Easy lock connector for flat connection objects

Abstract

This invention provides an easy-lock connector for flat connected objects, comprising an insulating housing, a plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing, two locking members, and a shell. The shell includes a shell body, two resilient arms, and an operating portion. The two resilient arms extend from the rear edge of the shell body, and the operating portion connects to the ends of the two resilient arms. The operating portion is operatively connected to an actuated portion of each locking member. The locking members are configured to lock flat connected objects inserted into the easy-lock connector. The operating portion is operated to bias the locking arm of the locking member away from the locked position to release the lock on the flat object. With the above-described configuration, the operability of the easy-lock connector is improved, and a low-profile easy-lock connector is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to connectors for flat connected objects such as flexible flat cables (FFC), flexible flat circuits (FPC), or the like, and in particular to low-profile easy-lock connectors that can release the lock on the flat connected object by one-handed operation. Background Technology

[0002] Taiwan Utility Model Patent Publication No. M644042U (Patent Document 1) discloses a flexible flat cable connector. The connector in Patent Document 1 has an operating member pivotally mounted on an insulating housing. The flexible flat cable is unlocked by pressing the body of the operating member to pivot it. However, this operating member has a certain thickness, making this connector unsuitable for achieving a low-profile connector.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0149565A1 (Patent Document 2) discloses an easy-lock connector with a press-to-unlock mechanism. In Patent Document 2, the press-to-unlock mechanism is integrated into the connector's metal housing. Although the easy-lock connector of Patent Document 2 has a low profile, it is not suitable for releasing the lock on a flat cable with one hand. On the other hand, when the easy-lock connector of Patent Document 2 is applied to narrow-pitch precision miniature connectors, the press portion may be made with an area of ​​less than or equal to 2.2 x 1.6 mm. 2 The size of this pressing part is very small, making it difficult for the user to accurately position their fingertip directly above it. Releasing the lock on the flat cable becomes very difficult, thus improving the operability of this easy-lock connector is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an easy-lock connector for flat connected objects, which has good operability and can be operated with one hand to release the lock on the flat connected objects.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-lock connector for flat connected objects, having a low profile, suitable for use in small or thin electronic devices with limited space.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-lock connector for flat connecting objects, which can easily lock the flat connecting objects by inserting them into the easy-lock connector, thus facilitating the automated assembly of the flat connecting objects and the easy-lock connector.

[0007] According to a solution of the present invention, an easy-lock connector for a flat connecting object is provided. The flat connecting object includes a pair of notches and a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat connecting object. The pair of notches are respectively formed on two opposite side edges of the flat connecting object and adjacent to the insertion end. The easy-lock connector includes:

[0008] An insulating housing having a fitting opening for the flat connecting object to be inserted in a first direction;

[0009] Multiple contacts are held by the insulating housing and are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each contact has a contact portion that extends into the fitting opening and is to contact one of the multiple electrode portions and a connecting terminal portion that is opposite to the contact portion and extends out of the insulating housing.

[0010] Two locking members, each including a locking arm and an actuated portion, the locking arm being constantly and resiliently biased to a locked position, the locking arm having a latching tab formed at its distal end such that when the flat connecting object is inserted into the mating opening, the latching tab engages with the respective recess of the pair of recesses, preventing the flat connecting object from detaching from the easy-lock connector; and

[0011] The housing is fixed to the insulating housing to cover at least a portion of the insulating housing. The housing has a housing body, two resilient arms, and an operating part. The two resilient arms extend from the rear edge of the housing body in a first direction. The operating part connects to the ends of the two resilient arms and extends in a second direction. The operating part is operatively connected to the actuated part of each locking member. By operating the operating part, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the lock on the flat connected object.

[0012] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the locking arm extends from the actuated portion, which is elastically supported such that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locked position.

[0013] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, each locking member includes a retaining portion and a spring portion, the retaining portion being held by the insulating housing, and the spring portion connecting the retaining portion and the actuated portion such that the actuated portion is elastically supported and can float relative to the retaining portion.

[0014] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the insulating housing has a respective fulcrum portion formed below the locking arm of each locking member. When the actuated portion of each locking member is moved downward by pressing the operating portion, the locking arm is pivotally supported by the respective fulcrum portion, so that the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby biasing the locking arm away from the locking position to release the lock on the flat connected object.

[0015] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the insulating housing has a horizontal surface and an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the horizontal surface below the locking arm of each locking member, and the boundary line or boundary band between the horizontal surface and the inclined surface acts as the fulcrum portion.

[0016] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the easy-lock connector further includes a reinforcing member configured to reinforce the operating part and prevent the operating part from bending or deforming.

[0017] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the body portion of the housing is formed with a first observation window, which is positioned to allow the engagement state between the locking arm and the notch of the inserted flat connecting object to be seen or visually detected.

[0018] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the housing is formed with a second observation window, which is positioned to allow the insertion end of the inserted flat connector to be seen or visually detected.

[0019] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the operating part is formed with a first anti-bending portion and a second anti-bending portion. The first anti-bending portion is formed at the rear edge of the operating part, and the second anti-bending portion is formed at the front edge of the operating part. When viewed from the second direction, the first anti-bending portion is parallel to the operating part and connected to the rear edge of the operating part through a U-shaped bend. The second anti-bending portion extends in the second direction and is perpendicular to the operating part, such that when viewed from the second direction, the operating part and the second anti-bending portion form an L-shape.

[0020] According to the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the actuated portion of each locking member is formed with a first stop and a second stop, the first stop being configured to prevent the reinforcing member from moving in the second direction, and the second stop being configured to prevent the reinforcing member from moving in the first direction.

[0021] The easy-lock connector according to the present invention improves operability and allows for a low profile. Furthermore, the locking member is configured to be biased to the unlocked position when a flat wire object is inserted into the easy-lock connector, thereby enabling automated assembly of the flat wire object and the easy-lock connector.

[0022] Those skilled in the art will best understand the technical features and other objects and advantages of this invention after referring to the specification and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the insulating housing of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the housing of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is another perspective view of the housing of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the locking component of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the contact element of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a flat-connected object being inserted into an easy-lock connector.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing how a flat-connected object is locked by a locking mechanism, where the insulating housing and outer shell are not shown.

[0033] Figure 11 This is a top view of the easy-lock connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a flat connecting object has been inserted into the easy-lock connector, and the first observation window and the second observation window are magnified.

[0034] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the housing of an easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a reinforcing member is disposed below the operating part.

[0038] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the locking member of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing how a flat-connected object is locked by a locking mechanism, where the insulating housing and outer shell are not shown.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a top view of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a flat connecting object has been inserted into the easy-lock connector.

[0041] Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 The cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the middle.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 10: Easy-lock connector

[0044] 11: Insulating housing

[0045] 110: Fitting opening

[0046] 111: Installation Department

[0047] 112: Support section

[0048] 1121: Horizontal surface

[0049] 1122: Inclined surface

[0050] 1123: Boundary Line

[0051] 113: concave part

[0052] 12: Outer shell

[0053] 120: Outer shell body

[0054] 1201: First observation window

[0055] 1202: Second observation window

[0056] 1203: Shrapnel

[0057] 1204:Latch Department

[0058] 121: Side wall portion

[0059] 1211: Maintaining Section

[0060] 1212: Welding Section

[0061] 122: Elastic Arm

[0062] 123: Operations Department

[0063] 123C: Reinforcing Components

[0064] 1231: First bending section

[0065] 1232: Second bending section

[0066] 13: Locking component

[0067] 130: Passive Part

[0068] 131: Locking arm

[0069] 132: Latch tab

[0070] 134: U-shaped spring section

[0071] 135: Maintaining Section

[0072] 136: Welding section

[0073] 14: First contact element

[0074] 140: Ontology part

[0075] 141: Contact Arm

[0076] 142:Contact Department

[0077] 143: Keep your arm

[0078] 144: Maintaining Section

[0079] 145: Welding section

[0080] 15: Second contact element

[0081] 150: Ontology part

[0082] 151: Contact Arm

[0083] 152:Contact Department

[0084] 153: Welding Section

[0085] 20: Flat connection objects

[0086] 201: Notch

[0087] D1: First Direction

[0088] D2: Second Direction

[0089] D3: Third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0090] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates an easy-lock connector for flat-connected objects according to embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, identical elements or elements having the same function are labeled with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0091] [First Embodiment]

[0092] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The easy-lock connector as a whole is indicated by reference numeral 10. (See attached figure) Figures 1 to 3 The following describes the components of the easy-lock connector 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The easy-lock connector 10 of the first embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a shell 12, two locking members 13, a plurality of first contacts 14, and a plurality of second contacts 15.

[0093] The flat connector is inserted into the easy-lock connector 10 along the first direction D1 (i.e., the mating direction). The flat connector may be a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC), but is not limited thereto. The flat connector includes a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat connector.

[0094] Two locking members 13 are respectively fixed to the two ends of the insulating housing 11 in the second direction D2 (i.e., the width direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first contact member 14 and the second contact member 15 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the insulating housing 11. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The structure of the insulating housing 11 is described. The insulating housing 11 is made of insulating synthetic resin or polymer material. The insulating housing 11 is formed with a flat connection object 20 (shown in...). Figure 9 The fitting opening 110 inserted along the first direction D1 (shown in) Figure 3 The insulating housing 11 has mounting portions 111 at each end for mounting locking members 13. The locking members 13 are mounted on the mounting portions 111. The insulating housing 11 also has support portions 112 at each end adjacent to the mounting portions 111. Each support portion 112 consists of a horizontal surface 1121 and an inclined surface 1122 that is inclined relative to the horizontal surface 1121. The inclined surface 1122 is located behind the horizontal surface 1121 in the first direction D1. The boundary line 1123 (or a boundary band of a certain width) between the horizontal surface 1121 and the inclined surface 1122 acts as a fulcrum.

[0096] Figure 5 It is a 3D view of the outer shell 12, and Figure 6 This is another perspective view of the outer casing 12. (See reference) Figure 5 and Figure 6 This explains the structure of the outer shell 12.

[0097] The outer casing 12 is formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet. The outer casing 12 is fixed to the insulating housing 11 to cover at least a portion of the insulating housing 11. The outer casing 12 includes a casing body 120 and sidewall portions 121 formed at both ends of the casing body 120 in a second direction D2. The casing body 120 has two first observation windows 1201 and two second observation windows 1202. The engagement state between the locking member and the flat connected object can be confirmed through the first observation windows 1201 and the second observation windows 1202. A plurality of spring tabs 1203 are formed at the leading edge of the casing body 120. These spring tabs 1203 are bent and extended into the fitting opening 110 to contact the conductive metal foil formed on the flat connected object. Two elastic arms 122 and an operating portion 123 are formed at the trailing edge of the casing body 120. The elastic arms 122 extend rearward from the trailing edge of the casing body 120 in the first direction D1. The operating part 123 extends in the second direction D2 and connects to the ends of the two elastic arms 122. Thus, the operating part 123 is elastically supported by the elastic arms 122. When a force is applied downwards to the operating part 123 in a third direction D3 (i.e., the height direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the elastic arms 122 elastically deform, causing the operating part 123 to displace relative to the housing body 120 in the third direction D3. When no force is applied to the operating part 123, the elastic arms 122 and the operating part 123 return to their respective initial positions.

[0098] To prevent deformation of the operating part 123, the operating part 123 is provided with a first bending-resistant portion 1231 and a second bending-resistant portion 1232. The first bending-resistant portion 1231 is formed at the rear edge of the operating part 123, while the second bending-resistant portion 1232 is formed at the front edge of the operating part 123. When viewed from the second direction D2, the first bending-resistant portion 1231 is parallel to the operating part 123 and connected to the rear edge of the operating part 123 via a U-shaped bend. The second bending-resistant portion 1232 extends in the second direction D2 and is perpendicular to the operating part 123, such that when viewed from the second direction D2, the operating part 123 and the second bending-resistant portion 1232 form an L-shape. In short, the operating part 123 is formed with a structure similar to a tubular body. In this way, the bending strength of the operating part 123 is improved. The connection relationship between the operating part 123 and the locking member 13 will be further explained below.

[0099] The sidewall portion 121 has a retaining portion 1211 and a soldering portion 1212. The retaining portion 1211 has a barbed structure. The retaining portion 1211 is inserted into a retaining hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit along a first direction D1. This fixes the conductive housing 12 onto the insulating housing 11. The soldering portion 1212 is positioned on a plane perpendicular to a third direction D3. The soldering portion 1212 can be soldered to a pad on a circuit board (not shown) using surface mount technology (SMT), thereby fixing the easy-lock connector to the circuit board and simultaneously grounding the housing 12.

[0100] To prevent the outer casing 12 from detaching from the insulating housing 11, the outer casing body 120 is formed with two latches 1204. The latches 1204 are bent downward so that the ends of the latches 1204 abut against the recesses 113 formed in the insulating housing 11. In this way, the outer casing 12 is prevented from detaching from the insulating housing 11 in the first direction D1.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the locking member 13. The locking member 13 is formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet. The locking member 13 includes an actuated portion 130 and a locking arm 131. The locking arm 131 extends from one end of the actuated portion 130. The locking member 13 further includes a U-shaped spring portion 134 and a retaining portion 135. The retaining portion 135 is held by an insulating housing 11. The U-shaped spring portion 134 connects the retaining portion 135 and the actuated portion 130, such that the actuated portion 130 is elastically supported and can float relative to the retaining portion 135. The locking member 13 also has a soldering portion 136 extending from the retaining portion 135. The soldering portion 136 can be soldered to pads formed on a circuit board (not shown) using surface mount technology (SMT).

[0102] The locking arm 131 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuated portion 130 is elastically supported by a U-shaped spring portion 134, causing the locking arm 131 to be constantly biased to the locked position. A latching tab 132 is formed at the distal end of the locking arm 131. In the locked position, the latching tab 132 engages with a notch 201 (shown in the figure) formed on the side edge of the flat connecting object 20 inserted into the engagement opening 110. Figure 10 The locking mechanism prevents the flat-connected object 20 from being pulled out or detached from the self-locking connector 10.

[0103] The operating portion 123 of the housing 12 is operatively connected to the actuated portion 130 of each locking member 13. Specifically, the actuated portion 130 is hook-shaped to support the operating portion 123, thereby coupling the actuated portion 130 with the operating portion 123. Thus, the actuated portion 130 is linked with the operating portion 123. When a force is applied downward along the third direction D3 to the operating portion 123, the actuated portion 130 moves downward together with the operating portion 123 under the drive of the operating portion 123, thereby biasing the locking arm 131 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the latch tab 132 disengages from the notch 201 formed on the side edge of the flat connecting object 20, allowing the flat connecting object 20 to be removed from the easy-lock connector 10.

[0104] The locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is positioned above the support portion 112. When the actuated portion 130 of the locking member 13 moves downward along the third direction D3, the locking arm 131 is pivotally supported by the fulcrum portion (i.e., the boundary line 1123), causing the distal end of the locking arm 131 to move upward along the third direction D3. At this time, the action of the locking arm 131 is similar to that of a seesaw. As a result, the locking arm 131 is biased from the locked position to the unlocked position to release the lock on the flat connected object 20.

[0105] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a plurality of first contacts 14 and a plurality of second contacts 15, with one first contact 14 and one second contact 15 shown enlarged. The first contacts 14 and second contacts 15 are arranged alternately along a second direction D2 and held by an insulating housing 11. Each first contact 14 and each second contact 15 is made of copper or a copper alloy.

[0106] Each first contact 14 includes a body portion 140, a contact arm 141 extending from one end of the body portion 140, a retaining arm 143, and a welding portion 145 extending from the other end of the body portion 140. A contact portion 142 is formed at the distal end of the contact arm 141, and a retaining portion 144 is formed at the distal end of the retaining arm 143. The retaining portion 144 has a barbed structure and is inserted into a retaining hole or retaining groove formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit along the first direction D1.

[0107] Each second contact 15 includes a body portion 150, a contact arm 151 extending from one end of the body portion 150, and a welding portion 153 extending from the other end of the body portion 150. A contact portion 152 is formed at the distal end of the contact arm 151. The body portion 150 has a barbed structure and can function as a retaining portion. The body portion 150 with the barbed structure is inserted into a retaining hole or retaining groove formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit along the first direction D1.

[0108] When the flat connector 20 is inserted into the mating opening 110, the contact portion 142 of the first contact 14 and the contact portion 152 of the second contact 15 come into contact with the electrode portion formed on the lower surface of the flat connector 20. The solder portion 145 of the first contact 14 and the solder portion 153 of the second contact 15 can be soldered to the pads formed on the circuit board using surface mount technology (SMT). By employing alternating arrangements of the first contact 14 and the second contact 15, the spacing between two adjacent contacts can be further reduced. This contact configuration is suitable for narrow-pitch connectors.

[0109] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of the flat connection object 20 inserted into the easy-lock connector 10. Figure 10This is a schematic diagram showing the locking of the flat connected object 20 via the locking member 13. To clearly show the connection relationship between the locking arm 131 and the flat connected object 20, in... Figure 10 The insulating housing 11 and the outer casing 12 are not shown.

[0110] like Figure 10 As shown, the flat connecting object 20 has a pair of notches 201 formed on two opposite side edges of the flat connecting object 20 and adjacent to the insertion end. Figure 10 In the locked position, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is in the locked position, and the latch tab 132 located at the distal end of the locking arm 131 engages with the recess 201 to prevent the flat connected object 20 from being pulled out. By moving the actuated portion 130 of the locking member 13 downward in the third direction D3, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is biased from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the latch tab 132 disengages from the recess 201, thus releasing the lock on the flat connected object 20.

[0111] Figure 11 This is a top view of the easy-lock connector with a flat connecting object inserted. Figure 11 In the image, the first observation window 1201 and the second observation window 1202 formed on the housing 12 are magnified and displayed. The first observation window 1201 is formed approximately at the position corresponding to the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13. Through the first observation window 1201, the engagement state between the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 and the flat connected object can be seen or visually detected. For example, the engagement state between the locking member and the flat connected object can be checked by automated optical inspection (AOI). If the latch tab 132 of the locking member 13 is observed to be in the notch of the flat connected object from the first observation window 1201, it is determined that the locking member has engaged with the flat connected object (i.e., the flat connected object has been locked).

[0112] The second observation window 1202 is approximately formed at the insertion end of the corresponding inserted flat connector. The second observation window 1202 allows the insertion end of the flat connector 10 to be seen or visually detected. If the insertion end of the flat connector is observed from the second observation window 1202, it is determined that the flat connector has been properly inserted into the easy-lock connector (i.e., the flat connector has been locked).

[0113] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram. For example... Figure 12As shown, the latching tab 132 of the locking member 13 is located in the recess 201 of the flat connected object 20 to lock the flat connected object 20. The first anti-bending portion 1231 of the operating part 123 rests on the actuated part 130, so that the operating part 123 is operatively connected to the actuated part 130. Therefore, downward movement of the operating part 123 in the third direction D3 causes the locking arm 131 to deflect from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0114] [Second Embodiment]

[0115] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The easy-lock connector is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. (See attached figure) Figures 13 to 14 The following describes the components of the easy-lock connector 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The easy-lock connector 10 according to the second embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a shell 12, a reinforcing member 123C, two locking members 13, a plurality of first contacts 14, and a plurality of second contacts 15.

[0116] The main difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the easy-lock connector 10 according to the second embodiment further includes a reinforcing member 123C. Therefore, the description of the same or similar configuration as that in the first embodiment in the second embodiment can be omitted.

[0117] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the housing of the easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 As shown, the operating part 123 has a first bending-resistant part 1231 and a second bending-resistant part 1232, and a reinforcing member 123C is disposed below the operating part 123. The reinforcing member 123C is a long rod-shaped object made of metal. The reinforcing member 123C is configured to reinforce the operating part 123 and prevent the operating part 123 from bending or deforming.

[0118] In order to keep the reinforcing member 123C in the proper position, the operating part 123 further includes a stop 1233, which is configured to prevent the reinforcing member 123C from moving in the first direction D1.

[0119] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the locking member of an easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the locking member of the easy-lock connector of the first embodiment, the actuated portion 130 of the locking member 13 of the easy-lock connector of the second embodiment has a first stop portion 1301 and a second stop portion 1302. The first stop portion 1301 is configured to prevent the reinforcing member 123C from moving in the second direction D2. The second stop portion 1302 is configured to prevent the reinforcing member 123C from moving in the first direction D1.

[0120] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking of the flat connected object 20 via the locking member 13. To clearly show the connection relationship between the locking arm 131 and the flat connected object 20, in... Figure 17 The insulating housing 11 and the outer casing 12 are not shown.

[0121] like Figure 17 As shown, the reinforcing member 123C rests on the actuated part 130. The first stop 1301 prevents the reinforcing member 123C from disengaging from the easy-lock connector along the second direction D2. The second stop 1302 holds the reinforcing member 123C near the trailing edge of the actuated part 130.

[0122] Figure 18 This is a top view of the easy-lock connector with a flat connecting object inserted. Figure 19 It is along Figure 18 The cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the diagram. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the reinforcing member 123C is placed on the actuated part 130 and held near the rear edge of the actuated part 130. When a force is applied downward along the third direction D3 to the actuated part 123, the reinforcing member 123C not only prevents the actuated part 123 from deforming due to the force, but also ensures that the force is reliably transmitted to the actuated part 130.

[0123] The easy-lock connector according to the invention truly combines the advantages of low profile and good operability. Furthermore, the easy-lock connector according to the invention is particularly suitable for small or thin electronic devices with limited space. In addition, the easy-lock connector according to the invention is also suitable for automated assembly of flat wire components with the easy-lock connector.

[0124] While the present invention has been described and demonstrated with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is subject to the wording of the claims, that is, any equivalent variations and modifications made without departing from the claims should still be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An easy-lock connector for a flat connecting object, the flat connecting object including a pair of notches and a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat connecting object, the pair of notches being formed at opposite side edges of the flat connecting object and adjacent to the insertion end, the easy-lock connector comprising: An insulating housing having a fitting opening for the flat connecting object to be inserted in a first direction; Multiple contacts are held by the insulating housing and are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each contact has a contact portion that extends into the fitting opening and is to contact one of the multiple electrode portions and a connecting terminal portion that is opposite to the contact portion and extends out of the insulating housing. Two locking members, each including a locking arm and an actuated portion, the locking arm being constantly and elastically biased to a locked position, the locking arm having a latching tab formed at its distal end such that when the flat connecting object is inserted into the fitting opening, the latching tab engages with the respective recess of the pair of recesses, preventing the flat connecting object from detaching from the easy-lock connector. as well as The housing is fixed to the insulating housing to cover at least a portion of the insulating housing. The housing has a housing body, two resilient arms, and an operating part. The two resilient arms extend from the rear edge of the housing body in a first direction. The operating part connects to the ends of the two resilient arms and extends in a second direction. The operating part is operatively connected to the actuated part of each locking member. By operating the operating part, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the lock on the flat connected object.

2. The easy-lock connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking arm extends from the actuated portion, the actuated portion being elastically supported such that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locked position.

3. The easy-lock connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein each locking member includes a retaining portion and a spring portion, the retaining portion being held by the insulating housing, and the spring portion connecting the retaining portion and the actuated portion such that the actuated portion is elastically supported and can float relative to the retaining portion.

4. The easy-lock connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the insulating housing has a respective fulcrum portion formed below the locking arm of each locking member, and when the actuated portion of each locking member is moved downward by pressing the operating portion, the locking arm is pivotally supported by the respective fulcrum portion, such that the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby biasing the locking arm away from the locking position to release the lock on the flat connected object.

5. The easy-lock connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the insulating housing has a horizontal surface and an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface below the locking arm of each locking member, and the boundary line or boundary band between the horizontal surface and the inclined surface acts as the fulcrum portion.

6. The easy-lock connector of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing member configured to reinforce the operating portion and prevent the operating portion from bending or deforming.

7. The easy-lock connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing body of the housing is formed with a first viewing window, the first viewing window being positioned to allow the engagement state between the locking arm and the notch of the inserted flat connecting object to be seen or visually detected.

8. The easy-lock connector of claim 7, wherein the housing is formed with a second viewing window, the second viewing window being positioned to allow the insertion end of the inserted flat connector to be seen or visually detected.

9. The easy-lock connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operating portion has a first anti-bending portion and a second anti-bending portion, the first anti-bending portion being formed at the rear edge of the operating portion, the second anti-bending portion being formed at the front edge of the operating portion, and when viewed from the second direction, the first anti-bending portion is parallel to the operating portion and connected to the rear edge of the operating portion via a U-shaped bend, the second anti-bending portion extending in the second direction and perpendicular to the operating portion, such that when viewed from the second direction, the operating portion and the second anti-bending portion form an L-shape.

10. The easy-lock connector of claim 6, wherein the actuated portion of each locking member is formed with a first stop and a second stop, the first stop being configured to prevent movement of the reinforcing member in the second direction, and the second stop being configured to prevent movement of the reinforcing member in the first direction.

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