Electrical connector with low insertion force and overstress protection

[54] ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WITH LOW INSERTION FORCE AND OVERSTRESS PROTECTION

[75] Inventors: Dimitry G. Grabbe, Middletown;

Iosif Korsunsky, Harrisburg, both of
Pa.

[73] Assignee: AMP Incorporated, Harrisburg, Pa.

[21] Appl. No.: 926,547

[22] Filed: Not. 12, 1986

[51] Int. CI.* H01R9/09

[52] U.S. CI 439/326; 439/328;

439/636; 439/856

[58] Field of Search 339/258 R, 258 P, 176 MP,

339/75 MP, 91 R; 439/325-328, 629-637, 856,

858, 861, 862

[56] References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Re. 26,692 10/1969 Ruehlemann 339/258 P

3,199,066 8/1965 Eledge et al 339/176 MP

3,601,775 8/1971 Longenecker et al 339/258 P

3,631,381 12/1971 Pittman 339/176 MP

3,732,531 5/1973 Bouley 339/258 R

3,795,888 3/1974 Nardo et al 339/176 MP

3,848,952 11/1974 Tighe, Jr 339/91 R

3,920,303 11/1975 Pittman et al 339/91 R

4,136,917 1/1979 Then et al 339/17 L

4,172,626 10/1979 Olsson 339/17 F

4,185,882 1/1980 Johnson 339/176 MP

4,431,252 2/1984 Cairns et al 339/176 MP

4,557,548 12/1985 Thrush 339/258 P

4,558,912 12/1985 Coller et al 339/64 M

4,575,172 3/1986 Walse et al 339/75 MP

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

1129580 5/1962 Fed. Rep. of Germany ... 339/258 R

Primary Examiner—John McQuade

Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Bruce J. Wolstoncroft

[57] ABSTRACT

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.

16 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets