A piercing and crimping ffc connector assembly with secondary lock

Abstract

The application discloses a piercing and crimping FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device, which comprises a terminal crimped with an FFC flexible flat cable and a connector body, and a secondary locking device arranged on the FFC flexible flat cable; the terminal is inserted into the connector body and is clamped with the connector body through the secondary locking device. The secondary locking device inserts the terminal into the connector body to clamp the terminal with the connector body; the secondary locking device directly acts on the terminal to quickly insert the terminal into the connector body for clamping; the secondary locking device ensures that the terminal and the connector can be assembled in place, and the FFC flexible flat cable is brought into the connector body by the terminal; the FFC flexible flat cable does not contact the connector body, so that the resistance generated by directly pushing the FFC flexible flat cable into the connector body does not directly act on the FFC flexible flat cable, and the quick assembly of the terminal and the connector is not affected. The technical problem that the terminal connected with the FFC flexible flat cable and the connector cannot be quickly and stably assembled in place in the prior art is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of connectors, and in particular to a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device. Background Technology

[0002] FFC (Flexible Cable) flat cables are widely used in consumer electronics products due to their high wiring density, good flexibility, lightweight design, and flexible manufacturing processes. With the development of electric and intelligent vehicles, the advantages of FFC flat cables in terms of flexibility, weight reduction, space saving, and high automation are further demonstrated, leading to a continuous increase in their use in the automotive field. Currently, new energy is the development trend of the automotive industry. With the development of electric and intelligent new energy vehicles, consumers have greater demands for driving range and space. Compared with traditional connectors, FFC connectors are lighter and smaller. In confined spaces such as battery packs, roofs, and tailgates, FFC connectors can achieve aesthetically pleasing and neat wiring, resulting in high space utilization.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent CN219040769U discloses a novel FFC connector, comprising: a base with an inlet on one side and a mounting port on the other side; at least one terminal, the terminal including a connecting end and a wiring end, the connecting end being inserted into the base through the mounting port, and the wiring end being connected to a wire; an FFC wire harness, one end of which is inserted into the base through the inlet and electrically connected to the connecting end; and a cover plate, which is fastened to the base and fixes the terminal and the FFC wire harness. This disclosed FFC connector connects to the FFC wire harness at one end, and can directly connect to a traditional wire harness at the other end via the terminal, eliminating the need for an adapter structure, saving space and cost, and making wire harness assembly convenient and quick.

[0004] However, when it comes to making electrical connections with terminals, unlike the traditional method of crimping a single terminal onto a single round wire, FFC flexible flat cable crimps a whole row of terminals. As the number of crimped terminals increases, the resistance of the entire row of terminals entering the connector increases. At the same time, FFC flexible flat cable is a flexible cable. When the terminals connected to the FFC flexible flat cable are inserted into the connector for assembly, the FFC flexible flat cable is directly subjected to the insertion resistance. When the resistance value is large, it is easy to bend, which is not conducive to the quick assembly of terminals and connectors. There is a problem that the operator cannot quickly and stably assemble the terminals and connectors into place. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings in the aforementioned background technology, this invention proposes a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device, which solves the technical problem in the prior art that the terminals and connectors connected to FFC flexible flat cables cannot be quickly and stably assembled into place.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: a puncture crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device, comprising a terminal crimped with an FFC flexible flat cable and a connector body, wherein the FFC flexible flat cable is provided with a secondary locking device, and the terminal is engaged with the connector body by the push-in of the secondary locking device.

[0007] Preferably, the secondary locking device includes a locking body, a locking body limiting surface at the front end of the locking body, a limiting groove on the locking body, and a slide rail on the locking body. The slide rail and the limiting groove are respectively adapted to the connector body.

[0008] Preferably, the locking body has a first protrusion at its rear side, which is adapted to the connector body.

[0009] Preferably, the rear end of the locking body is provided with a second protrusion, which is adapted to the connector body.

[0010] Preferably, the connector body is provided with a fixing groove, and the fixing groove is provided with a first limiting block and a sliding groove. The sliding groove is slidably engaged with the slide rail. The slide rail and the first limiting block are both arranged perpendicularly to the insertion direction of the secondary locking device. The fixing groove is provided with a first hooking part and a second hooking part. The first hooking part is engaged with the terminal and the second hooking part is engaged with the first protrusion.

[0011] Preferably, the fixing groove is in clearance fit with the locking body.

[0012] Preferably, the two fixing slots are symmetrically arranged on the connector body.

[0013] Preferably, at least two first limiting blocks are provided in the fixing groove, and a corresponding number of limiting grooves are provided on the locking body.

[0014] Preferably, the connector body has a first groove, and the second protrusion is adapted to the first groove.

[0015] Preferably, the terminal includes a terminal housing, on which a terminal hook is provided. The terminal limiting surface on the terminal housing cooperates with the locking body limiting surface at the front end of the locking body, and the terminal hook is hooked to the first hooking part.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. In the connector assembly designed in this invention, a secondary locking device is provided on the FFC flexible flat cable. When the terminal is inserted into the connector body, the secondary locking device pushes the terminal into the connector body, and the terminal and connector body are locked together. The secondary locking device acts directly on the terminal, quickly pushing the terminal into the connector body for locking. The secondary locking device ensures that the terminal and connector can be assembled in place. At the same time, the FFC flexible flat cable is brought into the connector body by the terminal. The FFC flexible flat cable does not contact the connector body, avoiding the resistance generated by directly pushing the FFC flexible flat cable into the connector body, which would affect the rapid assembly of the terminal and connector. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that the terminal and connector connected to the FFC flexible flat cable cannot be quickly and stably assembled in place.

[0017] 2. In the connector assembly designed in this invention, the first limiting block and the limiting groove are adapted to each other. On the one hand, the first limiting block plays a certain guiding role in the insertion of the secondary locking device into the connector body. On the other hand, the first limiting block and the limiting groove on the secondary locking device are inserted into each other. By limiting the insertion of the secondary locking device into the connector body through the first limiting block, the position of the secondary locking device into the connector body is further restricted, so as to realize the precise insertion of the secondary locking device into the connector body. This avoids the secondary locking device from being misaligned when it is inserted into the connector body, which would result in the terminal and connector not being properly assembled. This is conducive to the precise assembly of the terminal and connector. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the secondary locking device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the connector body of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A sectional view.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the FFC flexible flat cable and the terminal of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the secondary locking device of the present invention before it is inserted into the connector body.

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A sectional view.

[0026] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the secondary locking device of the present invention after it is inserted into the connector body.

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A sectional view.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the secondary locking device of the present invention after it is inserted into the connector body.

[0030] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of section B in the middle.

[0031] Figure 13 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of point C.

[0032] In the figure: 1 Connector body, 1-1 First hook part, 1-3 Fixing groove, 1-3-5 First limiting block, 1-3-6 Slide groove, 1-3-7 Second limiting block, 1-4 Second hook part, 1-5 First groove, 2 Secondary locking device, 2-1 Slide rail, 2-2 First protrusion, 2-3 First through groove, 2-4 Locking body limiting surface, 2-5 Second protrusion, 2-6 Limiting groove, 3 Terminal, 3-1-1 Terminal hook gun, 3-1-2 Terminal limiting surface, 4 FFC flexible flat cable. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 9As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device includes a terminal 3 crimped with an FFC flexible flat cable 4 and a connector body 1. The FFC flexible flat cable 4 is provided with a secondary locking device 2, and the terminal 3 is engaged with the connector body 1 by pushing in through the secondary locking device 2. With the secondary locking device 2 on the FFC flexible flat cable 4, when the terminal 3 is inserted towards the inside of the connector body 1, the secondary locking device 2 pushes the terminal 3 into the interior of the connector body 1, achieving engagement between the terminal 3 and the connector body 1. The secondary locking device 2 acts directly on the terminal 3, quickly pushing the terminal 3 into the connector body 1 for engagement. The secondary locking device 2 ensures that the terminal 3 and the connector can be assembled in place. At the same time, the FFC flexible flat cable 4 is drawn into the interior of the connector body 1 by the terminal 3, without contacting the FFC flexible flat cable 4 with the connector body 1. This avoids the resistance generated by directly pushing the FFC flexible flat cable into the connector body acting directly on the FFC flexible flat cable, which would affect the rapid assembly of the terminal and the connector. This invention solves the technical problem in existing technologies where terminals and connectors connected to FFC flexible flat cables cannot be quickly and stably assembled into place. The preferred terminal 3 is a piercing terminal.

[0035] Example 2, based on Example 1, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device 2 is disclosed. The secondary locking device 2 includes a locking body, a locking body limiting surface 2-4 at the front end of the locking body, a limiting groove 2-6 on the locking body, and a slide rail 2-1 on the locking body. The slide rail 2-1 and the limiting groove 2-6 are respectively adapted to the connector body 1. The slide rail 2-1 and the limiting groove 2-6 further restrict the insertion position of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1, enabling precise insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1, which is beneficial for accurately assembling the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0036] Example 3, based on Example 2, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed. The locking body has a first protrusion 2-2 on its rear side, which is adapted to the connector body 1. When the secondary locking device 2 pushes the terminal 3 into the connector body 1, the terminal 3 engages with the connector body 1 to achieve primary locking. The second protrusion 2-2 on the rear side of the secondary locking device 2 engages with the connector body 1 to achieve secondary locking. The first protrusion 2-2 ensures that the secondary locking device 2 maintains the position of pushing the terminal 3 into the connector body 1, increasing the security of the connection between the terminal 3 and the connector body 1 and improving the stability of the connection.

[0037] Example 4, based on Example 3, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed. The rear end of the locking body has a second protrusion 2-5, which is adapted to the connector body 1. The second protrusion 2-5 further restricts the insertion position of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1, ensuring precise insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1. This avoids misalignment of the secondary locking device 2 during insertion, preventing the terminal 3 from being improperly assembled with the connector, and facilitating accurate assembly of the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0038] Example 5, based on Example 4, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed. The connector body 1 is provided with a fixing groove 1-3. The fixing groove 1-3 is provided with a first limiting block 1-3-5 and a sliding groove 1-3-6. The sliding groove 1-3-6 is slidably engaged with the slide rail 2-1. The slide rail 2-1 and the first limiting block 1-3-5 are both arranged perpendicularly along the insertion direction of the secondary locking device 2. The fixing groove 1-3 is provided with a first hook part 1-1 and a second hook part 1-4. The first hook part 1-1 is engaged with the terminal 3, and the second hook part 1-4 is engaged with the first protrusion 2-2.

[0039] The slide rail 2-1 and the first limiting block 1-3-5 are both set perpendicularly to the insertion direction of the secondary locking device 2, so that the secondary locking device 2 is limited in two vertical directions, further restricting the position of the secondary locking device 2 inserted into the connector body 1, realizing the precise insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1, avoiding the situation where the secondary locking device 2 is skewed when inserted into the connector body 1, resulting in the terminal 3 and the connector not being properly assembled, which is conducive to the precise assembly of the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0040] Meanwhile, the first hook-on part 1-1 facilitates the snap-fit ​​between the terminal 3 and the connector, thereby completing the initial connection between the terminal 3 and the connector. The second hook-on part 1-4 engages with the first protrusion 2-2, enabling the secondary locking device 2 to be inserted into and snapped into the connector body 1. This keeps the secondary locking device 2 in a state where the terminal 3 is pushed into the connector body 1, increasing the security of the connection between the terminal 3 and the connector body 1 and improving the stability of the connection between the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0041] Two slide rails 2-1 are symmetrically arranged on the preferred locking body, and two slide grooves 1-3-6 are provided in the corresponding fixing grooves 1-3. The two slide rails 2-1 slide in cooperation with the corresponding slide grooves 1-3-6, which further restricts the position of the secondary locking device 2 inserted into the connector body 1, so as to realize the precise insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1. This avoids the situation where the secondary locking device 2 is misaligned when inserted into the connector body 1, resulting in the terminal 3 and the connector not being properly assembled. This is conducive to the precise assembly of the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0042] The second hook part 1-4 is a groove on the side wall of the fixing groove 1-3. The first protrusion 2-2 is press-fitted with the side wall of the fixing groove 1-3. When the secondary locking device 2 is inserted along the fixing groove 1-3, the first protrusion 2-2 is squeezed and deformed into the fixing groove 1-3. After the first protrusion 2-2 is squeezed and moves forward along the side wall of the fixing groove 1-3 to the groove of the second hook part 1-4, the first protrusion 2-2 returns to its original shape, expands and engages with the second hook part 1-4, thus completing the engagement of the secondary locking device 2 with the connector body 1.

[0043] Preferably, the locking body is provided with a first through groove 2-3, which is located at the connection between the first protrusion 2-2 and the locking body. The first through groove 2-3 makes the first protrusion 2-2 have a hollow area, which is conducive to the deformation of the first protrusion 2-2.

[0044] Example 6, based on Example 5, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed, wherein the fixing groove 1-3 is clearance-fitted with the locking body. The clearance fit between the fixing groove 1-3 and the locking body is designed to reduce the shaking that occurs after the secondary locking device 2 is inserted into the connector body 1, and to prevent foreign objects from entering along the gap when the gap between the secondary locking device 2 and the connector body 1 is too large, thus interfering with the normal use of the connector assembly.

[0045] Example 7, based on Example 6, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed, wherein two fixing slots 1-3 are symmetrically arranged on the connector body 1. The connector body 1 has two fixing slots 1-3, which allows two sets of terminals 3 connected to the FFC flexible flat cable 4 to be installed on the connector body 1, thereby improving the utilization rate of the connector body 1.

[0046] It should be noted that the connector body 1 may be provided with several fixing slots 1-3, and the number of fixing slots 1-3 can be set according to specific usage requirements.

[0047] Example 8, based on Example 7, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed. At least two first limiting blocks 1-3-5 are provided within the fixing groove 1-3, and a corresponding number of limiting grooves 2-6 are provided on the locking body. The first limiting blocks 1-3-5 and the limiting grooves 2-6 are adapted to each other. On one hand, the first limiting blocks 1-3-5 guide the insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1. On the other hand, the first limiting blocks 1-3-5 and the limiting grooves 2-6 on the secondary locking device 2 engage and cooperate, restricting the insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1. This further restricts the position of the secondary locking device 2 inserted into the connector body 1, ensuring precise insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1. This avoids misalignment during insertion, preventing the terminal 3 from being improperly assembled with the connector, and facilitates precise assembly of the terminal 3 and connector.

[0048] Preferably, a second limiting block 1-3-7 is provided in the fixing groove 1-3. The second limiting block 1-3-7 is adapted to the FFC flexible flat cable 4. The setting of the second limiting block 1-3-7 guides the movement of the FFC flexible flat cable 4 and plays a guiding role for the FFC flexible flat cable 4.

[0049] Example 9, based on any one of Examples 4 to 8, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed. The connector body 1 has a first groove 1-5, and a second protrusion 2-5 is inserted into the first groove 1-5. The insertion of the second protrusion 2-5 into the first groove 1-5 further restricts the insertion position of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1, ensuring precise insertion of the secondary locking device 2 into the connector body 1. This avoids misalignment of the secondary locking device 2 during insertion, which could lead to incomplete assembly of the terminal 3 and the connector, thus facilitating accurate assembly of the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0050] Example 10, based on Example 9, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, a piercing crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device is disclosed. The terminal 3 includes a terminal housing with a terminal attachment gun 3-1-1 on it. The terminal limiting surface 3-1-2 on the terminal housing mates with the locking body limiting surface 2-4 at the front end of the locking body. The terminal attachment gun 3-1-1 is attached to the first attachment part 1-1. The terminal limiting surface 3-1-2 on the terminal housing mates with the locking body limiting surface 2-4 at the front end of the locking body. The secondary locking device 2 pushes the terminal 3 into the connector body 1 through the locking body limiting surface 2-4, and attaches the terminal attachment gun 3-1-1 to the first attachment part 1-1 inside the connector body 1, thereby connecting the terminal 3 to the connector body 1.

[0051] In Example 10, firstly, terminals 3 are crimped onto the FFC flexible flat cable 4. After crimping, terminals 3 are formed on the FFC flexible flat cable 4 as a whole. This whole is placed into the entrance of the fixing groove 1-3 on the connector body 1. Then, a secondary locking device 2 is placed on the FFC flexible flat cable 4. The locking body limiting surface 2-4 of the secondary locking device 2 is aligned with the terminal limiting surface 3-1-2 on the terminal 3. Then, the secondary locking device 2 is pushed towards the inside of the fixing groove 1-3. The secondary locking device 2 pushes the terminal 3 into the connector body 1, and at the same time, it brings the FFC flexible flat cable 4 into the connector body 1. The secondary locking device 2 is pushed until the terminal hook gun 3-1-1 on the terminal 3 is hooked with the first hook part 1-1. At this time, the terminal 3 and the connector body 1 are connected, completing the first locking of the terminal 3 and the connector. At the same time, the first protrusion 2-2 on the secondary locking device 2 is engaged with the second hook part 1-4, completing the second locking of the terminal 3 and the connector.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device, comprising a terminal (3) crimped to an FFC flexible flat cable (4) and a connector body (1), characterized in that, The FFC flexible flat cable (4) is provided with a secondary locking device (2), and the terminal (3) is engaged with the connector body (1) by the insertion of the secondary locking device (2); The secondary locking device (2) includes a locking body, a locking body limiting surface (2-4) at the front end of the locking body, a limiting groove (2-6) on the locking body, and a slide rail (2-1) on the locking body. The slide rail (2-1) and the limiting groove (2-6) are respectively adapted to the connector body (1). The locking body has a first protrusion (2-2) on its side rear end, and the first protrusion (2-2) is adapted to the connector body (1); The rear end of the locking body is provided with a second protrusion (2-5), which is adapted to the connector body (1); The connector body (1) is provided with a fixing groove (1-3), and the fixing groove (1-3) is provided with a first limiting block (1-3-5) and a sliding groove (1-3-6). The sliding groove (1-3-6) is slidably engaged with the slide rail (2-1). The slide rail (2-1) and the first limiting block (1-3-5) are both arranged perpendicularly to the insertion direction of the secondary locking device (2). The fixing groove (1-3) is provided with a first hook part (1-1) and a second hook part (1-4). The first hook part (1-1) is engaged with the terminal (3), and the second hook part (1-4) is engaged with the first protrusion (2-2).

2. The puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing groove (1-3) is clearance-fitted with the locking body.

3. The puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The two fixing slots (1-3) are symmetrically arranged on the connector body (1).

4. The puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: At least two first limiting blocks (1-3-5) are provided in the fixing groove (1-3), and a corresponding number of limiting grooves (2-6) are provided on the locking body.

5. The puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The connector body (1) is provided with a first groove (1-5), and the second protrusion (2-5) is adapted to the first groove (1-5).

6. The puncture-crimped FFC connector assembly with a secondary locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The terminal (3) includes a terminal housing, on which a terminal hook gun (3-1-1) is provided. The terminal limiting surface (3-1-2) on the terminal housing cooperates with the locking body limiting surface (2-4) at the front end of the locking body. The terminal hook gun (3-1-1) is hooked to the first hook part (1-1).

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