Actuator for zero insertion force connectors

A zero insertion force type connector for electrically engaging two substantially parallel edges of a printed circuit board comprising:

• a first and a second base portion supporting a first and a second housing respectively, each housing having two rows of contacts therein;
• an elongated slot in each of said housings between said two rows of contacts for receiving said board along a path that is substantially parallel to said slot;
• said first and second housings being arranged so that a plane passes through both of said slots whereby said printed circuit board, lying in said plane, enters said slot in each of said housings;
• actuator means;
• first means responsive to said actuator means for moving said printed circuit board to a fixed position;
• and
• second means responsive to said actuator means for moving said rows of contacts toward said plane after said board is moved to said fixed position, whereby said contacts engage and wipe electrical contact areas on said board.

A zero insertion force type edge connector for electrically engaging one edge of a printed circuit board comprising:

• a first and a second base portion supporting a first and a second housing respectively, said first housing having at least one row of electrical contacts therein;
• an elongated slot in each of said housings for receiving said printed circuit board along a path substantially parallel to said slot;
• said first and second housings being arranged so that a plane passes through both of said slots whereby said printed circuit board, lying in said plane, enters said slot in each of said housings;
• actuator means;
• first means responsive to said actuator means for moving said printed circuit board away from said first base portion and toward said second base portion to a fixed position;
• and
• second means responsive to said actuator means for moving said at least one row of contacts towards said plane passing through said slots, after said board is moved to said fixed position, whereby said contacts engage and wipe electrical contact areas on said board.

A zero insertion force type edge connector for electrically engaging at least one edge of an electronic component comprising:

• a first and a second base portion supporting a first and a second housing respectively, at least one housing having at least one row of electrical contacts therein;
• an elongated slot in each of said housings for receiving an edge of said electronic component;
• actuator means;
• first means responsive to said actuator means for moving said electronic component to a fixed position, said first means including resilient means located at the bottom portion of said elongated slot in said at least one housing having at least one row of contacts;
• and
• second means responsive to said actuator means for moving said at least one row of electrical contacts toward said electronic component after said electronic component is moved to said fixed position, whereby said contacts engage and wipe electrical contact areas on said electronic component.

A zero insertion force type connector for electrically engaging two substantially parallel edges of a printed circuit board comprising:

• a first and a second base portion supporting a first and a second housing respectively, each housing having two rows of contacts therein;
• an elongated slot in each of said housings between said two rows of contacts for receiving said board along a path that is substantially parallel to said slot;
• said first and second housings being arranged so that a plane passas through both of said slots whereby said printed circuit board, lying in said plane, enters said slot in each of said housings;
• actuator means;
• first means responsive to said actuator means for moving said printed circuit board to a fixed position wherein said first means moves said printed circuit board away from said first base portion and toward said second base portion;
• and
• second means responsive to said actuator means for moving said rows of contacts toward said plane after said board is moved to said fixed position, whereby said contacts engage and wipe electrical contact areas on said board.