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 elements held by the insulation shell, two locking members and a shell. The housing includes a housing body, two elastic arm portions, and an operation portion. The two elastic arm parts extend from the rear edge of the shell body, the operating part is connected with the tail ends of the two elastic arm parts, and the operating part is operatively connected with the actuated part of each locking component. The locking member is configured to lock a flat connection object inserted into the easy-to-lock connector. The operating portion is operated to bias the locking arm of the locking member away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat object. By means of the above structure, operability of the easy-to-lock connector is improved, and the low-profile easy-to-lock connector is achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a connector for flat connection objects such as flexible flat cable (FFC), flexible printed circuit (FPC) or the like, and in particular to a low-profile easy lock connector capable of being released by one-handed operation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Taiwan 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 in an insulating housing, and the operating member is pivoted by pressing the body of the operating member to achieve the unlocking of the flexible flat cable. However, such an operating member has a certain thickness, so such a connector is not conducive to realizing a low-profile connector.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0149565A1 (Patent Document 2) discloses an easy lock connector having a press-unlock structure. In Patent Document 2, the press-unlock structure is integrated into the metal shell of the connector. Although the easy lock connector of Patent Document 2 has a low profile, it is not suitable for releasing the locking of the flat cable by one-handed operation. On the other hand, when the easy lock connector of Patent Document 2 is applied to a narrow-pitch precision small connector, the press portion can be made to have an area less than or equal to 2.2x1.6 mm 2 . The size of such a press portion is very small, making it difficult for the user to accurately position the fingertip of the hand directly above the press portion. The operation of releasing the locking of the flat cable will become very difficult, and it is desirable to improve the operability of such an easy lock connector. SUMMARY

[0004] One of the purposes of the utility model is to provide an easy lock connector for flat connection objects, which has good operability and can be released by one-handed operation to release the locking of the flat connection objects.

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

[0006] Still another purpose of the utility model is to provide an easy lock connector for flat connection objects, which can easily achieve the locking of the flat connection objects by inserting the flat connection objects into the easy lock connector, thereby facilitating the automated assembly of the flat connection objects and the easy lock connector.

[0007] According to the utility model, a kind of easy lock connector for flat connection object, the flat connection object includes a pair of notches and multiple electrode parts formed in the insertion end of the flat connection object, the pair of notches is formed in the opposite two side edges of the flat connection object and adjacent to the insertion end, the easy lock connector includes:

[0008] Insulating housing, with the flat connection object is inserted along the first direction and is fitted opening;

[0009] Multiple contact pieces are kept by the insulating housing, the multiple contact pieces are arranged along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each contact piece has contact part extended into the fitted opening and to be contacted with one of the multiple electrode parts, and connection terminal part opposite to the contact part and extending from the insulating housing;

[0010] Two locking members, each locking member includes locking arm and actuated portion, the locking arm is constantly and elastically biased to locking position, the locking arm is formed with latch tab at distal end, so that when the flat connection object is inserted into the fitted opening, the latch tab is engaged with each notch of the pair of notches, to prevent the flat connection object from being separated from the easy lock connector;And

[0011] Housing, the housing is fixed to the insulating housing to cover at least a part of the insulating housing, the housing has housing body, two elastic arm portions and operating portion, the two elastic arm portions extend from the rear edge of the housing body in the first direction, the operating portion is connected to the end of the two elastic arm portions and extends in the second direction, the operating portion is operatively connected with the actuated portion of each locking member, by operating the operating portion, the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object.

[0012] According to the utility model, the easy lock connector, the locking arm extends from the actuated portion, the actuated portion is elastically supported, so that the locking arm is constantly biased to the locking position.

[0013] According to the utility model, the easy lock connector, each locking member includes holding portion and spring portion, the holding portion is kept by the insulating housing, the spring portion is connected to the holding portion and the actuated portion, so that the actuated portion is elastically supported and can float relative to the holding portion.

[0014] According to the utility model, the easy lock connector, the insulating housing is formed with respective fulcrum portion below the locking arm of each locking member, when the actuated portion of each locking member is moved downward by pressing the operating portion, the locking arm is pivotally supported by the respective fulcrum portion, so that the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby the locking arm is biased away from the locking position to release the locking of the flat connection object.

[0015] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the present application, the insulating housing is formed with a horizontal surface below the locking arm of each locking member and an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, and the intersection line or intersection band between the horizontal surface and the inclined surface functions as the fulcrum portion.

[0016] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the present application, the easy-to-lock connector further comprises a reinforcing member configured to reinforce the operation portion, preventing the operation portion from being bent or deformed.

[0017] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the present application, the body portion of the 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.

[0018] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the present application, the 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.

[0019] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the present application, the operation portion is formed with a first bending-resistant portion formed at the rear edge of the operation portion and a second bending-resistant portion formed at the front edge of the operation portion, the first bending-resistant portion being parallel to the operation portion and connected to the rear edge of the operation portion by a U-shaped bending portion when viewed from the second direction, and the second bending-resistant portion extending in the second direction and being perpendicular to the operation portion, such that the operation portion and the second bending-resistant portion form an L shape when viewed from the second direction.

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

[0021] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the present application, on one hand, the operability of the easy-to-lock connector is improved, and on the other hand, the easy-to-lock connector has a low profile. Meanwhile, the locking member is configured to be biased to the unlocked position when the flat connection object is inserted into the easy-to-lock connector, thereby realizing automatic assembly of the flat connection object and the easy-to-lock connector.

[0022] The technical features and other purposes and advantages of the present application will be best understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the specification and drawings of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic view showing a state in which a flat connection object has been inserted into the easy-to-lock connector.

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic view showing that the flat connection object is locked by the locking member, wherein the insulating housing and the housing are not shown.

[0033] Figure 11 is a plan view of the easy-to-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the flat connection object has been inserted into the easy-to-lock connector, and the first observation window and the second observation window are shown enlarged.

[0034] Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 11 .

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

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

[0037] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a housing of the easy-to-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present application, wherein a reinforcing member is disposed below the operation portion.

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

[0039] Figure 17 is a schematic view showing that a flat connection object is locked by the locking member, wherein the insulating housing and the outer shell are not shown.

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

[0041] Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 18 .

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] 10: easy-to-lock connector

[0044] 11: insulating housing

[0045] 110: fitting opening

[0046] 111: mounting portion

[0047] 112: support portion

[0048] 1121: horizontal surface

[0049] 1122: inclined surface

[0050] 1123: boundary line

[0051] 113: recess

[0052] 12: outer shell

[0053] 120: outer shell body

[0054] 1201: first observation window

[0055] 1202: second observation window

[0056] 1203: spring piece

[0057] 1204: latch portion

[0058] 121: side wall portion

[0059] 1211: holding portion

[0060] 1212: welding portion

[0061] 122: elastic arm portion

[0062] 123: operation portion

[0063] 123C: Reinforcing member

[0064] 1231: First bend-resistant portion

[0065] 1232: Second bend-resistant portion

[0066] 13: Locking member

[0067] 130: Actuated portion

[0068] 131: Locking arm

[0069] 132: Latch tab

[0070] 134: U-shaped spring portion

[0071] 135: Retaining portion

[0072] 136: Welded portion

[0073] 14: First contact

[0074] 140: Body portion

[0075] 141: Contact arm

[0076] 142: Contact portion

[0077] 143: Retaining arm

[0078] 144: Retaining portion

[0079] 145: Welded portion

[0080] 15: Second contact

[0081] 150: Body portion

[0082] 151: Contact arm

[0083] 152: Contact portion

[0084] 153: Welded portion

[0085] 20: Flat connection object

[0086] 201: Notch

[0087] D1: First direction

[0088] D2: Second direction

[0089] D3: Third direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] Embodiments of the easy-to-lock connector for a flat connection object will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same elements or elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0091] [First Embodiment]

[0092] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an easy-to-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the easy-to-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the easy-to-lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present application. The easy-to-lock connector as a whole is denoted by reference numeral 10. With reference to Figures 1 to 3 , elements of the easy-to-lock connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present application will be described. The easy-to-lock connector 10 of the first embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a housing 12, two locking members 13, a plurality of first contact pieces 14, and a plurality of second contact pieces 15.

[0093] The flat connection object is inserted into the easy-to-lock connector 10 in a first direction Dl (i.e., a fitting direction). The flat connection object can 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 an insertion end of the flat connection object.

[0094] The two locking members 13 are fixed to the insulating housing 11 at both ends thereof in a second direction D2 (i.e., a width direction) perpendicular to the first direction Dl. The first contact pieces 14 and the second contact pieces 15 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2.

[0095] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the insulating housing 11. With reference to Figure 4 , the configuration of the insulating housing 11 will be described. The insulating housing 11 is made of an insulating synthetic resin or a polymer material. The insulating housing 11 is formed with a fitting opening 110 (shown in Figure 9 ) into which the flat connection object 20 (shown in Figure 3 ) is inserted in the first direction Dl. The insulating housing 11 is formed at both ends thereof with mounting portions 111 into which the locking members 13 are to be mounted. The locking members 13 are to be mounted in the mounting portions 111. The insulating housing 11 is formed at both ends thereof with support portions 112 adjacent to the mounting portions 111. The support portions 112 are composed of horizontal surfaces 1121 and inclined surfaces 1122 inclined with respect to the horizontal surfaces 1121. The inclined surfaces 1122 are located behind the horizontal surfaces 1121 in the first direction Dl. The intersection lines 1123 (or intersection bands having a certain width) between the horizontal surfaces 1121 and the inclined surfaces 1122 function as fulcrum portions.

[0096] Figure 5is a perspective view of the housing 12, and Figure 6 is another perspective view of the housing 12. Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the configuration of the housing 12 is described.

[0097] The housing 12 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate. The housing 12 is fixed to the insulating housing 11 to cover at least a portion of the insulating housing 11. The housing 12 includes a housing body 120 and side wall portions 121 formed at both ends of the housing body 120 in the second direction D2. The housing body 120 is formed with two first observation windows 1201 and two second observation windows 1202. The engagement state between the locking member and the flat connection object can be confirmed through the first observation windows 1201 and the second observation windows 1202. The housing body 120 is formed with a plurality of spring pieces 1203 at the front edge. The spring pieces 1203 are bent and extended into the fitting opening 110 so as to contact the conductive metal foil formed on the flat connection object. The housing body 120 is formed with two elastic arm portions 122 and an operation portion 123 at the rear edge. The elastic arm portions 122 extend rearward from the rear edge of the housing body 120 in the first direction D1. The operation portion 123 extends in the second direction D2 and is connected to the ends of the two elastic arm portions 122. Thus, the operation portion 123 is elastically supported by the elastic arm portions 122. When an acting force is applied downward on the operation portion 123 in a third direction D3 (i.e., the height direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, the elastic arm portions 122 elastically deform, so that the operation portion 123 is displaced in the third direction D3 relative to the housing body 120. When no acting force is applied on the operation portion 123, the elastic arm portions 122 and the operation portion 123 return to their respective initial positions.

[0098] In order to prevent the operation portion 123 from deforming, the operation portion 123 is formed with a first bending-resistant portion 1231 and a second bending-resistant portion 1232. The first bending-resistant portion 1231 is formed at the rear edge of the operation portion 123, and the second bending-resistant portion 1232 is formed at the front edge of the operation portion 123. When viewed from the second direction D2, the first bending-resistant portion 1231 is parallel to the operation portion 123 and connected to the rear edge of the operation portion 123 by a U-shaped bending portion. The second bending-resistant portion 1232 extends in the second direction D2 and is perpendicular to the operation portion 123, so that when viewed from the second direction D2, the operation portion 123 is in an L shape with the second bending-resistant portion 1232. In short, the operation portion 123 is formed in a configuration similar to a tubular body. In this way, the bending strength of the operation portion 123 is improved. The connection relationship between the operation portion 123 and the locking member 13 will be further described below.

[0099] The side wall portion 121 is formed with a retaining portion 1211 and a solder portion 1212. The retaining portion 1211 is formed with a barb structure. The retaining portion 1211 is inserted into a retaining hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit along the first direction Dl. Thereby, the conductive housing 12 is fixed on the insulating housing 11. The solder portion 1212 is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. The solder portion 1212 can be soldered to a solder pad of a circuit board (not shown) by surface mount technology (SMT), thereby fixing the easy lock connector to the circuit board while grounding the housing 12.

[0100] To prevent the housing 12 from being detached from the insulating housing 11, the housing body 120 is formed with two detent portions 1204. The detent portions 1204 are bent downward so that the end portions of the detent portions 1204 rest against the recesses 113 formed in the insulating housing 11. In this way, the housing 12 is prevented from being detached from the insulating housing 11 along the first direction Dl.

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

[0102] The locking arm 131 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuation portion 130 is elastically supported by the U-shaped spring portion 134 so that the locking arm 131 is constantly biased to the locked position. A latching tab 132 is formed at the distal end of the locking arm 131. In the locked position, the latching tab 132 engages with the notches 201 (shown in Figure 10 ) formed in the side edges of the flat connection object 20 that has been inserted into the fitting opening 110, preventing the flat connection object 20 from being pulled out or detached from the easy lock connector 10.

[0103] The operating portion 123 of the housing 12 is operatively connected with the actuated portion 130 of each locking member 13. Specifically, the actuated portion 130 is shaped like a hook for supporting the operating portion 123 such that the actuated portion 130 is coupled with the operating portion 123. Thus, the actuated portion 130 will move together with the operating portion 123. When a force is applied to the operating portion 123 in the third direction D3, the actuated portion 130 will move downward with the operating portion 123, and further bias the locking arm 131 from the locking position to the unlocking position. In the unlocking position, the latching tab 132 will disengage from the notch 201 formed in the side edge of the flat connection object 20, allowing the flat connection object 20 to be removed from the easy-lock connector 10.

[0104] The locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is positioned above the supporting portion 112. When the actuated portion 130 of the locking member 13 is moved downward in the third direction D3, the locking arm 131 is pivotally supported by the fulcrum portion (i.e., the interface line 1123) such that the distal end of the locking arm 131 moves upward in the third direction D3. At this time, the action of the locking arm 131 is similar to 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.

[0105] Figure 8 are perspective views of the plurality of first contacts 14 and the plurality of second contacts 15, wherein one first contact 14 and one second contact 15 are shown in an enlarged manner. The first contacts 14 and the second contacts 15 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2 and held by the insulating housing 11. Each first contact 14 and each second contact 15 is made of copper or copper alloy.

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

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

[0108] When the flat connection object 20 is inserted into the fitting opening 110, the contact portions 142 of the first contact members 14 and the contact portions 152 of the second contact members 15 come into contact with the electrode portions formed on the lower surface of the flat connection object 20. The solder portions 145 of the first contact members 14 and the solder portions 153 of the second contact members 15 can be soldered to the solder pads formed on the circuit board by surface mount technology (SMT). By using the first contact members 14 and the second contact members 15 arranged alternately, the pitch between two adjacent contact members can be further reduced. This arrangement of the contact members is suitable for a narrow-pitch connector.

[0109] Figure 9 is a schematic view showing the state in which the flat connection object 20 is inserted into the easy-lock connector 10. Figure 10 is a schematic view showing the flat connection object 20 being locked by the locking member 13. In order to clearly show the connection relationship between the locking arm 131 and the flat connection object 20, the insulating housing 11 and the outer shell 12 are not shown in Figure 10

[0110] As shown in Figure 10 , the flat connection object 20 has a pair of notches 201 formed on opposite side edges of the flat connection object 20 respectively and adjacent to the insertion end. In Figure 10 , the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is in the locked position, and the latching tab 132 at the distal end of the locking arm 131 is engaged with the notch 201, preventing the flat connection object 20 from being pulled out. By moving the actuation portion 130 of the locking member 13 downward in the third direction D3, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is biased from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the latching tab 132 is disengaged from the notch 201, thus releasing the locking of the flat connection object 20.

[0111] Figure 11 is a top view of the easy-lock connector with the flat connection object inserted. In Figure 11 , the first observation window 1201 and the second observation window 1202 formed on the outer shell 12 are shown enlarged. The first observation window 1201 is formed substantially at the position corresponding to the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13. Through the first observation window 1201, the engagement state between the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 and the flat connection object can be seen or visually detected. For example, the engagement state between the locking member and the flat connection object can be checked by automatic optical inspection (AOI). If the latching tab 132 of the locking member 13 is observed from the first observation window 1201 to be positioned 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).

[0112] ​The second observation window 1202 is formed substantially at a position corresponding to the insertion end of the flat connection object that has been inserted. The second observation window 1202 allows the insertion end of the flat connection object that has been inserted into the easy-lock connector 10 to be seen or visually detected. If the insertion end of the flat connection object is observed from the second observation window 1202, 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).

[0113] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 11 . As shown in Figure 12 , the latching tab 132 of the locking member 13 is positioned in the notch 201 of the flat connection object 20 so as to lock the flat connection object 20. The first bending-resistant portion 1231 of the operation portion 123 rests on the actuated portion 130 so that the operation portion 123 is operatively connected to the actuated portion 130. Thus, downward movement of the operation portion 123 in the third direction D3 causes the locking arm 131 to be deflected from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0114] [Second Embodiment]

[0115] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an easy-lock connector according to a second embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of an easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present application. The easy-lock connector as a whole is designated by reference numeral 10. The elements of the easy-lock connector 10 according to the second embodiment are described with reference to Figures 13 to 14 . The easy-lock connector 10 according to the second embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a housing 12, a reinforcing member 123C, two locking members 13, a plurality of first contact members 14, and a plurality of second contact members 15.

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

[0117] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the housing of an easy-lock connector according to the second embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 15 , the operation portion 123 is formed with a first bending-resistant portion 1231 and a second bending-resistant portion 1232, and the reinforcing member 123C is disposed below the operation portion 123. The reinforcing member 123C is a long rod-like member made of metal. The reinforcing member 123C is disposed so as to reinforce the operation portion 123, preventing the operation portion 123 from being bent or deformed.

[0118] In order to keep the reinforcing member 123C in place, the operation portion 123 is further provided with a stop portion 1233 configured to prevent the reinforcing member 123C from moving in the first direction D1.

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

[0120] Figure 17 is a schematic view showing that the flat connection object 20 is locked by the locking member 13. In order to clearly show the connection relationship between the locking arm 131 and the flat connection object 20, the insulating housing 11 and the outer shell 12 are not shown in Figure 17

[0121] As shown in Figure 17 , the reinforcing member 123C rests on the actuated portion 130. By means of the first stop portion 1301, the reinforcing member 123C can be prevented from disengaging the easy-to-lock connector in the second direction D2. By means of the second stop portion 1302, the reinforcing member 123C can be kept near the trailing edge of the actuated portion 130.

[0122] Figure 18 is a top view of the easy-to-lock connector with the flat connection object inserted. Figure 19 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in Figure 18 . As shown in Figure 19 , the reinforcing member 123C rests on the actuated portion 130 and is kept near the trailing edge of the actuated portion 130. When an acting force is applied to the operation portion 123 in the third direction D3, the reinforcing member 123C not only can prevent the operation portion 123 from deforming due to the force but also can surely transmit the acting force to the actuated portion 130.

[0123] The easy-to-lock connector according to the present application surely has the advantages of low profile and good operability. In addition, the easy-to-lock connector according to the present application is particularly suitable for use in small or thin electronic machines with compact space. Furthermore, the easy-to-lock connector according to the present application is also suitable for use in the automated assembly of the flat connection object and the easy-to-lock connector.

[0124] ​Although the utility model is demonstrated with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that there are still many changes and modifications for the utility model technical personnel without departing from the spirit and category of the utility model. Therefore, the utility model is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is subject to the written record of the claims, that is, the equivalent changes and modifications without deviating from the utility model claims should still belong to the scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A snap connector for flat connection objects, characterized in that, The flat connection object includes a pair of notches formed at opposite side edges of the flat connection object adjacent to an insertion end of the flat connection object and a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat connection object, and the easy-lock connector includes: an insulating housing having a fitting opening into which the flat connection object is inserted in a first direction; a plurality of contact pieces held by the insulating housing, the plurality of contact pieces being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each contact piece having a contact portion extending into the fitting opening to be in contact with 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 lock members each including a lock arm constantly and elastically biased to a lock position and a lock arm formed at a distal end thereof with a latch tab 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 to prevent the flat connection object from being detached from the easy-lock connector; and a housing fixed to the insulating housing to cover at least a portion of the insulating housing, the housing having a housing body from which two elastic arm portions extend in the first direction, and an operation portion connected to distal ends of the two elastic arm portions and extending in the second direction, the operation portion being operatively connected to the actuation portion of each lock member, and by operating the operation portion, the lock arm is biased away from the lock position to release the lock of the flat connection object.

2. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 1, wherein, The lock arm extends from the actuation portion, and the actuation portion is elastically supported such that the lock arm is constantly biased to the lock position.

3. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 2, wherein, Each lock member includes a holding portion held by the insulating housing and a spring portion connecting the holding portion and the actuation portion such that the actuation portion is elastically supported and can float relative to the holding portion.

4. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 2, wherein, The insulating housing is formed with a respective fulcrum portion below the lock arm of each lock member, and when the actuation portion of each lock member is moved downward by pressing the operation portion, the lock arm is pivotably supported by the respective fulcrum portion such that the distal end of the lock arm is moved upward, thereby causing the lock arm to be biased away from the lock position to release the lock of the flat connection object.

5. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 4, wherein, The insulating housing is formed with a horizontal surface below the lock arm of each lock member and an inclined surface inclined relative to the horizontal surface, and an interface line or interface band between the horizontal surface and the inclined surface functions as the fulcrum portion.

6. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 1, wherein, The easy-lock connector further includes a reinforcing member configured to reinforce the operation portion to prevent the operation portion from being bent or deformed.

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

8. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 7, wherein, The 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.

9. The easy-to-lock connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The operation portion is formed with a first bending-resistant portion and a second bending-resistant portion, the first bending-resistant portion is formed at a rear edge of the operation portion, the second bending-resistant portion is formed at a front edge of the operation portion, the first bending-resistant portion is parallel to the operation portion and connected to the rear edge of the operation portion by a U-shaped bending portion when viewed from the second direction, the second bending-resistant portion extends in the second direction and is perpendicular to the operation portion, so that the operation portion and the second bending-resistant portion form an L shape when viewed from the second direction.

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

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