Robust and miniaturized FFC connector

Abstract

A robust, miniaturized electrical connector includes a housing and an actuator movable between latched and unlatched positions to retain or release a flexible circuit. The actuator is biased toward the latched position by a spring arm on a locking terminal. The actuator can be moved from the latched position by insertion of a flexible circuit and will return to its latched position by spring force to self-lock. The actuator can have a stable unlatched state that can be entered by a user pressing the actuator, but it may also have a self-closing feature. The actuator is retained within the housing by locking terminals soldered to a PCB at two ends of the support arms. Because the actuator abuts the inner surfaces of the housing and / or support arms, excessive stress on the spring arms is prevented.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to electrical interconnection systems, and more particularly to electrical connectors for mating with flexible circuits. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Various electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, desktop computers, notebook computers, digital cameras, etc.) are equipped with various types of connectors, the primary purpose of which is to allow electronic components to exchange data, commands, or other signals with one or more other electronic components. Signal transmission for transferring information (e.g., data, commands, and / or other electrical signals) often utilizes electrical connectors to complete connections between electronic devices, components of electronic devices, or electrical systems that may include multiple electronic devices.

[0003] One or more of the connectors may be mounted on a printed circuit board. It is generally easier and more cost-effective to manufacture the electrical system as separate electronic subassemblies, such as printed circuit boards ("PCBs"), that can be communicatively joined together with the electrical connectors. In some scenarios, the PCBs to be joined may each have connectors mounted thereon. The connectors on two PCBs may be directly mated to interconnect the PCBs.

[0004] In other scenarios, PCBs may be indirectly connected via cables, or different locations on the same PCB may be connected via cables. Nevertheless, electrical connectors may be used to make such connections. For example, a cable may be terminated at one or both ends with a plug-type electrical connector (herein "plug"). A PCB may include a receptacle-type electrical connector (herein "receptacle") into which the plug connector may be inserted to connect the cable to the PCB. A similar configuration may be used at the other end of the cable to connect the cable to another PCB, so that signals may travel between the PCBs via the cable.

[0005] In some cases, flexible flat cables (FFCs), sometimes called flexible printed circuits (FPCs), may be used to route signals between components on different PCBs or the same PCB. To support such connections, FFC connectors or FFC connectors may be used to connect the FFC to the PCB. The FFC connector may be configured as a receptacle. Rather than receiving a plug attached to the FFC, the receptacle may have contacts that mate with conductive pads attached to traces on the FFC so that the end of the FFC can be inserted into the receptacle.

[0006] Some FFC receptacles include a locking mechanism for locking the FFC into the receptacle, which can prevent the FFC from being unintentionally disconnected from the connector and ensure a stable connection between the FFC and the PCB. The locking mechanism can be activated upon insertion of the FFC into the receptacle. The receptacle can include an actuator for releasing the FFC when desired.

[0007] FFCs are sometimes used inside electronic devices where miniaturization is desirable. For example, an FFC may be used inside a laptop computer to connect two subassemblies. In these scenarios, it may be desirable for the connector that mates with the FFC to also be miniaturized. However, making the connector smaller makes it less robust because the smaller components may be more susceptible to yielding or breaking, which may result in the connector no longer functioning as intended. Therefore, designing a robust FFC connector is difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technology described herein may be embodied as an electrical connector including a housing configured to receive a mating component and including a mounting surface, a plurality of contacts held within the housing, and an actuator. The actuator may include a latch member configured to engage with a mating component inserted into the housing and an outer surface defining a shelf. The actuator may be partially exposed outside the housing and may be movably coupled to the housing so as to be movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The connector may also include a locking terminal attached to the housing. The locking terminal may include a spring arm configured to press against the shelf to bias the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position, and a support arm, the spring arm being between the support arm and the shelf.

[0009] The technology described herein may be embodied as an electrical connector including a housing, an actuator, and a locking terminal mounted to the housing. The housing may include a slot configured to receive a mating component and a mounting surface. The connector may also include a plurality of contacts held within the housing, the plurality of contacts including tails exposed at the mounting surface and configured for mounting to a printed circuit board. The actuator may include a latch member configured to engage with a mating component inserted into the housing. The actuator may be partially exposed outside the housing and movably coupled to the housing such that the actuator is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The locking terminal may include a spring arm configured to press against a portion of the actuator to bias the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position; a support arm having a first end and a second end; a first member extending from the first end of the support arm to a mounting surface and configured for mounting to a printed circuit board; and a second member extending from the second end of the support arm to the mounting surface and configured for mounting to a printed circuit board.

[0010] The technology described herein may also be embodied as a method of operating an electrical connector including an actuator having a latch member and a locking terminal having a spring arm and a support arm. The method may include biasing the actuator toward a latched position with the spring arm and moving the actuator toward an unlatched position in which a portion of the actuator abuts the support arm of the locking terminal.

[0011] Any of the electrical connectors described herein may have a stable state in which the actuator is in an unlatched position so that the mating component may be withdrawn. Optionally, withdrawal of the mating component may move the actuator from its unlatched state such that the actuator is biased to the latched position by the biasing force of the locking terminal.

[0012] The aforementioned features may be used separately or together in any combination in any of the embodiments discussed herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] Various aspects and embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Items appearing in multiple figures may be designated by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every figure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interconnection system having a flexible circuit positioned for insertion into an exemplary board connector. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear side perspective view of the interconnect system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a receptacle connector of the interconnection system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] 2 is a front side perspective view from above of a housing of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a top rear side perspective view of a housing of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an actuator of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1. [Figure 6A] 2A-2C are a front right side perspective view from above, a front left side perspective view from below, and a right side view of the locking member of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1; [Figure 6B] 2A-2C are a front right side perspective view from above, a front left side perspective view from below, and a right side view of the locking member of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1; [Figure 6C] 2A-2C are a front right side perspective view from above, a front left side perspective view from below, and a right side view of the locking member of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1; [Figure 7A]2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 7B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 7C] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 7D] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 8A] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 8B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 8C] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 8D] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. [Figure 9A] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 9B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 9C]2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 9D] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 10A] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 10B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 10C] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 10D] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through signal contacts of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 11A] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 11B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 11C] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 11D] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a latching member of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 12A]2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 12B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 12C] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 12D] 2A-2C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, during detachment of the flexible circuit in successive steps of the detachment process. [Figure 13A] A cross-sectional view through a spring arm of an exemplary receptacle connector during the process of a user moving the actuator from a latched position to its stable unlatched position in an embodiment in which the connector is configured to provide a stable latched state. [Figure 13B] A cross-sectional view through a spring arm of an exemplary receptacle connector during the process of a user moving the actuator from a latched position to its stable unlatched position in an embodiment in which the connector is configured to provide a stable latched state. [Figure 13C] A cross-sectional view through a spring arm of an exemplary receptacle connector during the process of a user moving the actuator from a latched position to its stable unlatched position in an embodiment in which the connector is configured to provide a stable latched state. [Figure 13D] 13A-13C is a cross-sectional view through the spring arm of the exemplary receptacle connector of FIGS. 13A-13C while a user is in the process of moving the actuator from a stable unlatched position to a latched position. [Figure 13E]13A-13C is a cross-sectional view through the spring arm of the exemplary receptacle connector of FIGS. 13A-13C while a user is in the process of moving the actuator from a stable unlatched position to a latched position. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a latch member of an alternative exemplary board connector having a stable unlatched position and configured to return to a latched position by removing the flexible circuit from the connector while the connector is in the stable unlatched state. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a latch member of an alternative exemplary board connector having a stable unlatched position and configured to return to a latched position by removing the flexible circuit from the connector while the connector is in the stable unlatched state. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a latch member of an alternative exemplary board connector having a stable unlatched position and configured to return to a latched position by removing the flexible circuit from the connector while the connector is in the stable unlatched state. [Figure 14D] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a latch member of an alternative exemplary board connector having a stable unlatched position and configured to return to a latched position by removing the flexible circuit from the connector while the connector is in the stable unlatched state. [Figure 15] 2 is a front left side perspective view from below of a locking member of the exemplary board connector of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 16A] 16A-16C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, having the locking member of FIG. 15, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 16B] 16A-16C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, having the locking member of FIG. 15, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 16C]16A-16C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, having the locking member of FIG. 15, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. [Figure 16D] 16A-16C are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1, having the locking member of FIG. 15, during insertion of a flexible circuit in successive steps of the insertion process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present inventors have recognized and appreciated design techniques that allow connectors to be easily constructed while providing simple operation and robust performance over a lifetime, even when miniaturized. These techniques can be applied to receptacle connectors that include actuators for releasing latching members that retain mating components, such as FFCs, within the connector. The actuators can be movably retained within the receptacle housing with locking terminals that allow for simple construction techniques, yet are resistant to damage from overstress, holding the actuators in place to latch and release mating components inserted into the connector.

[0015] One or more features may optionally be included in the connector to simplify operation. Alternatively or additionally, the connector may provide an automatic lock such that a mating component inserted into the connector is locked in place without the user having to manipulate the actuator. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may have a stable unlatched position such that when a user moves the actuator to this stable position, the actuator remains in that position until a force moves the actuator toward the latched position. This feature allows a user to separately unlatch and remove inserted components, thereby providing easier operation of the connector compared to designs that require, for example, a user to hold the actuator in the unlatched position while a mating component is removed.

[0016] In some scenarios, the force that moves the actuator from the stable, unlatched position toward the latched position may be supplied by a user. For example, a user may push the actuator to return it to the latched position. Optionally, a connector having a stable, unlatched position may be configured to automatically return to the latched position based on withdrawing a mating component. In that example, the actuator may include a feature that is engaged by the mating component when the mating component is removed, providing sufficient force against the actuator to move it from its stable, unlatched position. Once out of the stable position, a biasing force provided by a locking terminal may bias the actuator back to the latched position.

[0017] Such connectors may be implemented with an actuator having a portion captured within a cavity in the housing of the receptacle connector. The actuator may be biased to a latched position in which a latching member extends through the flat flexible circuit to latch a flat flexible circuit inserted into the connector in a position in which contacts in the connector mate with pads on the flat flexible circuit. The flat flexible circuit may be released by moving the actuator from the latched position to an unlatched position, thereby pulling the latching member away from the flat flexible circuit and thereby removing the flat flexible circuit from the connector.

[0018] The actuator may be retained within the housing using locking terminals having a spring arm and a support arm, each locking terminal being formed as a unitary structure such as from a sheet of metal.

[0019] The spring arm can bias the actuator to the latched position. The spring force on the actuator can be such that it can be overcome by insertion of the flat flexible circuit into the connector or by a user moving the actuator. In the latched position, for example, the latch member can block the path of the flat flexible circuit into the connector such that an edge of the flat flexible circuit presses against the latch member, forcing the actuator to move to the unlatched position.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may include a beam having at least an edge exposed outside the connector housing. The exposed portion of the actuator may provide a mechanism for a user to move the actuator to an unlatched position so that the flat flexible circuit may be removed from the connector. In some examples, the unlatched position may be a stable state of the actuator such that, when moved to this position, the actuator may remain in the unlatched position. The actuator may remain in the unlatched position until pressed by a user.

[0021] The support arm may hold the actuator within the connector housing and / or ensure that the spring arm remains in a position that provides a biasing force to the actuator. The robustness of the connector may be increased by securely coupling the support arm to a substrate. The support arm may be coupled at two ends to a substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), to which the connector is attached. For example, a member extending from the end of the support arm may extend toward a mounting interface of the connector where the member can be soldered to the PCB. The support arm may prevent a portion of the actuator from being pulled out of an opening in the connector housing while still allowing the actuator to move relative to the connector housing.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the support arm may be positioned to reduce overstress on the spring arm. For example, the spring arm may be aligned with the support arm such that excessive movement of the spring arm is prevented by the support arm during movement of the actuator from the latched position to the unlatched position. Alternatively or additionally, the support arm may reduce overstress on the spring arm by limiting movement of the actuator beyond the unlatched position. For example, a portion of the actuator may be aligned with the support arm such that, as the actuator moves toward the unlatched position, that portion of the actuator approaches the support arm, resulting in interference with that portion of the actuator if the actuator is biased beyond the unlatched position. Alternatively or additionally, the support arm may reduce overstress on the spring arm by limiting deflection of the spring arm beyond its position in the unlatched state. Limiting deflection can prevent yielding of the spring arm, which would degrade connector performance.

[0023] The inventors have further recognized and appreciated that due to the compact size of some receptacle connectors, it may be easy for a user to unintentionally apply excessive stress to elements of the connector. Furthermore, the small structure of the connector may not provide sufficient resistance to this force to avoid damage. That is, it may be physically easy for a user to accidentally apply a force that causes damage. The connector features described herein may reduce or eliminate the possibility of damage to the receptacle connector, including both when the actuator is moved by the user during an unmating operation or when force is applied to the actuator at other times, such as when the actuator is accidentally pulled.

[0024] Thus, one or more of the techniques described herein may be applied to a connector to provide a robust, miniaturized electrical connector for mating with a flexible circuit. The electrical connector may include a housing and an actuator mounted within the housing to move between a latched position and an unlatched position to retain or release a flexible circuit within the housing. The actuator may be biased to the latched position by the force of a spring arm of a locking terminal pressing against a ledge on an outer portion of the actuator. The actuator may be moved from the latched position by insertion of a flexible circuit or by actuation by a user. The actuator is held within the housing by locking terminals shaped for soldering at two locations at two ends of the support arm to a PCB to which the connector is attached, with a hub or other portion of the actuator captured between the support arm and the housing. Excessive stress on the spring arm is prevented by a surface of the actuator abutting the inner surface of the housing and / or support arm, limiting movement of the actuator beyond the unlatched position.

[0025] Illustrative examples of some of the electrical connectors described above are illustrated in the figures described below.

[0026] 1 is a perspective view of an interconnect system 100 having a connector 110, here configured as a receptacle mounted to a substrate, and a cable providing a flexible circuit element. In this example, the cable is flat and may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC), and regardless of implementation, is exemplified by a flat flexible circuit 150. In this example, the flat flexible circuit 150 has pads 152 that are terminals for conductive traces within the flat flexible circuit 150. As depicted, the pads 152 are positioned in an array along the front edge of the flat flexible circuit 150.

[0027] The connector 110 includes a housing 112, which may be molded from an insulating material such as plastic or nylon. The housing 112 may be molded to provide a mating interface and a mounting interface. The mating interface is in a slot 114 into which a forward edge of a flat flexible circuit 150 may be inserted to mate the flat flexible circuit 150 to the connector 110. The contacts 140 (FIG. 3) are inserted into the slot 114 with contact surfaces 144 (FIG. 3) exposed in the slot to define the mating interface for the connector 110. When the forward edge of the flat flexible circuit 150 is fully inserted into the slot 114, the contact surfaces 144 contact pads 152, making an electrical connection between the traces of the flat flexible circuit 150 and the contacts 140.

[0028] The tails 142 of the contacts 140 extend from the housing 112 at a mounting interface 116 ( FIG. 2 ). In this example, the connector 110 is configured for mounting to a printed circuit board (PCB), and the mounting interface 116 is generally flat and on the lower surface of the housing 112. The tails 142 are shaped for electrical and mechanical attachment to the PCB. In this example, the tails 142 are shaped for surface-mount soldering to pads on the PCB. Regardless of the attachment technique used to mount the connector 110 to a PCB or other substrate, mating the flat flexible circuit 150 to the connector 110 establishes an electrical connection through the connector 110 between the portion of an electronic system coupled to the remote end of the flat flexible cable 150 and another portion of the electronic system coupled to the PCB to which the connector 110 is mounted.

[0029] To ensure a reliable connection between these components, the flat flexible circuit 150 may be latched within the mating interface of the connector 110. To this end, the connector 110 may include a latching member (not visible in FIG. 1 ) that may pass through or otherwise engage the flat flexible circuit 150 when inserted into its designed location within the connector 110. When the latching member engages the flat flexible circuit 150, withdrawal of the flat flexible circuit 150 is prevented. To withdraw the flat flexible circuit 150, the actuator 120 may be moved by a user from a latched state, as shown in FIG. 1 , to an unlatched state, as shown in FIG. 2 . By moving the actuator 120 relative to the housing 112, the latching member disengages from the flat flexible circuit 150, thereby allowing the flat flexible circuit 150 to be withdrawn from the connector 110. In this example, the actuator 120 is molded from plastic or other insulating material. However, in other examples, the actuator 120 may be die-cast or otherwise formed from metal and may perform a shielding function. Actuator 120 may be movably mounted within housing 112 such that it may move from the latched state of Figure 1 to the unlatched state of Figure 2. In the example of Figure 1, the movably mounted may be provided at least in part by a hub 122 that protrudes into an opening in a wall of housing 112 (e.g., end wall 420 of Figure 4) that serves as a bearing surface. In some examples, movement of actuator 120 may be rotational about hub 122.

[0030] 1 is a right side view of connector 110, with the left side of the connector not visible. In the illustrated example, the right and left sides of connector 110 include the same features and are symmetrical. Thus, for ease of illustration, the right side of connector 110 is primarily shown and described, but disclosure regarding the right side of connector 110 may apply to the left side, and vice versa.

[0031] Actuator 120 may be retained within housing 112 by one or more locking terminals, of which locking terminals 130A and 130B are shown. In this example, locking terminal 130A includes tabs 626 (FIG. 6) that capture hub 122 and a surface of housing 112 that serves as a bearing surface.

[0032] In this example, each of locking terminals 130A and 130B is formed from a sheet of metal that is stamped and then formed to have the shape shown. The metal may be springy, such as stainless steel or spring steel, so that a portion of each of the locking terminals may be configured to bias actuator 120 into the latched position illustrated in FIG. 1. When a user moves the actuator to the unlatched state shown in FIG. 2, when the actuator is released, actuator 120 may, in some embodiments, return to the latched state shown in FIG.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the connector 110.

[0034] 4A and 4B are top side perspective views of housing 112, with FIG. 4A being from the front and FIG. 4B being from the rear. FIG. 4A shows that the floor of slot 114 is lined with grooves 440. A contact 140 may fit within each groove 440. Contact 401 may be inserted into groove 440 to hold contact 140 in a mating position with pad 150 on flat flexible circuit 150 when inserted into slot 114.

[0035] In these views, recessed area 410 is visible. A portion of actuator 120 may fit within recessed area 410 when in the latched state. In the illustrated configuration, beam 520 ( FIG. 5 ) of actuator 120 may fit within area 410. In the state shown in FIG. 1 , at least an edge of beam 520 ( FIG. 5 ) may be exposed outside housing 112. For example, a trailing edge of beam 520 may be exposed, and a user may use a finger or tool to press against the trailing edge of beam 520 to move actuator 120 from the latched position to the unlatched position.

[0036] Actuator 120 may include arms 530A and 530B (FIG. 5) that extend from the beam in a direction transverse to the elongated dimension of beam 520. In this example, arms 530A and 530B extend parallel to and perpendicular to the elongated dimension of beam 520.

[0037] Housing 112 can be shaped to receive arms 530A and 530B. Housing 1112 can include, for example, a cavity for receiving each arm. Cavity 426 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) can, for example, receive at least a portion of arm 530A. As can be seen in FIG. 4B, a cavity (not numbered) can also be located at the opposite end of housing 112 to receive arm 530B.

[0038] At least a portion of the cavity 426 may be in communication with the slot 114 so that a latch member coupled to the actuator 120 can engage with the flat flexible circuit 150 inserted into the slot 114. In the example of FIG. 4B , the cavity 426 has a floor 452 separating the cavity 426 from the slot 114. The floor 452 has an opening 450 providing access between the cavity 426 and the slot 114. A latch 518A ( FIG. 5 ) may be aligned with the opening 450. When the actuator 120 is engaged within the housing 112 and moved to the latched state, the latch 518A may extend through the opening 450 into the slot 114. When the flat flexible circuit is inserted into the slot 114 in its designed mating position, the notch 154 may also be aligned with the opening 450, such that the latch 518A may extend into the notch 154. In this manner, the flat flexible circuit 150 may be latched into the connector 110 by moving the actuator 120 to the latched position.

[0039] Latch 518A is not visible in the view of FIG. 5, but latch 518B is. In the illustrated example, actuator 120 is longitudinally symmetrical about the center of actuator 120. Thus, end portions 510A and 510B include the same components. As can be seen in FIG. 5, latch 518B extends from the distal end of arm 530B in the elongate direction of arm 530B. Latch 518A similarly extends from arm 530A.

[0040] Housing 112 may also have features to facilitate movably mounting actuator 120 within housing 112. In the illustrated example, locking terminals 130A and 130B retain actuator 120 within housing 112. Housing 112 includes features for positioning the locking terminals. Groove 430 may, for example, receive member 622 ( FIG. 6A ) of locking terminal 130A. In the example of FIG. 6A , the distal end of member 622 may include a tail configured for attachment to a PCB on which connector 110 is mounted. In this example, tail 132A is shaped as a foot configured for surface-mount soldering. Either or both of member 622 and groove 430 may include features for retaining member 622 within groove 430 until tail 132A is attached to the PCB. In this example, member 622 includes a barb that engages with the side of groove 430.

[0041] Locking terminal 130A can be attached to the PCB in multiple locations. In the illustrated example, locking terminal 130A has two members 622 and 624 (FIGS. 6A-6C), each of which extends to mounting interface 116 and terminates in a tail configured for mounting to the PCB. In the illustrated example, member 624 terminates in tail 134A. Member 624 can be inserted into groove 432, for example.

[0042] Although not numbered for simplicity, grooves shaped similarly to grooves 430 and 432 may be included on the opposite end of housing 112 to receive corresponding portions of locking terminal 130B.

[0043] Housing 112 may be shaped so that when actuator 120 is inserted into the housing, followed by locking terminals 130A and 130B, actuator 120 may be movably retained within housing 112. Locking terminal 130A, for example, includes tab 626 (FIGS. 6A-6C) that serves this purpose. When members 622 and 624 of locking terminal 130A are inserted into housing 112, tab 626 may engage a portion of actuator 120 to prevent actuator 120 from being removed from housing 112.

[0044] In the illustrated example, a portion of the actuator 120 is captured between a portion of the housing 112 and a portion of the locking terminal 130A. In the example of FIG. 4A , the end wall 420 of the housing 112 includes a notch 422 having a rounded profile at its bottom edge. The actuator's hub 122A may extend into and / or through the notch 422 such that the bottom edge of the notch 422 may serve as a bearing surface for the hub 122A, allowing the actuator 120 to rotate about the hub 122A. A tab 626 may be positioned to capture the hub 122A within the notch 422, as shown in FIG. 2 . The tab 626 may loosely hold the hub 122A within the notch 422 so that the hub 122A can rotate within the notch 422.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, other portions of lock terminal 130A may prevent other portions of actuator 120 from being withdrawn from housing 112. In the illustrated example, lock terminal 130A has support arm 620 ( FIGS. 6A-6C ). When lock terminal 130A is inserted into housing 112, support arm 620 may straddle the opening of cavity 424. When portions of actuator 120 protruding from arm 530A are inserted into cavity 424, support arm 620 may interfere with those protruding portions and prevent those portions from being withdrawn from cavity 424.

[0046] One or more locking terminals may alternatively or additionally include a feature that biases actuator 120. FIG. 1 may be an illustration of the connector's resting state, for example, with the actuator in a latched position. Instead of or in addition to providing retention, locking terminals 130A and 130B may provide a biasing force to actuator 120. That biasing force may bias actuator 120 into one of the states, in this example, the latched state. The biasing force may be provided by spring arm 610 of locking terminal 130A (FIGS. 6A-6C).

[0047] Spring arm 610 may be aligned with the outer surface of end portion 510A such that when actuator 120 rotates from the latched position to the unlatched position, the outer surface of end portion 510A presses against spring arm 610, deflecting spring arm 610 and creating a force that biases the actuator back toward the latched state. In the example of FIG. 5, end portion 510A of actuator 120 includes a ledge 514A, and spring arm 610 of lock terminal 130A presses against ledge 514A.

[0048] 5 illustrates further details of an exemplary implementation of actuator 120. In this view, beam 520 is visible with arms 530A and 530B extending from opposite ends. Each arm has an end portion 510A and 510B projecting from the distal end of the arm. These end portions project in a direction parallel to the elongated dimension of beam 520.

[0049] In this example, hub 122A is at the distal end of the protruding portion. Shelf 514A is formed on the outer surface of the portion adjacent to hub 122A. Rocker 516A is next to shelf 514A and is the part of the protruding portion closest to arm 530A.

[0050] Rocker 516A has an arcuate surface 544A that faces downward in this example. When actuator 120 is inserted into housing 112, arcuate surface 544A faces floor 452. Arcuate surface 544A may be held away from floor 452 based on mounting actuator 120 in notch 422 via hub 122A. In such a scenario, arcuate surface 544A may be shaped to provide separation between end portion 510A and floor 452 regardless of actuator 120 orientation. Alternatively or additionally, actuator 120 may be mounted within housing 112 with a segment of arcuate surface 544A in contact with floor 452. In such a scenario, arcuate surface 544A may enable actuator 120 to move with a rocking motion. The rocking motion may result from successive segments of arcuate surface 544A contacting floor 452.

[0051] 5, the lower surface of shelf 514A is shaped so as not to interfere with movement of actuator 120 from the latched position to the unlatched position and vice versa. In this example, shelf 514A also has an arcuate surface facing floor 452 that may have a surface profile matching arcuate surface 544A of locker 516A.

[0052] Latch 518A is positioned such that it can contact floor 452. However, the portion of floor 452 aligned with latch 518A has opening 450, which prevents latch 518A from blocking actuator 120 from moving from the latched position to the unlatched position within housing 112.

[0053] 5, a portion of actuator 120 may be shaped to abut other portions of connector 110 to limit movement of actuator 120 beyond the unlatched position. These other portions of the connector may be portions of housing 112, portions of locking terminals 130A and 130B, and / or other portions of connector 110. In the illustrated example, surfaces 540A and 542A are limiting surfaces that may abut other portions of connection 110 when the actuator moves beyond the designed unlatched position. Surface 540A may abut interior sidewall 454 (FIG. 4), for example. Surface 542A may abut support arm 620, for example.

[0054] Arms 530A and 530B and the projections extending therefrom are symmetrical about the centerline of beam 520, so that descriptions of arm 530A and the portion projecting from arm 530A apply equally to arm 530B and end portion 510B projecting from arm 530B.

[0055] 6A-6C illustrate locking terminal 130A. In this example, locking terminal 130A is stamped from a sheet of metal such that the illustrated portions of locking terminal 130A are integral with one another.

[0056] In this example, spring arm 610 is aligned with support arm 620. In such a configuration, the deflection of spring arm 610 may be limited by support arm 620, thereby preventing spring arm 610 from being overstressed. Excessive stress on the spring arm may cause the spring arm to yield, preventing it from returning to its undeflected state, thereby interfering with the intended operation of the connector.

[0057] To support stamping from a sheet of metal, support arm 620 includes wing 630 from which members 622 and 624 extend. Nevertheless, in cross section as illustrated in FIG. 6C , support arm 620 and members 622 and 624 combine to form a generally U-shaped structure. When locking terminal 130A is inserted into housing 112 after actuator 120 has been inserted into the housing, a portion of actuator 120 is captured within this open area of ​​the U. When the ends of members 622 and 624 are fastened to the PCB, the U-shaped structure is rigid and provides a secure retention of actuator 120.

[0058] 7A-7D illustrate the operation of a connector such as connector 110 during insertion of flat flexible circuit 150. Figures 7A-7D are cross-sectional views through contact 140 at successive steps during insertion of flat flexible circuit 150. Figure 7A illustrates connector 110 mounted to PCB 710, e.g., via surface mount soldering, without flat flexible circuit 150 present. In this state, actuator 120 is in a latched state, and latch 518A is in the path of flat flexible circuit 150 insertion into slot 114.

[0059] 7B illustrates a step in operation where flat flexible circuit 150 is inserted into slot 114 to the point where the leading edge of flat flexible circuit 150 approaches contact surface 144. In this state, the leading edge of flat flexible circuit 150 contacts and pushes against latch 518A, resulting in actuator movement, as can be seen from the change in angle of beam 520 relative to PCB 710. This movement can be, for example, a rotation about hub 122A and / or a rocking motion of arcuate surface 544.

[0060] 7C illustrates a subsequent step in which flat flexible circuit 150 is further inserted such that latch 518A slides along the top surface of flat flexible circuit 150. In this state, latch 518A no longer blocks slot 114, and actuator 120 is in an unlatched state.

[0061] 7D illustrates a further step in which the flat flexible circuit 150 is further inserted such that the notch 154 is aligned with the latch 518A. In this state, the actuator 120 returns to the latched state due to the removal of the force on the latch 518A as a result of contact with the flat flexible circuit 150. In this state, the latch 518A extends into the notch 154. If an attempt is made to remove the flat flexible circuit 150 while the connector 110 is in this state, the rear edge of the latch 518A will catch on the edge of the notch 154, preventing removal of the flat flexible circuit 150.

[0062] Figures 8A-8D illustrate the same steps in the insertion operation of Figures 7A-7D. Figures 8A-8D illustrate connector 110 in cross section through latch 518A. In these figures, it can be seen that actuator 120 moves from a latched state to an unlatched state as a result of contact between the leading edge of flat flexible circuit 150 and the front edge of latch 518A.

[0063] 8D, the latching of flat flexible circuit 150 can also be seen as a result of engagement between the rear edge of latch 518A and the edge of notch 154. In this state, actuator 120 does not move in response to a force pulling on flat flexible circuit 150 transferred to actuator 120, with flat flexible circuit 150 contacting latch 518A. Further rotation of the actuator is prevented by interference between one or more components of actuator 120 and housing 112. For example, beam 520 may be inside recessed area 410 such that it contacts a surface of housing 112, as shown, for example, in FIG.

[0064] 9A-9D illustrate the same step in the insertion operation of FIGS. 7A-7D. FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate connector 110 in a cross section through shelf 514A. In these figures, the deflection of spring arm 610 as a result of the movement of shelf 514A can be seen. Similarly, the return of shelf 514A to its latched position as a result of the spring force generated by the deflection of spring arm 610 can also be seen. The U-shaped structure formed by support arm 620 and members 622 and 624 is also visible.

[0065] Figures 10A-12D illustrate the operation of a connector such as connector 110 during removal of flat flexible circuit 150. Figures 10A-10D are cross-sectional views through contact 140 at successive steps during removal of flat flexible circuit 150. Figure 10A illustrates a latched state, which may correspond, for example, to the state illustrated in Figure 7D.

[0066] 10B illustrates that a user can actuate actuator 120 to move it to the unlocked state. In this example, the user pushes on the rear edge of beam 520 to move actuator 120. The movement can be, for example, rotation about hub 122A and / or rocking along arcuate surface 544. Regardless of the mechanism by which actuator 120 moves, the movement can disengage latch 518A from notch 154.

[0067] FIG. 10C illustrates that with latch 518A removed from notch 154, flat flexible circuit 150 can be removed from slot 114, such as by pulling on flat flexible circuit 150.

[0068] FIG. 10D illustrates that when the user releases the beam 520 and the flat flexible circuit 150 is removed, the actuator 120 can return to its latched state as shown in FIG. 10D.

[0069] Figures 11A-11D illustrate the same steps in the insertion operation of Figures 10A-10D. Figures 11A-11D illustrate connector 110 in cross section through latch 518A.

[0070] 12A-12D illustrate the same steps in the insertion operation of FIGS. 10A-10D. FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate connector 110 in a cross section through shelf 514A. In this view, spring arm 610 can be seen between support arm 620 and shelf 514A. Portions of rocker 516A, including surfaces 540A and 542A, are visible in these cross sections. These views illustrate that interference between actuator 120 can limit the amount of travel of actuator 120, which in turn can limit the amount of deflection of spring arm 610, thereby preventing spring arm 610 from becoming overstressed. It can also be seen that the deflection of the spring arm can alternatively or additionally be limited by the support arm 620 by positioning the support arm 620 so that the spring arm 610 abuts the support arm 620 when the spring arm 610 deflects beyond its position in the unlatched state.

[0071] 12B illustrates that the rotation of beam 520 is limited to a predetermined angle. In this example, the limit is established by surface 540A abutting interior sidewall 454. Alternatively or additionally, the limit may be established by surface 542A abutting support arm 620. Limiting excess stress on spring arm 610 allows for a robust connector that can be easily constructed.

[0072] Figures 13A-13D illustrate the operation of an embodiment of a connector, such as connector 110, having a stable unlatched state. Similar to Figures 9A-9D and 12A-12D, Figures 13A-13D illustrate a cross section through spring arm 610. In this example, Figure 13A does not show flat flexible circuit 150, but latching may be performed as in the examples of Figures 9A-9D, 12A-12D, and 13A-13D. For ease of illustration, a PCB is not shown, but connectors such as those shown in Figures 13A-13D may be mounted to a PCB or other substrate.

[0073] In this example, the actuator may be shaped generally as shown in FIG. 5 with beam 520, arms 530A and 530B at each end of the beam, and protrusions on each end portion 510A and 510B of the arms. Each protrusion may include a hub, such as hub 122A, and a portion with a shelf, such as shelf 514A. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 13A-13D, the portion with shelf 514′ is shaped to provide a separation S between that portion of the actuator and floor 452′ of the connector housing cavity that receives the protrusion from the actuator's arm. This separation S is shown in FIG. 13A when the actuator is in the latched state. For example, the portion including shelf 514′ may be supported by hub 122A rather than by contact with the housing. Using the separation S allows the arcuate surface on the protrusion to be omitted without interfering with actuator rotation.

[0074] Ledge 514' is a flat surface aligned with spring arm 610, similar to shelf 514 described above. Rotation of the actuator from the latched position toward the unlatched position presses shelf 514' against the distal end of spring arm 610, thereby deflecting the spring arm. The deflection of spring arm 610 generates a reaction force, urging shelf 514' and the actuator generally toward the latched position. As described above, rotation of the actuator can be based on insertion of flat flexible circuit 150 into the connector or a user pressing the actuator.

[0075] The connector may be configured so that the biasing force has different effects depending on how the actuator is moved. The connector may be configured to have a stable state for the actuator in which the biasing force does not return the actuator to the latched position. For example, a portion of the protrusion from the actuator arm, or some other portion of the actuator, may be shaped so that when the actuator is rotated beyond a threshold amount, the biasing force creates a moment about the axis of rotation of the actuator 120 that is insufficient to overcome other forces that inhibit rotation of the actuator. Omitting the arcuate surface of the portion of the actuator, including the shelf 514′, may allow that portion to be shaped to produce a stable, unlatched state.

[0076] Such a configuration can be utilized to provide a self-locking connector that supports easy removal of a flat flexible circuit from the connector. For example, insertion of a flat flexible circuit into the connector may cause the latching member to rotate the actuator sufficiently to open a path for insertion of the flat flexible circuit, but less than a threshold amount. As a result, a user need only simply insert the flat flexible circuit into the connector without manually moving the actuator, either to create clearance for insertion of the flat flexible circuit or to latch the flat flexible circuit into the connector after the flat flexible circuit has been inserted to a designed depth. Rather, the retained stress from the deflection of the spring arm 610 provides a sufficient moment to latch the flat flexible circuit into the connector, as described above in connection with FIG. 8D .

[0077] In other cases, a user may move the actuator such that it rotates beyond a threshold amount. In that scenario, the connector may enter its stable, unlatched state, in which the flat flexible circuit may be withdrawn even if the user releases the actuator. Such an operating state avoids the need for the user to actively restrain the actuator from returning to a latched state while withdrawing the flat flexible circuit, freeing the user's hands to hold other parts of the electronic device incorporating the connector or otherwise requiring less user dexterity to remove the flat flexible circuit.

[0078] The threshold amount of rotation may be greater than the amount of rotation that occurs upon insertion of a flat flexible circuit, as shown, for example, by angle A in Figure 8C. The threshold amount of rotation may be less than the amount of rotation that occurs when the actuator is rotated into a state where a surface of the actuator abuts a surface of the connector housing and / or support arm 620, limiting overstress of the spring arm 610, as shown, for example, by angle B in Figure 11C.

[0079] For example, in some examples, angle B may be about 10 degrees greater than angle A. In some examples, angle B may be 5 to 25 degrees greater than angle A. Angle B may be, for example, greater than 55 degrees to about 75 degrees, such as 61 degrees. Angle A may be, for example, less than 55 degrees to about 30 degrees, such as about 50 to 52 degrees.

[0080] The threshold angle of the actuator beam 520 may define a predetermined position to which the actuator position can be moved to place the actuator in a stable, unlatched position. The connectors described elsewhere herein may be implemented to provide such stability by shaping one or more surfaces of the actuator and / or the surfaces of the housing and / or support arm with which those surfaces of the actuator interact. In the example of FIGS. 13A-13D, the portion of the actuator including the shelf 514′ has additional flat surfaces 1310 and 1312. The flat surfaces 1310 and 1312 are approximately parallel to each other and transverse to the flat surface of the shelf 514′. These surfaces are oriented such that when the actuator is rotated into position, the surfaces are parallel to and abut other structures of the connector.

[0081] Figure 13B illustrates a user pushing on beam 520 to move the actuator into position. In the state illustrated in Figure 13B, surface 1310 is aligned with and abuts floor 452'. Surface 1312 is aligned with and abuts a flat portion of spring arm 610. In this configuration, the moment about hub 122A applied to the actuator as a result of the stress held in spring arm 610 is less than the moment required to change the orientation of surfaces 1310 and 1312.

[0082] As illustrated in Figure 13B, the state achieved by placing the actuator in place is maintained when the user stops pressing on the beam 520. Thus, as shown in Figure 13C, the beam 520 maintains its position even when the user stops pressing on the beam 520. In this state, the user may easily remove or insert the flat flexible circuit. The user may use one hand for the operation, leaving the other hand free for other tasks.

[0083] To return the actuator to the latched state, a user can push on beam 520, as shown in FIG. 13D. FIG. 13D shows a force being applied to move the actuator in the opposite direction to the force applied in FIG. 13B. The force applied by the user may be sufficient to overcome the resistance to rotation created by surface 1310 abutting floor 452′ and / or surface 1312 abutting a flat portion of spring arm 610. Once this resistance is overcome, the force applied by spring arm 610 may be sufficient to return the actuator to the latched state, as shown in FIG. 13E.

[0084] 14A-14D illustrate an auto-close feature that may optionally be integrated into a connector having a stable unlatched state, including any of the connectors described herein. Figures 14A-14D are cross-sectional views through an actuator arm 1430. In this example, arm 1430 is the right arm, but a similar feature may alternatively or additionally be implemented in an arm positioned elsewhere in the connector, including the left arm (not visible in Figures 14A-14D).

[0085] 14A-14D illustrate a connector latching area 1460 within the connector slot 114 that receives the flat flexible circuit 150. When the flat flexible circuit 150 is inserted for mating, the notch 154 is within the latching area 1460. When the actuator 1430 is rotated to the latched position, the latch 518A extends into the latching area 1460 so that it passes through the notch 154. As discussed above in connection with FIG. 8D, when the actuator is in this position, the actuator is prevented from rotating in a clockwise direction in FIG. 14D, and the latch 518A cannot be displaced by the front edge 1452, even if a user attempts to remove the flat flexible circuit 150 by pulling on the flat flexible circuit 150, latching the flat flexible circuit 150 into the connector.

[0086] In this example, the arm 1430 has a protrusion 1450 that is rotated into a latching area 1460 in some states. However, rather than latching the flat flexible circuit 150 within the connector, the protrusion 1450 is sized and shaped to automatically move the actuator to a closed state when the flat flexible circuit 150 is withdrawn if the actuator is in a stable, unlatched position. The protrusion 1450 is positioned to extend into the latching area 1460 when the actuator is in a stable, unlatched position. In this position, the protrusion 1450 can engage a portion of the flat flexible circuit 150 as it is withdrawn. In this example, the protrusion 1450 is aligned with the latch 518A in the insertion direction (i.e., the direction in which the flat flexible circuit 150 is moved to insert the flat flexible circuit 150 into the slot 114). Other aspects of the connector illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14D may be as described elsewhere herein in connection with any of the other embodiments. Latch 518A may, for example, engage notch 154 in the flat flexible circuit when fully inserted into the connector.

[0087] Further, as shown in Figure 14A, the actuator can be rotated to an unlatched position where latch 518A rotates out of notch 154, thereby allowing flat flexible circuit 150 to be pulled out of the connector. Figure 14A illustrates a user applying force to beam 520 to rotate the actuator, for example, as described above in connection with Figure 10B.

[0088] In this example, the connector includes a stable unlatched position as described above in connection with Figures 13B and 13C. Thus, even after a user releases the beam 520, the actuator remains in the unlatched position as illustrated in Figure 14B, and the flat flexible circuit 150 can be withdrawn as illustrated in Figure 14C.

[0089] As the flat flexible circuit 150 is pulled out, it may interact with the actuator, causing it to move from its stable state. The interaction may be due to, for example, contact with the protrusion 1450. In this example, when the actuator is in the stable, unlatched state of FIG. 14B , the protrusion 1450 extends into the notch 154. As the flat flexible circuit 150 is pulled out, the front edge 1452 of the notch 154 contacts the protrusion 1450, as shown in FIG. 14C . As the flat flexible circuit 150 is pulled out beyond that contact point, the force transferred from the flat flexible circuit 150 to the actuator at that contact point rotates the beam 520 toward its latched state.

[0090] Once the actuator has rotated sufficiently to move out of its stable, unlatched state, it may continue to rotate to its latched position, as shown in FIG. 14D. In this example, the actuator is biased toward its latched state, and a biasing force provides the force that drives the actuator into its latched state. Such a biasing force may be provided, for example, by a spring arm of the locking terminal, as described above.

[0091] 14B and 14C is due to the protrusion 1450 extending into the latching area 1460, where it interferes with the flat flexible circuit 150 being extracted while the actuator is in a position to rotate clockwise, such that when the actuator is moved out of its stable, unlatched state, the protrusion 1450 rotates out of the latching area 1460, allowing the flat flexible circuit 150 to be freely extracted. Thus, when a user applies force to the beam 520 to rotate the actuator (as shown in FIG. 14A) to the stable, unlatched state (as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C), the latch 518A rotates out of the latching area and the protrusion 1450 rotates to extend into the latching area, allowing the flat flexible circuit 150 to be extracted from the connector. When the flat flexible circuit 150 is pulled beyond the contact point between the protrusion 1450 and the forward edge 1452 of the notch 154, the force transmitted from the flat flexible circuit 150 to the actuator at that contact point rotates the beam 520 toward its latched state, with the protrusion 1450 rotating out of the latching area and the latch 518A rotating into the latching area, as illustrated in FIG. 14D.

[0092] FIG. 15 depicts an alternative embodiment of a locking member that may optionally be used to provide a more robust connector, particularly a miniaturized connector having a very low height, such as less than 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, or less than 4 mm, in some instances. The inventors theorize that to reliably generate sufficient force to move the actuator from the unlatched position to the latched position, the spring portion of the locking terminal may be preloaded to apply a force to a portion of the actuator even when the actuator is in a latched state. The inventors recognized and understood that reducing the preload force may result in a more reliable connector. For example, during soldering of the connector to a PCB, such as using a reflow process, the housing material may soften as a result of the heat used in soldering. The locking terminal may move within the housing due to the preload force and then loosen during operation, leading to errors during operation or accelerated failure of the connector. Nevertheless, even if the preload force is reduced, it should desirably be sufficient to reliably move the actuator from the unlatched position to the latched position.

[0093] Figure 15 depicts a front left side perspective view from below of a locking member that may be used in a connector described herein, such as the exemplary board connector of Figure 1. The locking member 1530 of Figure 15 is similar in structure and function to the locking member 130A depicted in Figures 6A-6C, except that the locking member 1530 has a differently shaped spring arm 1510.

[0094] The spring arm 1510 in this example has a dual beam configuration having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may contact the actuator near its distal end in the same manner as the beam 610 (FIGS. 6A-6C). The second portion may extend from the first portion and contact another portion of the locking member, such as the support arm 1520 near its distal end. Both portions may cooperate to provide a force to the actuator, biasing it toward the locked position.

[0095] In the illustrated example, the spring arm extends from the support arm 1520 of the lock terminal 1510, through a first portion at the first end of the lock member 1510, and along the length of the lock terminal 1510 to the second end. The second portion of the spring arm 1510 may connect to the first portion at the second end of the lock terminal 1510 and extend back toward the first end of the lock terminal 1510. Furthermore, the second portion of the spring arm 1510 may be configured to remain in contact with the support arm 1520 when the actuator of the board connector is in the latched position. Nevertheless, the spring arm 1510 may be configured to provide a low preload force to the actuator when the actuator is in the latched position. For example, there may be a relatively small difference between the position of the spring arm when it is in its free state, as shown in FIG. 15, and when it is in the locked state, as shown in FIG. 16A.

[0096] 16A-16D are cross-sectional views through a spring arm of an exemplary board connector, such as the board connector of FIG. 1 having the locking member of FIG. 15, during insertion of a flexible circuit at successive steps in the insertion process. FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate the same steps in the insertion operation of FIGS. 7A-7D, but illustrate the connector 110 in a cross-section through the locking member 1510. As depicted in FIGS. 16A and 16D, when the actuator 120 is in the latched position, a first portion of the actuator 120 and the spring arm 1510 may contact each other, and the spring arm 1510 may apply a preload force. A second portion of the spring arm 1510 may also contact a support arm 1520 when the actuator 120 is in the latched position.

[0097] Other changes, modifications, and improvements may be made to the structures, configurations, and methods discussed above and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein. Additionally, while advantages of the invention are set forth, it should be understood that not all embodiments of the invention include all described advantages. Some embodiments may not implement any of the features described herein as advantageous. Accordingly, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are by way of example only.

[0098] Some aspects of the present technology may be embodied as one or more methods, and the actions performed as part of the methods of the present technology may be ordered in any suitable way. Thus, while various embodiments may show and / or describe actions as sequential, embodiments may be constructed in which actions are performed in an order different from that shown / described, which may include performing some actions simultaneously.

[0099] Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in various configurations not specifically discussed in the foregoing embodiments, and therefore the application is not limited to the details and arrangements of components set forth in the foregoing specification or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

[0100] As an example of other possible variations, a "user" of the connector has been mentioned, which may be a human user or a robot user.

[0101] Also, certain components have been described as having multiple elements. In other examples, the elements may be implemented on different components. For example, rocker 516 has been described as having surfaces 540A and 542A for limiting the movement of actuator 120. Such limiting surfaces may be implemented on different components and / or may be on a portion of the protrusion from the arm of actuator 120 that does not have an arcuate surface.

[0102] As another example, the locking terminal has been described as having both a support arm integrated into a U-shaped structure to capture a portion of the actuator and a spring arm to bias the actuator. These elements may be implemented as separate components. Similarly, tab 626 has been illustrated as being integral with support arm 620. In other examples, tab 626 or other components for capturing hub 122A within an opening in housing 112 may be separate from the locking terminal.

[0103] As an example of another variation, connector 110 has been described as being symmetrical, such that components at one end are repeated at the other end. It is not a requirement that connectors using the technology described herein be symmetrical. Some or all of the components at one end of the connector may be omitted at the other end. For example, limiting surfaces such as 540A and 542A may be present only at one end of the connector.

[0104] The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc. to modify elements in this specification and claims does not, in itself, imply any priority, precedence, or ordering of one element relative to another, or the temporal order in which method operations are performed, but is merely used as a label to distinguish one element or operation with a particular name from another element or operation with the same name (absent the use of ordinal terms) to distinguish between elements or operations.

[0105] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to supersede dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0106] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0107] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in connection with a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, and does not necessarily include at least one of every element specifically listed within the list of elements, and does not exclude any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements, may optionally be present.

[0108] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "equal" or "same" with respect to two values ​​(e.g., distance, width, etc.) means that the two values ​​are the same within manufacturing tolerances. Thus, two values ​​being equal or the same can mean that the two values ​​differ from each other by ±5%.

[0109] The phrase "and / or," as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that may be present conjunctively in some cases and disjunctively in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Other elements, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and / or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising," could refer in one embodiment to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements), etc.

[0110] As used in this specification and the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., including at least one of, but also including more than one of, some elements or a list of elements, and optionally including additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicating the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," shall refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of, some elements or a list of elements. Generally, as used herein, the term "or" shall be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") only when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." When used in the claims, "consisting essentially of" shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0111] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," "consisting of," "having," "containing," and "involving," and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

[0112] The terms "approximately" and "about," as used herein, may be interpreted to mean, in some embodiments, within ±20% of a target value, in some embodiments, within ±10% of a target value, in some embodiments, within ±5% of a target value, and in some embodiments, within ±2% of a target value. The terms "approximately" and "about" may be equal to the target value.

[0113] The term "substantially," as used herein, may be interpreted to mean, in some embodiments, within 95% of a target value, in some embodiments, within 98% of a target value, in some embodiments, within 99% of a target value, and in some embodiments, within 99.5% of a target value. In some embodiments, the term "substantially" may equal 100% of a target value.

[0114] [example] As an example, the present invention may be embodied as an electrical connector comprising: a housing configured to receive a mating component and having a mounting surface; a plurality of contacts held within the housing; an actuator, the actuator having a latch member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; and an outer surface defining a shelf, the actuator being partially exposed outside the housing and movably coupled to the housing so as to be movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; and a locking terminal mounted to the housing, the locking terminal comprising a spring arm configured to press against the shelf to urge the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position; and a support arm, the spring arm being between the support arm and the shelf.

[0115] Optionally, such an electrical connector may include one or more of the following:

[0116] The spring arm and support arm are integrally formed from a sheet of metal, with at least a portion of the support arm being wider than the spring arm.

[0117] The spring arm has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the spring arm configured to press against the shelf, and the second portion of the spring arm configured to press against the support arm when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position.

[0118] The second portion of the spring arm is connected to the first portion of the spring arm at a distal end of the first portion and extends along at least a portion of the length of the first portion.

[0119] The latched and unlatched positions are stable states.

[0120] The tails of the plurality of contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board, the locking terminals are soldered to the printed circuit board at a first location and a second location, and the shelf is between the first location and the second location.

[0121] The actuator comprises a beam elongated in a first direction and having a first end and a second end, and an arm extending from the beam at the first end transverse to the first direction.

[0122] The housing includes a cavity and the arm includes a distal end disposed within the cavity.

[0123] The distal end of the arm further comprises a hub, the housing comprises a notch bounded by a surface, and the actuator is arranged such that the hub rests against the surface of the notch when the actuator moves between the latched and unlatched positions.

[0124] The cavity includes a floor having an opening, and the latch member is positioned to extend through the opening when the actuator is in the latched position.

[0125] A latch member is disposed at the distal end of the arm.

[0126] The distal end of the arm further comprises a first portion having an arcuate surface, the first portion configured to rock along the floor of the cavity when the actuator moves from the latched position to the unlatched position.

[0127] The shelf is an exterior surface of the first portion.

[0128] the arm is a first arm, the actuator further comprises a second arm extending from the beam at a second end in a direction transverse to the first direction, the cavity is a first cavity, the housing further comprises a second cavity, the second arm has a distal end disposed in the second cavity, the latch member is a first latch member, the actuator has a second latch member disposed at the distal end of the second arm, the lock terminal is a first lock terminal, the spring arm is a first spring arm, the electrical connector comprises a second lock terminal having a second spring arm, the shelf is a first shelf, and the actuator further comprises a second shelf on an outer surface of the distal end of the second arm, the second spring arm being configured to press against the second shelf to urge the actuator towards the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position.

[0129] The actuator further comprises a protrusion on the distal end of the first arm, a ledge formed on a portion of the protrusion.

[0130] The shelf is a first planar surface of a portion of the projection, and the portion of the projection includes a second planar surface and a third planar surface.

[0131] The second and third planar surfaces are transverse to the first planar surface, and the second planar surface is parallel to the third planar surface.

[0132] As an example, the present invention may be embodied as an electrical connector comprising: a housing having a slot configured to receive a mating component and a mounting surface; a plurality of contacts retained within the housing, the plurality of contacts having tails exposed at the mounting surface configured to attach to a printed circuit board; an actuator having a latch member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing, the actuator being partially exposed outside the housing and movably coupled to the housing so as to be movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; and a locking terminal mounted to the housing, the locking terminal having a spring arm configured to press against a portion of the actuator to bias the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position; a support arm having a first end and a second end, a first member extending from the first end of the support arm to the mounting surface and configured to attach to the printed circuit board; and a second member extending from the second end of the support arm to the mounting surface and configured to attach to the printed circuit board.

[0133] Optionally, such an electrical connector may include one or more of the following:

[0134] The latched and unlatched positions are stable states.

[0135] The spring arm has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the spring arm configured to press against the shelf, and the second portion of the spring arm configured to press against the support arm when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position.

[0136] The second portion of the spring arm is connected to the first portion of the spring arm at a distal end of the first portion and extends along at least a portion of the length of the first portion.

[0137] The housing has a cavity with an opening, the actuator has a beam and an arm extending from the beam, the actuator has a protrusion from a distal end of the arm, the protrusion being at least partially disposed within the cavity, and the support arm is disposed within the opening of the cavity.

[0138] The housing includes an opening, and the projection of the actuator includes a hub that extends into the opening such that the actuator is movably coupled to the housing through engagement of the hub with the opening.

[0139] The locking terminal includes a tab extending from and transverse to the support arm, the tab capturing the hub within the opening in the housing.

[0140] The cavity includes a floor and at least a portion of the protrusion includes an arcuate surface adjacent the floor.

[0141] The support arm is positioned to interfere with at least a portion of the protrusion of the actuator to prevent further movement of the actuator when the actuator is moved to the unlatched position.

[0142] In combination with the printed circuit board, the tails of the plurality of contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board, and the locking terminal includes a base with a locking arm extending from the base, the base being soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0143] As an example, the present invention may be embodied as a method of operating an electrical connector comprising a locking terminal comprising a spring arm and a support arm, and an actuator comprising a latch member, the method including biasing the actuator towards a latched position using the spring arm, and moving the actuator towards an unlatched position in which a portion of the actuator abuts the support arm of the locking terminal.

[0144] Optionally, such a method may include one or more of the following:

[0145] The actuator is disposed within the cavity of the housing and includes a first portion having an arcuate surface, and moving the actuator includes causing a continuous area of ​​the arcuate surface to contact a floor of the cavity, thereby causing the actuator to oscillate.

[0146] The first portion is constrained within the cavity by the support arm as the actuator swings such that the actuator has a rotational component to its movement.

[0147] The actuator includes a hub engaged within the opening in the housing, and moving the actuator includes rotating the actuator about the hub.

[0148] The method further includes inserting a flat flexible circuit into the slot so that an edge of the flat flexible circuit presses against the actuator while the actuator is biased to the latched position, to move the actuator toward an unlatched position, the flat flexible circuit having a notch offset from the edge that receives the latch member, and the method further includes moving the actuator toward the latched position such that the actuator moves to the latched position with the latch member disposed in the notch of the flat flexible circuit.

[0149] The actuator comprises a beam, an arm extending from the beam, and a protrusion extending from a distal end of the arm, the protrusion comprising a hub, and the method further includes limiting rotation of the actuator by abutting a surface of the protrusion against a surface of the housing.

[0150] The housing has a mounting surface, the electrical connector further comprises a plurality of contacts held within the housing, the plurality of contacts having tails exposed at the mounting surface and mounted to a printed circuit board, and the locking terminal comprises a first member extending from a first end of the support arm toward the mounting surface and a second member extending from a second end of the support arm toward the mounting surface, the first member and the second member being configured to be mounted to the printed circuit board at the mounting surface.

[0151] As an example, the present invention may be embodied as an electrical connector comprising: a housing configured to receive a mating component and having a latching area; a plurality of contacts held within the housing; an actuator comprising a latch member and a protrusion configured to engage with a mating component inserted into the housing, the actuator being partially exposed outside the housing and movably coupled to the housing so as to be movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; when the actuator is in the latched position, the latch member extends within the latching area and the protrusion extends outside the latching area; and when the actuator is in the unlatched position, the latch member extends outside the latching area and the protrusion extends within the latching area.

[0152] As an example, the invention may be embodied as a method of operating an electrical connector, the method including moving an actuator of the connector to a stable, unlatched position in which a latch on the actuator disengages from a mating component inserted into the connector, and withdrawing the mating component such that a spring force rotates the actuator toward the stable, latched position, urging the actuator out of the stable, unlatched position as a result of interference between a protrusion on the actuator and the mating component.

Claims

1. a housing configured to receive a mating component and having a mounting surface; a plurality of contacts held within the housing; An actuator; a lock terminal attached to the housing, The actuator is a latch member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; and an outer surface defining a shelf; is partially exposed outside the housing; and a latching mechanism movably coupled to the housing such that the latching mechanism is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; The lock terminal is a spring arm configured to press against the shelf to bias the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position; and a support arm; The spring arm is an electrical connector between the support arm and the shelf.

2. the spring arm and the support arm being integrally formed from a sheet of metal; The electrical connector of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the support arm is wider than the spring arm.

3. the spring arm comprising a first portion and a second portion; the spring arm is configured such that the first portion presses against the shelf; 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the spring arm is configured such that the second portion presses against the support arm when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position.

4. 4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the second portion of the spring arm is connected to the first portion of the spring arm at a distal end of the first portion and extends along at least a portion of the length of the first portion.

5. 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the latched and unlatched positions are stable states.

6. 10. An electronic assembly comprising the connector of claim 1 in combination with a printed circuit board, the tails of the plurality of contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board; the locking terminal is soldered to the printed circuit board at a first location and a second location; The shelf is between the first location and the second location.

7. The actuator a beam elongated in a first direction and having a first end and a second end; 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising: an arm extending from said beam at said first end in a direction transverse to said first direction.

8. the housing includes a cavity; The electrical connector of claim 7 , wherein the arms include distal ends disposed within the cavities.

9. the distal end of the arm further comprises a hub; the housing comprising a notch bounded by a surface; 9. The electrical connector of claim 8, wherein the actuator is disposed such that the hub rests against the surface of the notch as the actuator moves between the latched and unlatched positions.

10. the cavity has a floor with an opening; 9. The electrical connector of claim 8, wherein the latch member is positioned to extend through the opening when the actuator is in the latched position.

11. The electrical connector of claim 10 , wherein the latch member is disposed at the distal end of the arm.

12. the distal end of the arm further comprises a first portion comprising an arcuate surface; 12. The electrical connector of claim 11, wherein the first portion is configured to rock along the floor of the cavity when the actuator moves from the latched position to the unlatched position.

13. The electrical connector of claim 12 wherein the shelf is an outer surface of the first portion.

14. the arm is a first arm, the actuator further comprising a second arm extending from the beam at the second end in a direction transverse to the first direction; the cavity is a first cavity, the housing further comprising a second cavity; the second arm having a distal end disposed within the second cavity; the latch member is a first latch member and the actuator has a second latch member disposed at the distal end of the second arm; the lock terminal is a first lock terminal, the spring arm is a first spring arm, the electrical connector includes a second locking terminal including a second spring arm; the shelf is a first shelf; the actuator further comprising a second shelf on an outer surface of the distal end of the second arm; 14. The electrical connector of claim 13, wherein the second spring arm is configured to press against the second shelf to bias the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position.

15. the actuator further comprises a protrusion on the distal end of the first arm; The electrical connector of claim 11 , wherein the shelf is formed on a portion of the projection.

16. the shelf is a first planar surface of the portion of the projection; 16. The electrical connector of claim 15, wherein the portion of the projection comprises a second planar surface and a third planar surface.

17. the second planar surface and the third planar surface are transverse to the first planar surface; 17. The electrical connector of claim 16, wherein the second planar surface is parallel to the third planar surface.

18. a housing having a slot configured to receive a mating component and a mounting surface; a plurality of contacts held within the housing; An actuator; a lock terminal attached to the housing, the plurality of contacts have tails exposed at the mounting surface and configured to mount to a printed circuit board; The actuator is a latch member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; is partially exposed outside the housing; and a latching mechanism movably coupled to the housing such that the latching mechanism is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; The lock terminal is a spring arm configured to press against a portion of the actuator to bias the actuator toward the latched position when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position; a support arm having a first end and a second end; a first member extending from the first end of the support arm to the mounting surface and configured for mounting to the printed circuit board; a second member extending from the second end of the support arm to the mounting surface and configured for mounting to the printed circuit board.

19. 20. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the latched and unlatched positions are stable states.

20. the spring arm having a first portion and a second portion; the spring arm is configured such that the first portion presses against a shelf; 20. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the spring arm is configured such that the second portion presses against the support arm when the actuator is moved from the latched position to the unlatched position.

21. 21. The electrical connector of claim 20, wherein the second portion of the spring arm is connected to the first portion of the spring arm at a distal end of the first portion and extends along at least a portion of the length of the first portion.

22. the housing includes a cavity with an opening; the actuator comprises a beam and an arm extending from the beam; the actuator comprises a protrusion from a distal end of the arm; the protrusion is at least partially disposed within the cavity; 20. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the support arm is disposed within the opening of the cavity.

23. the housing includes an opening; the protrusion of the actuator comprises a hub; 23. The electrical connector of claim 22, wherein the hub extends into the opening such that the actuator is movably coupled to the housing through engagement of the hub with the opening.

24. the locking terminal includes a tab extending from and transverse to the support arm; 24. The electrical connector of claim 23, wherein the tab captures the hub within the opening in the housing.

25. 24. The electrical connector of claim 23, wherein the cavity includes a floor and at least a portion of the projection includes an arcuate surface adjacent the floor.

26. 20. The electrical connector of claim 18, wherein the support arm is positioned to interfere with the at least a portion of the protrusion of the actuator to prevent further movement of the actuator when the actuator is moved to the unlatched position.

27. 20. An electronic assembly comprising the connector of claim 18 in combination with said printed circuit board, the tails of the plurality of contacts are soldered to the printed circuit board; the locking terminal includes a base with a locking arm extending from the base; an electronic assembly, wherein the base is soldered to the printed circuit board.

28. 1. A method of operating an electrical connector having a locking terminal with a spring arm and a support arm, and an actuator with a latch member, comprising: biasing the actuator toward a latched position with the spring arm; and moving the actuator toward an unlatched position in which a portion of the actuator abuts the support arm of a locking terminal.

29. the actuator is disposed within a cavity of a housing and includes a first portion having an arcuate surface; 30. The method of claim 28, wherein moving the actuator comprises oscillating the actuator by contacting a continuous area of ​​the arcuate surface with a floor of the cavity.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first portion is constrained within the cavity by the support arm when the actuator swings such that the actuator has a rotational component to its movement.

31. the actuator comprising a hub engaged within an opening in a housing; 30. The method of claim 28, wherein moving the actuator comprises rotating the actuator about the hub.

32. while the actuator is biased to the latched position, inserting a flat flexible circuit into the opening such that an edge of the flat flexible circuit presses against the actuator to move the actuator toward the unlatched position; the flat flexible circuit includes a notch offset from the edge for receiving the latch member; 32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising moving the actuator toward the latched position such that the actuator moves to the latched position with the latch member disposed within the notch of the flat flexible circuit.

33. the actuator comprises a beam, an arm extending from the beam, and a protrusion extending from a distal end of the arm, the protrusion comprising the hub; 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising limiting rotation of the actuator by abutting a surface of the protrusion against a surface of the housing.

34. the housing having a mounting surface; the electrical connector further comprising a plurality of contacts held within the housing, the contacts having tails exposed at the mounting surface and adapted to be mounted to a printed circuit board; the locking terminal comprises a first member extending from a first end of the support arm toward the mounting surface and a second member extending from a second end of the support arm toward the mounting surface; 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the first member and the second member are configured for mounting to the printed circuit board at the mounting surface.

35. a housing configured to receive a mating component and including a latching area; a plurality of contacts held within the housing; an actuator; The actuator is a latch member and a protrusion configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; is partially exposed outside the housing; and a latching mechanism movably coupled to the housing such that the latching mechanism is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; When the actuator is in a latched position, the latch member extends into the latch area and the protrusion extends outside the latch area; When the actuator is in an unlatched position, the latch member extends outside the latching area and the protrusion extends within the latching area.

36. 1. A method of operating an electrical connector, comprising: moving an actuator of the connector to a stable unlatched position in which a latch on the actuator disengages from a mating component inserted into the connector; withdrawing the mating component such that a spring force rotates the actuator toward a stable latched position, and biasing the actuator out of the stable unlatched position as a result of interference between a protrusion on the actuator and the mating component.

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