Two-step ejection mechanism

Abstract

A card connector for electrically coupling a PC card to an electrical device is provided. The card connector comprises a header section having a plurality of terminal pins disposed within the header section. A first and second elongated arm section are integrally coupled with the header section. Each one of the arms extend from a first end to a second end thereby forming a slot which is adapted to receive the PC card and guide the PC card into electrical contact with the terminal pins. A guide housing is securely disposed over said first arm. A push-rod is slidably mounted within the guide housing and adapted to move from a first position to a second position. A post is disposed within the guide housing. A swing arm is pivotally mounted on the push-rod and is adapted to engage and disengage with the post as the push-rod moves from the first position to the second position. A first spring is in communication with said swing arm. A second spring is biasingly disposed of within the guide housing in communication with the first spring. A rod is slidably mounted within the guide housing in communication with the push-rod. A link is movably coupled with the header in movable communication with the rod. The link is adapted to engage the PC card. The push-rod protrudes away from the first arm at the first position and is relatively flush with the first arm at the second position.