Smart card connector with preloaded data contacts

摘要

A smart card connector with a card slot for receiving a smart card employs an end position switch comprising a single resilient contact (14) engaging a stationary post (16) to detect full insertion of a smart card. The resilient contact (14) and the post (16) are mounted in the rear of a housing base (4) which includes resilient data contacts (12) mounted in contact cavities (38) located at the front and rear of the housing base. Contact arms (88) on the data contacts (12) are preloaded so that each contact (12) engages the smart card with a prescribed force and extends into the housing slot for a prescribed distance. The contact arms are located in channels (34) in the housing base and lateral protrusions (36) extending from separator ribs (32) defining the contact channels (34) engage the contacts to preload them. The housing base (4) also includes resilient cantilever diverter springs (18,) molded into the housing base which both protect the data contacts (12) and provide a reactive force to counter the force exerted by the normally closed resilient contact (14) upon full insertion of the smart card. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>