Socket for an electric device

Abstract

An IC socket which has a moving plate provided so that it can laterally move with respect to a base member, an operation member vertically moveably provided with respect to the base member, and at least one actuation member for moving contact pins arranged on the base member from a contact position to a non-contact position with respect to terminals of an IC package by laterally moving the moving plate in accordance with the depression of the operation member. The actuation member is arranged along the end surface of the moving plate.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An electric device socket comprising a base member on which a plurality of contact pins for contact with terminals of an electric device are arranged in the form of a matrix, a moving plate provided laterally moveably with respect to the base member and engaging with the contact pins, an operation member provided vertically moveably with respect to the base member, and at least one actuation member engaged with an end portion of the moving plate and actuating so as to laterally move the moving plate by receiving an actuation force of the operation member at the time of depression of the operation member, the actuation member being arranged along the end surface of the moving plate.  
     
     
         2 . The socket according to    claim 1   , wherein the actuation member is engaged with the end portion of the moving plate via transmission shaft passing through the end portion of the moving plate in a direction orthogonal to the direction of lateral movement.  
     
     
         3 . The socket according to    claim 2   , wherein the transmission shaft is divided into a plurality of sections in a direction orthogonal to the direction of lateral movement of the moving plate.  
     
     
         4 . The socket according to    claim 1   , wherein actuation members are engaged with opposite ends of the moving plate, respectively, so as to perform a pressing or pulling action in a direction of lateral movement of the moving plate.  
     
     
         5 . The socket according to    claim 1   , wherein the actuation member comprises a single actuation plate, and the actuation plate has three or more engagement portions engaged with the end portion of the moving plate.  
     
     
         6 . The socket according to    claim 1   , wherein the actuation member has a plurality of actuation plates which are connected to each other and constitute a toggle mechanism.  
     
     
         7 . The socket according to    claim 1   , wherein the actuation member comprises three or more independent units; and the units can individually actuate so as to laterally move the moving plate when receiving the actuation force of the operation member.  
     
     
         8 . The socket according to    claim 7   , wherein each unit comprises a single actuation plate.  
     
     
         9 . The IC socket according to    claim 7   , wherein each unit has a plurality of actuation plates which are connected to each other and constitute a toggle mechanism.  
     
     
         10 . The socket according to    claim 1   , wherein the moving plate comprises a plurality of plate pieces divided in parallel to the lateral direction thereof.  
     
     
         11 . The electric device socket according to    claim 1   , wherein the electric device is an IC package.