connector

Abstract

This invention provides a connector, comprising a body, a terminal assembly, a cover, a sliding locking member, and a fixing member. The body has a receiving cavity with an opening at a first end. The terminal assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal, each with a first contact and a second contact. The cover is rotatably connected to the body and includes a cover plate, a rotating block, and a rotating shaft. The cover plate has a covering surface, an operating area, a limiting area, and a hook. The sliding locking member is movably connected to the side in the longitudinal direction at different positions and has a limiting block. The fixing member is located outside the sliding locking member and has a spring arm that abuts against the rotating shaft. The sliding locking member can be movably connected to the side in the longitudinal direction at first and second positions. The sliding locking member locks and limits the cover, effectively locking the flexible printed circuit board (PCB) to the cover and pressing it with the pressure block. This prevents the PCB from shifting or detaching from the body due to external forces, ensuring both assembly reliability and contact stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, and specifically relates to a flip-top connector. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs / FFCs) are widely used in signal transmission within devices such as consumer electronics, automotive equipment, smart devices, and energy storage devices due to their advantages of being thin, flexible, and having flexible wiring. Dedicated FPC / FFC connectors are typically used inside these devices to achieve pluggable electrical connections between the motherboard and the FPC / FFC.

[0003] Existing FPC / FFC connectors mainly consist of a connector housing, conductive terminals, a flip cover, and a locking structure. They rely on the flip cover to press the FPC / FFC together with a snap-fit ​​mechanism to achieve temporary fixation, meeting the needs of quick assembly and disassembly.

[0004] Currently, the following defects exist in the market for flip-type FPC / FFC connectors, limiting their application in vibration environments with frequent sudden changes: 1. Insufficient reliability of the locking and protection structure. Traditional flip-type FPC / FFC connectors rely solely on the flip cover itself and the FPC / FFC for positioning, lacking a locking mechanism for the flip cover. When the equipment vibrates, falls, or is slightly pulled, the flip cover is prone to flipping and loosening, leading to terminal contact misalignment and signal interruption. Some products have a secondary locking structure, locking the cover through internal elastic elements, but it's impossible to determine if the cover is fully locked. 2. Simple flip-cover pivot positioning and spring-back limiting structure, resulting in poor FPC / FFC compression. After the flip cover closes, there is a lack of stable elastic clamping force, and the terminal contacts and connecting metal strips (also known as gold fingers) have insufficient clamping force, leading to loosening and signal attenuation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a connector that is longitudinally connected to the side of the main body via a sliding locking component that can move at different positions to lock and limit the cover. Combined with the flexible printed circuit board effectively locking to the cover and the pressure block pressing the insertion part in the height direction, this invention can prevent the flexible printed circuit board from shifting or detaching from the main body due to external forces, thus ensuring both assembly reliability and contact stability.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this invention are realized through the following technical solutions: A connector for pluggable connection to a flexible printed circuit board with a slot, the connector comprising: The main body includes a base, a top, a first end, a second end, and side portions. The side portions are arranged in pairs on both sides of the base in the transverse direction. The base, the top, and the side portions surround to form a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity has an opening at the first end. A terminal assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal spaced apart in the lateral direction. The first terminal and the second terminal are each provided with a first contact and a second contact. The first contact and the second contact are located on different lever arms and are oriented toward the top in the height direction. A cover body is rotatably connected to the main body. The cover body includes a cover plate and a rotating block and a rotating shaft disposed on the outside of the cover plate. The cover plate is provided with a covering surface, an operating area, a limiting area and a hook. The operating area is disposed on the rear side of the cover plate and is recessed downward from the covering surface in the height direction. The limiting area is further recessed from the operating area in the height direction away from the covering surface. The hook is disposed on the front side of the cover plate and protrudes towards the top. A sliding lock component, longitudinally movable to the side portion at different positions, the sliding lock component being provided with a limiting block; and A fixing member is fixedly connected to the side portion. The fixing member is located on the outside of the sliding lock member. The fixing member is provided with a spring arm, which abuts against the rotating shaft. When the sliding lock is in the first position, the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the receiving cavity through the opening, the cover plate rotates downward and fits against the top, and the hook is engaged with the slot. When the sliding lock is in the second position, the limiting block covers the limiting area, and the cover is restricted from rotating.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sliding lock includes a first slider, a second slider, and a connecting block, wherein the first slider and the second slider are located on the upper and lower sides of the connecting block, respectively, and the limiting block is disposed on the first slider; The side is provided with a protrusion and a first sliding groove and a second sliding groove on the upper and lower sides of the protrusion. The first slider and the second slider are slidably connected to the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove, respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first slider has an operating part, a stop part, and a limiting part. The limiting part is located between the operating part and the stop part, and the thickness of the limiting part is less than the thickness of the operating part and the thickness of the stop part. The limiting block is disposed on the limiting part.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cover plate is further provided with a clearance groove, which is located on the rear side of the cover body. The clearance groove is a groove structure formed by recessing from the operating area further away from the covering surface in the height direction. When the sliding lock is in the first position, there is a gap between the limiting block and the clearance groove; When the sliding lock is in the second position, the operating part abuts against the clearance groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second slider includes a first rib and a second rib that are separated from each other. The first rib is arranged in pairs on both sides of the second rib and is separated from each other. The first rib has a first locking block at its end. The second slide groove has a pre-locking groove and a locking groove. The first locking block is engaged with the pre-locking groove or the locking groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second rib is provided with a second locking block, which extends downward from the end of the second rib; The base is provided with an anti-detachment groove and an anti-detachment component. The second locking block is inserted into the anti-detachment groove, and the anti-detachment component is connected to the second locking block at the upper limit in the height direction. The convex strip is connected to the connecting block at its upper limit in the lateral direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cover further includes a pressing block, the pressing block, the hook, and the limiting area are an integral structure, and the pressing block is provided with a pressing surface; The receiving cavity is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove is provided with a mounting surface, the flexible printed circuit board is provided with a plug-in part, and the height H1 of the mounting groove is greater than the starting height H2 of the plug-in part; When the plug is inserted into the mounting groove and the sliding lock is pushed into the second position, the pressure block presses against the plug. At this time, the distance L between the pressing surface and the mounting surface and the initial height H2 of the plug have the following relationship: L≤H2.

[0013] In some embodiments, the side portion is provided with a rotating groove, and the rotating shaft and the rotating block are disposed in the rotating groove; The fastener has a fastening body, which is embedded in the side. The spring arm extends obliquely downward from the fastening body. The rotating shaft has a first arc surface and a second arc surface that are in contact. The area of ​​the first arc surface is larger than the area of ​​the second arc surface. When the cover is opened, the spring arm abuts against the first arc surface; When the cover plate is tightly connected to the top, the spring arm abuts against the second arc surface, and the sliding lock abuts against the rotating block.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first terminal includes a first welding portion, a first terminal fixing portion, a first lever arm, and a second lever arm. The first contact and the second contact are respectively disposed on the first lever arm and the second lever arm. The first terminal fixing portion is fixed to the second end. The first lever arm and the second lever arm extend from the first terminal fixing portion toward the first end. The first welding portion extends downward from the first terminal fixing portion. The second terminal includes a second welding part, a second terminal fixing part, a third lever arm, a fourth lever arm, and a fifth lever arm. The first contact and the second contact are respectively disposed on the third lever arm and the fourth lever arm. The second terminal fixing part is fixed to the second end. The third lever arm, the fourth lever arm, and the fifth lever arm extend from the second terminal fixing part toward the first end. The second welding part extends downward from the fifth lever arm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the connector has a fully enclosed structure when the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the receiving cavity through the opening, the cover plate is pressed against the top, and the sliding lock is pushed into the second position.

[0016] In summary, the present invention has at least the following advantages: 1. The connector provided by this invention has a sliding locking component that is longitudinally connected to the side of the main body at different positions, thereby restricting or releasing the rotation of the cover. When the sliding locking component is in the first position, the cover can rotate freely and the flexible printed circuit board can be inserted and removed. When the sliding locking component is in the second position, it is prevented from flipping by a limiting block connected to the limiting area. The cover's hook and the flexible printed circuit board's slot form a double locking structure. Simultaneously, the pressure block adjacent to the hook tightly presses the insertion part in the height direction. This provides bidirectional constraint on the flexible printed circuit board, further ensuring that the cover and the flexible printed circuit board do not shift, thus making the connection stable and reliable. This effectively prevents vibration and pulling from causing the cover and the flexible printed circuit board to loosen, avoiding signal disconnection. Furthermore, the sliding locking component is guided by a double-layer slider and a sliding groove, ensuring smooth sliding without deviation. The double-slot position feedback allows the operator to visually judge whether the locking is in place, avoiding improper assembly.

[0017] 2. The connector of the present invention has a mounting groove height that allows for assembly allowance, facilitating the smooth insertion of flexible printed circuit boards with thickness differences. After the limiting block locks the limiting area, a pressure block located on the back of the limiting area and longitudinally integrated presses the insertion part of the flexible printed circuit board. Based on the fact that the distance L between the pressing surface and the mounting surface is less than or equal to the starting height H2 of the insertion part, it can adapt to flexible printed circuit boards of different thicknesses, ensuring tight pressing and avoiding problems such as increased resistance and signal attenuation caused by loosening.

[0018] 3. The connector of the present invention, after being inserted into the flexible printed circuit board, the cover is closed, and the sliding lock is pushed into the second position, forms a fully enclosed protective structure, which can prevent foreign objects from entering without the need for adhesive. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the connector in Example 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connector of Example 1 from one viewpoint.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the connector of Example 1 from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible printed circuit board of Example 1.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding lock component of Example 1 from one perspective.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the sliding lock component of Example 1 from another perspective.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cover structure of Example 1.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the second slider installed in the second groove in Embodiment 1.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the flexible printed circuit board and the connector in Example 1.

[0028] Figure 10 for Figure 9 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the connector of Example 1 with the sliding lock component removed from one side.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector of Embodiment 1, with the sliding lock component installed on the side and in the first position.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the connector in Example 1 where the fixing part abuts against the rotating shaft.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the first terminal installed on the main body in Embodiment 2.

[0033] Figure 15This is a cross-sectional view of the second terminal installed on the main body in Embodiment 2.

[0034] Marked in the image: 100-Connector; 1-Main body; 11-Base, 12-Top, 13-First end, 14-Second end, 15-Side, 16-Receiving cavity; 101 - First gear, 102 - Second gear; 111-Anti-detachment groove, 112-Anti-detachment component; 151-First slide groove, 152-Second slide groove, 153-Protruding strip, 154-Rotating groove; 1521-Pre-locking groove, 1522-Locking groove, 1523-Pre-locking protrusion, 1524-Guide block, 1525-Locking block; 161 - Opening, 162 - Mounting slot, 163 - Mounting surface; 2-Terminal assembly; 21 - First terminal, 22 - Second terminal 211 - First contact, 212 - Second contact; 2101 - First welding part, 2102 - First terminal fixing part, 2103 - First lever arm, 2104 - Second lever arm; 2201 - Second welding part, 2202 - Second terminal fixing part, 2203 - Third lever arm, 2204 - Fourth lever arm, 2205 - Fifth lever arm; 3-Cap; 31-Cover plate, 32-Rotating block, 33-Rotating shaft, 34-Pressure block; 311-Covering surface, 312-Operating area, 313-Limiting area, 314-Hook, 315-Allowing groove, 316-Support block; 331 - First arc surface, 332 - Second arc surface, 341 - Pressing surface; 4-Slide lock component; 40 - Limiting block; 41 - First slider; 42 - Second slider; 43 - Connecting block; 411-Operating part, 412-Stop part, 413-Limiting part; 421 - First rib, 422 - Second rib; 4211 - First block, 4221 - Second block; 5-Factors; 51-Elastic arm, 52-Fixed main body; 200-Flexible printed circuit board, 201-Metal strip, 202-Connector, 203-Slot; X - horizontal direction, Y - vertical direction, Z - height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description will be given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0036] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0039] For ease of understanding, it should be noted that the X-axis of the coordinate system in the figure represents the horizontal direction (width direction), the Y-axis represents the vertical direction (front and back direction), and the Z-axis represents the height direction (thickness direction).

[0040] Example 1: like Figures 1-13 As shown, this embodiment provides a connector 100, which is fixed on a printed circuit board and pluggably connected to a flexible printed circuit board 200, also known as a flexible printed circuit board, abbreviated as FFC or FPC.

[0041] The connector 100 includes a body 1, a terminal assembly 2, a cover 3, a sliding locking member 4, and a fixing member 5. The body 1, serving as the insulating body of the connector 100, is a plastic shell manufactured using injection molding. The body 1 includes a base 11, a top 12, a first end 13, a second end 14, and side portions 15. The side portions 15 are paired on both sides of the base 11 in the transverse direction X, and the first end 13 and the second end 14 are respectively located at the front and rear ends of the base in the longitudinal direction Y. The base 11, top 12, and side portions 15 surround to form a receiving cavity 16, which has an opening 161. It is understood that the receiving cavity 16 is formed by the first end 13 recessed towards the second end 14 along the longitudinal direction Y, and the opening 161 is located at the first end 13.

[0042] Terminal assembly 2 includes a first terminal 21 and a second terminal 22 spaced apart in the horizontal direction X. Both the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 are provided with a first contact 211 and a second contact 212, which are respectively disposed on different lever arms and face the top 12 in the vertical direction Z. Terminal assembly 2 contacts the metal strip 201 (gold fingers) of flexible printed circuit board 200 through the first contact 211 and the second contact 212, thereby establishing electrical and signal connections.

[0043] The cover 3 is rotatably connected to the main body 1. The cover 3 includes a cover plate 31, a rotating block 32, and a rotating shaft 33, with the rotating block 32 and rotating shaft 33 located on the outer side of the cover plate 31. The cover plate 31 has a covering surface 311, an operating area 312, a limiting area 313, and a latch 314. The operating area 312 is located on the rear side of the cover plate 31 in the longitudinal direction Y, and is recessed downward from the covering surface 311 in the height direction Z. The limiting area 313 is further recessed from the operating area 312 in the height direction Z, moving away from the covering surface 311. The latch 314 is located on the front side of the cover plate 31 in the longitudinal direction Y, and protrudes towards the top 12.

[0044] The flexible printed circuit board 200 is provided with a plug-in portion 202, and a slot 203 is provided on the outer side of the plug-in portion 202, through which a metal strip 201 protrudes. A hook 314 is used to engage with the slot 203, thereby locking the flexible printed circuit board 200 into the main body 1.

[0045] The sliding lock 4 is movably connected to the side 15 in the longitudinal Y direction at different positions. The sliding lock 4 is provided with a limiting block 40, which is connected to the limiting area 313. By pushing or pulling the sliding lock 4 in the longitudinal Y direction, the rotation of the cover 3 can be restricted or released.

[0046] The fixing member 5 is fixedly connected to the side 15 and is located on the outside of the sliding lock member 4. The fixing member 5 is provided with a spring arm 51, which abuts against the rotating shaft 33. Specifically, the spring arm 51 is located above the rotating shaft 33 in the height direction Z. The rotating shaft 33 is a multi-curved rotating shaft composed of two cylinders with different radii.

[0047] In this embodiment, the sliding lock 4 is disposed on the side 15 of the main body 1 and is movably connected to the side 15 in the longitudinal Y direction using two stops.

[0048] When the sliding lock 4 is in the first position 101, the flexible printed circuit board 200 is inserted into the receiving cavity 16 through the opening 161, the cover plate 31 rotates downward and fits against the top 12, the hook 314 is engaged in the slot 203, and the flexible printed circuit board 200 is confined in the receiving cavity 16.

[0049] When the sliding lock 4 is in the second position 102, the limiting block 40 covers the limiting area 313, and the cover 3 is restricted from rotating, forming a secondary locking structure.

[0050] Specifically, the operator can determine the gear position of the sliding lock 4 by whether the end of the sliding lock 4 protrudes from the second end 14 in the longitudinal Y direction.

[0051] When the sliding lock 4 is in the first position 101, the end of the sliding lock 4 protrudes from the second end 14. Relying on the limiting structure, the sliding lock 4 is pre-installed in the side portion 15 and will not detach from it. At this time, the cover 3 can rotate freely; when the cover 3 is flipped upwards to the holding position, the cover 3 will not rotate downwards. Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board 200 that needs to be installed can be inserted, or the flexible printed circuit board 200 that needs to be removed can be pulled out as needed.

[0052] When the sliding lock 4 is in the second position 102, the sliding lock 4 is pushed into the side 15, and its end does not protrude from the second end 14. At this time, the limiting block 40 covers and connects to the limiting area 313, which can prevent the cover 3 from flipping. It forms a double locking structure with the hook 314 of the cover 3 and the slot 203 of the flexible printed circuit board 200. At the same time, the pressure block 34 (described below) adjacent to the hook 314 tightly presses the insertion part 202 in the height direction. This can constrain the flexible printed circuit board 200 in both front and rear directions, further ensuring that the cover 3 and the flexible printed circuit board 200 do not shift, so that the connection is stable and reliable, effectively preventing vibration and pulling from causing the cover and the flexible printed circuit board to loosen, and avoiding signal disconnection.

[0053] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the sliding lock member 4 includes a first sliding block 41, a second sliding block 42 and a connecting block 43. The first sliding block 41 and the second sliding block 42 are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the connecting block 43, and the limiting block 40 is disposed on the first sliding block 41. The cross section of the sliding lock member 4 has an I-shaped-like structure.

[0054] Correspondingly, as Figure 11 shown, the side portion 15 is provided with a first sliding groove 151, a second sliding groove 152 and a protruding strip 153. The first sliding groove 151 and the second sliding groove 152 are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the protruding strip 153, and the first sliding block 41 and the second sliding block 42 are respectively slidably connected to the first sliding groove 151 and the second sliding groove 152.

[0055] The first sliding block 41 is provided with an operation portion 411, a position stopping portion 412 and a limiting portion 413. The limiting portion 413 is disposed between the operation portion 411 and the position stopping portion 412, the thickness of the limiting portion 413 is smaller than the thickness of the operation portion 411 and the thickness of the position stopping portion 412, and the limiting block 40 is disposed on the limiting portion 413.

[0056] In the first sliding block 41, the joints of the limiting portion 413 with the operation portion 411 and the position stopping portion 412 are both recessed downward. A finger presses on the limiting portion 413 and the operation portion 411, which facilitates pushing in and pulling out the sliding lock member 4. In some embodiments, anti-slip stripes may also be provided on the surfaces of the limiting portion 413 and the operation portion 411. The limiting block 40 covers or separates from the limiting area 313 driven by the limiting portion 413.

[0057] The cover plate 31 is further provided with an avoidance groove 315, and the avoidance groove 315 is located on the rear side of the cover body 3. Specifically, the avoidance groove 315 is a groove structure formed by further recessing from the operation area 312 in the height direction Z towards a direction away from the covering surface 311.

[0058] When the sliding lock member 4 is located at the first gear position 101, there is a gap between the limiting block 40 and the avoidance groove 315. When the sliding lock member 4 is located at the second gear position 102, the operation portion 411 abuts against the avoidance groove 315.

[0059] On the rear side of the cover plate 31, the cover body 3 is sequentially provided with multi-stage recessed step structures: the covering surface 311 sinks to form the operation area 312, the operation area 312 further recesses downward to form the limiting area 313, and then the avoidance groove 315 is provided on the rear side of the cover body 3 near the second end portion 14. This layered stepped structure distinguishes the operation area from the locking limiting area.

[0060] When the sliding lock 4 is in the first position 101, the limiting block 40 and the clearance groove 315 have a pre-reserved gap, which does not interfere with the flipping of the cover plate 31. After the sliding lock is locked, when it is in the second position 102, the operating part 411 of the sliding lock 4 abuts against the clearance groove 315, which can further restrict the cover plate 31 from lifting upward from the rear, forming a second-level rotation limiting protection structure. This layered recessed stepped structure creates a clear visual and tactile distinction, allowing operators to quickly identify the position of the operating cover and providing a better operating experience.

[0061] The second slider 42 includes a first protruding rib 421 and a second protruding rib 422 that are separated from each other. The first protruding ribs 421 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the second protruding ribs 422, and the first protruding ribs 421 and the second protruding ribs 422 are separated from each other. The first protruding rib 421 has a first locking block 4211 at its end. The second sliding groove 152 has a pre-locking groove 1521 and a locking groove 1522. The first locking block 4211 is engaged with the pre-locking groove 1521 or the locking groove 1522.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the first locking block 4211 protrudes outward along the transverse X direction at the end of the first rib 421. When the sliding lock 4 is in the first position 101 (right side), the first locking block 4211 engages with the pre-locking groove 1521. Since the pre-locking groove 1521 is provided with a pre-locking protrusion 1523, and the width of the pre-locking protrusion 1523 is greater than the width of the first locking block 4211, the first locking block 4211 is restricted from sliding out of the pre-locking groove 1521 in the longitudinal Y direction. Thus, the sliding lock can be stably pre-locked in the first position 101 and is not easily separated from the main body 1.

[0063] A guide block 1524 is provided between the pre-locking groove 1521 and the locking groove 1522. The protruding width of the guide block 1524 is smaller than the width of the first locking block 4211. When the first locking block 4211 passes the guide block 1524, it undergoes elastic deformation and smoothly enters the locking groove 1522. At this time, the sliding lock 4 is in the second position 102 (left side), and the first locking block 4211 is engaged with the pre-locking groove 1521. Since the locking groove 1522 is provided with a locking block 1525, it is limited to abutting against the second slider 42, that is, the sliding lock 4 cannot be pushed forward, and the limiting block 40 is precisely covered on the limiting area 313 of the cover plate 31. The second protruding rib 422 is provided with a second locking block 4221, which extends downward from the end of the second protruding rib 422.

[0064] The base 11 is provided with an anti-detachment groove 111 and an anti-detachment component 112. The anti-detachment groove 111 and the anti-detachment component 112 are located below the second slide groove 152. The second locking block 4221 is engaged with the anti-detachment groove 111, and the anti-detachment component 112 is connected to the second locking block 4221 at the upper limit in the height direction Z, ensuring that the sliding lock component 4 will not slip out of the main body 1 when it is in the first position 101.

[0065] The protrusion 153 is connected to the connecting block 43 at the upper limit in the horizontal X direction, thereby restricting the sliding lock 4 in the horizontal X direction, so that the sliding lock 4 can smoothly slide along the first slide groove 151 and the second slide groove 152 in the vertical Y direction during the switching process of the first position 101 and the second position 102.

[0066] It should be noted that in the connector 100 of this embodiment, the cover 3 also includes a pressing block 34, which is disposed on the rear side of the hook 314. Furthermore, the pressing block 34, the hook 314, and the limiting area 313 are an integral structure, and the pressing block 34 is provided with a pressing surface 341.

[0067] In some embodiments, the pressure block 34 may also be disposed on the front side of the hook 314, or on the left or right side of the hook 314.

[0068] In other embodiments, the pressure block 34 and the hook 314 are separately and independently configured. For example, a gap is provided between the hook 314 and the pressure block 34, and the pressure block 34 and the hook 314 are still an integral structure with the cover plate 31.

[0069] Further reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 The receiving cavity 16 is provided with a mounting groove 162, and the mounting groove 162 is provided with a mounting surface 163, that is, the mounting surface 163 is the bottom surface of the mounting groove 162, which is used to support the flexible printed circuit board 200. The height H1 of the mounting groove is greater than the starting height H2 of the insertion part 202, that is, H1 > H2. Making the height H1 of the mounting groove larger than the starting height H2 of the insertion part 202 is to facilitate the smooth insertion of the flexible printed circuit board with thickness differences into the receiving cavity 16.

[0070] When the connector 202 is inserted into the mounting groove 162 and the sliding lock 4 is pushed into the second position 102, the pressure block 34 presses against the connector 202. At this time, the distance L between the pressing surface 341 and the mounting surface 163 has the following relationship with the initial height H2 of the connector: L≤H2. That is, the pressure block 34 is tightly pressed against the surface of the connector 202, filling the mounting groove 162 to absorb the gap preset by the thickness tolerance of the flexible printed circuit board. In this way, the connector 202 can be tightly pressed by the pressure block 34 in the height direction Z and cannot be loosened from the mounting groove 162.

[0071] Specifically, the cover 3 integrates a hook 314, a pressing block 34 and a limiting area 313 in the longitudinal Y direction. The hook 314 and the pressing block 34 are connected or adjacent to each other and located on the lower side of the cover plate, while the limiting area 313 is located on the upper side of the cover plate.

[0072] In other embodiments, a gap may be provided between the hook 314 and the pressure block 34, that is, the hook 314 and the pressure block 34 are cut off and do not connect at the bottom; the hook 314 and the pressure block 34 also form an integral structure at the top.

[0073] The pressure block 34, the hook 314, and the limiting area 313 are integrated in the longitudinal direction. While the pressure block 34 presses against the insertion part 202, the hook 314 engages with the slot 203, thus the insertion part 202 can be held in place by the hook 314 in the longitudinal direction Y. Furthermore, the limiting area 313, which is integrated with the pressure block 34 and the hook 314 in the longitudinal direction, is located on the upper side of the cover plate. The limiting area 313 is covered by the limiting block 40 that has been pushed into the second position 102, preventing the cover plate 31 from rotating. This provides bidirectional constraint on the flexible printed circuit board, further ensuring that the cover 3 and the flexible printed circuit board 200 do not shift, thereby making the connection stable and reliable.

[0074] The side portion 15 is provided with a rotating groove 154, in which the rotating shaft 33 and the rotating block 32 are disposed. The groove 154, which accommodates the rotating shaft 33 and the rotating block 32, has a U-shaped structure. The rotating shaft 33 is a multi-curved rotating shaft composed of two cylinders with different radii. When the cover plate 31 rotates to the holding position, the inner wall of the U-shaped groove also limits the rotation of the rotating shaft 33.

[0075] The fastener 5 is provided with a fastening body 52, which is embedded in the side 15. The spring arm 51 extends obliquely downward from the fastening body 52. ​​The rotating shaft 33 is provided with a first arc surface 331 and a second arc surface 332 that are in contact. The area of ​​the first arc surface 331 is larger than the area of ​​the second arc surface 332. The first arc surface 331 transitions to the second arc surface 332 in an arc shape.

[0076] When the cover plate 31 is open, the spring arm 51 abuts against the first arc surface 331. When the cover plate 31 is tightly connected to the top 12, the spring arm 51 abuts against the second arc surface 332, and the sliding lock 4 abuts against the rotating block 32.

[0077] In the connector 100 of this embodiment, a rotating groove 154 is provided on the side 15 of the main body 1 to accommodate the rotating shaft 33 of the cover 3. At the same time, it cooperates with the fixing member 5 with the inclined spring arm, and the spring arm 51 always abuts against the arc-shaped surface of the rotating shaft 33. The rotating shaft 33 is provided with a first arc surface 331 and a second arc surface 332 with different areas. The larger first arc surface 331 facilitates the closing of the cover 31 and allows it to smoothly fall back to the closed state from the open state.

[0078] The cover 3 has a support block 316 on the outside of the cover plate 31. When the cover plate 31 is opened to the maximum opening angle (e.g., 35°), the support block 316 abuts against the inner side of the outer side plate of the side part 15, which can stably keep the cover plate 31 in the opened state without the need for manual holding of the cover 3, facilitating the insertion and removal of the flexible printed circuit board 200. When the cover plate 31 is fully closed and attached to the top 12, the support block 316 enters the rotating groove 154 through the outer side plate of the side part 15. The spring arm 51 switches to the second arc surface 332 with a smaller abutment area, thereby elastically pressing the rotating shaft 33, making the cover plate 31 less likely to rotate upwards, with no loose gaps, and assisting the hook to complete the locking of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0079] The fixing member 5 has protruding teeth 53 at the spring arm 51 and the fixing body 52. ​​The protruding teeth 53 are embedded into the side part 15 to achieve a firm assembly. At the same time, the spring arm 51, which extends obliquely downward, has a continuous elastic deformation capability. It can maintain a stable elastic force even after long-term repeated opening and closing, and is not prone to fatigue failure, thereby improving the cycle life of the connector.

[0080] The connector provided in this embodiment has a sliding locking component that is movably connected to the side of the main body in the longitudinal direction in a first and second position, thereby restricting or releasing the rotation of the cover and controlling the rotation of the cover. When the sliding locking component is in the first position, the cover can rotate freely and the flexible printed circuit board can be inserted and removed. When the sliding locking component is in the second position, it is connected to the limiting area by a limiting block to prevent the cover from flipping. The cover's hook and the flexible printed circuit board's slot form a double locking structure. At the same time, the pressure block adjacent to the hook tightly presses the insertion part in the height direction. This can constrain the flexible printed circuit board in both directions, further ensuring that the cover and the flexible printed circuit board do not shift, thus making the connection stable and reliable. It effectively prevents vibration and pulling from causing the cover and the flexible printed circuit board to loosen, avoids signal connection problems, and meets the USCAR-2 V3 vibration level.

[0081] Secondly, the sliding lock is guided by the first slider and the second slider in conjunction with the first slide groove and the second slide groove respectively. The sliding is smooth and without deviation. The double slot position feedback makes it easy for the operator to intuitively judge that the lock is in place and avoids poor assembly.

[0082] Finally, the height of the mounting slot is reserved for assembly. After the limit block locks the limit area, the pressure block located on the back of the limit area and longitudinally integrated presses the plug part of the flexible printed circuit board. It can be adapted to flexible printed circuit boards of different thicknesses, ensuring tight pressing and avoiding problems such as increased resistance and signal attenuation caused by loosening.

[0083] Example 2: Please Figures 1-12 Based on the above, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14This embodiment further describes the terminal assembly. The terminal assembly 2 includes a first terminal 21 and a second terminal 22, which are spaced apart in the main body 1 in the transverse X direction.

[0084] Specifically, the first terminal 21 includes a first welding portion 2101, a first terminal fixing portion 2102, a first lever arm 2103, and a second lever arm 2104. A first contact 211 and a second contact 212 are respectively disposed on the first lever arm 2103 and the second lever arm 2104. The first lever arm 2103 and the second lever arm 2104 are combined into elastic lever arms, and the first lever arm 2103 is located above the second lever arm 2104.

[0085] The first terminal fixing part 2102 is fixed to the second end 14, the first lever arm 2103 and the second lever arm 2104 extend from the first terminal fixing part 2102 toward the first end 13, and the first welding part 2101 extends downward from the first terminal fixing part 2102.

[0086] The second terminal 22 includes a second welding portion 2201, a second terminal fixing portion 2202, a third lever arm 2203, a fourth lever arm 2204, and a fifth lever arm 2205. A first contact 211 and a second contact 212 are respectively disposed on the third lever arm 2203 and the fourth lever arm 2204. The third lever arm 2203, the fourth lever arm 2204, and the fifth lever arm 2205 are all elastic lever arms, arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The second terminal fixing portion 2202 is fixed to the second end portion 14. The third lever arm 2203, the fourth lever arm 2204, and the fifth lever arm 2205 extend from the second terminal fixing portion 2202 toward the first end portion 13. The second welding portion 2201 extends downward from the fifth lever arm 2205.

[0087] Both the first terminal 21 and the second terminal 22 adopt a double-arm and double-contact structure. The first contact 211 and the second contact 212 are respectively set on two independent arms. The two contacts simultaneously contact the metal strip of the flexible printed circuit board to form a dual-channel conductive contact. This reduces the probability of connection failure in high-frequency vibration environments. Even if one contact fails, the other contact will still be conductive.

[0088] In the first terminal 21, two independent lever arms extend in the same direction to the first end region, and the rear end is bent downward to form the first welding part in one piece. The welding is simple, the weld foot has strong adhesion, and it is not easy to detach.

[0089] A third lever arm is added to the second terminal 22 to form a three-lever split structure. In addition to the dual signal contacts, the third lever arm independently extends to the second welding part, which can effectively reduce signal crosstalk and electromagnetic interference and improve the integrity of high-speed differential signal transmission.

[0090] In addition, the first and second contacts of the terminal assembly are uniformly arranged facing the top. When the cover is pressed down, uniform pressure is applied to the first and second terminals simultaneously. All contacts are subjected to the same force, and there will be no problem of poor contact on one side of the terminal. The product has high consistency in conductivity.

[0091] Example 3: Continue to refer to Figures 1-15 In the connector of this embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board 200 is inserted into the receiving cavity 16 through the opening 161, the cover plate 31 is pressed against the top 12, and when the sliding locking member 4 is pushed into the second position 102, the connector 100 has a fully enclosed structure, which can prevent foreign objects from entering without the need for adhesive. Since the base 11, top 12, two sides 15, and second end 14 of the connector are all sealed structures, they can prevent foreign objects from entering the receiving cavity from the top, left / right sides, and the rear second end.

[0092] In some embodiments, the maximum gap between the flexible printed circuit board 200 and the mounting groove 162 is 100 μm. When the flexible printed circuit board 200 is inserted into the mounting groove 162 of the receiving cavity 16 through the opening 161, if the size of the foreign object is less than 100 μm, it can be exempted and will not cause a short circuit; if the size of the foreign object is greater than 100 μm, it will not enter the mounting groove 162 with the flexible printed circuit board 200. The cover plate 31 is pressed against the top 12, the sliding lock 4 is pushed into the second position 102, and the insertion part 202 is pressed by the pressure block 34, so that foreign objects will not enter the contact area.

[0093] The fully enclosed structure enhances the overall structural rigidity of the connector. Under continuous vibration conditions, the internal components such as the cover, flexible printed circuit board, sliding lock, and terminal assembly do not experience relative displacement, ensuring stable connection performance over long-term use. It is suitable for applications such as automotive, industrial control, and portable electronics.

[0094] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of this invention, and while the description is specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this invention, and these obvious substitutions all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A connector for pluggable connection to a flexible printed circuit board with a slot, characterized in that, The connector includes: The main body includes a base, a top, a first end, a second end, and side portions. The side portions are arranged in pairs on both sides of the base in the transverse direction. The base, the top, and the side portions surround to form a receiving cavity. The receiving cavity has an opening at the first end. A terminal assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal spaced apart in the lateral direction. The first terminal and the second terminal are each provided with a first contact and a second contact. The first contact and the second contact are located on different lever arms and are oriented toward the top in the height direction. A cover body is rotatably connected to the main body. The cover body includes a cover plate and a rotating block and a rotating shaft disposed on the outside of the cover plate. The cover plate is provided with a covering surface, an operating area, a limiting area and a hook. The operating area is disposed on the rear side of the cover plate and is recessed downward from the covering surface in the height direction. The limiting area is further recessed from the operating area in the height direction away from the covering surface. The hook is disposed on the front side of the cover plate and protrudes towards the top. A sliding lock component, longitudinally movable to the side portion at different positions, the sliding lock component being provided with a limiting block; and A fixing member is fixedly connected to the side portion. The fixing member is located on the outside of the sliding lock member. The fixing member is provided with a spring arm, which abuts against the rotating shaft. When the sliding lock is in the first position, the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the receiving cavity through the opening, the cover plate rotates downward and fits against the top, and the hook is engaged with the slot. When the sliding lock is in the second position, the limiting block covers the limiting area, and the cover is restricted from rotating.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding lock component includes a first slider, a second slider, and a connecting block. The first slider and the second slider are located on the upper and lower sides of the connecting block, respectively, and the limiting block is disposed on the first slider. The side is provided with a protrusion and a first sliding groove and a second sliding groove on the upper and lower sides of the protrusion. The first slider and the second slider are slidably connected to the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove, respectively.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first slider has an operating part, a stop part and a limiting part. The limiting part is located between the operating part and the stop part, and the thickness of the limiting part is less than the thickness of the operating part and the thickness of the stop part. The limiting block is disposed on the limiting part.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cover plate is also provided with a clearance groove, which is located on the rear side of the cover body. The clearance groove is a groove structure formed by recessing from the operating area in the height direction further away from the covering surface. When the sliding lock is in the first position, there is a gap between the limiting block and the clearance groove; When the sliding lock is in the second position, the operating part abuts against the clearance groove.

5. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second slider includes a first rib and a second rib that are separated from each other. The first rib is arranged in pairs on both sides of the second rib and is separated from each other. The first rib has a first locking block at its end. The second slide groove has a pre-locking groove and a locking groove. The first locking block is engaged with the pre-locking groove or the locking groove.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second protruding rib is provided with a second locking block, which extends downward from the end of the second protruding rib; The base is provided with an anti-detachment groove and an anti-detachment component. The second locking block is inserted into the anti-detachment groove, and the anti-detachment component is connected to the second locking block at the upper limit in the height direction. The convex strip is connected to the connecting block at its upper limit in the lateral direction.

7. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover also includes a pressing block, and the pressing block, the hook and the limiting area are an integral structure, and the pressing block is provided with a pressing surface; The receiving cavity is provided with a mounting groove, the mounting groove is provided with a mounting surface, the flexible printed circuit board is provided with a plug-in part, and the height H1 of the mounting groove is greater than the starting height H2 of the plug-in part; When the plug is inserted into the mounting groove and the sliding lock is pushed into the second position, the pressure block presses against the plug. At this time, the distance L between the pressing surface and the mounting surface and the initial height H2 of the plug have the following relationship: L≤H2.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The side is provided with a rotating groove, and the rotating shaft and the rotating block are disposed in the rotating groove; The fastener has a fastening body, which is embedded in the side. The spring arm extends obliquely downward from the fastening body. The rotating shaft has a first arc surface and a second arc surface that are in contact. The area of ​​the first arc surface is larger than the area of ​​the second arc surface. When the cover is opened, the spring arm abuts against the first arc surface; When the cover plate is tightly connected to the top, the spring arm abuts against the second arc surface, and the sliding lock abuts against the rotating block.

9. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first terminal includes a first welding part, a first terminal fixing part, a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The first contact and the second contact are respectively disposed on the first lever arm and the second lever arm. The first terminal fixing part is fixed to the second end. The first lever arm and the second lever arm extend from the first terminal fixing part toward the first end. The first welding part extends downward from the first terminal fixing part. The second terminal includes a second welding part, a second terminal fixing part, a third lever arm, a fourth lever arm, and a fifth lever arm. The first contact and the second contact are respectively disposed on the third lever arm and the fourth lever arm. The second terminal fixing part is fixed to the second end. The third lever arm, the fourth lever arm, and the fifth lever arm extend from the second terminal fixing part toward the first end. The second welding part extends downward from the fifth lever arm.

10. The connector according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, When the flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the receiving cavity through the opening, the cover plate is pressed against the top, and the sliding lock is pushed into the second position, the connector has a fully enclosed structure.

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