Easily-locked connector, connector shell and easily-locked connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides an easy-to-lock connector, a connector housing and an easy-to-lock connector assembly. The easy-to-lock connector comprises an insulating shell, a plurality of contact pieces held by the insulating shell, two locking components and a push rod component. The insulating shell is provided with an accommodating space, and the paired connector is inserted into the accommodating space along a first direction. The locking member is configured to lock a mating connector inserted into the easy-to-lock connector. The pusher member is operated to bias the locking arm of the locking member away from the locking position to release locking of the mating connector. The operability of the easy-to-lock connector is improved by means of the push rod member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to an easy-to-lock connector, especially an easy-to-lock connector capable of being released from locking a counterpart connector by one-hand operation, wherein the counterpart connector is composed of a connector housing and a flat connection object such as a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit (FPC), a card plate or the like. BACKGROUND

[0002] Taiwan Utility Model Patent Publication No. M644042U (Patent Document 1) discloses an FFC 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 release the FFC from locking. However, the operating member has a certain thickness, and thus the connector is not suitable for a low-profile connector.

[0003] Taiwan Utility Model Patent Publication No. M591717U (Patent Document 2) discloses a connector for an FFC. Patent Document 2 discloses a connector housing as a male connector mounted at the insertion end of the FFC. In this way, the insertion direction of the FFC into the easy-to-lock connector can be changed, and the insertion of the FFC into the easy-to-lock connector can be easily achieved in an automated manner. In addition, the operability of the FFC and the protection of the FFC can be improved. However, in the easy-to-lock connector disclosed in Patent Document 2, two separate locking members must be operated simultaneously to release the FFC from locking, and thus the unlocking operability is poor. Since the operating portions of the locking members are located on the same side as the body of the FFC, the unlocking operation can also be interfered by the body of the FFC. SUMMARY

[0004] One of the objects of the utility model is to provide an easy-to-lock connector having good operability and capable of being released from locking a counterpart connector by one-hand operation.

[0005] Another object of the utility model is to provide an easy-to-lock connector having a low profile and suitable for use in a small or thin electronic device having a compact space.

[0006] Still another object of the utility model is to provide an easy-to-lock connector capable of easily achieving locking of a counterpart connector by inserting the counterpart connector into the easy-to-lock connector, which facilitates the automated assembly of the counterpart connector and the easy-to-lock connector.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the utility model, there is provided an easy-to-lock connector, the easy-to-lock connector comprising:

[0008] An insulating housing having a receiving space into which a counterpart connector is insertable in a first direction such that at least a portion of the counterpart connector is received in the receiving space;

[0009] 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 receiving space and a connection terminal portion opposite the contact portion;

[0010] Two locking members respectively arranged on both sides of the receiving space in the second direction, each locking member including a fixed portion, a locking arm extending from the fixed portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and an actuated portion formed at a free end of the locking arm, each locking member being arranged such that the locking arm is elastically movable in the second direction between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking arm being constantly and elastically biased to the locked position, the locking arm being formed with first engagement means such that when the counterpart connector is inserted into the receiving space, the first engagement means engages with second engagement means formed on the counterpart connector to prevent the counterpart connector from being detached from the easy-lock connector;

[0011] A push lever member including a lever body and two rocker arms respectively formed at two ends of the lever body, the lever body including an operation portion extending in the second direction and two actuation portions respectively located at both ends of the operation portion and extending in the third direction, the two rocker arms being pivotable relative to the insulating housing about an axis parallel to the second direction, the two actuation portions being configured to interact with the actuated portions of the two locking members by operating the operation portion such that movement of the two actuation portions in the first direction causes the locking arms of the two locking members to be biased away from the locked position in the second direction to release the locking of the counterpart connector.

[0012] According to the easy-lock connector of the present application, the easy-lock connector further includes a housing fixed to the insulating housing and covering at least a portion of the insulating housing, the housing being formed with two stop tabs respectively located above the two rocker arms for preventing the two rocker arms from being swung upward.

[0013] According to the easy-lock connector of the present application, the first engagement means formed on the locking arm is in the form of a slot hole.

[0014] According to the easy-lock connector of the present application, the actuated portion includes an inclined guide surface.

[0015] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the utility model, the insulating shell contains a flat rectangular body and a surrounding wall formed on the edge of the flat rectangular body, the surrounding wall is defined by a front wall part, a rear wall part opposite to the front wall part and two side wall parts connecting the front wall part and the rear wall part, the two locking members are respectively arranged adjacent to the two side wall parts, and each locking member is arranged with the fixed part adjacent to the front wall part and the locking arm extending beyond the rear wall part.

[0016] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the utility model, the push rod member is pivotally arranged on the two side wall parts of the insulating shell.

[0017] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the utility model, the upper inner edge of the surrounding wall is formed with a chamfer.

[0018] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the utility model, the insulating shell is formed with at least one positioning column for guiding the insertion of the counterpart connector and limiting the counterpart connector.

[0019] According to the second aspect of the utility model, a connector shell is provided, which is mounted on the insertion end of a flat connection object, the flat connection object includes a plurality of electrode parts formed on the insertion end, the connector shell and the flat connection object constitute a counterpart connector of the easy-to-lock connector as described in the first aspect, and the connector shell contains two lock catch parts, the two lock catch parts are arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and each lock catch part is formed with the second engagement means capable of being engaged with the first engagement means.

[0020] According to the third aspect of the utility model, a connector assembly is provided, which contains an easy-to-lock connector and a counterpart connector capable of being embedded with the easy-to-lock connector, and the counterpart connector contains:

[0021] a flat connection object, which includes a plurality of electrode parts formed on the insertion end; and

[0022] a connector shell, which is mounted on the insertion end of the flat connection object, the connector shell contains two lock catch parts, the two lock catch parts are arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and each lock catch part is formed with the second engagement means capable of being engaged with the first engagement means.

[0023] According to the easy-to-lock connector of the utility model, by arranging the push rod member capable of interacting with the locking member, on one hand, the operability of the easy-to-lock connector can be improved, and on the other hand, the easy-to-lock connector is allowed to have a low profile.

[0024] The skilled in the art can best understand the technical features and other purposes and advantages of the utility model after referring to the description and drawings of the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the easy lock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application in a mated condition, the easy lock connector assembly comprising an easy lock connector and a counterpart connector.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the easy lock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application in an unmated condition.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the easy lock connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the easy lock connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insulating housing.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pair of locking members.

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of contact members.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a push rod member.

[0033] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing.

[0034] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the counterpart connector according to an embodiment of the present application, the counterpart connector being mateable with the easy lock connector.

[0035] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the counterpart connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 12 is a front view of the counterpart connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an upper housing of the counterpart connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a flat connection target object.

[0039] Figure 15 is a schematic view showing the locking members of the easy lock connector according to the present application in a locked position, wherein the housing of the easy lock connector is not shown.

[0040] Figure 16is a schematic view showing the locking member of the easy lock connector according to the present application in the unlocked position, wherein the housing of the easy lock connector is not shown.

[0041] Figure 17 is a schematic view showing the removal of the mating connector from the easy lock connector.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] 1: easy lock connector assembly

[0044] 10: easy lock connector

[0045] 11: insulating housing

[0046] 110: flat rectangular body

[0047] 1101: positioning post

[0048] 1102: retaining groove

[0049] 111: front wall portion

[0050] 1110: notch

[0051] 112: side wall portion

[0052] 1121: first limiting notch

[0053] 1122: locking member fixing portion

[0054] 113: rear wall portion

[0055] 1130: gap

[0056] 1131: protruding portion

[0057] 12: push rod member

[0058] 120: rod body

[0059] 1201: operation portion

[0060] 1202: actuation portion

[0061] 121: rocker arm

[0062] 122: pivot portion

[0063] 13: locking member

[0064] 131: welding portion

[0065] 132: fixing portion

[0066] 133: locking arm

[0067] 1330: slot hole

[0068] 134: actuation portion

[0069] 14: housing

[0070] 140: connecting portion

[0071] 1401: engaging portion

[0072] 1402: alignment hole

[0073] 141: side housing portion

[0074] 1411: first weld portion

[0075] 1412: second weld portion

[0076] 1413: stop tab

[0077] 1414: second limiting notch

[0078] 15: contact piece

[0079] 151: connecting terminal portion

[0080] 152: holding portion

[0081] 153: contact arm

[0082] 154: contact portion

[0083] 20: counterpart connector

[0084] 21: upper housing

[0085] 210: body portion

[0086] 2101: alignment hole

[0087] 2102: third limiting portion

[0088] 211: lock catch portion

[0089] 2110: wedge-shaped protrusion

[0090] 212: engaging portion

[0091] 22: lower housing

[0092] 220: body portion

[0093] 2201: notch

[0094] 2202: first limiting portion

[0095] 2203: second limiting portion

[0096] 2204: positioning hole

[0097] 2205: boss

[0098] 222: protrusion

[0099] 23: flat connection object

[0100] 230: extension

[0101] 231: head

[0102] 2310: notch

[0103] 2312: electrode portion

[0104] D1: first direction

[0105] D2: second direction

[0106] D3: third direction

[0107] SP: housing space DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] An easy-to-lock connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present application 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.

[0109] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the constituent elements of the easy-to-lock connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present application will be described, wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of the easy-to-lock connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present application in a fitted state, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the easy-to-lock connector assembly according to the embodiment of the present application in an unfitted state. The easy-to-lock connector assembly as a whole is denoted by reference numeral 1. The easy-to-lock connector assembly 1 includes an easy-to-lock connector 10 and a counterpart connector 20 which can be fitted with the easy-to-lock connector 10 in a first direction D1. The easy-to-lock connector 10 is embodied as a receptacle connector, and the counterpart connector 20 is embodied as a plug connector.

[0110] The counterpart connector 20 is formed by mounting a connector housing to an insertion end of a flat connection object such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC). In the specification, the combination of the connector housing and the flat connection object is referred to as a "counterpart connector".

[0111] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the easy-to-lock connector 10 according to the embodiment of the present application will be described, wherein Figure 3is a perspective view of an easy-to-lock connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an easy-to-lock connector according to an embodiment of the present utility model. The easy-to-lock connector 10 comprises an insulating housing 11, a push rod member 12, two locking members 13, a shell 14 and a plurality of contact pieces 15.

[0112] The counterpart connector 20 can be inserted into the easy-to-lock connector 10 along a first direction D1 (i.e. a height direction or a fitting direction). The flat connection object forming a part of the counterpart connector 20 can be a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC), but is not limited thereto. The flat connection object can also be a card board. The flat connection object includes a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat connection object.

[0113] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insulating housing 11. Referring to Figure 4 The configuration of the insulating housing 11 is described. The insulating housing 11 is made of an insulating synthetic resin or a polymer material. The insulating housing 11 has a flat rectangular body 110 and a surrounding wall formed around an edge of the flat rectangular body 110. A receiving space SP is defined by the flat rectangular body 110 and the surrounding wall. The surrounding wall includes a front wall portion 111, a rear wall portion 113 opposite to the front wall portion 111 and two side wall portions 112 connecting the front wall portion 111 and the rear wall portion 113.

[0114] The flat rectangular body 110 is formed with a plurality of retaining grooves 1102. The retaining grooves 1102 are arranged along a second direction D2 (i.e. a width direction) and spaced apart from each other. Each retaining groove 1102 retains a respective contact piece 15. The flat rectangular body 110 has two positioning posts 1101 spaced apart in the second direction D2. The top end of each positioning post 1101 is in a truncated pyramid shape. The positioning posts 1101 are arranged to guide the insertion of the counterpart connector 20 and to position the counterpart connector 20.

[0115] The front wall portion 111 is formed with a notch 1110. The notch 1110 is formed to avoid interference between the front wall portion 111 and the body of the flat connection object (e.g. a cable portion). Each side wall portion 112 has a first limiting notch 1121 for pivoting the push rod member 12 and a locking member fixing portion 1122 adjacent to the front wall portion 111. The first limiting notch 1121 is open upwardly in the first direction D1 to facilitate the installation of the push rod member 12.

[0116] The end of the rear wall portion 113 is spaced apart from the side wall portion 112 by a gradually widened gap 1130. Specifically, the width of the gap 1130 gradually widens toward the rear along a third direction D3 (i.e. a front-rear direction). The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The gap 1130 allows a part of the locking member 13 to move in the second direction D2.

[0117] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a pair of locking members 13. The locking members 13 are elongated members formed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The locking members 13 have a welding portion 131, a fixing portion 132, a locking arm 133, and an actuated portion 134. The welding portion 131 is formed at one end of the fixing portion 132, and the locking arm 133 extends from the other end of the fixing portion 132 away from the welding portion substantially in the third direction D3. The welding portion 131 can be soldered to a solder pad formed on a circuit board by surface mount technology (SMT). The actuated portion 134 is formed at an end of the locking arm 133. The locking arm 133 is formed with first engagement means for locking the mating connector 20 by engaging with second engagement means formed on a connector housing of the mating connector 20. In the present embodiment, the first engagement means is embodied as a slot hole 1330.

[0118] The locking members 13 are disposed inside the side wall portion 112 and adjacent to the side wall portion 112. The fixing portion 132 of the locking members 13 is fixed to the locking member fixing portion 1122 such that the fixing portion 132 of the locking members 13 is adjacent to the front wall portion 111, and the locking arm 133 of the locking members 13 extends from the fixing portion 132 substantially in the third direction D3 beyond the rear wall portion 113 and is elastically displaceable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking members 13 are configured such that the locking arm 133 is constantly and elastically biased to the locking position.

[0119] The actuated portion 134 of the locking members 13 has an inclined guide surface. The actuation portion 1202 of the push rod member (shown in Figure 8 ) will rest on the guide surface and interfere with the guide surface. Through the interaction of the actuation portion 1202 of the push rod member and the actuated portion 134, the locking arm 133 is biased from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0120] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a plurality of contact pieces 15. The contact pieces 15 are arranged in a row along the second direction D2 and held by the insulating housing 11. Each of the contact pieces 15 is made of copper or a copper alloy. The contact pieces 15 have 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 a holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 and communicating with the holding groove 1102 in an interference fit. The contact portion 154 is formed at a distal end of the contact arm 153. The contact arm 153 extends in the third direction to the accommodation space SP such that the contact portion 154 can contact an electrode portion formed on a flat object. The connection terminal portion 151 protrudes from the insulating housing 11. The connection terminal portion 151 can be soldered to a solder pad formed on a circuit board by surface mount technology (SMT).

[0121] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the push rod member. As shown, the push rod member 12 has a rod body 120 and a rocker arm 121 formed at both ends of the rod body 120. The rocker arm 121 is perpendicular to the rod body 120. A pivot portion 122 is formed at a distal end of each rocker arm 121. The pivot portion 122 is received in the first limiting recess 1121 of the insulating housing 11, such that the rocker arm 121 is pivotally arranged on the insulating housing 11 about an axis parallel to the second direction D2. In this way, the push rod member 12 is pivotally mounted on the insulating housing 11. Figure 8

[0122] The rod body 120 has an operation portion 1201 extending along the second direction D2 and two actuating portions 1202 extending in the third direction D3, with the operation portion 1201 being located between the two actuating portions 1202. The rod body 120 is configured such that the operation portion 1201 is slightly lower in height in the first direction D1 than the actuating portions 1202. This can limit the stroke of the operation portion 1201 moving downward in the first direction D1, avoid the operation portion 1201 being pressed too much, and inhibit the pivot portion 122 from exerting a reaction force in the first direction upward on the easy-lock connector. If necessary, the operation portion 1201 can be further processed to have a flat profile, so as to increase the area of contact with the user's fingers.

[0123] According to the embodiment of the present application, the push rod member 12 is formed by bending a metal rod, but the present application is not limited thereto. The push rod member 12 can also be formed by stamping a metal plate or by powder metallurgy (e.g. metal injection molding (MIM). The push rod member 12 can also be made of a non-metal material (e.g. a polymer material). In order to ensure sufficient strength or rigidity, the push rod member 12 is preferably made of a metal material.

[0124] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing 14. The housing 14 is formed by stamping and bending a metal plate. The housing 14 is configured to be substantially U-shaped when viewed in the first direction D1. The housing 14 has two side housing portions 141 covering at least partially the side wall portions 112 and a connecting portion 140 connecting the two side housing portions 141, the connecting portion 140 covering at least partially the back wall portion 113.

[0125] The lower edge of the side housing portion 141 has a first welding portion 1411 adjacent to the front end and a second welding portion 1412 adjacent to the back end. The first welding portion 1411 and the second welding portion 1412 can be welded to pads formed on the circuit board by surface mount technology (SMT). In this way, the easy-lock connector 10 can be stably mounted on the circuit board.

[0126] ​The side housing portion 141 is formed with a second limit recess 1414 corresponding to the first limit recess 1121. The second limit recess 1414 is open downward in the first direction D1. When the housing 14 is mounted in the insulating housing 11, the first limit recess 1121 cooperates with the second limit recess 1414 to pivotably support the pivot portion 122 of the push lever member 12. The side housing portion 141 is further formed with a stop tab 1413 positioned above the rocker arm 121 of the push lever member 12. The stop tab 1413 is used to prevent the rocker arm 121 of the push lever member 12 from pivoting upward.

[0127] The rear edge of the connecting portion 140 is formed with an engaging portion 1401 for engaging with a protrusion 1131 formed in the rear wall portion 113 of the insulating housing 11. By engaging the engaging portion 1401 with the protrusion 1131, the housing 14 is prevented from being detached from the insulating housing 11. The connecting portion 140 is formed with an alignment hole 1402. When the mating connector 20 is picked up by a robot arm and aligned with the receiving space SP of the easy lock connector 10, the alignment hole 1402 functions as an alignment mark recognizable by a machine vision system.

[0128] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The mating connector according to the embodiments of the present application is described. In the drawings: Figure 10 is a perspective view of a mating connector according to the embodiments of the present application, Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a mating connector according to the embodiments of the present application, Figure 12 is a front view of a mating connector according to the embodiments of the present application. The mating connector 20 includes a connector housing composed of an upper housing 21 and a lower housing 22, and a flat connection object 23, and the connector housing is mounted on the flat connection object 23.

[0129] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the upper housing 21, Figure 14 is a perspective view of the lower housing 22. The upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22 are formed by punching and bending a metal plate. In the present embodiment, the connector housing is a two-piece housing, but the present application is not limited thereto. The connector housing can be a single-piece housing. In the present embodiment, the connector housing is made of a metal material or an alloy material, but the present application is not limited thereto. The connector housing can be made of an insulating synthetic resin or a polymer material.

[0130] Details of the upper housing 21 are shown in Figure 11 and Figure 13The upper housing 21 has a body portion 210. The body portion 210 has a flat surface for the vacuum suction nozzle to adhere to. The body portion 210 of the upper housing 21 is formed with an alignment hole 2101. Similar to the alignment hole 1402, the alignment hole 2101 functions as an alignment mark recognizable by a machine vision system. A locking portion 211 is formed at each side edge of the body portion 210. The locking portion 211 is arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the second direction D2 and is formed with a second engagement means engageable with the first engagement means. In the state where the counterpart connector 20 is fitted with the easy-to-lock connector 10, the locking arm 133 of the locking member 13 is positioned inside the locking portion 211 of the upper housing 21, so that the first engagement means and the second engagement means are engaged. In the present embodiment, the second engagement means is embodied as a wedge-shaped protrusion 2110. Alternatively, the first engagement means can also be embodied as a wedge-shaped protrusion, and the second engagement means can also be embodied as a slot. Furthermore, two engagement portions 212 are formed at each side edge of the body portion 210.

[0131] Details of the lower housing 22 are shown in Figure 11 The lower housing 22 has a body portion 220. The body portion 220 has a recess 2201 through which a portion of the bottom surface of the flat connection object 23 can be exposed. Two first limiting portions 2202 and two second limiting portions 2203 are respectively formed at the front edge and the rear edge of the body portion 220. Two protruding portions 222 are formed at each side edge of the body portion 220. The upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22 are fixed to each other by the engagement of the protruding portions 222 and the engagement portions 212, forming a connector housing. It should be understood that the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22 do not necessarily have to be formed with engagement structures such as engagement portions or protruding portions. Alternatively, the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22 can be fixed to each other by laser welding.

[0132] Furthermore, the body portion 210 of the lower housing 22 is formed with two positioning holes 2204 cooperating with the positioning posts 1101. By the positioning posts 1101, the counterpart connector 20 is positioned in place and prevented from moving in a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 or rotating about an axis parallel to the first direction D1 in the fitted state. Thus, reliable contact between the electrode portion of the flat connection object 23 and the contact piece 15 can be ensured. The body portion 210 of the lower housing 22 is further formed with two bosses 2205 as gap adjusters. By the bosses 2205, the flat connection object 23 is prevented from shaking up and down relative to the upper housing 21 and the lower housing 22.

[0133] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the flat connection object 23. As Figure 14As shown, the flat connector 23 includes a head 231 and an extension 230. Notches 2310 are formed on each side edge of the head 231. In this embodiment, the flat connector 23 is a flexible flat cable (FFC), and the extension 230 is the cable body. Another head may be formed at the other end of the cable body. A plurality of electrode portions 2312 arranged in a second direction D2 are formed on the bottom surface of the head 231.

[0134] Refer again Figure 13 .like Figure 13 As shown, the upper housing 21 has a plurality of third limiting portions 2102 formed on its body portion 210. The third limiting portions 2102 abut against the inner edge of the notch 2310 of the flat connecting object 23, preventing the flat connecting object 23 from moving relative to the connector housing in the third direction D3. The first limiting portion 2202 and the second limiting portion 2203 formed on the lower housing 22's body portion 220 abut against the leading and trailing edges of the head 231 of the flat connecting object 23, respectively, preventing the flat connecting object 23 from moving relative to the connector housing in the third direction D3. The positioning post 1101 abuts against the inner edge of the notch 2310 of the flat connecting object 23, preventing the flat connecting object 23 from moving relative to the connector housing in the second direction D2.

[0135] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 15 and Figure 16 Instructions for releasing the lock on mating connector 20, wherein Figure 15 A schematic diagram showing the locking member 13 of the easy-lock connector 10 in the locked position. Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing the locking member 13 of the easy-lock connector 10 in the unlocked position. For ease of illustration, in Figure 15 and Figure 16 The housing 14 of the easy-lock connector 10 is not shown.

[0136] exist Figure 15 In this position, the locking member 13 is positioned above the corresponding locking position. At this time, the actuating part 1202 of the push rod member 12 is positioned above or rests on the actuated part 134 of the locking member 13. Figure 16 In the middle, the locking component 13 is located below the corresponding unlock position.

[0137] The inclined guide surface of the actuated part 134 is oriented such that the movement of the actuating part 1202 of the push rod member 12 from the upper position to the lower position in the first direction D1 causes the locking member 13 to be biased inward from the locked position to the unlocked position in the second direction D2. Therefore, the locking member 13 can be biased from the locked position to the unlocked position by pressing the operating part 1201 of the push rod member 12. In this way, the lock on the mating connector 20 is released.

[0138] Figure 17 is a schematic view showing the removal of the counterpart connector 20 from the easy lock connector 10. When the upper position of the push lever member 12 is moved to the lower position by a single operation of the operation portion 1201 of the push lever member 12, the locking member 13 is biased from the locked position to the unlocked position, so that the locking of the counterpart connector 20 is released. At this time, since the wedge-shaped protrusion as the second engagement means has been disengaged from the slot hole 1330 as the first engagement means, as shown, the counterpart connector 20 can be paired from the easy lock connector 10 in the first direction Dl. Figure 17

[0139] The easy lock connector according to the present application indeed has the advantages of low profile and good operability. In addition, the easy lock connector according to the present application is particularly suitable for use in small or thin electronic machines with compact space. In addition, the easy lock connector according to the present application is also suitable for use in the automated assembly of flat cable objects and easy lock connectors.

[0140] Although the present application is described and demonstrated with reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that there are many variations and modifications of the present application that can be derived from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the embodiments described, but is defined by the language of the claims, i.e. any equivalent variation and modification that does not deviate from the claims of the present application should still fall within the scope of the present application.​

Claims

1. An easy-to-lock connector, characterized by comprising: The easy-to-lock connector includes: an insulating housing having a receiving space into which a counterpart connector is insertable in a first direction so that at least a portion of the counterpart connector is received in the receiving space; 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 receiving space and a connection terminal portion opposite the contact portion; two locking members respectively disposed on both sides of the receiving space in the second direction, each locking member including a fixed portion, a locking arm extending from the fixed portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and an actuated portion formed at a free end of the locking arm, each locking member being configured so that the locking arm is elastically movable in the second direction between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking arm being constantly and elastically biased to the locked position, the locking arm being formed with first engagement means so that when the counterpart connector is inserted into the receiving space, the first engagement means engages with second engagement means formed on the counterpart connector to prevent the counterpart connector from being detached from the easy-to-lock connector; a push lever member including a lever body having an operation portion extending in the second direction and two actuation portions extending in the third direction at both ends of the operation portion, respectively, and two swing arms respectively formed at both ends of the lever body, the two swing arms being pivotable relative to the insulating housing about axes parallel to the second direction, the two actuation portions being configured to interact with the actuated portions of the two locking members by operating the operation portion so that movement of the two actuation portions in the first direction causes the locking arms of the two locking members to be biased away from the locked position in the second direction to release the locking of the counterpart connector.

2. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 1, wherein, The easy-to-lock connector further includes a housing fixed to the insulating housing and covering at least a portion of the insulating housing, the housing being formed with two stop tabs respectively above the two swing arms for preventing the two swing arms from swinging upward.

3. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 1, wherein, The first engagement means formed on the locking arm is in the form of a slot.

4. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 1, wherein, The actuated portion includes an inclined guide surface.

5. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 1, wherein, The insulating housing includes a flat rectangular body and a surrounding wall formed around edges of the flat rectangular body, the receiving space being defined by the flat rectangular body and the surrounding wall, the surrounding wall including a front wall portion, a rear wall portion opposite the front wall portion, and two side wall portions connecting the front wall portion and the rear wall portion, the two locking members being respectively disposed adjacent to the two side wall portions, each locking member being configured so that the fixed portion is adjacent to the front wall portion and the locking arm extends beyond the rear wall portion.

6. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 5, wherein, The push lever member is pivotally provided at the two side wall portions of the insulating housing.

7. The easy-to-lock connector of claim 5, wherein An upper inner edge of the surrounding wall is formed with a chamfer.

8. The easy-to-lock connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The insulating housing is formed with at least one positioning post for guiding insertion of the counterpart connector and limiting the counterpart connector.

9. A connector housing characterized by, The connector housing is mounted to an insertion end of a flat connection object including a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end, and a counterpart connector for the easy-lock connector according to claim 1 is constituted by the connector housing and the flat connection object, the connector housing including two lock portions arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, each of the lock portions being formed with the second engagement means engageable with the first engagement means.

10. An easy-to-lock connector assembly, characterized by The easy-lock connector according to claim 1 and a counterpart connector engageable with the easy-lock connector are included, the counterpart connector including: a flat connection object including a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end; and a connector housing mounted to the insertion end of the flat connection object, the connector housing including two lock portions arranged parallel to a plane perpendicular to the second direction, each of the lock portions being formed with the second engagement means engageable with the first engagement means.

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