Multi-pin zero insertion force connector

Claim 1

An electrical connector for interconnecting a plurality of terminal pins in predetermined array to companion apparatus, comprising: (a) a base; (b) a plurality of contacts supported by said base in said array, each such contact having a first terminal for connection to said companion apparatus and a second terminal adapted for receiving one such terminal pin and having facing elements biased into preselected attitude for electrically engaging said terminal pin; and (c) first and second cam means defining first and second plate members supported in said connector for movement responsive to operator input in respective opposite first and second senses, said first and second plate members including openings therethrough for passage of said facing elements of said contacts, plate member surfaces bounding said openings being engageable with said contacts for displacing same from such biased attitude to facilitate low force insertion of said terminal pins therein upon movement of said first and second cam means, said first and second cam means defining respective first and second surfaces accessible exteriorly of said base for receipt of said operator input, said first and second plate members further including respective first and second plate sections each having a tab extending endwise orthogonally thereof, such tabs extending directionally oppositely of one another in said connector and defining respective abutments for the plate sections in the course of said movements of said first and second cam means, exterior surfaces of said tabs defining said cam means first and second surfaces.