High deflection, high density single sided electrical connector

Abstract

This specification discloses a zero or low insertion force single or multiple contact electrical connector with single sided spring contacts with inherent high deflection contact capability upon insertion of a printed circuit board into the connector. The connector comprises a plurality of spring single sided contacts generally rectangularly shaped mounted in slots formed along an elongated cavity in a connector housing. Each contact pair includes a single sided deflectable contacting portion 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 with zero or low 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. A staggered, alternating pattern of conductive pad contacts on both sides of the printed circuit board yields up to doubling of the number of contacts in a given amount of space along the edge of the board as compared to contacts having traditional double-sided contacts that grip both sides of the board.