Easy Lock Connector for Flat Object to be Connected

Abstract

Provide an easy-lock connector for a flat object to be connected. 【Solution means】The easy-lock connector 10 includes an insulating housing 11, a plurality of contacts 15 held by the insulating housing, two lock members 13, and a U-shaped push bar member 12. The lock member locks a flat object to be connected inserted into the easy-lock connector. When the U-shaped push bar member is operated to move the lock arm of the lock member away from the locked position, the locking of the flat object to be connected is released. The U-shaped push bar member improves the operability of the easy-lock connector and realizes a thin-type easy-lock connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for flat objects to be connected such as a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC) and a Flexible Flat Circuit (FPC), and particularly to a thin easy-lock connector that can release the lock of a flat object to be connected with one hand.

Background Art

[0002] Taiwan Utility Model No. M644042U (Patent Document 1) discloses a flexible flat cable connector. The connector of Patent Document 1 has an operating member pivotally supported by an insulating housing. By pressing the main body of the operating member to rotate the operating member, the lock of the flexible flat cable is released. However, since this type of operating member has a certain thickness, it is not suitable for realizing a thin connector.

[0003] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0149565A1 (Patent Document 2) discloses an easy-lock connector having a push-to-unlock structure. In Patent Document 2, the push-to-unlock structure is integrally formed with the metal shell of the connector. The easy-lock connector of Patent Document 2 is thin, but it is not suitable for releasing the lock of a flat cable with one hand. On the other hand, when applying the easy-lock connector of Patent Document 2 to a narrow-pitch precision small connector, the area of the pressing portion becomes 2.2×1.6 mm 2 as follows. This type of pressing portion is very small, and it is difficult for the user to press the pressing portion directly from above with a fingertip. The operation of releasing the lock of the flat cable becomes very difficult, and improvement in the operability of this type of easy-lock connector is desired.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an easy-lock connector for a flat connection object that has good operability and can release the lock of the flat connection object with one hand.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-lock connector for a flat connection object that is thin and suitable for use in small or thin electronic devices with limited space.

[0006] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an easy-lock connector for a flat connection object. By inserting the flat connection object into the easy-lock connector, the flat connection object can be easily locked, which contributes to the automatic assembly of the flat connection object and the easy-lock connector.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an easy-lock connector for a flat connection object, the flat connection object comprising a pair of recesses and a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat connection object, the pair of recesses being formed on two opposing side edges of the flat connection object and adjacent to the insertion end, the easy-lock connector comprising an insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat connection object along a first direction, a plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing, arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, extending into the fitting opening and contacting the electrode portions, and connection terminal portions extending from the insulating housing on the side opposite to the contact portions, two lock members, each lock member having a lock arm and an actuated portion, the lock arm being always elastically biased to a lock position, the lock arm having a lock projection at a distal end, and when the flat connection object is inserted into the fitting opening, the lock projection engages with the pair of recesses to prevent the flat connection object from detaching from the easy-lock connector, the two lock members, It includes a U-shaped push rod member having a push rod body extending in the second direction and two swing arms formed at both ends of the push rod body and perpendicular to the push rod body. The two swing arms are pivotally supported by the insulating housing so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the second direction. The push rod body is operably connected to the actuated part of each locking member. By operating the push rod body, the locking arm is separated from the locking position, thereby releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected.

[0008] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, each locking member has a main body part. The locking arm extends from one side of the main body part, the actuated part is formed on the other side of the main body part, and the main body part is elastically supported so that the locking arm is always biased to the locking position.

[0009] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, each locking member has a held part and a spring part. The held part is held by the insulating housing, and the spring part connects the held part and the main body part so that the main body part is elastically supported and can float relative to the held part.

[0010] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, a fulcrum part is formed below the locking arm of each locking member on the insulating housing. When pressing the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member to move the actuated part of each locking member downward, the locking arm is rotatably supported by the fulcrum part, and the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby disengaging the locking arm from the locking position and releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected.

[0011] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, a horizontal plane and an inclined plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane are formed below the locking arm of each locking member on the insulating housing, and the boundary line or boundary zone between the horizontal plane and the inclined plane functions as the fulcrum part.

[0012] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, the easy-lock connector further includes a conductive shell, the conductive shell is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the insulating housing, a first observation window is formed in the conductive shell, and the first observation window is provided so as to enable visual recognition or visual inspection of the engagement state between the lock arm and the recess of the inserted flat object to be connected.

[0013] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, a second observation window is formed in the conductive shell, and the second observation window is provided so as to enable visual recognition or visual inspection of the insertion end of the inserted flat object to be connected.

[0014] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, two stopper protrusions for preventing the two swing arms from swinging upward are formed above the two swing arms on the conductive shell.

[0015] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, two stopper protrusions for preventing the two swing arms from swinging upward are formed above the two swing arms on the insulating housing.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an easy-lock connector for a flat object to be connected, the flat object to be connected includes a pair of recesses and a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat object to be connected, the pair of recesses are respectively formed at two opposite side edges of the flat object to be connected and are adjacent to the insertion end, and the easy-lock connector includes an insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat object to be connected along a first direction, a plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing, arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, extending into the fitting opening and contacting the electrode portions, and connection terminal portions extending from the insulating housing on the side opposite to the contact portions. Two locking members, each locking member having a locking arm and an actuated part, the locking arm being always elastically biased to a locking position, the locking arm having a locking projection at its distal end, when the flat object to be connected is inserted into the fitting opening, the locking projection engages with the pair of recesses to prevent the flat object to be connected from detaching from the easy-lock connector, the two locking members; A U-shaped push rod member having a push rod body extending in the second direction and two swing arms respectively formed at both ends of the push rod body and perpendicular to the push rod body, the two swing arms being pivotally supported by the insulating housing so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the second direction, the push rod body being operably connected to the actuated part of each locking member, by operating the push rod body, the locking arm is separated from the locking position, thereby releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected; A tactile feedback spring piece which is arranged to interfere with the push rod body in the process of pressing the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, generates a resistance force corresponding to the position change of the push rod body, or generates a feedback of a click sound or a click feeling.

[0017] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, each locking member has a main body part, the locking arm extends from one side of the main body part, the actuated part is formed on the other side of the main body part, and the main body part is elastically supported so that the locking arm is always biased to the locking position.

[0018] In the easy-lock connector of the present invention, a fulcrum part is formed below the locking arm of each locking member in the insulating housing. When the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member is pressed to move the actuated part of each locking member downward, the locking arm is rotatably supported by the fulcrum part, the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby separating the locking arm from the locking position and releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected.

[0019] In the easy lock connector of the present invention, the tactile feedback spring piece is C-shaped.

[0020] In the easy lock connector of the present invention, the tactile feedback spring piece has a circular protrusion and a straight portion located below the protrusion, and the circular protrusion protrudes rearward in the first direction.

[0021] In the easy lock connector of the present invention, the easy lock connector further includes a conductive shell, the conductive shell is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the insulating housing, a first observation window is formed in the conductive shell, and the first observation window is provided so as to enable visual recognition or visual inspection of the engagement state between the lock arm and the recess of the inserted flat object to be connected.

[0022] In the easy lock connector of the present invention, a second observation window is formed in the conductive shell, and the second observation window is provided so as to enable visual recognition or visual inspection of the insertion end of the inserted flat object to be connected.

[0023] In the easy lock connector of the present invention, two stopper protrusion pieces for preventing the two swing arms from swinging upward are formed above the two swing arms on the conductive shell.

[0024] In the easy lock connector of the present invention, by providing a U-shaped push rod member operably connected to the lock member, on the one hand, the operability of the easy lock connector can be improved, and on the other hand, the thinning of the easy lock connector can be realized. The lock member is configured to move to the unlock position when the flat object to be connected is inserted into the easy lock connector. Thereby, automatic assembly of the flat object to be connected and the easy lock connector can be realized.

[0025] Those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains will be able to well understand the technical features, other objects, and advantages of the present invention by referring to the specification and the attached drawings of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, an easy lock connector for a flat object to be connected according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components or components having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn in actual dimensional relationships.

[0028] [First Embodiment]

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the easy lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the easy lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the easy lock connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The entire easy lock connector is denoted by reference numeral 10. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the components of the easy lock connector 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The easy lock connector 10 according to the first embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a U-shaped pressing bar member 12, two locking members 13, a conductive shell 14, and a plurality of contacts 15.

[0030] The flat object to be connected is inserted into the easy lock connector 10 along the first direction D1 (fitting direction). The flat object to be connected may be a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC), but is not limited thereto. The flat object to be connected includes a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat object to be connected.

[0031] The two locking members 13 are respectively fixed to both ends of the insulating housing 11 in the second direction D2 (width direction) perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the insulating housing 11. The structure of the insulating housing 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The insulating housing 11 is made of an insulating synthetic resin or polymer material. The insulating housing 11 is formed with a fitting opening 110 for inserting a flat object to be connected 20 (see FIG. 9) along the first direction D1. On both side surfaces of the insulating housing 11, first accommodation recesses 111 for accommodating the shaft portions 122 of the U-shaped pressing bar members 12 are formed. Thereby, the U-shaped pressing bar members 12 are attached to the insulating housing 11 so as to be swingable or rotatable. In order to limit the swing range of the U-shaped pressing bar members 12, stopper protrusions 112 are formed on the insulating housing 11 behind the first accommodation recesses 111.

[0033] At both ends of the insulating housing 11, attachment portions 113 for attaching the locking members 13 are respectively formed. The locking members 13 are attached to the attachment portions 113. The attachment portions 113 have openings communicating with the fitting opening 110. On the one hand, it enables the locking projection pieces of the locking members 13 to extend into the fitting opening, and on the other hand, it enables visual confirmation or inspection of the fitting state of the flat object to be connected 20 or a part of the flat object to be connected 20 through the observation window formed in the conductive shell. In other words, the opening of the attachment portion 113 exposes a part of the flat object to be connected 20.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a U-shaped pressing bar member. As shown in FIG. 5, the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 has a pressing bar body 120 and swing arms 121 formed at both ends of the pressing bar body 120. The pressing bar body 120 extends along the second direction D2 (width direction). The swing arms 121 are perpendicular to the pressing bar body 120. A shaft portion 122 is formed at the distal end of each swing arm 121. The shaft portion 122 is received in the first receiving recess 111 of the insulating housing 11. The swing arms 121 are pivotally supported by the insulating housing 11 so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the second direction D2. Thereby, the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is rotatably attached to the insulating housing 11.

[0035] The pressing bar body 120 is composed of an operation portion 1201 and two operating portions 1202. The operation portion 1201 is located between the two operating portions 1202. The two operating portions 1202 are operably connected to the actuated portions (described later) of the two locking members 13 respectively. So that the user can recognize the position of the operation portion 1201, the pressing bar body 120 is curved such that the operation portion 1201 is not in a straight line with the two operating portions 1202. In other words, the operation portion 1201 is offset with respect to the axis of the two operating portions 1202. If necessary, the operation portion 1201 can be processed into a flat outer shape to increase the contact area with the user's finger.

[0036] In the embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is formed by bending a metal bar, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The U-shaped pressing bar member 12 can also be formed by pressing a metal plate or powder metallurgy (for example, metal injection molding (MIM)). The U-shaped pressing bar member 12 can also be manufactured from a non-metallic material (for example, a polymer material). In order to ensure sufficient strength or rigidity, the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is preferably manufactured from a metal material.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the lock member 13. The lock member 13 is formed by pressing and bending a metal plate. The lock member 13 includes a main body portion 130, a lock arm 131, and an actuated portion 133. The lock arm 131 extends from one side of the main body portion 130. The actuated portion 133 is formed on the other side of the main body portion 130. The lock member 13 further includes a U-shaped spring portion 134 and a held portion 135. The held portion 135 is held by the insulating housing 11. The U-shaped spring portion 134 connects the held portion 135 and the main body portion 130 such that the main body portion 130 is elastically supported and is floatable with respect to the held portion 135. The lock member further has a soldering portion 136 extending from the held portion 135. The soldering portion 136 is soldered to a soldering pad of a circuit board (not shown) by surface mount technology (SMT).

[0038] The lock arm 131 is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The main body portion 130 is elastically supported by the U-shaped spring portion 134 such that the lock arm 131 is always biased to the locked position. A lock protrusion 132 is formed at the distal end of the lock arm 131. In the case of locking, the lock protrusion 132 engages with a recess (see FIG. 12) formed in a side edge of the flat object to be connected 20 inserted into the fitting opening 110, preventing the flat object to be connected 20 from coming off or disengaging from the easy lock connector 10.

[0039] The actuated part 133 is operably connected to the actuating part 1202 of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12. Specifically, the actuated part 133 is formed in a hook shape and can support or accommodate the rod-shaped actuating part 1202. Thereby, the actuated part 133 engages with the actuating part 1202. As a result, the actuated part 133 is operably connected to the actuating part 1202. When the operating part 1201 of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is operated or pressed, the actuated part 133 moves together with the actuating part 1202 by the action of the actuating part 1202, thereby moving the lock arm 131 from the locked position to the released position. In the case of unlocking, the locking projection 132 moves away from the recess formed in the side edge of the flat object to be connected 20, allowing the flat object to be connected 20 to be removed from the easy-lock connector 10.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the conductive shell. The conductive shell 14 is formed by pressing and bending a metal plate. The conductive shell 14 is fixed to the insulating housing 11 and covers the upper surface and the side surface of the insulating housing 11. The conductive shell 14 includes a shell main body 140 and side wall portions 141 formed at both ends of the shell main body 140 in the second direction D2. A first observation window 1401 is formed in the shell main body 140 at a position corresponding to the lock arm 131. A plurality of spring pieces 1402 are formed at the front edge of the shell main body 140. These spring pieces 1402 curve and extend into the fitting opening 110, thereby contacting the conductive metal foil formed on the flat object to be connected 20. A plurality of engaging protrusions 1403 are formed at the rear edge of the shell main body 140. The engaging protrusions 1403 are inserted into the engaging grooves or engaging holes formed in the insulating housing 11.

[0041] On the side wall portion 141, a held portion 1411 and an opening 1412 are formed. A barb structure is formed on the held portion 1411. The held portion 1411 is inserted into a holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner. Thereby, the conductive shell 14 is fixed to the insulating housing 11. The opening 1412 is provided so that the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 penetrates therethrough. The side wall portion 141 further has a soldering portion 1413. The soldering portion 1413 is located in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. By soldering the soldering portion 1413 to a soldering pad of a circuit board (not shown) using surface mount technology (SMT), the easy lock connector can be fixed to the circuit board, and the conductive shell 14 can be grounded.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing contacts. A plurality of contacts 15 are arranged in a row along the second direction D2 and held by the insulating housing 11. Each contact 15 is made of copper or a copper alloy. As shown in FIG. 8, the contact 15 has a connection terminal portion 151, a held portion 152, a contact arm 153, and a contact portion 154. The contact arm 153 extends from one end of the held portion 152. The connection terminal portion 151 extends from the other end of the held portion 152. A barb structure is formed on the held portion 152. The held portion 152 is inserted into a holding groove or a holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner. The contact portion 154 is formed at the distal end of the contact arm 153. The contact arm 153 extends toward the fitting opening 110 of the insulating housing 11. The contact portion 154 can contact an electrode portion of a flat object to be connected. The connection terminal portion 151 extends out of the insulating housing 11. The connection terminal portion 151 is soldered to a soldering pad formed on a circuit board by surface mount technology (SMT).

[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a flat object to be connected is inserted into an Easy Lock connector. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the Easy Lock connector into which a flat object to be connected is inserted. In FIG. 10, a first observation window 1401 of the conductive shell 14 is enlarged and shown. The first observation window 1401 is formed corresponding to approximately the position of the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13. Through the first observation window 1401, the engagement state between the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 and the flat object to be connected can be visually recognized or inspected. For example, the engagement state between the locking member and the flat object to be connected can be inspected by automatic optical inspection (AOI). When it is observed from the first observation window 1401 that the locking projection 132 of the locking member 13 is located in the recess of the flat object to be connected, it is determined that the locking member is engaged with the flat object to be connected (that is, the flat object to be connected is locked).

[0044] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the U-shaped push rod member of the Easy Lock connector is operated to release the lock of a flat object to be connected. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the flat object to be connected is locked by the locking member. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the lock of the flat object to be connected is released. With reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, the locking and unlocking of the flat object to be connected will be described. To clearly show the engagement relationship between the locking arm 131 and the flat object to be connected, in FIGS. 12 and 13, the insulating housing 11 and the conductive shell 14 are not shown.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 11, by pressing the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the third direction D3 (height direction), the lock of the flat object to be connected 20 is released, allowing the flat object to be connected 20 to disengage from the Easy Lock connector 10 along the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 12, the flat object to be connected 20 has a pair of recesses 201 formed on two opposite side edges of the flat object to be connected 20 and adjacent to the insertion end. In FIG. 12, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is in the locked position, and the locking projection 132 at the distal end of the locking arm 131 engages with the recess 201 to prevent the flat object to be connected 20 from coming off.

[0047] In FIG. 13, by operating the U-shaped push rod member 12, the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13 is moved from the locked position to the released position. In this case, since the locking projection 132 is separated from the recess 201, the locking of the flat object to be connected 20 is released.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the easy-lock connector, but the locking member and the conductive shell are not shown. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 10. With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, how the locking arm 131 moves from the locked position to the released position will be specifically described.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 14, a horizontal plane 1131 and an inclined plane 1132 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 1131 are formed on the mounting portion 113. The inclined plane 1132 is located behind the horizontal plane 1131 in the first direction D1. The horizontal plane 1131 and the inclined plane 1132 are approximately located below the locking arm 131 of the locking member 13. The boundary line 1133 (or a boundary band having a certain width) between the horizontal plane 1131 and the inclined plane 1132 functions as a fulcrum portion. The stopper projection 112 is formed above the swing arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 to prevent the swing arm 121 from swinging upward.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 15, there is a space below the main body 130 and the actuated part 133 of the lock member 13 that allows the main body 130 and the actuated part 133 to move. When the push rod main body 120 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is pressed to move the actuated part 133 of the lock member 13 downward, the lock arm 131 is rotatably supported by the fulcrum part (i.e., the boundary line 1133), and the distal end of the lock arm 131 moves upward. In this case, the lock arm 131 operates like a seesaw. Thereby, the lock arm 131 is moved from the locked position to the released position, and the locking of the flat connection object 20 is released.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 15, the front edge of the lock projection 132 is configured to be inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the flat connection object 20. When the flat connection object 20 is inserted into the fitting opening, the insertion end of the flat connection object 20 abuts against the front edge of the lock projection 132. When the flat connection object 20 further moves in the insertion direction, the lock projection 132 moves upward, and the lock arm moves away from the locked position. Therefore, by simply inserting the flat connection object 20 into the fitting opening 110, automatic locking of the flat connection object 20 can be achieved.

[0052] [Second Embodiment]

[0053] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing the easy-lock connector of the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the easy-lock connector of the second embodiment of the present invention. The entire easy-lock connector is labeled with reference numeral 10. With reference to Figs. 16 to 17, the components of the easy-lock connector 10 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The easy-lock connector 10 of the second embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a U-shaped push rod member 12, two lock members 13, a conductive shell 14, a plurality of contacts 15, and two tactile feedback members 16.

[0054] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the easy-lock connector of the second embodiment further includes a tactile feedback member 16. In the second embodiment, the description of the same or similar configurations as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0055] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the tactile feedback member. FIG. 19 is a side view showing the tactile feedback member. With reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the configuration of the tactile feedback member 16 will be described. The tactile feedback member 16 is disposed between the shaft portion of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 in a first direction so as to interact with the U-shaped push rod member 12.

[0056] The tactile feedback member 16 is manufactured by pressing and bending a metal plate material. The tactile feedback member 16 includes a main body portion 160, a held portion 161, and a tactile feedback spring piece 162. The held portion 161 in which a barb structure is formed is inserted into a holding hole formed in the insulating housing 11 in an interference fit manner. Thereby, the tactile feedback member 16 is fixed to the insulating housing 11. The tactile feedback spring piece 162 is approximately C-shaped or U-shaped, and has a circular protrusion 1621 protruding rearward in a first direction D1 and a straight portion 1622 extending generally in a third direction D3 and located below the protrusion 1621. In the second embodiment, the upper end of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 is a movable end, and the lower end of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 is a fixed end. In the process of the U-shaped push rod member 12 being pressed and moved, the protrusion 1621 interferes with the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and can provide an additional resistance force.

[0057] FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the process of pressing the U-shaped push rod member to move the lock arm from the locked position to the released position. This process includes a first state S1, a second state S2, and a third state S3 in sequence. In the first state S1, the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is located at an upper position corresponding to the locked position. In the third state S3, the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is located at a lower position corresponding to the released position. In the second state S2, the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 is located at an intermediate position between the upper position and the lower position.

[0058] When the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is in the upper position or the lower position, the tactile feedback spring piece 162 does not substantially interfere with the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12. In this case, the tactile feedback spring piece 162 does not provide additional resistance. Alternatively, the tactile feedback spring piece 162 slightly interferes with the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12, and thus the additional resistance provided by the tactile feedback spring piece 162 is very small. When the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is in the intermediate position, due to the interference between the protrusion 1621 and the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12, the tactile feedback spring piece 162 provides additional resistance.

[0059] Therefore, in the process of the user pressing the U-shaped pressing bar member, the resistance from the tactile feedback spring piece 162 changes according to the position of the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12. This change in resistance can be sensed by the user. Thereby, the user can know that the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 has been pressed to the lower position corresponding to the release position. Regarding the pattern of the resistance change, in this embodiment, the tactile feedback spring piece 162 is configured such that when the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 moves downward and exceeds the protrusion 1621 of the tactile feedback spring piece 162, the resistance from the tactile feedback spring piece 162 gradually increases and then suddenly decreases. Due to the step between the protrusion 1621 and the straight portion 1622, after the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 moves downward and exceeds the protrusion 1621 of the tactile feedback spring piece 162, the straight portion 1622 of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 that rebounds collides with the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12, generating a feedback of a click sound or a click feeling.

[0060] The user checks whether the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 has moved to the lower position corresponding to the release position through the change in the resistance transmitted to the finger or through the feedback of the click sound or the click feeling.

[0061] The shape or outer profile of the haptic feedback spring piece 162 directly affects this pattern of resistance change and also directly affects the generation of a click sound or click feeling. By changing the shape or outer profile of the haptic feedback spring piece 162, a desired pattern of resistance change can be obtained. In one variant, the haptic feedback spring piece 162 is configured such that as the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 moves downward and crosses the protrusion 1621 of the haptic feedback spring piece 162, the resistance force from the haptic feedback spring piece 162 suddenly increases and then suddenly decreases. By changing the shape or outer profile of the haptic feedback spring piece 162, the above-described click sound or click feeling can be changed. This is self-evident to those having ordinary knowledge in the connector field. Therefore, those having ordinary knowledge in the connector field can design the shape or outer profile of the haptic feedback spring piece based on a desired pattern of resistance change or based on feedback of a desired click sound or click feeling.

[0062] Another difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the conductive shell 14 of the easy lock connector 10 of the second embodiment further includes a second observation window 1404. FIG. 21 is a top view showing the easy lock connector of the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 21, the second observation window 1404 is provided so that the insertion end of the flat object to be connected inserted into the easy lock connector 10 can be visually recognized or visually inspected. When the insertion end of the flat object to be connected is observed through the second observation window 1404, it is determined that the flat object to be connected is properly inserted into the easy lock connector (i.e., the flat object to be connected is locked).

[0063] [Third Embodiment]

[0064] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view showing the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment of the present invention. The entire easy-lock connector is designated by reference numeral 10. With reference to FIGS. 22 to 23, the components of the easy-lock connector 10 of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The easy-lock connector 10 of the third embodiment includes an insulating housing 11, a U-shaped pressing bar member 12, two locking members 13, a conductive shell 14, a plurality of contacts 15, and two tactile feedback members 16.

[0065] The differences between the third embodiment and the first and second embodiments lie in the configurations of the insulating housing, the conductive shell, and the tactile feedback members. Descriptions of configurations identical or similar to those of the first or second embodiment in the third embodiment will be omitted.

[0066] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the conductive shell 14. FIG. 25 is another perspective view showing the conductive shell 14. FIG. 26 is a side view showing the conductive shell 14. With reference to FIGS. 24 to 26, the configuration of the conductive shell 14 of the third embodiment will be described.

[0067] The conductive shell 14 is formed by pressing and bending a metal plate. The conductive shell 14 is fixed to the insulating housing 11 and covers the upper surface and the side surface of the insulating housing 11. The conductive shell 14 includes a shell body 140 and side wall portions 141 formed at both ends of the shell body 140 in the second direction D2. A first observation window 1401 is formed in the shell body 140 at a position corresponding to the locking arm 131, and a second observation window 1404 is formed at a position corresponding to the insertion end of the flat object to be connected. A plurality of spring pieces 1402 are formed at the front edge of the shell body 140. These spring pieces 1402 curve and extend into the fitting opening 110 of the insulating housing 11, thereby coming into contact with the conductive metal foil formed on the flat object to be connected 20. A plurality of engaging protrusion pieces 1403 are formed at the rear edge of the shell body 140. The engaging protrusion pieces 1403 are inserted into the engaging grooves or engaging holes formed in the insulating housing 11.

[0068] Instead of the stopper protrusion 112 of the insulating housing 11 of the first embodiment, two stopper protrusion pieces 1405 that extend substantially horizontally are formed on the shell body 140 of the conductive shell 14 of the third embodiment. The stopper protrusion pieces 1405 are located above the swing arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12, and can prevent the swing arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 from rotating upward.

[0069] On the side wall portion 141, a second accommodation recess 1414 and a soldering portion 1413 are formed. The second accommodation recess 1414 is open rearward in the first direction D1. When the second accommodation recess 1414 engages with the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12, the second accommodation recess 1414 prevents the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 from moving in the third direction D3.

[0070] The soldering portion 1413 is located in a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. By soldering the soldering portion 1413 to the soldering pad of a circuit board (not shown) using surface mount technology (SMT), the easy lock connector can be fixed to the circuit board and the conductive shell 14 can be grounded.

[0071] On the shell body 140 of the conductive shell 14 of the third embodiment, two engaging portions 1406 that extend downward are further formed. The conductive shell 14 is configured to be attached to the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1. The engaging portions 1406 can prevent the conductive shell 14 from detaching from the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1.

[0072] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the insulating housing 11. With reference to FIG. 27, the configuration of the insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment will be described.

[0073] Regarding the fitting opening 110, the first receiving recess 111, and the mounting portion 113, the insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment is the same as the insulating housing 11 of the first or second embodiment. The insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment has a holding hole 114 provided in the third direction D3 near the rear end, and can hold a tactile feedback member. The insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment has a stepped recess 115 corresponding to the engaging portion 1406. By engaging the engaging portion 1406 with the stepped recess 115, it is possible to prevent the conductive shell 14 from detaching from the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1.

[0074] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the easy-lock connector 10 of the third embodiment taken along line BB. As shown in FIG. 28, the stepped recess 115 has a stopper surface 1151 formed by a stepped portion. The engaging portion 1406 abuts against the stopper surface 1151, thereby preventing the conductive shell 14 from detaching from the insulating housing 11 in the leftward direction in the drawing. In order to avoid the stepped portion colliding with the root portion of the engaging portion 1406 when attaching the conductive shell 14 to the insulating housing, the height of the stepped portion forming the stopper surface 1151 is appropriately determined. If the stepped portion collides with the root portion of the engaging portion 1406, the engaging portion 1406 may be deformed.

[0075] Furthermore, the insulating housing 11 of the third embodiment has a groove 116 into which the stopper projection 1405 is partially inserted along the first direction D1. When attaching the conductive shell 14 to the insulating housing 11 along the first direction, the stopper projection 1405 is partially inserted into the groove 116. The movement of the stopper projection 1405 in the third direction D3 is prevented by the groove wall of the groove 116. With this configuration, the rigidity of the structure for preventing the swing arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 from rotating upward is enhanced. FIG. 29 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the easy-lock connector 10 of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, the stopper projection 1405 is located above the swing arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and is partially inserted into the insulating housing 11. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the swing arm 121 of the U-shaped push rod member 12 from rotating upward.

[0076] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the tactile feedback member of the third embodiment. FIG. 31 is a side view showing the tactile feedback member of the third embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 30 and 31, the configuration of the tactile feedback member 16 of the third embodiment will be described. The tactile feedback member 16 is disposed between the shaft portion of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and the push rod main body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 in the first direction, and thereby interacts with the U-shaped push rod member 12.

[0077] The tactile feedback member 16 is manufactured by pressing and bending a metal plate material. The tactile feedback member 16 includes a held portion 161 and a tactile feedback spring piece 162. Compared with the tactile feedback member of the second embodiment, the tactile feedback member of the third embodiment has a simpler configuration and is easy to manufacture. The held portion 161 in which the barb structure is formed is inserted into the holding hole 114 formed in the insulating housing 11 along the third direction D3 in an interference fitting manner. Thereby, the tactile feedback member 16 is fixed to the insulating housing 11. The tactile feedback spring piece 162 is approximately C-shaped or U-shaped, and has a circular protrusion 1621 protruding rearward in the first direction D1 and a straight portion 1622 extending generally in the third direction D3 and located below the protrusion 1621. In the third embodiment, the upper end of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 is a fixed end, and the lower end of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 is a movable end. In the process of the U-shaped push rod member 12 being pressed and moving, the protrusion 1621 interferes with the push rod main body of the U-shaped push rod member 12 and can provide an additional resistance force.

[0078] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the process of pressing the U-shaped pressing bar member to move the locking arm from the locked position to the released position. This process includes the first state S1, the second state S2, and the third state S3 in sequence. In the first state S1, the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is located at the upper position corresponding to the locked position. In the third state S3, the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is located at the lower position corresponding to the released position. In the second state S2, the pressing bar body of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 is located at the intermediate position between the upper position and the lower position. Since the upper end of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 of the third embodiment is the fixed end and the lower end is the free end, the easy lock connector of the third embodiment can avoid the risk of the tactile feedback spring piece 162 being crushed when pressing the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 downward.

[0079] FIG. 33 is a diagram schematically showing the assembly process of the easy lock connector of the third embodiment. With reference to FIG. 33, the assembly method of the easy lock connector of the third embodiment will be described.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 33, the assembly method of the easy lock connector of the third embodiment includes the following steps. Step (a): Arrange the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12 in the first receiving recess 111 of the insulating housing 11 along the third direction D3. Step (b): Assemble the conductive shell 14 to the insulating housing 11 along the first direction D1, and engage the second receiving recess 1414 of the conductive shell 14 with the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped pressing bar member 12. Step (c): Complete the assembly of the easy lock connector. Before step (a), the locking member 13, the contact 15, and the tactile feedback member 16 are attached to the insulating housing 11. Optionally, after step (b), the locking member 13, the contact 15, and the tactile feedback member 16 may be attached to the insulating housing 11.

[0081] Therefore, according to the present invention, the method for assembling the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment includes at least the steps of arranging the shaft portion of the U-shaped pressing rod member in the two first accommodating recesses of the insulating housing along the third direction, and assembling the conductive shell to the insulating housing along the first direction and engaging the two second accommodating recesses of the conductive shell with the two shaft portions of the U-shaped pressing rod member.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 27, the first accommodating recess 111 of the insulating housing 11 opens upward along the third direction D3. When the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped pressing rod member 12 is located in the first accommodating recess 111, the first accommodating recess 111 can prevent the shaft portion 122 from moving in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 26, the second accommodating recess 1414 of the conductive shell 14 opens rearward along the first direction D1. When the second accommodating recess 1414 engages with the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped pressing rod member 12, the second accommodating recess 1414 can prevent the shaft portion 122 from moving in the third direction D3. The first accommodating recess 111 and the second accommodating recess 1414 cooperate to rotatably hold the shaft portion 122 of the U-shaped pressing rod member 12.

[0083] The advantage of the easy-lock connector of the third embodiment is that it can easily realize the automatic assembly of the easy-lock connector. This is because in the process of attaching the U-shaped pressing rod member 12, it is not necessary to widen the distance between the two shaft portions 122 to deform the U-shaped pressing rod member 12.

[0084] The easy-lock connector of the present invention has the advantages of being thin and having good operability. Furthermore, the easy-lock connector of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in small or thin electronic devices with limited space. Furthermore, the easy-lock connector of the present invention is also suitable for flat connection objects and the automatic assembly of the easy-lock connector.

[0085] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but follows the scope of claims for utility model registration. That is, equivalent changes and modifications that do not depart from the scope of claims for utility model registration of the present invention shall remain within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 10 Easy Lock Connector 11 Insulating Housing 110 Fitting Opening 111 First Accommodating Recess 112 Stopper Projection 113 Mounting Portion 114 Holding Hole 115 Step Recess 1151 Stopper Surface 12 U-shaped Pushing Rod Member 120 Pushing Rod Body 121 Swing Arm 122 Shaft Portion 1201 Operation Portion 1202 Actuating Portion 13 Locking Member 130 Main Body Portion 131 Locking Arm 132 Locking Projection 133 Actuated Portion 134 U-shaped Spring Portion 135 Held Portion 136 Soldering Portion 14 Conductive Shell 140 Shell Body 1401 First Observation Window 1402 Spring Piece 1403 Engagement Projection 1404 Second Observation Window 1405 Stopper Projection 1406 Engagement Portion 141 Side Wall Portion 1411 Held Portion 1412 Opening 1413 Soldering part 1414 Second receiving recess 15 Contact 151 Connection terminal part 152 Held part 153 Contact arm 154 Contact part 16 Tactile feedback member 160 Main body part 161 Held part 162 Tactile feedback spring piece 1621 Protrusion 20 Flat object to be connected 201 Recess D1 First direction D2 Second direction D3 Third direction S1 First state S2 Second state S3 Third state

Claims

1. An easy-lock connector for a flat object to be connected, wherein the flat object to be connected includes a pair of recesses and a plurality of electrode portions formed at an insertion end of the flat object to be connected, the pair of recesses are respectively formed at two opposite side edges of the flat object to be connected and adjacent to the insertion end, and the easy-lock connector includes an insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat object to be connected along a first direction, a plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing, arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, extending into the fitting opening and contacting the electrode portions, and connection terminal portions extending from the insulating housing on the side opposite to the contact portions, two lock members, each of the lock members having a lock arm and an actuated portion, the lock arm being always elastically biased to a locked position, the lock arm having a lock projection at a distal end, and when the flat object to be connected is inserted into the fitting opening, the lock projection engages with the pair of recesses to prevent the flat object to be connected from detaching from the easy-lock connector, the two lock members, a U-shaped push rod member having a push rod body extending in the second direction and two swing arms respectively formed at both ends of the push rod body and perpendicular to the push rod body, the two swing arms being pivotally supported by the insulating housing so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the second direction, the push rod body being operably connected to the actuated portion of each of the lock members, and by operating the push rod body, the lock arm is released from the locked position, thereby releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected.

2. Each of the lock members has a main body portion, the lock arm extends from one side of the main body portion, the actuated portion is formed on the other side of the main body portion, and the main body portion is elastically supported such that the lock arm is always biased to the locked position. The easy-lock connector according to claim 1.

3. Each of the lock members has a held portion and a spring portion, the held portion is held by the insulating housing, and the spring portion connects the held portion and the main body portion such that the main body portion is elastically supported and can float with respect to the held portion. The easy-lock connector according to claim 2.

4. In the insulating housing, a fulcrum portion is formed below the locking arm of each of the locking members. When pressing the pressing bar main body of the U-shaped pressing bar member to move the actuated portion of each of the locking members downward, the locking arm is rotatably supported by the fulcrum portion, and the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby disengaging the locking arm from the locking position and releasing the locking of the flat object to be connected. The easy-lock connector according to claim 2, characterized in that.

5. In the insulating housing, a horizontal plane and an inclined surface inclined with respect to the horizontal plane are formed below the locking arm of each of the locking members, and a boundary line or boundary zone between the horizontal plane and the inclined surface functions as the fulcrum portion. The easy-lock connector according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The easy-lock connector further includes a conductive shell. The conductive shell is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the insulating housing. A first observation window is formed in the conductive shell. The first observation window is provided so that the engagement state between the locking arm and the recess of the inserted flat object to be connected can be visually recognized or visually inspected. The easy-lock connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

7. A second observation window is formed in the conductive shell. The second observation window is provided so that the insertion end of the inserted flat object to be connected can be visually recognized or visually inspected. The easy-lock connector according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. Two stopper protrusions are formed above the two swing arms in the conductive shell to prevent the two swing arms from swinging upward. The easy-lock connector according to claim 6, characterized in that.

9. Two stopper protrusions are formed above the two swing arms in the insulating housing to prevent the two swing arms from swinging upward. The easy-lock connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

10. An easy-lock connector for a flat object to be connected, The flat object to be connected includes a pair of recesses and a plurality of electrode portions formed at the insertion end of the flat object to be connected. The pair of recesses are respectively formed on two opposite side edges of the flat object to be connected and adjacent to the insertion end. The easy-lock connector includes an insulating housing having a fitting opening for inserting the flat object to be connected along a first direction, a plurality of contacts held by the insulating housing, arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, extending into the fitting opening to contact the electrode portions, and connection terminal portions extending from the insulating housing on the side opposite to the contact portions, two locking members, each of the locking members having a locking arm and an actuated portion. The locking arm is always elastically biased to a locking position. The locking arm has a locking projection at its distal end. When the flat object to be connected is inserted into the fitting opening, the locking projection engages with the pair of recesses to prevent the flat object to be connected from detaching from the easy-lock connector. The two locking members, a U-shaped push rod member having a push rod body extending in the second direction and two swing arms formed at both ends of the push rod body and perpendicular to the push rod body. The two swing arms are pivotally supported by the insulating housing so as to be rotatable around an axis parallel to the second direction. The push rod body is operably connected to the actuated portion of each of the locking members. By operating the push rod body, the locking arm is disengaged from the locking position, thereby releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected. An easy-lock connector comprising a tactile feedback spring piece arranged to interfere with the push rod body during the process of pressing the push rod body of the U-shaped push rod member, generating a resistance force corresponding to the change in position of the push rod body, or generating a feedback of a click sound or a click feeling.

11. The easy-lock connector according to claim 10, wherein each of the locking members has a main body portion, the locking arm extends from one side of the main body portion, the actuated portion is formed on the other side of the main body portion, and the main body portion is elastically supported so that the locking arm is always biased to the locking position.

12. In the insulating housing, a fulcrum portion is formed below the locking arm of each of the locking members. When pressing the push rod main body of the U-shaped push rod member to move the actuated portion of each of the locking members downward, the locking arm is rotatably supported by the fulcrum portion, and the distal end of the locking arm moves upward, thereby disengaging the locking arm from the locked position and releasing the lock of the flat object to be connected. The easy-lock connector according to claim 11, characterized in that.

13. The easy-lock connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the tactile feedback spring piece is C-shaped.

14. The tactile feedback spring piece has a circular protrusion and a straight portion located below the protrusion. The circular protrusion protrudes rearward in the first direction, the straight portion is parallel to the third direction, and the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The easy-lock connector according to claim 10, characterized in that.

15. The easy-lock connector further includes a conductive shell. The conductive shell is fixed to the insulating housing and covers at least a part of the insulating housing. A first observation window is formed in the conductive shell. The first observation window is provided so that the engagement state between the locking arm and the recess of the inserted flat object to be connected can be visually recognized or inspected. The easy-lock connector according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that.

16. The easy-lock connector according to claim 15, characterized in that a second observation window is formed in the conductive shell, and the second observation window is provided so that the insertion end of the inserted flat object to be connected can be visually recognized or inspected.

17. The easy-lock connector according to claim 15, characterized in that two stopper protrusions for preventing the two swing arms from swinging upward are formed above the two swing arms in the conductive shell.

Images