Zero insertion force electrical connector for flat cable

Claim 1

A zero insertion force electrical connector for a flat cable (29), comprising: a dielectric housing (1) mounting a plurality of terminals (2) in a generally parallel array, the housing having opposite sides (6) and a front end with an opening (8) between the sides for receiving an end of the flat cable (29) in engagement with contact portions (13) of the terminals (2); a pressure plate (3) pivotally mounted relative to the housing (1) for floating movement between a first position allowing free insertion of the flat cable (29) into the opening (8) and a second position biasing the cable against the terminals (2), the pressure plate having an extension (15a) on its rearward end for movement beneath an overhanging shelf means (28) on the housing; and a forwardly facing cam surface (17) on the pressure plate (3) for abutting a rearwardly facing cam surface (9) on the housing (1) as the pressure plate is rotated about a moving pivot from its first position to its second position causing the extension (15a) of the pressure plate to advance beneath the overhanging shelf means (28) on the housing, sandwiching the end of the flat cable (29) between the contact portions (13) of the terminals (2) and the pressure plate (3).