US 5,966,267 A · Long arm compression connector with bump header

Abstract

A compression arm connector for connecting two circuit substrates in a disk drive and a method of producing the same are provided. The compression arm connector replaces the need for two vertical connectors and a base plate header traditionally used in disk drives for connecting the two circuit substrates. Another compression arm connector for connecting wires to solder pads on a circuit substrate are also provided. The contacts of this compression arm connector are bent through an angle of more than about 90.degree. to form a deflectable member and a solder member. The solder member may be exposed through the connector housing through the use of solder windows or passageways formed in the housing. Both connectors are capable of exhibiting large wipe and deflection capabilities. Additionally, both connectors can be used in a low-cost disk drive provided by the invention.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A compression arm connector comprising:

an insulative housing;
a conductive element received in said insulative housing for electrically interfacing a first and a second substrate, comprising:
a first elongated portion oriented generally perpendicular to the first substrate and adapted to engage the first substrate;
a second elongated portion generally parallel to said first elongated portion and positionable adjacent the second substrate;
a third elongated portion located between and generally parallel to said first and second elongated portions;
a first generally U-shaped bend joining said first and second elongated portions;
a second generally U-shaped bend joining said second and third elongated portions;
and
a cantilevered element angularly extending from said second elongated portion and having a protrusion thereon adapted to engage the second substrate;
wherein said cantilevered element deflects against a conductive surface of the second substrate to laterally wipe said protrusion across said conductive surface to produce a wipe of at least about 0.02 inches.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Long arm compression connector with bump header

Life of this patent

Long arm compression connector with bump header

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19