Tilt latch zero insertion force connector assembly

摘要

A connector assembly is disclosed having both the capability of being mass terminated and for effecting zero insertion force mating with conductive holes of a printed circuit board or the like. The subject connector system includes a pair of identical housing members, each of which receives a plurality of terminals therein, and a pair of hermaphroditic cover members. Each housing member is an elongated member of insulative material having a mating face and a plurality of terminal receiving passages opening onto the mating face. The terminals each have a first end lying within the housing and capable of effecting mass termination of individual conductors by insulation displacing means and a second end extending from the mating face of the housing in resilient cantilever beam fashion. Each of the hermaphroditic/cover members encloses a respective one of the housing members to form a complete subassembly. Each subassembly is mated to a circuit board in a tilted condition with the resilient beams of the terminals extending into the conductive holes of the circuit board. The subassemblies are then rotated relative to each other to latch the cover members together while bringing the beams into contact with the side walls of the conductive holes thereby effecting contact therewith while securing the connector assembly in the printed circuit board.