ZIF PGA socket and contact therein

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention generally relates to sockets for electrical components, and particularly to sockets for electronic package having therein contacts arranged in a grid array wherein such socket require that zero force be applied to the contacts therein during insertion and removal of the electronic package into and from the socket.

#2. The Prior Art

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the presently preferred embodiment of a ZIF PGA socket assembly without contacts within according to this invention wherein instead of the actual grid array arrangement, only three cavities in the base and three holes in the lid are shown thereof for illustration.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of the socket assembly of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid of the socket assembly of FIG. 1 with portions thereof cut-away to show the detent structure and the shroud structure on the underside and the backside.

#References will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the preferred embodiment by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by appended claims.

#It will be noted here that for a better understanding, like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures in the embodiment. Attention is now directed to FIG. 1 wherein a ZIF PGA socket assembly 1 includes a base 10, a lid 40 slidably attached thereon which is moved by a cammed actuator 70.

#Also referring to FIG. 2, the base 10 comprises a generally rectangular member 11 made form a dielectric plastic material and having an optional rectangular opening 14 in the center portion. A plurality of spaced apart cavities 12 extend vertically through the base 10 for receiving the corresponding contacts 80 as shown in FIG. 5, respectively. A plurality of spaced stand-offs 16 extend downward along the periphery of the base approximate the bottom surface for mounting the base on a PC board (not shown), wherein one stand-off 16' has an expanded lateral dimension for having the actuator 70 seated thereon.