Electrical connectors – Preformed panel circuit arrangement – e.g. – pcb – icm – dip,... – With provision to conduct electricity from panel circuit to...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-21
2001-06-12
Paumen, Gary F. (Department: 2833)
Electrical connectors
Preformed panel circuit arrangement, e.g., pcb, icm, dip,...
With provision to conduct electricity from panel circuit to...
C439S331000, C439S571000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244875
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an electrical connector, and in particular to a socket connector for electrically connecting an electronic device to a printed circuit board.
2. The Prior Art
A variety of socket connectors for mounting an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit module, to a printed circuit board is well known in the art. One of the socket connectors comprises a plate-like body for supporting the electronic device thereon. A plurality of cavities is defined in the socket body for receiving and retaining conductive contacts whereby when the electronic device is loaded on the socket connector, conductive terminals of the electronic device electrically engages corresponding contacts of the socket connector. Raised walls extend along a periphery of and thus surround the socket body defining a recess therebetween for properly positioning and retaining the electronic device on the socket body.
Conventionally, the walls are integrally formed with the socket body as a single unit by means of a molding process. Due to difference in thickness between the walls and the body, warpage often occurs during the molding process. Serious warpage of the socket may lead to poor electrical engagement between the contacts of the socket and the printed circuit board.
It is thus desired to provide a socket connector which is capable to reduce warpage and thus overcomes the above problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a socket connector which has reduced warpage during molding process.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a socket connector comprising a plate-like base housing and a retention module separate from each other for facilitating manufacture thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a socket connector having a separate retention module releasably attached to a plate-like body by a clip forming a single device for simplifying the process of mounting the socket connector to a circuit board.
Yet a further object is to provide a socket connector comprising board locks for being tightly fit into corresponding holes defined in a circuit board, each board lock having a bifurcated configuration forming two opposite legs having projections formed thereon extending in exactly opposite directions for facilitating deflection of the bifurcated configuration thereby reducing the force required to mount the connector to a circuit board.
To achieve the above objects, a socket connector in accordance with the present invention comprises a rectangular base plate positioned on a circuit board and retaining an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit, thereon for establishing electrical connection between the electronic device and the circuit board by means of contacts retained therein. Bumps are formed on the base plate for engaging with notches defined in the electronic device to precisely positioning the electronic device with respect to the base plate. A retention module comprises a frame having four wall segments defining an interior space therebetween for receiving the base plate. A pair of sideways projections is formed on one wall segment with aligned holes defined therein for receiving pivots of a resilient clip thereby making the clip movable between an open position where the base plate is exposed for receiving the electronic device and a closed position where the clip resiliently engages with the electronic device thereby securing the electronic device to the base plate. A pair of sideways projections is formed on an opposite wall segment each having a barb for engaging an opening defined in a corresponding resilient arm of the clip for fixing the clip at the closed position. Each sideways projection forms a bifurcated board lock for being received in a hole defined in the circuit board. A pin is inserted into a bore defined in each sideways projection to expand the board lock thereby securely fixing the socket connector to the circuit board.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5163837 (1992-11-01), Hopfer et al.
patent: 5302853 (1994-04-01), Volz et al.
patent: 5485351 (1996-01-01), Hopfer et al.
Lin Nick
McHugh Robert G.
Yu Hsing-Yu
Chung Wei Te
Hon Hai - Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
Paumen Gary F.
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