Low profile edge connector

Abstract

An edge connector (12, FIG. 1 ) of simple construction and small thickness is provided, with a forward end which can receive a card or circuit board (14) and a rear end which can receive a pluggable connector (40), to connect contact pads (70) of the circuit board to terminals (110, 112) of the pluggable connector. The connector includes an insulative housing (16) having a rearward end portion (20) and having upper and lower cantilevered beams (22, 24). The beams extend forwardly from the rear portion, with a gap (26) between them, and with the front end (30) of the gap having an increased thickness to receive the circuit board. A flat flexible cable (34) lies in the gap, with a front (122) that is upwardly bent and received in a slot (124) of the upper beam portion, and with the forward portions of the cable conductors being exposed at their lower surfaces (164). An actuator (74) extends between the upper and lower beam portions and can be slid forwardly (F) to squeeze the beam portions together, to press the exposed conductor surfaces firmly against the conductive pads on the circuit board. The circuit board has slots (100, 102) in its edge, which receive pins (106, 108) that extend across the enlarged front end (30) of the gap.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.