FFC connector with anti-overstress feature

Abstract

An electrical connector includes a housing, a plurality of contacts disposed in the housing, an actuator mounted to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing, and a locking terminal mounted to the housing, the locking terminal including a locking arm that extends through an interior portion of the actuator into a chamber within the housing, the chamber having an upper surface and a lower surface. Movement of the actuator relative to the housing can cause the interior portion of the actuator to push against and rotate at least a portion of the locking arm. When the actuator is in a first position, the locking arm can contact a surface of the chamber within the housing, which can prevent the actuator from rotating in a first direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 939,458, filed November 22, 2019, entitled “FFC Connector with Anti-Overstress Features,” pursuant to 35 U.SC §119(e), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to electrical interconnect systems, and more particularly to electrical connectors having anti-overstress characteristics. Background Technology

[0004] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Various electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, digital cameras, etc.) are equipped with various types of connectors, the primary purpose of which is to enable electronic components to exchange data, instructions, or signals with one or more other electronic components. Signal transmission for conveying information (e.g., data, instructions, and / or other electrical signals) typically utilizes electrical connectors to complete connections between electronic devices, between components of electronic devices, or between electrical systems that may include multiple electronic devices.

[0005] One or more of these connectors can be mounted onto a printed circuit board. It is generally easier and more cost-effective to manufacture electrical systems as individual electronic components, such as printed circuit boards (“PCBs”), that can be communicated and connected via electrical connectors. In some cases, each PCB to be connected may have a connector mounted on it. Connectors on two PCBs can mate directly to interconnect the PCBs.

[0006] In other cases, PCBs can be indirectly connected via cables, or different locations on the same PCB can be connected via cables. Nevertheless, electrical connectors can still be used to establish such connections. For example, a cable can be terminated at one or both ends with a plug-type electrical connector (“plug” in this document). A PCB can be equipped with a socket-type electrical connector (“socket” in this document), into which the plug connector can be inserted to connect the cable to the PCB. A similar arrangement can be used at the other end of the cable to connect the cable to another PCB, allowing signals to be transmitted between PCBs via cables.

[0007] In certain instances, flexible flat cables / ribbon cables (FFCs), sometimes referred to as flexible printed circuits (FPCs), can be used to route signals between components on different PCBs or on the same PCB. To support such connections, FFC connectors can be used to connect FFCs to PCBs. FFC connectors can be configured as receptacles. Rather than receiving a plug attached to an FFC, a receptacle can have contacts that mate with conductive pads attached to the traces of an FFC, such that the end of the FFC can be inserted into the receptacle.

[0008] Some FFC receptacles include a locking mechanism to lock the FFC in the receptacle, which can prevent the FFC from being accidentally disconnected from the connector and can ensure a stable connection between the FFC and the PCB. The locking mechanism can be activated when the FFC is inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle can include an actuator to release the FFC when needed. SUMMARY

[0009] According to certain aspects of the present technology, there is provided an electrical connector comprising: a housing configured to receive a mating component and comprising a mounting face and at least one interior surface; a plurality of contacts held in the housing, wherein the plurality of contacts comprise a tail configured for mounting to a printed circuit board and exposed at the mounting face; a latching member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; an actuator movably coupled to the housing, wherein the actuator is coupled to the latching member and partially exposed outside of the housing; a locking terminal mounted to the housing, the locking terminal comprising a locking arm extending through a portion of the actuator and having a portion extending beyond the actuator, wherein the portion is located between the at least one interior surface of the housing and the mounting face of the housing.

[0010] In an aspect, the at least one interior surface defines a cavity within the housing, the connector configured such that, in a first position of the actuator, the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the actuator contacts a lower surface of the cavity.

[0011] In an aspect, the connector is configured such that, in a second position of the actuator, the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the actuator contacts an upper surface of the cavity within the housing.

[0012] In an aspect, the actuator comprises at least one stop feature configured to contact the housing when the actuator is in a second position and not to contact the housing when the actuator is not in the second position.

[0013] In an aspect, the locking terminal further comprises a support arm mounted to the housing and configured to remain in a fixed position relative to the housing as the locking arm is bent.

[0014] In an aspect, the locking terminal is a first locking terminal and extends through a first end of the actuator, the electrical connector further comprising a second locking terminal extending through a second end of the actuator, the second end being opposite the first end.

[0015] In an aspect, the latching member comprises a curved surface proximate the opening of the housing, the curved surface configured such that when the mating component is inserted into the opening, the mating component pushes against the curved surface of the actuator latching member to cause the actuator to rotate.

[0016] In an aspect, the second position of the actuator is an open position and the actuator is configured to move within the housing when the actuator is in the closed position due to the flat connector pushing against the curved surface of the actuator latching member.

[0017] In an aspect, an electronic assembly comprising the connector described above in combination with a printed circuit board, wherein: the tails of the plurality of contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board; the locking terminal comprises a base from which the locking arm extends; and the base is soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0018] According to some aspects of the present technology, there is provided a method of operating an electrical connector, comprising: biasing a member comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion such that the second portion is in a first position blocking a portion of a receptacle in a housing for the connector, wherein the member is biased by a locking arm passing through the first portion; and applying a force to the third portion to cause the member to swing about the first portion such that the second portion moves away from the first position and at least a portion of the first portion contacts the locking arm and causes it to bend.

[0019] In an aspect, the first portion is disposed within a cavity of the housing and has an arcuate surface, and the member swings through an area of the third portion successively proximate to the arcuate surface contacting a floor of the cavity.

[0020] In an aspect, the first portion is constrained within the cavity as it swings such that the member has a rotational component to its movement.

[0021] In an aspect, the method further includes inserting a flat flexible circuit into the slot, the second portion engaging the flat flexible circuit when the second portion is in the first position.

[0022] In an aspect, inserting the flat flexible circuit into the slot includes pressing an edge of the flat flexible circuit against the second portion of the member to deflect the second portion from the first position.

[0023] In an aspect, the method further includes limiting the swing of the member by abutting a surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing.

[0024] In an aspect, the first portion includes a first surface and a second surface at an acute angle relative to the first surface, and a radiused edge between the first surface and the second surface, the swinging of the member about the first portion includes rolling the first portion on the radiused edge, the abutting of a surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing includes abutting the second surface against the surface of the housing.

[0025] In an aspect, the housing includes a mounting face; the electrical connector further includes a plurality of contacts held in the housing, wherein the plurality of contacts includes tail portions exposed at the mounting face and mounted to a printed circuit board; and a first surface of the first portion is parallel to the mounting face when the member is in the first position.

[0026] In an aspect, the swing of the member is limited by contacting a locking arm with a surface of the housing.

[0027] According to some aspects of the present technology, a method of assembling an electrical connector is provided, including: inserting a first portion of a member into a cavity of a housing, wherein the housing includes a slot configured to receive a flat flexible circuit; inserting an elastic locking arm through a hole of the first portion of the member; and attaching a base of the locking arm to the housing such that the member is biased by the locking arm to a first position in which a second portion of the member blocks the slot.

[0028] In an aspect, the locking arm includes a portion that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member within the housing.

[0029] In an aspect, the portion of the locking arm is inserted into a cavity within the housing.

[0030] In an aspect, in the first position of the member, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member contacts a lower surface of the cavity.

[0031] In one aspect, the second portion of the member does not block the receptacle in a second position of the member, in which the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the aperture through the first portion of the member contacts an upper surface of the chamber.

[0032] In any of the embodiments discussed herein, the foregoing features can be used individually or together in any combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Aspects and embodiments of the present technology disclosed herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Items appearing in multiple views can be labeled with the same reference numerals. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every view.

[0034] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a receptacle and flat cable to be connected to a circuit board connector;

[0035] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of an exemplary electrical connector according to some embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 2A is a front view of an exemplary electrical connector according to some embodiments depicting FIG. 1B ;

[0037] FIG. 2B , FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D are cross-sectional views taken along lines J-J, L-L and M-M, respectively, of the connector of FIG. 2A ;

[0038] FIG. 3A-3B depict a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of an exemplary electrical connector of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments, highlighting the anti-overstress feature in an open position;

[0039] FIG. 4A-4C depicts an exemplary electrical connector of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments, highlighting the anti-overstress feature in a closed position;

[0040] FIG. 5 shows the sequence of inserting an FFC into an exemplary electrical connector of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 6 shows the sequence of extracting an FFC from an exemplary electrical connector of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments; and

[0042] FIG. 7A-7B depicting insertion of an FFC into an exemplary electrical connector in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1B depicting insertion of an FFC into an exemplary electrical connector in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The inventors have recognized and appreciated design techniques that enable a connector to be simply constructed while providing reliable performance over its lifetime. These techniques can be applied to a receptacle that includes a member having a latch and an actuator that is exposed outside of the receptacle to enable a user to release the latch. The member can be movably held to the receptacle housing in a manner that enables simple construction techniques to be achieved, but holds the actuator in place to lock and release a mating component, such as an FFC, that is inserted into the connector.

[0044] The member can have a first portion that is captured within a cavity of the receptacle. The actuator and latch can extend in opposite directions from the first portion, such that movement of the actuator in one direction causes movement of the latch in the opposite direction. The member can be biased to a latched position, such that the FFC can be latched in the connector once inserted. The FFC can be released by depressing the actuator, which causes the latch to move so that the FFC can be withdrawn.

[0045] The actuator can be held in the housing with locking arms that pass through the first portion. Those locking arms can be resilient and also provide a biasing force to push the latch member into the latched position. The receptacle can have one or more features to prevent the locking arms from being overstressed, thus preventing possible damage when the actuator is moved. Such features can be included that prevent the locking arms from overstressing the locking arms when force is applied in the direction of releasing the FFC or in the opposite direction.

[0046] The inventors have further recognized and appreciated that, due to the compact size of some receptacle connectors, it can be easy for a user to inadvertently apply an overstressing force to an element of the connector. Moreover, the small form factor of the connector can not provide enough resistance to avoid damage. That is, it can be physically easy for a user to accidentally apply a force that causes damage. The connector features as described herein can reduce or eliminate the possibility of damaging the receptacle connector, including when the actuator is depressed by a user during a non-mating operation or if force is applied to the actuator at other times, such as if the actuator is accidentally pulled.

[0047] In some embodiments, an electrical connector can include an actuator movably coupled to a housing and a locking terminal mounted to the housing. The locking terminal can include a locking arm extending through an interior portion of the actuator. The interior portion may, for example, be a channel or chamber larger than the locking arm in at least one dimension, and can be arranged such that movement (e.g., swinging or turning) of the actuator between an open position and a closed position can cause a wall of the interior portion to push against the locking arm and cause the locking arm to move as well. The locking terminal can include a fixed portion, such as a support arm, coupled to the locking arm, where the locking arm can freely deflect from a rest position when a suitable force is applied. In some cases, the locking arm can generate a spring force upon deflection, while the fixed portion remains in a fixed position at the same time.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the locking arm can only contact the interior portion of the actuator when the actuator is in certain positions within its range of motion. For example, the locking arm can have a rest position when it is not in contact with the interior portion of the actuator, and at some point during actuator motion, the interior portion of the actuator can begin to contact the locking arm. Further motion of the actuator in the same direction can thereby push the locking arm. When the actuator moves past this point in its motion, the locking arm can subsequently cease contact with the interior portion of the actuator and return to its rest position. The above process can occur when the actuator moves in one direction, or can occur when the actuator moves in two different directions, depending on the direction of actuator motion, different portions (e.g., upper or lower surface) of the locking arm contact the interior portion of the actuator.

[0049] According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the locking arm can be arranged within a chamber inside the housing such that the locking arm has a range of motion limited by the locking arm contacting one or more walls of the chamber. For example, the locking arm can be free to turn in a first direction until it contacts an upper surface of the chamber, and the locking arm can be free to turn in a second direction opposite the first direction until it contacts a lower surface of the chamber. According to some embodiments, the locking arm can also contact the interior portion of the actuator as described above. As a result, motion of the actuator can cause the locking arm to move, reaching a limit of its range of motion created by the one or more walls of the chamber. Conversely, when the locking arm has reached this limit of its range of motion, the actuator can also have reached a corresponding limit of its range of motion, because further motion of the actuator would cause the interior portion of the actuator to push against the locking arm, but the locking arm can not be able to move further because it is abutting against the one or more walls of the chamber.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the actuator of the connector can be arranged to contact one or more stop features of the housing at a position where the locking arm has also reached a limit of its range of motion. Such stop features can provide further force to resist movement of the actuator beyond its intended range of motion.

[0051] Exemplary examples of some of the above electrical connectors are shown in the drawings, as described below.

[0052] For illustrative purposes, FIG. 1A A perspective view of a typical receptacle and a flat cable (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector and / or a flexible flat cable (FFC)) to be inserted into the receptacle is depicted. The receptacle 10 includes a housing 1 having a slot 7 leading to a front side 2 of the housing 1. The slot 7 is used to receive a flat cable 5 into the housing 1 to establish electrical connections between the flat cable 5 and signal contacts 13 of the receptacle 10, which are an example of signal contacts of the receptacle 10. The receptacle 10 includes an actuating member 4 coupled to the housing 1 that can be moved to adjust the receptacle between a locked position and an unlocked position, where the unlocked position allows the flat cable to be inserted into and removed from the housing, and the locked position restricts the flat cable from being removed from the housing after insertion. In some embodiments, the actuating member 4 is composed of metal and functions as a shield.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1B , components of an exemplary electrical connector according to some embodiments are depicted in an exploded view. In the example of FIG. 1B , a housing 102 is provided that is configured to have the remaining components mounted thereto. These components include terminals 104, a member 106, locking terminals 108A and 108B, and ground contacts 110. The exemplary receptacle-type electrical connector 100 is configured to receive a flat cable that is inserted into a receptacle opening of the housing and thereby establishes connections with the terminals 104 on the lower side of the connector and the ground contacts 110 on the upper side of the connector. The member 106 includes one or more rocker arms 106B arranged to move within the housing, and one or more latching members that lock with features of the flat cable when the connector is inserted into the housing 102 of the electrical connector 100. For example, an FPC or FFC connector can include notches, holes, or other mating features that the latching member portion of the member can couple with after the FPC / FFC connector is inserted into the housing 102. The member 106 also includes an actuator 106A that can be exposed on the exterior of the housing 102 and can be pushed by a user to engage and disengage the latching member(s).

[0054] Locking terminals 108A and / or 108B can hold member 106 within housing 102, and can provide a biasing force to the member to bias the member into a latched position (i.e., such that one or more locking members engage in an opening of the housing). However, as noted above, the locking terminals can pass through multiple portions of actuator 106A, and be restrained from stress overrunning by features of the housing. The locking terminals can be arranged such that movement of the actuator causes movement (e.g., bending) of a portion of one or both of the locking terminals. In particular, exemplary locking terminal 108B includes a locking arm 109 and a support arm 107. Locking arm 109 can be free to bend relative to support arm 107. Support arm 107 can be mounted within housing 102 in a substantially fixed position. In some cases, the locking terminals can include a tail that can be soldered to a circuit board, such as a PCB, along with ground contacts 110.

[0055] Conductive terminals 104 can be configured based on a flat cable to be inserted into electrical connector 100. For example, the number of terminals can be selected based on the number of terminals arranged on a corresponding FPC / FFC connector. Any number of ground contacts 110 can be provided, as in some cases a corresponding FPC / FFC connector can include a single ground contact, which contacts 110 can connect to when the connectors are coupled together. As discussed further below with respect to FIG. 7, ground contacts 110 can be soldered to a circuit board, such as a PCB.

[0056] FIG. 2A-2D An exemplary electrical connector 100 according to some embodiments is depicted in an assembled example, and a front view of the connector is depicted FIG. 2A , as well as three cross-sectional views through the connector FIG. 2B-2D . As in the example shown in FIG. 2A-2D , electrical connector 100 includes a slot 101 into which a flat cable can be inserted (e.g., in the example of the front view of FIG. 2A , in the direction into the page). The flat cable, when inserted, can make contact with terminals 104 on a first side, and with ground contacts 110 on a second side. Member 106, as shown in FIG. 2A-2D , includes two latching members 112, each of which can be inserted through a respective notch in the flat cable to hold the flat cable in place after it is inserted into electrical connector 100, with the actuator in a closed position.

[0057] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B , which shows a front view FIG. 2AA cross-sectional view marked JJ shows the insertion space inside slot 101, where an exemplary instance of terminal 104 extends within the housing. An exemplary grounding contact 110 is arranged above the insertion space. It can be noted that a portion of terminal 104 can be arranged to bend downwards when a flat cable is inserted. When bent in this manner, the spring force of the terminal can create (or facilitate creating) an electrical connection between the terminal and the conductive areas (e.g., pads) of the flat cable inserted into connector 100. FIG. 2B As shown, terminal 104 extends into the insertion space, but includes a tip portion that may bend downwards when the terminal is pushed from the slot side of the electrical connector 100 by the flat cable being inserted.

[0058] refer to FIG. 2C A cross-sectional view showing through the front view FIG. 2A A cross-sectional view marked LL, component 106 includes a latching component 112, which, when the actuator is in... FIG. 2A-2D In the closed position shown, the latching member 112 can be inserted into a notch or other feature passing through the inserted flat cable. FIG. 2A-2D In the example, latching member 112 includes a curved surface on the slot side of electrical connector 100, which helps move (e.g., rotate) the actuator of member 106 to an open position (clockwise as shown). For example, when the actuator of member 106 is in the closed position as shown or has been slightly rotated clockwise from the closed position, a flat cable inserted into the electrical connector can be pushed against latching member 112. Due to the curved surface of the latching member, manual movement (e.g., rotation) of the actuator of member 106 in a clockwise direction may not produce any significant reaction force on the flat cable, thereby improving the ease of insertion.

[0059] refer to FIG. 2D A cross-sectional view showing through the front view FIG. 2A A cross-sectional view marked MM. Housing 102 includes a receiving chamber 114, in which... FIG. 2A-2DIn the example of FIG. 2, the receiving chamber 114 has a generally square cross-sectional shape. The locking terminal 108B includes a locking arm 109, the tip of which extends into the chamber 114. In addition, the member 106 includes an interior portion 117 through which the locking arm 109 of the locking terminal 108B extends. It can be noted that the curvature of the locking arm 109 can be limited by the tip (or other distal region) of the locking arm that contacts the upper or lower surface of the chamber 114. In addition, it can be noted that the locking arm 109 and the interior portion 117 of the member 106 are shaped such that movement of the actuator (e.g., rotation, swing) can cause the locking arm to contact the walls of the interior portion in at least some positions of the actuator. Thus, movement of the actuator can cause the locking arm to flex, thereby creating the biasing force described above.

[0060] Further examples of the over-stress resistant features of the electrical connector described herein are shown in FIG. 3A-3B and FIG. 4A-4C , wherein FIG. 3A-3B the potential over-stress / overstress resulting from the actuator attempting to move through and beyond the open position is shown, and FIG. 4A-4C the potential over-stress resulting from the actuator attempting to move through and beyond the closed position is shown.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3A , the electrical connector is shown in perspective view and in side view through a cross-section including the locking terminal 108B (e.g., corresponding to cross-section M-M of FIG. 2), according to some embodiments. The actuator of the member 106A is shown in the open position, with a force 310 being applied to urge the actuator further in the clockwise direction shown in the side view of FIG. 3A . In the example of FIG. 3A , three points within the electrical connector are circled in each view to include features that prevent the occurrence of over-stress that can be caused by the force 310 being applied to move the actuator beyond its fully open state. These features are highlighted in each view with dashed circles and labeled 321, 322, and 323.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 3A , the feature 321 is the tip 121 of the locking arm of the locking terminal 108B that contacts the upper surface of the chamber 114 of the housing. It can be noted that the locking arm is resting against the interior portion 117 of the actuator such that further clockwise movement of the actuator will cause the tip to push against the upper surface of the chamber 114. Thus, the tip 121 of the locking arm can provide resistance against the illustrated type of over-stress of the actuator.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 3AIn the example shown, the anti-overstress feature 322 includes a first stop feature 122 of the member 106 that emerges when the vertical structure of the housing is in the position shown in FIG. 3A Thus, in this position, the first stop feature 122 rests on a portion of the housing 102. Thus, the housing and the first stop feature 122 provide resistance against the type of over stress of the actuator shown. In addition, the anti-overstress feature 323 includes a second stop feature 123 of the member 106 that emerges when the vertical structure of the housing is in the position shown in FIG. 3A Thus, in this position, the second stop feature 123 rests on a portion of the housing 102. Thus, the housing and the second stop feature 123 provide resistance against the type of over stress of the actuator shown.

[0064] The second stop feature 123 is further shown in FIG. 3B , FIG. 3B depicts a side view through a cross section (e.g., corresponding to cross section L-L of Fig. 2) that includes the second stop feature 123. In FIG. 3B , FIG. 3A the same force 310 is being applied as in

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3B , the stop feature 123 of the member 106 can include a protruding surface that extends downward from the body of the member and contacts an upward facing surface of the interior of the housing when the actuator is fully open to prevent the actuator from moving beyond the open position. In FIG. 3B particular example, the stop feature 123 has a lower surface that is inclined relative to the actuator such that when the actuator is disposed in the open position, the lower surface is horizontal and contacts a horizontal upper surface of the portion 124 of the housing. Thus, the stop feature 123 can have a lower surface that is inclined relative to the actuator at an angle that is equal to (or substantially equal to) the angle formed by the actuator relative to the housing when in the open position.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 4A-4C , according to some embodiments, the electrical connector is shown in perspective view in FIG. 4A in the closed position, FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C provides a cutaway perspective view of the anti-overstress features 421-424 of the connector. In FIG. 4A-4CIn the example, force 410 is applied to further push the actuator in the direction of the shown closed position. Four points within the electrical connector are circled in each view to include features that prevent the actuator from moving beyond its fully closed state due to excessive stress that might be caused by the applied force 410. For example, such a force might arise in an unintended operating condition, such as if another object accidentally gets stuck on the actuator and pushes it in the closed direction. These features are highlighted with dashed circles in each view and are labeled 421, 422, 423, and 424.

[0067] like FIG. 4B As shown, over-stress resistance feature 421 is the front portion of the actuator, appearing on a portion 431 of the housing 102 when the actuator is in the illustrated closed position. Over-stress resistance feature 422 is the rear portion of the actuator, appearing on a portion 432 of the housing 102 when the actuator is in the illustrated closed position. Housing portions 431 and 432, and the corresponding portions of the actuator, thus provide resistance to over-stress of the type shown in the figure.

[0068] like FIG. 4C As shown, over-stress resistance features 423 and 424 include areas where the limiting member 106 of the locking terminal 108B can move further counterclockwise (e.g., swing or rotate) from the closed position. Specifically, the shape of the inner portion 117 of member 106 and the locking arm 109 prevents the actuator from moving further around the locking arm because the actuator is supported at the locations marked 423 and 424. For example, further movement of the actuator might cause the rear portion 451 of the actuator to press upward against the rear portion of the locking arm, causing the locking arm to bend upward. However, the same movement of the actuator might cause the front portion 452 of the actuator to simultaneously press downward against the front portion of the locking arm, causing the locking arm to bend downward. The combination of these movements makes it impossible for the actuator to move counterclockwise around the locking arm beyond the depicted closed position.

[0069] In some embodiments, besides supporting the actuator on FIG. 4C The locking arm shown is outside or relative to the actuator being supported on FIG. 4C Alternatively, the end of the locking arm shown may contact the lower surface of the chamber 114 within the housing, such that further counterclockwise movement of the actuator (e.g., rotation, oscillation) will cause the end to press against the lower surface of the chamber 114. Thus, the end 121 of the locking arm can provide resistance against over-stress of the type shown in the diagram.

[0070] FIG. 5 The sequence of inserting a flat cable into an electrical connector 100 according to some embodiments is shown. FIG. 5In the example shown, for each of the three cross-sections shown in FIG. 2, the cable insertion sequence is depicted from left to right. That is, pictures 511, 512, 513, and 514 depict the insertion sequence for cross-section J-J in that order; pictures 521, 522, 523, and 524 depict the insertion sequence for cross-section L-L in that order; and pictures 531, 532, 533, and 534 depict the insertion sequence for cross-section M-M in that order.

[0071] In an initial step, as shown in pictures 511, 521, and 531, the flat cable 130, which in this example is shown as an FFC, begins to be inserted into the electrical connector. At this step, at least in part due to the force being applied by the flat cable 130 being inserted and pushing against the latching member 112, the member 106 begins to move clockwise (e.g., swing or rotate), as shown in picture 521. In addition, as the actuator begins to move, the locking arms of the locking terminal 108B, shown in picture 531 in an initial position, can begin to be deflected upward by the inner portion of the actuator. FIG. 5

[0072] In a subsequent step, as shown in pictures 512, 522, and 532, the member 106 begins to rotate upward (and can swing or otherwise move in addition to the rotation), while the locking arms of the locking terminal 108B also rotate upward. In some cases, depending on the location of the contacts on the cable 130, the terminal 104 can begin to make contact with the contacts on the lower side of the cable, as shown by the dashed circle in picture 512.

[0073] In a subsequent step, as shown in pictures 513, 523, and 533, the ground contacts 110 can begin to make contact with the contacts on the upper side of the cable, as shown by the dashed circle in picture 513. In addition, the member 106 can reach the extent of its upward movement, where the end of the locking arm 109 at least partially prevents further rotation and / or over-stressing of the actuator, as shown by the dashed circle in picture 533.

[0074] In a subsequent step, as shown in pictures 514, 524, and 534, the latching member 112 of the member 106 is inserted into the notch 131 in the cable 130. In some embodiments, due to the force of gravity acting on the actuator, the latching member of the actuator can be inserted into the notch, causing the actuator to fall into the notch. The combination of the latching member holding the cable in place, along with the curved terminal 104 and the ground contacts 110 holding the cable in place, can allow the cable to be reliably mated with the electrical connector 100.

[0075] FIG. 6 The sequence of removing the flat cable from the electrical connector 100 is shown, according to some embodiments. In the example shown, for each of the three cross-sections shown in FIG. 2, the cable removal sequence is depicted from left to right. That is, pictures 515, 516, 517, and 518 depict the removal sequence for cross-section J-J in that order; pictures 525, 526, 527, and 528 depict the removal sequence for cross-section L-L in that order; and pictures 535, 536, 537, and 538 depict the removal sequence for cross-section M-M in that order. FIG. 6 ​In Figure 2, the cable insertion sequence is depicted from left to right for each of the three cross-sections shown. That is, Figures 611, 612, 613, and 614 depict the insertion sequence in this order for cross-section JJ; Figures 621, 622, 623, and 624 depict the insertion sequence in this order for cross-section LL; and Figures 631, 632, 633, and 634 depict the insertion sequence in this order for cross-section MM.

[0076] In the initial step, as shown in Figures 611, 621, and 631, component 106 begins to rotate clockwise due to the application of force 177 to the actuator portion of the component. This force can be generated by the user's finger or other means. In subsequent steps, as shown in Figures 612, 622, and 632, the actuator reaches the open position, and further opening and / or the generation of excessive stress are limited by the over-stress resistance features discussed above and circled in Figures 612, 622, and 632.

[0077] In the subsequent steps, as shown in Figures 613, 623, and 633, cable 130 is withdrawn from the electrical connector while the actuator of component 106 remains in the open position. In the subsequent steps, as shown in Figures 614, 624, and 634, the actuator is released to the closed position. As indicated by the dashed circle in Figure 634, the locking arm returns to a stationary state, such that the end of the locking arm contacts the lower surface of chamber 114.

[0078] FIG. 7A A perspective view of a flat cable 130 in an insertion electrical connector 100 according to some embodiments is depicted. FIG. 7A In the example, the electrical connector 100 is shown as a wireframe to more clearly show the situation when the cable is connected to the connector. FIG. 7B Depicting crossing FIG. 7A The diagram shows a perspective view of the cable 130 and the electrical connector 100 in cross-section CC. As can be observed, the cable 130 is arranged between the grounding contact 110 and the terminal 104, such that the terminal 104 is bent. The grounding contact 110 and the terminal 104 can be soldered, for example, to a PCB on which the electronic connector 100 is disposed. In some embodiments, a portion of the locking terminal 108A can also be soldered to the PCB.

[0079] It should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made to the structures, constructions, and methods discussed above, and such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. Furthermore, while advantages of the invention have been pointed out, it should be understood that not every embodiment of the invention will include every described advantage. Some embodiments may not achieve any of the features advantageously described herein. Therefore, the preceding descriptions and figures are merely illustrative.

[0080] It should be understood that certain aspects of this technology can be implemented as one or more methods, and the actions performed as part of the methods of this technology can be ordered in any suitable manner. Therefore, embodiments can be constructed in which actions are performed in an order different from that shown and / or described, which may include some actions being performed simultaneously even though they are shown and / or described as sequential actions in various embodiments.

[0081] Various aspects of the present invention can be used alone, in combination, or in various arrangements not precisely discussed in the embodiments described above, and therefore are not limited in their application to the details and arrangements of the components set forth in the foregoing description or shown in the drawings. For example, an aspect described in one embodiment can be combined in any way with aspects described in other embodiments.

[0082] The use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to modify an element in the specification and claims does not imply any priority, precedence, or order of an element relative to another element, or the temporal order of the actions of the method of execution, but is merely used as a label to distinguish an element or action with a specific name from another element or action with the same name (but using ordinal terms) to differentiate elements or actions.

[0083] All definitions used herein should be understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in referenced documents, and / or general meanings of the terms being defined.

[0084] As used herein, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the indefinite article “a / kind (a and an)” should be understood as “at least one / kind”.

[0085] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in relation to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean any one or more elements selected from the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those expressly specified in the list of elements as referred to by the phrase "at least one," whether related to or unrelated to those expressly specified elements.

[0086] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase “equal” or “identical” combining two values ​​(e.g., distance, width, etc.) means that the two values ​​are identical within manufacturing tolerances. Thus, two values ​​being equal or identical may mean that the two values ​​differ from each other by ±5%.

[0087] In the specification and in the claims, the phrase "and / or," as used herein, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the entities so conjoined, i.e., entities that are conjunctively present. Two or more entities listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same non- limiting fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the entities so conjoined. Other entities can optionally be present other than the entities specifically named, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically named. As used herein, "comprising" or "comprise" or "including" or "include" or "consisting of" or "consist of" or "having" or "has" or "containing" or "contain" or "involving" or "involve" means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the term. As used herein, the term "and / or" means and. As used herein, the term "or" means one, the other, or both.

[0088] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when used in the context of listing items, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as the inclusive, i.e., "one or more than one", but also including the empty set. Only terms that are clearly mutually exclusive should be interpreted as "one, the other, but not both" or, when used in the claims, "consisting of." Generally, the word "or" as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," "exactly one of," or "precisely one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the patent law.

[0089] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of terms such as "including," "comprising," "consisting of," "having," "containing," and "involving," and variations thereof, are intended to encompass the items listed and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0090] If used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" can be construed in certain embodiments to be within ±20% of a target value, in certain embodiments within ±10% of a target value, in certain embodiments within ±5% of a target value, and in certain embodiments within ±2% of a target value. The terms "approximately" and "about" can equal a target value.

[0091] If used herein, the term "substantially" can be construed to mean within 95% of a target value in certain embodiments, within 98% of a target value in certain embodiments, within 99% of a target value in certain embodiments, and within 99.5% of a target value in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the term "substantially" can equal 100% of a target value.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising: a housing configured to receive a mating component and including a mounting face and at least one interior surface; a plurality of contacts held in the housing, wherein the plurality of contacts include tails configured for mounting to a printed circuit board and exposed at the mounting face; a latching member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; an actuator movably coupled to the housing, wherein the actuator is coupled to the latching member and partially exposed outside of the housing; a locking terminal mounted to the housing, the locking terminal including a locking arm extending through a portion of the actuator and having a portion extending beyond the actuator, wherein the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the actuator is located between the at least one interior surface of the housing and the mounting face of the housing such that a range of motion of the locking arm is limited by contact of the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the actuator with the at least one interior surface of the housing.

2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein: the at least one interior surface defines a cavity within the housing; and the connector is configured such that in a first position of the actuator, the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the actuator contacts a lower surface of the cavity.

3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein: the connector is configured such that in a second position of the actuator, the portion of the locking arm extending beyond the actuator contacts an upper surface of the cavity within the housing.

4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein: the actuator includes at least one stop feature configured to contact the housing when the actuator is in the second position and not contact the housing when the actuator is not in the second position.

5. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, the locking terminal further includes a support arm mounted to the housing and configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the housing when the locking arm is flexed.

6. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein: the locking terminal is a first locking terminal and extends through a first end of the actuator, and the electrical connector further includes a second locking terminal extending through a second end of the actuator, the second end being opposite the first end.

7. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein, the latching member includes a curved surface proximate an opening of the housing, the curved surface configured such that when the mating component is inserted into the opening, the mating component pushes against the curved surface of the actuator latching member to cause the actuator to rotate.

8. The electrical connector of claim 7, wherein, the second position of the actuator is an open position, and the actuator is configured to move within the housing when the actuator is in a closed position due to the mating component pushing against the curved surface of the actuator latching member.

9. An electronic assembly comprising the connector of any one of claims 1-8 in combination with a printed circuit board, wherein: tails of the plurality of contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board; the locking terminal includes a base from which the locking arm extends; and the base is soldered to the printed circuit board.

10. A method of operating an electrical connector, comprising: biasing a member including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion such that the second portion is in a first position to block a portion of a slot in a housing for the electrical connector, wherein the member is biased by a locking arm passing through the first portion; applying a force to the third portion to swing the member about the first portion such that the second portion moves away from the first position and at least a portion of the first portion contacts the locking arm and bends it; and limiting further swinging of the member when a stop portion disposed on the third portion abuts a surface of the housing.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein: the first portion is disposed within a chamber of the housing and has an arcuate surface; and the member swings through an area of the third portion that successively contacts a floor of the chamber.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the first portion is constrained within the chamber as the member swings such that the member has a rotational component in its movement.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein: the method further comprises inserting a flexible printed circuit into the slot; and the second portion engages the flexible printed circuit when the second portion is in the first position.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: inserting the flexible printed circuit into the slot includes pressing an edge of the flexible printed circuit against the second portion of the member to deflect the second portion from the first position.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein, the method further comprises limiting the swinging of the member by abutting a surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, Further: the first portion includes a first surface and a second surface at an acute angle relative to the first surface, and a rounded edge between the first surface and the second surface; swinging the member about the first portion includes rolling the first portion on the rounded edge; and abutting the surface of the first portion against the surface of the housing includes abutting the second surface against the surface of the housing.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein, Further: the housing includes a mounting face; the electrical connector further comprises a plurality of contacts held in the housing, wherein the plurality of contacts include tails that are exposed at the mounting face and are mounted to a printed circuit board; and a first surface of the first portion is parallel to the mounting face when the member is in the first position.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein, the method further comprises: limiting the swinging of the member by contacting the locking arm with a surface of the housing.

19. A method of assembling an electrical connector, comprising: inserting a first portion of a component into a first chamber of a housing, wherein the housing includes a socket configured to receive a flat flexible circuit; inserting an elastic locking arm through an aperture through the first portion of the component, the locking arm including a portion within the housing that extends beyond the aperture through the first portion of the component, the portion of the locking arm being inserted into a second chamber within the housing such that a range of motion of the locking arm is limited by contact of the portion of the locking arm with at least one surface of the second chamber; and attaching a base of the locking arm to the housing such that the component is biased by the locking arm into a first position in which a second portion of the component obstructs the socket.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, In the first position of the component, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the aperture through the first portion of the component contacts a lower surface of the second chamber.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein, In a second position of the component in which the second portion of the component does not obstruct the socket, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the aperture through the first portion of the component contacts an upper surface of the second chamber.

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