(57) Multiple contact electrical connector with stress controlled connector spring contacts
(40) is provided for use in making electrical contact with a plurality of conductive
pads [54, 66) formed along an insertable edge (58) of a printed circuit board (12).
The contacts (40) are mounted in slots (38) formed along an elongated cavity (14)
in a connector housing (13). Each spring contact (40) includes opposed, deflectable
contacting portions (50, 52) for engaging the conductive pads (54, 56). Portions (50,
52) are at different elevations to define an opening through which the edge (58) of
the printed circuit board may be inserted in the cavity (14) with low or zero insertion
force. Subsequently, the printed circuit board is rotated upright into a final contacting
position, in which the conductive pads (54, 56) engage and deflect the contacting
portions (50, 52) with a relatively high contact force. The connector housing includes
first and second integrally formed stop faces (46, 48) respectively associated with
each of the opposed contacting portions (50, 52) that control or limit the deflection
of the contacting portions and the resultant stress imparted to the spring contacts.
Latches (28) hold the printed circuit board (12) in its upright position against further
stop faces (60) or posts (20, 22).
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