FPC connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses an FPC connector, which comprises a shell and an overturning cover rotationally connected with the shell, the shell and the overturning cover are both formed by insulating materials, a slot for a flexible circuit board to be inserted is arranged between the shell and the overturning cover, a terminal electrically connected with the flexible circuit board is arranged in the slot, one end of the overturning cover close to the slot is provided with a pressing block, and the pressing block is connected with the terminal electrically connected with the flexible circuit board. The pressing block can rotate along with the overturning cover, an elastic block corresponding to the pressing block is arranged in the slot, the elastic block is connected with the shell, the pressing block and the elastic block are both formed by an insulating material, when the overturning cover is closed, the pressing block and the elastic block can clamp the flexible circuit board in the slot, and when the overturning cover is opened, the pressing block and the elastic block can release the flexible circuit board. According to the utility model, the flexible circuit board is clamped in a soft clamping mode, so that the flexible circuit board can be prevented from being damaged by clamping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electric connectors, in particular to an FPC connector. Background Art

[0002] Flexible printed circuits (FPCs), also known as FPCs, feature high wiring density, light weight, thinness, and good flexibility. They are typically used with FPC connectors to achieve electrical connections.

[0003] Traditional FPC connectors typically consist of a housing and a flip cover pivotally connected to the housing. Both are made of insulating material. A slot for inserting a flexible circuit board (FPC) is located between the two. The slot contains terminals. To use the connector, the flip cover is opened, and the FPC is inserted into the slot, so that the contacts on the FPC contact the terminals. The flip cover is then closed, allowing the cover and housing to clamp the FPC securely in the slot. However, because the flip cover and housing use a rigid clamping method to hold the FPC, this can easily damage the FPC. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to solve the deficiencies in the prior art and provides an FPC connector which adopts a soft clamping method to clamp the flexible circuit board, thereby preventing the flexible circuit board from being damaged by the clamping.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] An FPC connector includes a shell and a flip cover rotatably connected to the shell, the shell and the flip cover are both formed of insulating material, a slot for inserting a flexible circuit board is provided between the shell and the flip cover, the slot is provided with a terminal that can be electrically connected to the flexible circuit board, a pressing block is provided at one end of the flip cover close to the slot, the pressing block can rotate with the flip cover, an elastic block corresponding to the pressing block is provided in the slot, the elastic block is connected to the shell, the pressing block and the elastic block are both formed of insulating material, when the flip cover is closed, the pressing block and the elastic block can clamp the flexible circuit board in the slot, and when the flip cover is opened, the pressing block and the elastic block can release the flexible circuit board.

[0007] By arranging a pressure block at one end of the flip cover close to the slot, the pressure block can rotate with the flip cover, and an elastic block corresponding to the pressure block is provided in the slot, and the elastic block is connected to the shell. The pressure block and the elastic block are both formed of insulating material. When the flip cover is closed, the pressure block and the elastic block can clamp the flexible circuit board in the slot. When the flip cover is opened, the pressure block and the elastic block can loosen the flexible circuit board. The elastic buffering effect of the elastic block is utilized to achieve a soft clamping method for clamping the flexible circuit board, which can prevent the flexible circuit board from being damaged by clamping.

[0008] As a preferred solution, the elastic block is formed of an elastic soft rubber material.

[0009] As a preferred solution, the elastic block is formed of TPE material.

[0010] As a preferred solution, the elastic block is formed on the shell by secondary molding.

[0011] As a preferred solution, the shell is provided with a first groove, a second groove is provided on one side of the first groove, the elastic block is partially embedded in the first groove, and a protrusion embedded in the second groove is provided on one side of the elastic block.

[0012] As a preferred solution, the left and right sides of the flip cover are rotatably connected to the shell through a rotating shaft, the pressing portion of the lower end of the pressing block is located in front of the center line of the rotating shaft, and the lower end of the pressing block is kept at a distance from the center of the rotating shaft, so that when the pressing block and the elastic block clamp the flexible circuit board, the flip cover can remain in a closed state.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the shell includes a detachably connected first shell and a second shell arranged above the first shell, the flip cover is rotatably arranged above the second shell, the slot is formed between the first shell and the flip cover, the elastic block is arranged on the first shell, and a connecting groove is provided between the first shell and the second shell, and the rotating shaft can be rotatably passed through the connecting groove.

[0014] As a preferred solution, the connecting groove includes a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove with openings arranged opposite to each other, the first arc-shaped groove is provided on the first shell, the second arc-shaped groove is provided on the second shell, and the rotating shaft is provided on the flip cover.

[0015] As a preferred solution, the first shell is snap-connected with the second shell.

[0016] As a preferred solution, a first card block is protruding from the front end of the first shell, a second card block is protruding from the rear end of the first shell, and a first card slot and a second card slot are provided on the second shell. The first card block cooperates with the first card slot, and the second card block cooperates with the second card slot to enable the first shell and the second shell to be clamped together.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has obvious advantages and beneficial effects. Specifically, a pressure block is provided at one end of the flip cover close to the slot, the pressure block can rotate with the flip cover, an elastic block corresponding to the pressure block is provided in the slot, the elastic block is connected to the shell, and the pressure block and the elastic block are both formed of insulating material. When the flip cover is closed, the pressure block and the elastic block can clamp the flexible circuit board in the slot. When the flip cover is opened, the pressure block and the elastic block can loosen the flexible circuit board. The elastic buffering effect of the elastic block is utilized to achieve a soft clamping method for clamping the flexible circuit board, which can prevent the flexible circuit board from being damaged by clamping.

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the structural features, technical means and specific purposes and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the first shell and the second shell of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the first shell and the second shell of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the first shell of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic block structure of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the flip cover in the closed state of the embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the flip cover in the open state of the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Description of the accompanying figures:

[0028] 10-housing; 11-first housing; 111-first groove; 112-second groove; 113-first card block; 114-second card block; 12-second housing; 121-first card slot; 13-connecting slot; 131-first arcuate slot; 132-second arcuate slot; 20-flip cover; 21-pressing block; 211-pressing portion; 22-rotating shaft; 30-slot; 31-terminal; 40-elastic block; 41-bump; 50-flexible circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the position or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] like Figure 1-8 As shown, the present invention discloses an FPC connector, including a shell 10 and a flip cover 20 rotatably connected to the shell 10, wherein the shell 10 and the flip cover 20 are both formed of an insulating material, and a slot 30 for inserting a flexible circuit board 50 is provided between the shell 10 and the flip cover 20, and a terminal 31 that can be electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 50 is provided in the slot 30.

[0032] A pressing block 21 is provided at one end of the flip cover 20 close to the slot 30. Specifically, the pressing block 21 is integrally formed with the flip cover 20 and can rotate with the flip cover 20. An elastic block 40 corresponding to the pressing block 21 is provided in the slot 30. The elastic block 40 is connected to the shell 10. The pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 are both formed of insulating material. When the flip cover 20 is closed, the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 can clamp the flexible circuit board 50 in the slot 30. When the flip cover 20 is opened, the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 can loosen the flexible circuit board 50.

[0033] The elastic block 40 is formed of an elastic soft rubber material. By adopting the elastic block 40 formed of an elastic soft rubber material, the elastic block 40 has a simple structure, is easy to process and manufacture, and has a low cost.

[0034] The elastic block 40 is formed of TPE material; by adopting the elastic block 40 formed of TPE material, TPE material has high elasticity and fatigue resistance, and the buffering effect is better. It can be understood that the elastic block 40 can also be formed of elastic soft rubber materials such as rubber and silicone, or a buffer spring can be set between the elastic block 40 and the shell 10. At this time, the elastic block 40 itself does not need to be formed of elastic soft rubber material to achieve the same effect.

[0035] The elastic block 40 is formed on the shell 10 by secondary molding. In actual production, the shell 10 is molded first, and the elastic block 40 is molded on the shell 10 for the second time. By using the secondary molded elastic block 40, the connection between the elastic block 40 and the shell 10 is more firm and reliable.

[0036] The shell 10 is provided with a first groove 111, and a second groove 112 is provided on one side of the first groove 111. The elastic block 40 is partially embedded in the first groove 111, and a protrusion 41 embedded in the second groove 112 is provided on one side of the elastic block 40; by providing the first groove 111 and the second groove 112 on the shell 10, the elastic block 40 is partially embedded in the first groove 111, and the protrusion 41 on one side of the elastic block 40 is embedded in the second groove 112, so that the elastic block 40 is more tightly connected to the shell 10, and the elastic block 40 is prevented from falling off.

[0037] It should be noted that the elastic block 40 of the present invention can also be connected to the housing 10 in a detachable manner, or in an interference fit manner.

[0038] The left and right sides of the flip cover 20 are rotatably connected to the shell 10 through the rotating shaft 22. The pressing portion 211 at the lower end of the pressing block 21 is located in front of the center line of the rotating shaft 22. Specifically, the pressing portion 211 is a pressing surface, and the pressing surface can also be replaced by a pressing edge extending in the left and right directions. In addition, the lower end of the pressing block 21 is spaced apart from the center of the rotating shaft 22, so that when the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 clamp the flexible circuit board 50, the flip cover 20 can remain in the closed state. Figure 8When the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 clamp the flexible circuit board 50, the elastic force F of the elastic block 40 acts vertically upward on the pressing surface of the lower end of the pressing block 21. The elastic force F generates a torque on the pressing block 21, so that the pressing block 21 always has a tendency to rotate clockwise upward around the center line of the rotating shaft 22, and the pressing block 21 will drive the flip cover 20 to rotate, thereby achieving the flip cover 20 to maintain the closed state; by arranging the pressing portion 211 of the lower end of the pressing block 21 to be located in front of the center line of the rotating shaft 22, the elastic force F of the elastic block 40 is used to generate a torque on the pressing block 21, and the torque causes the pressing block 21 to have a tendency to rotate clockwise upward around the center line of the rotating shaft 22, thereby achieving the flip cover 20 to maintain the closed state. The structural setting is reasonable, which effectively prevents the flip cover 20 from opening in the reverse direction, thereby making the clamping of the flexible circuit board 50 more stable.

[0039] It is understandable that the flip cover 20 of the present invention can also be connected to the housing 10 by a snap connection or a screw connection, so that the flip cover 20 remains in a closed state.

[0040] The shell 10 includes a first shell 10 that is detachably connected and a second shell 12 that is arranged above the first shell 10. The flip cover 20 is rotatably arranged above the second shell 12. The slot 30 is formed between the first shell 10 and the flip cover 20. The elastic block 40 is arranged on the first shell 10. The first groove 111 and the second groove 112 are both arranged on the first shell 10. A connecting groove 13 is provided between the first shell 10 and the second shell 12. The rotating shaft 22 is rotatably arranged in the connecting groove 13. By setting up a shell 10 composed of the first shell 10 and the second shell 12, the first shell 10 and the second shell 12 are detachably connected, the elastic block 40 is arranged on the first shell 10, and the rotating shaft 22 is rotatably arranged in the connecting groove 13 between the first shell 10 and the second shell 12, which simplifies the structure of the shell 10 and facilitates assembly.

[0041] The connecting groove 13 includes a first arc groove 131 and a second arc groove 132 with openings arranged opposite to each other. The first arc groove 131 is provided on the first shell 10, and the second arc groove 132 is provided on the second shell 12. The rotating shaft 22 is provided on the flip cover 20. Specifically, the rotating shaft 22 is provided on the pressing block 21.

[0042] It should be noted that the positions of the rotating shaft 22 and the connecting slot 13 of the present invention are interchangeable, that is, the rotating shaft 22 is provided on the housing 10 , and the connecting slot 13 is correspondingly provided on the flip cover 20 .

[0043] The first shell 10 is snap-connected with the second shell 12 . By adopting the connectable first shell 10 and second shell 12 , the first shell 10 and second shell 12 are easily assembled.

[0044] A first clamping block 113 is protruding from the front end of the first shell 10, and a second clamping block 114 is protruding from the rear end of the first shell 10. A first clamping slot 121 and a second clamping slot (not shown) are provided on the second shell 12. The first clamping block 113 cooperates with the first clamping slot 121, and the second clamping block 114 cooperates with the second clamping slot to enable the first shell 10 and the second shell 12 to be clamped together.

[0045] The method of using the present invention is as follows: first, rotate the flip cover 20 upward counterclockwise to open the flip cover 20, then insert the flexible circuit board 50 into the slot 30 from between the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40, and make the contact piece on the flexible circuit board 50 abut against the terminal 31, then rotate the flip cover 20 downward clockwise, and the flip cover 20 drives the pressing block 21 to rotate until the flip cover 20 is closed in place. At this time, the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 clamp the upper and lower surfaces of the flexible circuit board 50; similarly, opening the flip cover 20 can release the flexible circuit board 50 and remove it from the slot 30.

[0046] To sum up, the present invention provides a pressing block 21 at one end of the flip cover 20 close to the slot 30, and the pressing block 21 can rotate with the flip cover 20. An elastic block 40 corresponding to the pressing block 21 is provided in the slot 30, and the elastic block 40 is connected to the shell 10. The pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 are both formed of insulating material. When the flip cover 20 is closed, the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 can clamp the flexible circuit board 50 in the slot 30. When the flip cover 20 is opened, the pressing block 21 and the elastic block 40 can loosen the flexible circuit board 50. The elastic buffering effect of the elastic block 40 is used to achieve a soft clamping method for clamping the flexible circuit board 50, which can prevent the flexible circuit board 50 from being damaged by clamping.

[0047] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made to the above embodiments based on the technical practice of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An FPC connector comprising a housing and a flip cover rotatably connected to the housing, wherein the housing and the flip cover are both formed of an insulating material, a slot for inserting a flexible printed circuit board is provided between the housing and the flip cover, and terminals for electrically connecting to the flexible printed circuit board are provided in the slot, characterized in that: A pressing block is provided at one end of the flip cover close to the slot, and the pressing block can rotate with the flip cover. An elastic block corresponding to the pressing block is provided in the slot, and the elastic block is connected to the shell. The pressing block and the elastic block are both formed of insulating material. When the flip cover is closed, the pressing block and the elastic block can clamp the flexible circuit board in the slot. When the flip cover is opened, the pressing block and the elastic block can loosen the flexible circuit board.

2. The FPC connector according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic block is formed of an elastic soft rubber material.

3. The FPC connector according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic block is formed of TPE material.

4. The FPC connector according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic block is formed on the shell by secondary molding.

5. The FPC connector according to claim 1, wherein: The shell is provided with a first groove, a second groove is provided on one side of the first groove, the elastic block is partially embedded in the first groove, and a convex block embedded in the second groove is provided on one side of the elastic block.

6. The FPC connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The left and right sides of the flip cover are rotatably connected to the shell through a rotating shaft. The pressing portion of the lower end of the pressing block is located in front of the center line of the rotating shaft, and the lower end of the pressing block is spaced apart from the center of the rotating shaft, so that when the pressing block and the elastic block clamp the flexible circuit board, the flip cover can remain in a closed state.

7. The FPC connector according to claim 6, wherein: The shell includes a detachably connected first shell and a second shell arranged above the first shell, the flip cover is rotatably arranged above the second shell, the slot is formed between the first shell and the flip cover, the elastic block is arranged on the first shell, a connecting groove is provided between the first shell and the second shell, and the rotating shaft can be rotatably passed through the connecting groove.

8. The FPC connector according to claim 7, wherein: The connecting groove includes a first arc-shaped groove and a second arc-shaped groove with openings opposite to each other, the first arc-shaped groove is provided on the first shell, the second arc-shaped groove is provided on the second shell, and the rotating shaft is provided on the flip cover.

9. The FPC connector according to claim 7, wherein: The first shell is clamped with the second shell.

10. The FPC connector according to claim 9, wherein: A first card block is protruding from the front end of the first shell, a second card block is protruding from the rear end of the first shell, and a first card slot and a second card slot are provided on the second shell. The first card block cooperates with the first card slot, and the second card block cooperates with the second card slot to enable the first shell and the second shell to be connected.

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