FFC CONNECTOR HAVING ANTI-OVERSTRESS FEATURES - Patent application

Abstract

The electrical connector includes a housing, a plurality of contacts disposed within the housing, an actuator mounted to the housing and configured to move relative to the housing, and a locking terminal mounted to the housing. The locking terminal includes a locking arm extending through an interior portion of the actuator and into a cavity in the housing, the cavity having an upper surface and a lower surface. Movement of the actuator relative to the housing can cause the interior portion of the actuator to compress at least a portion of the locking arm and rotate the at least a portion of the locking arm. When the actuator is in a first position, the locking arm contacts a surface of the cavity in the housing, thereby preventing the actuator from rotating in a first direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 939,458, entitled "FFC Connector with Anti-Overstress Features," filed November 22, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to electrical interconnection systems, and more particularly to electrical connectors having anti-overstress features. [Background technology]

[0003] 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 whose primary purpose is to allow electronic components to exchange data, instructions, or other signals with one or more other electronic components. Signal transmissions to transfer information (e.g., data, instructions, and / or other electrical signals) often use electrical connectors to establish connections between electronic devices, components of electronic devices, or electrical systems that may include multiple electronic devices.

[0004] One or more of these connectors may be attached to a printed circuit board. It is generally easier and more cost effective to manufacture an electrical system as separate electronic assemblies, such as printed circuits ("PCBs"), that can be communicatively joined together using electrical connectors. In some scenarios, each PCB that is to be joined may have a connector attached. The connectors on two PCBs may be directly mated to interconnect the PCBs.

[0005] In other scenarios, the 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 terminate with a plug-type electrical connector (herein "plug") at one or both ends. 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 be sent between the PCBs via the cable.

[0006] In some examples, flexible flat cables (FFCs), sometimes called flexible printed circuits (FPCs), may be used to route signals between components on different PCBs or on the same PCB. To support such connections, FFC connectors may be used to couple the FFC to the PCB. The FFC connector may be configured as a receptacle. Instead of receiving a plug attached to the FFC, the receptacle may have contacts that mate with conductive pads attached to the traces of the FFC, e.g., an end of the FFC may be inserted into the receptacle.

[0007] Some FFC receptacles include a locking mechanism for locking the FFC within the receptacle. The locking mechanism can prevent the FFC from unintentionally disconnecting 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 may also include an actuator for releasing the FFC when desired. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In accordance with some aspects of the present technology, an electrical connector is provided that includes a housing configured to receive a mating component and having a mounting surface and at least one interior surface, a plurality of contacts retained within the housing, the plurality of contacts having tails exposed to the mounting surface and configured to be attached to a printed circuit board, a latch member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing, an actuator movably coupled to the housing, the actuator coupled to the latch member and partially exposed to an exterior of the housing, and a locking terminal attached to the housing, the locking terminal including a locking arm having a portion extending through and beyond a portion of the actuator, the portion being located between the at least one interior surface of the housing and the mounting surface of the housing.

[0009] In one aspect, the at least one interior surface defines a cavity within the housing, and the connector is configured such that, in a first position of the actuator, a portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the actuator contacts a lower surface of the cavity.

[0010] In one aspect, the connector is configured such that in the second position of the actuator, a portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the actuator contacts an upper surface of the cavity in the housing.

[0011] In one aspect, the actuator includes at least one stop feature configured to contact the housing when the actuator is in the second position and not contact the housing when the actuator is not in the second position.

[0012] In one aspect, the locking terminal further includes a support arm attached to the housing and configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the housing when the locking arm flexes.

[0013] In one aspect, the locking terminal is a first locking terminal extending through a first end of the actuator, and the electrical connector further includes a second locking terminal extending through a second end of the actuator, the second end being located on an opposite side of the first end.

[0014] In one aspect, the latch member includes a curved surface adjacent the opening in the housing that is configured such that when a mating component is inserted into the opening, the mating component presses against the curved surface of the actuator latch member to rotate the actuator.

[0015] In one aspect, the second position of the actuator is an open position, and the actuator is configured to move within the housing due to said squeezing of the flat connector against a curved surface of the actuator latch member when the actuator is in the closed position.

[0016] In one aspect, an electronic assembly includes the aforementioned connector in combination with a printed circuit board, the tails of the plurality of contacts being soldered to the printed circuit board, the locking terminal including a base, the locking arm extending from the base, and the base being soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0017] In accordance with some aspects of the present technology, a method of operating an electrical connector is provided, the method including the steps of: biasing a member having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion such that the second portion is in a first position blocking a portion of a slot in a housing of the connector, the member being biased by a locking arm passing through the first portion, and applying a force against the third portion to pivot the member about the first portion such that the second portion moves from the first position and at least a portion of the first portion contacts the locking arm, causing the locking arm to flex.

[0018] In one aspect, the first portion is disposed within a cavity of the housing and has an arcuate surface, and the member oscillates by successively contacting a floor of the cavity with areas of the arcuate surface that are closer to the third portion.

[0019] In one aspect, the first portion is constrained within the cavity as the member rocks such that there is a rotational component to the movement of the member.

[0020] In one aspect, the method further includes inserting a flat flexible circuit into the slot, wherein the second portion engages the flat flexible circuit when the second portion is in the first position.

[0021] In one aspect, inserting the flat flexible circuit into the slot includes compressing an edge of the flat flexible circuit against the second portion of the member to bias the second portion from the first position.

[0022] In one aspect, the method further includes the step of limiting rocking motion of the member by abutting a surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing.

[0023] In one aspect, the first portion comprises a first surface, a second surface at an acute angle to the first surface, and a rounded edge located between the first and second surfaces, wherein rocking the member around the first portion comprises rolling the first portion on the rounded edge, and abutting the surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing comprises abutting the second surface against a surface of the housing.

[0024] In one aspect, the housing includes a mounting surface, and the electrical connector further includes a plurality of contacts retained within the housing, the plurality of contacts having tails exposed to the mounting surface and attached to the printed circuit board, and a first surface of the first portion is parallel to the mounting surface when the member is in the first position.

[0025] In one aspect, the method further includes the step of limiting pivoting of the member by contacting a locking arm with a surface of the housing.

[0026] In accordance with some aspects of the present technology, a method of assembling an electrical connector is provided, the method including the steps of inserting a first portion of a member into a cavity of a housing, the housing including a slot configured to receive a flat flexible circuit, threading a resilient locking arm through a hole through the first portion of the member, and mounting a base of the locking arm relative to the housing such that the member is biased by the locking arm to a first position in which a second portion of the member blocks the slot.

[0027] In one aspect, the locking arm includes a portion within the housing that extends beyond a hole through the first portion of the member.

[0028] In one aspect, the aforementioned portion of the locking arm is inserted into a cavity within the housing.

[0029] In one aspect, in the first position of the member, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member contacts the lower surface of the cavity.

[0030] In one aspect, in the second position of the member, where the second portion of the member does not block the slot, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member contacts the upper surface of the cavity.

[0031] The aforementioned features may be used individually or together in any combination in any of the embodiments discussed herein.

[0032] Various aspects and embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Items shown in multiple figures may be designated with the same reference numerals. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle and a flat cable that is to be coupled to the circuit board connector. [Figure 1B] 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary electrical connector according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1C is a front view of the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 2A taken along line JJ. [Figure 2C] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 2A taken along line LL. [Figure 2D] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 2A taken along line MM. [Figure 3A] 1C are perspective and side views of the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B highlighting anti-overstress features when in an open position according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B]1C are perspective and side views of the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B highlighting anti-overstress features when in an open position according to some embodiments. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1C illustrates the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B highlighting the anti-overstress features when in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1C illustrates the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B highlighting the anti-overstress features when in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1C illustrates the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B highlighting the anti-overstress features when in a closed position in accordance with some embodiments. [Diagram 5] 1C-1D illustrate a sequence in which an FFC is inserted into the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6] 1C-1D illustrate a sequence in which an FFC is pulled from the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1C illustrates an FFC inserted into the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B in accordance with some embodiments. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1C illustrates an FFC inserted into the example electrical connector of FIG. 1B in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The inventors have realized and understood design techniques that may facilitate assembly of a connector while providing robustness over its life. These techniques may be applied to a receptacle that includes a member having a latch and an actuator exposed outside the receptacle to allow a user to release the latch. The member may be movably held relative to the receptacle housing in a manner that allows for simple assembly techniques, but holds the actuator in a fixed position to latch and unlatch a mating component inserted into the connector, such as an FFC.

[0035] The member may have a first portion captured within a cavity of the receptacle. The actuator and latch may extend in opposite directions from the first portion, such that movement of the actuator in one direction causes the latch to move in the opposite direction. The member may be biased to a latched position, such that the FFC may be latched within the connector upon insertion into the connector. The FFC is released by depressing the actuator, which causes the latch to move to allow the FFC to be withdrawn.

[0036] The actuator may be retained within the housing by locking arms that pass through the first portion. These locking arms may be resilient and provide a biasing force that biases the latching member into the latching position. The receptacle may have one or more features that prevent the locking arms from being overstressed, and therefore sometimes damaged, when actuated or moved. Features may be provided that prevent overstressing the locking arms when a force is applied to the actuator, either in a direction that releases the FFC or in a direction opposite thereto.

[0037] Additionally, the inventors have further realized and recognized that the compact size of some receptacle connectors may allow a user to easily apply unintentional overstress to connector elements. Furthermore, the small connector structure 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 damaging force. Connector features as described herein may reduce or eliminate the possibility of damage to the receptacle connector both when the actuator is depressed by a user during an unmating operation, and when a force is applied to the actuator at rest, e.g., when the actuator is accidentally pulled.

[0038] In some embodiments, the electrical connector may include an actuator movably coupled to the housing and a locking terminal attached to the housing. The locking terminal may include a locking arm extending through an interior portion of the actuator. The interior portion may be, for example, a tunnel or chamber that is larger than the locking arm along at least one dimension and may be arranged such that movement (e.g., swinging or rotating) of the actuator between an open position and a closed position may cause a wall of the interior portion to compress against the locking arm, further moving the locking arm. The locking terminal may include a fixed portion, such as a support arm, coupled to the locking arm, which is free to deflect from a rest position when an appropriate force is applied. In some examples, the locking arm may generate a spring force when deflected while the fixed portion maintains a fixed position.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the locking arm may contact the inner part of the actuator only when the actuator is in some positions within its range of motion. For example, the locking arm assumes a rest position when it is not in contact with the inner part of the actuator, and at some point during the actuator's movement, the inner part of the actuator may start to contact the locking arm. Further movement of the actuator in the same direction may thus push the locking arm. When the actuator returns past this position in its movement, the locking arm may then cease contact with the inner part of the actuator and return to the rest position. The above process may take place when the actuator moves in one direction or when the actuator moves in two different directions. In the latter case, the locking arm contacts different parts of the inner part of the actuator (e.g., the upper or lower surface) depending on the direction of the actuator's movement.

[0040] According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the locking arm may be disposed within the housing interior cavity such that the locking arm has a range of motion that is limited by contact with one or more walls of the cavity. For example, the locking arm may be free to rotate in a first direction until it contacts an upper surface of the cavity and in a second direction opposite the first direction until it contacts a lower surface of the cavity. According to some embodiments, the locking arm may contact an internal portion of the actuator as described above. As a result, the actuator moves, causing the locking arm to move and thus reach a range of motion limit provided by the one or more walls of the cavity. In contrast, once the locking arm reaches this range of motion limit, the actuator may reach its corresponding range of motion limit, since further movement of the actuator would cause the internal portion of the actuator to press against the locking arm. However, the locking arm cannot move further due to being held against the one or more walls of the cavity.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the actuator of the connector may be configured to contact one or more stop features of the housing at a location where the locking arm reaches a limit within its range of motion, which may provide additional force to oppose movement of the actuator beyond its intended range of motion.

[0042] The figures described below show some examples of the electrical connectors mentioned above.

[0043] FIG. 1A shows, for illustrative purposes, a perspective view of a typical receptacle and a flat cable (e.g., a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector and / or a flexible flat cable (FFC)) to be inserted into the receptacle. The receptacle 10 includes a housing 1 having a slot 7 opening at a front surface 2 of the housing 1. The slot 7 is for receiving a flat cable 5 within the housing 1 to establish an electrical connection between the flat cable 5 and a signal contact of the receptacle 10, of which signal contact 13 is an example. The receptacle 10 includes an actuating member 4 coupled to the housing 1, which can be moved to adjust the receptacle between a locked position and an unlocked position. The unlocked position allows the insertion and removal of the flat cable into the housing, and the locked position prevents removal of the flat cable from the housing after insertion. In some embodiments, the actuating member 4 is made of metal and performs a protective function.

[0044] 1B, components of an exemplary electrical connector according to some embodiments are shown in an exploded view. In the example of FIG. 1B, a housing 102 is provided that is configured to have other components attached to it. These components include terminals 104, members 106, locking terminals 108A and 108B, and ground contacts 110. The exemplary receptacle-type electrical connector 100 is configured to receive a flat cable that is inserted into a receptacle opening in the housing, thereby contacting terminals 104 on the lower side of the connector and ground contacts 110 on the upper side of the connector. Members 106 include one or more lockers 106B configured to move within the housing when the connector is inserted into the housing 102 of the electrical connector 100, and one or more latch members for locking with features of the flat cable. For example, an FPC connector or an FFC connector may include indentations, holes, or other matable features to which latch member portions of the members may be mated after insertion of the FPC / FFC connector into the housing 102. Member 106 also includes an actuator 106A that may be exposed outside of housing 102 and that may be depressed by a user to engage and disengage the latch member.

[0045] Lock terminals 108A and / or 108B may retain member 106 within housing 102 and apply a biasing force to bias the member to a latched position (i.e., a position in which one or more latch members are engaged within an opening in the housing). However, as discussed above, the lock terminals may extend through portions of actuator 106A to prevent overstress from features of the housing. The lock terminals may be configured such that movement of the actuator moves (e.g., flexes) a portion of either or both of the lock terminals. Specifically, the illustrated lock terminal 108B includes a lock arm 109 and a support arm 107. Lock arm 109 may be flexible relative to support arm 107. Support arm 107 may be mounted within housing 102 at a substantially fixed position. In some examples, the lock terminal may include a tail that may be soldered to a circuit board, such as a PCB, along with a ground contact 110.

[0046] The conductive terminals 104 may be configured based on a flat cable that is to be inserted into the electrical connector 100. For example, the number of terminals may be selected based on the number of terminals disposed on a corresponding FPC / FFC connector. Any number of ground contacts 110 may be provided, as in some examples there may be a single ground contact on a corresponding FPC / FFC connector that may be connected by the contacts 110 when the connectors are mated together. As discussed further below in connection with FIG. 7, these ground contacts 110 may be soldered to a circuit board, such as a PCB.

[0047] 2A-2D show an example electrical connector 100 in an assembled state, showing a front view (FIG. 2A) of the connector and three cross-sectional views (FIGS. 2B-2D) of the connector according to some embodiments. As shown in the example of FIGS. 2A-2D, the electrical connector 100 includes a slot 101 into which a flat cable can be inserted (e.g., into the page in the example of the front view of FIG. 2A). When inserted, the flat cable can contact the terminal 104 on a first side and the ground contact 110 on a second side. With the actuator in the closed position, the member 106 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D includes two latch members 112 that can each be inserted through a respective notch in the flat cable to hold the cable in place after insertion into the electrical connector 100.

[0048] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2B, which shows a view along the cross-sectional line marked as JJ in the front view of FIG. 2A, the insertion space inside the slot 101 is shown with the example terminals 104 extended into the housing. The example ground contacts 110 are located above this interior space. It will be noted that a portion of the terminals 104 may be configured to flex downward after the flat cable is inserted. The spring force of the terminals when so flexed may provide (or help provide) an electrical connection between the terminals and the conductive areas (e.g., pads) of the flat cable inserted into the connector 100. As shown in FIG. 2B, the terminals 104 extend into the interior space but include a tip portion that may flex downward when the terminals are pushed from the slot side of the electrical connector 100 by the inserted flat cable.

[0049] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2C, which shows a view along the section line marked as LL in the front view of FIG. 2A, the member 106 includes a latch member 112 that may seat in a notch or other feature in an inserted flat cable when the actuator is in the closed position shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. In the example of FIGS. 2A-2D, the latch member 112 includes a curved surface on the slot side of the electrical connector 100 that may assist the actuator of the member 106 in moving (e.g., rotating) to the open position (clockwise as shown). For example, as the flat cable is inserted into the electrical connector, the flat cable may press against the latch member 112 when the actuator of the member 106 is in the closed position shown or slightly rotated clockwise from the closed position. This curved surface of the latch member ensures that manual (e.g., rotating) of the actuator of the member 106 in a clockwise direction does not create a counter force against the flat cable, which may improve ease of insertion.

[0050] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2D, which shows a view along the section line marked as MM in the front view of FIG. 2A, the housing 102 includes a receiving cavity 114, which in the example of FIGS. 2A-2D has a substantially square cross-section. The locking terminal 108B includes a locking arm 109, the tip of which extends into the cavity 114. Furthermore, the member 106 includes an interior portion 117, through which the locking arm 109 of the locking terminal 108B extends. It will be noted that flexing of the locking arm 109 may be limited by the tip (or other distal region) of the locking arm contacting the upper or lower surface of the cavity 114. It will be noted further that the locking arm 109 and the interior portion 117 of the member 106 are shaped such that, for at least some positions of the actuator, movement (e.g., rotation, swing) of the actuator may cause the locking arm to contact the wall of this interior portion. Movement of the actuator may thus cause the locking arm to flex, thereby generating the biasing force discussed above.

[0051] Figures 3A-3B and 4A-4C show further examples of anti-overstress features of electrical connectors described herein, with Figures 3A-3B showing overstress that can result from attempting to move the actuator through and past an open position and Figures 4A-4C showing overstress that can result from attempting to move the actuator through and past a closed position.

[0052] With reference to Figure 3A, an electrical connector according to some embodiments is shown in a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view (e.g., corresponding to section line MM in Figure 2) including locking terminal 108B. Member actuator 106A is shown in an open position and a force 310 is applied to push the actuator further in a clockwise direction in the side view of Figure 3A. In the example of Figure 3A, three locations within the electrical connector are shown circled in each view as including features that prevent overstress that may be caused by application of force 310 moving the actuator beyond its fully open state. These features are highlighted with dashed circles in each view and are referred to as 321, 322, and 323.

[0053] 3A, feature 321 is a tip 121 of a locking arm of locking terminal 108B, which contacts an upper surface of housing cavity 114. It will be noted that because the locking arm is held against interior portion 117 of the actuator, further movement of the actuator in a clockwise direction will cause this tip to bear against the upper surface of cavity 114. Thus, locking arm tip 121 may provide resistance to overstress for an actuator of the type shown.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 3A, the overstress prevention feature 322 comprises a first stop feature 122 of the member 106, which in the position shown in FIG. 3A abuts against a vertical structure of the housing. In this position, the first stop feature 122 is therefore held against a portion of the housing 102. The housing and the first stop feature 122 therefore provide a resistance against overstress for the type of actuator shown. Furthermore, the overstress prevention feature 323 comprises a second stop feature 123 of the member 106, which in the position shown in FIG. 3A abuts against a vertical structure of the housing. In this position, the second stop feature 123 is therefore held against a portion of the housing 102. The housing and the second stop feature 123 therefore provide a resistance against overstress for the type of actuator shown.

[0055] Further shown in Figure 3B is a second stop feature 123. This figure shows a side cross-sectional view (corresponding to section line LL in Figure 2) including the second stop feature 123. In Figure 3B, the same force 310 as in Figure 3A is applied, but a different cross-section of the electronic connector is shown. The member 106 includes a second stop feature 123, which in the open configuration shown contacts a portion 124 of the housing 102.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3B, the stop feature 123 of the member 106 may comprise a protruding surface that extends downward from the body of the member and contacts an interior upwardly facing surface of the housing when the actuator is fully open to prevent the actuator from moving beyond the open position. In the particular example of Figure 3B, the stop feature 123 has a lower surface that is angled relative to the actuator such that it is horizontal and contacts a horizontal upper surface of the portion 124 of the housing when the actuator is placed in the open position. Thus, the stop feature 123 may have a lower surface that is angled relative to the actuator at an angle equal to (or substantially equal to) the angle that the actuator would make relative to the housing when in the open position.

[0057] With reference to Figures 4A-4C, an electronic connector according to some embodiments is shown. The electronic connector is shown in a perspective view in a closed position in Figure 4A, and in Figures 4B and 4C, cutaway perspective views of anti-overstress features 421-424 of the connector are shown. In the example of Figures 4A-4C, a force 410 is applied to push the actuator further toward the closed position shown. Four locations within the electrical connector are shown circled in each figure as including features that prevent overstress that may be caused by application of force 410 moving the actuator beyond its fully closed state. Such a force may occur in an unintended operating condition, for example, when another object accidentally strikes the actuator and pushes it in the closed direction. These features are highlighted with dashed circles in the respective figures and are referred to as 421, 422, 423, and 424.

[0058] 4B, anti-overstress feature 421 is a front portion of the actuator that abuts against portion 431 of housing 102 when the actuator is in the closed position shown. Anti-overstress feature 422 is a rear portion of the actuator that abuts against portion 432 of housing 102 when the actuator is in the closed position shown. Thus, portions 431 and 432 of the housing and corresponding portions of the actuator provide resistance against overstress for an actuator of the type shown.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4C, anti-overstress features 423 and 424 comprise areas of lock terminal 108B that prevent member 106 from moving (e.g., swinging or rotating) further in a counterclockwise direction from the closed position. Specifically, the shape of interior portion 117 of member 106 and lock arm 109 prevent the actuator from moving the lock arm further because the actuator is held abutting at the positions marked 423 and 424. For example, further actuator movement may cause rear portion 451 of the actuator to push upward against a rear portion of the lock arm, causing the lock arm to flex upward. However, at the same time, this actuator movement may cause front portion 452 of the actuator to push downward against a front portion of the lock arm, causing the lock arm to flex downward. The combination of these movements may prevent the actuator from moving the lock arm in a counterclockwise direction beyond the closed position shown.

[0060] 4C, the tip of the locking arm may contact a lower surface of the interior housing cavity 114 such that further counterclockwise movement (e.g., rotation, rocking) of the actuator will cause the tip to bear against the lower surface of cavity 114. Thus, the tip 121 of the locking arm may provide resistance against overstress for an actuator of the type shown.

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates the sequence in which a flat cable is inserted into the electronic connector 100 according to some embodiments. In Figure 5, the cable insertion sequence is illustrated proceeding from left to right for each of the three cross sections shown in Figure 2. That is, Figures 511, 512, 513, and 514 show the insertion sequence in that order for cross section line JJ, Figures 521, 522, 523, and 524 show the insertion sequence in that order for cross section line LL, and Figures 531, 532, 533, and 534 show the insertion sequence in that order for cross section line MM.

[0062] In an initial step, as shown in Fig. 511, Fig. 521, and Fig. 531, the flat cable 130, shown as an FFC in the example of Fig. 5, begins to be inserted into the electronic connector. At this step, the member 106 begins to move (e.g., swing or rotate) in a clockwise direction due at least in part to the force applied by the flat cable 130 being inserted and squeezing the latch member 112 as shown in Fig. 521. Additionally, the locking arm of the locking terminal 108B, shown in an initial position in Fig. 531, may begin to be biased upward by an interior portion of the actuator as the actuator begins to move.

[0063] In a subsequent step, as shown in Fig. 512, Fig. 522, and Fig. 532, member 106 begins to rotate upward (and may also swing or otherwise move in addition to this rotation), while also rotating the locking arm of locking terminal 108B upward. In some examples, depending on the contact point of cable 130, terminal 104 may begin to make contact with a contact on the underside of the cable, as shown by the dashed circle in Fig. 512.

[0064] In a subsequent step, as shown in Fig. 513, Fig. 523, and Fig. 533, the ground contact 110 may begin to make contact with the contact on the top of the cable as shown by the dashed circle in Fig. 513. Additionally, member 106 may reach its upper limit of travel where the tip of locking arm 109 at least partially prevents further rotation and / or overstress of the actuator as shown by the dashed circle in Fig. 533.

[0065] In a subsequent step, as shown in Fig. 514, Fig. 524, and Fig. 534, the latch member 112 of member 106 is inserted into the notch 131 in the cable 130. In some embodiments, the latch member of the actuator may be inserted into the notch as a result of gravity acting on the actuator causing it to fall into the notch. The combination of the latch member holding the cable in place and the bent terminal 104 and ground contact 110 holding the cable in place may allow the cable to be securely mated to the electrical connector 100.

[0066] Figure 6 illustrates the sequence in which a flat cable is removed from an electronic connector 100 according to some embodiments. In Figure 6, the cable insertion sequence is illustrated proceeding from left to right for each of the three cross sections shown in Figure 2. That is, Figures 611, 612, 613, and 614 illustrate the insertion sequence in that order with respect to section line JJ, Figures 621, 622, 623, and 624 illustrate the insertion sequence in that order with respect to section line LL, and Figures 631, 632, 633, and 634 illustrate the insertion sequence in that order with respect to section line MM.

[0067] In an initial step, as shown in Figs. 611, 621, and 631, the member 106 begins to rotate in a clockwise direction by applying a force 177 to the actuator portion of the member. This force may be generated by a user's finger or by other methods. In a subsequent step, as shown in Figs. 612, 622, and 632, the actuator reaches an open position and is prevented from further opening and / or generating overstress by the anti-overstress features discussed above and circled in Figs. 612, 622, and 632.

[0068] In a subsequent step, cable 130 is pulled from the electronic connector while the actuator of member 106 is held in the open position, as shown in Figs. 613, 623 and 633. In a subsequent step, the actuator is released to the closed position, as shown in Figs. 614, 624 and 634. The locking arm returns to a rest state with the tip of the locking arm contacting the underside of cavity 114, as shown by the dashed circle in Fig. 634.

[0069] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a flat cable 130 inserted into an electronic connector 100 according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 7A, the electronic connector 100 is illustrated as a wire frame to more clearly show how the cable is positioned when mated to the connector. FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the cable 130 and electronic connector 100 along the section line CC shown in FIG. 7A. As will be noted, the cable 130 is positioned between the ground contact 110 and the terminal 104, and the terminal 104 is flexed. The ground contact 110 and the terminal 104 may be soldered, for example, to a PCB on which the electronic connector 100 is positioned. In some embodiments, a portion of the locking terminal 108A may also be soldered to the PCB.

[0070] It should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements may be made to the structures, configurations, and methods discussed above, which are intended to fall 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 will possess all of the advantages described. Some embodiments may not implement the features described herein as advantageous. Accordingly, the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are by way of example only.

[0071] It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology may be embodied as one or more methods, and that operations performed as part of a method of the present technology may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments may be constructed in which operations are performed in an order different from that shown and / or described, and these embodiments may include performing some operations simultaneously even though in various embodiments they are shown and / or described as sequential operations.

[0072] Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in various configurations not specifically discussed in the embodiments described above, and thus are not limited in application to the details and arrangements of components set forth in the above description or illustrated in the figures. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

[0073] The use of ordinal terms, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc. in the description and claims to modify elements does not in itself imply any priority, ranking, or ordering of an element relative to other elements, or the chronological order in which operations of a method are performed, but is merely used as a label to distinguish an element or operation having a certain name from other elements or operations having the same name (except for the use of ordinal terms).

[0074] All definitions and those used herein should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or general meanings of the defined terms.

[0075] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used in the specification and claims, unless expressly stated otherwise, should be understood to mean "at least one."

[0076] As used herein and in the claims, the phrase "at least one" referring to 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, but not necessarily including at least one of every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referenced by the phrase "at least one," whether related or unrelated to the specifically identified elements.

[0077] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "equivalent" or "identical" in connection with two numerical values ​​(e.g., distance, width, etc.) mean that the two numerical values ​​are the same in that they are within manufacturing tolerances. Thus, two numerical values ​​being equivalent or identical may mean that the two numerical values ​​differ from each other by ±5%.

[0078] As used herein and in the claims, the term "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the conjoint elements, i.e., elements that are conjunctive in some instances and disjunctive in other instances. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted similarly, i.e., as "one or more" of the conjoint elements. Optionally, other elements may be present other than the elements specifically identified in the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to the elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, the term "A and / or B," when used in combination with an open-ended expression such as "comprising," may in one embodiment refer to only A (optionally including elements other than B), in another embodiment refer to only B (optionally including elements other than A), in yet another embodiment refer to both A and B (optionally including other elements), and so forth.

[0079] As used herein and in 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" should be interpreted as non-exclusive, i.e., including at least one of a number of elements or a list of elements, but including more than one and optionally additional unlisted items. Limiting terms expressly stated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of" or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," indicate the inclusion of exactly one element of a number of elements or a list of elements. In general, the term "or" should be interpreted herein only as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") when preceded by an exclusive term, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." As used in the claims, "consisting essentially of" shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0080] Also, the terms and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be construed as limiting. For example, the use of terms such as "including," "comprising," "consisting," "having," "including," and "involving," as well as variations thereof, herein are meant to encompass the items listed before them and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0081] As used herein, the term "approximately" 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 term "about" may be equivalent to the target value.

[0082] As used herein, the term "substantially" 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 equate to 100% of a target value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Housing 2 Front 4. Operating member 5 Flat Cable 7 Slots 10 Receptacle 13 Signal Contact 100 Receptacle type electrical connector, electrical connector, electronic connector 101 Slots 102 Housing 104 terminal, conductive terminal 106 Components 106A Actuator 106B Locker 107 Support Arm 108A Locking Terminal 108B Lock terminal 109 Lock Arm 110 Ground contact 112 Latch member 114 Receiving cavity 117 Internal part 121 Tip 122 First Stop Feature 123 Second Stop Feature 124 parts 130 Flat Cable 131 Notch 310 power 321 Anti-overstress features 322 Anti-overstress features 323 Anti-overstress features 410 Power 421 Anti-overstress features 422 Anti-overstress features 423 Anti-overstress features 431 parts 432 parts 451 Rear part 452 Front part

Claims

1. 1. An electrical connector comprising: a housing configured to receive a mating component and having a mounting surface and at least one interior surface; a plurality of contacts held within the housing, the contacts having tails exposed on the mounting surface and configured to be attached to a printed circuit board; a latch member configured to engage a mating component inserted into the housing; an actuator movably coupled to the housing, the actuator being integrally coupled to the latch member and partially exposed outside the housing; a locking terminal attached to the housing, the locking terminal including a locking arm extending through a portion of the actuator and having a portion extending beyond the actuator, the portion extending beyond the actuator being located between the at least one interior surface of the housing and the mounting surface of the housing; An electrical connector comprising:

2. the at least one interior surface defines a cavity within the housing; 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured such that in a first position of the actuator, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the actuator contacts a lower surface of the cavity.

3. 3. The electrical connector of claim 2, wherein the connector is configured such that in the second position of the actuator, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the actuator contacts an upper surface of the cavity in the housing.

4. 4. The electrical connector of claim 3, wherein the actuator includes at least one stop feature configured to contact the housing when the actuator is in the second position and not contact the housing when the actuator is not in the second position.

5. 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the locking terminal further comprises a support arm attached to the housing and configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the housing when the locking arm flexes.

6. the locking terminal is a first locking terminal extending through a first end of the actuator; 10. The electrical connector of claim 1, further comprising a second locking terminal extending through a second end of the actuator, the second end being located on an opposite side of the first end.

7. 2. The electrical connector of claim 1, wherein the latch member includes a curved surface adjacent an opening in the housing, the curved surface being configured such that when the mating component is inserted into the opening, the mating component presses against the curved surface of the latch member to rotate the actuator.

8. 8. The electrical connector of claim 7, wherein the second position of the actuator is an open position, and the actuator is configured to move within the housing upon compression of the flat connector against the curved surface of the latch member when the actuator is in a closed position.

9. 13. 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 includes a base with a locking arm extending from the base; The base is soldered to the printed circuit board, forming an electronic assembly.

10. 1. A method of operating an electrical connector, comprising: biasing a member having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion to a first position in which the second portion blocks a portion of a slot in a housing of the connector, the member being biased by a locking arm passing through the first portion; applying a force to the third portion to pivot the member about the first portion such that the second portion moves from the first position and at least a portion of the first portion contacts the locking arm and flexes the locking arm; Including, the first portion is disposed within the cavity of the housing and has an arcuate surface; wherein the member oscillates by successively contacting the floor of the cavity with areas of the arcuate surface that are closer to the third portion.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the first portion is constrained within a cavity as the member rocks such that the member has a rotational component to the movement of the member.

12. inserting a flat flexible circuit into the slot; The method of claim 10 , wherein the second portion engages the flat flexible circuit when the second portion is in the first position.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of inserting the flat flexible circuit into the slot includes compressing an edge of the flat flexible circuit against the second portion of the member to deflect the second portion from the first position.

14. The method of claim 10 , further comprising the step of limiting rocking of the member by abutting a surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing.

15. the first portion comprises a first surface, a second surface that forms an acute angle with the first surface, and a rounded edge located between the first surface and the second surface; the step of rocking the member about the first portion includes rolling the first portion over the rounded edge; The method of claim 14 , wherein the step of abutting a surface of the first portion against a surface of the housing comprises abutting the second surface against the surface of the housing.

16. the housing includes 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 attached to a printed circuit board; The method of claim 14 , wherein the surface of the first portion is parallel to the mounting surface when the member is in the first position.

17. limiting the pivoting of the member by contacting a locking arm with a surface of the housing.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

18. 1. A method of assembling an electrical connector, comprising: inserting a first portion of the member into a cavity of a housing, the housing including a slot configured to receive a flat flexible circuit; inserting a resilient locking arm through a hole extending through the first portion of the member; mounting a base of the locking arm relative to the housing such that the member is biased by the locking arm to a first position in which a second portion of the member blocks the slot; Including, The locking arm includes a portion within the housing that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the portion of the locking arm is inserted into a cavity in the housing.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein in the first position of the member, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member contacts a lower surface of the cavity.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein in a second position of the member where the second portion of the member does not block the slot, the portion of the locking arm that extends beyond the hole through the first portion of the member contacts an upper surface of the cavity.

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