JPH05211076A - Simm socket - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a SIMM socket with a durable metal latch incorporated with a wedge-shaped projection, a fixed tab, and installation means. CONSTITUTION: A socket 20 includes an insulated housing 30. The latch 100 is positioned within a pocket at both ends of the insulated housing 30. Each latch has two leg sections connected by a curve section. In the two leg sections, when a circuit board 4 of an electron module 2 turns in the slot 34 of the insulated housing 30, the wedge-shaped projection 110 bends in combination with the fringe of the circuit board 4. Each latch contains in combination with the wedge- shaped projection 110, the fixed tab 152, and a barb 18 and maintains the electron module 2 in cooperation with a hole 12 at the specified position of the insulated housing 30.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to electrical connectors or sockets for interconnection with electronic modules, and more particularly for securing electronic modules such as single in-line memory modules (hereinafter referred to as SIMMs) in place within the socket housing. The present invention relates to a zero insertion force type or low insertion force type SIMM socket having an elastic latch.

[0002]

SIMM is a high density, low profile, single in-line package for electronic components such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuit components. The plurality of components can be mounted side by side on a circuit board, the spacing being slightly larger than the height of the components themselves. The circuit board is a daughter card (child board)
The daughter card can then be attached to the mother card (parent board). The spacing between adjacent daughter cards should be slightly larger than the height of the individual circuit board or SIMM.

One way to attach a SIMM to a daughter board is to use a plug-in lead adjacent to one edge of the circuit board. These plug-in leads can be connected to conventional printed circuit board contacts such as micro spring contacts.

Sockets or connectors containing multiple contacts are also used to interconnect SIMMs to printed circuit boards. For example, US Pat. No. 4,737,120 discloses SI
An electrical connector of the type suitable for use with an MM has been disclosed which achieves zero or low insertion force between the terminals and the pads of the circuit board. The circuit board is inserted at an angle and then cammed into position. The insulating housing of the connector holds the circuit board in place. Another low insertion force type connector is U.S. Pat.
No. 917, No. 4,575,172, No. 4,826,446, and No. 4,832,617. Another socket of this type is the application number 07/398 filed on 24 August 1989.
It is disclosed in US Pat. No. 795. The contacts in each of these patents are edge punched. Sockets using this type of contact are suitable for use with centerline spacing of about 1.27 mm.

Conventional integrally molded plastic latches for zero or low insertion force SIMM sockets are commonly used to hold modules in place. The shape of the latching member provides the elastic characteristics that the latching member requires to cooperate with the daughter board. The latch member cooperates with the fixing member to maintain the electrical contact between the daughter board and the contact of the connector. The fixing member is formed in a substantially columnar shape separately from the latch member, and has a tab extending therefrom. This tab cooperates with the opening in the daughter board to keep the daughter board in place.

However, the above-mentioned shape of the latch member has some problems. A common problem with plastic latches is caused by the lack of wear resistance of the cam surface of the plastic latch hooks. These hooks can also be partially or completely sheared if the edges of the module board are sharp. Shear also occurs when the latch is driven into the latch stop when the module board is very long. While this latching of a conventional plastic housing prevents the latch from being overstressed, the hook is sheared when blocked at some point of flexion.

Plastic latches break when the module is impacted or pulled outward by an operator before the latch was deflected enough to disengage the hooks from the edges of the module. To be done. Since these connectors are designed to make about 25 mating and unmating cycles, it is quite possible that the plastic latch will be overloaded. Stress relaxation is more problematic for plastics suitable for use with SIMMs than for more elastic materials. Some permanent set occurs during the first cycle in which the plastic material is fully deflected. Slight distortion also occurs during the subsequent 24 cycles. Therefore, since the memory module circuit board may vary in size but is within the allowable range as a connector, it is possible to insert a relatively large circuit board into the slot and then a relatively small circuit board. When a large circuit board is inserted into the slot, the plastic latch can cause permanent set, and when a small circuit board is inserted, the latch cannot keep the circuit board in the slot and the connector functions. It will disappear.

Another problem with insulating housings having integrally formed latch and locking members is that they have flexible latch arms and robust locking tabs, except when all insulating materials are suitable for the socket housing. It cannot be used to mold the housing.
Suitable plastics for use in connector housings that generally have flexible, one-piece latch arms are more expensive than other materials. Latches molded from plastics that exhibit robustness and resilience and have little permanent set at room temperature may have reduced performance at elevated temperatures. It is essential that the SIMM or socket connector body maintain its shape without deformation when subjected to a load. Liquid crystal polymers are materials that meet the performance standards of SIMM connector housings. Molding these materials requires special care and requires extra expense on the part of the mold or on the cycle of the molding operation. For example, 1988
US patent application Ser. No. 07/234362, filed Aug. 18, 1996, describes the steps required to form a unitary member extending perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid crystal polymer used in SIMM sockets of this type. It is shown. Elimination of these right-angled protrusions, such as a one-piece plastic latch, facilitates molding of the insulating housing and even allows the use of inexpensive plastic that does not require elasticity except where required. Become.

Problems also exist with housings having locking tabs made of plastic. The locking tab cooperates with the opening in the daughter board to securely insert and maintain the daughter board within the housing. After a number of insertions and removals, the plastic fixing tabs wear out and fail.

One way in which the one-piece plastic latch may not be used is to use a separate metal latch molded of spring material. The metal latch has almost no distortion and a large deflection can be obtained. Also, the metal latches show little shear and minimal wear. There is US patent application Ser. No. 07/313261 filed February 21, 1989, which limits the compliance of the latch because the latch is partially secured to the base. Another problem is that during insertion of the SIMM in the socket, a force is applied to this type of metal latch and the spring contact of the terminal causes the electronic module to move, which force must be transmitted to a relatively weak housing. That's what it means. The fragility of this housing is due in part to the dimensional constraints of the socket, which results in the use of a relatively thin section within the insulating housing.

Accordingly, metal latch members that have sufficient compliance for SIMMs and that simplify the shape of the molded insulating housing are preferred. The present invention is SIMM
An elastic metal latch for a socket (hereinafter, simply referred to as a socket) is provided.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The SIMM socket of the present invention comprises an insulating housing having a slot into which a circuit board is inserted and at least one of both ends of the slot provided with a latch for engaging and holding the circuit board. In this SIMM socket, the latch engages with a mounting means integrally formed of an elastic metal plate to the insulating housing, a wedge-shaped projection for guiding the circuit board, and a hole of the circuit board. And a fixing tab for blocking the vertical movement of the circuit board. The socket has an insulating housing with a module receiving recess therein. A plurality of terminals are disposed within the housing and are configured to make electrical contact with the module as the module rotates from the first position to the second position. The terminals also impart a moment to the module when the module is in the second position.

A separate elastic latch means is located near one end of the housing. The latching means holds the electronic module in the second position and opposes the moment applied to the module by the terminals. The latch means has an integral wedge portion and an integral locking tab. The wedge portion flexes as the electronic module rotates between the first position and the second position. The locking tab extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the module receiving recess and cooperates with the opening of the electronic module to prevent the module from disengaging from the socket when in the second position.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The SIMM shown in FIG. 1, that is, an electronic module 2 such as a board is a circuit board having a plurality of integrated circuit components 6 (hereinafter referred to as IC components) fixed to one side or both sides of the circuit board 4 by lead wires 8. Have four. The IC component 6 may have a random access memory package (RAM), such as a caddy-like package connected by leads. Each circuit board 4 has a hole 12 at a position along each edge 10. These circuit boards 4 are usually JEDEC (Joint Electr
on Devices Engineering Council) Manufactured in compliance with standards. Although the JEDEC standard is applicable to SIMMs, it should be understood that modules of this type can be manufactured in large numbers in ways that do not strictly meet the standards applied. For example, the thickness or length of each circuit board 4 is JEDE
May not meet C criteria. This non-uniformity causes some problems in ensuring that one socket covers the full range of modules that may be used.

The socket 20 is used for interconnecting the electronic module 2 to the printed board 14. Each socket 20 has an insulating housing 30 having a plurality of terminals 22 disposed therein. The terminal 22 electrically connects the pad 21 of the circuit board 4 and the printed board 14. The construction of the individual terminals 22 is not the main part of this socket 20. This model may be of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,120, incorporated herein by reference. These terminals may also be of the type disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/398795 filed Aug. 24, 1989, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Insulation housing 30 comprises a unitary member molded of a suitable insulating material. Liquid crystal polymers can be used to mold the insulating housing 30. Other materials, such as polyphenylene sulfide called Ryton, a trademark of Phillips Petroleum Corporation, could be used to make this insulating housing 30. The insulating housing 30 has a central body 32 extending between the left and right support members 38. The central body 32 has a plurality of cavities 36 that intersect a central slot 34. The electronic module 2 is received in the slot 34. To place the electronic module 2 in the slot 34, the circuit board 4 of the electronic module 2 is inserted into the slot 34 and the electronic module 2 is rotated to the upright position. The shape of slot 34 and intersecting cavity 36 is not a feature of the present invention. Cavity 36 and slot
The shape of 34 can vary depending on the individual terminals 22 received therein.

Each support member 38, including an integral part of the insulating housing 30, includes a pocket 40 extending inwardly from the upper surface to the lower surface of the insulating housing 30, as best shown in FIGS. Each pocket 40 has an end wall 42, a front wall 44, a rear wall 46 and an inner wall.
48, each containing an integral part of the insulating housing 30. Front wall 44 and rear wall 46 extend parallel to slot 34 along the length of insulating housing 30. The end wall 42 extends at a substantially right angle to the slot 34. Inner wall 48 is from rear wall 46 to front wall
It extends towards 44, but is separated from the front wall 44 by a recess, which cooperates with the electronic module 2 positioned in the slot 34. Therefore, the inner wall 48 extends only to the portion of the pocket 40. The inner wall 48 is parallel and spaced from the adjacent end wall 42. A recess or inner wall 48 provides communication between the slot 34 and the pocket 40. This allows the slot 34 to communicate with the pocket 40 beyond the inner wall 48, while at the same time the pocket
It is possible for the walls of the insulating housing 30 with which at least one is integrated 40 to be defined on all sides. Each pocket 40 is open upward, but is partitioned by a lower surface, and each wall extends upward from the lower surface. The end wall 42 has a groove 58 extending upward from the bottom surface. The groove 58 forms an opening that communicates with the inside of the pocket 40.

An upwardly extending convex portion 50 is located adjacent to each pocket 40. This upwardly extending projection 50 extends upwardly from the rear wall 46 and is thus formed on one of the walls forming the pocket 40. The protrusion 50 recedes from the outside of the rear wall 46 to form a shoulder 54 behind the protrusion 50. The shoulder 54 extends along the rear of the protrusion 50. Each support member 38 includes pockets 40, and the walls forming the pockets 40 are mirror images of one another. This is because the pockets 40 are one on the right side of the insulating housing 30 and the other on the left side. The insulating housing 30 is positioned on the printed board 14 by mounting pegs 56 extending from the bottom surface thereof.

A plurality of terminals 22 arranged in the cavity 36
Are formed to electrically connect to the pads 21 of the electronic module 2 when the electronic module 2 is rotated to the second upright position. Each terminal 22 has a second electronic module 2
A moment is applied to the electronic module 2 when it is in the upright position. To counter the moment applied to the electronic module 2 by the terminals 22, a U-shaped latch 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as a latch) is arranged at 40 in each pocket.
The latch 100 holds the electronic module 2 in the first position,
It has means for countering the moment applied by the electronic module 2 by means of the terminals 22. Although the latch 100 is located at each end of the insulating housing 30 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that it may be sufficient to have only one latch 100 at one end for some applications. is there. The latch 100 has a separate member formed of elastic metal. Depending on the application, a separately molded latch may be used.
It may be appropriate to use a plastic latch if the insulating housing is made of a relatively rigid plastic, but the latch may have to be made of a flexible, more expensive plastic. .. The latch 100 with the pocket 40 together with the support member 38 comprises means for holding the electronic module 2 in the first position. latch
100 is fixed to the end wall 42. However, with non-deflecting capability, the latch 100 engages both the end wall 42 and the inner wall 48.

The latch 100 has an inner leg 102 and an outer leg 104,
They are the middle bends 106 located at the bottom of the latch 100.
Are linked by. In the non-deflected configuration of the latch 100, the inner leg 102 engages the inner wall 48. The outer leg 104 is fixed to the insulating housing 30 at a point close to the upper end of the latch 100. When the electronic module 2 is engaged with the wedge-shaped projection 110 located on the top of the inner leg 102 and the latch 100 is bent during the rotation of the electronic module 2, the latch 100 is locked by the wedge-shaped projection 110 and the outer leg 10.
4 and the engaging portion of the insulating housing 30 are subjected to stress over their entire length to form a compliant spring. The latch 100 is inserted from the top of the insulating housing 30 into the corresponding pocket 40 such that the curved portion 106 is located above the lower surface of the pocket 40, so that the curved portion 10 is bent while the latch 100 flexes.
6 is not regulated by the bottom surface. A central notch 108 extends from the bend 106 to the inner leg 102 and the outer leg 104 to allow the latch 100 to be more flexible.

Each latch 100 includes a wedge-shaped protrusion 110 located on the upper end of the inner leg 102. The wedge-shaped protrusion 110 engages with the edge of the circuit board 4 of the electronic module 2. As best shown in FIG. 5, the latch 100 is deflected by the electronic module 2 as the electronic module 2 is pivoted to the second position, during which the edges of the module 2 engage the wedges 110. .. During rotation of the electronic module 2, each latch 100 flexes outward at the end of the slot 34. As shown in FIG. 6, when the electronic module 2 reaches the upright second position, the latch 100 holds the electronic module 2 in engagement with the terminals.
Keep within 30.

The wedge-shaped projection 110 is formed by stamping the latch 10.
It has a deep drawing portion of 0 and is located near the front end of the latch 100. The wedge-shaped protrusion 110 projects from the top of the pocket 40 and the outer leg 10
Includes a front slope 112 projecting toward 4. A smooth surface that does not damage the edges of the circuit board 4 is formed on the front portion of the wedge-shaped protrusion 110 as described above. A rear stop 114 located immediately behind the front bevel 112 extends at a right angle to the outer leg 104. However, this rear stop surface 114 lies on the inner surface of the wedge-shaped projection 110. The rear stop surface 114 is connected to the first plane 116 located immediately behind it. The rear stop surface 114 extends at a right angle to the first plane 116, and the first plane 116 extends rearward from the rear stop surface 114. First plane
116 is parallel to the outer leg 104. The length of the first plane 116 is sufficient so that the edge of the electronic module 2 is located near the first plane 116 when the electronic module 2 is in its first upright position.

The second plane 150 is located at the rear end of the first plane 116. The second plane 150 extends inwardly from the first plane 116 at a right angle thereto. The second plane 150 is parallel to the rear stop surface 114 and is separated from the rear stop surface 114 by a distance sufficient to receive not only the electronic module 2 but also the upwardly extending projection 50. Latch 10 with upwardly extending projection 50
Latch 10 placed in pocket 40 to support 0
0 is wound around the portion of the protrusion 50 in which the second plane extends at least upward. Rear wall 46 and convex portion 50 extending upward
Is generally stronger than the other walls forming pocket 40.
In particular, the upwardly extending projection 50 located on the rear wall 46 is more robust than the relatively thin end wall 42. By winding the second plane 150 around the upwardly extending projection 50, an additional support member is provided to the latch 100, which counteracts the moment applied to the electronic module 2 by the terminal 22. Second
The plane is located behind the protrusion 50 and on the top of the shoulder 54. The second plane 150 is free to move along the rear of the upwardly extending projection 50 and the shoulder 54 while the latch 100 flexes.

The third plane or locking tab 152 is the second plane 150.
Extends from the edge of. The fixed tap 152 is substantially perpendicular to the second plane and substantially parallel to the first plane 116. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the locking tab 152 is wrapped around at least the portion of the protrusion 50 that projects upward. This shape causes the locking tabs 152 to traverse the slots 34 and be positioned over the slots 34 and pockets 40. Fixing tab 152 is circuit board 4
Is sized to be received in one of the holes 12 in the.

Since the fixing tab 152 and the first plane 116 are separated by a distance larger than the width of the convex portion 50, the wedge-shaped projection 110 can move relative to the convex portion 50.

The latch 100 can be inserted into the pocket 40 from above. When the latch 100 is fully inserted into the pocket 40, the barbs 118 (attachment means) formed outward on the outer leg 104 are received in the grooves 58 of the end wall 42. The interengagement of barb 118 and groove 58 prevents inadvertent disengagement of latch 100 from pocket 40 and provides a fixation point near the upper end of outer leg 104 of latch 100. Latch 100 in this position
The entire area of the barb 118 flexes freely between the points of engagement of the barbs 118 and the grooves 58, but the wedge-shaped projections 110 do not flex relatively. It should be noted that the latch 100 flexes as the inner leg 102 moves toward the outer leg 104.
Although the end wall 42 is sufficient to counteract the force applied to the latch 100 during flexion, the moment applied to the latch 100 by the engagement of the terminal 22 with the electronic module 2 is relatively thin end wall 42. Depending on the shape of, the end wall 42 may be too large to be opposed. Latch 100 is the outer leg 10
The overstressing member 122 extending inwardly from the top of 4 is deflectable until it engages the inner leg 102 and the end wall 42 is in the first position with the electronic module 2 fully engaged with the terminal 22. It isn't just the role of supporting the latch 100 at one point. The maximum moment applied to the electronic module 2 by the terminal 22 is when the electronic module 2 is pivoted to the upright position and the latch 100 is fully engaged with the edge of the circuit board 4 along the rear stop 114 of the wedge-shaped projection 110. It should be noted that this occurs in

When the circuit board 4 is pivoted to the locked position, the circuit board 4 cooperates with the latch 100. Circuit board 4 as shown in FIG.
When the is first rotated, the edge 10 of the circuit board 4 will engage the latch 100.
Engaging the wedge-shaped protrusion 110 of the wedge-shaped protrusion 110, and the wedge-shaped protrusion 110 moves toward the end wall 42. This movement of the wedge-shaped protrusion 110 is controlled by the overstress member 122 as described above and by the cooperation of the fixing tab 152 and the protrusion 50. As shown in FIG. 5, when the circuit board 4 is rotated, the inner surface of the fixing tab 152 may engage with the convex portion 50, thereby controlling the movement of the latch 100 and controlling the latch 100.
Prevents permanent deformation.

Depending on the shape of the end of the fixed tab 152, the tab 152
Moves in the hole 12 to the position shown in FIG. The end portion of the fixing tab 152 has an inclined shape, which allows the fixing tab 152 to move freely into the hole 12 without damaging the side wall of the hole 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the circuit board 4 reaches the fully rotated position, the edge 10 of the circuit board 4 has a wedge-shaped protrusion 11.
Moving towards 0, it allows the wedge-shaped projection 110 to elastically return to its original position. In this position, the first plane 116
The surface of is engaged with the protrusion 50. The fixing tab 152 has the protrusion 50
It moves away from and is located approximately in the center of the hole 12 in the circuit board 4.

When the circuit board 4 is rotated from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface 154 of the securing tabs 152 engages the surface of the holes 12 to force the circuit board 4 into the slots 34 more strongly. Collaborate. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the hole 12 is engaged with the bottom surface 154 of the fixing tab 152 by the rotation of the circuit board 4. The bottom surface 154 is angled so that when the circuit board 4 is rotated, a downward force is applied to the circuit board 4 to fully insert the circuit board 4 into the slot 34. Therefore, the bottom surface 154 of the fixing tab 152
Cooperate with the surface of the hole 12 to securely mount the circuit board 4 in the groove 34.

The basic function of the latch 200, which illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention in FIGS. 8-12, is substantially the same as that described above for the latch 100 except for a few points.

A locking tab as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 12.
252 has a curved shape near its free end. The curved shape of the free end is sized so that the free end cooperates with the hole 12 in the circuit board 4 and will be described in detail below.

Locking tabs as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
252 is a front end portion 260, a circuit board mounting portion 262, and a pivot portion.
Has 264. When the circuit board 4 is pivoted from the first position to the second position, the edge 10 of the circuit board 4 cooperates with the wedge-shaped protrusion 210 to move the wedge-shaped protrusion 210 toward the end wall 42. Wedge-shaped protrusion 210
When is moved, the locking tab 252 is also forced to move towards the end wall 42. The fixed tab 252 continues to move unrestricted until its pivot portion 264 engages with the inclined surface 266 of the convex portion 50. As shown in FIG. 10, when the pivot portion 264 and the inclined surface 266 are engaged, the fixing tab 252 and the second flat surface 25 are formed.
0 rotates around the edge of the first plane 216. When the rotation causes the circuit board 4 to move to the second position, the tip portion 260 and the circuit board mounting portion 262 are reliably spaced so as to be located at the center of the hole 12. When the circuit board 4 is in the first or second position, the tip portion 260 and the circuit board mounting portion 262 are positioned at the center of the hole 12 so that the height of the circuit board mounting portion h becomes substantially equal to the diameter of the hole 12.

It is important to maintain the height h of the circuit board mount 262 as close to the diameter of the hole 12 as possible.
If the diameter and the height h are substantially the same, when the circuit board 4 is completely inserted and is in the second position, the circuit board 4 does not move horizontally with respect to the insulating housing 30, and Electrical contact is reliably maintained between the terminals 22 and the pads on the circuit board 4.

13 to 15 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The basic function of the latch 300 is substantially the same as that of the latch 100 except for a few points.

As shown in FIG. 15, the fixing tab 352 is provided on the second plane 35.
It extends from 0 at an obtuse angle. The locking tabs 352 are angled such that the ends of the locking tabs 352 are offset from the center of the hole 12 when the circuit board 4 is in the second position. It should be noted that when the circuit board 4 is in the first position, the end of the locking tab 352 is located approximately in the center of the hole 12.

A locking tab as best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
352 is twice as thick. The locking tabs 352 are formed by folding the material around the bottom surface 354. As a result, the bottom surface 354 becomes a relatively smooth surface, and the circuit board 4
Does not deform the side surface of the hole 12 when rotating from the first position to the second position.

16 to 18 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fixed tab 452 of the latch 400 has a first movable portion 470 and a fixed portion 472 fixed to the first movable portion 470 via a curved portion. The first movable portion 470 is connected to the second plane 450 and extends at a right angle therefrom.

As best shown in FIG. 18, the projection 50 'has a wide base 480 and a narrow top 482. The base 480 cooperating with the fixing portion 472 is formed to have a width substantially equal to the distance between the first plane 416 and the fixing tab 452. Therefore, when the circuit board 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the fixed portion 472 remains stationary even if the first movable portion 470 moves.

When the fixed portion 472 remains stationary, the bending portion 474 also remains substantially stationary. Curved part 474
Is substantially stationary so that when the circuit board 4 moves from the first position to the second position, the curved portion 474 is located substantially in the center of the hole 12. The separation of the locking tabs 452 provides the elastic property of allowing the latch 400 to move between the first and second positions.

FIG. 19 shows a fifth embodiment of a latch 500 similar to the latch 400 shown in FIGS. 16-18. Securing tab 552
Has a split beam shape and forms a longitudinal elastic arm which allows the latch 500 to have the desired elastic properties. Since the elastic arm has a considerable length,
The ends of the locking tabs 552 can rest to align with the center of the hole 12.

FIG. 20 shows that the locking tabs 652 extend from the region 690.
Region 690 shows the sixth embodiment latch 600 extending from outer leg 604. In this embodiment, the securing tabs 652 are the circuit board 4
Remains stationary even when rotating from the first position to the second position.

21 and 22 show a seventh embodiment of a latch 700 having a first leg 702 and a second leg 704 connected by a bend 706. Portions of the first leg 702, the second leg 704 and the curved portion 706 are positioned in recesses that are offset and substantially parallel to the slots 34 of the insulating housing 30. Latch 700
Are secured in the recess by barbs 708.

The recess is sized so that the first leg 702 is movable in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the recess. In other words, when the electronic module 2 pivots between the first and second positions, the first leg 70
The free end of 2 is movable relative to the second leg 704.

Each latch 700 includes a first plane 716 that extends integrally and substantially at a right angle with the free end of the first leg 702. A wedge 710 extends from the first leg 704. The operation of the first plane 716 and wedge 710 is similar to that described with respect to FIGS.

The locking tab 752 extends from the free end of the second leg 704. The part of the fixing tab 752 is positioned so as to engage with the insulating housing 30, and the fixing tab 752 is fixed.
However, the stationary state may be surely maintained.
Due to the shape of the latch 700, the locking tab 752 remains relatively stationary as the first leg 702 moves relative to the second leg 704.

Although the latch 700 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is stamped and formed from metal stock, it may be formed of a draw wire or other similar material.

It is possible for those skilled in the art to change the configuration to various embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. The above description and the accompanying drawings are given as examples. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0049]

As described above, in the SIMM socket of the present invention as described above, the latch is formed by punching out from a metal plate having elasticity, and has a mounting means to the insulating housing, a wedge-shaped projection for guiding the circuit board, and a hole in the circuit board. Since the fixing tabs that engage with each other and prevent the circuit board from moving up and down are integrally formed, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, since the latch and the circuit board mainly cooperate to hold the circuit board in the upright state, the insulating housing having a comparatively weak strength is not overloaded and damaged. Moreover, since the portion for holding the circuit board is integrally formed of the metal plate, it is extremely sturdy and the circuit board can be stably held.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a SIMM socket having integrated latches at both ends.

2 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the insulating housing of the SIMM socket of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a latch positioned in the SIMM socket of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the latch of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the socket showing the circuit board rotated into position within the socket in which the latch of the first embodiment is located.

FIG. 6 is a plan view similar to that shown in FIG. 5, showing the position of the latches of the first embodiment after the circuit board is fully inserted into the socket.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a latch end located in a hole in a circuit board.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the latch similar to FIG. 1 placed in a SIMM socket.

9 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the latch of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the socket showing the circuit board rotated into position within the socket with the second latch disposed therein.

FIG. 11 is a plan view similar to FIG. 10, showing the position of the latch of the second embodiment after the circuit board is fully inserted in the socket.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an end portion of the latch of the second embodiment arranged in the hole of the circuit board.

13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the latch similar to FIG. 1 placed in a SIMM socket.

14 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the latch of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of the socket showing the position of the third embodiment latch after the circuit board is fully inserted into the socket.

16 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment latch similar to FIG. 1 positioned in a SIMM socket.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the latch of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the latch of FIG. 16 positioned in a SIMM socket.

19 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment latch similar to FIG. 1 placed in a SIMM socket.

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of the socket showing the position of the latch of the sixth embodiment after the circuit board is fully inserted in the socket.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment latch similar to FIG. 1 positioned in a SIMM socket.

22 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of the latch of FIG. 21. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

4 Circuit board 12 holes 20 SIMM socket 30 Insulation housing 34 Slots 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700
Latch 110, 210, 710 Wedge 118 Mounting means 152, 252, 352, 452, 552, 652, 752
Fixed tab

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A SIM comprising an insulative housing having a slot into which a circuit board is inserted and at least one of the ends of the slot having a latch for retaining the circuit board.
In the M socket, the latch is attached to the insulating housing integrally formed by using an elastic metal plate, a wedge-shaped projection that guides the circuit board, and engages with a hole of the circuit board. A SIMM socket having a fixing tab for preventing the circuit board from moving up and down.