Electronic card connector with foldable card release bar

Abstract

An electronic card connector includes a header having two opposite guide arms for receiving an electronic card therein. Contact elements are retained in the header and are electrically engageable with the electronic card. A card release bar is axially and movably mounted to one of the guide arms for operating a card release mechanism to release the electronic card from the connector. The release bar includes a button section having a fixed block fixed to the card release bar and a movable block pivotally mounted to the fixed block to be movable between a stowed position and a working position. Snap-fit elements are provided between the movable block and the fixed block corresponding to the stowed position and the working position for releasably retaining the movable block at the stowed position and the working position. A spring is mounted between the fixed block and the movable block for biasing the movable block toward the stowed position. In the absence of the snap-fit means, the spring helps to retain the movable block at the stowed position.