Low insertion force connection arrangement

摘要

A low insertion force connection arrangement for establishing a connection between at least two printed wiring boards, each including a plurality of terminals. The connection arrangement includes a plurality of connection springs each having a pivot point facing away from the printed wiring boards and located between two actuator engaging areas. The actuator engaging areas face the printed wiring boards and are located between two contacts. The contacts are located at opposite ends of the connection spring facing and in alignment with a corresponding terminal of the printed wiring boards. A connector body is provided including a plurality of grooves each adapted to receive one of the printed wiring boards and a plurality of spring receiving cavities each enclosing a pair of connection springs. Alternate actuators engage the actuator engaging areas to simultaneously pivot all connection springs or in the alternate, sequentially pivot groups of connection springs and disengage the springs from the terminals to thus permit insertion of the printed wiring boards within their respective grooves. The actuators are then disengaged from the actuator engaging areas to permit the springs to simultaneously or in the alternate to sequentially restore and engage the printed wiring board terminals.