Thin profile lock and unlock connector

Through the component structure of the shell and insulator and the bevel design, a thin connector for flexible printed circuit boards is achieved, which has automatic locking and manual unlocking functions, solving the problems of connector thinning and ease of operation in narrow space applications.

CN115776001BActive Publication Date: 2026-03-20DACHANG ELECTRONICS TECH SUZHOU CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-12-23
Publication Date
2026-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies struggle to achieve a thinner design for connectors between flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) in narrow spaces, while simultaneously providing both automatic locking and manual unlocking capabilities.

Method used

The system employs a component structure consisting of a first housing, a second housing, and an insulator. The locking and unlocking functions are achieved through the snap-fit ​​connection of the fasteners and the design of the first inclined surface and the elastic element.

Benefits of technology

It realizes a thin connector for flexible printed circuit boards, with automatic locking and manual unlocking functions, to meet the needs of narrow space applications.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application provides a thin lock and unlock connector, which includes a first housing, a second housing and a first insulator. The first housing, the second housing and the first insulator are combined with each other by the fixing members provided respectively to form a connector capable of connecting a flexible printed circuit board. The second housing provides a first locking member and a first elastic member, which can lock the flexible printed circuit board in the connector, and when an external force is applied to the first pressing portion of the first housing, the flexible printed circuit board can be unlocked to be separated from the connector. The first insulator provides a first acting portion with a first inclined surface to correspond to the first locking member. The first inclined surface can determine the deformation stroke of the first locking member. The present application further provides a two-piece thin lock and unlock connector with a single housing and a single insulator.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of connectors, in particular, a thin locking and unlocking connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a line-to-board connector provides a plurality of front / rear electrodes to connect a flexible printed circuit (FPC) and a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0003] In order to enable the connector to be applied in application fields requiring a narrower space, such as vehicle fields or thin electronic product application fields, people in the technical field of the present invention have thought about how to make a thin connector to match the aforementioned application fields. In addition to making a thin connector, they have also thought about whether the automatic locking and manual unlocking functions can be provided during the process of making a thin connector.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention proposes a thin locking and unlocking connector to solve the problems that cannot be solved by the prior art. SUMMARY

[0005] The first object of the present invention is to provide a thin locking and unlocking connector that can be used to connect a flexible printed circuit board and achieve the purposes of automatic locking and manual unlocking.

[0006] The second object of the present invention is to provide a three-component structure of a first housing, a second housing, and a first insulator according to the thin locking and unlocking connector described above, and further mutually snap and combine the fixing members provided by the first housing, the second housing, and the first insulator to form a connector that can connect a flexible printed circuit board.

[0007] The third object of the present invention is to provide a two-component structure of a fifth housing and a second insulator according to the thin locking and unlocking connector described above, and further mutually snap and combine the fixing members provided by the fifth housing and the second insulator to form a connector that can connect a flexible printed circuit board.

[0008] The fourth object of the present invention is to provide a first pressing portion of a first housing indirectly pressing a second pressing portion of a second housing to achieve the purpose of unlocking, or directly pressing a fifth pressing portion of a fifth housing to achieve the purpose of unlocking according to the thin locking and unlocking connector described above.

[0009] A fifth object of the present application is to provide a locking and unlocking connector with a first (or second) inclined surface for determining the deformation stroke of a first (or second) locking member.

[0010] To achieve the above objects and other advantages, the present application provides a locking and unlocking connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board. The locking and unlocking connector includes a first housing, a second housing, and a first insulator. The first housing includes a first body, a plurality of first pressing portions, and a plurality of first fixing portions. The first pressing portions and the first fixing portions are respectively arranged on two sides of the first body. The first pressing portions connect the first fixing portions and the first body. The first fixing portions respectively provide a first fixing member, a third fixing member, and a fifth fixing member. The first fixing member extends toward the first body, and the third fixing member extends away from the first body. The second housing includes a second body, a plurality of second pressing portions, and a plurality of second fixing members. The second pressing portions and the second fixing members are respectively arranged on two sides of the second body. The second pressing portions connect the second fixing members and the second body. The second pressing portions correspond to the first pressing portions. The second pressing portions provide a first locking member and a first elastic member. The second fixing members correspond to the first fixing members. The first insulator includes a third body, a plurality of first acting portions, and a plurality of sixth fixing members. The third body provides a first surface, a second surface, and a first accommodating space. The first surface is combined with the first housing, and the second surface is combined with the second housing. The first acting portions and the sixth fixing members are respectively arranged on two sides of the third body. The first acting portions correspond to the first locking member, and the first accommodating space accommodates a portion of the first locking member. The first acting portions respectively form a first inclined surface to determine the deformation stroke of the first locking member, so that the first locking member is stopped at the first inclined surface. The sixth fixing members correspond to the fifth fixing members. By combining the first fixing members, the second fixing members, the fifth fixing members, the sixth fixing members, and the first elastic member, the first housing, the second housing, and the first insulator are mutually snap-fit combined. When the first pressing portions are deformed in a first direction by an external force, the first elastic member is further driven by the deformation of the first pressing portions to deform the first locking member in a second direction, thereby unlocking the flexible printed circuit board in the first accommodating space. When the first elastic member is not deformed, the first locking member locks the flexible printed circuit board in the first accommodating space.

[0011] Preferably, the first body further comprises a plurality of first openings corresponding to the plurality of first locking members, at least a portion of the plurality of first locking members protruding out of the plurality of first openings after the plurality of first locking members are deformed towards the second direction.

[0012] Preferably, the plurality of first fixing portions further comprises a plurality of seventh fixing members and the third body further comprises a plurality of second openings, the plurality of seventh fixing members corresponding to the plurality of second openings, the plurality of seventh fixing members combining with the plurality of second openings to limit the first housing to the third body.

[0013] Preferably, the third body further comprises a plurality of first recesses combining with the plurality of fifth fixing members to limit the plurality of fifth fixing members to the third body.

[0014] Preferably, a plurality of first gaps are formed between the first body and the plurality of first pressing portions to partially separate the first body and the plurality of first pressing portions for the plurality of first pressing portions to be deformed by the external force.

[0015] Preferably, the plurality of second pressing portions form a plurality of second gaps to partially separate the plurality of first locking members and the plurality of first elastic members, and each of the plurality of first locking members further comprises a first elastic arm and a first clamping block, the first clamping block protruding out of the first elastic arm and the first clamping block being accommodated in the first accommodating space for corresponding to the notch of the flexible printed circuit board, the first elastic arm corresponding to the first inclined surface.

[0016] Preferably, the plurality of second pressing portions further form a plurality of pressing pieces corresponding to the plurality of first pressing portions, the plurality of pressing pieces being closer to the plurality of first pressing portions than the plurality of first locking members and the plurality of first elastic members.

[0017] Preferably, the second housing further comprises a plurality of fourth fixing members and the first insulating body further comprises a plurality of eighth fixing members, the plurality of fourth fixing members corresponding to the plurality of eighth fixing members to limit the second housing to the first insulating body.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the first housing and the second housing further comprises a plurality of ground electrodes and the first accommodating space of the third body forms a plurality of second recesses, the plurality of ground electrodes corresponding to the plurality of second recesses and being disposed in the plurality of second recesses, wherein the plurality of ground electrodes are formed in at least one of the first body and the second body.

[0019] Preferably, the first body further comprises a positioning hole, and the third body further comprises a positioning post, the positioning hole is arranged corresponding to the positioning post to limit the first shell to the first insulator.

[0020] Preferably, the second shell further comprises a plurality of tenth fixing members, and the first insulator further comprises a plurality of twelfth fixing members, the plurality of tenth fixing members are arranged corresponding to the plurality of twelfth fixing members, and the plurality of tenth fixing members are arranged at the front edge of the second shell to limit the second shell to the first insulator.

[0021] To achieve the above object and other objects, the present application provides a thin lock and unlock connector capable of connecting a flexible printed circuit board. The thin lock and unlock connector comprises a fifth shell and a second insulator. The fifth shell comprises a fifth body, a plurality of fifth pressing portions, a plurality of ninth fixing members, a plurality of eleventh fixing members, and a plurality of thirteenth fixing members. The fifth pressing portions and the ninth fixing members are arranged at two sides of the fifth body. The eleventh fixing members are arranged at the front edge of the fifth body, and the thirteenth fixing members are arranged at the rear edge of the fifth body. The fifth pressing portions connect the ninth fixing members and the fifth body. The fifth pressing portions provide a second locking member and a second elastic member. The ninth fixing members connect the second elastic member. The second insulator comprises a seventh body, a plurality of second acting portions, a plurality of fourth openings, a plurality of twelfth fixing members, and a plurality of fourteenth fixing members. The seventh body provides a second accommodating space. The second acting portions are arranged at two sides of the seventh body. The second acting portions are arranged corresponding to the second locking member, and the second accommodating space accommodates a part of the second locking member. The second acting portions respectively form second inclined surfaces to determine the deformation stroke of the second locking member, so that the second locking member is stopped at the second inclined surfaces. The fourth openings are arranged corresponding to the ninth fixing members. The twelfth fixing members are arranged corresponding to the eleventh fixing members. The fourteenth fixing members are arranged corresponding to the thirteenth fixing members. Through the combination of the ninth fixing members, the eleventh fixing members, the thirteenth fixing members, the fourth openings, the twelfth fixing members, and the fourteenth fixing members, the fifth shell and the second insulator are mutually snap-fit combined. After the fifth pressing portions are deformed in a first direction by an external force, the second elastic member is further driven by the deformation of the fifth pressing portions to deform the second locking member in a second direction to unlock the flexible printed circuit board located in the second accommodating space. When the second elastic member does not deform, the second locking member locks the flexible printed circuit board in the second accommodating space.

[0022] Preferably, the plurality of fifth pressing portions form a plurality of fourth gaps to partially separate the plurality of second locking members and the plurality of second elastic members, and each of the plurality of second locking members further includes a second spring arm and a second latching block, the second latching block protruding from the second spring arm and the second latching block being accommodated in the second accommodating space to correspond to the notch of the flexible printed circuit board, and the second spring arm being disposed corresponding to the second inclined surface.

[0023] Preferably, the fifth housing further includes providing a plurality of grounding electrodes and the second accommodating space in the seventh body further includes forming a plurality of fourth recesses, the plurality of grounding electrodes being disposed corresponding to the plurality of fourth recesses and disposed in the plurality of fourth recesses, wherein the plurality of grounding electrodes are formed in the fifth body.

[0024] Preferably, each of the plurality of ninth fixing members further includes a first pin, a second pin, and a grounding member, the first pin being formed at the front end of the ninth fixing member and corresponding to the fourth opening, the second pin being formed on the upper side of the ninth fixing member, and the grounding member being formed on the side of the ninth fixing member.

[0025] Compared to traditional thin locking and unlocking connectors, this invention proposes a thin locking and unlocking connector that can be applied to flexible printed circuit boards. In addition to significantly reducing the thickness, the thin locking and unlocking connector can also perform locking and unlocking. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the thin latch and unlock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 To illustrate the present invention Figure 1 An exploded view of the thin-film locking and unlocking connector.

[0028] Figure 3(a) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 The bottom view of the first shell.

[0029] Figure 3(b) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 Top view of the first shell.

[0030] Figure 3(c) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 Side view of the first housing.

[0031] Figure 4(a) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 A bottom view of the second shell.

[0032] Figure 4(b) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2Top view of the second shell.

[0033] Figure 4(c) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 Side view of the second housing.

[0034] Figure 5(a) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 The bottom view of the first insulator.

[0035] Figure 5(b) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 Top view of the first insulator.

[0036] Figure 5(c) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 Front view of the first insulator.

[0037] Figure 5(d) illustrates the present invention. Figure 2 A side view of the first insulator.

[0038] Figure 6 To illustrate the present invention Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the slimmed-down latch and unlocking connector.

[0039] Figure 7 To illustrate the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the other side of the slimmed-down latch and unlocking connector.

[0040] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the thin latch and unlock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9(a) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 Top view of the fifth shell.

[0042] Figure 9(b) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 The bottom view of the fifth shell.

[0043] Figure 9(c) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 Side view of the fifth shell.

[0044] Figure 10(a) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 Top view of the second insulator.

[0045] Figure 10(b) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 The bottom view of the second insulator.

[0046] Figure 10(c) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 Front view of the second insulator.

[0047] Figure 10(d) illustrates the present invention. Figure 8 A side view of the second insulator.

[0048] Symbol explanation:

[0049] 10, 20 … thin profile lock and unlock connector

[0050] 12 … first housing

[0051] 122 … first body

[0052] 124 … first pressing portion

[0053] 126 … first fixing portion

[0054] 1262 … first fixing member

[0055] 1264 … third fixing member

[0056] 1266 … fifth fixing member

[0057] 1268 … seventh fixing member

[0058] 128 … first opening

[0059] 1210 … first gap

[0060] 1212 … ground electrode

[0061] 1214 … positioning port

[0062] 14 … second housing

[0063] 142 … second body

[0064] 144 … second pressing portion

[0065] 1442 … first lock member

[0066] 14422 … first elastic arm

[0067] 14424 … first clamping block

[0068] 1444 … first elastic member

[0069] 1446 … pressing sheet

[0070] 146 … second fixing member

[0071] 148 … second gap

[0072] 1410 … fourth fixing member

[0073] 1412 … ground electrode

[0074] 1414 … clamping member

[0075] 14142...nub

[0076] 16...first insulator

[0077] 162...third body

[0078] 1622...first surface

[0079] 1624...second surface

[0080] 1626...card slot

[0081] 164...first acting part

[0082] 166...sixth fixing part

[0083] 168...second opening

[0084] 1610...first recess

[0085] 1612...eighth fixing part

[0086] 1614...second recess

[0087] 1616...positioning column

[0088] 22...fifth housing

[0089] 222...fifth body

[0090] 224...fifth pressing part

[0091] 2242...second locking part

[0092] 2244...second elastic part

[0093] 22422...second elastic arm

[0094] 22424...second buckling block

[0095] 226...ninth fixing part

[0096] 2262...first bolt part

[0097] 2264...second bolt part

[0098] 2266...ground part

[0099] 228...eleventh fixing part

[0100] 2282...nub

[0101] 2210...thirteenth fixing part

[0102] 2212... fourth gap

[0103] 2214... ground electrode

[0104] 24... second insulator

[0105] 242... seventh body

[0106] 244... second acting portion

[0107] 246... fourth opening

[0108] 248... twelfth fixing member

[0109] 2410... fourteenth fixing member

[0110] 2412... fourth groove

[0111] 2414... slot

[0112] SP1... first accommodating space

[0113] SP2... second accommodating space

[0114] A... leading edge

[0115] B... trailing edge DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] In order to fully understand the objects, technical features, and effects of the present application, reference will now be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0117] In the present application, the use of "a" or "an" is intended to describe one or more units, elements, and components. This is simply for convenience and to provide a general sense of the scope of the present application. Therefore, unless clearly indicated otherwise, such description should be understood to include one, at least one, and singular also includes plural.

[0118] In the present application, the use of the terms "comprise", "include", "have", "contain", or any other similar terms is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, an element, structure, article, or device containing plural elements is not limited to only the elements listed herein, but can include other elements not explicitly listed but are generally inherent to the element, structure, article, or device. In addition, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the term "or" means inclusive "or", not exclusive "or".

[0119] Reference will now be made to Figure 1 is a perspective view of a thin-type lock and unlocking connector according to a first embodiment of the present application. In Figure 1In the embodiment, the thin lock-and-unlock connector 10 can be connected with a flexible printed circuit board (not shown).

[0120] The thin lock-and-unlock connector 10 comprises a first housing 12, a second housing 14 and a first insulator 16. For further description of the thin lock-and-unlock connector 10, please refer to Figure 2 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Figure 1 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Figure 8 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14.

[0121] For further description of the thin lock-and-unlock connector 10, please refer to Figures 3(a) to 3(c) , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Figure 2 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Figure 2 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Figure 2 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. Figure 2 , the first housing 12 and the second housing 14.

[0122] The first housing 12 comprises a first body 122, a plurality of first pressing portions 124 and a plurality of first fixing portions 126. In the embodiment, the number of the first pressing portions 124 and the first fixing portions 126 is two.

[0123] The first pressing portions 124 and the first fixing portions 126 are respectively arranged on two sides of the first body 122, i.e. the left and right sides of FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b). In FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), the first pressing portions 124 are connected with the first fixing portions 126 and the first body 122.

[0124] The first fixing portions 126 respectively provide a first fixing member 1262, a third fixing member 1264 and a fifth fixing member 1266, i.e. the first fixing portions 126 are composed of the first fixing member 1262, the third fixing member 1264 and the fifth fixing member 1266. The first fixing member 1262 extends towards the first body 122 (or is bent inwardly) and the third fixing member 1264 extends away from the first body 122 (or is bent outwardly). That is, the extending direction of the first fixing member 1262 is opposite to the extending direction of the third fixing member 1264.

[0125] In another embodiment, the first body 122 further comprises a plurality of first openings 128. In the embodiment, the number of the first openings 128 is two. The first openings 128 are arranged corresponding to the first lock members 1442 of the second housing 14, which will be described later. In particular, when the first elastic arms 14422 are deformed, the first elastic arms 14422 can protrude through the first openings 128 and do not act on the first housing 12.

[0126] In another embodiment, the first body 122 further comprises a plurality of seventh fixing members 1268. In this embodiment, the number of the seventh fixing members 1268 is exemplified by two. The seventh fixing members 1268 protrude from the first fixing portion 126 in a direction which is approximately perpendicular or perpendicular to the direction in which the first fixing members 1262 and the third fixing members 1264 extend.

[0127] In another embodiment, a plurality of first gaps 1210 is formed between the first body 122 and the first pressing portion 124 to partially separate the first body 122 and the first pressing portion 124, so that the first pressing portion 124 can easily deform under an external force.

[0128] In another embodiment, the first body 122 forms a positioning opening 1214 for corresponding to the positioning post 1616 mentioned later.

[0129] Referring to Figures 4(a) to 4(c) for illustrating the present application Figure 2 of the second housing. Fig. 4(a) is a bottom view illustrating the present application Figure 2 of the second housing; Fig. 4(b) is a top view illustrating the present application Figure 2 of the second housing; and Fig. 4(c) is a side view illustrating the present application Figure 2 of the second housing.

[0130] The second housing 14 comprises a second body 142, a plurality of second pressing portions 144 and a plurality of second fixing members 146. In this embodiment, the number of the second pressing portions 144 and the second fixing members 146 is exemplified by two.

[0131] The second pressing portions 144 and the second fixing members 146 are respectively arranged on two sides of the second body 142. The second pressing portions 144 connect the second fixing members 146 and the second body 142. The second pressing portions 144 correspond to the first pressing portions 124. The second pressing portions 144 provide a first locking member 1442 and a first elastic member 1444. The second fixing members 146 connect the first elastic member 1444 and the second fixing members 146 correspond to the first fixing members 1262. Referring to Figure 6 the drawings, it can be seen that the first fixing members 1262 are limited by the second fixing members 146.

[0132] In another embodiment, the second housing 14 further comprises a plurality of fourth fixing members 1410. In this embodiment, the number of the fourth fixing members 1410 is exemplified by four.

[0133] In another embodiment, the second pressing portion 144 forms a plurality of second gaps 148 to partially separate the first locking members 1442 and the first elastic members 1444. In addition, each of the first locking members 1442 further comprises a first elastic arm 14422 and a first clamping block 14424. The first clamping block 14424 protrudes from the first elastic arm 14422 and the first clamping block 14424 is accommodated in a first accommodating space SP1 to be capable of corresponding to a notch (not shown) of a flexible printed circuit board (not shown). The first elastic arm 14422 corresponds to the first inclined surface S1. In this embodiment, the first elastic member 1444 is exemplified by a U-shaped body, and in other embodiments, as long as an elastic structure can be formed, it belongs to the elastic member of the present application.

[0134] In another embodiment, the second pressing portion 144 further forms a plurality of pressing pieces 1446. The pressing pieces 1446 correspond to the first pressing portion 124. The pressing pieces 1446 are closer to the first pressing portion 124 than the first locking members 1442 and the first elastic members 1444, so that the second pressing portion 144 contacts the first pressing portion 124 earlier than the first locking members 1442 and the first elastic members 1444.

[0135] Reference is made to Figures 5(a) to 5(d) , the first insulator of the present application Figure 2 is described from multiple perspective views. FIG. 5(a) is a bottom view illustrating the first insulator of the present application Figure 2 ; FIG. 5(b) is a top view illustrating the first insulator of the present application Figure 2 ; FIG. 5(c) is a front view illustrating the first insulator of the present application Figure 2 ; and FIG. 5(d) is a side view illustrating the first insulator of the present application Figure 2 .

[0136] The first insulator 16 comprises a third body 162, a plurality of first acting portions 164, and a plurality of sixth fixing members 166. In this embodiment, the number of the first acting portions 164 and the sixth fixing members 166 is exemplified by two.

[0137] The third body 162 provides a first surface 1622, a second surface 1624, and a first accommodating space SP1. The first surface 1622 is combined with the first shell 12 and the second surface 1624 is combined with the second shell 14.

[0138] The first actuating part 164 and the sixth fixing member 166 are respectively disposed on both sides of the third body 162. The first actuating part 164 is provided corresponding to the first locking member 1442, and the first accommodating space SP1 accommodates a portion of the first locking member 1442, that is, a portion of the first latching block 14424. The first actuating part 164 forms a first inclined surface S1 to determine the deformation stroke of the first locking member 1442, such that the first locking member 1442 stops at the first inclined surface S1, and the sixth fixing member 166 corresponds to the fifth fixing member 1266.

[0139] In another embodiment, the third body 162 further includes a plurality of second openings 168. A seventh fastener 1268 is provided corresponding to the second openings 168. Furthermore, the seventh fastener 1268 engages with the second openings 168 to limit the first housing 12 within the third body 162.

[0140] In another embodiment, the third body 162 further includes forming a plurality of first grooves 1610. Here, the number of first grooves 1610 is illustrated by example as two. The first grooves 1610 engage with the fifth fastener 1266 to confine the fifth fastener 1266 within the third body 162.

[0141] In another embodiment, the first insulator 16 further includes a plurality of eighth fasteners 1612. Here, the number of eighth fasteners 1612 is illustrated as four. The eighth fasteners 1612 are provided corresponding to the fourth fasteners 1410 to confine the second housing 14 within the first insulator 16.

[0142] In another embodiment, the third body 162 further includes a positioning post 1616 disposed corresponding to the positioning port 1214 of the first housing 12. The positioning post 1616 is inserted into the positioning port 1214 to confine the first housing 12 to the first insulator 16.

[0143] Please refer to the above. Figure 6 This invention is described. Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the slimmed-down latch and unlocking connector. Figure 6 In this context, based on the first housing 12, the second housing 14, and the first insulator 16 mentioned above, it can be understood that the combination of the first fixing member 1262, the second fixing member 146, the fifth fixing member 1266, the sixth fixing member 166, and the first elastic member 1444 enables the first housing 12, the second housing 14, and the first insulator 16 to be interlocked.

[0144] The first pressing portion 124 is deformed in a first direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the first direction is the direction of the negative Y-axis (the drawing faces downward). After the first pressing portion 124 is deformed, the first elastic member 1444 is further driven to deform the first locking member 1442 in a second direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the second direction is the direction of the positive Y-axis (the drawing faces upward), so that after the first locking member 1442 is deformed, it can unlock the flexible printed circuit board (not shown in the drawing) located in the first accommodating space SP1, and when the first elastic member 1444 is not deformed, the first locking member 1442 locks the flexible printed circuit board in the first accommodating space SP1.

[0145] Reference can be made to Figure 7 for the purpose of illustrating the Figure 1 thin locking and unlocking connector. In Figure 7 , the first acting portion 164 is shown as a first inclined surface S1 structure, so that when an external force is applied to the first pressing portion 124 of the first housing 12, that is, the external force is applied to the first pressing portion 124 in the direction of the drawing facing downward, the first pressing portion 124 indirectly presses the pressing sheet 1446 to deform the first elastic member 1444, and then drives the first locking member 1442 to deform. At this time, the deformation stroke of the first locking member 1442 is limited by the first inclined surface S1.

[0146] Returning to FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 4(c), after the first locking member 1442 is deformed in the second direction, at least a part of the first locking member 1442 protrudes from the first opening 128 of the first housing 12 mentioned above. By the structure of the first opening 128, the connector can achieve the purpose of thinning.

[0147] In another embodiment, at least one of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 described above further comprises a plurality of grounding electrodes 1212, 1412 and the first accommodating space SP1 of the third body 162 forms a plurality of second grooves 1614, the number of the second grooves 1614 is equal to or more than the number of the grounding electrodes 1212, 1412. The grounding electrodes 1212, 1412 are arranged corresponding to the second grooves 1614 and arranged in the second grooves 1614.

[0148] In another embodiment, the second housing 14 described above further comprises a clamping member 1414 and the third body 162 further comprises a clamping groove 1626, so that the second housing 14 is clamped on the third body 162 by the clamping member 1414 combined with the clamping groove 1626. At this time, the two sides of the clamping member 1414 form protrusions 14142, so that the clamping member 1414 is clamped in the clamping groove 1626 by the protrusions 14142.

[0149] Please refer toFigure 8 Fig. 8 is an exploded schematic view of a thin-type locking and unlocking connector according to a second embodiment of the present application. In Figure 8 the thin-type locking and unlocking connector 20 is connected to a flexible printed circuit board. Unlike the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, the architecture of the two housings of the first embodiment can be changed to the architecture of one housing.

[0150] The thin-type locking and unlocking connector 20 includes a fifth housing 22 and a second insulator 24. In another embodiment, the thin-type locking and unlocking connector 20 further includes a plurality of terminals 26.

[0151] Referring to Figures 9(a) to 9(c) for a purpose of explaining the present application Figure 8 Fig. 9 is a plurality of perspective views of the fifth housing according to the present application. Fig. 9(a) is a top view of the fifth housing according to the present application; Fig. 9(b) is a bottom view of the fifth housing according to the present application; and Fig. 9(c) is a side view of the fifth housing according to the present application. Figure 8 Figure 8 Figure 8

[0152] The fifth housing 22 includes a fifth body 222, a plurality of fifth pressing portions 224, a plurality of ninth fixing members 226, a plurality of eleventh fixing members 228, and a plurality of thirteenth fixing members 2210. Here, the number of the fifth pressing portions 224, the ninth fixing members 226, the eleventh fixing members 228, and the thirteenth fixing members 2210 is exemplified as two.

[0153] The fifth pressing portions 224 and the ninth fixing members 226 are disposed on both sides of the fifth body 222. Here, the ninth fixing members 226 can be composed of first pin members 2262, second pin members 2264, and ground members 2266, and in other embodiments, other variations can be possible. The first pin members 2262 are formed at the front ends of the ninth fixing members 226 to correspond to the fourth openings 246 mentioned later, the second pin members 2264 are formed on the upper sides of the ninth fixing members 226, and the ground members 2266 are formed on the side edges to be connected to a printed circuit board (not shown). The eleventh fixing members 228 are disposed on the front edge A of the fifth body 222, and the thirteenth fixing members 2210 are disposed on the rear edge B of the fifth body 222. Here, the eleventh fixing members 228 have protrusions 2282 formed on both sides of the front ends to be latched to the twelfth fixing members 248 mentioned later, that is, the eleventh fixing members 228 are latched to the twelfth fixing members 248 by the protrusions 2282. The front edge A and the rear edge B are located on corresponding sides. The fifth pressing portions 224 connect the ninth fixing members 226 and the fifth body 222. The fifth pressing portions 224 provide second locking members 2242 and second elastic members 2244. The ninth fixing members 226 are connected to the second elastic members 2244.

[0154] ​​​In another embodiment, the fifth pressing portion 224 forms a plurality of fourth gaps 2212 to partially separate the second locking members 2242 from the second elastic members 2244. Each of the second locking members 2242 further includes a second elastic arm 22422 and a second clamping block 22424. The second clamping block 22424 protrudes from the second elastic arm 22422 and the second clamping block 22424 is received in a second receiving space SP2 to be capable of corresponding to the notch of the flexible printed circuit board. In addition, the second elastic arm 22422 is provided corresponding to a second inclined surface for stopping the deformed second elastic arm 22422.

[0155] Referring to Figures 10(a) to 10(d) , the present application is described Figure 8 , a plurality of perspective views of the second insulator. FIG. 10(a) is a top view illustrating the second insulator of the present application; FIG. 10(b) is a bottom view illustrating the second insulator of the present application; Figure 8 ; FIG. 10(c) is a front view illustrating the second insulator of the present application; and FIG. 10(d) is a side view illustrating the second insulator of the present application. Figure 8

[0156] ; FIG. 10(c) is a front view illustrating the second insulator of the present application; and FIG. 10(d) is a side view illustrating the second insulator of the present application. Figure 8 ; FIG. 10(c) is a front view illustrating the second insulator of the present application; and FIG. 10(d) is a side view illustrating the second insulator of the present application. Figure 8

[0157] The second insulator 24 includes a seventh body 242, a plurality of second acting portions 244, a plurality of fourth openings 246, a plurality of twelfth fixing members 248, and a plurality of fourteenth fixing members 2410. Here, the number of the second acting portions 244, the fourth openings 246, the twelfth fixing members 248, and the fourteenth fixing members 2410 is exemplified as two, and the number of the second acting portions 244, the plurality of fourth openings 246, the plurality of twelfth fixing members 248, and the plurality of fourteenth fixing members 2410 is equal to or more than the number of the fifth pressing portion 224, the ninth fixing member 226, the eleventh fixing member 228, and the thirteenth fixing member 2210.

[0158] The seventh body 242 provides a second receiving space SP2. The second acting portions 244 are disposed on both sides of the seventh body 242. The second acting portions 244 are provided corresponding to the second locking members 2242, and the second receiving space SP2 receives a portion of the second locking members 2242. The second acting portions 244 form a second inclined surface S2 to determine a deformation stroke of the second locking members 2242, so that the second locking members 2242 are stopped at the second inclined surface S2. The fourth openings 246 are provided corresponding to the ninth fixing members 226. The twelfth fixing members 248 are provided corresponding to the eleventh fixing members 228. The fourteenth fixing members 2410 are provided corresponding to the thirteenth fixing members 2210.

[0159] ​​In another embodiment, the seventh body 242 can further include a slot 2414 corresponding to the second latch 2264 to limit the fifth housing 22 to the second insulator 24.

[0160] Wherein, through the combination of the ninth fixing member 226, the eleventh fixing member 228, the thirteenth fixing member 2210, the fourth opening 246, the twelfth fixing member 248 and the fourteenth fixing member 2410, the fifth housing 22 and the second insulator 24 are snap-fit combined with each other, and after the fifth pressing portion 224 is deformed in the first direction by an external force, the second elastic member 2244 is further driven by the deformation of the fifth pressing portion 224 to deform the second locking member 2242 in the second direction to unlock the flexible printed circuit board in the second accommodating space SP2, and when the second elastic member 2244 is not deformed, the second locking member 2242 locks the flexible printed circuit board in the second accommodating space SP2.

[0161] In another embodiment, the aforementioned fifth housing 22 can provide a plurality of grounding electrodes 2214 and a plurality of fourth grooves 2412 between the aforementioned seventh body 242 and the second accommodating space SP2, and the number of the grounding electrodes 2214 and the fourth grooves 2412 is taken as an example of two. The grounding electrodes 2214 are arranged corresponding to the fourth grooves 2412 and the grounding electrodes 2214 are arranged in the fourth grooves 2412. Wherein, the grounding electrodes 2214 are formed in the fifth body 222.

[0162] The present application has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments are only used to describe the present application, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present application. It should be noted that any equivalent changes and substitutions of the embodiments should be considered as covered within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A thin locking and unlocking connector, characterized in that, The thin latch and unlock connector is used for connecting flexible printed circuit boards and includes: A first housing has a first body, a plurality of first pressing portions and a plurality of first fixing portions, wherein the plurality of first pressing portions and the plurality of first fixing portions are respectively disposed on two sides of the first body, the plurality of first pressing portions connect the plurality of first fixing portions to the first body, and the plurality of first fixing portions are respectively provided with a first fixing member, a third fixing member and a fifth fixing member, wherein the first fixing member extends toward the first body and the third fixing member extends away from the first body; The second housing has a second body, a plurality of second pressing parts, and a plurality of second fixing members. The plurality of second pressing parts and the plurality of second fixing members are respectively disposed on two sides of the second body. The plurality of second pressing parts connect the plurality of second fixing members to the second body. The plurality of second pressing parts are provided corresponding to the plurality of first pressing parts. The plurality of second pressing parts are respectively provided with a first locking member and a first elastic member. The plurality of second fixing members connect the plurality of first elastic members and are provided corresponding to the plurality of first fixing members. as well as A first insulator has a third body, a plurality of first functional parts, and a plurality of sixth fixing members. The third body provides corresponding first surfaces, second surfaces, and first accommodating spaces. The first surfaces are combined with the first housing, and the second surfaces are combined with the second housing. The plurality of first functional parts and the plurality of sixth fixing members are respectively disposed on two sides of the third body. The plurality of first functional parts are provided corresponding to the plurality of first locking members, and the first accommodating space accommodates a portion of the plurality of first locking members. The plurality of first functional parts respectively form first inclined surfaces to determine the deformation stroke of the plurality of first locking members, such that the plurality of first locking members stop on the first inclined surfaces. The plurality of sixth fixing members correspond to the plurality of fifth fixing members. Specifically, through the combination of the plurality of first fixing members, the plurality of second fixing members, the plurality of fifth fixing members, the plurality of sixth fixing members, and the plurality of first elastic members, the first housing, the second housing, and the first insulator are interlocked. After the plurality of first pressing portions deform in a first direction under an external force, the plurality of first elastic members, driven by the deformation of the plurality of first pressing portions, further drive the plurality of first locking members to deform in a second direction to unlock the flexible printed circuit board located in the first accommodating space. When the plurality of first elastic members do not deform, the plurality of first locking members lock the flexible printed circuit board in the first accommodating space. A plurality of first gaps are formed between the first body and the plurality of first pressing parts to partially separate the first body from the plurality of first pressing parts, so that the plurality of first pressing parts can be deformed by the external force.

2. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first body further includes a plurality of first openings, which are provided corresponding to the plurality of first locking members. After the plurality of first locking members are deformed in the second direction, at least a portion of the plurality of first locking members protrudes from the plurality of first openings.

3. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of first fixing parts further include a plurality of seventh fixing members and the third body further includes a plurality of second openings, the plurality of seventh fixing members being disposed corresponding to the plurality of second openings, the plurality of seventh fixing members engaging with the plurality of second openings to limit the first housing to the third body.

4. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third body further includes forming a plurality of first grooves to engage the plurality of fifth fasteners, thereby confining the plurality of fifth fasteners within the third body.

5. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of second pressing portions form a plurality of second gaps to partially separate the plurality of first locking members and the plurality of first elastic members. Each of the plurality of first locking members further includes a first spring arm and a first latching block. The first latching block protrudes from the first spring arm and is accommodated in the first accommodating space to correspond to the notch of the flexible printed circuit board. The first spring arm is disposed corresponding to the first inclined surface.

6. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The plurality of second pressing portions further form a plurality of pressing pieces, which are provided corresponding to the plurality of first pressing portions. The plurality of pressing pieces are closer to the plurality of first pressing portions than the plurality of first locking members and the plurality of first elastic members.

7. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing further includes a plurality of fourth fasteners and the first insulator further includes a plurality of eighth fasteners, wherein the plurality of fourth fasteners are provided corresponding to the plurality of eighth fasteners to limit the second housing to the first insulator.

8. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the first housing and the second housing further includes a plurality of grounding electrodes forming a plurality of second grooves with the first accommodating space of the third body. The plurality of grounding electrodes are disposed corresponding to the plurality of second grooves and disposed in the plurality of second grooves. The plurality of grounding electrodes are formed in at least one of the first body and the second body.

9. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first body further includes forming a positioning port and the third body further includes forming a positioning post, the positioning port being disposed corresponding to the positioning post to limit the first housing to the first insulator.

10. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing further includes a plurality of tenth fixing members and the first insulator further includes a plurality of twelfth fixing members, wherein the plurality of tenth fixing members are provided corresponding to the plurality of twelfth fixing members and are provided at the front edge of the second housing to limit the second housing to the first insulator.

11. A thin locking and unlocking connector, characterized in that, For connecting a flexible printed circuit board, the thin latch and unlock connector includes: A fifth housing comprising a fifth body, a plurality of fifth pressing portions, a plurality of ninth fixing members, a plurality of eleventh fixing members, and a plurality of thirteenth fixing members. The plurality of fifth pressing portions and the plurality of ninth fixing members are disposed on opposite sides of the fifth body. The plurality of eleventh fixing members are located at the front edge of the fifth body, and the plurality of thirteenth fixing members are located at the rear edge of the fifth body. The plurality of fifth pressing portions connect the plurality of ninth fixing members to the fifth body. Each of the plurality of fifth pressing portions is provided with a second locking member and a second elastic member. The plurality of ninth fixing members connect to the plurality of second elastic members. The second insulator has a seventh body, a plurality of second functional parts, a plurality of fourth openings, a plurality of twelfth fixing members, and a plurality of fourteenth fixing members. The seventh body provides a second accommodating space. The plurality of second functional parts are disposed on both sides of the seventh body. The plurality of second functional parts are provided corresponding to the plurality of second locking members, and the second accommodating space accommodates a portion of the plurality of second locking members. The plurality of second functional parts respectively form a second inclined surface to determine the deformation stroke of the plurality of second locking members, such that the plurality of second locking members stop at the second inclined surface. The plurality of fourth openings are provided corresponding to the plurality of ninth fixing members. The plurality of twelfth fixing members are provided corresponding to the plurality of eleventh fixing members, and the plurality of fourteenth fixing members are provided corresponding to the plurality of thirteenth fixing members. Specifically, through the combination of the plurality of ninth fixing members, the plurality of eleventh fixing members, the plurality of thirteenth fixing members, the plurality of fourth openings, the plurality of twelfth fixing members, and the plurality of fourteenth fixing members, the fifth housing and the second insulator are interlocked. After the plurality of fifth pressing portions deform in a first direction under an external force, the plurality of second elastic members, driven by the deformation of the plurality of fifth pressing portions, further drive the plurality of second locking members to deform in a second direction to unlock the flexible printed circuit board located in the second accommodating space. When the plurality of second elastic members do not deform, the plurality of second locking members lock the flexible printed circuit board in the second accommodating space. The plurality of fifth pressing portions form a plurality of fourth gaps to partially separate the plurality of second locking members and the plurality of second elastic members. Each of the plurality of second locking members further includes a second spring arm and a second latching block. The second latching block protrudes from the second spring arm and is accommodated in the second accommodating space to correspond to the notch of the flexible printed circuit board. The second spring arm is provided corresponding to the second inclined surface.

12. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The fifth housing further includes providing a plurality of grounding electrodes, and the second accommodating space in the seventh body further includes forming a plurality of fourth recesses, the plurality of grounding electrodes being disposed corresponding to the plurality of fourth recesses and disposed in the plurality of fourth recesses, wherein the plurality of grounding electrodes are formed in the fifth body.

13. The thin locking and unlocking connector as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of ninth fixing members further includes a first pin, a second pin, and a grounding member, wherein the first pin is formed at the front end of the ninth fixing member and corresponds to the fourth opening, the second pin is formed on the upper side of the ninth fixing member, and the grounding member is formed on the side of the ninth fixing member.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Thin lock catch and unlocking connector

    CN216773564U

  • Connector

    US6821158B2