US 4,902,234 A · Electrical connector assembly including pressure exertion member

Abstract

An electrical connector assembly for connecting two circuit members (e.g., printed circuit board, flexible cable) each including a plurality of electrical connectors thereon. The assembly includes a pressure exertion member having a substantially rigid (e.g., metallic) base plate, a plurality of compressible, silicone rubber elements attached to one surface of the base plate to provide the desired pressure when compressed, and a resilient member attached to an opposing side of the base plate such that compensation is provided for surface elevation variations in the first and/or second circuit members upon compression of the exertion member. The assembly includes a means (e.g., clamp) for retaining the invention's exertion member against one (e.g., the second) of the circuit members in final assembly. The invention is able to provide sound electrical connection over prolonged periods of time and during exposure to relatively harsh environmental conditions (e.g., high heat and moisture).

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electrical connector assembly comprising:

a first circuit member including a plurality of electrical conductors;
a second circuit member including a plurality of electrical conductors;
a pressure exertion member for exerting a predetermined pressure against said second circuit member to cause each of said electrical conductors of said second circuit member to electrical contact a respective one of said electrical conductors of said first circuit member, said pressure exertion member including a substantially rigid base plate, a plurality of compressible elements located on a first side of said base plate for providing said predetermined pressure when compressed, and a resilient member located on a second side of said base plate for compensating for variations in surface elevations in said first and/or second circuit members during exertion of said predetermined pressure against said second circuit member;
and
means for retaining said pressure exertion member against said second circuit member to cause said compression of said compressible elements and said exertion of said predetermined pressure.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electrical connector assembly including pressure exertion member

Life of this patent

Electrical connector assembly including pressure exertion member

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20