A self-locking flat cable connector

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of self-locking flat cable connectors, including insulating shell, lock catch, conducting terminal and elastic member;Insulating shell is equipped with cable insertion cavity;Conducting terminal has contact part;Lock catch is movably installed on insulating shell, lock catch is equipped with lock hook, and elastic member is used to apply elastic force to lock catch in the direction of locking direction, so that lock hook is inserted into cable insertion cavity in locking state, and the side of the insertion port direction of cable insertion cavity on lock hook is equipped with slope;Self-locking flat cable connector in the utility model is reasonable in structure, when using, during inserting flat cable, flat cable is lifted up lock hook by slope, so that lock catch is slightly overturned;After cable is inserted in place, elastic force drives lock hook to be automatically clamped into the lock hook clamping groove on flat cable, and one-way straight insertion type self-locking is completed;The structure saves the step of manually opening and closing lock catch, significantly simplifies operation, improves assembly efficiency and user experience, and has strong practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connector technology, and in particular to a self-locking flat cable connector. Background Technology

[0002] Flat cable connectors (such as FFC / FPC connectors) are important electronic interconnect components widely used in consumer electronics, communication equipment, automotive electronics, and other fields to achieve electrical connections between circuit boards and flexible flat cables. One of the core requirements for these connectors is to have a reliable locking mechanism to ensure that the cable does not loosen under harsh conditions such as vibration and impact, and to maintain stable conductive contact.

[0003] Currently, the most common type of connector on the market is the flip-top locking connector. This structure mainly includes an insulating shell, conductive terminals, and a locking element positioned by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Specifically, the locking element and the insulating shell have mating protrusions and slots. When the locking element is flipped to the closed (locked) state, the protrusions and slots engage, fixing the locking element to the shell, and thus pressing the flat cable onto the conductive terminals. This traditional snap-fit ​​locking method has significant drawbacks: when connecting the cable, the user must perform three distinct steps: "open to unlock - insert cable - close and lock." First, the user must manually release the snap-fit ​​connection and flip the locking element open; then, insert the flat cable; and finally, manually flip the locking element back to the closed position so that its locking block engages with the locking hook slot on the flat cable, and the protrusions and slots re-engage. The entire flat cable connection process involves many steps and is inconvenient to operate, especially in confined spaces or when mass assembly is required, impacting production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] In response to this, the present invention provides a self-locking flat cable connector that facilitates the connection of flat cables.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model provides a self-locking flat cable connector, including an insulating shell, a locking element, a conductive terminal, and an elastic element; the insulating shell has a cable cavity for inserting a flat cable; the conductive terminal is fixed on the insulating shell and has a contact portion extending into the cable cavity; the locking element is mounted on the insulating shell; the locking element is movably mounted on the insulating shell, and the locking element has a locking hook for locking the flat cable; the elastic element applies an elastic force to the locking element in a locking direction, so that when locked, the locking hook extends into the cable cavity; the locking hook has a ramp on the side facing the insertion port of the cable cavity.

[0007] Preferably, the locking element has connecting shafts at both ends, and the insulating housing has connecting grooves at both ends. The connecting shafts are rotatably accommodated in the connecting grooves, so that the locking element can rotate relative to the insulating housing.

[0008] Preferably, the elastic element is an integrally molded part, which includes a fixed connection part and an elastic pressing part. The fixed connection part is fixedly connected to the insulating shell, and the elastic pressing part is connected to the fixed connection part and elastically abuts against the locking element.

[0009] Preferably, the fixed connection part includes an i-shaped fastening part, which is fastened to the side end of the insulating shell.

[0010] Preferably, the fixed connection part is provided with a fixed insert, and the insulating shell is provided with a fixed slot that fits tightly with the fixed insert; or / and, the fixed connection part is provided with a positioning reinforcement part, and the insulating shell is provided with a positioning slot that cooperates with the positioning reinforcement part.

[0011] Preferably, the elastic element is installed at both ends of the insulating shell, and the elastic element is provided with a stop portion. When the locking element rotates in the unlocking direction, it abuts against the stop portion to limit the maximum unlocking angle of the locking element.

[0012] Preferably, the elastic element further includes a welding foot connected to the fixed connection portion, the welding foot being used for fixed connection with the circuit board.

[0013] Preferably, the conducting terminal includes a signal terminal for signal transmission and a grounding terminal for grounding.

[0014] Preferably, the cable insertion cavity sidewall is provided with an opening, and the locking member is provided with an inspection window at a position corresponding to the opening. When the locking member is in the locked state, the inspection window and the opening together form a visual channel, so that the flat cable can be observed from the outside to see whether it is inserted in place.

[0015] Preferably, the inspection window is located near the locking hook, the opening is a strip-shaped hole arranged along the insertion direction of the flat cable, and when the locking fastener is in the locked state, the locking hook extends into the cable insertion cavity through the strip-shaped hole.

[0016] The positive effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model optimizes the structure of the self-locking flat cable connector. By movably installing the locking fastener and setting an elastic element, it achieves automatic locking of the flat cable. Its beneficial effects are: when the flat cable is inserted into the cable cavity through the insertion port, there is no need to manually operate the locking fastener to flip open. During the insertion stage, the flat cable will come into contact with the ramp of the locking hook, and as the flat cable is inserted, a force is applied to the locking hook, causing the locking fastener to flip a certain distance in the unlocking direction. When the flat cable is in place, the elastic force of the elastic element causes the locking hook to automatically engage with the locking hook groove on the flat cable, completing the one-way direct insertion self-locking, thereby simplifying the operation steps, improving assembly efficiency and user experience; at the same time, it creates favorable conditions for automated production. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the self-locking flat cable connector (horizontal type) of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-locking flat cable connector (horizontal type) in use according to this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The top view of the self-locking flat cable connector shown.

[0021] Figure 4 For along Figure 3 A sectional view cut along line AA.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the self-locking flat cable connector of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the self-locking flat cable connector (vertical type) in use according to this utility model.

[0025] The reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1. Insulating shell; 11. Cable cavity; 12. Insertion port; 13. Connecting groove; 14. Fixing slot; 15. Positioning slot; 16. Opening; 2. Locking fastener; 21. Locking hook; 22. Ramp; 23. Connecting shaft; 24. Inspection window; 3. Conductive terminal; 30. Contact part; 31. Signal terminal; 32. Grounding terminal; 4. Elastic element; 41. Fixing connection part; 411. C-shaped fastening part; 412. Fixing insert; 413. Positioning reinforcement part; 42. Elastic pressing part; 43. Stop part; 44. Welding foot; 5. Flat cable; 51. Locking hook slot. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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.

[0027] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0028] The self-locking flat cable connector structure in this embodiment of the utility model is suitable for vertical structures (such as...). Figure 7 As shown), it is also applicable to horizontal structures (such as...). Figures 1 to 6 (As shown).

[0029] This embodiment uses a horizontal structure as an example for detailed explanation. See [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 6As shown, the self-locking flat cable connector includes an insulating housing 1, a locking element 2, a conductive terminal 3, and an elastic element 4. The insulating housing 1 has a cable cavity 11 for inserting a flat cable 5. The conductive terminal 3 is fixed on the insulating housing 1 and has a contact portion 30 extending into the cable cavity 11, through which an electrical connection is achieved by contacting the flat cable 5. The locking element 2 is mounted on the insulating housing 1 to lock the flat cable 5. The locking element 2 is movably mounted on the insulating housing 1 and has a locking hook 21 for locking the flat cable 5. The elastic element 4 applies an elastic force to the locking element 2 in a locking direction, so that when locked, the locking hook 21 extends into the cable cavity 11. The locking hook 21 has a ramp 22 on the side facing the insertion port 12 of the cable cavity 11. In this embodiment, the locking element 2... The installation and setting of the elastic element 4 enables the automatic locking of the flat cable 5. Its advantages are as follows: when the flat cable 5 is inserted into the cable cavity 11 through the insertion port 12, there is no need for manual operation to flip and open the locking element 2. During the insertion phase, the flat cable 5 will contact the ramp 22 of the locking hook 21. As the flat cable 5 is inserted, a force is applied to the locking hook 21, causing the locking element 2 to flip a certain distance in the unlocking direction. When the flat cable 5 is in place, the elastic force of the elastic element 4 causes the locking hook 21 to automatically engage with the locking hook groove 51 on the flat cable 5, completing a one-way direct insertion self-locking mechanism. This simplifies the operation steps, improves assembly efficiency and user experience, and creates favorable conditions for automated production. When it is necessary to remove the flat cable 5, flipping the locking element 2 in the unlocking direction disengages the locking hook 21 from the locking hook groove 51 on the flat cable 5, allowing the flat cable 5 to be removed.

[0030] See Figure 5 The locking element 2 has connecting shafts 23 at both ends, and the insulating housing 1 has connecting grooves 13 at both ends. The connecting shafts 23 are rotatably housed in the connecting grooves 13, so that the locking element 2 can rotate relative to the insulating housing 1. The reliable rotation of the locking element 2 is achieved by the cooperation between the connecting shafts 23 and the connecting grooves 13. The assembly is simple, the movement trajectory is clear, and the locking element 2 can be flexibly and accurately switched between the locked and unlocked states.

[0031] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the elastic element 4 is an integrally molded part, which includes a fixed connection part 41 and an elastic pressing part 42. The fixed connection part 41 is fixedly connected to the insulating shell 1, and the elastic pressing part 42 is connected to the fixed connection part 41 and elastically abuts against the locking element 2. The integrally molded elastic element 4, which is usually stamped, has a simple structure and reliable performance. The combination of the fixed connection part 41 and the elastic pressing part 42 can continuously provide a stable and consistent elastic locking force for the locking element 2.

[0032] See Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fixed connection part 41 includes an inverted fastening part 411, which is fastened to the side end of the insulating shell 1. This kind of engagement can reliably connect the fixed connection part 41 to the insulating shell 1, ensuring the stability of the elastic element 4 installation, and is also easy to assemble.

[0033] Continue reading Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fixed connection part 41 is provided with a fixed insert 412, and the insulating shell 1 is provided with a fixed slot 14 that fits tightly with the fixed insert 412. The tight fit between the fixed insert 412 and the fixed slot 14 provides a firm fixation and effectively prevents the elastic element 4 from loosening. As a further supplement or as an alternative to the fixed insert, a positioning reinforcement part 413 can also be provided on the fixed connection part 41, and a positioning groove 15 that engages with the positioning reinforcement part 413 can be provided on the insulating shell 1 to ensure the stability of the installation of the elastic element 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, elastic elements 4 are installed at both ends of the insulating housing 1. Each elastic element 4 has a stop 43. When the locking element 2 rotates in the unlocking direction, it abuts against the stop 43 to limit the maximum unlocking angle of the locking element 2. Firstly, by providing elastic elements 4 at both ends of the insulating housing 1, a stable locking force can be provided for the locking element 2. At the same time, the abutting cooperation between the stop 43 and the locking element 2 limits the flipping angle of the locking element 2, which can prevent the locking element 2 from over-flipping when it is opened for unlocking, thus preventing the elastic element 4 from being over-deformed and failing, thereby improving the durability of the product. In actual operation, when the connector is long, in addition to providing elastic elements 4 at both ends of the insulating housing 1, an additional elastic element 4 can be added in the middle of the insulating housing 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the elastic element 4 also includes a welding foot 44 connected to the fixed connection part 41. The welding foot 44 is used for fixed connection with the circuit board. During installation and use, fixing the welding foot 44 to the circuit board can enhance the stability of the self-locking flat cable connector on the circuit board.

[0036] See Figure 5 As shown, the conductive terminal 3 includes a signal terminal 31 and a ground terminal 32. The signal terminal 31 can establish a stable electrical signal transmission channel; while the ground terminal 32 establishes an effective grounding loop, shields interference, ensures the stability of electrical signal transmission, and guarantees the performance of the connector.

[0037] See Figure 4 and Figure 5The cable insertion cavity 11 has an opening 16 on its side wall, and the locking member 2 has an inspection window 24 at a position corresponding to the opening 16. When the locking member 2 is in the locked state, the inspection window 24 and the opening 16 together form a visual channel, allowing the operator to observe from the outside whether the flat cable 5 is inserted in place. This structural design allows the operator to directly confirm whether the flat cable 5 has been inserted in place and is in the correct locked state through the visual channel when the flat cable 5 is connected, which facilitates quick inspection and troubleshooting and improves the maintainability of the product.

[0038] In some embodiments, see Figure 4 As shown, the inspection window 24 is located near the locking hook 21, and the opening 16 is a strip-shaped hole arranged along the insertion direction of the flat cable 5. When the locking fastener 2 is in the locked state, the locking hook 21 extends into the cable insertion cavity 11 through the strip-shaped hole. This arrangement allows the observation window to be directly aligned with the working area of ​​the locking hook 21, which can most intuitively display the engagement state of the locking hook 21 and the locking hook slot 51. The strip-shaped hole provides the necessary space for the up and down movement of the locking hook 21, and at the same time facilitates the observation of the engagement part of the locking hook 21 and the locking hook slot 51.

[0039] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A self-locking flat cable connector, comprising an insulating housing (1), a locking element (2), a conductive terminal (3), and an elastic element (4); The insulating housing (1) is provided with a cable insertion cavity (11) for inserting a flat cable (5); the conductive terminal (3) is fixed on the insulating housing (1) and has a contact portion (30) extending into the cable insertion cavity (11); the locking member (2) is mounted on the insulating housing (1); Its features are, The locking member (2) is movably mounted on the insulating housing (1). The locking member (2) is provided with a locking hook (21) for locking the flat cable (5). The elastic member (4) is used to apply an elastic force to the locking member (2) in a locking direction, so that the locking hook (21) extends into the cable socket (11) when locked. The locking hook (21) is provided with a ramp (22) on the side facing the insertion port (12) of the cable socket (11).

2. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member (2) has connecting shafts (23) at both ends, and the insulating shell (1) has connecting grooves (13) at both ends. The connecting shafts (23) are rotatably housed in the connecting grooves (13), so that the locking member (2) can rotate relative to the insulating shell (1).

3. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element (4) is an integrally molded part, which includes a fixed connection part (41) and an elastic pressing part (42). The fixed connection part (41) is fixedly connected to the insulating shell (1), and the elastic pressing part (42) is connected to the fixed connection part (41) and elastically abuts against the locking element (2).

4. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed connection part (41) includes an incline fastening part (411), which is fastened to the side end of the insulating housing (1).

5. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The fixed connection part (41) is provided with a fixed insert (412), and the insulating shell (1) is provided with a fixed slot (14) that fits tightly with the fixed insert (412); or / and, the fixed connection part (41) is provided with a positioning reinforcement part (413), and the insulating shell (1) is provided with a positioning slot (15) that cooperates with the positioning reinforcement part (413).

6. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both ends of the insulating housing (1) are equipped with elastic elements (4), and the elastic elements (4) are provided with stop portions (43). When the locking element (2) rotates in the unlocking direction, it abuts against the stop portion (43) to limit the maximum unlocking angle of the locking element (2).

7. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element (4) also includes a welding foot (44) connected to the fixed connection part (41), the welding foot (44) being used for fixed connection with the circuit board.

8. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conducting terminal (3) includes a signal terminal (31) for signal transmission and a grounding terminal (32) for grounding.

9. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable insertion cavity (11) has an opening (16) on its side wall. The locking fastener (2) has an inspection window (24) at a position corresponding to the opening (16). When the locking fastener (2) is in the locked state, the inspection window (24) and the opening (16) together form a visual channel, so that the flat cable (5) can be observed from the outside to see whether it is inserted in place.

10. The self-locking flat cable connector according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inspection window (24) is located near the locking hook (21), and the opening (16) is a strip-shaped hole arranged along the insertion direction of the flat cable (5). When the locking fastener (2) is in the locked state, the locking hook (21) extends into the cable insertion cavity (11) through the strip-shaped hole.

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