All plastic zero insertion force electrical connector

Abstract

A all-plastic ZIF (zero insertion force) electrical connector offers the advantages of low cost and ease of manufacturing inherent to plastic. According to a first embodiment of the invention, an all-plastic ZIF electrical connector has a bias means connected to a first half of the connector for providing a bias force to force the first half of the connector against a PCB (printed circuit board) or other circuitry inserted between the first half and a second half of the connector. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the all-plastic ZIF electrical connector is attached to a flexible printed circuit which allows a first half of the ZIF electrical connector to be flexed slightly to increase the space between the contact fingers to accommodate insertion of the PCB without the need to force the PCB between the contact-making fingers of the connector when the PCB is inserted into the connector. In particular the connector is intended to be used on a flexible printed circuit which can be flexed slightly to increase the space between the contact fingers to accommodate insertion of the PCB. After the PCB has been inserted into the space between the electrical contact fingers, fastening means may be attached onto the ends of the electrical connector to maintain the electrical contact between the electrical connector and the PCB. The second embodiment offers the ability to insert the PCB with low or no insertion force, thus avoiding damage to electrical contacts on the PCB while still being able to effect a tight mechanical and electrical contact between the contacts of the connector and the connections on the PCB.