Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector comprises a housing, a base station and a terminal assembly. The shell comprises a pair of first side plates which are transversely and oppositely arranged, a bottom plate and a top plate which are oppositely arranged in the thickness direction, and a tail plate, and a cavity with an opening is jointly defined by the structures; the base station is arranged in the cavity and is provided with an accommodating groove; the terminal assembly is fixedly connected to the tail plate and is provided with a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm, and the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are arranged in the accommodating groove and are respectively provided with a first contact part and a second contact part; the flexible flat cable is installed in the connector through a pressing piece and comprises a plugging part and a contact layer. The pressing piece is inserted into the containing groove in the longitudinal direction, drives the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm to move in the thickness direction, and enables the first contact part and the second contact part to be electrically connected to the contact layer. The connector prevents the flat cable and the terminal plating layer from being scratched and worn, prolongs the service life of the connector and the flat cable, and is stable and firm in connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of connector technology, specifically relating to a connector and connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Wire-to-board connectors are widely used in electronic office equipment, power systems, industrial automation systems, battery management systems, and energy storage systems due to their good transmission performance, flexible assembly, and convenient installation.

[0003] Currently, flexible flat cables (including FFC and FPC) are gradually becoming mainstream due to their advantages such as high integration and light weight. In order to further improve integration, solutions have emerged that allow direct electrical connection between the flexible flat cables and the terminals of board-end connectors.

[0004] However, in existing solutions, most flexible ribbon cables use an insert-type installation, which causes scratches at the contact points between the metal plating (gold fingers) of the flexible ribbon cable and the terminals. This severely affects the coating at the contact points and reduces the lifespan and number of insertions / removals of the flexible ribbon cable. While the solution of using the flexible ribbon cable to abut against the terminals and securing it to the board connector with a cover clip can avoid the scratching problem, this solution suffers from poor connection strength, instability, and susceptibility to foreign objects, clearly failing to meet automotive-grade requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a connector and connector assembly that prevents the flexible ribbon cable from contacting the terminal assembly during insertion into the cavity. After the flexible ribbon cable is inserted, the terminal assembly is driven to move toward the flexible ribbon cable by a clamping member and electrically connects with the flexible ribbon cable. This avoids scratching damage to the metal plating of the flexible ribbon cable due to insertion and removal, and improves the service life of the connector and the flexible ribbon cable.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following technical aspects:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a connector that can be detachably assembled with a flexible ribbon cable, the connector comprising:

[0008] The housing comprises a pair of first side plates arranged opposite each other in the lateral direction, a bottom plate and a top plate arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction, and a tail plate, wherein the bottom plate, the top plate, the first side plates and the tail plate together surround a cavity having an opening;

[0009] A base is disposed in the cavity, and the base is provided with a receiving groove;

[0010] A terminal assembly is fixedly connected to the tail plate. The terminal assembly is provided with a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are disposed in the receiving groove, and each of them is provided with a first contact portion and a second contact portion.

[0011] The flexible cable is installed in the connector by a clamping member. The flexible cable includes a plug-in portion and a contact layer disposed on the plug-in portion. The clamping member is inserted into the receiving groove in the longitudinal direction, driving the first spring arm and the second spring arm to move in the thickness direction, and electrically connecting the first contact portion and the second contact portion to the contact layer respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments, the base extends from the tail plate toward the opening, and the base also has a base surface, to which the insertion part is tightly connected;

[0013] Neither the first contact portion nor the second contact portion protrudes from the base surface before being connected to the contact layer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first spring arm and the second spring arm are inserted into the receiving groove through the tail plate, and the first spring arm is further provided with a protrusion, the protrusion, the first contact portion and the second contact portion all facing the cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, driven by the clamping member, the first spring arm abuts against the second spring arm through the protrusion, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion move toward the cavity in the thickness direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the terminal assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal;

[0017] The first terminal includes a first fixing part, a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The first fixing part is fixedly connected to the tail plate, and the first spring arm and the second spring arm are inserted into the receiving groove. The first contact part and the second contact part face the top plate.

[0018] The second terminal includes a second fixing part, a first spring arm and a second spring arm. The second fixing part is adjacent to the first fixing part and is connected to the tail plate. The first spring arm and the second spring arm are inserted into the receiving groove. The first contact part and the second contact part face the bottom plate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base is further provided with a partition, which is disposed in the receiving groove and divides the receiving groove into multiple receiving units;

[0020] The clamping component includes an integrally formed panel and a pressure plate. The pressure plate includes pressure strips and slots disposed between the pressure strips. The pressure strips are inserted into the receiving unit and drive the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm of a single set to move in the thickness direction.

[0021] In a second aspect, this embodiment provides a connector assembly, including:

[0022] The connector described above, and

[0023] A mating connector is used to mate and connect with the connector, and the flexible ribbon cable is inserted into the mating connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the mating connector includes:

[0025] The mating housing includes a pair of second side plates arranged opposite each other in the transverse direction, a first end and a second end arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, a mating bottom plate and a mating top plate arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction, and a separator. The second side plates and the separator surround the mating top plate to form a first mounting groove, and the second side plates and the separator surround the mating bottom plate to form a second mounting groove. The mating top plate and the mating bottom plate are respectively provided with a first limiting groove and a second limiting groove.

[0026] A clamping element, which is pre-installed in the first mounting groove;

[0027] A first locking element, pre-installed in the first limiting groove, is used to connect with the top plate; and

[0028] The second locking member is inserted and installed in the second limiting groove along the thickness direction to limit the installation of the flexible cable in the mating housing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first mounting groove and the second mounting groove are respectively provided with a first slot and a second slot, the clamping member is installed in the first mounting groove through the first slot, and the clamping member is provided with a third slot.

[0030] The flexible cabling includes a first cabling and a second cabling. The first cabling is inserted into the mating housing through the third slot, and the second cabling is inserted into the mating housing through the second slot.

[0031] In some embodiments, the clamping member is further provided with a top pressing part. When the clamping member is inserted into the first mounting groove and installed in place, the top pressing part simultaneously abuts against the first locking member, so that the first locking member is inserted and locks the housing and the mating housing.

[0032] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0033] 1. In the connector provided by this utility model, during installation, the contact layer of the flexible ribbon cable is not electrically connected to the first and second contact parts of the terminal assembly as the insertion part of the flexible ribbon cable enters the cavity through the opening. After the flexible ribbon cable is inserted into the cavity and in place, the clamping member is inserted into the receiving groove, and the first and second spring arms are lifted up, so that the first and second contact parts are electrically connected to the contact layer respectively, realizing the contact between the terminal assembly and the flexible ribbon cable. This avoids scratching and wear of the plating layer of the contact layer during insertion and removal, and allows for multiple insertions and removals of the flexible ribbon cable, thus improving the service life of the connector and the flexible ribbon cable.

[0034] 2. The connector provided by this utility model, under the drive of the clamping member, has the first spring arm abutting and pushing against the second spring arm through the protrusion, so that the first contact part and the second contact part are electrically connected to the contact layer respectively. This double spring arm double contact connection structure can ensure the reliability of the contact.

[0035] 3. The connector assembly provided by this utility model, by inserting the flexible flat cable into the mating connector and then mating the mating connector with the connector, makes the electrical connection structure between the flexible flat cable and the terminal assembly more robust, and at the same time further prevents foreign objects from entering the contact position between the flexible flat cable and the terminal assembly, thus meeting the application requirements for stable electrical connection. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a structural view of the connector, flexible cable, and clamping component of Example 1.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the connector structure in Example 1.

[0038] Figure 3 This is an axonometric view of the housing and base in Example 1.

[0039] Figure 4 for Figure 1 AA section view in the image.

[0040] Figure 5 This is an axonometric view of a single terminal unit in Example 1.

[0041] Figure 6 This is an axonometric view of the flexible cabling in Example 1.

[0042] Figure 7 This is an axonometric view of the first and second terminals of Example 1.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a structural view of the connector assembly in Example 2.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a view of the connector and mating connector when they are separated in Example 2.

[0045] Figure 10 This is an axonometric view of the mating connector in Example 2.

[0046] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the structure of the mating connector in Example 2.

[0047] Figure 12 A is when the clamping element is not in contact with the terminal assembly. Figure 8 BB section view in the middle.

[0048] Figure 12 When B is a clamping element abutting the terminal assembly Figure 8 BB section view in the middle.

[0049] Figure 13 This is an isometric view of the connector assembly when the clamping element is not inserted, as shown in Example 3.

[0050] Figure 14 This is an isometric view of the connector assembly when the clamping member is inserted into place, as shown in Example 3.

[0051] Marked in the image:

[0052] 100. Connector;

[0053] 200, Flexible ribbon cable; 201, Connector; 202, Contact layer; 203, First ribbon cable; 204, Second ribbon cable;

[0054] 300. Connector assembly;

[0055] 400. Matching connector;

[0056] 1. Shell; 11. First side plate; 12. Bottom plate; 13. Top plate; 14. Tail plate; 15. Opening; 16. Cavity;

[0057] 2. Base, 21. Receiving groove, 22. Base surface, 23. Partition, 24. Receiving unit;

[0058] 3. Terminal assembly, 31. First spring arm, 311. First contact portion, 312. Protrusion, 32. Second spring arm, 321. Second contact portion, 33. First terminal, 331. First fixing portion, 34. Second terminal, 341. Second fixing portion;

[0059] 4. Matching shell, 41. Second side plate, 42. First end, 43. Second end, 44. Matching bottom plate, 441. Second limiting groove, 45. Matching top plate, 451. First limiting groove, 46. Separator, 47. First mounting groove, 471. First slot, 48. Second mounting groove, 481. Second slot;

[0060] 5. Clamping parts; 51. Panel; 52. Pressure plate; 521. Pressure strip; 522. Slot; 53. Third slot; 54. Top pressing part.

[0061] 6. First locking element;

[0062] 7. Second locking element;

[0063] X, horizontal direction; Y, vertical direction; Z, thickness direction. Detailed Implementation

[0064] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0065] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0066] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0068] For ease of understanding, it should be noted that the X-axis in the graph represents the horizontal direction, the Y-axis represents the vertical direction, and the Z-axis represents the thickness direction.

[0069] Example 1:

[0070] refer to Figures 1-7This embodiment provides a connector 100 that can be detachably assembled with a flexible ribbon cable 200. It includes a housing 1, a base 2, and a terminal assembly 3. The base 2 and the terminal assembly 3 are disposed inside the housing 1. The flexible ribbon cable 200 is inserted into the housing 1, and the terminal assembly 3 and the flexible ribbon cable 200 are electrically connected by a clamping member 5.

[0071] Specifically, the shell 1 has a pair of first side plates 11 arranged opposite each other in the transverse X direction, a bottom plate 12 and a top plate 13 arranged opposite each other in the thickness Z direction, and a tail plate 14 arranged in the longitudinal Y direction. The bottom plate 12, the top plate 13, the pair of first side plates 11 and the tail plate 14 on both sides together form a cavity 16, and the cavity 16 has an opening 15 on the side opposite to the tail plate 14. The base 2 is disposed in the cavity 16 and is integrally formed with the shell 1. The base 2 is provided with a receiving groove 21, which has a insertion slot and a through slot communicating with the cavity 16. The insertion slot faces the opening 15, and the through slots face the top plate 13 and the bottom plate 12 respectively.

[0072] Terminal assembly 3 is fixedly connected to tail plate 14. Terminal assembly 3 is provided with first spring arm 31 and second spring arm 32. First spring arm 31 and second spring arm 32 are provided in receiving groove 21, and each of them is provided with first contact part 311 and second contact part 321 respectively.

[0073] The flexible ribbon cable 200 is installed in the connector 100 via the clamping member 5. The flexible ribbon cable 200 includes a plug portion 201 and a contact layer 202 disposed on the plug portion 201. During installation, the contact layer 202 faces the slot opening of the receiving groove 21, and the flexible ribbon cable 200 is inserted between the base 2 and the top plate 13 or between the base 2 and the bottom plate 12, or both. At this time, the terminal assembly 3 disposed in the receiving groove 21 does not abut against the contact layer 202, so the contact layer 202 will not scratch the terminal assembly 3 during the insertion of the flexible ribbon cable 200. The clamping member 5 is inserted into the receiving groove 21 from the opening 15 in the longitudinal Y direction, driving the first spring arm 31 and the second spring arm 32 to move in the thickness direction Z, and electrically connecting the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 to the contact layer 202 respectively.

[0074] During the entire electrical connection process, the two contact portions of the terminal assembly 3 are electrically connected to the flexible ribbon cable 200 via point contact, avoiding scratching and wear of the plating on the contact layer 202 during insertion and removal. For the flexible ribbon cable 200 and the terminal assembly 3, scratching and wear of the conductive plating will affect the electrical connection at the contact point. Furthermore, due to the scratched plating, the connection point is highly susceptible to oxidation and corrosion, affecting electrical signal transmission. In addition, in applications requiring frequent insertion and removal, plating wear and peeling caused by scratching are further aggravated, reducing the service life of the connector 100 and the flexible ribbon cable 200, as well as the number of subsequent insertions and removals.

[0075] In addition, the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 are electrically connected to the contact layer 202 respectively, realizing the connection redundancy between the connector 100 and the flexible cable 200, which meets the high requirements of electrical connection application scenarios, such as the power control system of new energy vehicles and the analysis system of intelligent driving, and ensures reliable and stable connection.

[0076] In some embodiments, the base 2 extends from the tail plate 14 to the opening 15, and the base 2 is further provided with a base surface 22, to which the insertion portion 201 is tightly connected. Through the base surface 22, the insertion portion 201 of the flexible cable 200 is constrained on the base surface 22, ensuring that the flexible cable 200 remains flat after being inserted into the connector 100. Before being connected to the contact layer 202, neither the first contact portion 311 nor the second contact portion 321 protrudes from the base surface 22, thereby preventing scratching and wear of the flexible cable 200 when inserted into the connector 100.

[0077] Furthermore, the first spring arm 31 and the second spring arm 32 are inserted into the receiving groove 21 via the tail plate 14, with the second spring arm 32 being closer to the cavity 16 than the first spring arm 31. The first spring arm 31 also has a protrusion 312, and the protrusion 312, the first contact portion 311, and the second contact portion 321 all face the cavity 16. After the flexible ribbon cable 200 is inserted into the cavity 16 of the connector 100, driven by the clamping member 5, the first spring arm 31 abuts against the second spring arm 32 through the protrusion 312, and the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 move toward the cavity 16 in the thickness direction Z. This continues until the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 protrude from the base surface 22 and achieve electrical connection with the insertion portion 201 that is in close contact with the base surface 22.

[0078] Generally, the head of the clamping member 5 has a chamfer or rounded edge for a smooth transition. After abutting the first spring arm 31, due to the gap between the first spring arm 31 and the second spring arm 32, only the first spring arm 31 elastically deforms, causing the first contact portion 311 to move towards the cavity 16. Then, the first spring arm 31 abuts the second spring arm 32, achieving simultaneous movement of the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321. While ensuring the elastic deformation and ease of insertion of the clamping member 5, the first spring arm 31 is provided with a protrusion 312 facing the cavity 16, which effectively reduces the arm width of the first spring arm 31, making deformation of the first spring arm 31 effortless. Furthermore, the protrusion 312 sequentially presses against the second spring arm 32, achieving simultaneous contact of the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 against the contact layer 202. This effectively reduces the weight of the terminal assembly 3 and makes the connection of the clamping member 5 easy and convenient.

[0079] Please Figures 1-6 Based on this, refer to Figure 7In a further embodiment, the terminal assembly 3 includes a first terminal 33 and a second terminal 34. The first terminal 33 includes a first fixing portion 331, a first spring arm 31, and a second spring arm 32. The first fixing portion 331 is fixedly connected to the tail plate 14, and the first spring arm 31 and the second spring arm 32 are inserted into the receiving groove 21. The first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 face the top plate 13. Similarly, the second terminal 34 includes a second fixing portion 341, a first spring arm 31, and a second spring arm 32. The second fixing portion 341 is adjacent to the first fixing portion 331 and is connected to the tail plate 14. The first spring arm 31 and the second spring arm 32 are inserted into the receiving groove 21, and the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 face the bottom plate 12. The other ends of the first fixing portion 331 and the second fixing portion 341 are electrically soldered to the contacts of the circuit board, and the first spring arms 31 and the second spring arms 32 of the first terminal 33 and the second terminal 34 are mirror images of each other in the thickness direction Z within the receiving groove 21. In this way, the number of contact terminals of connector 100 is increased exponentially, improving the overall data transmission capability of connector 100. The two sets of symmetrically arranged first spring arms 31 and second spring arms 32 can complete the electrical connection of the two layers of terminals with only one clamping member 5. The structure is simplified, and the size and weight are reduced.

[0080] In other embodiments, see further. Figures 1-7 To ensure that the electrical connections between terminals do not interfere with each other, the base 2 is also provided with a partition 23. The partition 23 is located in the receiving groove 21 and divides the receiving groove 21 into multiple receiving units 24. Each terminal unit of the terminal assembly 3 is located in the receiving unit 24 and is separated by the partition 23.

[0081] Meanwhile, since the receiving groove 21 is divided into multiple receiving units 24, the clamping member 5 also needs to be adjusted accordingly. That is, the clamping member 5 includes an integrally formed panel 51 and a pressure plate 52. The pressure plate 52 includes a pressure strip 521 and a slot 522 provided between the pressure strips 521. The pressure strip 521 is inserted into the receiving unit 24 and drives the first spring arm 31 and the second spring arm 32 of a single set to move in the thickness direction Z.

[0082] By setting the partition 23, the requirements for high-frequency and high-speed data transmission can be met, signal interference between terminals can be reduced, and the connector 100 can meet higher data transmission requirements. Structurally, with the partition 23, the base 2 has better structural strength.

[0083] In the connector provided in this embodiment, during installation, the contact layer of the flexible cable's insertion portion is not electrically connected to the first and second contact portions as it passes through the opening. Once the flexible cable is inserted into the cavity and in place, the clamping member is inserted into the receiving groove, causing the first and second spring arms to be lifted, thus electrically connecting the first and second contact portions to the contact layer. This achieves point contact between the terminal assembly and the flexible cable, preventing scratches and wear on the contact layer's plating during insertion and removal, and improving the service life and insertion / removal cycles of the terminal assembly and the flexible cable.

[0084] Secondly, driven by the clamping component, the first spring arm abuts against and pushes up the second spring arm through the protrusion, so that the first contact part and the second contact part are electrically connected to the contact layer respectively. This double spring arm double contact connection structure can ensure the reliability of the contact.

[0085] Example 2:

[0086] exist Figures 1-7 Based on, refer to Figures 8-12 This embodiment provides a connector assembly 300, including the connector 100 described in Embodiment 1, and a mating connector 400 that mates with the connector 100. A flexible ribbon cable 200 is inserted into the mating connector 400. Through the mating connector 400, the flexible ribbon cable 200 can be pre-fixed, protecting the insertion portion 201 of the flexible ribbon cable 200 from bending and damage during insertion. Furthermore, by mating the connector 400 with the connector 100, the electrical connection structure between the flexible ribbon cable 200 and the terminal assembly 3 is more robust, and foreign objects are prevented from entering the contact area, thus meeting automotive-grade connection requirements.

[0087] In a further embodiment, the mating connector 400 includes: a mating housing 4, a clamping member 5, a first locking member 6, and a second locking member 7. The mating housing 4 includes a pair of second side plates 41 disposed opposite each other in the transverse X direction, a first end plate 42 and a second end plate 43 disposed opposite each other in the longitudinal Y direction, a mating bottom plate 44 and a mating top plate 45 disposed opposite each other in the thickness Z direction, and a separator 46. The second side plates 41 and the separator 46 surround the mating top plate 45 to form a first mounting groove 47, and the second side plates 41 and the separator 46 surround the mating bottom plate 44 to form a second mounting groove 48. The mating top plate 45 and the mating bottom plate 44 are respectively provided with a first limiting groove 451 and a second limiting groove 441.

[0088] The first locking member 6 is pre-installed in the first limiting groove 451 for connection with the top plate 13. The second locking member 7 is inserted and installed in the second limiting groove 441 along the thickness direction Z for limiting the installation of the flexible cable 200 in the mating housing 4.

[0089] During installation, the flexible ribbon cable 200 is first inserted into the second mounting groove 48 from the second end 43, and the clamping member 5 is pre-installed in the first mounting groove 47. When the flexible ribbon cable 200 is in place, the second locking member 7 confines the flexible ribbon cable 200 within the mating housing 4, thus restricting the movement of the flexible ribbon cable 200 in the longitudinal Y direction. In this embodiment, the insertion portion 201 of the flexible ribbon cable 200 is provided with a groove or hole that matches the second locking member 7 near the second side plate 41.

[0090] Once the flexible cable 200 is fixed, the first end 42 of the mating housing 4 can be inserted into the cavity 16. When the mating housing 4 is inserted into place, the flexible cable 200 is tightly attached to the base surface 22. At this time, pushing the first locking member 6 into the cavity 16 will lock the housing 1 and the mating housing 4 in the longitudinal Y direction. Then, pushing the clamping member 5 will electrically connect the first contact portion 311 and the second contact portion 321 to the contact layer 202 of the flexible cable 200.

[0091] Specifically, the first mounting groove 47 and the second mounting groove 48 are respectively provided with a first slot 471 and a second slot 481 at their second ends 43. The clamping member 5 is installed in the first mounting groove 47 through the first slot 471, and the clamping member 5 is provided with a third slot 53. The flexible cable 200 includes a first cable 203 and a second cable 204. The first cable 203 is inserted into the mating housing 4 through the third slot 53, and the second cable 204 is inserted into the mating housing 4 through the second slot 481. With the third slot 53, the clamping member 5 is easier to operate when pushed into the first mounting groove 47, avoiding the possibility of poor contact or damage to the first cable 203 due to contact during the operation of the clamping member 5.

[0092] In some embodiments, a second second mounting groove 48 is provided on the mating top plate 45 between the first mounting groove 47 and the first limiting groove 451. The first ribbon cable 203 passes through the third slot 53 first and then is inserted into the second mounting groove 48, thereby connecting and fixing with the mating housing 4.

[0093] In summary, the connector assembly provided in this embodiment, by inserting the flexible ribbon cable into the mating connector and then mating the mating connector with the connector, makes the electrical connection structure between the flexible ribbon cable and the terminal assembly more robust, and also further prevents foreign objects from entering the contact position between the flexible ribbon cable and the terminal assembly, thus meeting automotive-grade requirements.

[0094] Example 3:

[0095] Please Figures 1-12 Based on, combined with reference Figures 13-14This embodiment is an adjustment based on the connector assembly 300 of embodiment 2. Unlike embodiment 2, the clamping member 5 is also provided with a top pressing part 54. When the clamping member 5 is inserted into the first mounting groove 47 and installed in place, the top pressing part 54 simultaneously abuts against the first locking member 6, so that the first locking member 6 is inserted and locks the housing 1 and the mating housing 4.

[0096] The clamping member 5 with the top pressing part 54 will prevent the mating housing 4 from loosening after the clamping member 5 is inserted when the connector 100 is installed with the mating connector 400 due to the first locking member 6 not being inserted and locked. This reduces the possibility of unstable connection of the connector assembly 300 due to loosening and scratch damage to the terminal assembly 3 and flexible cable 200 due to loosening.

[0097] The above description is merely an example and illustration of the structure of this invention, and while the description is specific and detailed, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this invention, and these obvious substitutions all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A connector that is detachably assembled with a flexible ribbon cable (200), characterized in that, The connector (100) includes: The housing (1) includes a pair of first side plates (11) arranged opposite each other in the transverse (X) direction, a bottom plate (12) and a top plate (13) arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction (Z) direction, and a tail plate (14), wherein the bottom plate (12), the top plate (13), the first side plates (11) and the tail plate (14) together surround a cavity (16) having an opening (15); A base (2) is disposed in the cavity (16), and the base (2) is provided with a receiving groove (21); Terminal assembly (3) is fixedly connected to the tail plate (14). The terminal assembly (3) is provided with a first spring arm (31) and a second spring arm (32). The first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32) are provided in the receiving groove (21), and the two are respectively provided with a first contact part (311) and a second contact part (321). The flexible ribbon cable (200) is installed in the connector (100) by a clamping member (5). The flexible ribbon cable (200) includes a plug-in portion (201) and a contact layer (202) disposed on the plug-in portion (201). The clamping member (5) is inserted into the receiving groove (21) in the longitudinal direction (Y), drives the first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32) to move in the thickness direction (Z), and makes the first contact portion (311) and the second contact portion (321) electrically connected to the contact layer (202) respectively.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (2) extends from the tail plate (14) toward the opening (15), and the base (2) is also provided with a base surface (22), and the plug-in part (201) is closely connected to the base surface (22); Before the first contact portion (311) and the second contact portion (321) are connected to the contact layer (202), neither of them protrudes from the base surface (22).

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32) are inserted into the receiving groove (21) through the tail plate (14). The first spring arm (31) is also provided with a protrusion (312). The protrusion (312), the first contact part (311) and the second contact part (321) all face the cavity (16).

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, Driven by the clamping member (5), the first spring arm (31) abuts against the second spring arm (32) through the protrusion (312), and the first contact part (311) and the second contact part (321) move toward the cavity (16) in the thickness direction (Z).

5. The connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The terminal assembly (3) includes a first terminal (33) and a second terminal (34); The first terminal (33) includes a first fixing part (331), a first spring arm (31) and a second spring arm (32). The first fixing part (331) is fixedly connected to the tail plate (14). The first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32) are inserted into the receiving groove (21). The first contact part (311) and the second contact part (321) face the top plate (13). The second terminal (34) includes a second fixing part (341), a first spring arm (31) and a second spring arm (32). The second fixing part (341) is adjacent to the first fixing part (331) and is connected to the tail plate (14). The first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32) are inserted into the receiving groove (21). The first contact part (311) and the second contact part (321) face the bottom plate (12).

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The base (2) is also provided with a partition (23), which is located in the receiving groove (21) and divides the receiving groove (21) into multiple receiving units (24); The clamping member (5) includes an integrally formed panel (51) and a pressure plate (52). The pressure plate (52) includes a pressure strip (521) and a slot (522) provided between the pressure strips (521). The pressure strip (521) is inserted into the receiving unit (24) and drives the first spring arm (31) and the second spring arm (32) of a single set to move in the thickness direction (Z).

7. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, and A mating connector (400) is mated and connected to the connector (100), and the flexible ribbon cable (200) is inserted into the mating connector (400).

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mating connector (400) includes: The mating housing (4) includes a pair of second side plates (41) arranged opposite each other in the transverse (X) direction, a first end (42) and a second end (43) arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal (Y) direction, a mating bottom plate (44) and a mating top plate (45) arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction (Z), and a separator (46). The second side plates (41) and the separator (46) surround the mating top plate (45) to form a first mounting groove (47), and the second side plates (41) and the separator (46) surround the mating bottom plate (44) to form a second mounting groove (48). The mating top plate (45) and the mating bottom plate (44) are respectively provided with a first limiting groove (451) and a second limiting groove (441). A clamping element (5) is pre-installed in the first mounting groove (47); A first locking element (6) is pre-installed in the first limiting groove (451) for connection with the top plate (13); and The second locking member (7) is inserted and installed in the second limiting groove (441) along the thickness direction (Z) to limit the installation of the flexible cable (200) in the mating housing (4).

9. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first mounting groove (47) and the second mounting groove (48) are respectively provided with a first groove (471) and a second groove (481). The clamping member (5) is installed in the first mounting groove (47) through the first groove (471). The clamping member (5) is provided with a third groove (53). The flexible cabling (200) includes a first cabling (203) and a second cabling (204). The first cabling (203) is inserted into the mating housing (4) through the third slot (53), and the second cabling (204) is inserted into the mating housing (4) through the second slot (481).

10. The connector assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clamping member (5) is also provided with a top pressing part (54). When the clamping member (5) is inserted into the first mounting groove (47) and installed in place, the top pressing part (54) simultaneously abuts against the first locking member (6), so that the first locking member (6) is inserted and locks the housing (1) and the mating housing (4).

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