Surface mount stacking connector

Abstract

First and second connector members extend in one direction, for example, horizontally, and include pairs of left and right hand non-conducting tenons projecting transversely from each member in another direction, e.g., vertically. Each pair of tenons forms a channel for receiving a tenon of the other member when the connection is made. Each left hand tenon carries a conductor strip which includes a resilient contact surface within the channel formed by the tenon pair, and each right hand tenon carries a right hand conductor strip including a resilient contact surface outside the channel formed by the tenon pair. Each left hand resilient contact surface is adapted to mate with a right hand resilient contact surface when the members are engaged, thereby effectuating two electrical connections between the engaged pair of tenons. Each conductor strip extends, e.g., vertically, a distance greater than the extent of the tenons in the second direction and has a second resilient conducting surface for mating with an equipment terminal or other lead outside the channel, such as a surface mount plate. Each conductor strip is preferably in the form of a vertically extending, unitary member having the conductor surface at one end, a hook at the other end for engaging an exterior ridge on a tenon, and a locking projection intermediate the strip ends for engaging a notched opening in the tenon. The conductor surface is cantilevered laterally from the conductor strip and has a stop member associated therewith the limit the flexure of the conductor surface during interaction with the contact pads of the board or plate to which the connector is mounted.