ZIF socket connector having means for preventing CPU mounted on the connector from deformation due to a clamping force acting thereon

A socket connector for electrically interconnecting a central processing unit (CPU) with a circuit board, comprising:

• a base defining an array of terminal cells;
• a plurality of conductive contacts received in the respective terminal cells;
• and
• a cover slidably mounted on the base defining an array of pin holes corresponding to the terminal cells and communicating therewith for insertion of pins of the CPU therethrough, the cover having a supporting surface for supporting the CPU, a plurality of supporting posts upwardly formed on the supporting surface and among said pin holes;
• wherein
• said supporting posts are essentially located at least around a central portion of said array of pin holes.

A socket connector assembly comprising:

• a Central Process Unit (CPU) with a plurality of pins downwardly extending from a bottom surface thereof, each of said pins defining an upwardly enlarged tapered configuration around a junction portion with said bottom surface;
• a printed circuit board located below said CPU;
• a base located below said CPU while above the printed circuit board and defining an array of terminal cells;
• a plurality of conductive contacts received in the respective terminal cells and soldered on the printed circuit board;
• and
• a cover slidably mounted on the base defining an array of pin holes extending downwardly from a top surface of the cover and corresponding to the terminal cells and communicating therewith for insertion of pins of the CPU therethrough, each of said pin holes defining an upwardly enlarged tapered configuration generally compliant with the corresponding upwardly enlarged tapered configuration of the pin;
• the CPU being seated upon the cover in a vertical direction, the bottom surface of the CPU being spaced from the top surface of the cover with a plurality of supporting posts sandwiched therebetween around a central portion of said array of pin holes for supporting in said vertical direction;
• wherein said supporting posts define a space for allowing said upwardly enlarged tapered configuration of each of said pins is exposed to an exterior in a transverse direction perpendicular to said vertical direction.