FPC connector with self-locking structure

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of FPC connectors with self-locking structure in connector field, including glue core, signal terminal and ground terminal, signal terminal and ground terminal are fixed in glue core, self-locking mechanism is equipped on the glue core, self-locking mechanism includes elastic reset piece, lock catch and press unlocking part, press unlocking part movably assembled in glue core, plug-in slot is provided in glue core, lock catch is integrally formed in the end of press unlocking part towards plug-in slot, signal terminal, ground terminal and lock catch are extended into plug-in slot, the end of press unlocking part away from lock catch extends to the surface of glue core, the surface of lock catch is provided with extrusion inclined plane, elastic reset piece one end is fixedly connected with glue core, the other end is elastically abutted with press unlocking part, operating personnel can directly judge whether the flat cable is inserted in place by observing whether press unlocking part restores to initial position, intuitively and accurately, completely solve the problem that flat cable insertion state cannot be determined in prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of connectors, and in particular to an FPC connector with a self-locking structure. Background Technology

[0002] FPC connectors are key interface components used to connect flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) to other electronic components. They are widely used in various portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and digital cameras. With their compact structure, reliable connection, and strong adaptability, they play a vital role in the signal transmission systems of electronic devices, enabling stable electrical connections between flexible cables and motherboards or other functional modules, ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.

[0003] In existing technologies, common FPC connectors typically only have basic plug-in and unplug-out functions, lacking an effective mechanism for determining the cable's connection status. When an operator inserts an FPC cable into the connector, because the connector's internal structure is opaque and lacks corresponding feedback devices, it is impossible to determine whether the cable is fully inserted through visual observation or a clear signal. In this situation, if the cable is not properly inserted or inserted, it can easily lead to malfunctions such as signal transmission interruption, poor contact, and functional failure in electronic devices. This not only affects the normal use of the equipment but may also increase the difficulty and cost of subsequent testing and repair. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this utility model provides an FPC connector with a self-locking structure, which can effectively solve the technical problem of not being able to determine whether the ribbon cable is properly inserted.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] An FPC connector with a self-locking structure includes a core, signal terminals, and ground terminals. The signal terminals and ground terminals are fixed inside the core. The core is provided with a self-locking mechanism, which includes an elastic reset member, a latch, and a press-to-unlock part. The press-to-unlock part is movably assembled in the core. A mating groove is provided inside the core. The latch is integrally formed on the end of the press-to-unlock part facing the mating groove. The signal terminals, ground terminals, and latch all extend into the mating groove. The end of the press-to-unlock part away from the latch extends to the surface of the core. The surface of the latch is provided with a pressing bevel. One end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the core, and the other end elastically abuts against the press-to-unlock part. The elastic reset member generates a continuous force on the press-to-unlock part. When the press-to-unlock part is pressed, it drives the latch away from the mating groove and compresses the elastic reset member.

[0007] Furthermore, the elastic reset member is a helical spring, which is arranged along the movement direction of the pressing and unlocking part. One end of the elastic reset member is embedded in the rubber core, and the other end abuts against the pressing and unlocking part.

[0008] Furthermore, the core is provided with a guide hole, and the pressing unlocking part is provided with a guide post that fits with the guide hole with a gap. The axis of the guide hole is perpendicular to the axis of the insertion groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the end of the press-to-unlock part away from the latch is provided with a press cap, which extends to the surface of the rubber core, and the surface of the press cap is provided with anti-slip texture.

[0010] Furthermore, an "L"-shaped limiting block is provided inside the core, and a limiting groove that cooperates with the positioning block is provided on the side wall of the pressing unlocking part.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer wall of the rubber core is provided with strip-shaped protrusions extending along the length of the rubber core, and the two side walls of the strip-shaped protrusions are transitioned to the outer wall of the rubber core through arc surfaces.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are: the self-locking mechanism significantly improves the reliability and convenience of using the FPC connector. The locking buckle and the press-to-unlock part are integrally molded, ensuring completely synchronized movement during operation, effectively improving structural stability and consistency of action. When the FPC cable is inserted into the connector slot, the cable pushes the locking buckle to move by pressing the inclined surface of the locking buckle. At this time, the press-to-unlock part moves synchronously with the locking buckle and compresses the elastic reset member. When the cable is fully inserted, the elastic reset member pushes the press-to-unlock part and the locking buckle to reset, and the locking buckle snaps into the corresponding slot of the cable, achieving self-locking fixation. Since the end of the press-to-unlock part away from the locking buckle extends to the surface of the core, the operator can directly observe whether the press-to-unlock part has returned to its initial position, intuitively and accurately judging whether the cable is inserted correctly, completely solving the problem of not being able to determine the cable insertion status in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a rear-view perspective view of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rubber core and signal terminals in this utility model;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the press-to-unlock part, the latch, and the rubber core in this utility model;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ribbon cable insertion in this utility model;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ribbon cable after insertion in this utility model;

[0019] The numbers in the diagram are: 1-core, 101-insertion slot, 102-guide hole, 2-signal terminal, 3-grounding terminal, 4-elastic reset component, 5-lock, 501-pressing bevel, 6-press unlocking part, 601-guide post, 7-ribbed cable. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] The following is combined with Figures 1-6 A detailed description of an FPC connector with a self-locking structure according to this utility model is provided below:

[0022] An FPC connector with a self-locking structure includes a core 1, a signal terminal 2, and a ground terminal 3. The signal terminal 2 and the ground terminal 3 are both fixed inside the core 1. The core 1 is provided with a self-locking mechanism, which includes an elastic reset member 4, a latch 5, and a press-to-unlock part 6. The press-to-unlock part 6 is movably assembled in the core 1. A mating groove 101 is provided inside the core 1. The latch 5 is integrally formed on the end of the press-to-unlock part 6 facing the mating groove 101. The signal terminal 2, the ground terminal 3, and the latch 5 all extend into the mating groove 101. The end of the press-to-unlock part 6 away from the latch 5 extends to the surface of the core 1. The surface of the latch 5 is provided with a pressing bevel 501. One end of the elastic reset member 4 is fixedly connected to the core 1, and the other end elastically abuts against the press-to-unlock part 6. The elastic reset member 4 generates a continuous force on the press-to-unlock part 6. When the press-to-unlock part 6 is pressed, the latch 5 is driven away from the mating groove 101 and the elastic reset member 4 is compressed.

[0023] The self-locking mechanism significantly improves the reliability and ease of use of the FPC connector. The locking buckle 5 and the press-to-unlock part 6 are integrally molded, ensuring completely synchronized movement during operation, effectively enhancing structural stability and consistency. When the FPC cable 7 is inserted into the insertion slot 101, the cable 7 pushes the locking buckle 5 by pressing the pressing bevel 501 on its surface. Simultaneously, the press-to-unlock part 6 moves synchronously with the locking buckle 5, compressing the elastic reset member 4. Once the cable 7 is fully inserted, the elastic reset member 4 pushes the press-to-unlock part 6 and the locking buckle 5 back to their original positions, and the locking buckle 5 snaps into the corresponding slot of the cable 7, achieving self-locking. Since the end of the press-to-unlock part 6 furthest from the locking buckle 5 extends to the surface of the core 1, operators can directly observe whether the press-to-unlock part 6 has returned to its initial position, intuitively and accurately determining whether the cable 7 is properly inserted, completely solving the problem of not being able to determine the insertion status of the cable 7 in existing technologies.

[0024] The elastic reset element 4 is a helical spring, arranged along the movement direction of the pressing and unlocking part 6. One end of the elastic reset element 4 is embedded in the rubber core 1, and the other end abuts against the pressing and unlocking part 6. Using a helical spring as the elastic reset element 4 ensures stable elasticity and deformation characteristics that match the movement requirements of the pressing and unlocking part 6, providing a continuous and uniform reset force. Its arrangement along the pressing direction ensures precise force transmission and avoids structural jamming caused by lateral forces. The spring's one end being embedded in the rubber core 1 for stable fixation, while the other end directly abuts against the pressing and unlocking part 6, simplifies the assembly structure and improves the response sensitivity and service life of the reset mechanism.

[0025] The core 1 has a guide hole 102, and the press-to-unlock part 6 is equipped with a guide post 601 that fits with the guide hole 102 with a clearance. The axis of the guide hole 102 is perpendicular to the axis of the insertion groove 101. The fit between the guide hole 102 and the guide post 601 provides precise guidance for the movement of the press-to-unlock part 6, ensuring that it moves only in the set direction and avoiding misalignment of the latch 5 due to offset. The clearance fit ensures smooth movement and limits unnecessary shaking. The design that the axis of the guide hole 102 is perpendicular to the axis of the insertion groove 101 creates a reasonable angle between the pressing action and the insertion direction of the ribbon cable 7, optimizing the layout of the operating space and improving the stability of the structural movement.

[0026] The pressing unlocking part 6 has a pressing cap at the end away from the latch 5. The pressing cap extends to the surface of the rubber core 1, and the surface of the pressing cap has anti-slip textures. The pressing cap increases the operating contact area, making the unlocking pressing action more effortless and convenient. Its design of extending to the surface of the rubber core 1 further enhances the visual judgment effect of the insertion status. The anti-slip textures can effectively increase the friction during operation, preventing fingers from slipping, and can improve the accuracy and efficiency of operation, especially in precision assembly environments.

[0027] An "L"-shaped limiting block is provided inside the core 1, and a limiting groove that cooperates with the positioning block is provided on the side wall of the pressing unlocking part 6. The cooperation of the "L"-shaped limiting block and the limiting groove forms a double limiting structure, which can limit the maximum pressing stroke of the pressing unlocking part 6 to prevent damage to the elastic reset part 4 due to excessive operation, and also restrain its rotation or displacement during the movement process to ensure the accuracy of the movement trajectory of the latch 5. This significantly improves the anti-misoperation capability of the self-locking mechanism and the overall structural safety.

[0028] The outer wall of the core 1 has strip-shaped protrusions extending along its length. The two side walls of the strip-shaped protrusions transition into the outer wall of the core 1 through rounded surfaces. The strip-shaped protrusions enhance the mechanical strength of the overall structure of the core 1, effectively dispersing stress, especially during connector insertion and removal, and preventing deformation of the core 1 due to long-term use. The rounded surface transition design eliminates structural sharp corners, preventing scratches to operators during assembly, reducing the risk of interference with surrounding components, and improving the product's grip and ease of assembly.

[0029] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An FPC connector with a self-locking structure, comprising a core, signal terminals, and a grounding terminal, wherein the signal terminals and the grounding terminal are both fixed within the core, characterized in that: The core is equipped with a self-locking mechanism, which includes an elastic reset member, a latch, and a press-to-unlock part. The press-to-unlock part is movably assembled in the core, and a insertion groove is provided inside the core. The latch is integrally formed on the end of the press-to-unlock part facing the insertion groove. The signal terminal, ground terminal, and latch all extend into the insertion groove. The end of the press-to-unlock part away from the latch extends to the surface of the core, and the surface of the latch is provided with a pressing bevel. One end of the elastic reset member is fixedly connected to the core, and the other end elastically abuts against the press-to-unlock part. The elastic reset member generates a continuous force on the press-to-unlock part. When the press-to-unlock part is pressed, it drives the latch away from the insertion groove and compresses the elastic reset member.

2. The FPC connector with a self-locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic reset component is a helical spring, which is arranged along the direction of movement of the pressing and unlocking part. One end of the elastic reset component is embedded in the rubber core, and the other end abuts against the pressing and unlocking part.

3. The FPC connector with a self-locking structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The core is provided with a guide hole, and the pressing unlocking part is provided with a guide post that fits the guide hole with a gap. The axis of the guide hole is perpendicular to the axis of the insertion groove.

4. An FPC connector with a self-locking structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The end of the press-to-unlock part away from the latch is provided with a press cap, which extends to the surface of the rubber core, and the surface of the press cap is provided with anti-slip texture.

5. An FPC connector with a self-locking structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The core is provided with an "L"-shaped limiting block, and the side wall of the pressing unlocking part is provided with a limiting groove that cooperates with the positioning block.

6. An FPC connector with a self-locking structure according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The outer wall of the rubber core is provided with strip-shaped protrusions extending along the length of the rubber core, and the two side walls of the strip-shaped protrusions are transitioned to the outer wall of the rubber core through arc surfaces.

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