Connector and connector assembly including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the same. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector may include: a housing having an opening formed at one end thereof for accommodating an FPC and a plurality of slots formed at the other end thereof for accommodating a plurality of terminals; and a plurality of terminals respectively coupled to the plurality of slots, and the plurality of terminals may include an inspection portion extending and protruding in a direction away from a contact portion formed at one end thereof that contacts the FPC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Art

[0002] Compared to a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) having a circuit layer formed on a thermosetting resin, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) has a circuit formed on a flexible insulating film and is widely used in various electronic devices due to its flexibility and light weight. One side of the connector is open to allow the connecting end of the FPC to be inserted therein. For example, the connector has an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals, and the insulating housing has an opening formed at one end thereof to allow the connecting end of the FPC to be inserted, and a plurality of slots formed at the other end thereof to connect to the plurality of terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals has a contact portion formed at one end thereof to contact the connecting end of the FPC, and a fixing portion formed at the other end to contact the circuit board.

[0003] Typically, connectors are inspected for solder shorts, breaks, and component continuity measurements, and the resulting inspection results are determined to be a pass or fail. One example of an inspection method involves elastically moving a probe (or inspection pin) (probe pin) into contact with individual terminals of the connector. However, as electronic devices become smaller, individual terminals of connectors are also miniaturized. As a result, during inspection, the ends of the terminals may bend and deform due to the force applied by the probe, or the contact surface of the terminal that directly contacts the connection end of the FPC may be damaged or worn due to contact with the probe. Probe inspection does not affect the electrical performance of the terminal itself. However, if the contact surface (contact portion) of the terminal shows signs of scratches, wear, or use after testing, it may be difficult for the product to pass in the vehicle manufacturing industry, which is subject to product certification conditions. Therefore, there is a need for an inspection method that does not cause deformation of the terminal and does not damage the contact surface of the terminal.

[0004] To this end, there are known methods of performing contact inspections by using an inspection device provided with a probe formed of a material having a lower strength than that of the terminal, inspecting the side surface of the contact surface of the terminal using the probe, performing contact tests by using an inspection device capable of minimizing the force pressed by the probe when the probe makes contact, etc. However, these tests may result in high costs including equipment replacement costs, and the problem of deformation of the connector terminal still exists.

[0005] Korean Patent Registration No. KR10-1353925 discloses a terminal structure that additionally has an inspection protrusion that is independent of the connector terminal for inspecting continuity, allowing the inspection pin to be inspected from the outside of the connector without directly contacting a portion of the terminal connected to the substrate, and allowing the probe to directly contact the continuity inspection protrusion for inspection. However, the structure disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. KR10-1353925 has a problem of reduced inspection accuracy because the inspection pin does not inspect the terminal that directly contacts the FPC. In addition, the structure disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. KR10-1353925 has a problem in that the continuity inspection protrusion of the terminal is exposed outside the connector, which excessively increases the structure of the connector.

[0006] [Prior art literature]

[0007] [Patent Document]

[0008] (Patent Document 0001) Korean Patent Registration No. KR10-1353925. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] An object of various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a structure that can increase the accuracy of inspecting terminals through inspection pins while reducing damage to the terminals of a connector.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector may include: a shell having an opening formed at one end thereof for accommodating an FPC and a plurality of slots formed at the other end thereof for accommodating a plurality of terminals; and a plurality of terminals, which are respectively connected to the plurality of slots, and each of the plurality of terminals includes a contact portion formed at one end thereof for contacting the FPC and an inspection portion extending and protruding in a direction away from the contact portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inspection portion may include an inspection surface that contacts an inspection pin of an inspection device inserted into the opening, and the inspection surface of the inspection portion extends in a direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the inspection pin.

[0014] In one embodiment, the contact portion may include a contact surface contacting the FPC, and the inspection portion may extend from the other side of the contact portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of terminals may further include: a fixing portion housed in the housing; and a connecting portion that can connect the contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixing portion, and the connecting portion can be elastically deformed relative to the fixing portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the contact portion may include a first contact portion and a second contact portion spaced apart from the first contact portion, the inspection portion may extend and protrude in a direction away from the first contact portion, and each of the plurality of terminals may further include: a fixing portion housed in the shell; a first connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixing portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the second contact portion to the fixing portion and spaced apart from the first connecting portion, and wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are respectively elastically deformable relative to the fixing portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the shell may include a plurality of receiving portions for respectively receiving at least one of the plurality of terminals, and each of the plurality of receiving portions may include: a first slit having at least the same width as that of one of the plurality of terminals and supporting one of the plurality of terminals; and a second slit communicatively connected to the first slit and having a width greater than that of the first slit, and wherein the inspection portion may extend to the interior of the second slit.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of receiving portions may further include: a third slit communicatively connected to the second slit, and having a width smaller than that of the second slit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the inspection portion may be disposed on substantially the same straight line as the connecting portion and the fixing portion.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a connector assembly may include: the aforementioned connector; and a corresponding connector connected to the connector via the FPC.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, because the probe inspection is performed using the inspection portion that extends and protrudes in a direction away from the contact portion that contacts the FPC, the inspection can be performed without contacting the contact surface of the terminal, thereby preventing the connector terminal from being damaged, worn, or showing signs of use by the inspection pin. In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, because the inspection is performed using the inspection portion that extends directly from the contact portion of the terminal, the inspection can be performed without weakening the strength of the probe or minimizing the force applied to the contact portion, thereby improving the accuracy of the inspection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 is a side view showing a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0029] Figure 7 is a view illustrating an example of checking a state in which a pin contacts a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of checking a state in which a pin contacts a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which an FPC is coupled to a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10 This is an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an example of a connector.

[0033] Description of Reference Numerals

[0034] 10 connectors

[0035] 100 shell

[0036] 110 First Opening

[0037] 120 Second Opening

[0038] More than 130 slots

[0039] 131 first slot

[0040] 132 second slot

[0041] More than 140 shelters

[0042] 140-1 First Containment Unit

[0043] 140-2 Second Containment Unit

[0044] 141 First Slit

[0045] 142 Second Slit

[0046] 143 The Third Slit

[0047] More than 200 terminals

[0048] 210 first terminal

[0049] 211 fixed department

[0050] 212 first connection part

[0051] 213 second connection part

[0052] 214 first contact portion

[0053] 215 second contact portion

[0054] 216 Inspection Department

[0055] 220 second terminal

[0056] 300 fixings

[0057] 20 substrates

[0058] 30FPC

[0059] 40 Check the pins

[0060] 50 corresponding connector DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] For the purpose of explaining the technical concept of the present disclosure, the embodiments of the present disclosure are exemplified. The proper protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments listed below or the detailed description of these embodiments.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. All terms used in this disclosure are selected for the purpose of more clearly explaining this disclosure and are not selected for the purpose of limiting the proper scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0063] The terms “comprises,” “includes,” “having,” and the like used in this disclosure are open terms with the possibility of including other embodiments unless the phrase or sentence including the corresponding expression indicates otherwise.

[0064] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular forms used in the present disclosure may also include plural forms, and the same applies to singular forms described in the claims.

[0065] Terms such as “first”, “second”, etc. used in the present disclosure are used simply to distinguish multiple components from one another, and do not limit these components in terms of order or importance.

[0066] It will be understood that if an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it means that the element may be directly connected to the other element or may be connected to the other element via another new element.

[0067] The direction-indicating term "upward" used in this disclosure is based on the direction of the connector relative to the inspection device, while the direction-indicating term "downward" refers to the direction opposite to the upward direction. The direction-indicating term "vertical direction" used in this disclosure includes both the upward direction and the downward direction, but should not be understood as meaning a specific direction of the upward direction or the downward direction.

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding components. When explaining the following embodiments, repeated explanations of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if the description of a component is omitted, it does not mean that the component is not included in a certain embodiment.

[0069] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a side view showing a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 According to an embodiment, a connector 10 may include a housing 100 , a plurality of terminals 200 , and a fixing member 300 .

[0071] The housing 100 may provide (or form) the entire frame of the connector 10. The housing 100 may be coupled to the components of the connector 10. For example, a plurality of terminals 200 may be coupled to the housing 100, and a fixture 300 may be coupled to the outer surface of the housing 100. The housing 100 may be formed by injection molding. In this case, a plurality of terminals 200 may be assembled in the housing 100. In another embodiment, the housing 100 may be formed by injection molding with a plurality of terminals 200 and a fixture 300. For example, the connector 10 may be formed by injecting a molten resin for forming the housing 100 into a mold in which a plurality of terminals 200 and a fixture 300 are disposed and then curing the mold.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 One end of the housing 100 may be open to accommodate an FPC (eg, Figure 8 and Figure 9 For example, the housing 100 may include a first opening 110 and a second opening 120. The first opening 110 and the second opening 120 may form a space for accommodating the flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 30. The first opening 110 and the second opening 120 may be formed by extending from one end of the housing 100 toward the interior of the housing 100.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 , the other end of the housing 100 may be open to accommodate the plurality of terminals 200. For example, the housing 100 may include a plurality of slots 130 formed at the other end of the housing 100. The plurality of slots 130 may form a plurality of spaces into which the plurality of terminals 200 are inserted. The plurality of slots 130 may extend from the other end of the housing 100 toward the first opening 110 and the second opening 120. The number of the plurality of slots 130 may be substantially the same as the number of the plurality of terminals 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] Reference Figure 3 , the housing 100 may include a plurality of receiving portions 140 for receiving a plurality of terminals 200. Each receiving portion 140 may be disposed in the housing 100. For example, the plurality of receiving portions 140 may be disposed between one side of the housing 100 where the first opening 110 and the second opening 120 are formed and another side of the housing 100 where the plurality of slots 130 are formed. In the housing 100, each receiving portion 140 may receive at least a portion of at least one terminal 200. For example, the number of the plurality of receiving portions 140 may correspond to the number of the plurality of terminals 200, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 , the plurality of terminals 200 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., copper) to electrically connect the substrate 20 and the FPC 30. For example, the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 220 may be arranged in a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction) and may be disposed together in one receiving portion 140. The first terminal 210 may include a fixing portion 211, a first connecting portion 212, a second connecting portion 213, a first contact portion 214, a second contact portion 215, and an inspection portion 216. In one embodiment, the first terminal 210 or the second terminal 220 may not include the second connecting portion 213 and the second contact portion 215.

[0076] The connector 10 may further include a fixture 300 for securing the connector 10 to the substrate 20. The fixture 300 may be attached to the substrate 20 using the housing 100, thereby securing the connector 10 to the substrate 20. The substrate 20 may include a thermosetting resin and a conductive circuit superimposed on the thermosetting resin. The substrate 20 may be relatively rigid relative to the FPC 30 to support components such as the connector 10. For example, the substrate 20 may be a rigid printed circuit board formed from a resin (e.g., at least one of FR-4, FR-5, G-2, and G-11).

[0077] The plurality of terminals 200 may be housed in the housing 100 so that the plurality of terminals 200 are not easily visible from the outside of the housing 100. For this purpose, an inspection pin (e.g., Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is not easy for the inspection pin 40 of the connector 20 to approach the terminals in the housing 100 without damaging the plurality of terminals 200. Hereinafter, a structure that can increase the accuracy of inspecting the plurality of terminals 200 without damaging the plurality of terminals 200 will be described. Hereinafter, the structure of the connector 20 will be described with reference to the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 220, but this is for ease of description. The description of the first terminal 210 and the second terminal 220 may be essentially equally applicable to at least a portion of the plurality of terminals 200.

[0078] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The plurality of slots 130 may include a first slot 131 and a second slot 132. The first slot 131 may accommodate the first terminal 210. The second slot 132 may accommodate the second terminal 220. The first slot 131 and the second slot 132 may be arranged (or aligned) along a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). As the fixing portion 211 of the first terminal 210 is inserted into the first slot 131, the first connecting portion 212, the second connecting portion 213, the first contact portion 214, the second contact portion 215, and the inspection portion 216 may be accommodated in the accommodating portion 140.

[0080] Reference Figure 6 The fixing portion 211 may be provided on a substrate supporting the connector 10 (eg, Figure 1 and Figure 2The fixing portion 211 may have a thickness greater than that of the other portions of the first terminal 210. Here, the thickness of a component may be represented by a distance in a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction), and the corresponding expressions may be essentially used in the following description in the same manner unless otherwise specified. The welding portion 217 of the first terminal 210 may be welded to the substrate 20, thereby electrically connecting the first terminal 210 and the substrate 20. The welding portion 217 may extend from the fixing portion 211 toward the substrate 20. For example, the welding portion 217 may be bent and extend from the fixing portion 211 toward the substrate 20, thereby having a curved shape that bypasses the second terminal 220. The thickness of the welding portion 217 may be less than the thickness of the fixing portion 211.

[0081] The first connection portion 212 of the first terminal 210 can connect the first contact portion 214 and the fixing portion 211. For example, the first connection portion 212 can extend from the fixing portion 211 toward one end of the housing 100 where the first opening 110 is formed to the first contact portion 214. Figure 8 and Figure 9 When the FPC 30 is inserted into the first opening 110, the first connection portion 212 can be elastically deformed relative to the fixing portion 211. For example, when the FPC 30 is inserted, the first connection portion 212 can be elastically deformed upward (e.g., in the +Z axis direction) or downward (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) relative to the fixing portion 211.

[0082] The second connection portion 213 of the first terminal 210 can extend to connect the second contact portion 215 and the fixing portion 211. Like the first connection portion 212, the second connection portion 213 can be elastically deformed upward (e.g., in the +Z axis direction) or downward (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) by the insertion of the FPC 30.

[0083] The first contact portion 214 of the first terminal 210, which directly contacts a portion of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, can be provided at one end of the first connecting portion 212 of the first terminal 210. Specifically, when the FPC 30 is inserted into the space between the inner surface of the housing 100 facing the first receiving portion 140-1 and the first terminal 210, the first contact portion 214 can contact the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, thereby electrically connecting to the conductive circuit of the FPC 30. The thickness of the first contact portion 214 can be greater than the thickness of the first connecting portion 212, but this should not be considered as a limitation.

[0084] The second contact portion 215 of the first terminal 210, which directly contacts another portion of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, can be provided at one end of the second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210. Specifically, when the FPC 30 is inserted into the receiving portion 140 of the connector 10, the second contact portion 215 can contact another portion of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, thereby electrically connecting to the conductive circuit of the FPC 30. Because the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215 of the first terminal 210 respectively contact corresponding portions of the conductive circuit of the FPC 30, a dual contact point can be formed between the FPC 30 and the first terminal 210. The thickness of the second contact portion 215 can be greater than the thickness of the second connecting portion 213, but this should not be considered a limitation.

[0085] Reference Figure 6 The first terminal 210 may include an inspection portion 216 disposed on at least one of the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215. The inspection pin 40 may be inserted into the first opening 110 to inspect the plurality of terminals 200 and may contact the inspection portion 216 of either the first contact portion 214 or the second contact portion 215. The inspection portion 216 may extend and protrude in a direction away from the first contact portion 214. The inspection portion 216 may extend in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular) to the insertion direction of the inspection pin 40. For example, the inspection portion 216 may include an inspection surface 216-1 that contacts the inspection pin 40. The inspection surface 216-1 of the inspection portion 216 may have a shape that extends in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular) to the insertion direction of the inspection pin 40 (e.g., the +X-axis direction). The inspection portion 216 may extend and protrude downward (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction) from the first contact portion 214. The inspection portion 216 may extend in a direction facing the second terminal 220. The inspection portion 216 may extend from the other side of the first contact portion 214 opposite to the contact surface of the first contact portion 214 that contacts the FPC 30. The side of the first contact portion 214 corresponding to the contact surface may have a shape that is oblique (or tilted) relative to the other side of the first contact portion 214, but this should not be considered as a limitation. In one embodiment, the inspection portion 216 may be formed only on the first contact portion 214 extending closer to the first opening 110 among the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215. The inspection portion 216 may be formed on the first contact portion 214 close to the first opening 110 so that inspection is easily performed by the inspection pin 40. In another embodiment, the inspection portion 216 may be formed only on the second contact portion 215 among the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 The first receiving portion 140-1 of the housing 100 may include a first slit 141, a second slit 142, and a third slit 143. Hereinafter, the first slit 141, the second slit 142, and the third slit 143 will be referred to as Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first receiving portion 140 - 1 is described with reference to the first receiving portion 140 - 1 for ease of description, and the description of the first receiving portion 140 - 1 is essentially equally applicable to all of the plurality of receiving portions 140 (eg, the second receiving portion 140 - 2 ).

[0087] The first slit 141 may be open to allow at least one of the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210 to be inserted therein. The first slit 141 may have a shape extending in a horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). A portion of the first connecting portion 212 and a portion of the second connecting portion 213 of the first terminal 210 may protrude (e.g., upward (e.g., the +Z-axis direction)) beyond the first slit 141. Thus, when the FPC 30 is inserted into the first receiving portion 140-1, the first contact portion 214 of the first connecting portion 212 and the second contact portion 215 of the second connecting portion 213, which protrude and are exposed from the first slit 141, may contact corresponding portions of the FPC 30, respectively. The first slit 141 may have a first width W1. The width of a component may refer to a distance in the Y-axis direction, and corresponding expressions will be used essentially the same in the following description unless otherwise specified. The first width W1 may be set to reduce movement of the first terminal 210 in the width direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) when the FPC 30 is inserted into the housing 100. For example, the first width W1 may be set to correspond to the width of the first terminal 210 , but is not limited thereto.

[0088] The first receiving portion 140-1 of the housing 100 may further include a second slit 142 fluidly connected to the first slit 141. The second slit 142 may be provided (formed) on the lower side of the first slit 141 (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction). The inspection portion 216 of the first connecting portion 212 may extend to the interior of the second slit 142. The second slit 142 may have a second width W2 that is larger than the first width W1 for accommodating the inspection pin 40. For example, the second width W2 may be set to correspond to the width (or diameter) of the inspection pin 40. The second slit 142 has a second width W2 that is larger than the first width W1 of the first slit 141, so that the first slit 141 can support the first terminal 210 left and right, and the second slit 142 can provide a space sufficient to allow the inspection pin 40 to enter the second slit 142 toward the inspection portion 216 for inspection.

[0089] The first receiving portion 140-1 of the housing 100 may further include a third slit 143 formed on a side facing the first slit 141 and communicatively connected to the second slit 142. The third slit 143 may be disposed (formed) on the lower side (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction) of the second slit 142. The third slit 143 may have a third width W3 that is smaller than the second width W2. For example, the third width W3 may be greater than the first width W1 and may be smaller than the second width W2. Thus, the thickness of the housing in the portion of the first receiving portion 140-1 where the inspection pin 40 does not enter (i.e., the third slit) can be made thicker, thereby strengthening the housing 100 and reducing the risk of damage to the receiving portion 140-1.

[0090] The internal structure of the connector 10 may be symmetrical with respect to the plurality of receiving portions 140. For example, the description of the first terminal 210 and the first receiving portion 140-1 may be substantially similarly applied to the following description of the second terminal 220 and the second receiving portion 140-2.

[0091] The plurality of inspection pins 40 may respectively contact the inspection parts 216 included in the plurality of terminals 200 to inspect the electrical continuity of the plurality of terminals 200. Inspection by the inspection part 216 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Figure 7 is a view showing an example of checking a state in which a pin contacts a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of checking a state in which a pin contacts a terminal of a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the inspection pin 40 can be inserted into the housing 100 through the first opening 110 of the housing 100. The inspection pin 40 can enter the second slit 142 and can contact the inspection portion 216 of the first terminal 210. Because the inspection pin 40 contacts the inspection portion 216 directly connected to the first contact portion 214, the inspection pin 40 can be inserted into the housing 100 without directly contacting the FPC 30 (shown in FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The performance of the first terminal 210 is inspected without directly contacting the first contact portion 214 of the first terminal 210 in contact with the FPC 30. In addition, because the inspection pin 40 does not directly contact the first contact portion 214 of the first terminal 210 in contact with the FPC 30, the first contact portion 214 can be prevented from being damaged, worn, and showing signs of use. The inspection of the second terminal 220 can be performed after the first terminal 210 is inspected, but this should not be considered a limitation. For example, a plurality of terminals 200 can be inspected simultaneously by an inspection device provided with a plurality of inspection pins 40 corresponding to the number of the plurality of terminals 200.

[0094] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 8 , the inspection portion 216 of the first terminal 210 can be positioned on a straight line substantially aligned with the first connecting portion 212 and the fixing portion 211 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. Thus, even if the inspection pin 40 presses against the inspection portion 216 of the first terminal 210 during inspection, the first connecting portion 212 and the fixing portion 211 can withstand the force, and the first terminal 210 can resist the pressure without being pushed. As a result, existing probe inspection equipment can be used without having to be replaced with a probe inspection equipment made of a weaker material or with an inspection equipment capable of minimizing the pressure of the probe. Furthermore, the terminal can be protected from damage, wear, and signs of use.

[0095] As described above, the connector 10 according to an embodiment can ensure the contact area between the inspection pin 40 and the inspection portion 216 extending and protruding from the first contact portion 214 contacting the FPC 30, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the plurality of terminals 200 and improving the accuracy of inspection.

[0096] Figure 9 is a view showing an example of a state in which an FPC is coupled to a connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 This is an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an example of a connector.

[0097] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 When the FPC 30 is connected to the housing 100 of the connector 10, the FPC 30 can slide into the space between the inner surface of the housing 100 facing the first receiving portion 140-1 and the first terminal 210. While the FPC 30 slides into the space, the first contact portion 214 and the second contact portion 215 can respectively contact the FPC 30, and the first connecting portion 212 and the second connecting portion 213 can respectively elastically deform in the Z-axis direction relative to the fixing portion 211. A plurality of FPCs 30 can be inserted into the connector 10. Figure 10 As shown, another FPC 30 can be slid into the space between the inner surface of the housing 100 facing the second receiving portion 140 - 2 and the second terminal 220 , thereby being coupled to the connector 10 .

[0098] The FPC 30 may be inserted into the connector 10 while being coupled to the counterpart connector 50. For example, the FPC 30 may be inserted into the housing 100 with the counterpart connector 50 while being inserted into the connector 50. The connector 10 and the counterpart connector 50 may be coupled to each other, thereby forming a connector assembly.

[0099] While the technical concept of the present disclosure has been described through the examples shown in the above embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various substitutions, modifications, and variations that are understandable to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may be made without departing from the technical concept and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and variations should be considered as falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Connectors, including: a housing having an opening formed at one end thereof for accommodating the flexible printed circuit board and a plurality of slots formed at the other end thereof for accommodating the plurality of terminals; as well as a plurality of terminals, which are respectively connected to the plurality of slots, Each of the plurality of terminals includes a contact portion formed at one end thereof to contact the flexible printed circuit board and an inspection portion extending and protruding in a direction away from the contact portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, in, The inspection portion includes an inspection surface that contacts an inspection pin inserted into the opening, and the inspection surface of the inspection portion extends in a direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the inspection pin.

3. The connector according to claim 1, in, The contact portion includes a contact surface that contacts the flexible printed circuit board, Furthermore, the inspection portion extends from the other side of the contact portion.

4. The connector according to claim 1, in, Each of the plurality of terminals further comprises: a fixing portion received in the housing; and a connecting portion connecting the contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixing portion, Furthermore, the connecting portion is elastically deformable relative to the fixing portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1, in, The contact portion includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion spaced apart from the first contact portion, wherein the inspection portion extends and protrudes in a direction away from the first contact portion, Wherein, each of the plurality of terminals further comprises: a fixing portion received in the housing; a first connecting portion connecting the first contact portion and the inspection portion to the fixing portion; and a second connecting portion connecting the second contact portion to the fixing portion and spaced apart from the first connecting portion; Furthermore, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are respectively elastically deformable relative to the fixing portion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, in, The housing includes a plurality of receiving portions for receiving at least one of the plurality of terminals, respectively. Wherein, each of the plurality of receiving portions comprises: a first slit having at least the same width as one of the plurality of terminals and supporting the one of the plurality of terminals; and a second slit, which is communicatively connected to the first slit and has a width greater than that of the first slit; Furthermore, the inspection portion extends into the interior of the second slit.

7. The connector according to claim 6, in, Each of the plurality of receiving portions further comprises: The third slit is communicatively connected to the second slit and has a width smaller than that of the second slit.

8. The connector according to claim 4, in, The inspection portion is provided on substantially the same straight line as the connection portion and the fixing portion.

9. Connector assembly, including: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8; as well as The corresponding connector is connected to the connector through the flexible printed circuit board.

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