Self-aligning socket connector

Abstract

Disclosed is an improved IC socket comprising a socket body having a seat surface formed its compartment, on which seat surface an IC package can be put, terminals aligned in confronting relation and mounted in the socket body, each terminal has a contact portion to make contact or engage with a selected lead of the IC package, and an actuator member for displacing the contact portions of the terminals between the withdrawing position in which the contact portions of the terminals are apart from the seat surface of the socket body and the advancing position in which the contact portions of the terminals are so close to the seat surface of the socket body as to permit the contact portions to engage with the leads of the IC package. The contact portion of each terminal comprises a first contact element having an engagement surface confronting the upper surface of the lead and a second contact element having an oblique engagement surface confronting the lower edge of the end of the lead. With this arrangement the IC package can be automatically put in centering position relative to the terminals of the socket.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.