JP2001291979A - Connector connecting structure of flexible printed wiring board - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector connection structure, where whether the connection part of an FPC is appropriately inserted in a connector for FPC is surely judged without having to sensation depend on vision or sensors, while defective inset of the FPC is prevented for stable quality having no defective contact. SOLUTION: A lock member 3 is rotated from a second position P2 to a first position P1, relative to a connector connection part 12 of an FPC1 inserted in an insert hole 22 of a connector main body 21. It is judged that the connector connection part 12 is not inserted properly in the insert hole 22 if a protruding part 33 of the lock member 3 hits a protruding part 122 provided on both sides in widthwise direction of the connector connection part 12. If the protruding part 33 of the lock member 3 does not hit the protruding part 122 of the connector connection part 12 but engages, the connector connection part 12 is judged to be inserted properly into the insert hole 22.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flexible printed wiring board connector connection structure for electrically and mechanically connecting a connection portion of a flexible printed wiring board and a connector for a flexible printed wiring board.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Flexible printed wiring boards (hereinafter referred to as F
PC is abbreviated as thin and flexible, so it is used for the wiring of movable parts of small and thin electric appliances such as computer terminals, printers and cameras, and the space-saving wiring that can be set according to the space of small equipment. Have been. Further, such a connection portion of the FPC is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to an FPC connector mounted on a printed wiring board or the like of an electronic device.

[0003] A conventional FPC connector connection structure of this type will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a conventional FPC connector connection structure. In FIG. 11, reference numeral 111 denotes an FPC in which a plurality of lead wires 111A are formed in parallel on a flexible base film.
1B. Reference numeral 112 denotes an FPC connector mounted on a printed circuit board or the like of an electronic device, and includes a connector main body 112A. The connector main body 112A has a flat FPC insertion hole 112C having a desired depth extending inward from one side surface 112B, and the connector connection portion 111B of the FPC 111 is formed in the insertion hole 112C.
Is inserted by a predetermined amount to electrically connect the FPC 111 and the FPC connector 112. In addition, at a position located at the back of the insertion hole 112C,
Each lead wire 1 exposed on the surface of the connector connection portion 111B
Well-known electrical contact (not shown) that makes electrical contact with 11A
And so on.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a conventional FPC connector connection structure. This FIG.
, The connector connecting portion 111B of the FPC 111 is located near the base of the connector connecting portion 111B.
A mark line 113 indicating the insertion completion position is provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the B into the FPC connector 112, and the connector connection portion 111B of the FPC 111 is kept until the mark line 113 becomes invisible from directly above the FPC connector 112. Is inserted into the insertion hole 112C of the FPC connector 112, whereby the insertion of the connector connection portion 111B is ensured, and the electrical connection between the FPC 111 and the FPC connector 112 can be secured.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing still another example of the conventional FPC connector connection structure. In FIG. 13, the connector connecting portion 111 of the FPC 111
B are provided at both ends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion into the FPC connector 112, which are located near the base of B, and the FPC 111 is inserted until the protrusion 114 contacts one side surface 112 B of the FPC connector 112. Connector connecting portion 111B into the insertion hole 11 of the FPC connector 112.
2C, the connector connection portion 111B
Of the FPC 111 and the FPC connector 112 can be securely connected.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above conventional F
In the connector connection structure of the PC, in order to determine whether the connector connection portion 111B of the FPC 111 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 112C of the FPC connector 112, it is necessary to insert the connector connection portion 111B into the FPC connector 112. It relied on intuitive work such as visually checking whether or not the state is as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 above. Therefore, when inserting the connector connecting portion 111B of the FPC 111 into the insertion hole 112C of the FPC connector 112, the connector connecting portion 111B
The locking work must be performed by carefully inserting the locking holes while paying attention to the position and the inclination between B and the insertion hole 112C. Also, FPC
Since the state of insertion of the connector connecting portion 111B into the connector 112 is confirmed by the operator's visual and sense, the connector connecting portion 111 of the FPC 111 is inserted into the insertion hole of the FPC connector 112 as shown in FIG. FIG.
As shown in (B), the connector connection part 1 of the FPC 111
Even when 11B is obliquely inserted into the insertion hole 112C of the FPC connector 112, there are many cases where these are overlooked without being noticed. As a result, FPC11
1 and the FPC connector 112 frequently cause poor contact and the like, resulting in a problem that the reliability of the connection is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to determine whether or not a connector connecting portion of a flexible printed wiring board is properly inserted into a connector for a flexible printed wiring board. It is possible to make reliable and simple judgments without relying on the sense of sight and sensation.
An object of the present invention is to provide a connector connection structure of a flexible printed wiring board of stable quality without contact failure.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a flexible printed circuit board having a flat-plate-shaped connector connection portion, and an insertion hole corresponding to the connector connection portion having an inner side from one side. A connector formed at a desired depth toward the connector, and by inserting the connector connection portion into the insertion hole, a connector connection of the flexible printed wiring board electrically connecting the flexible printed wiring board and the connector. A lock member is provided on the connector so as to be swingable, an engagement portion engageable with the lock member is provided on the connector connection portion, and the lock member and the engagement portion are provided on the connector connection portion. Can be engaged only when properly inserted into the insertion hole, and maintain the state where the connector connection portion is properly inserted into the insertion hole when engaged. Made is characterized in that is.

In the present invention, when the connector connection portion is properly inserted into the insertion hole, the lock member engages with the engagement portion to maintain the proper insertion state of the connector connection portion. It becomes possible to recognize whether or not the part is properly inserted for insertion. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reliably and easily determine whether or not the connector connection portion of the flexible printed wiring board is properly inserted into the connector for the flexible printed wiring board without relying on sight and feeling. It is possible to prevent the insertion failure of the flexible printed wiring board and provide a stable quality connector connection structure free from contact failure.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an FPC and an FPC connector to which a connector connection structure of a flexible printed wiring board (hereinafter abbreviated as FPC) according to the embodiment is applied, FIG. 2 is a side view seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the FPC according to the first embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the FPC connector, FIG. 4 is a side view seen from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3, and FIG. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view, and FIG. 6A is a plan view for explaining a case in which insertion failure of the FPC into the FPC connector occurs in the first embodiment of the present invention.
(B) is an explanatory side view seen from the direction of arrow D in FIG.

1 to 6, reference numeral 1 denotes an FPC in which a plurality of lead wires 11 are formed in parallel on a flexible base film, and has a flat-plate-shaped connector connection portion 12. The connector connecting portion 12 has a small thickness and a rectangular shape in a plan view having a predetermined width and length. Reference numeral 2 denotes an FPC connector mounted on a printed circuit board or the like of an electronic device.
1 is provided. The connector body 21 has a flat FP with a desired depth extending inward from one side surface 21A.
A C insertion hole 22 is formed.
The FPC 1 and the FPC connector 2 are electrically connected by inserting a predetermined amount of the connector connection portion 12 of the PC 1. A well-known electrical contact (not shown) that electrically contacts each of the lead wires 11 exposed on the surface of the connector connection portion 12 is provided at a position located at the back of the insertion hole 22.

When the connector connection portion 12 is inserted into an appropriate position of the insertion hole 22, the connector connection portion 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 2.
2 At both end portions in the width direction of the portion 121 protruding outside,
A pair of square protrusions 122 projecting outward in the width direction of the connector connection portion 12 are provided. This protrusion 122
It corresponds to the engaging portion described in the claims. Also, this protrusion 12
The insertion hole 22 of the connector connection portion 12 is formed by contacting the protrusion 122 with one side surface 21A of the connector body 21.
Also serves as a stopper that regulates the amount of insertion into the device.

On the upper surface of the connector body 21 near the FPC insertion side, a flat locking member 3 overlaps with the protruding portion 121 with the connector connection portion 12 inserted into an appropriate position of the insertion hole 22. First to abut to fit
(A state where the connector connection portion 12 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 at a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2) and a second position P2 (a virtual line in FIG. 2) which is separated from the protruding portion 121. (Position indicated by). That is, a pair of support pieces 31 protruding from the rear end of the lock member 3 are pivotally supported by the pins 32 embedded in the connector body 21 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the FPC 1 so that the first position P1 and the Between the second position P2. When the lock member 3 is rotated to the first position P1, the lock member 3 is engaged without abutment with the protrusion 122, and the connector connection portion 12 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 22, or This is to make it possible to recognize whether the connector connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 by abutting with the protrusion 122, and the protrusion 122 on the swinging end side of the lock member 3 is provided. Are provided with a pair of protrusions 33 that abut against the protrusion 122 or engage with the protrusion 122 without abutting against the protrusion 122.

When the FPC 1 is connected to the FPC connector 2 in the connector connection structure of the FPC 1 configured as described above, the lock member 3 is connected to the FPC 1 and the FPC connector 22 while the FPC 1 and the FPC connector 22 are separated from each other. To the second position P2 indicated by the imaginary line. In such a state, F
The connector connecting portion 12 of the PC 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 22 of the connector main body 21 from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, and the protrusion 122 contacts the one side surface 21A of the connector main body 21 as shown in FIGS. Insert until it touches. Thereafter, the lock member 3 is turned to the first position P1 shown by the solid line in FIG.
Here, when the connector connection portion 12 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 without causing an insertion error such as insufficient insertion or inclined insertion, the lock member 3 that has been rotated to the first position P1 can be used. The protrusion 33 is, as shown in FIGS.
Without colliding with the projection 122 of the connector connection part 12,
It is located on the outer side edge 122A of the protrusion 122. Thereby, while being able to recognize that the connector connection part 12 is properly inserted in the insertion hole 22, the lock member 3
By locking the projection 122 and the projection 33 to each other, the connector connection section 12 is locked so as not to come out of the insertion hole 22.

[0015] In addition, due to insertion failure such as insufficient insertion or inclined insertion, the connector connection portion 12 is inserted into the insertion hole 22.
If the lock member 3 is not properly inserted into the inside, the protrusion 33 of the lock member 3 when rotated to the first position P1 abuts against the protrusion 122 of the connector connection portion 12 as shown in FIG. I will be in opposition. As a result, the lock member 3 cannot rotate to the first position P1 overlapping the connector connection portion 12, and
As shown in FIG. 6 (B), it is in a state of floating from the connector connection portion 12. Thereby, the connector connection part 12
Is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention as described above, the F inserted into the insertion hole 22 of the connector body 21 is used.
When the lock member 3 is pivoted to the first position P1 with respect to the connector connection portion 12 of the PC 1 and the projection 33 of the lock member 3 abuts against the projection 122 of the connector connection portion 12 and abuts against the connector, the connector is engaged. It is determined that the connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 and the protrusion 33 of the lock member 3
When the connector connecting portion 12 of the FPC 1 is not properly engaged with the protrusion 122 of the connector connecting portion 12, it can be determined that the connector connecting portion 12 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 22. It is possible to reliably and easily recognize whether or not the FPC 1 is properly inserted into the FPC connector 2, prevent the insertion failure of the FPC 1, and provide a stable quality connector connection structure free from contact failure.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an FPC connector connection structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations will be omitted, and portions different from FIG. 1 will be mainly described. As is clear from FIG.
The two projecting portions 121 are provided at both ends in the width direction with a pair of square projections 122 that project in the width direction of the connector connection portion 12 and are larger than in FIG. Has a rectangular engaging hole 122A formed therethrough. The protrusion 122 and the engagement hole 122A correspond to an engagement portion described in the claims. Further, a portion of the lock member 3 on the swinging end side facing the protrusion 122 is engaged with the protrusion 122 or without engaging with the protrusion 122.
A pair of protrusions 34 that engage with 2A are provided.

In the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, when the connector connection portion 12 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 22, the protrusion 3 of the lock member 3
4 engages with the engagement hole 122A without abutting against the protrusion 122 of the connector connection portion 12. As a result, it is possible to determine that the connector connection portion 12 is in a proper insertion state with no contact failure, and it is securely positioned and locked. In addition, when the connector connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 due to insufficient insertion or a poor insertion such as an inclined insertion, the protrusion 34 of the lock member 3 is attached to the protrusion 122 of the connector connection portion 12. Butted and abutted, engaging hole 1
Not engaged with 22A. Thereby, the connector connection part 1
2 can be recognized as not being properly inserted into the insertion hole 22. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of an FPC connector connection structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations will be omitted, and portions different from FIG. 1 will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 8, the above-mentioned protrusion 122 is provided at one end in the width direction of the protruding portion 121 of the connector connection portion 12. The protrusion 12 on the swing end side of the member 3
At a position facing 2, one protrusion 35 is provided which is in contact with the protrusion 122 or is engaged without being in contact with the protrusion 122.

The third embodiment of the present invention as described above has a function of recognizing whether or not the connector connection portion 12 is properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 and the function of the properly inserted connector connection portion 12. The locking function can be exerted by the projections 122 and 35 provided on one side.
In this embodiment, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of an FPC connector connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 9, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations will be omitted, and portions different from FIG. 1 will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 9, a square engaging hole 124 provided for the above-described checking and locking is provided at a central portion of the projecting portion 121 of the connector connecting portion 12. In addition, an insertion position mark line 125 is formed in the width direction of the connector connection portion 12 near the engagement hole 124 so as to indicate the amount of insertion of the connector connection portion 12 into the insertion hole 22. I have. This insertion position mark line 125 is formed by silk printing or copper foil. Further, a portion of the lock member 3 on the swinging end side facing the engagement hole 124 abuts with the engagement hole 124,
Alternatively, one projection 36 that engages without engaging with the engagement hole 124 is provided.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention as described above, with the connector connecting portion 12 inserted into the insertion hole 22 up to the insertion position mark line 125, the lock member 3 is moved to the first position. Is turned to the position P1, the protrusion 3
6 is engaged with the engagement hole 124 without colliding with the engagement hole 124 of the connector connection portion 12, the connector connection portion 12
Can be determined to be in a proper insertion state with no contact failure, and is securely positioned and locked. Further, when the connector connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 due to insufficient insertion or insertion failure such as a tilted insertion, the protrusion 36 of the lock member 3 becomes the engagement hole 124 of the connector connection portion 12. And is not engaged with the engagement hole 124. Thereby, it can be recognized that the connector connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22. In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view of an FPC connector connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 10, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configurations will be omitted, and portions different from FIG. 1 will be mainly described. In the fifth embodiment,
As is clear from FIG. 10, a pair of notches 126 are cut in a rectangular shape inward in the width direction of the connector connection portion 12 at both ends in the width direction of the projecting portion 121 of the connector connection portion 12. In addition, near the notch 126, the insertion hole 22 of the connector connection portion 12 is formed.
An insertion position mark line 127 serving as a measure of the insertion amount into the connector connecting portion 12 is formed in the width direction. This insertion position mark line 127 is formed by silk printing, copper foil, or the like. Further, a pair of protrusions which engage with the notch 126 or engage with the notch 126 without being in contact with the notch 126 are provided at positions on the swing end side of the lock member 3 which face the notch 126. 37 are provided.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention as described above, with the connector connecting portion 12 being inserted into the insertion hole 22 up to the insertion position mark line 125, the lock member 3 is moved to the first position. Is turned to the position P1, the protrusion 3
If the connector 7 is engaged without abutment with the notch 126 of the connector connection portion 12, it can be determined that the connector connection portion 12 is in a proper insertion state without contact failure, and is securely positioned and locked. In addition, when the connector connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22 due to an insufficient insertion or a poor insertion such as an inclined insertion, the protrusion 37 of the lock member 3 becomes the notch 126 of the connector connection portion 12. And abuts against the edge of the notch, and is not engaged with the notch 126. Thereby, it can be recognized that the connector connection portion 12 is not properly inserted into the insertion hole 22.
According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the same operation and effect as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0025]

As described above, according to the connector connection structure for a flexible printed wiring board according to the present invention, the FPC
It is possible to reliably and easily determine whether or not the connection part of the FPC is properly inserted into the FPC connector without relying on the sense of sight and sensation. A connector connection structure can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an FPC and an FPC connector to which an FPC connector connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrow A in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows an FPC according to the first embodiment of the present invention,
It is a top view showing the state where it was inserted in the connector for PC.

FIG. 4 is a side view as seen from the direction of arrow B in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 (A) is a diagram showing F in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a plan view for explaining a case where a PC is not properly inserted into the FPC connector, and FIG. 2B is a side view for explaining the PC viewed from the direction of arrow D in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an FPC connector connection structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a connector connection structure of an FPC according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an FPC connector connection structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an FPC connector connection structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a conventional FPC connector connection structure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a conventional connector connection structure of an FPC.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing still another example of the conventional FPC connector connection structure.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams showing a conventional insertion state of an FPC into a connector.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... FPC, 12 ... Connector connection part, 121 ... Outer part of an insertion hole, 2 ... FPC connector, 21 ... Connector body, 22 ... Insertion hole, 122 ... Projection, 122
A, 124 ... engagement hole, 125, 127 ... insertion position mark line, 126 ... notch, 3 ... lock member, 3
3, 34, 35, 36, 37 ... Projection.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H01R 12/20 H01R 13/64 5E348 H05K 1/02 23/68 E 1/14 Q F term (reference) 5E021 FA05 FA11 FB05 FC36 FC38 HC11 KA02 KA05 5E023 AA04 AA16 AA18 BB23 HH19 5E077 BB23 BB32 DD20 HH02 HH04 HH07 JJ22 5E338 AA01 AA12 BB61 BB65 CD13 EE60 5E344 AA02 BB05 CC11 CD18 EA05

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A flexible printed wiring board having a flat-plate-shaped connector connection portion, and a connector having an insertion hole corresponding to the connector connection portion formed at a desired depth inward from one side. A connector connection structure of a flexible printed wiring board for electrically connecting the flexible printed wiring board and the connector by inserting a connection portion into the insertion hole, wherein a lock member is provided on the connector so as to be swingable. An engagement portion engageable with the lock member is provided in the connector connection portion, the lock member and the engagement portion can be engaged only in a state where the connector connection portion is properly inserted into the insertion hole, And a connector that is configured to maintain a state in which the connector connection portion is properly inserted into the insertion hole in an engaged state. Connector structure of the printed wiring board. 2. The connector connector according to claim 2, wherein the lock member is engaged with the engagement portion when the connector connection portion is properly inserted into the insertion hole, and holds the connector connection portion in a proper insertion state. 2. The connector connection according to claim 1, further comprising: an engagement portion that abuts a position of the connector connection portion that is displaced from the engagement portion when the connector is not properly inserted into the insertion hole. Construction. 3. The connector connection structure for a flexible printed wiring board according to claim 2, wherein the engagement portion of the lock member is formed by a protrusion. 4. The connector connection part is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view having a width and a length, and the connector connection part is inserted into the insertion hole along a length direction thereof, and the engagement part is
The connector connection structure for a flexible printed wiring board according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector connection portion comprises a protrusion protruding outward in the width direction from both sides or one side in the width direction of the connector connection portion. 5. The connector connecting part is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view having a width and a length, and the connector connecting part is inserted into the insertion hole along a length direction thereof, and the connector connecting part is formed in a width direction. On either side or one side, a protrusion protruding outward in the width direction is provided, and an engagement hole is formed through the protrusion,
The connector connection structure for a flexible printed wiring board according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion includes the engagement hole. 6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion is provided so as to abut on the connector portion when the connector connection portion is properly inserted into the insertion hole. Connector connection structure for flexible printed wiring boards. 7. The connector connecting part is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view having a width and a length, and the connector connecting part is inserted into the insertion hole along a length direction thereof, and the engaging part is
The connector connection structure for a flexible printed wiring board according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector connection portion is constituted by a cutout portion cut inward in the width direction from both sides or one side in the width direction of the connector connection portion. . 8. The connector connection structure for a flexible printed wiring board according to claim 1, wherein the engagement portion is constituted by an engagement hole formed through the connector connection portion. 9. The flexible printed wiring board according to claim 7, wherein the connector connection portion has an insertion position mark line which is a measure of an insertion amount of the connector connection portion into the insertion hole. Connector connection structure.