Edge connectors and contacts used therein

U.S. Patent Number: 5393234

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to offer an edge connector which requires less space for insertion of a card and has a reduced stress in the housing due to dissipation of mechanical stress. Accordingly, the invention comprises a C-shaped connector 1 having a housing that has a reception groove 8 and guiding grooves 10, 10' for a memory card 100. In the upper walls forming the guiding grooves 10, 10' protrusions 12, 14 are formed. These protrusions match indentations 108, 110 in the memory card. The memory card 100 can be inserted into the guiding grooves 10, 10; only when the protrusions 12, 14 and indentations 108, 110 are properly aligned. After that the memory card is moved along the grooves 10, 10' toward the contacts 70, 70' arranged in the main body 4 of the housing. Contacting arms 78, 78' of adjacent contacts 70, 70' make connection alternately with the conducting pads 106 on the upper surface 111 and lower surface 112 of the memory card 100, thus preventing the concentration of mechanical stress in the housing 2 retaining contacts 70, 70' therein and to the solder connections of the contacts to a circuit board 18.

Inventors: Yamada; Shoji (Machida, JP), Yamada; Tomoo (Yokohama, JP)

Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation (Wilmington, DE)

Application Number: 08/097,701

Issued: 1995-02-28

Expired: 2007-02-28

Classes: 439/62 ; 439/637; 439/64

Field of search: 439/62,377,629-637,328,329,64,326

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