EP0165295B1 - Connector assembly having independent contact segments - Google Patents
Connector assembly having independent contact segments Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0165295B1 EP0165295B1 EP19850900320 EP85900320A EP0165295B1 EP 0165295 B1 EP0165295 B1 EP 0165295B1 EP 19850900320 EP19850900320 EP 19850900320 EP 85900320 A EP85900320 A EP 85900320A EP 0165295 B1 EP0165295 B1 EP 0165295B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- connector system
- segments
- contact portions
- electrical connector
- contacts
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/82—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/50—Fixed connections
- H01R12/51—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/55—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals
- H01R12/57—Fixed connections for rigid printed circuits or like structures characterised by the terminals surface mounting terminals
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/721—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures cooperating directly with the edge of the rigid printed circuits
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
Definitions
- the invention herein relates to a circuit board connector system. It is particularly suited for use in computer systems wherein a series of daughter boards are connected to a mother board.
- the connector system of this invention enables the daughter boards to be inserted into the connector system readily by the computer user.
- the connector assemblies include opposing rows of spring-type contacts.
- the low or zero insertion force mechanisms vary to some degree but generally include some mechanism for deflecting the spring contacts to space them apart to allow easy insertion of a printed wiring board to the connector. Thereafter, the contacts are put into engagement with corresponding pads on the printed wiring board to make the desired electrical connections.
- the spring contacts are normally biased towards engagement with the printed circuit board and the low insertion force mechanism spreads them apart to allow entry of the printed wiring board to the connector.
- the contact members are normally spaced apart and are deflected by the low insertion force mechanism into engagement with the printed wiring board. It is also known to employ cam and follower arrangements as the low insertion force connector mechanism. The cam member is actuable to move the follower member to deflect or close the spring contacts as desired.
- an electrical connector assembly which includes two or more spring contact strips which are clamped between two flat side plates by means of spring clip members at their ends.
- the side plates have a row of slots which receive tongues protruding from the sides of the spring contact strip units.
- the present invention is defined in Claim 1.
- Arrangements described herein provide an electrical connector system which is divided up into a plurality of segments which can be self-aligned to a circuit board.
- the connector system can be mounted on the circuit board and, with the self-alignment of each segment, be less susceptible to shorting due to tolerance buildup.
- an electrical connector system comprises a receptacle which includes a body shell member and a plurality of independent segments supported therein with the segment including a multiple of electrical contacts arranged in opposing rows.
- the segments are supported in the body shell in an independent floating arrangement.
- the electrical contacts in each segment comprise spring-type members.
- First contact portions of the spring-type members at one end thereof are adapted to engage a plug member which can comprise a portion of an electronic module or circuit board.
- Second contact portions of the spring-type members at the opposing ends thereof are adapted to engage and electrically connect the receptacle to a circuit board such as a mother board.
- Each segment includes an alignment means which serves to align each segment independently on the mother board so that the appropriate contacts of the connector are electrically connected to desired contacts of the mother board.
- the alignment means for each segment comprises a projection extending outwardly from the bottom thereof which is adapted to be inserted in an alignment hole in the mother board.
- the body shell preferably, also includes an alignment projection for insertion in the corresponding alignment hole of the mother board.
- the floating support arrangement preferably, comprises at least one support projection extending from a first and an opposing side of each segment in corresponding support holes for receiving the support projections in a first side and an opposing side of the body shell member.
- the support holes are larger in size than the respective support projections so that the support projections can be moved around within the support holes to provide the desired floating arrangement.
- the body shell member includes an entry slot which is open at one end so that the plug portion of the circuit board or electronic module can be inserted transversely or longitudinally of a direction defined by the electrical contacts of the receptacle.
- Any desired number of segments can be included within the body shell and any number of receptacles, each including a plurality of segments, can be mounted on the mother board. Because the connector system contains a body shell with multiple segments therein, each segment can be customized as to its function in the system. For example, some of the segments can be configured to carry signals while others can be configured to be power carrying.
- the circuit board connector system 10 of this embodiment is adapted to provide a high density of individual connections which permits increased speed of signals in the system. User serviceability is a particularly important concern in the personal computer field in addition to the maintenance aspect.
- the circuit board connector system 10 of this embodiment allows the computer owner to add additional features by buying additional mother or daughter boards 11 which can be readily inserted in the circuit board connector systems 10 of this embodiment.
- the connector system can be mounted on a mother circuit board or backplane thereby adding increased features to the computer.
- the circuit board connector systems 10 of this embodiment can be arranged on the mother circuit board 12 in one plane.
- card housing 13 and mother circuit board 12 are arranged to receive a daughter circuit board 11 by sliding the daughter board in from the side of the mother board in a direction parallel to the plane of the mother board.
- the circuit board connector system 10 of this invention acts as the bottom guide for the mother board 11.
- the card housing 13 also includes top U-shaped eyes or guides 14 which, with the circuit board connector system 10, serves to provide alignment for the daughter board 11 as it is slid from the side into the card housing 13.
- a card housing 15 includes a plurality of circuit board connector systems 10 arranged in parallel and mounted to the mother circuit board 12.
- the card housing 15 includes U-shaped side guides 16 arranged in correspondence with the circuit board connector systems 10 along each of the sides 17 and 18 of the card housing 15.
- the daughter board 11 is inserted into the circuit board connector system 10 by sliding it down the side guides 16 and through the top of the circuit board connector system 10.
- the circuit board connector system 10 of this invention requires no soldering to the mother circuit board 12.
- the connector system 10 includes no pins which can be easily damaged or bent in making connections to the mother circuit board 12.
- the connector system 10 is of the low or zero insertion force type so that the daughter boards 11 are easily removed or inserted as desired.
- the connector system 10 is comprised of a body shell 19 which is adapted to support, in a floating fashion, a plurality of contact segments 20.
- Each segment 20 can be customized as to its function in the circuit board connector system 10. For instance, some of the segments 20 can be configured to carry signals, while others can be configured to be power carrying. Thus, different segments 20 can serve totally different functions. Since the segments 20 are supported in a floating arrangement within the body shell 19 they can be independently self-aligned relative to the mother circuit board 12. This can be achieved because the various segments 20 are able to slide within the body shell 19 so that they can be precisely located on the contact pads 21 of the mother circuit board 12. This allows the circuit designer to concentrate on closer tolerances for the contact pads 21 relative to one another on the mother board 12 while allowing looser tolerances within the connector system 10 itself.
- a system 22 for aligning and locking the daughter board 11 within the connector system 10 is provided.
- the system is briefly illustrated by referring to Figures 4 and 5.
- Aligning and locking levers 23 and 24 are pivotally supported in opposing ends of the body shell 19.
- the daughter boards 11 include a corresponding pair of alignment holes 25 and 26 in Figure 4.
- the connector system 10 is shown in its open position adapted for receipt and insertion of the daughter board 11.
- the connector system 10 is shown with the daughter board 11 fully inserted and with the aligning and locking system 22 in its closed position.
- projections 27 of the respective locking levers 23 and 24 are inserted within the holes 25 and 26 to align and lock the daughter board 11 in a desired relationship relative to the plane of the mother board 12.
- Projection 27 on locking lever 23 serves to align the daughter board in a lateral sense within the connector system 10.
- Projection 29 on locking lever 23 obstructs one end of cord slot 40 when connector 15 is in the closed position, assuring that daughter board 11 cannot be inserted in either the horizontal or the vertical direction until the connector is opened.
- a notch 28 in the daughter board provides clearance for projection 29 when lever 23 is in the closed position with the daughter board properly in place.
- the connector system 10 employs a zero or low insertion force system 30 having spring contacts 31 and 32 and a cam 33 and follower 34 arrangement.
- the cam and follower act upon the spring contacts 31 and 32 to provide, in an open position as shown in the left-hand system 10, a low or zero insertion force for the daughter board into the system.
- a closed position as shown in the right-hand system 10 of Figure 6, an electrically contacting engagement is made between the spring contacts and respective contact pads 35 on the daughter board 11.
- the respective spring contacts are arranged in an alternating high and low fashion to allow an increased density of electrical contacts.
- an actuating system 36 which is adapted to serially actuate the respective aligning and locking system 22 and low insertion force system 30.
- the actuating system 36 includes an actuating lever 37 which includes a pad 38 which is adapted to operate as an actuating cam. It also includes a follower portion 39 on each of the locking levers 22 and 23. Upon pivoting the actuating lever 37, the pad 38 and follower portions 39 cooperate to provide the desired serial actuation of the respective aligning and locking system 22 and low insertion force system 30.
- circuit board connector system 10 and the various aspects of the invention embodied therein, is now described in greater detail to define the preferred embodiments thereof.
- an electrical connector system which comprises an electrical connector receptacle for attachment to a circuit board 12 such as a mother board or backplane.
- the receptacle 10 is adapted to receive an electrical plug member 11 which can comprise part of an electronic module or a circuit board such as a daughter board.
- Receptacle 10 is comprised of a body shell 19 and contact segments 20 as previously described.
- the body shell 19 comprises an elongated slot 40 defined by opposing side walls 41 and 42 and end wall 43. Region 44 of the slot opposing the end wall 43 is open.
- the circuit board 11 can therefore be inserted into the receptacle 10 from the top or from the side in the direction shown by the arrows e.g. at 45.
- the body shell 19 includes internal dividing walls 47 which divide the shell into a plurality of chambers 48.
- the number of chambers 48 corresponds to the number of segments 20 to be supported by the body shell 19.
- a series of depressions 49 in the side wall 41 and 42 mark the respective locations of the internal walls 47.
- a rectangular hole 50 Generally centrally of each of the side walls 41 and 42 of each respective chamber 48 there is located a rectangular hole 50. This comprises part of a system for supporting the segments 20 within the body shell 19 in an independent floating arrangement so that each segment 20 can be independently aligned to the circuit board 12.
- the other elements of the floating support system 51 are a projection 52 correspondingly centrally located on each segment 20 side wall 53 and 54.
- the projections 52 have a pyramid shape so that when the segments 20 are inserted into the chamber 48, the projections 52 spread apart the respective side walls 41 and 42 until the projections 52 snap into the holes 50.
- the holes 50 are larger in width and height than the corresponding width and height of the projection 52 thereby allowing the segments to have a limited degree of freedom within the chamber 48 both vertically and from side to side and back to back.
- a step 55 in each of the side walls 41 and 42 provides a corresponding internal step surface 56 limiting vertical movement of the segment 20 when the receptacle 10 is mounted to the circuit board 12. This provides an effective means for clamping the segments down on the circuit board 12.
- Each segment 20 includes a longitudinal ledge 57 in each of the respective side walls 53 and 54 which is adapted to engage the respective stop surfaces 56.
- the body shell 19 further includes an alignment projection 58 at one end 44 which is adapted to mate with a corresponding alignment hole in the circuit board 12.
- the segments 20 include at one end an alignment projection 61 adapted to seat in corresponding alignment holes 62 of the circuit board 12 when the segments 20 are inserted in the cavities 48 of the shell 19.
- the alignment projections 58 and 61 extend in a spaced apart arrangement across the entire receptacle 10 and provide an effective means for aligning the receptacle on the circuit board 12 when the projections seat in the alignment holes 59 and 62.
- the segments 20 can float particularly from side to side within the body shell 19 to a limited extent since each segment includes its own alignment projection system 61.
- Each segment 20 is composed of a segment body 63 which is arranged to support two opposing rows of spring contact members 64.
- One end 65 of each spring contact member comprises a contact portion for engaging a corresponding contact pad 35 of a daughter board 11.
- the opposing end 66 of the spring contact member 64 comprises a lever-type contact portion for engaging and contacting the contact pads 21 of the mother board 12.
- the use of lever-type contact 66 and contact pads 21 provides a gas-tight, high pressure connection.
- the end of the contact portion 66 is forced into the contact pad 21 and, by digging into it, makes a good electrical connection because it breaks through the oxides on the surface of the pad.
- a tin-to-tin connection which is much less expensive, is thereby possible.
- the contact pads 35 on the daughter board are normally gold plated.
- the contact members 64 can be selected to be signal carrying, such as the narrow contact members 32, or they can be power or current carrying such as the relatively wider contact member 68.
- the segments 20 can therefore have their functions tailored as desired for handling signals or power or any other function which might be required.
- a series of connector systems 10 can be placed on a mother circuit board 12 with any type of conventional hold down or clamping device 70 such as the one illustrated in Figure 6.
- the clamping members 71 or 72 are arranged to engage the step 55 in the side walls 41 or 42.
- the clamping members 71 or 72 are secured to the circuit board or mother board 12 by bolts 73 or otherwise fastened to the circuit board 12 so as to enable the contacts 66 of the spring contact members 64 to engage the pads 35 on the mother board 12.
- the stop surface 56 engages the ledge 57 of the segment 20 to hold the segment 20 so that the contacts 66 make good electrical connection to the contact pads 35.
- the clamping member 71 is adapted to be employed between adjacent receptacles 10 whereas the clamping member 72 is adapted to clamp a free side 41 of the receptacle 10.
- the receptacle 10 can have any multiple of segments 20; for example, 5, 7, 11, etc., as desired.
- a plurality of receptacles 10 can be arranged on the mother board in adjacent parallel relationship as shown in Figures 1 and 6.
- the receptacle can extend beyond the mother board 12 so that additional connector segments 20 in the receptacle 10 can be connected to other types of plug portions and circuit connectors or elements.
- the receptacle 10 can encompass the mother board as well as accommodate other totally different types of connections located completely off the mother board.
- Each of the segments 20 includes a low or zero insertion force mechanism for system 30.
- the contact members 64 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 are biased towards the contact members of the opposing row so that if they were in their free state, they would take the positions shown in phantom in the right-hand receptacle 10 of Figure 6.
- the low insertion force mechanism thereby employs a cam 33 and follower 34.
- each segment includes its own separate follower member 34.
- the cam member 33 preferably comprises a unitary member or metal rod extending through all the segments 20 in the receptacle 10.
- the cam member 33 preferably has an oblong or oval cross-section.
- the top surface 74 of the follower member is arranged to engage the spring contact 64 to deflect them to space them apart or release them so that they can engage the daughter board 11.
- the follower member 34 has a U-shaped cross-section for its upper portion. When it is positioned as in the left-hand receptacle 10 in Figure 6 for receipt of the circuit board 11, the bottom of the U-shaped, 75, serves as a stop surface for aligning the circuit board 11 during insertion.
- the lower portion of the following member 34, cross-section 76 has a hook-like shape so that when the follower member is withdrawn as in the right-hand receptacle 10 in Figure 6, it is held down in the withdrawn position by engagement between the cam 33 and the hook-portion 76.
- the segment body 63 includes an outer segment support member 77 and an inner segment support segment 78.
- the spring contacts 64 are held in place between the respective support members 77 and 78.
- the inner support member 78 also serves to support the cam and follower members 33 and 34.
- any desired low insertion force mechanism can be employed as illustrated by the numerous Patents noted in the background of this application.
- the spring contact members 64 in one row can be biased towards the spring contact members 64 in the opposing row if desired, as illustrated in the background of this invention, the opposite approach can be employed.
- the follower member serves to deflect the spring contacts 64 to have the contact portions 65 engage the contact pads 35 or release the spring contacts so that they are spaced apart in their free state.
- actuating lever 37 is secured to the cam 33. This enables the operator to rotate the cam 33 by moving the lever 37 between its respective open and closed positions illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.
- the length of the lever 37 can be made much longer so that an operator need only reach to the top of the circuit board area in order to turn it.
- This embodiment also provides greater leverage on the cam 33 for easier operation.
- Yet another approach adapted for remote actuation is to substitute a lever 79, which by the use of a suitable linkage 80 pivotally connected to the end 81 of the lever 79, can be remotely actuated.
- the linkage 80 can be brought out through a hole, not shown, in the top of the card housing 13 shown in Figure 1. By pulling up on the linkage 80, the cam 33 is pivoted to open the receptacle for insertion of the circuit board 11. By pushing down on the linkage 80, the reverse of the operation takes place.
- the aligning and locking system 22 is comprised of locking levers 23 and 24.
- the body shell 19 includes a support extension 82 at its end 44.
- the lever 23 is pivotally supported about an extension base 83 by means of a split cylinder pin 84 inserted through holes 85 and 86 in the respective lever 23 and base 83.
- a second extension support base 87 includes a squarish hole 88 through which the cam 33 is inserted.
- the actuating lever 37 Prior to insertion of the cam 33, the actuating lever 37, fork-like projections 89, is positioned with a base 87 between the legs of the fork-like projections 89.
- a slot 90 in the fork-like projections 89 closely fits the cross-section of the cam 33.
- the cam 33 is held within the receptacle 10 after insertion. Insertion through each of the respective segments 20 by means of a split pin 91 inserted through a hole 92 in the cam 33 within a slot 93 is best illustrated in Figure 16.
- the pin 91 serves to lock the cam in place and the cam, in turn, serves to lock the actuating lever 37 in place.
- the locking lever 23 includes a first projection 27 which is adapted to be inserted in an alignment hole 25 on one side of the circuit board 11. It further includes a second projection 29 which is adapted to be inserted in the notch 28 on one side of the circuit board 11.
- the locking lever 23 also includes a follower portion 39 defined by the upper surface of one of the support legs 95.
- the follower portion 39 includes a notch 97.
- the actuating lever 37 includes a tab 38 which acts as a cam.
- the follower portion 39 also includes a stop portion 96 in operation when the lever 37 is in its vertical position as shown.
- the cam 33 disengages the segment follower 34 so that the contacts 31 and 32 close against the daughter boards.
- the tab or cam 38 has engaged the stop portion 96 to pivot the lever 23 against the circuit board 11 so that the projections 27 and 29 seat in the respective hole 25 and slot 28.
- the aligning and locking system 22 and actuating systems 36 include the second aligning and locking lever 24 and a second actuating lever 99.
- the second lever 24 and the second lever 99 are located at the opposing end 43 of the body shell 19.
- the extension 100 includes a support 101 about which the lever 24 is pivotally supported by a split pin 102. It extends through holes 103 in the lever 24 and 104 in the base 101.
- the cam rod 33 extends through a slot 93 terminating in a squarish hole 105 in a second support base 106 in the extension 100.
- the second actuating lever 99 includes a slot 90 which has a cross-section closely corresponding to the cross-section of the cam 33.
- the lever 99 is positioned about the cam 33 between the lever 24 and the support base extension 106.
- the lever 99 includes tab 38 corresponding to the tab of the lever 37.
- the lever 24 includes a follower portion 39 corresponding to the follower portion of the lever 23.
- the follower portions include a slot S including stop portions 97 and 98. It also includes stop portion S.
- lever 99 is tied to the operation of lever 37 by the cam 33.
- the inner action of lever 99 with the lever 24 via the tab 38 and follower 39 is identical to the inner action previously described with respect to the levers 37 and 23 and, therefore, is not described again.
- the lever 37 is moved between its respective open and closed positions, the lever 99 moves between corresponding positions and interacts with the lever 24 in the same manner as the lever 37 interacts with the lever 23.
- the projections 27 which serve to align and lock the circuit board 11 in the receptacle 10 are tapered so that a slight misalignment of the circuit board 11 does not prevent alignment and locking of the board into the receptacle.
- the taper of the projections 27 serve to move the board into its properly aligned position. It should be apparent that the contacts 67 of the receptacle 10 cannot be closed unless the circuit board 11 is properly locked and aligned within the receptacle. Any misalignment would prevent the projections 27 and 29 from being inserted in the respective alignment holes 25 and slot 28. This, in turn, would prevent the pivoting of the levers 23 and 24 into their fully and aligned positions.
- the receptacle lever 37 cannot be fully closed to the position shown in Figure 5 unless both corners of the circuit board 11 are fully seated in the connector housing. In the event of a misalignment, the operator cannot close the handle 37 completely and must readjust the circuit board 11 so that the alignment can take place.
- the lever 37 is in the position of Figure 5, the circuit board cannot be pulled out of the receptacle 10, out the side of the receptacle 10, unless the handle 37 is first pivoted to its open position as shown in Figure 4.
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- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Multi-Conductor Connections (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention herein relates to a circuit board connector system. It is particularly suited for use in computer systems wherein a series of daughter boards are connected to a mother board. The connector system of this invention enables the daughter boards to be inserted into the connector system readily by the computer user.
- For information, attention is drawn to our U.S. Patent No. 4,842,538, which corresponds to EP-A-85900323.8.
- It is known to make connections between daughter and mother boards by using pin connectors which are soldered to the respective boards. Alternatively, the pins may be electrically interconnected by a wrap-type connection. It is also known in a general sense to make high density connections between the daughter and mother boards.
- There are also a number of schemes which are known to provide zero or low insertion force connections. Typical low insertion force connectors are illustrated in U.S. Patent Numbers 3,553,630 to Scheingold et al; 4,179,177 to Lap- raik; 4,047,782 to Yeager; 3,899,234 to Yeager et al; 3,130,351 to Giel; 3,022,481 to Stepoway and 3,683,317 to Walkup. Similar devices are also disclosed in UK Patent Applications 2,028,015A to Ohtsuki and 2,022,329A to Leather.
- In the various prior art Patents and Patent Applications noted above, the connector assemblies include opposing rows of spring-type contacts. The low or zero insertion force mechanisms vary to some degree but generally include some mechanism for deflecting the spring contacts to space them apart to allow easy insertion of a printed wiring board to the connector. Thereafter, the contacts are put into engagement with corresponding pads on the printed wiring board to make the desired electrical connections. In some cases, the spring contacts are normally biased towards engagement with the printed circuit board and the low insertion force mechanism spreads them apart to allow entry of the printed wiring board to the connector. In other approaches, the contact members are normally spaced apart and are deflected by the low insertion force mechanism into engagement with the printed wiring board. It is also known to employ cam and follower arrangements as the low insertion force connector mechanism. The cam member is actuable to move the follower member to deflect or close the spring contacts as desired.
- In GB-A-1,048,062, there is described an electrical connector assembly which includes two or more spring contact strips which are clamped between two flat side plates by means of spring clip members at their ends. The side plates have a row of slots which receive tongues protruding from the sides of the spring contact strip units.
- In US-A-3,526,869, there is described a cam actuated printed circuit board connector which is activated by the movement of an actuating mounting in a horizontal plane.
- The present invention is defined in Claim 1.
- Arrangements described herein provide an electrical connector system which is divided up into a plurality of segments which can be self-aligned to a circuit board. The connector system can be mounted on the circuit board and, with the self-alignment of each segment, be less susceptible to shorting due to tolerance buildup.
- In one embodiment to be described, an electrical connector system comprises a receptacle which includes a body shell member and a plurality of independent segments supported therein with the segment including a multiple of electrical contacts arranged in opposing rows. The segments are supported in the body shell in an independent floating arrangement. The electrical contacts in each segment comprise spring-type members. First contact portions of the spring-type members at one end thereof are adapted to engage a plug member which can comprise a portion of an electronic module or circuit board. Second contact portions of the spring-type members at the opposing ends thereof are adapted to engage and electrically connect the receptacle to a circuit board such as a mother board. Each segment includes an alignment means which serves to align each segment independently on the mother board so that the appropriate contacts of the connector are electrically connected to desired contacts of the mother board.
- Preferably, the alignment means for each segment comprises a projection extending outwardly from the bottom thereof which is adapted to be inserted in an alignment hole in the mother board. The body shell, preferably, also includes an alignment projection for insertion in the corresponding alignment hole of the mother board.
- The floating support arrangement, preferably, comprises at least one support projection extending from a first and an opposing side of each segment in corresponding support holes for receiving the support projections in a first side and an opposing side of the body shell member. The support holes are larger in size than the respective support projections so that the support projections can be moved around within the support holes to provide the desired floating arrangement.
- Preferably, the body shell member includes an entry slot which is open at one end so that the plug portion of the circuit board or electronic module can be inserted transversely or longitudinally of a direction defined by the electrical contacts of the receptacle. Any desired number of segments can be included within the body shell and any number of receptacles, each including a plurality of segments, can be mounted on the mother board. Because the connector system contains a body shell with multiple segments therein, each segment can be customized as to its function in the system. For example, some of the segments can be configured to carry signals while others can be configured to be power carrying.
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- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a side entry card housing employing a plurality of connector systems in accordance with this invention.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a straight-in or top entry card housing employing a plurality of connector systems in accordance with this invention.
- Figures 3 and 3a are exploded perspective views of a connector system in accordance with this invention including a plurality of contact segments.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connector system in accordance with this invention mounted to a back plane or mother board with a low insertion force mechanism in its open position for insertion of a module board or daughter board.
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connector system as in Figure 3 which has been partially cut away to show the locking and alignment feature thereof with respect to a module board inserted therein.
- Figure 6 is an end view and cross-section of two adjacent connector systems in accordance with this invention with the low insertion force mechanism in respectively opened and closed positions.
- Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a connector system in accordance with this invention illustrating the locking and aligning mechanism.
- Figure 8 is a top view of one end of a connector system in accordance with this invention.
- Figure 9 is a side view of the end of the connector system shown in Figure 8.
- Figure 10 is an end view of the end portion of the connector system shown in Figure 8.
- Figure 11 is a front view of the locking and aligning lever arranged in the end of the connector system shown in Figures 8-10.
- Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the opposing end of the connector system in accordance with this invention.
- Figure 13 is an end view of the opposing end of the connector system shown in Figure 12.
- Figure 14 is a top view partially cut away to reveal the locking and aligning lever in the opposing end of the connector system of Figure 12.
- Figure 15 is a side view of the opposing end of the connector system of Figure 12.
- Figure 16 is a bottom view of the opposing end of the connector system as in Figure 12.
- Referring now to Figures 1-4, an embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail. The circuit
board connector system 10 of this embodiment is adapted to provide a high density of individual connections which permits increased speed of signals in the system. User serviceability is a particularly important concern in the personal computer field in addition to the maintenance aspect. The circuitboard connector system 10 of this embodiment allows the computer owner to add additional features by buying additional mother ordaughter boards 11 which can be readily inserted in the circuitboard connector systems 10 of this embodiment. The connector system can be mounted on a mother circuit board or backplane thereby adding increased features to the computer. - The circuit
board connector systems 10 of this embodiment can be arranged on themother circuit board 12 in one plane. In Figure 1,card housing 13 andmother circuit board 12 are arranged to receive adaughter circuit board 11 by sliding the daughter board in from the side of the mother board in a direction parallel to the plane of the mother board. The circuitboard connector system 10 of this invention acts as the bottom guide for themother board 11. Thecard housing 13 also includes top U-shaped eyes orguides 14 which, with the circuitboard connector system 10, serves to provide alignment for thedaughter board 11 as it is slid from the side into thecard housing 13. - It is a feature of the circuit
board connector system 10 of this invention that the daughter board can be inserted from the side as in Figure 1 or from the top as in Figure 2. In the embodiment of Figure 2, acard housing 15 includes a plurality of circuitboard connector systems 10 arranged in parallel and mounted to themother circuit board 12. Thecard housing 15 includes U-shaped side guides 16 arranged in correspondence with the circuitboard connector systems 10 along each of thesides card housing 15. In this embodiment, thedaughter board 11 is inserted into the circuitboard connector system 10 by sliding it down the side guides 16 and through the top of the circuitboard connector system 10. - The circuit
board connector system 10 of this invention requires no soldering to themother circuit board 12. Theconnector system 10 includes no pins which can be easily damaged or bent in making connections to themother circuit board 12. Preferably, theconnector system 10 is of the low or zero insertion force type so that thedaughter boards 11 are easily removed or inserted as desired. - In accordance with an embodiment of the invention which is best illustrated by reference to Figure 3, the
connector system 10 is comprised of abody shell 19 which is adapted to support, in a floating fashion, a plurality ofcontact segments 20. Eachsegment 20 can be customized as to its function in the circuitboard connector system 10. For instance, some of thesegments 20 can be configured to carry signals, while others can be configured to be power carrying. Thus,different segments 20 can serve totally different functions. Since thesegments 20 are supported in a floating arrangement within thebody shell 19 they can be independently self-aligned relative to themother circuit board 12. This can be achieved because thevarious segments 20 are able to slide within thebody shell 19 so that they can be precisely located on thecontact pads 21 of themother circuit board 12. This allows the circuit designer to concentrate on closer tolerances for thecontact pads 21 relative to one another on themother board 12 while allowing looser tolerances within theconnector system 10 itself. - In accordance with another aspect of the embodiment, a
system 22 for aligning and locking thedaughter board 11 within theconnector system 10 is provided. The system is briefly illustrated by referring to Figures 4 and 5. Aligning and lockinglevers body shell 19. Thedaughter boards 11 include a corresponding pair of alignment holes 25 and 26 in Figure 4. Theconnector system 10 is shown in its open position adapted for receipt and insertion of thedaughter board 11. - In Figure 5, the
connector system 10 is shown with thedaughter board 11 fully inserted and with the aligning and lockingsystem 22 in its closed position. In this position,projections 27 of the respective locking levers 23 and 24 are inserted within theholes daughter board 11 in a desired relationship relative to the plane of themother board 12.Projection 27 on lockinglever 23 serves to align the daughter board in a lateral sense within theconnector system 10.Projection 29 on lockinglever 23 obstructs one end ofcord slot 40 whenconnector 15 is in the closed position, assuring thatdaughter board 11 cannot be inserted in either the horizontal or the vertical direction until the connector is opened. Anotch 28 in the daughter board provides clearance forprojection 29 whenlever 23 is in the closed position with the daughter board properly in place. - In accordance with yet another aspect of the embodiment, the
connector system 10 employs a zero or lowinsertion force system 30 havingspring contacts cam 33 andfollower 34 arrangement. The cam and follower act upon thespring contacts hand system 10, a low or zero insertion force for the daughter board into the system. Conversely, when in a closed position, as shown in the right-hand system 10 of Figure 6, an electrically contacting engagement is made between the spring contacts andrespective contact pads 35 on thedaughter board 11. - In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the respective spring contacts are arranged in an alternating high and low fashion to allow an increased density of electrical contacts.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7-16, an
actuating system 36, is provided which is adapted to serially actuate the respective aligning and lockingsystem 22 and lowinsertion force system 30. Theactuating system 36 includes anactuating lever 37 which includes apad 38 which is adapted to operate as an actuating cam. It also includes afollower portion 39 on each of the locking levers 22 and 23. Upon pivoting the actuatinglever 37, thepad 38 andfollower portions 39 cooperate to provide the desired serial actuation of the respective aligning and lockingsystem 22 and lowinsertion force system 30. - The circuit
board connector system 10, and the various aspects of the invention embodied therein, is now described in greater detail to define the preferred embodiments thereof. Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 7 and 12, there is shown an electrical connector system which comprises an electrical connector receptacle for attachment to acircuit board 12 such as a mother board or backplane. Thereceptacle 10 is adapted to receive anelectrical plug member 11 which can comprise part of an electronic module or a circuit board such as a daughter board. -
Receptacle 10 is comprised of abody shell 19 andcontact segments 20 as previously described. Thebody shell 19 comprises anelongated slot 40 defined by opposingside walls end wall 43.Region 44 of the slot opposing theend wall 43 is open. Thecircuit board 11 can therefore be inserted into thereceptacle 10 from the top or from the side in the direction shown by the arrows e.g. at 45. - As shown in Figure 7 and 12, the
segments 20 are inserted into thebody shell 19 from the bottom. Thebody shell 19 includesinternal dividing walls 47 which divide the shell into a plurality ofchambers 48. The number ofchambers 48 corresponds to the number ofsegments 20 to be supported by thebody shell 19. A series ofdepressions 49 in theside wall internal walls 47. Generally centrally of each of theside walls respective chamber 48 there is located arectangular hole 50. This comprises part of a system for supporting thesegments 20 within thebody shell 19 in an independent floating arrangement so that eachsegment 20 can be independently aligned to thecircuit board 12. - The other elements of the floating
support system 51 are aprojection 52 correspondingly centrally located on eachsegment 20side wall projections 52 have a pyramid shape so that when thesegments 20 are inserted into thechamber 48, theprojections 52 spread apart therespective side walls projections 52 snap into theholes 50. Theholes 50 are larger in width and height than the corresponding width and height of theprojection 52 thereby allowing the segments to have a limited degree of freedom within thechamber 48 both vertically and from side to side and back to back. Astep 55 in each of theside walls internal step surface 56 limiting vertical movement of thesegment 20 when thereceptacle 10 is mounted to thecircuit board 12. This provides an effective means for clamping the segments down on thecircuit board 12. - Each
segment 20 includes alongitudinal ledge 57 in each of therespective side walls body shell 19 further includes analignment projection 58 at oneend 44 which is adapted to mate with a corresponding alignment hole in thecircuit board 12. Thesegments 20 include at one end analignment projection 61 adapted to seat in corresponding alignment holes 62 of thecircuit board 12 when thesegments 20 are inserted in thecavities 48 of theshell 19. Thealignment projections entire receptacle 10 and provide an effective means for aligning the receptacle on thecircuit board 12 when the projections seat in the alignment holes 59 and 62. Thesegments 20 can float particularly from side to side within thebody shell 19 to a limited extent since each segment includes its ownalignment projection system 61. - Very accurate alignment of each segment is achieved to the
circuit board 12 and there is no buildup of any tolerance mismatch over the length of thereceptacle 10. This is a highly significant feature since it is desired to pack as many contacts as possible into each segment. It is a unique feature of the present invention that a very high density of electrical contacts can be employed in the receptacle while maintaining adequate alignment with thecorresponding contact pads 21 of thecircuit board 12. - Each
segment 20 is composed of asegment body 63 which is arranged to support two opposing rows ofspring contact members 64. Oneend 65 of each spring contact member comprises a contact portion for engaging acorresponding contact pad 35 of adaughter board 11. The opposingend 66 of thespring contact member 64 comprises a lever-type contact portion for engaging and contacting thecontact pads 21 of themother board 12. The use of lever-type contact 66 andcontact pads 21 provides a gas-tight, high pressure connection. The end of thecontact portion 66 is forced into thecontact pad 21 and, by digging into it, makes a good electrical connection because it breaks through the oxides on the surface of the pad. With this type of contact arrangement, it is not necessary to provide gold contact pads or gold plating of theportion 66. A tin-to-tin connection, which is much less expensive, is thereby possible. Thecontact pads 35 on the daughter board, however, are normally gold plated. - The
contact members 64 can be selected to be signal carrying, such as thenarrow contact members 32, or they can be power or current carrying such as the relativelywider contact member 68. Thesegments 20 can therefore have their functions tailored as desired for handling signals or power or any other function which might be required. - It is a preferred feature of the present invention to provide the highest density of
contact members 64 in thesegment 20. This is partially accomplished by providing alternating high 32 and low 31 contact members in each respective row of contacts. Further, respectivehigh contacts 32 in one row are arranged in opposition to respectivelow contacts 31 in the opposing row ofcontact members 64. Correspondingly, alow contact 31 in the one row of contacts is an opposition to a high contact in the opposing row of contacts. These high andlow contacts contact pads 35 as illustrated in Figure 1 by staggering thecontact pads 35 in two rows as shown. - It is possible to provide a higher density of contacts with a greater tolerance concerning the alignment of the
contact portion 65 of each segment with thepads 35. This minimizes the risk of a misregistration between thecontact portion 65 of the respective high andlow contacts contact pads 35. It also enables a reduced chance of shorting in the event that thecontact portions 65 are slightly bent since there is quite a large distance between high contacts in any particular row. This is also true of the low contacts. This scheme permits the size of thepads 35 to be increased and minimizes the criticality of a spacing between the pads. - A series of
connector systems 10 can be placed on amother circuit board 12 with any type of conventional hold down or clampingdevice 70 such as the one illustrated in Figure 6. The clampingmembers step 55 in theside walls members mother board 12 bybolts 73 or otherwise fastened to thecircuit board 12 so as to enable thecontacts 66 of thespring contact members 64 to engage thepads 35 on themother board 12. As previously described, thestop surface 56 engages theledge 57 of thesegment 20 to hold thesegment 20 so that thecontacts 66 make good electrical connection to thecontact pads 35. The clampingmember 71 is adapted to be employed betweenadjacent receptacles 10 whereas the clampingmember 72 is adapted to clamp afree side 41 of thereceptacle 10. - A great deal of flexibility in constructing a computer circuit board system is possible with a design of this electrical connector system. The
receptacle 10 can have any multiple ofsegments 20; for example, 5, 7, 11, etc., as desired. A plurality ofreceptacles 10 can be arranged on the mother board in adjacent parallel relationship as shown in Figures 1 and 6. - If desired, the receptacle can extend beyond the
mother board 12 so thatadditional connector segments 20 in thereceptacle 10 can be connected to other types of plug portions and circuit connectors or elements. For example, thereceptacle 10 can encompass the mother board as well as accommodate other totally different types of connections located completely off the mother board. - Each of the
segments 20 includes a low or zero insertion force mechanism forsystem 30. Thecontact members 64 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6 are biased towards the contact members of the opposing row so that if they were in their free state, they would take the positions shown in phantom in the right-hand receptacle 10 of Figure 6. The low insertion force mechanism thereby employs acam 33 andfollower 34. - When the
cam 33 is rotated to a position shown in the left-hand receptacle 10 of Figure 6,follower 34 moves upwardly to deflect thespring member 64 in one row away from thespring members 64 in the opposing row. This allows thecircuit board 11 to be inserted in theslot 40 with a low or zero insertion force. When thecam 33 is rotated to the positions shown in the right-hand receptacle 10 of Figure 6, thefollower 34 is lowered to release thecontact member 64 so that thecontact portion 65 engages therespective contact pads 35 of thedaughter board 11. Preferably, each segment includes its ownseparate follower member 34. However, thecam member 33 preferably comprises a unitary member or metal rod extending through all thesegments 20 in thereceptacle 10. Thecam member 33 preferably has an oblong or oval cross-section. - The
top surface 74 of the follower member is arranged to engage thespring contact 64 to deflect them to space them apart or release them so that they can engage thedaughter board 11. Thefollower member 34 has a U-shaped cross-section for its upper portion. When it is positioned as in the left-hand receptacle 10 in Figure 6 for receipt of thecircuit board 11, the bottom of the U-shaped, 75, serves as a stop surface for aligning thecircuit board 11 during insertion. The lower portion of the followingmember 34,cross-section 76, has a hook-like shape so that when the follower member is withdrawn as in the right-hand receptacle 10 in Figure 6, it is held down in the withdrawn position by engagement between thecam 33 and the hook-portion 76. - The
segment body 63 includes an outersegment support member 77 and an innersegment support segment 78. Thespring contacts 64 are held in place between therespective support members inner support member 78 also serves to support the cam andfollower members - While the low or zero
insertion force mechanism 30 has been described by reference to the embodiment particularly shown in Figure 6, any desired low insertion force mechanism can be employed as illustrated by the numerous Patents noted in the background of this application. While it is preferred, in accordance with this invention, for thespring contact members 64 in one row to be biased towards thespring contact members 64 in the opposing row if desired, as illustrated in the background of this invention, the opposite approach can be employed. In such an opposite approach, the follower member serves to deflect thespring contacts 64 to have thecontact portions 65 engage thecontact pads 35 or release the spring contacts so that they are spaced apart in their free state. - As illustrated in Figure 7, actuating
lever 37 is secured to thecam 33. This enables the operator to rotate thecam 33 by moving thelever 37 between its respective open and closed positions illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. Alternatively, if desired, the length of thelever 37 can be made much longer so that an operator need only reach to the top of the circuit board area in order to turn it. This embodiment also provides greater leverage on thecam 33 for easier operation. Yet another approach adapted for remote actuation is to substitute alever 79, which by the use of asuitable linkage 80 pivotally connected to theend 81 of thelever 79, can be remotely actuated. For example, thelinkage 80 can be brought out through a hole, not shown, in the top of thecard housing 13 shown in Figure 1. By pulling up on thelinkage 80, thecam 33 is pivoted to open the receptacle for insertion of thecircuit board 11. By pushing down on thelinkage 80, the reverse of the operation takes place. - Referring now to Figures 4-5 and 7-16, the aligning and locking
system 22 and theactuating system 36 will be described in greater detail. As previously described, the aligning and lockingsystem 22 is comprised of lockinglevers body shell 19 includes asupport extension 82 at itsend 44. Thelever 23 is pivotally supported about anextension base 83 by means of asplit cylinder pin 84 inserted throughholes respective lever 23 andbase 83. - A second
extension support base 87 includes a squarish hole 88 through which thecam 33 is inserted. Prior to insertion of thecam 33, the actuatinglever 37, fork-like projections 89, is positioned with a base 87 between the legs of the fork-like projections 89. Aslot 90 in the fork-like projections 89 closely fits the cross-section of thecam 33. Thecam 33 is held within thereceptacle 10 after insertion. Insertion through each of therespective segments 20 by means of asplit pin 91 inserted through ahole 92 in thecam 33 within aslot 93 is best illustrated in Figure 16. Thepin 91 serves to lock the cam in place and the cam, in turn, serves to lock theactuating lever 37 in place. - Referring now more particularly to the actuating and locking
systems end 44 of thebody shell 19, reference is had to Figures 7-11. The lockinglever 23 includes afirst projection 27 which is adapted to be inserted in analignment hole 25 on one side of thecircuit board 11. It further includes asecond projection 29 which is adapted to be inserted in thenotch 28 on one side of thecircuit board 11. The lockinglever 23 also includes afollower portion 39 defined by the upper surface of one of thesupport legs 95. Thefollower portion 39 includes anotch 97. The actuatinglever 37 includes atab 38 which acts as a cam. Thefollower portion 39 also includes astop portion 96 in operation when thelever 37 is in its vertical position as shown. Thecam 33 disengages thesegment follower 34 so that thecontacts cam 38 has engaged thestop portion 96 to pivot thelever 23 against thecircuit board 11 so that theprojections respective hole 25 andslot 28. - When the
lever 37 is pivoted in the opposite direction to position as shown in Figure 4, thecam tab 38 does not pivot thelever 23 until it engages thestop portion 97 defined by the lower side of theslot 97. Therefore, as thelever 37 moves from thestop portion 96 to thestop portion 97, there is no movement of thelever 23. However, thecam 33 is rotated from its closed actuation position to its open actuation position. Thetab 38 engages thestop portion 97 before thelever 37 is rotated to its completely open position. After thetab 38 engages thestop portion 97, continued pivoting in a downwardly direction of thelever 37 causes thelever 23 to pivot away from the circuit board, thereby disengaging theprojections respective hole 25 andslot 28. Therefore, when thelever 37 is moved from its closed position to its open position, the contacts are first spaced apart under the action of thecam 33 andfollower 34 and then the locking lever is disengaged in a serial fashion. - When the
lever 37 is moved from its open position as in Figure 4 to its closed position as in Figure 5, a reverse series of operations occurs. When thelever 37 is in its full open position, thetab 38, due to the pivoting action of thelever 23, moves into theslot 96. Therefore, the upper side wall of theslot 98 is engaged by thetab 38 of thelever 37 as it begins its movement in an upwardly direction. This causes thelever 23 to pivot aboutpin 84 into its locking and aligned position against thecircuit board 11 with a small rotation of thelever 37. This small rotation however is insufficient to rotate thecam 33 sufficiently against thefollower 34 to close the contacts. As thelever 23 pivots under the action of thepad 38 against thestop portion 98, the tab moves out of theslot 97 just as thelever 23 fully aligns and locks against theboard 11. Thelever 37 is thereafter free to continue rotation to its upward position against thestop 96 and thereby release the contacts for engagement with the circuit board. Therefore, the action of thecam 38 andfollower 39 is such that when thelever 37 is moved from its open position to the closed position, shown in Figures 4 and 5, respectively the circuit board is first aligned and locked in place and then the contacts are released to engage the circuit board. - In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, the aligning and locking
system 22 andactuating systems 36 include the second aligning and lockinglever 24 and asecond actuating lever 99. Thesecond lever 24 and thesecond lever 99 are located at the opposingend 43 of thebody shell 19. By means of asupport extension 100, theextension 100 includes asupport 101 about which thelever 24 is pivotally supported by asplit pin 102. It extends throughholes 103 in thelever base 101. As previously described, thecam rod 33 extends through aslot 93 terminating in asquarish hole 105 in asecond support base 106 in theextension 100. - The
second actuating lever 99 includes aslot 90 which has a cross-section closely corresponding to the cross-section of thecam 33. Thelever 99 is positioned about thecam 33 between thelever 24 and thesupport base extension 106. Thelever 99 includestab 38 corresponding to the tab of thelever 37. Similarly, thelever 24 includes afollower portion 39 corresponding to the follower portion of thelever 23. The follower portions include a slot S includingstop portions - The operation of
lever 99 is tied to the operation oflever 37 by thecam 33. The inner action oflever 99 with thelever 24 via thetab 38 andfollower 39 is identical to the inner action previously described with respect to thelevers lever 37 is moved between its respective open and closed positions, thelever 99 moves between corresponding positions and interacts with thelever 24 in the same manner as thelever 37 interacts with thelever 23. - The
projections 27 which serve to align and lock thecircuit board 11 in thereceptacle 10 are tapered so that a slight misalignment of thecircuit board 11 does not prevent alignment and locking of the board into the receptacle. The taper of theprojections 27 serve to move the board into its properly aligned position. It should be apparent that thecontacts 67 of thereceptacle 10 cannot be closed unless thecircuit board 11 is properly locked and aligned within the receptacle. Any misalignment would prevent theprojections slot 28. This, in turn, would prevent the pivoting of thelevers tab 38 of thelevers 37 of 99 engaging thestop portion 96 on therespective followers 39. This prevents further pivoting of thelever 37 and thecam 33, thereby preventing engagement of the contact to thecircuit board 11. - Further, it is necessary that the projections or alignment pins 27 and 29 on both sides of the
receptacle 10 be seated in theirrespective holes 25 andslot 28 in order to completely close thecontacts 67 of thereceptacle 10. Thus, thereceptacle lever 37 cannot be fully closed to the position shown in Figure 5 unless both corners of thecircuit board 11 are fully seated in the connector housing. In the event of a misalignment, the operator cannot close thehandle 37 completely and must readjust thecircuit board 11 so that the alignment can take place. When thelever 37 is in the position of Figure 5, the circuit board cannot be pulled out of thereceptacle 10, out the side of thereceptacle 10, unless thehandle 37 is first pivoted to its open position as shown in Figure 4. - It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (14)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US55466383A | 1983-11-23 | 1983-11-23 | |
US554663 | 1983-11-23 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0165295A1 EP0165295A1 (en) | 1985-12-27 |
EP0165295A4 EP0165295A4 (en) | 1987-06-01 |
EP0165295B1 true EP0165295B1 (en) | 1991-01-16 |
Family
ID=24214219
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19850900320 Expired - Lifetime EP0165295B1 (en) | 1983-11-23 | 1984-11-20 | Connector assembly having independent contact segments |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0165295B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH0616432B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU571617B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR8407188A (en) |
DE (1) | DE3483968D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1985002498A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH0665090B2 (en) * | 1985-09-06 | 1994-08-22 | FPC connector | |
GB2217524A (en) * | 1988-04-13 | 1989-10-25 | Crl | Electrical connector |
US4892487A (en) * | 1989-06-15 | 1990-01-09 | Ibm Corporation | Connector assembly with movable carriage |
DE19939585A1 (en) * | 1999-08-20 | 2001-04-12 | Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag | Electrical connector |
DE19939580C2 (en) * | 1999-08-20 | 2003-11-27 | Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag | Electrical connector |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1048062A (en) * | 1965-04-30 | 1966-11-09 | Standard Telephones Cables Ltd | Improvements in or relating to electrical connectors |
US3399372A (en) * | 1966-04-15 | 1968-08-27 | Ibm | High density connector package |
US3518610A (en) * | 1967-03-03 | 1970-06-30 | Elco Corp | Voltage/ground plane assembly |
US3526869A (en) * | 1969-01-21 | 1970-09-01 | Itt | Cam actuated printed circuit board connector |
US4165909A (en) * | 1978-02-09 | 1979-08-28 | Amp Incorporated | Rotary zif connector edge board lock |
US4178053A (en) * | 1978-02-13 | 1979-12-11 | Ncr Corporation | Zero-insertion force electrical connector |
US4343523A (en) * | 1980-05-27 | 1982-08-10 | Ford Motor Company | Printed circuit board edge connector |
US4403819A (en) * | 1981-11-20 | 1983-09-13 | Amp Incorporated | Edge board lock |
AU570292B2 (en) * | 1983-11-23 | 1988-03-10 | Noschese, R. | Low insertion force circuit board connector assembly |
-
1984
- 1984-11-20 BR BR8407188A patent/BR8407188A/en unknown
- 1984-11-20 AU AU36792/84A patent/AU571617B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1984-11-20 EP EP19850900320 patent/EP0165295B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-20 WO PCT/US1984/001918 patent/WO1985002498A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1984-11-20 JP JP60500007A patent/JPH0616432B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1984-11-20 DE DE8585900320T patent/DE3483968D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS61500517A (en) | 1986-03-20 |
WO1985002498A1 (en) | 1985-06-06 |
AU3679284A (en) | 1985-06-13 |
DE3483968D1 (en) | 1991-02-21 |
EP0165295A4 (en) | 1987-06-01 |
BR8407188A (en) | 1985-11-05 |
JPH0616432B2 (en) | 1994-03-02 |
EP0165295A1 (en) | 1985-12-27 |
AU571617B2 (en) | 1988-04-21 |
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