US6159038A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compression header connector having strain relief and mountable to frame of hard disk drive
Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd
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Filing: 1999-04-21
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Granted: 2000-12-12
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Expires: 2019-04-21
Abstract
Abstract A ZIF compression header connector comprises a housing having lower and upper faces. A plurality of terminal cells is defined between the lower and upper faces. At least a retaining wedge is formed on an outer wall of the housing. An elongate slot is formed in the upper face. A plurality of terminals is assembled in the corresponding terminal cells. Each terminal includes a base portion retained within the terminal cell, a first spring arm extending into the elongate slot, and a second spring arm extending downward for electrically contacting a conductive pad. A plunger is assembled to the housing for urging an inserted FFC against the first spring arms of the terminals. The plunger has a retaining bar for detachably securing to the housing to provide a strain relief function.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry Wu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:04
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R12/00; H01R12/70; H01R12/82; H01R12/85; H01R12/89; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/926
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A ZIF compression header connector comprising: a housing having first and second faces, a plurality of terminal cells formed between the first and second faces, at least a retaining wedge formed on an outer wall of the housing for retaining the connector to a frame of a hard disk drive, the housing further forming flanges extending from the second face and forming a peripheral skirt, a groove defined between the peripheral skirt and the outer wall of the housing for receiving sealant therein, an elongate slot formed in the second face; a plurality of terminals assembled in corresponding terminal cells, each terminal including a base portion retained within a corresponding terminal cell, a first spring arm extending into the elongate slot, and a second spring arm extending opposite the first spring arm for electrically contacting a conductive pad; and a plunger assembled to the housing for urging an inserted FPC against the first spring arms.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A ZIF compression header connector comprising: a housing having first and second faces, a plurality of terminal cells formed between the first and second faces, at least a retaining wedge formed on an outer wall of the housing for retaining the connector to a frame of a hard disk drive, the housing further forming flanges extending from the second face and forming a peripheral skirt, a groove defined between the peripheral skirt and the outer wall of the housing for receiving sealant therein, an elongate slot formed in the second face; a plurality of terminals assembled in corresponding terminal cells, each terminal including a base portion retained within a corresponding terminal cell, a first spring arm extending into the elongate slot, and a second spring arm extending opposite the first spring arm for electrically contacting a conductive pad; and a plunger assembled to the housing for urging an inserted FPC against the first spring arms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the plunger includes a tongue extending into the elongate slot for urging the FPC against the first spring arms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 2, wherein the tongue includes a first face for supporting the inserted FPC and a second face for abutting against an inner wall of the housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 2, wherein the plunger includes a dam having an entrance slot for insertion of the FPC.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 4, wherein the entrance slot of the dam is flush with the first face of the tongue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the plunger includes at least a retaining lug for engaging with the housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 6, wherein the housing forms a retaining plate for retaining the retaining lug.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 7, wherein the retaining plate forms a hump portion defining a first position at which the plunger is initially inserted into the elongate slot of the housing and a second position at which the plunger is fully inserted.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The compression header connector as recited in claim 1, wherein a contacting end of the first spring arm extends into a path of insertion of the FPC.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-06-12 | 2004-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-06-12 | 2008-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-12 | 2012-06-12 | 2012-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |