Abstract: In an electrical connector adapted to be interposed between two connection objects to electrically connect the connection objects to each other, a flexible conductive film, mounted on a base member, includes a flexible insulating film having an outer surface and an inner surface. The flexible insulating film is folded near a rear edge of the base member into a generally U shape with the outer surface kept on the outside. The flexible conductive film has a film conductive pattern formed not only the outer surface of the flexible insulating film but also on the inner surface of the flexible insulating film.

Abstract: A parallel wire is installed on a board. Wire parts of strip-off margins at both ends of the parallel wire are bent so as to form bent portions before the wire parts are inserted into the board. The wire parts inserted into the board are prevented from being removed from the board by the bent portions and soldered to the board, while being moved in a dip bath. The bent portions are respectively formed into substantially U-shapes so that the substantially U-shaped bent portions are oriented opposite each other in a case where the parallel wire is in a flat state before the wire parts are inserted into the board and the substantially U-shaped bent portions are oriented in the same direction after the wire parts are inserted into the board, whereby solder uniformly accumulates on the wire parts to fix the wire parts to the board when the wire parts inserted into the board are moved in the dip bath in said direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of electrical coupling apparatuses and methods. In one embodiment, an electrical coupling apparatus is provided having a first contact array on a card, where the first contact array is located at a first predefined position relative to an insertion edge of the card. The apparatus also includes a flexible printed circuit having a second contact array corresponding to the first contact array, where the second contact array is positioned in alignment with the first contact array. A compliant interposer material is positioned between the first and second contact arrays, the compliant interposer material electrically coupling respective pairs of contacts in the first and second contact arrays. Also, the insertion edge is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, the second contact array being positioned relative to the insertion edge so as to mate with a corresponding contact array in the receptacle when the insertion edge is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of electrical coupling apparatuses and methods. In one embodiment, an electrical coupling apparatus is provided having a first contact array on a card, where the first contact array is located at a first predefined position relative to an insertion edge of the card. The apparatus also includes a flexible printed circuit having a second contact array corresponding to the first contact array, where the second contact array is positioned in alignment with the first contact array. A compliant interposer material is positioned between the first and second contact arrays, the compliant interposer material electrically coupling respective pairs of contacts in the first and second contact arrays. Also, the insertion edge is configured to be inserted into a receptacle, the second contact array being positioned relative to the insertion edge so as to mate with a corresponding contact array in the receptacle when the insertion edge is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling mechanism between the optical subassembly and the circuit board using the FPC board. The mechanism according to the present invention may release the mechanical stress induced in the root portion of the lead pin of the optical subassembly and shows a superior productivity. The optical assembly provides a plurality of lead pins arranged in at least two rows. The FPC board bent in the U-shape is put between rows and soldered to the lead pins in the pads thereof. One piece of the FPC board is extended to the circuit board and soldered thereto.

Abstract: A flat cable 11 has a connecting end 23 provided with a conductor exposing part 24, in which an insulating coating 22 is removed so as to be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals 3 and a plurality of conductors 21 are exposed. A cable holder 12 has a cable winding part 26 around which the conductor exposing part 24 is wound so as to be turned back and a provisional holding part 27 which is rotatably supported and presses and holds the connecting end 23. A fitting housing 13, is fitted into a to-be-connected housing element 2 with the connecting end 23 and the cable holder 12 inserted thereto. A clamping part 14 is arranged in an insertion port 36 of the fitting housing 13, presses the provisional holding part 27 to the cable winding part 26, and presses and clamps the connecting end 23 to the cable winding part 26 from both sides.

Abstract: In a floating connector (101) including a fitting portion (20) and a fixed portion (40), a supporting mechanism (1) is connected to the fitting portion and the fixed portion to support the fitting portion to the fixed portion so that the fitting portion may float in a fitting direction (26) of a mating connector (102). A floating control mechanism (22, 25) is arranged between the fitting portion and the fixed portion. When the mating connector is not fitted to the floating connector, the floating control mechanism locks or inhibits the floating of the fitting portion. However, the floating control mechanism enables the floating of the fitting portion in response to a fitting operation of the mating connector to the floating connecter. Use of the mating connector causes motion of a slide plate (22) and rotation of a stopper (25) about an axis (25a, 13) and results in release of the fitting portion (20) to enable it to float in a selected direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in connector for connecting two flat strip conductors, including at least one spring element which provides the required normal contact power for the connection of the two flat strip conductors. The spring element contacts the two flat strip connectors and produces the electric contact between the two flat strip connectors.

Abstract: A parallel-transmission flat cable that is equipped with a connector unit is provided. This parallel-transmission flat cable includes: a parallel-transmission flat cable member that has pairs of signal transmission paths and ground portions that are arranged alternately so as to enable parallel transmission, and has pairs of signal terminal portions and ground terminal portions exposed at either end of the parallel-transmission flat cable member; and a connector unit forming member that is provided at either end of the parallel-transmission flat cable member and forms a connector unit that has the signal terminal portions and the ground terminal portions of the parallel-transmission flat cable member serving as terminal portions thereof. In this structure, the connector unit is located at either end of the parallel-transmission flat cable member.

Abstract: An connector (100) for a flexible printed circuit (FPC) includes a first housing (1) having a tongue plate (12), a pair of arms (13) disposed beside the tongue plate respectively, and retention spaces (16) defined between the tongue plate and each arm; a second housing (4) movably assembled to the first housing, and having two opposite sidewalls (45) and a bottom wall between the sidewalls, the bottom wall facing the tongue plate to form a cavity therebetween for receiving the FPC (6), the sidewall configured to slide into the retention space to be retained therein with an upper surface and an under surface thereof exposed to exterior; and terminals arranged in the cavity to engage with the FPC.

Abstract: In a cable connector used for connecting cables (23, 24) having a plurality of wires, cable-side insulators (26, 27) each arraying and retaining the wires in one plane are made attachable/detachable relative to a base insulator (13) retaining contacts. The cable-side insulators connect the wires to the contacts when attached to the base insulator. The base insulator has a pair of base guide portions (15) extending while confronting each other. The cable-side insulators each have a pair of cover guide portions (45) of which movement is guided by the base guide portions. At least either of the base guide portions and the cover guide portions have projection portions that bring both of them mutually into a press-fitted relation in a cable connected state.

Abstract: A housing (21) is formed with an insertion path (24) for an FFC (10). Thick gel plates (45) are mounted on front and rear surfaces of the FFC (10) beforehand. The gel plates (45) are pushed into an entrance (25) to the insertion path (24) as the FFC (10) is inserted, thereby providing sealing at a place where an end portion of the FFC (10) is inserted into the entrance (25). The gel plates (45) adhere well even to corners of the FFC (10) to display a waterproof function. Therefore, the FFC (10) can be used at a place exposed to water.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for removably interconnecting first conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of second conductors without the use of conductive terminals. The assembly includes a male connector having a relatively rigid male body member with an edge about which the flexible circuit is wrapped, and with the first conductors of the circuit facing away from the body member at the edge thereof. An adapter or other female connecting device includes a first receptacle for receiving the male connector inserted edge-first into the first receptacle. A second receptacle receives the second conductors in position for engaging the first conductors of the flexible circuit at the edge of the male body member.

Abstract: A connector for a ribbon cable includes a housing having a ribbon cable receiving region extending between a front surface and a back surface of the housing. A ribbon cable disposed in the ribbon cable receiving region. The ribbon cable has contact sections arranged at the back surface of the housing. Retention clips arranged on the back surface of the housing that receive a portion of the ribbon cable. The retention clips are arranged at a fixed spacing such that the contact sections of the ribbon cable are accessible between each of the retention clips for receiving contact elements.

Abstract: An end-processing structure of a flat cable includes a flat cable, a connector housing, a plurality of pressure terminal fittings, respectively having press-contacting blades, and mounted in the housing and a cover attached to the housing to cover a press-contacting part of the flat cable which is press contacted with the press-contacting blades. The flat cable includes a plurality of sheathed conductors, each conductor covered with an insulative sheath and a plurality of connecting portions interconnecting the parallel sheathed conductors. The flat cable has an interconnecting part in which the conductors are interconnected with the connecting portions and a press-contacting part in which the conductors are separated from each other. First and second interconnecting parts extending from the press-contacting part are folded back from first and second sides of the cover, respectively.

Abstract: A connector for connecting conductors of a flexible circuit to conductive elements comprising a one-piece, plastic housing defining at least one opening for access to the connector for contact with conductors of a flexible circuit located in the connector and biased for conductive contact with electrical contacts by a contact biasing spring, the flexible circuit and spring being mounted to a sled located in the housing and the sled having detents to engage respective openings in the housing to support the sled, and an associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a ribbon structure which may be used as part of a micro-assembly including a micro-device formed on or in a device layer of a single crystal silicon substrate. The ribbon structure is also formed in the device layer, where the ribbon structure is thinned to a thickness less than the thickness of the micro-device. The ribbon structure has an electrical conductive material deposited on its surface. When implemented as part of the micro-assembly, a first end of the micro-device and a first end of a ribbon structure are interconnected, wherein the ribbon structure and out-of-plane device are formed as a single piece.

Abstract: An electrical connection system (100) for a substantially flat electrical conductor (3) comprising housing means (8) having an axially extending bore (32); an electrical connector (102) having a body (1) capable of making a sliding fit in the axial direction (A) in the bore; securing means (7,11) on the housing means and the body for releasably securing the body in a predetermined position in the bore; wherein the body of the electrical connector further comprises a rear wall (20) for receiving the flat conductor; a through bore (28) extending from the rear wall through the body in the axial direction through which the flat conductor can pass; an upper contact surface (24) extending in the axial direction away from the inner opening (28′) of the through bore, the upper contact surface having an area (13) capable of exerting a force on the flat conductor in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and away from the upper contact surface; a front edge (22) adjacent the upper contact

Abstract: In this connector structure, a conducting portion 4 of an FPC 1 is inserted into a connector housing 21, and conductors, exposed to the conducting portion 4, are electrically connected respectively to a plurality of connection terminals 25 received respectively in terminal receiving chambers 29. The conducting portion 4 of the FPC 1 is provisionally held on obverse and reverse surfaces of a flat plate portion 7 of a holder 5, which is to be fitted into the connector housing 21, in a folded-back manner, so that the conductors of the conducting portion 4 are arranged on the obverse and reverse surfaces of the flat plate portion 7. Electrical connection portions 26 of the connection terminals 25 grasp the conductors, disposed on the obverse and reverse surfaces of the flat plate portion, respectively, so that the FPC is electrically connected to the connection terminals 25.

Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of discrete terminal pins. The connector includes a dielectric housing having a front mating face and a rear terminating face. A plurality of terminal pin-receiving passages are provided in the mating face. A flat circuit-receiving receptacle is provided in the terminating face in communication with the passages. A circuit carrier or spring member is insertable into the receptacle of the housing and includes an attachment portion for attaching the flat flexible circuit of the carrier with the conductors of the circuit facing away from the carrier toward the terminal pin receiving passages. Insertion of the pins in the passages causes the pins to engage the conductors of the circuit. The circuit carrier or spring member includes a spring loaded mouth into which the terminal pins are inserted into engagement with the conductors of the circuit.

Abstract: A connector has a plug-side housing and a plurality of concave core holding grooves into which cores of shielded electric wires of a flat cable are inserted individually. The core holding grooves are deeper than the outer diameter of each core. The cores are inserted into the core wire-holding grooves. Thus even if the plug-side housing deforms, the cores remain accommodated in the core holding grooves. The housing also has a retainer-mounting opening into which a retainer can be mounted. The retainer retains each core by sandwiching the core between the retainer and the housing.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for removably interconnecting first conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of second conductors without the use of conductive terminals. The assembly includes a male connector having a relatively rigid male body member with an edge about which the flexible circuit is wrapped, and with the first conductors of the circuit facing away from the body member at the edge thereof. An adapter or other female connecting device includes a first receptacle for receiving the male connector inserted edge-first into the first receptacle. A second receptacle receives the second conductors in position for engaging the first conductors of the flexible circuit at the edge of the male body member.

Abstract: A connector 20 comprises a support portion 22a supported by a housing 21, and connection end portions 22b and 22c extending from the support portion 22a in a bifurcated manner, wherein a conductor 3 of a flat cable 1 is held between the connection end portions 22b and 22c to electrically connect to the terminal and a projection portion 22d, which can bite into the conductor 3, is formed on at least one of the connection end portions 22b and 22c.

Abstract: A holder holds an FPC (flexible printed circuit) wound therearound. The FPC includes conductors, and first and second insulating sheets. The first sheet is removed from an end portion of the FPC to thereby expose the conductors, and a hole is formed through this end portion. The holder includes a plate-like holder body, a pair of projections, and gripping portions. The projections project respectively from opposite surfaces of the holder body. The projection is retained in the hole. The gripping portions grip opposite side edge portions of the FPC. The holder holds the FPC in such a manner that the projection is retained in the hole and that the side edge portions are gripped by the gripping portions, respectively.

Abstract: A flat circuit member connector (21) includes electrical connection terminals (29) received and held in a terminal receiving portion (31a) of a connector housing, and a holder (26) which holds an electrical contact portion (24) of an FPC, wound around its flat insertion plate portion (25a), and can bring conductors of the electrical contact portion into contact with the electrical connection terminals (29), respectively. The electrical connection terminal includes a holding portion (29a) for holding the electrical contact portion, wound around the flat insertion plate portion, when the holder is inserted into the connector housing. The holding portion is received in the terminal receiving portion, with clearances (C1 and C2) formed between the holding portion and an inner wall of the terminal receiving portion, so that the holding portion can be pivotally displaced in a holding direction.

Abstract: A keying system is provided in a connector assembly for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary connecting device. The assembly includes a first connector having a body member for positioning the flat flexible circuit thereon. A second connector mates with the first connector and includes a pattern of keying projections insertable into a corresponding pattern of keying holes in the flat flexible circuit on the first connector.

Abstract: A keying system is provided in a connector assembly for electrically interconnecting the conductors of a flat flexible circuit to the conductors of a complementary connecting device. The assembly includes a first connector having a body member for positioning the flat flexible circuit thereon. A second connector mates with the first connector and includes a pattern of keying projections insertable into a corresponding pattern of keying holes in the flat flexible circuit on the first connector.

Abstract: An electrical connection system (100) for a substantially flat electrical conductor (3) comprising housing means (8) having an axially extending bore (32); an electrical connector (102) having a body (1) capable of making a sliding fit in the axial direction (A) in the bore; securing means (7,11) on the housing means and the body for releasably securing the body in a predetermined position in the bore; wherein the body of the electrical connector further comprises a rear wall (20) for receiving the flat conductor; a through bore (28) extending from the rear wall through the body in the axial direction through which the flat conductor can pass; an upper contact surface (24) extending in the axial direction away from the inner opening (28′) of the through bore, the upper contact surface having an area (13) capable of exerting a force on the flat conductor in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and away from the upper contact surface; a front edge (22) adjacent the upper contact

Abstract: In a connector housing (15), slits (25) formed in outer walls are perpendicular to the terminal insertion direction, so that an FPC (40) that is passed through the slits (25) can be positioned at a predetermined location and arranged opposite conductor joints (37) of terminals (17). When a rear holder (19) for applying pressure to the FPC (40) that is passed through the slits (25) is shifted, the conductor joints (37) are bent, and that the recovery force produced by the bending holds the conductor joints elastically in contact with the FPC (40).

Abstract: An adapter for interconnecting flexible circuitry, such as a length of flat flexible cable, to another electrical circuit component using an edge card connector includes a thin, substantially-flat, rigid projection that defines an edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. The flat flexible cable is secured to the upper surface of the adapter's projection and wrapped around the edge of the projection to thereby significantly improve the retention force achieved upon insertion of the adapter's projection into the edge card connector's main slot.

Abstract: A flexible circuit support for an electrical connector comprising a first section; a living hinge extending in a rearward direction from the first section; and a second section connected to the first section by the living hinge. The first and second sections comprise mateable posts and holes such that the living hinge can be bent to place the first and second sections together with the posts projecting into the holes.

Abstract: A flat circuit member connector (21) includes electrical connection terminals (29) received and held in a terminal receiving portion (31a) of a connector housing, and a holder (26) which holds an electrical contact portion (24) of an FPC, wound around its flat insertion plate portion (25a), and can bring conductors of the electrical contact portion into contact with the electrical connection terminals (29), respectively. The electrical connection terminal includes a holding portion (29a) for holding the electrical contact portion, wound around the flat insertion plate portion, when the holder is inserted into the connector housing. The holding portion is received in the terminal receiving portion, with clearances (C1 and C2) formed between the holding portion and an inner wall of the terminal receiving portion, so that the holding portion can be pivotally displaced in a holding direction.

Abstract: A connector has a plug-side housing and a plurality of concave core holding grooves into which cores of shielded electric wires of a flat cable are inserted individually. The core holding grooves are deeper than the outer diameter of each core. The cores are inserted into the core wire-holding grooves. Thus even if the plug-side housing deforms, the cores remain accommodated in the core holding grooves. The housing also has a retainer-mounting opening into which a retainer can be mounted. The retainer retains each core by sandwiching the core between the retainer and the housing.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a connector housing formed of a connector body carrying contact pins and a fixing part. A receiving gap for a foil conductor is formed between the connector body and the fixing part. At least some of the contact pins carry at least one contact element protruding into the receiving gap to make contact with a conductor track of the foil conductor. The fixing part is in the form of a sleeve and receives at least one longitudinal portion of the connector body, in an assembled state. The receiving gap, which is formed by an inner surface of the fixing part and a peripheral surface of the connector body, at least partially encloses the connector body.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for removably interconnecting first conductors of a flat flexible circuit to a plurality of second conductors without the use of conductive terminals. The assembly includes a male connector having a relatively rigid male body member with an edge about which the flexible circuit is wrapped, and with the first conductors of the circuit facing away from the body member at the edge thereof. An adapter or other female connecting device includes a first receptacle for receiving the male connector inserted edge-first into the first receptacle. A second receptacle receives the second conductors in position for engaging the first conductors of the flexible circuit at the edge of the male body member.

Abstract: A LCD-device retaining structure of portable electronic equipment is provided, which suppresses any damage of the LCD device such as cracks even if the equipment is subjected to external shock or forces.

Abstract: This invention results from the realization that a multiple conductor cable connector can be made more compact than previously available connectors by using a more narrow contact for each conductor in the cable, can be made more convenient by enabling all conductors contained in the cable to be connected with a single user motion, and can connect to cable without damaging the mechanical or electrical integrity of the cable conductors. This invention is an electrical connector for connecting multiple conductor cable, ideally flat flexible cable. The inventive electrical connector has a base for holding multiple contacts. The contacts should be positioned substantially in parallel with each other and are located at least partially within the base of the electrical connector. Each contact has at least one cutting edge. The cutting edge is preferably a part of the contact with a sharp edge capable of removing insulation from flat flexible cable.

Abstract: In a connector device for use in connecting a connecting member (20) which has an end portion provided with a conductive portion, a plug connector (10) is removably coupled to a receptacle connector (30) by fitting therebetween. In the plug connector, an insulator (1) defines a receiving space (1a) for receiving the end portion of the connecting member. A conductive contact (3) is held in the insulator and formed to become in contact with a receptacle-side contact (33) of the receptacle connector when the plug connector is coupled to the receptacle connector. A slider member (5) is slidably inserted in the receiving space to make the conductive portion be brought in contact with the conductive contact in the receiving space.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided for a flat flexible circuit having a plurality of first conductors. The assembly includes an adapter for mating with a complementary connecting device having a plurality of second conductors. The adapter includes a receptacle. A relatively rigid male body member has an edge about which the flat flexible circuit is wrapped, with the first conductors facing away from the body member at the edge thereof. The male body member is insertable into the receptacle of the adapter. A spring member is mounted on the male body member for biasing the male body member in a mating direction relative to the adapter. A cam member is operatively associated between the male body member and the adapter. The cam member is movable between an inoperative position and an operative position. The cam member includes a cam surface engageable with the spring member for loading the spring member in response to movement of the cam member to its operative position.

Abstract: A percutaneous connector comprises a female-half that includes a housing that has a pair of side walls, each having an interior surface. An electrical contact assembly is arranged along the interior surface of at least one of the side walls and has a set of first electrical contacts. Insulating material electrically isolates the electrical contacts from one another. In addition, an electrical conductor attached to each electrical contact extends outside of the housing. A male-half includes a sheet of resilient material, bent into a U-shape and having two opposed outer surfaces. A handle assembly is adapted to permit a user to squeeze the two opposed outer surfaces closer to each other. In addition, a set of second contacts is attached to at least one of the outer surfaces and is arranged in matching configuration to the first set of contacts. Insulating material electrically isolates the contacts from one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric connection between the internal space of a flat screen and the outside by means of a conductive line of small thickness underlying a substantially thicker peripheral seal, and including an open-worked structure making its expansion easier, said open-worked structure being such that the electric connection has no rectilinear conductive section.

Abstract: A Z-axis electrical interconnect includes a flexible printed circuit folded into a U-shape. The Z-axis electrical interconnect also includes a plurality of raised interconnection members arranged on the flexible printed circuit in a predetermined pattern and a circuit trace interconnecting the pair of raised interconnection members. The Z-axis electrical interconnect further includes a spring fixedly positioned on the flexible printed circuit to maintain the U-shape.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprising a housing; a flexible circuit and rigidizer subassembly located in the housing; and a spring located in the housing and contacting a first side of the subassembly. A second opposite side of the subassembly comprises an electrically conductive area. The spring biases the subassembly in a direction of the second opposite side. The spring is not electrically connected to the electrically conductive area.

Abstract: A flat cable connection system includes a flat cable module having a power input segment and drop connectors that provides a low profile configuration; the drop connectors include a spring component, a non-spliced flat cable end portion and a connector body that serves to capture the flat cable end portion and to provide an electrical connection to an electrical accessory of the type associated with a headliner of a vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly interconnects a flat flexible circuit and a printed circuit board. The assembly includes an elongated female connector having a dielectric housing with a mating face in a top side of the housing and an elongated receptacle in the mating face. A plurality of conductive terminals are mounted on the housing and are spaced along opposite sides of the receptacle. The terminals have flexible contact portions projecting into the receptacle and tail portions for connection to appropriate conductors of the flat flexible circuit at a bottom side of the housing. An elongated male connector includes a plug portion for inserting into the receptacle of the female connector and a plurality of terminals for engaging the contact portions of the terminals of the female connector, along with tail portions for connection to appropriate circuit traces on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A low-voltage male connector designed to be plugged into a low-voltage female connector having a plurality of flexible pins serving to come into contact with the male connector so as to establish electrical contact between the male connector and the female connector, the male connector being provided with insulation-displacement contacts, each of which serves to receive a respective conductor wire, wherein the electrical connection between the flexible pins of the female connector and the insulation-displacement contacts is established by a printed circuit provided with conductor tracks, each of which connects a respective insulation-displacement contact to a respective pin.

Abstract: A flat cable connection system includes a flat cable module having a power input segment and drop connectors that provides a low profile configuration; the drop connectors include a spring component, a non-spliced flat cable end portion and a connector body that serves to capture the flat cable end portion and to provide an electrical connection to an electrical accessory of the type associated with a headliner of a vehicle.

Abstract: A cable holder of an electric connector is formed with a plurality of cable guide slots at a prescribed interval and bent in U-shape, along which cable conductors are arranged. The cable conductors are positioned in alignment members which are located in recesses on opposite sides of the cable holder. The cable conductor bent in U-shape in the cable guide slots are used as a plug of the electric connector. A receptacle of an electric connector is covered with a receptacle shield cover with the portion opposite a printed circuit board being removed, while shielding conductive pattern is formed on the portion of the printed circuit board opposite the receptacle so that the entire exterior of the receptacle is covered with the shielding conductive pattern on the printed circuit board and the receptacle shield cover.

Abstract: An electrical connector (10) for engaging with a flexible printed circuit (FPC) comprises an insulative housing (20) defining a central slot (22) therein for insertion of the FPC, a plurality of terminals (30) received within the central slot, and an actuator (40). The insulative housing forms a T-shaped securing portion (26) thereon. The actuator includes a base (42), and an inserting beam (44) and a reinforcing beam (46) respectively depending from the base. The inserting beam and the reinforcing beam are parallel to each other. The actuator defines a T-shaped securing channel (46a), for engaging with the T-shaped securing portion of the housing. The actuator further forms two V-shaped ribs (48) between the base and the reinforcing beam, for reinforcing the mechanical strength of the actuator. When the actuator is inserted into the central slot of the housing, the inserting beam firmly pushes the pre-inserted the FPC against the terminals in the central slot of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining printed circuit boards is provided. A socket is attached to a mother board. A connector is attached to a daughter board. The traces on the daughter board are connected to signal leads, which are wrapped around an elastomer. The socket and the connector are engaged, such that the mother board is coupled to a daughter board, and the traces on the mother board are coupled to the signal leads of the daughter board.