LVDS Connector with Latching and Unlatching Structure

Abstract

The present invention provides an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking mechanism capable of connecting a flexible flat cable to a printed circuit board. The connector comprises a first component and a second component. The first component is capable of connecting to the flexible flat cable. The second component is capable of connecting to the printed circuit board. When a plug-in connector provided by the first component moves toward an engagement slot of the second component, the plug-in connector drives a lever of the second component to rotate in a first direction until the plug-in connector locks with the first component. Furthermore, when the lever is driven by an external force and rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the plug-in connector is pushed away by the lever, allowing the first component to detach from the second component.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure. [Background Technology]

[0002] Traditional LVDS connectors are unlocked using an unlocking device located at the end of the cable. This requires a large space to operate, and because it is located at the end of the cable, it is difficult to clearly determine whether it is unlocked or still locked. This can lead to the cable being pulled out before the unlocking is complete, causing the locking mechanism to break.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure to solve the defects of the prior art. [Summary of the invention]

[0004] A first object of the present invention is to provide an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure, capable of connecting a flexible flat cable and a printed circuit board.

[0005] A second object of the present invention is to provide a first component and a second component based on the aforementioned LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure, wherein the first component and the second component are configured to realize automatic locking and automatic pop-up unlocking via a pull rod structure, thereby easily identifying the locked and unlocked states and thereby easily locking the flexible flat cable to the printed circuit board or releasing the flexible flat cable from the printed circuit board.

[0006] A third object of the present invention is to provide a fool-proof structure between the first component and the second component of the LVDS connector with the locking and unlocking structure to avoid errors during assembly.

[0007] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a spring based on the aforementioned LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure to electrically connect the flexible flat cable and increase the grounding area, thereby optimizing high-frequency performance and improving crosstalk issues.

[0008] To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking mechanism capable of connecting a flexible flat cable to a printed circuit board. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking mechanism comprises a first component and a second component. The first component is capable of connecting to the flexible flat cable. The first component further comprises a first housing, a first rubber core, and a second housing. The first housing comprises a first body, a spring, and a plurality of pins. The spring is formed on one surface of the first body to contact the printed circuit board, and the plurality of pins are formed on two sides of the first body. The first rubber core comprises a third body, a plurality of jacks, and a plurality of plugs. The third body is disposed on the first body. The third body comprises a plurality of plugs, each of which has a jack formed in each plug. The plurality of jacks are arranged corresponding to the plurality of pins. The second housing comprises a second body and a plurality of covering members. The second housing and the first housing form a housing for accommodating the flexible flat cable. The second body secures the first rubber core in the housing via the plurality of covering members. The second component is capable of connecting to the printed circuit board. The second component is capable of connecting to and disconnecting from the first component. The second component further comprises a second rubber core, a fixing member, a plurality of pull rods, and terminals. The second rubber core includes a fourth body and multiple working slots. The fourth body defines multiple working slots, and multiple recesses are formed within the multiple working slots. The multiple working slots correspond to the multiple plug-ins. The fixing element includes multiple fifth bodies and multiple welding members. Each fifth body covers each recess. The multiple welding members are soldered to the printed circuit board to secure the second component to the printed circuit board. The multiple levers each include a sixth body, a second working member, an operating member, and a rotating shaft. The second working member, operating member, and rotating shaft are formed within the sixth body. The second working member and rotating shaft are positioned within each recess. The operating member is exposed within each recess. Terminals are provided within the second rubber core to enable connection to the printed circuit board. When the multiple plug-ins move toward the multiple working slots, the multiple plug-ins drive the multiple levers' second working members to rotate in a first rotational direction until the multiple plug-ins lock with the multiple levers' second working members, thereby coupling the first component to the second component. Furthermore, when the operating member of each lever is driven by an external force to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the second working member pushes the multiple plug-ins away from the multiple working slots, separating the first component from the second component.

[0009] Compared to conventional connectors, the LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure proposed in the present invention can be easily connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) already equipped with a second component by providing a flexible flat cable pre-connected to the first component. The flexible flat cable can be easily locked to the PCB and the flexible flat cable can be easily detached from the PCB by using a pull rod.

[0010] The specific technology adopted by the present invention will be further described through the following embodiments and accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 FIG2 is a perspective schematic diagram of an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2a This invention is described Figure 1 A front view of the first housing of the first assembly.

[0013] Figure 2b This invention is described Figure 1 A top view of the first shell of the first component.

[0014] Figure 3 This invention is described Figure 1 A top view of the first shell and the second shell combined with the first rubber core.

[0015] Figure 4 This invention is described Figure 1 A front view of the first shell and the second shell combined with the first rubber core.

[0016] Figure 5a This invention is described Figure 1 A top view of the assembly of the second rubber core, the fixing member and the terminal.

[0017] Figure 5b This invention is described Figure 1 Front view of the assembly of the second rubber core, fixing member and terminal.

[0018] Figure 6a This invention is described Figure 1 A first perspective schematic diagram of the pull rod.

[0019] Figure 6b This invention is described Figure 1 A second perspective schematic diagram of the pull rod.

[0020] Figure 6c This invention is described Figure 1 A third perspective schematic diagram of the pull rod.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a detailed schematic diagram illustrating the combination of the second rubber core, the fixing member, the pull rod and the terminal of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8a FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8b FIG. 1 is a rear view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8c FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 8d FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention.

[0026] Description of main component symbols:

[0027] 2 flexible flat cables

[0028] 4. Printed Circuit Board

[0029] 10 LVDS connector with locking and unlocking structure

[0030] 20 First Component

[0031] 202 First Shell

[0032] 2022 First Ontology

[0033] 2024 Shrapnel

[0034] 20242 contact points

[0035] 2026 pins

[0036] 2028 Opening

[0037] 20262 Bump

[0038] 204 First Insulator

[0039] 2042 The Third Body

[0040] 2044 jack

[0041] 2046 plugin

[0042] 20462 First acting part

[0043] 2048 clamping part

[0044] 20410 Fastener

[0045] 206 Second Shell

[0046] 2062 Second Body

[0047] 2064 Covering

[0048] 40 Second component

[0049] 402 Second Insulator

[0050] 4022 The Fourth Body

[0051] 4024 Action Slots

[0052] 40242 Groove

[0053] 4026 terminal hole

[0054] 404 fixings

[0055] 4042 The Fifth Body

[0056] 4044 welded parts

[0057] 406 tie rod

[0058] 4062 The Sixth Body

[0059] 4064 Second acting part

[0060] 4066 operating parts

[0061] 4068 shaft

[0062] 40610 Limiting piece

[0063] 50 terminals

[0064] SP storage space

[0065] RD Rotation direction [Specific implementation method]

[0066] In order to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the following specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Throughout the present invention, the terms "a" or "an" are used to describe units, elements, and components described herein. This is for convenience only and to provide a general understanding of the scope of the present invention. Therefore, unless otherwise apparent, such descriptions should be understood to include one, at least one, and the singular also includes the plural.

[0068] Throughout this disclosure, the terms "comprise," "include," "have," "contain," or any similar terms are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a component, structure, article, or device comprising multiple elements is not limited to only those elements listed herein but may include additional elements not expressly listed but customarily inherent to such component, structure, article, or device. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 1 , is a perspective schematic diagram of an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1In the embodiment, an LVDS connector 10 with a locking and unlocking mechanism connects a flexible flat cable 2 and a printed circuit board 4. The LVDS connector 10 with a locking and unlocking mechanism includes a first component 20 and a second component 40. The first component 20 connects the flexible flat cable 2, and the second component 40 connects the printed circuit board 4. The flexible flat cable 2 is connected to the printed circuit board 4 via the first component 20 and the second component 40. The second component 40 can connect to and disconnect from the first component 20.

[0070] The first component 20 further includes a first shell 202 , a first plastic core 204 and a second shell 206 .

[0071] You can also refer to Figure 2a and Figure 2b , is to illustrate the present invention Figure 1 Detailed schematic diagram of the first shell of the first component. Figure 2a This invention is described Figure 1 a front view of the first housing of the first assembly; and Figure 2b This invention is described Figure 1 The first housing 202 includes a first body 2022 , a spring 2024 and a plurality of pins 2026 .

[0072] The first body 2022 can be made of metal. In this embodiment, the first body 2022 can be C-shaped. The first body 2022 is formed with a spring 2024 and a plurality of pins 2026. The spring 2024 is formed on one surface of the first body 2022 to contact the printed circuit board 4, and the plurality of pins 2026 are formed on two sides of the first body 2022.

[0073] In this embodiment, four spring clips 2024 are used as an example. The spring clips 2024 are used to contact, for example, the aluminum foil (not shown) of the flexible flat cable 2, thereby grounding the flexible flat cable 2 through the aluminum foil and the spring clips 2024. The free ends of the spring clips 2024 extend toward the flexible flat cable 2, providing electrical connection via contact points 20242 on the spring clips 2024. Two pins 2026 are used as an example. Multiple pins 2026 extend downward from the first body 2022. In this embodiment, the pins 2026 form protrusions 20262 that contact the inner wall of the socket 2044, described later, securing the pins 2026 in the socket 2044.

[0074] In another embodiment, the first body 2022 may form an opening 2028 to correspond to the first plastic core 204 to form a fastener 20410 (see FIG. Figure 8c ), the opening 2028 is combined with the fastener 20410 to fix the first plastic core 204 in the accommodating space SP.

[0075] You can also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 . Figure 3 This invention is described Figure 1 A top view of the first shell and the second shell combined with the first rubber core; and Figure 4 This invention is described Figure 1 A front view of the first shell and the second shell combined with the first rubber core.

[0076] The description of the first shell 202 is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0077] The first plastic core 204 includes a third body 2042 , a plurality of insertion holes 2044 and a plurality of plug-ins 2046 .

[0078] The third body 2042 is disposed within the first body 2022 and can be made of an insulating material. The third body 2042 is encased within the first body 2022. Inserts 2046 are formed on two sides of the third body 2042, and sockets 2044 are formed within the inserts 2046. In this embodiment, two sockets 2044 and two inserts 2046 are used as examples. The sockets 2044 correspond to the pins 2026 of the first housing 202. The insert 2046 also includes a first actuator 20462 having a chamfered angle to actuate the second actuator 4064, which will be described later.

[0079] The second housing 206 includes a second body 2062 and a plurality of covering members 2064. In this embodiment, two covering members 2064 are provided as an example. The covering members 2064 extend from two sides of the second body 2062 and are bent into a C-shape, thereby covering a portion of the first housing 202. This allows the second housing 206 and the first housing 202 to form a receiving space SP for accommodating the flexible flat cable 2. Furthermore, the second body 2062 secures the first rubber core 204 within the receiving space SP via the covering members 2064.

[0080] In another embodiment, the first core 204 further includes a clamping portion 2048 to enable a robotic arm (not shown) to move the first component 20 .

[0081] You can also refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b , is to illustrate the present invention Figure 1 Detailed schematic diagram of the second rubber core, fixing member and terminal of the second component. Figure 5a This invention is described Figure 1 A top view of the assembly of the second rubber core, the fixing member and the terminal; and Figure 5b This invention is described Figure 1 Front view of the assembly of the second rubber core, fixing member and terminal.

[0082] The second component 40 further includes a second rubber core 402 , a fixing member 404 , a plurality of pull rods 406 and terminals 50 .

[0083] The second rubber core 402 includes a fourth body 4022 and a plurality of action grooves 4024. In this embodiment, the number of action grooves 4024 is two. The action grooves 4024 are formed on both sides of the fourth body 4022. Two U-shaped grooves 40242 are formed in the action groove. In this embodiment, the grooves 40242 have openings in the action grooves 4024 to expose the second action member 4064 of the pull rod 406 mentioned later. The second action member 4064 can act on the first action member 20462 in the action grooves 4024. Figure 7 The active groove 4024 is configured to correspond to the insert 2046 of the first housing 202, so that when the first component 20 is coupled to the second component 40, the insert 2046 can be guided by the active groove 4024 to position the first component 20 and the second component 40. In this embodiment, the second rubber core 402 further includes a terminal hole 4026 for accommodating the terminal 50.

[0084] In this embodiment, two fixing members 404 are used as an example. Each fixing member 404 includes a fifth body 4042 and a welding member 4044. The fifth body 4042 covers the groove 40242. The welding member 4044 is used for welding to the printed circuit board 4 to fix the second component 40 to the printed circuit board 4.

[0085] The terminal 50 is disposed on the fourth body 4022 of the second rubber core 402 . One end of the terminal 50 is connected to the printed circuit board 4 , and the other end of the terminal 50 can be electrically connected to the wire (not shown) of the flexible flat cable 2 after the first component 20 is combined with the second component 40 .

[0086] In the above description, the fifth body 4042 covers the groove 40242 to form a space for placing the pull rod 406. Figure 6a 、 6b and Figure 6c , is to illustrate the present invention Figure 1 Detailed schematic diagram of the tie rod of the second component. Figure 6a This invention is described Figure 1 A first perspective schematic diagram of a pull rod; Figure 6b This invention is described Figure 1 A second perspective schematic diagram of the pull rod; and, Figure 6c This invention is described Figure 1 The pull rod 406 includes a sixth body 4062, a second action member 4064, an operating member 4066 and a rotating shaft 4068.

[0087] A second operating member 4064, an operating member 4066, and a rotating shaft 4068 are formed in the sixth body 4062. The second operating member 4064 and the rotating shaft 4068 are retained in the recess 40242. The operating member 4066 is exposed at the opening of the recess 40242. In this embodiment, the pull rod 406 further includes a retaining member 40610. After the retaining member 40610 is disposed in the recess 40242, the pull rod 406 is retained in the recess 40242.

[0088] In this embodiment, the operation mode of the pull rod 406 is that when an external force is applied to the operating member 4066 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating shaft member 4068, the pull rod 406 will be rotated, so that the second action member 4064 rotates and the first action member 20462 is lifted, so that the first component 20 is separated from the second component 40. The rotation direction RD of the pull rod 406 is the same as the direction of the external force. The rotation angle of the pull rod 406 can range from 5 degrees to 50 degrees. Figure 1 Also, when the first component 20 is inserted into the second component 40, the second acting member 4064 is pressed by the first acting member 20462, so that the second acting member 4064 changes the direction of the rotating shaft member 4068, that is, the direction of rotation RD described above, until the first component 20 is fully inserted into the second component 40, such as Figure 7 The position of the pull rod 406 is shown, Figure 7 It is a detailed schematic diagram illustrating the combination of the second rubber core, the fixing member, the pull rod and the terminal of the present invention.

[0089] You can also refer to Figure 8a 、 8b , 8c and Figure 8d , is a detailed schematic diagram illustrating the LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure of the present invention. Figure 8a is a bottom view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention; Figure 8b is a rear view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention; Figure 8c is a top view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention; and Figure 8dFIG2 is a front view illustrating an LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to the present invention. When the plug 2046 moves toward the operating slot 4024, the plug 2046 drives the second operating member 4064 of the lever 406 to rotate in a first rotational direction until the plug 2046 locks with the second operating member 4064 of the lever 406, thereby coupling the first component 20 with the second component 40. For example, the first rotational direction causes the operating member 4066 of the lever 406 to be perpendicular to the plurality of plugs. Furthermore, when the operating member 4066 of the lever 406 is driven by an external force and rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the second operating member 4064 pushes the plug 2046 away from the operating slot 4024, thereby separating the first component 20 from the second component 40. For example, the second rotational direction causes the operating surface 4066 of the lever 406 to be at an angle between 5 and 50 degrees relative to the plug 2046.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed as described above, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the relevant art may make slight changes to the shapes, structures, features, methods, and quantities described in the claims of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the claims attached to this specification.

Claims

1. An LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure for connecting a flexible flat cable to a printed circuit board, characterized in that: The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure includes: A first component for connecting the flexible flat cable, the first component further comprising: A first housing comprises a first body, a spring and a plurality of pins, wherein the spring is formed on a surface of the first body for contacting the printed circuit board and the plurality of pins are formed on two sides of the first body; The first plastic core has a third body, a plurality of holes and a plurality of plug-ins, wherein the third body is disposed on the first body, the third body is formed with the plurality of plug-ins and each of the plug-ins is formed with each of the holes, and the plurality of holes are disposed corresponding to the plurality of pins; as well as A second housing having a second body and a plurality of covering members, wherein the second housing and the first housing form a receiving space for receiving the flexible flat cable, and the second body fixes the first rubber core in the receiving space through the plurality of covering members; as well as A second component is configured to connect to the printed circuit board, the second component is configured to connect to and separate from the first component, and the second component further comprises: The second rubber core has a fourth body and a plurality of action grooves, wherein the fourth body forms the plurality of action grooves and the plurality of grooves are formed in the plurality of action grooves, and the plurality of action grooves are arranged corresponding to the plurality of plug-ins; a fixing member having a fifth body and a welding member, wherein the fifth body covers each of the grooves, and the welding member is welded to the printed circuit board to fix the second component to the printed circuit board; A plurality of pull rods, each having a sixth body, a second action member, an operating member, and a rotating shaft member, wherein the second action member, the operating member, and the rotating shaft member are formed on the sixth body, the second action member and the rotating shaft member are limited in each of the grooves, and the operating member is exposed in each of the grooves; as well as a terminal, provided on the second rubber core, for connecting to the printed circuit board; Wherein, when the multiple plug-ins move toward the multiple action slots, the multiple plug-ins drive the second action members of the multiple pull rods to rotate toward the first rotation direction until the multiple plug-ins lock the second action members of the multiple pull rods, allowing the first component to be combined with the second component. When the operating member of each pull rod is driven by external force to rotate toward the second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the second action member pushes the multiple plug-ins away from the multiple action slots, allowing the first component to detach from the second component.

2. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: There are one or more springs, and the free ends of the springs extend toward the flexible flat cable for electrical connection through contact points of the springs.

3. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plug pins forms a protrusion for contacting the inner wall of each of the plug holes, thereby fixing the plurality of plug pins in the plurality of plug holes.

4. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first body forms an opening and the first rubber core forms a fastener. The first rubber core is fixed in the accommodating space by combining the opening with the fastener.

5. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: The first rubber core further includes a clamping portion for moving the first component.

6. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: The second plastic core further includes a terminal hole for accommodating the terminal.

7. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the pull rods further includes a limiting member, and the limiting member is disposed in the groove so that each of the pull rods is limited in the groove.

8. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: The groove is in a U-shape to allow the rotating shaft to rotate.

9. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: wherein the first rotation direction allows the operating surfaces of the plurality of pull rods to be perpendicular to the plurality of plug-ins, and The second rotation direction allows the operating surfaces of the plurality of pull rods to be arranged at an angle with the plurality of plug-ins.

10. The LVDS connector with a locking and unlocking structure according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plug-ins further includes a first acting member, and the plurality of first acting members have a chamfered angle to act on the second acting member.

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