Low insertion force electrical connector with stress controlled contacts

Abstract

A low insertion force multiple contact electrical connector with stress controlled connector spring contacts for use in making electrical contact with a plurality of conductive pads or strips formed along an insertable edge of a printed circuit board includes a plurality of smooth, continuously-curved connector spring contacts mounted in slots formed along an elongated cavity in a connector housing. Each spring contact includes a C-shaped portion with opposed, deflectable contacting portions for engaging the conductive strips disposed on opposite sides of the insertable edge of the printed circuit board. The opposed contacting portions define an opening through which the edge of the printed circuit board may be inserted in the cavity of the connector housing with low or zero insertion force. Subsequently, the printed circuit board is pivoted or rotated through an angle into a final contacting position, in which position the conductor strips on the printed circuit board engage and deflect the contacting portions of the spring contacts with a relatively high contact force. The C-shaped terminal portion is free to rock about a mounting leg integrally formed therewith. The connector housing includes first and second integrally formed stops or limit surfaces respectively associated with each of the opposed contacting portions of each spring contact that control or limit the deflection of the contacting portions and the resultant stress imparted to the spring contacts.