end walls  90 A and  90 B. The side walls  90 C have a rectangular shape which is notched with the shape of an inverse trapezoid. The side walls  90 C and end walls  90 A and  90 B are formed together as one unit. 
     Bottom walls  96  are formed on the lower part of the wall surfaces of the opposite facing end walls  90 A and  90 B. Furthermore, the inserter  90  has an elastic body  93  and a moving wall  92 , as an example of a position fixing member and a sandwiching member. The moving wall  92  is connected to the end wall  90 B through the elastic body  93 . The moving wall  92  can move along the bottom wall  96  of the end wall  90 B. A holding recess  90 D and a taper  90 E are formed on the opposite facing end wall  90 A and moving wall  92 . The holding recess  90 D holds the semiconductor component  10 . The taper  90 E introduce the semiconductor component  10  into the holding recess  90 D. The moving wall  92  has an upper fixing member  94  which fixes the semiconductor component  10  by pushing the semiconductor component  10  towards the bottom wall  96 . 
     Furthermore, the end walls  90 A and  90 B have a positioning hole  98  as a first structure member having an opening for viewing a second structure member, as described hereinafter. A positioning pin  104  can be inserted into the positioning hole  98 . The positioning pin  104  is formed in a socket  100 , which will be explained below. The inserter  90  can be located in a predetermined position in the socket  100 . The socket  100  has a pedestal  101  and a socket body  102 . The socket body  102  is held on the pedestal  101 . The socket body  102  has the same configuration as the socket shown in FIG.  2 . The socket  100  has a positioning pin  104  as an example of a second structure member to be inserted into the positioning hole  98  of the inserter  90 . Therefore, the inserter  90  can be positioned at a predetermined position in the socket  100 . 
     To fix the semiconductor component  10  in the inserter  90 , the moving wall  92  is moved toward the end wall  90 B and fixed. The space between the end wall  90 A and the moving wall  92  can then be used for inserting the semiconductor component  10 . The semiconductor component  10  is then inserted into the said space. Next, since the moving wall  92  can move freely, the moving wall  92  moves sideways toward the end all  90 A. The inserted semiconductor component  10  is then sandwiched by the moving wall  92  and end wall  90 A and fixed. Here, because the moving wall  92  and the end wall  90 A have the taper  90 E, the semiconductor component  10  is introduced into the holding recess  90 D by the taper  90 E and held in the holding recess  90 D. Therefore, the semiconductor component  10  can be accurately fixed at a predetermined position in the inserter  90 . Furthermore, the present embodiment can fix the semiconductor component  10  by pushing the semiconductor component  10  toward the bottom wall  96  by the upper fixing member  94 . 
     To connect the semiconductor component  10  to the socket  100 , the inserter  90 , on which the semiconductor component  10  is mounted, can be connected to socket  100 . The inserter  90  and socket  100  can be accurately positioned by connecting the inserter  90  and the socket  100  so that the positioning hole  98  are engaged with the positioning pins  104 . Therefore, the semiconductor component  10 , which is accurately positioned and mounted on the inserter  90 , is inserted accurately and rapidly into the predetermined position of the socket body  102 . Because the socket body  102  has the same configuration as the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the deterioration of the contact can be effectively prevented. 
     FIG. 12 shows a configuration of a connector of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.  12 (A) shows a top view of an inserter  110 . FIG.  12 (B) shows a cross sectional view of an inserter  110 . FIG.  12 (C) shows a front view of a socket  120 . FIG.  12 (D) shows a cross-sectional view of the socket  120  along line C—C shown in FIG.  12 (C). The connector has an inserter  110 , which holds the semiconductor component  10 , and a socket  120 . The inserter  110  has a pair of side walls  110 C and end walls  110 A and  110 B. The side walls  110 C have a rectangular shape with an inverse trapezoid shape cut out. The side walls  110 C and end walls  110 A and  110 B are formed together as one unit. 
     A bottom wall  110 D is formed on the lower part of the wall surfaces of the opposite facing end walls  110 A and  110 B. The bottom wall  110 D holds the semiconductor component  10  from the bottom. The opposite facing side walls  110 C have a projection  114  as an example of a reference member. The projection  114  engages with a notch  14  of the semiconductor component  10 , in the position where the semiconductor component  10  is to be inserted. The end wall  110 B has an upper fixing member  112  which fixes the semiconductor component  10  by pushing the semiconductor component  10  toward the bottom wall  110 D. 
     Furthermore, the end walls  110 A and  110 E have a positioning hole  116  as a first structure member having an opening. A positioning pin  122  of the socket  120  can be inserted into the positioning hole  116 . The positioning pin  122  is formed in a socket  120 , which ill be explained below. As described below, with the positioning pin  122 , the inserter  110  can be positioned in the predetermined position in the socket  120 . 
     The socket  120  has a pedestal  121  and a socket body  124 . The socket body  124  is held on the pedestal  121 . The socket body  124  has the same configuration as the configuration of the socket shown in FIG.  2 . The socket  120  has a positioning pin  122 , as an example of a second structure member, to be inserted in o the positioning hole  116  of the inserter  110 . Therefore, the inserter  110  can be positioned at a predetermined position in the socket  120 . 
     To fix the semiconductor component  10  in the inserter  110 , the semiconductor component  10  is inserted into the space between the end walls  110 A and  110 B and pushed toward the bottom wall  110 D. Using this pushing motion, the semiconductor component  10  is positioned inside the inserter  110  so that the notch  14  is engaged with the projection  114  of the inserter  110 . Following this positioning, the semiconductor component  10  is fixed in place by pushing it toward the bottom wall  110 D using the upper fixing member  112 . Therefore, the semiconductor component  10  can be accurately fixed at a predetermined position in the inserter  110 . 
     To connect the semiconductor component  10  to the socket  120 , the inserter  110 , on which the semiconductor component  10  is mounted, can be connected to socket  120 . The inserter  110  and socket  120  can be accurately positioned by connecting the inserter  110  and the socket  120  so that the positioning hole  116  are engaged with the positioning pins  122 . Therefore, the semiconductor component  10 , which is accurately positioned and fixed on the inserter  110 , is accurately and rapidly inserted into a predetermined position of the socket body  124 . Because the socket body  124  has the same configuration as the configuration of the socket shown in FIG. 2, the deterioration of the contact can be effectively prevented. 
     FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a connector of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.  13 (A) shows a top view of an inserter  130 . FIG.  13 (B) shows a cross-sectional view of the inserter  130  along line D—D shown in FIG.  13 (A). In this embodiment, it is supposed that the semiconductor component  10  has a notch  14  as an example of a reference member for positioning. The inserter  130  has a pair of side walls  132 . The side walls  132  have a rectangular shape with the shape of an inverse trapezoid cut out. The side walls  132  are formed together with the end walls  133 A and  133 B as one unit. Therefore, receiving space  134  for receipt of the semiconductor component  10  is formed inside the inserter  130 . The side walls  132  and end walls  133 A and  133 B are made from a material such as synthetic resin. 
     The end walls  133 A and  133 B have boss members  135  which protrude into the receiving space  134 . Each boss member  135  has a holding recess  136  and a holding bottom wall  137 . The holding recess  136  holds the semiconductor component  10 . The holding bottom wall  137  holds a part of the lower portion of the semiconductor component  10 . A part of the lower portion of the receiving space  134  other than the holding bottom wall  137  of the boss member  135  becomes a penetrating hole  138 . Therefore, the electric terminal  12  of the semiconductor component  10 , which is held by the holding bottom wall  137 , is exposed at the lower side through the penetrating hole  138 . 
     Both sides of the ends of the semiconductor component  10  can be inserted into or removed from the holding recess  136  from the upper side of the inserter  130 . The upper part of the holding recess  136  is a taper shaped guiding recess  142  to introduce both ends of the semiconductor component  10  to the inside of the holding recess  136 . The holding recess  136  has a configuration having a clearance that allows the held semiconductor component  10  to move slightly. 
     Furthermore, the end walls  133 A and  133 B have a positioning hole  141  as a first structure member having an opening. A positioning pin  156  can be inserted into the positioning hole  141 . The positioning pin  156  (see FIG. 14) is formed on the socket guide  152  of a socket  150 , which will be explained below. The inserter  130  can be positioned at a predetermined position in the socket  150 . 
     FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a socket of the connector of another embodiment of the present invention. An enlarged view of the socket is shown in FIG.  16 . The socket is used for a testing apparatus that tests semiconductor components. In FIG. 14, the Z axis is taken in the direction vertical to the ground surface of a test head base  148 , and the X axis and Y axis are taken in the directions perpendicular to each other on a plane perpendicular to the Z axis. The test head base  148  used for testing apparatus has a common test board  164 . A plurality of individual test boards  166  are connected onto the common test board  164  parallel to the Y axis. A socket  150  is connected onto each of the individual test boards  166 . 
     The socket  150  has a pedestal  168 , a socket body  153 , and a socket guide  152 . The socket body  153  has a socket recess  151  which is formed parallel to the Y axis. The socket body  153  is held on the pedestal  168 . The socket body  153  has the same configuration as the socket shown in FIG.  2 . The socket guide  152  has a penetrating hole  154 , which extends longitudinally in the Y direction. The socket guide  152  is installed around the socket body  153  on the pedestal  168  so that a positioning pin  157  can be inserted into a positioning hole  158  formed on the pedestal  168 . An escaping recess  155  is provided at each and of the socket body  153  between the end of the socket body  153  and the socket guide  152 . The boss members  135  of the end walls  133 A and  133 B of the inserter  130  (shown in FIG. 13B) can be inserted into the escaping recess  155 . The socket guide  152  has a positioning pin  156  as an example of a second structure member to be inserted into the positioning hole  141  of the inserter  130  (see FIG.  13 B). Therefore, the inserter  130  can be positioned at a predetermined position in the socket  150 . 
     FIG. 15 shows a cross sectional view of a socket body of the connector of another embodiment of the present invention. The socket has the same configuration as the socket shown in FIG. 2 such as a pin  34 . In this figure, the parts of the members having the same configuration are abbreviated. The socket body  153  has a projection unit  170  which includes a projection  22 . The projection  22  is an example of a reference corresponding member that engages with a notch  14  in the semiconductor component  10 . The projection  22  is positioned on projection unit where of the semiconductor component  10  is to be located when the semiconductor component  10  is inserted into the socket body  153 . Using this projection unit  170 , the semiconductor component  10  can be easily and accurately inserted into the desired insertion position. The projection unit  170  is detachably held by the pedestal  168  , which is an example of a reference corresponding member holder, such that the projection unit  170  can be attached onto or removed from the pedestal  168 . Therefore, when inserting a semiconductor component  10  without the notch  14  into the socket body  153 , the semiconductor component can be inserted into the socket body  153  without interference by removing the projection unit  170 . Furthermore a projection unit having a different specification of projection  22  can be used according to the accuracy required in positioning when the semiconductor component  10  when it is inserted into the socket body  153 . 
     The pedestal  168  can hold other projection units  171  or  172  by removing the projection unit  170  to allow the convex protection unit  171  or  172  to be attached onto or removed from the pedestal  168 . The convex protection unit  171  or  172  has the projection  22  in a position where the projection  22  can be engaged with the notch of other semiconductor components which have the notch in different positions. Therefore, even a plurality of kinds of semiconductor components having notches in different positions can be inserted accurately into the socket body  153 . 
     In the connector of present embodiment, the inserter  130 , which holds the semiconductor component  10 , is connected to the socket  150  as described hereinafter. Initially, the inserter  130  and the socket  150  are accurately positioned with respect to each other by the positioning hole  141  of the inserter  130  and the positioning pin  156  of the socket  150 . At this time, the semiconductor component  10  held by the inserter  130  is located at an upper side nearby the socket  150  into which the semiconductor component  10  is to be inserted. Next, the semiconductor component  10  held by the inserter  130  is pushed down by a pushing apparatus (not shown). Using this downwardly pushing motion, the semiconductor component  10  is inserted into the socket body  153  such that the notch  14  of the semiconductor component  10  engages with the projection  22  of the socket  150 . Therefore, the semiconductor component  10  can be accurately inserted into the insertion position. Furthermore, because the socket body  153  has the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the deterioration and wear of the contact can be effectively prevented as described above. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the semiconductor component  10  has the notch  14 , and the socket body  153  has the projection  22 . The present embodiment is not limited to this arrangement, as the semiconductor component  10  can have the projection  22 , and the socket body  153  can have the notch  14 . In short, the semiconductor component and the socket may have a configuration such that the semiconductor component can engage with the socket. 
     Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inserter  110  has a projection  114  even in the case of inserting the semiconductor component  10  into the socket  120 . This invention is not limited to this arrangement and, for example, the inserter  110  can have a configuration having the projection  114  which fixes the semiconductor component  10 . Also, the inserter  110  can have a configuration which can remove the projection  114  when connecting the semiconductor component  10  to the socket  120 . 
     As shown in the above embodiments, this invention can provide a socket and a connector in which an electric component can be inserted with a small force. The socket and connector have a high durability. The electric component can be easily a changed using the socket and the connector of the present invention. 
     Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements to these embodiments of the present invention. It is clear from the appended claims that such modifications or improvements are also covered by the scope of the present invention.