ELECTRONIC COMPONENT SOCKET WITH EXTERNAL LATCHES

摘要

The invention provides a socket (17) for substrates (10) such as single in-line memory modules, circuit boards, and similar components which are inserted into and rotated into fixed position on the socket. The socket housing includes end portions (25) having improved structural integrity for externally mounting cooperative latch elements (36). The external mounting permits a greater variety of latch sizes and configurations to suit operational requirements. An exemplary latch (36) is preferably metal and comprises a mounting collar (34) having a compliant C-section which corresponds to a latch-receiving section or member on the socket housing, a detent (33) for clasping a memory module, and a resilient section (36) connected therebetween for biasing the detent so that it clasps the memory module in fixed position in the socket. The latch collar is mounted onto the cooperative section of the socket end portion, and the latch is thereby disposed exteriorly on the socket body.