Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector and a connector assembly.SOLUTION: A connector includes a housing (10) having an internal cavity (101) formed therein, a flexible circuit board (11) to be inserted into the internal cavity (101) of the housing (10), and a seal element (12) attached to the flexible circuit board (11). The seal element (12) is inserted into the housing (10) and compressed between the housing (10) and the flexible circuit board (11) to perform sealing between the housing (10) and the flexible circuit board (11). The seal element to be attached to the flexible circuit board can reliably perform sealing between the flexible circuit board and the housing of the connector, and the connector can meet a waterproof requirement IP67 or IP68.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202420014382.2, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on January 3, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the connector.

Background Art

[0003] In the prior art, since a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is thin, wide, and flexible, it is difficult to achieve a seal for a connector having an FPC, and it is difficult to use a conventional sealing ring to achieve a seal between the FPC and a connector housing. Therefore, most of the commercially available connectors having flexible circuit boards currently do not meet the sealing requirements, which limits the scope of use of such connectors.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above - mentioned drawbacks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing having an internal cavity, a flexible circuit board inserted into the internal cavity of the housing, and a sealing element attached to the flexible circuit board. The sealing element is inserted into the housing and compressed between the housing and the flexible circuit board to achieve a seal between the housing and the flexible circuit board.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a slit is formed in a seal element to cooperate with a flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board passes through the slit, and an annular outer seal rib is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the seal element. The annular outer seal rib contacts the inner wall surface of the housing to realize a seal between the annular outer seal rib and the inner wall surface of the housing. An annular inner seal rib is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the seal element. The annular inner seal rib contacts the outer surface of the flexible circuit board to realize a seal between the annular inner seal rib and the outer surface of the flexible circuit board.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a front housing part and a rear housing part that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing. The flexible circuit board has gold fingers formed at the front end portion of the flexible circuit board. The gold fingers are arranged in the front housing part so as to be in electrical contact with the terminals of the mating connector inserted into the front housing part. The seal element is arranged in the rear housing part to prevent water vapor and dust from entering the front housing part from the rear housing part.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the internal cavity of the housing has a front port and a rear port that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction. The flexible circuit board and the seal element are inserted into the housing from the rear port of the housing, and the gold fingers are used to be in electrical contact with the terminals of the mating connector inserted into the front port of the housing.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes a sealing ring attached to the front housing part. The front housing part is configured to be inserted into the mating housing of the mating connector. The sealing ring is compressed between the front housing part and the mating housing to be configured to realize a seal between the front housing part and the mating housing.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a seal ring mounting groove is formed in the front housing portion, and the seal ring is mounted in the seal ring mounting groove of the front housing portion.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes a locking member, and the locking member is mounted on the rear housing portion so as to lock the flexible circuit board to the housing.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking member includes a mounting plate mounted on the outside of the rear housing portion and a locking tongue connected to the mounting plate. An insertion hole is formed in the bottom wall of the rear housing portion, a slot hole corresponding to the insertion hole is formed in the flexible circuit board, and the locking tongue penetrates through the insertion hole and the slot hole along the height direction of the housing to lock the flexible circuit board.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a slot is formed inside the upper wall of the rear housing portion, and an end portion of the locking tongue engages with the slot.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mounting slot extending along the lateral direction of the housing is formed outside the bottom wall of the rear housing portion, and the mounting plate of the locking member is mounted in the mounting slot.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rear housing portion has a pair of opposing side walls in the lateral direction, engaging slots are respectively formed outside the pair of side walls of the rear housing portion, the locking member further includes a pair of locking pieces respectively connected to both end portions of the mounting plate, and the locking pieces and the engaging slots are in a T shape and engage with each other to fix the locking pieces to the housing.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an elastic lock buckle having a snap slot is formed on the upper wall of the housing, and the snap slot of the elastic lock buckle is configured to engage with a protrusion of the mating housing of the mating connector to lock the connector and the mating connector.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic lock buckle includes a cantilever having front and rear portions on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and a support rib connected between the center of the cantilever and the upper wall of the housing. The cantilever is suspended from the upper wall of the housing by the support rib, the snap slot is formed at the front portion of the cantilever, the rear portion of the cantilever acts as a release portion, and the elastic lock buckle can move from a locked position engaging with the protrusion to a release position away from the protrusion by pushing the rear portion of the cantilever.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a pair of flexible circuit boards spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the housing and a single sealing element, and the single sealing element is attached to the pair of flexible circuit boards.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector includes a pair of flexible circuit boards spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the housing and a pair of sealing elements, and the pair of sealing elements are respectively attached to the pair of flexible circuit boards.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a partition wall connected to the peripheral wall of the housing is formed in the housing, a pair of insertion slots are formed in the partition wall, the pair of flexible circuit boards penetrate through the partition wall through the pair of insertion slots respectively, and the pair of sealing elements are respectively inserted into the pair of insertion slots to seal the pair of insertion slots.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector includes a mating housing in which a receiving cavity and a tongue portion disposed in the receiving cavity are formed, and a terminal provided on the mating housing and having a contact portion disposed on the tongue portion. The front housing portion of the connector is inserted into the receiving cavity of the mating housing, the tongue portion is inserted into the front housing portion, and the contact portion of the terminal is electrically contacted with the gold fingers of the flexible circuit board.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating housing has a front end wall and a rear port on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction of the mating housing. The front housing portion of the connector is inserted into the rear port of the mating housing, and the terminal extends from the front end wall of the mating housing.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal slot that enables the terminal to extend is formed in the front end wall of the mating housing, a potting chamber communicating with the terminal slot is formed outside the front end wall, and the mating connector further includes a potting seal formed by a sealant injected into the potting chamber and the terminal slot. The potting seal is used to achieve a seal between the terminal and the mating housing.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector includes two rows of terminals spaced apart from each other in the height direction. The two rows of terminals are used to electrically contact two flexible circuit boards of the connector respectively, and the terminals have soldering portions exposed from the bottom of the mating housing for soldering to the circuit boards.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion is formed on the upper wall of the mating housing, and the protrusion is used to engage with the snap slot of the elastic lock buckle of the connector to lock the connector and the mating connector.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating housing has a pair of opposing side walls in the lateral direction of the mating housing, and the mating connector further includes a pair of welding pieces. The pair of welding pieces are respectively mounted on the outside of the pair of side walls of the mating housing and are suitable for welding to the circuit board to fix the mating connector to the circuit board.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a T-shaped lock slot is formed on the outside of the side wall of the mating housing, and the welding piece has a locking portion that locks into the lock slot and a welding portion that is connected to the locking portion and is suitable for welding to the circuit board.

[0029] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, a seal between the flexible circuit board and the housing of the connector can be reliably realized by a seal element attached to the flexible circuit board. Therefore, the connector can meet the waterproof requirements of IP67 or IP68.

[0030] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the sealant injected into the potting chamber and the terminal slot of the mating housing can reliably realize the seal between the terminals of the mating connector and the mating housing, enabling the mating connector to meet the waterproof requirements of IP67 or IP68.

[0031] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0034] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically in order to simplify the drawings.

[0035] According to a general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing having an internal cavity, a flexible circuit board inserted into the internal cavity of the housing, and a seal element attached to the flexible circuit board. The seal element is inserted into the housing and compressed between the housing and the flexible circuit board to achieve a seal between the housing and the flexible circuit board.

[0036] According to another general concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector.

[0037] FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, including a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. FIG. 2 is an explanatory exploded view of the connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an explanatory exploded view of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 1 is disclosed. The connector 1 includes a housing 10, a flexible circuit board 11, and a seal element 12. An internal cavity 101 is formed in the housing 10. The flexible circuit board 11 is inserted into the internal cavity 101 of the housing 10. The seal element 12 is attached to the flexible circuit board 11. The seal element 12 is inserted into the internal cavity 101 of the housing 10 and compressed between the inner wall surface of the housing 10 and the flexible circuit board 11 to realize a seal between the inner wall surface of the housing 10 and the flexible circuit board 11.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an assembled view of the flexible circuit board 11 and the seal element 12 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible circuit board 11 and the seal element 12 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an exploded explanatory view of the flexible circuit board 11 and the seal element 12 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a slit 120 is formed in the seal element 12 so as to cooperate with the flexible circuit board 11, and the flexible circuit board 11 penetrates through the slit 120. An annular outer seal rib 12a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the seal element 12, and the annular outer seal rib 12a contacts the inner wall surface of the housing 10 to realize a seal between the annular outer seal rib 12a and the inner wall surface of the housing. An annular inner seal rib 12b is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the slit 120 of the seal element 12, and the annular inner seal rib 12b contacts the outer surface of the flexible circuit board 11 to realize a seal between the annular inner seal rib 12b and the outer surface of the flexible circuit board 11.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 has a front housing portion 10a and a rear housing portion 10b on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 10. The flexible circuit board 11 has a gold finger 11a formed at the front end portion of the flexible circuit board 11, and the gold finger 11a is disposed in the front housing portion 10a so as to be in electrical contact with the terminal 21 of the mating connector 2 inserted into the front housing portion 10a.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity 101 of the housing 10 has a front port and a rear port on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y. The flexible circuit board 11 and the seal element 12 are inserted into the housing 10 from the rear port of the internal cavity 101. The seal element 12 is disposed in the rear housing portion 10b to prevent moisture and dust from entering the front housing portion 10a from the rear housing portion 10b.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1 further includes a seal ring 13 attached to the front housing portion 10a. The front housing portion 10a is suitable for insertion into the mating housing 20 of the mating connector 2, and the seal ring 13 is compressed between the front housing portion 10a and the inner wall surface of the mating housing 20 and is suitable for realizing a seal between the front housing portion 10a and the inner wall surface of the mating housing 20.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a seal ring mounting groove 103 is formed in the front housing portion 10a, and the seal ring 13 is mounted in the seal ring mounting groove 103 of the front housing portion 10a.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1 further includes a lock member 15, and the lock member 15 is attached to the rear housing portion 10b so as to lock the flexible circuit board 11 to the housing 10.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock member 15 includes a mounting plate 150 and a lock tongue 152. The mounting plate 150 is mounted on the outside of the rear housing portion 10b. The lock tongue 152 is connected to the mounting plate 150. An insertion hole 15c is formed in the bottom wall of the rear housing portion 10b, and a slot hole 112 corresponding to the insertion hole 15c is formed in the flexible circuit board 11. The lock tongue 152 penetrates through the insertion hole 15c and the slot hole 112 along the height direction Z of the housing 10 to lock the flexible circuit board 11.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a slot 15d is formed inside the upper wall of the rear housing portion 10b, and the end of the lock tongue 152 engages with the slot 15d.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounting slot 15a extending along the lateral direction X of the housing 10 is formed outside the bottom wall of the rear housing portion 10b, and the mounting plate 150 of the lock member 15 is mounted in the mounting slot 15a.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear housing portion 10b has a pair of opposing side walls in the lateral direction X, and engaging slots 15b are respectively formed outside the pair of side walls of the rear housing portion 10b. The lock member 15 also includes a pair of lock pieces 151 connected to both ends of the mounting plate 150. The lock pieces 151 and the engaging slots 15b are T-shaped and engage with each other to fix the lock piece 15 to the housing 10.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, an elastic lock buckle 14 having a snap slot 14a is formed in the upper wall of the housing 10. The snap slot 14a of the elastic lock buckle 14 is suitable for engaging with a protrusion 24a of the mating housing 20 of the mating connector 2 to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic lock buckle 14 includes a cantilever 141 and a support rib 142. The cantilever 141 has front and rear portions on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the housing 10. The support rib 142 is connected between the center of the cantilever 141 and the upper wall of the housing 10. The cantilever 141 is suspended from the upper wall of the housing 10 by the support rib 142, and the snap slot 14a is formed at the front portion of the cantilever 141. The rear portion of the cantilever 141 acts as a unlocking portion, and the elastic lock buckle 14 can move from a locked position engaging with the protrusion 24a to an unlocked position away from the protrusion 24a by pushing the rear portion of the cantilever 141.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1 includes a pair of flexible circuit boards 11 spaced apart from each other in the height direction Z of the housing 10 and a single sealing element 12. A pair of slits 120 are formed in the single sealing element 12 so that the pair of flexible circuit boards 11 can penetrate therethrough, and the single sealing element 12 is attached to the pair of flexible circuit boards 11. Thus, the pair of flexible circuit boards 11 and the single sealing element 12 are assembled with each other.

[0053] FIG. 10 is an exploded explanatory view of the mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded explanatory view of the mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector components include a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 fits into the connector 1.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 includes a mating housing 20 and terminals 21. In the mating housing 20, a receiving cavity 201 and a tongue portion 20a disposed in the receiving cavity 201 are formed. The terminal 21 is provided in the mating housing 20 and has a contact portion 21a disposed on the tongue portion 20a. The front housing portion 10a of the connector 1 is inserted into the receiving cavity 201 of the mating housing 20, the tongue portion 20a is inserted into the front housing portion 10a, and the contact portion 21a of the terminal 21 is in electrical contact with the gold fingers 11a of the flexible circuit board 11.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating housing 20 has a front end wall 220 and a rear port on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y of the mating housing 20. The front housing portion 10a of the connector 1 is inserted into the rear port of the mating housing 20, and the terminal 21 extends from the front end wall 220 of the mating housing 20.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, a terminal slot 203 is formed in the front end wall 220 of the mating housing 20 to enable the terminal 21 to extend, and a potting chamber 202 is formed outside the front end wall 220 and communicates with the terminal slot 203. The mating connector 2 also includes a potting seal 22 formed by a sealant injected into the seal chamber 202 and the terminal slot 203, and the potting seal 22 is used to achieve a seal between the terminal 21 and the mating housing 20.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 includes two rows of terminals 21 spaced apart from each other in the height direction Z, and the two rows of terminals 21 are used to be in electrical contact with the two flexible circuit boards 11 of the connector 1. The terminal 21 has a soldering portion 12b (not shown) exposed from the bottom of the mating housing 20 for soldering to the circuit board.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 24a is formed on the upper wall of the mating housing 20 and engages with the snap slot 14a of the elastic lock buckle 14 of the connector 1 to lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 in a mated state for use.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating housing 20 has a pair of opposing side walls in the lateral direction X of the mating housing 20. The mating connector 2 also includes a pair of welding pieces 25, and the pair of welding pieces 25 are respectively mounted on the outer sides of the pair of side walls of the mating housing 20 and are suitable for welding to the circuit board to fix the mating connector 2 to the circuit board.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, a T-shaped lock slot 25a is formed on the outer side of the side wall of the mating housing 20. The welding piece 25 has a locking portion 251 that locks into the lock slot 25a and a welding portion 252 that is connected to the locking portion 251 and is suitable for welding to the circuit board.

[0062] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded explanatory view of the connector 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an exploded explanatory view of the flexible circuit board 11 and the seal element 12 of the connector 1 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The main difference between the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 and the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 is the number of seal elements 12. In the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the connector 1 includes a single seal element 12, while in the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the connector 1 includes a pair of seal elements 12.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 1 includes a pair of flexible circuit boards 11 spaced apart from each other in the height direction Z of the housing 10, and a pair of seal elements 12. A slit 120 is formed in each seal element 12 so that the flexible circuit board 11 can pass through, and the pair of seal elements 12 are respectively attached to the pair of flexible circuit boards 11.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, in the illustrated embodiment, a partition wall 10c connected to the peripheral wall of the housing 10 is formed in the housing 10, and a pair of insertion slots 10d are formed in the partition wall 10c. The pair of flexible circuit boards 11 penetrate through the partition wall 10c through the pair of insertion slots 10d, and the pair of seal elements 12 are respectively inserted into the pair of insertion slots 10d so as to seal the pair of insertion slots 10d.

[0066] Except for the above differences, the other technical features of the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 are basically the same as the technical features of the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. For simplicity, these technical features are not repeated here, and reference can be made to the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0067] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without conflicting in configuration or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0068] Although several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0069] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural of such elements or steps, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Further, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Additionally, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" one element or a plurality of elements with a particular characteristic can include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising: a housing (10) having an internal cavity (101) formed therein; a flexible circuit board (11) inserted into the internal cavity (101) of the housing (10); a seal element (12) attached to the flexible circuit board (11); wherein the seal element (12) is inserted into the housing (10) and compressed between the housing (10) and the flexible circuit board (11) to provide a seal between the housing (10) and the flexible circuit board (11).

2. A slit (120) is formed in the seal element (12) to cooperate with the flexible circuit board (11), and the flexible circuit board (11) passes through the slit (120). An annular outer seal rib (12a) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the seal element (12), and the annular outer seal rib (12a) contacts the inner wall surface of the housing (10) to provide a seal between the annular outer seal rib (12a) and the inner wall surface of the housing (10). An annular inner seal rib (12b) is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the seal element (12), and the annular inner seal rib (12b) contacts the outer surface of the flexible circuit board (11) to provide a seal between the annular inner seal rib (12b) and the outer surface of the flexible circuit board (11). The connector according to claim 1.

3. The housing (10) has a front housing portion (10a) and a rear housing portion (10b) on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (10). The flexible circuit board (11) has a gold finger (11a) formed at the front end portion of the flexible circuit board (11). The gold finger (11a) is disposed in the front housing portion (10a) so as to be in electrical contact with a terminal (21) of a mating connector (2) inserted into the front housing portion (10a). The seal element (12) is disposed in the rear housing portion (10b) to prevent water vapor and dust from entering the front housing portion (10a) from the rear housing portion (10b). The connector according to claim 1.

4. The internal cavity (101) of the housing (10) has a front port and a rear port on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y), the flexible circuit board (11) and the seal element (12) are inserted into the housing (10) from the rear port of the housing (10), and the gold fingers (11a) are used to make electrical contact with the terminals (21) of the mating connector (2) inserted into the front port of the housing (10). The connector according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a seal ring (13) attached to the front housing portion (10a), The front housing portion (10a) is configured to be inserted into the mating housing (20) of the mating connector (2), and the seal ring (13) is compressed between the front housing portion (10a) and the mating housing (20) to realize a seal between the front housing portion (10a) and the mating housing (20). The connector according to claim 3.

6. A seal ring mounting groove (103) is formed in the front housing portion (10a), and the seal ring (13) is mounted in the seal ring mounting groove (103) of the front housing portion (10a). The connector according to claim 5.

7. Further comprising a locking member (15), the locking member (15) is mounted on the rear housing portion (10b) so as to lock the flexible circuit board (11) to the housing (10). The connector according to claim 3.

8. The locking member (15) A mounting plate (150) mounted on the outside of the rear housing portion (10b), A locking tongue (152) connected to the mounting plate (150) And includes An insertion hole (15c) is formed in the bottom wall of the rear housing portion (10b), and a slot hole (112) corresponding to the insertion hole (15c) is formed in the flexible circuit board (11). The locking tongue (152) penetrates through the insertion hole (15c) and the slot hole (112) along the height direction (Z) of the housing (10) to lock the flexible circuit board (11). The connector according to claim 7.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the slot (15d) is formed inside the upper wall of the rear housing portion (10b), and an end portion of the lock tongue (152) engages with the slot (15d).

10. The connector according to claim 8, wherein a mounting slot (15a) extending along the lateral direction (X) of the housing (10) is formed outside the bottom wall of the rear housing portion (10b), and the mounting plate (150) of the locking member (15) is mounted in the mounting slot (15a).

11. The rear housing portion (10b) has a pair of opposing side walls in the lateral direction (X), and engaging slots (15b) are respectively formed outside the pair of side walls of the rear housing portion (10b). The locking member (15) further includes a pair of locking pieces (151) respectively connected to both end portions of the mounting plate (150). The connector according to claim 10, wherein the locking piece (151) and the engaging slot (15b) are T-shaped and engage with each other to fix the locking piece (15) to the housing (10).

12. An elastic lock buckle (14) having a snap slot (14a) is formed on the upper wall of the housing (10), and the snap slot (14a) of the elastic lock buckle (14) engages with a protrusion (24a) of the mating housing (20) of the mating connector (2) to lock the connector (1) and the mating connector (2). The connector according to claim 1.

13. The elastic lock buckle (14) includes a cantilever (141) having front and rear portions on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing (10), and a support rib (142) connected between the center of the cantilever (141) and the upper wall of the housing (10). The cantilever (141) is suspended from the upper wall of the housing (10) by the support rib (142), and the snap slot (14a) is formed in the front portion of the cantilever (141). The rear portion of the cantilever (141) acts as a unlocking portion, and the elastic lock buckle (14) can move from a locked position engaging with the protrusion (24a) to an unlocked position away from the protrusion (24a) by pushing the rear portion of the cantilever (141). The connector according to claim 12.

14. The connector (1) includes a pair of flexible circuit boards (11) spaced apart from each other in the height direction (Z) of the housing (10), and a single sealing element (12). The single sealing element (12) is attached to the pair of flexible circuit boards (11). The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The connector (1) includes a pair of flexible circuit boards (11) spaced apart from each other in the height direction (Z) of the housing (10), and a pair of sealing elements (12). The pair of sealing elements (12) are respectively attached to the pair of flexible circuit boards (11). The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A partition wall (10c) connected to the peripheral wall of the housing (10) is formed in the housing (10), and a pair of insertion slots (10d) are formed in the partition wall (10c). The pair of flexible circuit boards (11) pass through the pair of insertion slots (10d) respectively and penetrate the partition wall (10c). The pair of sealing elements (12) are respectively inserted into the pair of insertion slots (10d) to seal the pair of insertion slots (10d). The connector according to claim 15.

17. A connector assembly, the connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and a mating connector (2) fitted to the connector (1). A connector assembly comprising.

18. The mating connector (2) includes a mating housing (20) formed with a receiving cavity (201) and a tongue portion (20a) disposed in the receiving cavity (201), and a terminal (21) provided on the mating housing (20) and having a contact portion (21a) disposed on the tongue portion (20a). including The front housing portion (10a) of the connector (1) is inserted into the receiving cavity (201) of the mating housing (20), the tongue portion (20a) is inserted into the front housing portion (10a), and the contact portion (21a) of the terminal (21) is in electrical contact with the gold finger (11a) of the flexible printed circuit board (11). The connector assembly according to claim 17.

19. The mating housing (20) has a front end wall (220) and a rear port on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the mating housing (20). The front housing portion (10a) of the connector (1) is inserted into the rear port of the mating housing (20), and the terminal (21) extends from the front end wall (220) of the mating housing (20). The connector assembly according to claim 18.

20. A terminal slot (203) that enables the terminal (21) to extend is formed in the front end wall (220) of the mating housing (20), and a potting chamber (202) communicating with the terminal slot (203) is formed outside the front end wall (220). The mating connector (2) further includes a potting seal (22) formed by a sealant adhesive injected into the potting chamber (202) and the terminal slot (203). The potting seal (22) is used to achieve a seal between the terminal (21) and the mating housing (20). The connector assembly according to claim 19.

21. The mating connector (2) includes two rows of terminals (21) spaced apart from each other in the height direction (Z). The two rows of terminals (21) are used to be in electrical contact with two flexible printed circuit boards (11) of the connector (1), respectively. The terminal (21) has a soldering portion (12b) exposed from the bottom of the mating housing (20) for soldering to a circuit board. The connector assembly according to claim 19.

22. The protrusion (24a) is formed on the upper wall of the mating housing (20), and the protrusion (24a) is engaged with the snap slot (14a) of the elastic lock buckle (14) of the connector (1) and used to lock the connector (1) and the mating connector (2). The connector assembly according to claim 18.

23. The mating housing (20) has a pair of opposing side walls in the lateral direction (X) of the mating housing (20), and the mating connector (2) further includes a pair of welding pieces (25). The pair of welding pieces (25) are respectively mounted on the outer sides of the pair of side walls of the mating housing (20) and are suitable for welding to the circuit board to fix the mating connector (2) to the circuit board. The connector assembly according to claim 18.

24. A T-shaped lock slot (25a) is formed on the outer side of the side wall of the mating housing (20), and the welding piece (25) has a locking portion (251) that locks into the lock slot (25a) and a welding portion (252) that is connected to the locking portion (251) and is suitable for welding to the circuit board. The connector assembly according to claim 23.

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