ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH LOW INSERTION FORCE AND OVERSTRESS PROTECTION

• Main Authors: KORSUNSKY, IOSIF, GRABBE, DIMITRY G
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; Korean
• Published: 31.10.1992
• Edition: 5
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; CURRENT COLLECTORS; ELECTRICITY; LINE CONNECTORS

The invention is directed to an electrical connector (2) for electrically connecting contact surfaces (74) of a daughter board (18) to contact areas (46) of mother board (34). The connector (2) has contacts (36) positioned therein, the connector (2) having posts (38) which extend from the connector (2) and make electrical engagement with contact areas (46) of the mother board (34). The daughter board (18) is then inserted into the connector (2) under reduced or zero insertion force conditions and rotated to its operating position. As this rotation occurs, contact projections (60, 72) of the contacts (36) engage the contact surfaces (74) of the daughter board (18). The rotation is translated into a positive wiping action between the contact projections (60, 72) and the contact surfaces (74), thereby ensuring that a positive electrical connection is effected. The resilient nature of the contacts (36) ensures that this wiping action occurs under normal force conditions. The configuration and characteristics, i.e. the low spring rate of the spring portion (68), allow the contacts (36) to be used many times without taking a permanent set, thereby ensuring that a positive electrical connection is effected with each use. To prevent the daughter board (18) from warpage and bowing during use, a support member (88) is provided which cooperates with the board (18). The support member (88) not only maintains the board (18) in proper position, but also acts as a shielding member if required.