Easy-to-lock connector for flat connection objects

Abstract

The utility model provides an easy-to-lock connector used for a flat connection object. The easy-to-lock connector comprises an insulation shell, a plurality of contact pieces held by the insulation shell, two locking members and a U-shaped push rod member. The locking member is configured to lock a flat connection object inserted into the easy-to-lock connector. The U-shaped push rod member is operated to bias the locking arm of the locking member away from the locking position to release locking of the flat object. By means of the U-shaped push rod member, the operability of the easy-to-lock connector is improved and a low-profile easy-to-lock connector is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present utility model relates to a connector for flat connection objects such as flexible flat cables (FFC), flexible printed circuits (FPC), or the like, and in particular to a low-profile and easy-to-lock connector that can release the lock on the flat connection object with one-handed operation. Background Art

[0002] Taiwan, China Utility Model Patent Publication No. M644042U (Patent Document 1) discloses a flexible flat cable connector. The connector of Patent Document 1 has an operating member pivotally provided on an insulating housing, and the flexible flat cable is unlocked by pressing the body of the operating member to pivot the operating member. However, since this operating member has a certain thickness, it is not conducive to realizing a low-profile connector.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0149565A1 (Patent Document 2) discloses an easy-to-lock connector with a press-unlock structure. In Patent Document 2, the press-unlock structure is integrated into the metal housing of the connector. Although the easy-to-lock connector of Patent Document 2 has a low profile, it is not suitable for releasing the lock on the flat cable with one-handed operation. On the other hand, when the easy-to-lock connector of Patent Document 2 is applied to a narrow-pitch precision small connector, the pressing portion may be made to have an area less than or equal to 2.2 x 1.6 mm2. The size of such a pressing portion is very small, making it difficult for the user to accurately position the fingertip directly above the pressing portion. The operation of releasing the lock on the flat cable will become very difficult, so it is desired to improve the operability of this easy-to-lock connector. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] One object of the present utility model is to provide an easy-to-lock connector for flat connection objects, which has good operability and can release the lock on the flat connection object with one-handed operation.

[0005] Another object of the present utility model is to provide an easy-to-lock connector for flat connection objects, which has a low profile and is suitable for use in small or thin electronic devices with a compact space.

[0006] Still another object of the present utility model is to provide an easy-to-lock connector for flat connection objects, which can easily realize the locking of the flat connection object by inserting the flat connection object into the easy-to-lock connector, contributing to the automated assembly of the flat connection object and the easy-to-lock connector.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present utility model, there is provided an easy-lock connector for flat connection objects, the flat connection objects including a pair of notches and a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat connection objects, the pair of notches being respectively formed at opposite two side edges of the flat connection objects and adjacent to the insertion end, and the easy-lock connector including:

[0008] An insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat connection object in a first direction;

[0009] A plurality of contact members held by the insulating housing, the plurality of contact members being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each contact member having a contact portion extending into the fitting opening and adapted to contact one of the plurality of electrode portions and a connection terminal portion opposite to the contact portion and extending out of the insulating housing;

[0010] Two locking members, each locking member including a locking arm and an actuating portion, the locking arm being constantly and elastically biased to a locking position, the locking arm having a latch tab formed at a distal end thereof, such that when the flat connection object is inserted into the fitting opening, the latch tab engages with each of the pair of notches to prevent the flat connection object from disengaging from the easy-lock connector; and

[0011] A U-shaped push rod member including a rod body extending in the second direction and two rocker arms respectively formed at two ends of the rod body and perpendicular to the rod body, the two rocker arms being pivotally mounted to the insulating housing rotatably about an axis parallel to the second direction, the rod body being operatively connected to the actuating portion of each locking member, and by operating the rod body, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object.

[0012] According to the easy-lock connector of the present utility model, each locking member includes a body portion, the locking arm extending from one side of the body portion, the actuating portion being formed on the other side of the body portion, and the body portion being elastically supported such that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locking position.

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

[0014] According to the easy - locking connector of the present utility model, the insulating housing forms respective fulcrum portions below the locking arms of each locking member. When the actuated portion of each locking member is moved downward by pressing the rod body of the U - shaped push - rod member, the locking arm is pivotally supported by the respective fulcrum portions, such that the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby biasing the locking arm away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object.

[0015] According to the easy - locking connector of the present utility model, the insulating housing forms a horizontal surface and an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface below the locking arm of each locking member, and the intersection line or intersection zone between the horizontal surface and the inclined surface functions as the fulcrum portion.

[0016] According to the easy - locking connector of the present utility model, the easy - locking connector further includes a conductive housing, which is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the insulating housing. The conductive housing is formed with a first observation window, and the first observation window is positioned to allow the engagement state between the locking arm and the notch of the inserted flat connection object to be visible or visually detectable.

[0017] According to the easy - locking connector of the present utility model, the conductive housing is formed with a second observation window, and the second observation window is positioned to allow the insertion end of the inserted flat connection object to be visible or visually detectable.

[0018] According to the easy - locking connector of the present utility model, the conductive housing is formed with two stop tabs respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from swinging upward.

[0019] According to the easy - locking connector of the present utility model, the insulating housing is formed with two limiting bumps respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from swinging upward.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present utility model, there is provided an easy - locking connector for a flat connection object. The flat connection object includes a pair of notches and a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat connection object. The pair of notches are respectively formed at opposite two side edges of the flat connection object and adjacent to the insertion end. The easy - locking connector includes:

[0021] An insulating housing having a fitting opening for the flat connection object to be inserted along a first direction;

[0022] A plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing. The plurality of contacts are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each contact has a contact portion extending into the fitting opening and adapted to contact one of the plurality of electrode portions, and a connection terminal portion opposite to the contact portion and extending out of the insulating housing.

[0023] Two locking members, each locking member including a locking arm and an actuated portion. The locking arm is constantly and elastically biased to a locking position. A latch tab is formed at the distal end of the locking arm, such that when the flat connection object is inserted into the fitting opening, the latch tab engages with each notch of the pair of notches, preventing the flat connection object from disengaging from the easy-lock connector.

[0024] A U-shaped push rod member, including a rod body extending in the second direction and two rocker arms respectively formed at both ends of the rod body and perpendicular to the rod body. The two rocker arms are pivotally provided on the insulating housing rotatably about an axis parallel to the second direction. The rod body is operatively connected to the actuated portion of each locking member. By operating the rod body, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object; and

[0025] A tactile feedback elastic piece, configured to interfere with the rod body during the process of pressing the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, so as to generate a resistance force that changes with the position of the rod body or generate a feedback of a clicking sound or a clicking feel.

[0026] For the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model, each locking member includes a body portion. The locking arm extends from one side of the body portion, and the actuated portion is formed on the other side of the body portion. The body portion is elastically supported, such that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locking position.

[0027] For the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model, the insulating housing forms respective fulcrum portions below the locking arms of each locking member. When the actuated portion of each locking member moves downward by pressing the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, the locking arm is pivotally supported by the respective fulcrum portions, such that the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby biasing the locking arm away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object.

[0028] For the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model, the tactile feedback elastic piece is in a C-shaped configuration.

[0029] For the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model, the tactile feedback elastic piece includes a circular raised portion and a straight segment located below the raised portion. The circular raised portion protrudes backward in the first direction.

[0030] For the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model, the easy-lock connector further includes a conductive housing. The conductive housing is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the conductive housing. The conductive housing is provided with a first observation window, and the first observation window is positioned to allow the engagement state between the locking arm and the notch of the inserted flat connection object to be seen or visually detected.

[0031] According to the easy - lock connector of the present utility model, the conductive housing is formed with a second observation window, and the second observation window is positioned to allow the insertion end of the inserted flat connection object to be visible or visually detectable.

[0032] According to the easy - lock connector of the present utility model, the conductive housing is formed with two stop tabs respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from swinging upward.

[0033] According to the easy - lock connector of the present utility model, by providing a U - shaped push rod member that can be operatively connected to the locking member, on the one hand, the operability of the easy - lock connector can be improved, and on the other hand, the easy - lock connector is allowed to have a low profile. At the same time, the locking member is configured to be biased to the unlocked position when the flat wire object is inserted into the easy - lock connector, thereby realizing the automated assembly of the flat wire object and the easy - lock connector.

[0034] Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present utility model belongs, after referring to the description and drawings of the present utility model, will be able to best understand the technical features and other purposes and advantages of the present utility model. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0036] Figure 2 is another perspective view of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0037] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an insulating housing of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a U - shaped push rod member of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0040] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a locking member of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a conductive housing of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0042] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a contact of an easy - lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0043] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing the state where a flat connection object is inserted into the easy-lock connector.

[0044] Figure 10 It is a top view of the easy-lock connector with a flat connection object inserted, in which the first observation window is enlarged and shown.

[0045] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the U-shaped push rod member of the easy-lock connector to release the lock on the flat connection object.

[0046] Figure 12 It is a schematic diagram showing the flat connection object being locked by the locking member.

[0047] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram showing that the lock on the flat connection object has been released.

[0048] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the locking member and the conductive housing are not shown.

[0049] Figure 15 It is along Figure 10 The sectional view taken along the line AA in

[0050] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 17 It is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 18 It is a perspective view of the tactile feedback member of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 19 It is a side view of the tactile feedback member of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 20 It is a schematic diagram showing the process of unlocking the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 21 It is a top view of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 22 It is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 23 It is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 24 It is a perspective view of the conductive housing of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0059] Figure 25 It is another perspective view of the conductive housing of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0060] Figure 26 It is a side view of the conductive housing of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0061] Figure 27 It is a perspective view of the insulating housing of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0062] Figure 28 It is a partially enlarged perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0063] Figure 29 It is a sectional view taken along line BB.

[0064] Figure 30 It is a perspective view of the tactile feedback member of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0065] Figure 31 It is a side view of the tactile feedback member of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0066] Figure 32 It is a schematic diagram showing the process of unlocking the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0067] Figure 33 Schematically illustrates the process of assembling the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment.

[0068] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0069] 10: Easy-lock connector

[0070] 11: Insulating housing

[0071] 110: Fitting opening

[0072] 111: First limiting notch

[0073] 112: Stopping projection

[0074] 113: Mounting portion

[0075] 114: Holding hole

[0076] 115: Step-shaped recess

[0077] 1151: Stopping surface

[0078] 12: U-shaped push rod member

[0079] 120: Rod body

[0080] 121: Rocker arm

[0081] 122: Pivot part

[0082] 1201: Operating part

[0083] 1202: Actuating part

[0084] 13: Locking member

[0085] 130: Body part

[0086] 131: Locking arm

[0087] 132: Latch tab

[0088] 133: Actuated part

[0089] 134: U-shaped spring part

[0090] 135: Holding part

[0091] 136: Welding part

[0092] 14: Conductive housing

[0093] 140: Housing body

[0094] 1401: First observation window

[0095] 1402: Spring piece

[0096] 1403: Engaging tab

[0097] 1404: Second observation window

[0098] 1405: Stop tab

[0099] 1406: Detent part

[0100] 141: Side wall part

[0101] 1411: Holding part

[0102] 1412: Opening

[0103] 1413: Welding part

[0104] 1414: Second limit notch

[0105] 15: Contact part

[0106] 151: Connecting terminal part

[0107] 152: Retaining portion

[0108] 153: Contact arm

[0109] 154: Contact portion

[0110] 16: Tactile feedback member

[0111] 160: Body portion

[0112] 161: Retaining portion

[0113] 162: Tactile feedback spring piece

[0114] 1621: Protruding portion

[0115] 20: Flat connecting object

[0116] 201: Notch

[0117] D1: First direction

[0118] D2: Second direction

[0119] D3: Third direction

[0120] S1: First state

[0121] S2: Second state

[0122] S3: Third state. Detailed implementation manners

[0123] The following will describe the easy - locking connector for a flat connecting object according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the respective drawings, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0124] [First Embodiment]

[0125] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the easy - locking connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the easy - locking connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the easy - locking connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The entire easy - locking connector is denoted by the reference numeral 10. Refer to Figures 1 to 3 , and briefly describe the constituent elements of the easy - locking connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The easy - locking connector 10 according to the first embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a U - shaped push - rod member 12, two locking members 13, a conductive housing 14, and a plurality of contact members 15.

[0126] The flat connection object is inserted into the easy-lock connector 10 along the first direction D1 (i.e., the fitting direction). The flat connection object may be a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC), but is not limited thereto. The flat connection object includes a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat connection object.

[0127] Two locking members 13 are respectively fixed to both ends of the insulating housing 11 in the second direction D2 (width direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0128] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the insulating housing 11. Refer to Figure 4 to describe the structure of the insulating housing 11. The insulating housing 11 is made of an insulating synthetic resin or polymer material. The insulating housing 11 is formed with a fitting opening 110 for the flat connection object 20 (shown in Figure 9 ) to be inserted along the first direction D1. First limiting notches 111 for receiving the pivot portions 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 are formed on both side surfaces of the insulating housing 11, allowing the U-shaped push rod member 12 to be mounted on the insulating housing 11 in a manner that can swing or rotate relative to the insulating housing 11. In order to limit the swinging range of the U-shaped push rod member 12, the insulating housing 11 is formed with a stop projection 112 behind the first limiting notch 111.

[0129] The insulating housing 11 is formed with mounting portions 113 for mounting the locking members 13 at both ends. The locking members 13 are mounted on the mounting portions 113. The mounting portion 113 has an opening communicating with the fitting opening 110, on the one hand, allowing the latch tabs of the locking members 13 to extend into the fitting opening, and on the other hand, allowing the engagement state of the flat connection object 20 or a part of the flat connection object 20 to be visible or visually detectable through the observation window formed in the conductive housing. In other words, the opening of the mounting portion 113 exposes a part of the flat connection object 20.

[0130] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the U-shaped push rod member. As Figure 5 shown, the U-shaped push rod member 12 has a rod body 120 and rocker arms 121 formed at both ends of the rod body 120. The rod body 120 extends along the second direction D2 (width direction). The rocker arms 121 are perpendicular to the rod body 120. Pivot portions 122 are formed at the distal ends of the respective rocker arms 121. The pivot portions 122 are received in the first limiting notches 111 of the insulating housing 11, so that the rocker arms 121 are pivotally provided on the insulating housing 11 about an axis parallel to the second direction D2. In this way, the U-shaped push rod member 12 is pivotally mounted on the insulating housing 11.

[0131] The rod body 120 is composed of an operation part 1201 and two actuating parts 1202. The operation part 1201 is located between the two actuating parts 1202. The two actuating parts 1202 are respectively operably connected to the actuated parts (to be described below) of the two locking members 13. In order to indicate the position of the operation part 1201 to the user, the rod body 120 is bent so that the operation part 1201 is not aligned with the two actuating parts 1202. In other words, the operation part 1201 is misaligned with respect to the axes of the two actuating parts 1202. If necessary, the operation part 1201 can be further processed to have a flat profile to increase the area of contact with the user's fingers.

[0132] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped push rod member 12 is formed by bending a metal rod, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The U-shaped push rod member 12 can also be formed by stamping a metal plate or by powder metallurgy (such as metal injection molding (MIM)). The U-shaped push rod member 12 can also be made of a non-metallic material (such as a polymer material). In order to ensure sufficient strength or rigidity, it is preferable to make the U-shaped push rod member 12 of a metal material.

[0133] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the locking member 13. The locking member 13 is formed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The locking member 13 includes a body part 130, a locking arm 131, and an actuated part 133. The locking arm 131 extends from one side of the body part 130, and the actuated part 133 is formed on the other side of the body part 130. The locking member 13 further includes a U-shaped spring part 134 and a holding part 135. The holding part 135 is held by the insulating housing 11. The U-shaped spring part 134 connects the holding part 135 and the body part 130, so that the body part 130 is elastically supported and can float relative to the holding part 135. The locking member further has a welding part 136 extending from the holding part 135. The welding part 136 can be welded to a pad formed on a circuit board (not shown) by surface mount technology (SMT).

[0134] The locking arm 131 can move between a locking position and an unlocking position. The body part 130 is elastically supported by the U-shaped spring part 134, so that the locking arm 131 is constantly biased to the locking position. A latching tab 132 is formed at the distal end of the locking arm 131. In the locking position, the latching tab 132 engages with a notch (shown in Figure 12 ) formed on the side edge of the flat connecting object 20 inserted into the fitting opening 110, preventing the flat connecting object 20 from being pulled out or disengaged from the easy-lock connector 10.

[0135] The actuated part 133 is operably connected to the actuating part 1202 of the U-shaped push rod member 12. Specifically, the actuated part 133 is made into a hook shape for supporting or accommodating the rod-shaped actuating part 1202, so that the actuated part 133 is coupled to the actuating part 1202. Thus, the actuated part 133 will move in conjunction with the actuating part 1202. When the operating part 1201 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is operated or pressed, the actuated part 133 will move together with the actuating part 1202 under the drive of the actuating part 1202, and further bias the locking arm 131 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the latch tab 132 will leave the notch formed on the side edge of the flat connection object 20, allowing the flat connection object 20 to be pulled out from the easy-lock connector 10.

[0136] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the conductive housing. The conductive housing 14 is formed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The conductive housing 14 is fixed to the insulating housing 11 to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the insulating housing 11. The conductive housing 14 includes a housing body 140 and side wall portions 141 formed at both ends of the housing body 140 in the second direction D2. The housing body 140 is formed with a first observation window 1401 at a position corresponding to the locking arm 131. A plurality of elastic pieces 1402 are formed at the front edge of the housing body 140. These elastic pieces 1402 are bent and extended into the fitting opening 110 to contact the conductive metal foil formed on the flat connection object 20. A plurality of engaging tabs 1403 are formed at the rear edge of the housing body 140. The engaging tabs 1403 will be inserted into the engaging grooves or engaging holes formed in the insulating housing 11.

[0137] The side wall portion 141 is formed with a holding portion 1411 and an opening 1412. The holding portion 1411 is formed with a barb structure. The holding portion 1411 is inserted into the holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner. Thus, the conductive housing 14 is fixed to the insulating housing 11. The opening 1412 is provided for the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to extend through. The side wall portion 141 also has a welding portion 1413. The welding portion 1413 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. The welding portion 1413 can be soldered to the solder pad of a circuit board (not shown) by using surface mount technology (SMT), thereby fixing the easy-lock connector to the circuit board and grounding the conductive housing 14 at the same time.

[0138] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the contact. A plurality of contacts 15 are arranged in a row along the second direction D2 and held by the insulating housing 11. Each contact 15 is made of copper or a copper alloy. As Figure 13As shown, the contact member 15 has a connection terminal portion 151, a holding portion 152, a contact arm 153, and a contact portion 154. The contact arm 153 extends from one end of the holding portion 152, and the connection terminal portion 151 extends from the other end of the holding portion 152. The holding portion 152 is formed with a barb structure. The holding portion 152 is inserted into the holding groove or holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner. The contact portion 154 is formed at the distal end of the contact arm 153. The contact arm 153 extends toward the fitting opening 110 of the insulating housing 11 so that the contact portion 154 can contact the electrode portion formed on the flat object. The connection terminal portion 151 extends out of the insulating housing 11. The connection terminal portion 151 can be soldered to the pad formed on the circuit board by surface mount technology (SMT).

[0139] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the state of a flat connection object inserted into the easy-lock connector. Figure 10 is a top view of the easy-lock connector with the flat connection object inserted. In Figure 10 , the first observation window 1401 of the conductive housing 14 is shown enlarged. The first observation window 1401 is generally formed at the position corresponding to the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13. Through the first observation window 1401, the engagement state between the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 and the flat connection object can be seen or visually detected. For example, the engagement state between the locking member and the flat connection object can be inspected by automatic optical inspection (AOI). If it is observed from the first observation window 1401 that the latch tab 132 of the locking member 13 is located in the notch of the flat connection object, it is determined that the locking member has engaged with the flat connection object (i.e., the flat connection object has been locked).

[0140] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the U-shaped push rod member of the easy-lock connector to release the lock on the flat connection object. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the locking of the flat connection object by the locking member. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing that the lock on the flat connection object has been released. Refer to Figures 11 to 13 to illustrate the locking of the flat connection object and the release of this lock. To clearly show the connection relationship between the locking arm 131 and the flat connection object, in Figure 12 and Figure 13 , the insulating housing 11 and the conductive housing 14 are not shown.

[0141] As Figure 11 shown, by pressing the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the third direction D3 (height direction), the lock on the flat connection object 20 is released, allowing the flat connection object 20 to be removed from the easy-lock connector 10 along the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0142] As shown Figure 12 in FIG. 1, the flat connection object 20 has a pair of notches 201 respectively formed at opposite side edges of the flat connection object 20 and adjacent to the insertion end. In Figure 12 FIG. 1, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is in the locking position, and the latch tab 132 located at the distal end of the locking arm 131 engages with the notch 201 to prevent the flat connection object 20 from being pulled out.

[0143] In Figure 13 FIG. 2, by operating the U-shaped push rod member 12, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is biased from the locking position to the unlocking position. At this time, the latch tab 132 has disengaged from the notch 201, thus releasing the locking of the flat connection object 20.

[0144] Figure 14 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector, in which the locking member and the conductive housing are not shown. Figure 15 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 10 FIG. 3. Referring to Figure 14 , Figure 15 FIG. 4, a specific description will be given on how the locking arm 131 is biased from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0145] As Figure 14 shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion 113 is formed with a horizontal surface 1131 and an inclined surface 1132 inclined relative to the horizontal surface 1131. The inclined surface 1132 is located behind the horizontal surface 1131 in the first direction D1. The horizontal surface 1131 and the inclined surface 1132 are generally positioned below the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13. The intersection line 1133 (or an intersection zone having a certain width) between the horizontal surface 1131 and the inclined surface 1132 functions as a fulcrum portion. The stop bump 112 is formed above the rocker arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to prevent the rocker arm 121 from swinging upward.

[0146] As Figure 15 shown in FIG. 6, there is a space allowing the movement of the body portion 130 and the actuated portion 133 of the locking member 13 below the body portion 130 and the actuated portion 133 of the locking member 13. When the actuated portion 133 of the locking member 13 is moved downward by pressing the rod body 120 of the U-shaped push rod member 12, the locking arm 131 is pivotally supported by the fulcrum portion (i.e., the intersection line 1133), such that the distal end of the locking arm 131 moves upward. At this time, the movement of the locking arm 131 is similar to that of a seesaw. Thus, the locking arm 131 is biased from the locking position to the unlocking position to release the locking of the flat connection object 20.

[0147] As can be clearly seen in Figure 15, the leading edge of the latch tab 132 is configured to be inclined in the insertion direction of the flat connecting object 20. When the flat connecting object 20 is inserted into the fitting opening, the insertion end of the flat connecting object 20 will abut against the leading edge of the latch tab 132. Further movement of the flat connecting object 20 in the insertion direction will cause the latch tab 132 to be biased upward, so that the locking arm is biased away from the locking position. Therefore, the automatic locking of the flat connecting object 20 can be achieved simply by inserting the flat connecting object 20 into the fitting opening 110.

[0148] [Second Embodiment]

[0149] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present utility model. The whole easy-lock connector is labeled with the reference numeral 10. Refer to Figures 16 to 17 , the components of the easy-lock connector 10 according to the second embodiment of the present utility model will be described. The easy-lock connector 10 of the second embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a U-shaped push rod member 12, two locking members 13, a conductive outer shell 14, a plurality of contact members 15 and two tactile feedback members 16.

[0150] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the easy-lock connector of the second embodiment further includes tactile feedback members 16. Therefore, the description of the same or similar components in the second embodiment as those in the first embodiment is omitted.

[0151] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the tactile feedback member. Figure 19 is a side view of the tactile feedback member. Refer to Figure 18 and Figure 19 describe the structure of the tactile feedback member 16. The tactile feedback member 16 is arranged between the pivot portion of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the first direction so as to interact with the U-shaped push rod member 12.

[0152] The haptic feedback member 16 is formed by stamping and bending a metal plate member. The haptic feedback member 16 includes a body portion 160, a holding portion 161, and a haptic feedback spring piece 162. The holding portion 161 formed with barbs is inserted into a corresponding holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner. In this way, the haptic feedback member 16 is fixed to the insulating housing 11. The haptic feedback spring piece 162 is generally in a C shape or a U shape and has a circular convex portion 1621 that protrudes backward in the first direction D1 and a straight line segment 1622 that extends substantially in the third direction D3 and is located below the convex portion 1621. In the second embodiment, the upper end of the haptic feedback spring piece 162 is a movable end, and the lower end of the haptic feedback spring piece 162 is a fixed end. During the process of pressing and moving the U-shaped push rod member 12, the convex portion 1621 will interfere with the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to provide additional resistance.

[0153] Figure 20 It is a schematic diagram showing the process of pressing the U-shaped push rod member to bias the locking arm from the locked position to the unlocked position. This process sequentially includes a first state S1, a second state S2, and a third state S3. In the first state S1, the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in an upper position, and this upper position corresponds to the locked position. In the third state S3, the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in a lower position, and this lower position corresponds to the unlocked position. In the second state S2, the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in an intermediate position between the upper position and the lower position.

[0154] When the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in the upper position or the lower position, the haptic feedback spring piece 162 will not substantially interfere with the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12. At this time, the haptic feedback spring piece 162 will not provide additional resistance. Alternatively, the haptic feedback spring piece 162 will have a slight interference with the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12, resulting in a very small additional resistance provided by the haptic feedback spring piece 162. When the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in the intermediate position, due to the interference between the convex portion 1621 and the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12, the haptic feedback spring piece 162 will provide additional resistance.

[0155] Therefore, during the process of the user pressing the U-shaped push rod member, the resistance force from the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 will change with the position of the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12. This change in the resistance force can be perceived by the user and can be used to indicate that the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 has been pressed to a position below the corresponding unlocking position. Regarding the mode of change in the resistance force, in this embodiment, the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 is configured such that when the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 moves downward past the convex portion 1621 of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162, the resistance force from the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 gradually increases and then suddenly decreases. Due to the step difference between the convex portion 1621 and the straight line segment 1622, after the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 moves downward past the convex portion 1621 of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162, the straight line segment 1622 of the rebounding tactile feedback elastic piece 162 will collide with the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to generate a clicking sound or a feedback of a clicking feeling.

[0156] The user can confirm whether the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 has been moved to a position below the corresponding unlocking position through the change in the resistance force transmitted to the finger or through the feedback of the clicking sound or the clicking feeling.

[0157] The shape or profile of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 will directly affect this mode of change in the resistance force and will directly affect the generation of the clicking sound or the clicking feeling. The desired mode of change in the resistance force can be obtained by changing the shape or profile of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162. In a variant, the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 is also configured such that when the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 moves downward past the convex portion 1621 of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162, the resistance force from the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 suddenly increases and then suddenly decreases. It is also possible to change the above-mentioned clicking sound or the clicking feeling by changing the shape or profile of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162. This is obvious to those with ordinary knowledge in the field of connectors. Therefore, those with ordinary knowledge in the field of connectors can design the shape or profile of the tactile feedback elastic piece according to the desired mode of change in the resistance force or according to the desired feedback of the clicking sound or the clicking feeling.

[0158] Another difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the conductive housing 14 of the easy-lock connector 10 in the second embodiment further has a second observation window 1404. Figure 21 It is a top view of the easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 21 shown, the second observation window 1404 is positioned to allow the insertion end of the flat connection object inserted into the easy-lock connector 10 to be visible or visually detectable. If the insertion end of the flat connection object is observed through the second observation window 1404, it is determined that the flat connection object has been properly inserted into the easy-lock connector (i.e., the flat connection object has been locked).

[0159] [Third Embodiment]

[0160] Figure 22 It is a perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 23 Exploded perspective view of the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment of the present utility model. The entire easy-lock connector is labeled with reference numeral 10. Refer to Figures 22 to 23 to describe the components of the easy-lock connector 10 according to the third embodiment of the present utility model. The easy-lock connector 10 of the third embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a U-shaped push rod member 12, two locking members 13, a conductive outer shell 14, a plurality of contacts 15, and two haptic feedback members 16.

[0161] The difference between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments lies in the configurations of the insulating housing, the conductive outer shell, and the haptic feedback members. Therefore, the description of the same or similar configurations in the third embodiment as those in the first or second embodiment is omitted.

[0162] Figure 24 It is a perspective view of the conductive outer shell 14. Figure 25 It is another perspective view of the conductive outer shell 14. Figure 26 It is a side view of the conductive outer shell 14. Refer to Figures 24 to 26 to describe the configuration of the conductive outer shell 14 of the third embodiment.

[0163] The conductive outer shell 14 is formed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The conductive outer shell 14 is fixed to the insulating housing 11 to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the insulating housing 11. The conductive outer shell 14 includes a shell body 140 and side wall portions 141 formed at both ends of the shell body 140 in the second direction D2. The shell body 140 is formed with a first observation window 1401 at a position corresponding to the locking arm 131, and a second observation window 1404 at a position corresponding to the insertion end of the flat connection object. The shell body 140 is formed with a plurality of elastic pieces 1402 at the front edge. These elastic pieces 1402 are bent and extended into the fitting opening 110 of the insulating housing 11 to contact the conductive metal foil formed on the flat connection object 20. The shell body 140 is formed with a plurality of engaging tabs 1403 at the rear edge. The engaging tabs 1403 are inserted into the engaging grooves or engaging holes formed in the insulating housing 11.

[0164] Instead of the stop bump 112 of the insulating housing 11 in the first embodiment, the shell body 140 of the conductive outer shell 14 in the third embodiment is formed with two stop tabs 1405 that extend substantially horizontally. The stop tabs 1405 are positioned above the rocker arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to prevent the rocker arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 from pivoting upward.

[0165] The side wall portion 141 forms a second limiting notch 1414 and a welding portion 1413. The second limiting notch 1414 opens backward in the first direction D1. When the second limiting notch 1414 engages with the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12, the movement of the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the third direction D3 is blocked by the second limiting notch 1414.

[0166] The welding portion 1413 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. The welding portion 1413 can be soldered to the solder pad of a circuit board (not shown) by using surface mount technology (SMT), thereby fixing the easy-lock connector to the circuit board and grounding the conductive housing 14 at the same time.

[0167] The housing body 140 of the conductive housing 14 of the third embodiment is further formed with two detent portions 1406 that are biased downward. The conductive housing 14 is configured to be mounted to the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1, and the detent portions 1406 function to prevent the conductive housing 14 from detaching from the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1.

[0168] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the insulating housing 11. Refer to Figure 27 to describe the structure of the insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment.

[0169] In terms of the fitting opening 110, the first limiting notch 111, and the mounting portion 113, the insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment is the same as the insulating housing 11 of the first or second embodiment. The insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment has a holding hole 114 extending in the third direction D3 near the rear end for holding the tactile feedback member. The insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment has a stepped recess 115 corresponding to the detent portion 1406. By engaging the detent portion 1406 with the stepped recess 115, the conductive housing 14 is prevented from detaching from the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1.

[0170] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the easy-lock connector 10 taken along line BB according to the third embodiment. As Figure 28 shown, the stepped recess 115 has a stop surface 1151 formed by a stepped portion. The detent portion 1406 abuts against the stop surface 1151, so that the conductive housing 14 cannot detach from the insulating housing 11 in the left direction of the drawing. The height of the stepped portion forming the stop surface 1151 needs to be determined appropriately to avoid the stepped portion colliding with the root of the detent portion 1406 when the conductive housing 14 is mounted to the insulating housing. Once the stepped portion collides with the root of the detent portion 1406, it may cause the detent portion 1406 to deform.

[0171] In addition, the insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment has a groove 116 into which the stopper tab 1405 is partially inserted along the first direction D1. When the conductive housing 14 is mounted to the insulating housing 11 along the first direction, the stopper tab 1405 is partially inserted into the groove 116, so that the movement of the stopper tab 1405 in the third direction D3 is blocked by the groove wall of the groove 116. With this configuration, the rigidity of the structure for preventing the rocker arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 from pivoting upward is strengthened. Figure 29 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the easy-lock connector 10 according to the third embodiment. As Figure 29 shown, the stopper tab 1405 is positioned above the rocker arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12, and the stopper tab 1405 is partially inserted into the insulating housing 11. With this configuration, the rocker arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 can be surely prevented from pivoting upward.

[0172] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the haptic feedback member of the third embodiment. Figure 31 is a side view of the haptic feedback member of the third embodiment. Refer to Figure 30 and Figure 31 to describe the configuration of the haptic feedback member 16 of the third embodiment. The haptic feedback member 16 is arranged between the pivot portion of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the first direction so as to interact with the U-shaped push rod member 12.

[0173] The haptic feedback member 16 is formed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The haptic feedback member 16 includes a holding portion 161 and a haptic feedback elastic piece 162. Compared with the haptic feedback member of the second embodiment, the haptic feedback member of the third embodiment has a simpler configuration and is easier to manufacture. The holding portion 161 formed with a barb structure is inserted into the holding hole 114 formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner along the third direction D3. In this way, the haptic feedback member 16 is fixed to the insulating housing 11. The haptic feedback elastic piece 162 is generally C-shaped or U-shaped and has a circular convex portion 1621 protruding rearward in the first direction D1 and a straight line segment 1622 extending substantially in the third direction D3 and located below the convex portion 1621. In the third embodiment, the upper end of the haptic feedback elastic piece 162 is a fixed end, and the lower end of the haptic feedback elastic piece 162 is a movable end. During the process of pressing and moving the U-shaped push rod member 12, the convex portion 1621 interferes with the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to provide additional resistance.

[0174] Figure 32It is a schematic diagram showing the process of pressing the U-shaped push rod member to bias the locking arm from the locked position to the unlocked position. This process sequentially includes a first state S1, a second state S2, and a third state S3. In the first state S1, the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in the upper position, and this upper position corresponds to the locked position. In the third state S3, the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in the lower position, and this lower position corresponds to the unlocked position. In the second state S2, the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is in the middle position between the upper position and the lower position. Since the upper end of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 of the third embodiment is a fixed end and the lower end is a free end, the easy-lock connector according to the third embodiment can avoid the risk of the tactile feedback elastic piece 162 being crushed when the U-shaped push rod member 12 is pressed downward.

[0175] Figure 33 Schematically illustrate the process of assembling the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment. Refer to Figure 33 Describe the method of assembling the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment.

[0176] As Figure 33 shown, the process of assembling the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment includes: stage (a), placing the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the first limit notch 111 of the insulating housing 11 along the third direction D3; stage (b), assembling the conductive housing 14 to the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1, so that the second limit notch 1414 of the conductive housing 14 engages with the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12; and stage (c), completing the assembly of the easy-lock connector. Before stage (a), the locking member 13, the contact member 15, and the tactile feedback member 16 are installed on the insulating housing 11. If necessary, the locking member 13, the contact member 15, and the tactile feedback member 16 can also be installed on the insulating housing 11 after stage (b).

[0177] Therefore, according to the present invention, the method of assembling the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment at least includes the following steps: placing the pivot portion of the U-shaped push rod member in the two first limit notches of the insulating housing along the third direction; and assembling the conductive housing to the insulating housing along the first direction, so that the two second limit notches of the conductive housing engage with the two pivot portions of the U-shaped push rod member.

[0178] As can be seen in Figure 27 , the first limit notch 111 of the insulating housing 11 opens upward in the third direction D3. When the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is positioned in the first limit notch 111, the first limit notch 111 can prevent the pivot portion 122 from moving in the first direction D1. As can be seen in Figure 26, the second limit notch 1414 of the conductive housing 14 opens backward in the first direction D1. When the second limit notch 1414 engages with the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12, the second limit notch 1414 can prevent the pivot portion 122 from moving in the third direction D3. The first limit notch 111 and the second limit notch 1414 cooperate to pivotally hold the pivot portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12.

[0179] One advantage of the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment is that the automated assembly of the easy-lock connector is easily achieved. This is because during the installation of the U-shaped push rod member 12, it is not necessary to deform the U-shaped push rod member 12 in a way that expands the distance between the two pivot portions 122.

[0180] The easy-lock connector according to the present utility model indeed has the advantages of a low profile and good operability. In addition, the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model is particularly suitable for small or thin electronic devices with a compact space. In addition, the easy-lock connector according to the present utility model is also suitable for the automated assembly of flat wire objects and the easy-lock connector.

[0181] Although the present utility model is described and illustrated with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can still be made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present utility model pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the described embodiments, but is defined by the literal description of the claims. That is, equivalent variations and modifications that do not deviate from the claims of the present utility model should still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An easy-lock connector for flat connecting objects, characterized in that, The flat connection object includes a pair of notches and a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat connection object. The pair of notches are respectively formed at two opposite side edges of the flat connection object and adjacent to the insertion end. The easy-lock connector includes: An insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat connection object in a first direction; A plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing. The plurality of contacts are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each contact has a contact portion extending into the fitting opening and adapted to contact one of the plurality of electrode portions, and a connection terminal portion opposite to the contact portion and extending out of the insulating housing; Two locking members. Each locking member includes a locking arm and an actuating portion. The locking arm is constantly and elastically biased to a locking position. A latch tab is formed at the distal end of the locking arm. When the flat connection object is inserted into the fitting opening, the latch tab engages with the respective notch of the pair of notches to prevent the flat connection object from detaching from the easy-lock connector; and A U-shaped push rod member including a rod body extending in the second direction and two rocker arms respectively formed at both ends of the rod body and perpendicular to the rod body. The two rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the insulating housing about an axis parallel to the second direction. The rod body is operatively connected to the actuating portion of each locking member. By operating the rod body, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object.

2. The lockable connector according to claim 1, wherein Each locking member includes a body portion. The locking arm extends from one side of the body portion, and the actuating portion is formed on the other side of the body portion. The body portion is elastically supported such that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locking position.

3. The lockable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each locking member includes a holding portion and a spring portion. The holding portion is held by the insulating housing, and the spring portion connects the holding portion and the body portion such that the body portion is elastically supported and can float relative to the holding portion.

4. The lockable connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The insulating housing forms respective fulcrum portions below the locking arms of each locking member. When the actuating portion of each locking member is moved downward by pressing the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, 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 locking of the flat connection object.

5. The lockable connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insulating housing forms a horizontal surface and an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface below the locking arm of each locking member. The intersection line or intersection zone between the horizontal surface and the inclined surface acts as the fulcrum portion.

6. The lockable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The easy-lock connector further includes a conductive housing fixed to the insulating housing and covering at least a part of the insulating housing. The conductive housing is formed with a first observation window positioned to allow the engagement state between the locking arm and the notch of the inserted flat connection object to be seen or visually detected.

7. The lockable connector according to claim 6, wherein The conductive housing is formed with a second observation window positioned to allow the insertion end of the inserted flat connection object to be seen or visually detected.

8. The lockable connector according to claim 6, wherein, The conductive housing is formed with two stop tabs respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from swinging upward.

9. The lockable connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The insulating housing is formed with two limiting bumps respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from swinging upward.

10. A lockable connector for flat connection objects, characterized in that, The flat connection object includes a pair of notches and a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat connection object. The pair of notches are respectively formed at two opposite side edges of the flat connection object and adjacent to the insertion end. The easy-lock connector includes: An insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat connection object in a first direction; A plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing. The plurality of contacts are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each contact has a contact portion extending into the fitting opening and adapted to contact one of the plurality of electrode portions, and a connection terminal portion opposite to the contact portion and extending out of the insulating housing; Two locking members, each locking member including a locking arm and an actuating portion. The locking arm is constantly and elastically biased to a locking position. The locking arm is formed with a latch tab at the distal end, such that when the flat connection object is inserted into the fitting opening, the latch tab engages with the respective notch of the pair of notches to prevent the flat connection object from disengaging from the easy-lock connector; A U-shaped push rod member including a rod body extending in the second direction and two rocker arms respectively formed at two ends of the rod body and perpendicular to the rod body. The two rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the insulating housing about an axis parallel to the second direction. The rod body is operatively connected to the actuating portion of each locking member. By operating the rod body, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object; and A tactile feedback elastic sheet configured to interfere with the rod body during the process of pressing the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, so as to generate a resistance force changing with the position of the rod body or generate a feedback of a click sound or a click feeling.

11. The lockable connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each locking member includes a body portion. The locking arm extends from one side of the body portion, and the actuating portion is formed on the other side of the body portion. The body portion is elastically supported such that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locking position.

12. The lockable connector according to claim 11, wherein, The insulating housing forms respective fulcrum portions below the locking arms of each locking member. When the actuating portion of each locking member is moved downward by pressing the rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, 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 locking of the flat connection object.

13. The lockable connector according to claim 10, wherein, The tactile feedback elastic sheet is in a C-shaped configuration.

14. The lockable connector according to claim 10, characterized in that, The tactile feedback elastic sheet includes a circular convex portion and a straight segment located below the convex portion. The circular convex portion protrudes backward in the first direction, and the straight segment is parallel to a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

15. The lockable connector according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The easy-lock connector further includes a conductive housing, which is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the conductive housing. The conductive housing is formed with a first observation window, and the first observation window is positioned to allow the engagement state between the locking arm and the notch of the inserted flat connection object to be visible or visually detectable.

16. The lockable connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, The conductive housing is formed with a second observation window, and the second observation window is positioned to allow the insertion end of the inserted flat connection object to be visible or visually detectable.

17. The lockable connector according to claim 15, characterized in that, The conductive housing is formed with two stop tabs respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from swinging upward.

Images