Zero insertion force edge clip interconnect pin

摘要

An electrical interconnect pin, particularly suitable for attachment to the edge of a flexible printed circuit board or "flex circuit", has an edge clip with an opening that can be temporarily enlarged to facilitate the attachment of the pin to the edge of a circuit board. The pin includes an elongated shank with a rectangular cross section and two substantially identical clips attached to opposite sides of the shank. To attach the pin to a printed circuit board, the pin is placed on a flat surface with the shank parallel to the surface. A force is then applied to the shank just below the clips and perpendicular to the surface. This force opens up the edge clip and the edge of the printed circuit board is then inserted into the opening of the edge clip. After the force is removed, the edge clip clamps down on the circuit board, temporarily attaching the pin to the board. The pins can then be permanently affixed to the board by soldering.