JP2003346947A - Connector for connection of flexible printed circuit board, and flexible printed circuit board for connection - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the head space for an equipment for connecting a flexible printed circuit board for connection to a hard circuit board, and to facilitate connection and separation. <P>SOLUTION: This connector 20 for connecting the FPC for the connection (flexible printed circuit board for the connection) 25 has a connector main body 21 built in with a connection terminal 24 having a plurality of contact parts 24a arranged along an array 24c along an H-direction, and a lock member 22 supported turnably to the connector main body 21. In the FPC 25a for the connection, a plurality of connection patterns 25a is provided in a connection tip part, and a reinforcing base 26 is bonded in the backface thereof. The FPC 25a for the connection is inserted in the H-direction and a horizontal direction with respect to the FPC connector 20, and the lock member 22 is closed to complete the connection. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure of a connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board and a structure of a flexible printed circuit board for connection provided in an apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the miniaturization of electronic equipment, the size of electric boards on which built-in electric circuits are mounted has also been reduced, and various connector structures have been provided for electrically connecting the electric boards. ing.

For example, FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a conventional vertical flexible printed circuit board connection connector and a connection flexible printed circuit board in a connected state. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a compact camera which is one of the electronic devices to which the conventional vertical flexible printed circuit board connector shown in FIG. 16 is applied, and FIG.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 18 showing the periphery of the vertical printed circuit board connector inside the camera of FIG. 18;

A conventional vertical flexible printed circuit board connector (hereinafter, referred to as FPC connector) 102 shown in FIG. 16 is mounted upright on a rigid printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as rigid board) 101. ing. A connection flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as a connection FPC) 103 to be inserted and connected to the FPC connector 102 is provided with a connection pattern at a distal end connection portion, and the distal end connection portion is deformed at the time of insertion. It has a double structure in which a reinforcing substrate 104 for securing a contact pressure between the connection pattern and the connector-side connection terminal row is not attached. Connect the FPC 103 to the FPC connector 10
2, the connector pattern is inserted from the C1 direction (substrate vertical direction) perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the connector-side terminal rows to bring the connection pattern surface into contact with the connector terminal rows, and then the fixing member 102a is pressed to press the FPC 103. Is fixed and connected.

In the camera 1 to which the above-mentioned conventional vertical FPC connector 102 shown in FIG. 18 is applied, a photographing lens 3, a strobe window 7, a release operation button 4 and the like are arranged on a camera front cover 2a. , Camera rear cover 2
b, an LCD display unit 5, a mode setting switch button 6, and the like are arranged.

FIG. 19 shows a cross section taken along line AA of FIG.
As shown in the figure, a rigid substrate 101 is arranged below the mode setting switch button 6. The electronic member 13 and the vertical FPC connector 102 are mounted on the mounting surface of the hard substrate 101. The FPC connector 102 has a connection F for transmitting a control signal, a switch signal output for setting a shooting mode, and the like to a main board (not shown).
The PC 103 is connected.

On the other hand, the conventional horizontal FPC connector 106 shown in FIG. 17 is mounted in a state parallel to the mounting surface of the hard board 105. The connection FPC 107 to be inserted and connected to the FPC connector 106 is also provided with a connection pattern surface at a distal connection portion, and the distal connection portion is connected to the reinforcing substrate 10.
8 has a double structure bonded together. FPC1 above
07 is connected to the FPC connector 106, the C2 direction (substrate parallel direction) orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the connector terminal row
Then, after the connection pattern surface is brought into contact with the fixing member 106a, the fixing member 106a is pressed and fixed to establish a connection state.

[0008]

However, FIG.
When the conventional FPC connector 102 shown in FIG. 16 is applied to the camera 1 and the hard substrate is fixed to the camera body 8 and the connection FPC 103 is connected to the camera 1, the reinforcing substrate 104 has a high hardness and is hard to bend. Therefore, an empty space S0 longer than the length of the reinforcing board 104 is required below the insertion opening of the FPC connector 102 between the FPC connector 102 and the camera body. This empty space S0 has been an obstacle to downsizing the camera.

On the other hand, the rigid substrate 101 and the connecting FPC
If the method of fixing the camera 103 to the camera body 8 after the connection with the camera 103 is adopted, the empty space S0 becomes unnecessary. However, assembly procedures are regulated. In addition, FPC for connection
In many cases, an electrical component such as the LCD display unit 5 that displays the number of shots and the like is mounted on the 103. F for connection
When the rigid board 101 in a state where the PC 103 is connected is fixed to the camera main body 8, the above-mentioned electric components may interfere, and may damage the disposed components. Further, when the connecting FPC 103 is separated during the disassembly and repair, there is no empty space S0.
103 will be disconnected from the FPC connector 102. Therefore, the number of disassembly steps is increased, and the cost is increased.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and minimizes the dead space of a device for electrically connecting a connection FPC to a hard board or an FPC. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board for connection, which can be easily separated.

[0011]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the connector for connecting a flexible printed board according to the first aspect is formed on a rigid printed board or a flexible printed board. In a flexible printed circuit board connector for electrically connecting a circuit and a circuit formed on the connection flexible printed circuit board, the rigid printed circuit board, or a connection terminal of a connector mounted on the flexible printed circuit board. The connection flexible printed circuit board can be inserted along the arrangement direction of the arrangement.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a flexible printed board according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the flexible printed board for connection is inserted into the connector for connecting a flexible printed board. , And the connecting flexible printed circuit board is fixed by rotating or sliding the locking means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board is inserted into the locking means. In addition, connection terminals for the connection flexible printed circuit board are arranged.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a flexible printed board according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the groove and the projection serve as guides for inserting the flexible printed board for connection. Part is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible printed circuit board for connection to which the connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board according to the fourth aspect is connected. A protrusion is provided at the tip of the printed circuit board, and the protrusion fits with the protrusion of the connector for connecting the flexible printed circuit board when the flexible printed circuit board for connection is fixed.

[0016]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector for a flexible printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board for connection according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a lock member is opened before mounting the flexible printed circuit board for connection. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the flexible printed circuit board connector and the connection flexible printed circuit board. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the connection flexible printed circuit board is connected to the flexible printed circuit board connector, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line YY of FIG.

A connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as an FPC connector) 20 according to the present embodiment 20
Is mounted on a hard printed board (hereinafter, referred to as a hard board) 31 by soldering in an upright state as shown in FIGS. The FPC connector 20 allows the hard substrate 3
An electric circuit formed or mounted on one side;
An electrical connection is made with an electrical circuit formed or mounted on the connection flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as connection FPC) 25 mounted on the C connector 20.

The FPC connector 20 mainly includes a connector main body 21, a lock member 22 serving as a lock means, and a plurality of connection terminal plates 24 held by the connector main body 21.

The connector body 21 has a plurality of terminal storage recesses 2 corresponding to the number of connection contacts on the FPC insertion surface 21f.
1a, an FPC tip guide surface 21c on the bottom of the main body,
An FPC abutment surface 21d is provided at an inner end of the FPC in the FPC insertion direction (H 'direction), and a step-shaped engaging portion 21b is provided at both ends in the upper width direction of the body.
And a support shaft 23 fixed to the lower side of the main body and extending in the H direction.

The plurality of terminal housing recesses 21a are
It is provided on the FPC insertion surface 21f orthogonal to the mounting surface of the hard substrate 31, and the connection terminal plates 24 described later are arranged and incorporated in the recesses 21a along the H direction (horizontal direction) described later.

The lock member 22 is connected to the connector body 21.
A protruding portion 22c that is rotatably supported by the support shaft 23, extends in the H direction at a position facing the connection terminal row on the inner surface, and presses the back side of the connection pattern of the connection FPC 25; Claws 22b projecting from both ends in the upper H direction
And a support shaft hole 22d.

The connection terminal plate 24 is formed of a conductive material, and has a protruding FPC contact portion 24 a capable of contacting with the connection pattern portion 25 a of the connection FPC 25, and a substrate soldered to the connector connection pattern of the hard substrate 31. And a terminal receiving recess 21a of the connector body 21.
(FIG. 4).

The contact portions 24a of the connection terminal plate 24 are the number corresponding to the number of connection contacts.
The terminal row (array of connection terminals) 24c is arranged so as to be exposed in a state of protruding only a small dimension from 1f along the H direction in the width direction of the connector main body 21.

Each contact portion 24a of the connection terminal plate 24 is
When the lock member 22 is rotated to the closed position, the protrusion 22c
Is pressed through the reinforcing substrate 26 on the FPC 25 side,
Since each contact portion 24a is slightly elastically deformed and displaced,
It contacts the connection pattern 25a of the connection FPC 25 with an appropriate contact pressure for electrical connection. The FPC connector 2
In the state of mounting on the hard substrate of No. 0, the H direction which is the direction of the terminal row 24 c is parallel to the mounting surface of the hard substrate 31.

In the connection FPC 25, a plurality of connection patterns 25a for the number of connection contacts are provided at the leading end connection portion, and a reinforcing substrate 26 is attached to the back side of the connection pattern 25a. The plurality of connection patterns 25a are arranged along the connection pattern row, and the connection FPC 25
Extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction (H direction) in which the connection pattern rows are arranged.

The connection FPC 25 has the other end connected to a main control FPC (not shown) or is an FPC integrated with the main control board FPC depending on the configuration of an electric circuit board of a device such as a camera to be applied. Or L
This is an FPC on which a CD, a switch, and the like are mounted.

To connect the connection FPC 25 to the FPC connector 20 of the present embodiment having the above configuration, first,
FPC connector 2 mounted upright on hard substrate 31
The 0 lock member 22 is in an open state (unlocked state) as shown in FIG. The distal end connection portion of the connection FPC 25 is slid between the connector body 21 and the lock member 22 along the H ′ direction (horizontal direction) parallel to the H direction. At this time, the distal end surface of the connection FPC 25 is inserted while sliding on the FPC distal guide surface 21c of the connector body 21, and the side surface of the connection FPC 25 abuts against the FPC abutment surface 21d. In the abutted state, the lock member 22 is rotated in the closing direction, and as shown in FIG.
Is engaged with the locking portion 21b of the connector main body 21 and locked, the connector is connected.

In the connector connection state, the connection FPC
25, the width direction is positioned by the width direction step 22e of the lock member 22, and the reinforcing substrate 26 on the back surface portion of the row of the connection pattern 25a is connected to the protrusion 22c of the lock member 22 as shown in the sectional view of FIG. Is pressed. Accordingly, the connection pattern 25a is pressed against the contact portion 24a of the connection terminal plate 24 with good positional accuracy, and a reliable electrical connection between the connection pattern 25a and the contact portion 24a is obtained. Then, each line of the circuit formed on the hard substrate 31 or the mounted electric circuit is connected to each corresponding line of the connection FPC 25.

When the connecting FPC 25 is to be removed from the FPC connector 20 in the connected state, the lock member 22
Is released to bring the lock member into the released state shown in FIG. In this state, the connecting FPC 25 can be pulled out along the anti-H 'direction.

In the above-described connector connection / disconnection method, the connection FPC 25 is connected to the FPC connector 20 in the H ′ direction (horizontal direction) parallel to the H direction which is the direction in which the terminal rows are arranged.
Was inserted or removed along, but not limited to this.
It is also possible to insert and remove the connecting portion of the distal end of the connecting FPC 25 along the J direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the H direction to connect or disconnect.

The above-described FPC connector 20 of the present embodiment
According to the above, when the connection FPC 25 is attached to and detached from the FPC connector 20, the connection portion of the connection FPC 25 is slid along the direction (H direction) parallel to the hard substrate 31, so that the connection FPC 25 can be mounted and removed. Alternatively, it can be removed. Therefore, a space for pulling out the connection FPC 25 in the mounting surface direction (thickness direction) of the hard substrate 31 is required.
Even when the rigid board 31 is not attached to the main body of the device, the connection FPC 25 is inserted along the mounting surface of the hard board 31 and connected to the FPC connector 20 or pulled out even when the hard board 31 is not mounted. Can be removed.

When the connecting FPC 25 is inserted into and removed from the FPC connector 20, the connecting FPC 25 is inserted in a state where the lock member 22 is opened, so that there is sufficient insertion space around the contact portion. Hurt,
There is no danger of deformation.

The FPC connector 20 of this embodiment
Is to connect the connecting FPC 25 in the H ′ direction or the J direction.
The connection FPC 2 can be inserted and removed along the direction.
5 insertion directions can be selected.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the FPC connector when a hard board to which the FPC connector of the present embodiment is applied is mounted on a camera. The camera 30 shown in this figure has the same configuration as the camera 1 shown in FIG.
The structure around the connector is different. Hereinafter, different parts will be described.

Hard substrate 3 arranged in camera 30
1 has an FPC connector 20 mounted thereon and a connection FPC
25 are connected. The connecting FPC 25 is bent and arranged at the position of the end of the reinforcing substrate 26.

When the connection FPC 25 is attached to and detached from the FPC connector 20 while the hard substrate 31 remains fixed to the camera body 32, the connection FPC 25 is necessarily moved in the J direction orthogonal to the mounting surface of the hard substrate 31. It is not necessary, and a direction parallel to the H direction (FIG. 1), ie, FIG.
It can be attached and detached by sliding it in the direction perpendicular to the paper. Therefore, the space on the mounting surface side of the hard substrate 31 is
As compared with the case where the conventional FPC connector 102 shown in FIG. 19 is applied, a smaller space S1 can be adopted, and the size of equipment such as a camera can be reduced.

Next, an FPC connector which is a connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the FPC connector and the connecting FPC of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a state where a connecting FPC is inserted into the FPC connector in a lock member released state. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connection FPC is connected to the FPC connector.

The FPC connector 40 of the present embodiment further improves the insertability of the connection FPC with respect to the FPC connector 20 of the first embodiment. A description will be given of different parts.

The FPC connector 40 of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
8, the connector is mounted in an upright state with respect to the rigid substrate 49. The connector is mainly composed of a connector body 41, a lock member 42 serving as a locking means, and a plurality of connection terminal plates held by the connector body 41. 44.

The connector main body 41 has a plurality of terminal receiving recesses 41a, a step-like engaging portion 41b at both ends in the width direction of the main body, and a H-direction fixed to the lower side of the main body, similarly to the connector main body 21. Along with a support shaft 43,
The connector body 41 has an FPC tip guide groove 41c on the bottom surface of the body, an FPC side guide groove 41d along the J direction at the back of the FPC insertion direction (H 'direction), and an FP in the H direction.
An FPC guide projection 41e is provided on the C insertion port side.

The upper side of the side guide groove 41d is widened in accordance with the inclination at the time of insertion of the connecting FPC 45. The FPC guide projection 41e is also high enough that the connection FPC 45 in the inclined state at the time of insertion does not come into contact. The inclination when the connection FPC 45 is inserted is an inclination for preventing the connection FPC 45 from contacting the contact portion 44 a of the connection terminal 44.

The lock member 42 is connected to the connector main body 41.
Are supported by the support shaft 43 so as to be rotatable. Similar to the lock member 21, the convex portion 42c presses the back surface of the connection pattern of the connection FPC 45, and the claw portions 42b projecting from both ends in the upper H direction. And a support shaft hole 42d are provided,
In particular, the lock member 42 is provided with a notch 42e into which the guide protrusion 41e of the connector main body 41 can be fitted.

The connection terminal plate 44 is formed of a conductive material, and has a convex FPC contact portion 4 similar to the connection terminal plate 24.
4a and a substrate terminal portion 44b, and is fixed and held in the terminal receiving recess 41a of the connector body 41 (FIG. 7).

Similarly, the contact portions 44a of the connection terminal plate 44 are arranged so as to be exposed in a state of protruding from the FPC insertion surface of the connector main body 41 by a small dimension, with a number corresponding to the number of connection contacts. Are formed (arrangement of connection terminals) 44c along the H direction.

The connection FPC 45 is connected to the connection FP.
As in the case of C25, connection patterns 45a are provided for the number of connection contacts, and a reinforcing substrate 46 is attached to the back surface of the connection pattern 45a. In particular, a side convex portion 45b which is closer to the distal end than the position of the connection pattern 45a and protrudes in the widthwise non-insertion side (anti-H 'side) is provided at the connection distal end on the insertion side of the connection FPC 45. ing.

In order to connect the connection FPC 45 to the FPC connector 40 of the present embodiment having the above configuration, first,
FPC connector 4 mounted upright on hard board 49
The lock member 42 of No. 0 is in an open state (unlocked state). Connect the distal end connection portion of the connection FPC 45 to the connector body 41.
And the lock member 42 is slid along the H 'direction (horizontal direction) parallel to the H direction.

In the above-mentioned inserted state, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting FPC 45 is maintained in a slightly inclined state in a state of being separated from the contact portion 44a by the FPC guide projection 41e of the connector main body 41, and has a tip end. Connector body 41
Is guided by the FPC tip guide groove 41c. By inserting the connection FPC 45 at a predetermined angle in this manner, the connection FPC 45 is connected to the contact portion 4 of the connection terminal plate.
4a can be inserted without being hooked.

Then, the connecting FPC 45 is inserted to the limit position in the width direction, and the side surface thereof is formed by the FPC side guide groove 41d.
When the connection FPC 45 is inserted into the
It is located between the C side guide groove 41d and the inner surface of the FPC guide protrusion 41e.

The connector body 41 of the connection FPC 45
After the insertion and positioning of the locking member 42, the locking member 42 is rotated to the closed position, and the claw 42b is connected to the connector body 41 as shown in FIG.
Is locked by engaging with the locking portion 41b.

In the above connector connection state, the connection FPC
Since the side convex portion 45b of the FPC 45 is locked at the lower end surface of the FPC guide projection 41e of the connector body 41, the connection FPC
45 is reliably prevented from coming off in the J direction (FIG. 8).

When the connecting FPC 45 is to be removed from the FPC connector 40 in the connected state, the locking member 42 is required.
Is released, and the connector lock member is released. In this state, the connection FPC 45 can be pulled out along the anti-H 'direction.

In the connector connection / disconnection method described above, the connection FPC 45 is inserted into the FPC connector 40 in the H ′ direction (horizontal direction) parallel to the H direction, which is the direction in which the terminal rows 44c are arranged. Not limited, connection FPC45
Can be inserted and removed along the J direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the H direction to connect or disconnect.

The above-described FPC connector 40 of the present embodiment
According to the embodiment, the same effect as in the case of the FPC connector 20 of the first mounting mode can be obtained. In particular, in the case of the FPC connector 40 of the present embodiment, when the connection FPC 45 is inserted and removed, the connection is performed by the FPC guide projection 41e of the connector body 41, the FPC tip guide groove 41c, and the FPC side guide groove 41d. The connecting FPC 4 can be easily connected without catching the FPC 45 on the contact portion 44a of the connecting terminal plate 44.
5 can be inserted or removed.

In the connector connection state, the connection FPC
Since the position of the side convex portion 45b is regulated by the lower surface of the FPC guide projection 41e of the connector main body 41, the connection F
The PC 45 is prevented from coming off in the J direction.

The function of preventing the side convex portion 45b from coming off also works when the lock member 42 is in the open position. For example, when the above-mentioned FPC connector 40 in which the mounting surface of the hard substrate faces downward as shown in FIG. 5 is applied, the lock member 42 is still closed when the connecting FPC 45 is slid and inserted into the FPC connector 40. Even when the connection FPC 45 is not engaged, the connection FPC 45 does not fall off because the side convex portion 45b of the connection FPC 45 is locked to the FPC guide projection 41e of the connector main body 41.

The FPC connector 40 of this embodiment
Is to connect the connecting FPC 45 in the H ′ direction or the J direction.
It can be inserted and removed along the direction.
5 insertion directions can be selected.

Next, an FPC connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC connector of the present embodiment in a state where a connecting FPC is inserted. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC connector in a connection state in which the lock member is closed.

The FPC connector 50 of this embodiment is also an FPC connector capable of inserting the connection FPC 56 in the direction of the arrangement of the contact portions of the connection terminals.
This improves the operability of inserting the C56 into the connector.

The FPC connector 50 of this embodiment is a connector mounted upright on a hard board 59 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The FPC connector 50 mainly includes a connector main body 52, a lock member 51 serving as lock means, and It has a plurality of connection terminal plates 54 held by the lock member 51 and a plurality of substrate terminal plates 55 held by the connector body 52.

The connector main body 52 has a plurality of substrate terminal plates 55 and a support shaft 53 fixedly disposed at a lower portion thereof, and a connection FPC 56 is slid and guided at the upper portion of the support shaft 53 when inserted. Guide groove 52f, a protruding portion 52c that can abut on the back side of the connection pattern of the connection FPC 56, and an abutment surface 5 of the connection FPC 56 on the end in the width direction.
2e, and a locking portion (not shown) for locking the lock member 51 and the like are further provided.

The board terminal plate 55 is made of a conductive material, has a board terminal portion 55b, and is fixed to the connection pattern portion of the hard board 59 by soldering.

The lock member 51 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 53. A plurality of connection terminal plates 54 are fixed to the concave portion 51a of the lock member 51 on the connector body 52 side. Non-locking pawls are provided.

The plurality of connection terminal plates 54 are formed of a conductive material, have a contact portion 54a and a contact spring portion 54b, and are fixedly supported by the lock member 51. The contact spring portion 54a is a portion having a spring property so as to be in slidable contact with the board terminal plate 55 and to be always in contact therewith. The contact portion 54 a is a contact portion that can contact the connection pattern of the connection FPC 56, and forms a terminal row (arrangement of connection terminals) along a direction parallel to the support shaft 53.

The connection FPC 56 is connected to the connection FP
As in the case of C25, there are connection patterns for the number of connection contacts, and a reinforcing substrate 57 is attached to the back side of the connection pattern.

To connect the connection FPC 56 to the FPC connector 50 of the present embodiment having the above configuration, first,
FPC connector 5 mounted upright on hard substrate 59
The 0 lock member 51 is in an open state (unlocked state). The distal end connection portion of the connection FPC 56 is slid and inserted into the guide groove 52f between the connector body 52 and the lock member 51 along the arrangement direction (horizontal direction) in the terminal row direction (FIG. 9).

The locking member 51 is held in a state where the widthwise end of the connection FPC 56 is abutted against the FPC contact surface 52e.
Is turned to the closed position and the lock state is established, the contact portion 5
4a is in contact with the connection pattern of the connection FPC 56. The back side of the connection pattern of the connection FPC 56 is the connector body 5
The contact portion 54a is supported by the second convex portion 52c.
And the connection pattern surely contact each other, and a connector connection state is obtained (FIG. 10).

When the connection FPC 56 is to be removed from the FPC connector 50 in the connection state, the locking member 51 is used.
To the open state. In this state, the connection FPC 56 can be pulled out in the anti-insertion direction.

In the connector connection and disconnection method described above, the connection FPC 56 is inserted into the FPC connector 50 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the terminal rows are arranged.
It is also possible to insert and remove the distal end connecting portion of the connecting FPC 56 along the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the terminal rows, and to connect or disconnect.

The locking member 51 or the connector body 52 is provided with a concave portion or a projection for positioning the connecting FPC 56 in the width direction, or a convex portion protruding to the side of the connecting FPC 56. The structure for preventing the connection FPC 56 from being displaced or coming off can also be included at the same time.

The above-described FPC connector 50 of the present embodiment
According to the above, when the connection FPC 56 is inserted into the connector,
Since the lock member 51 holding the connection terminal 54 having the contact portion 54a is opened, the contact portion 54a is separated from the insertion path of the connection FPC 56. Therefore, the insertion of the connection FPC 56 is not hindered by the connection FPC 56 and the contact portion 54a being hooked, and the connector connection work is facilitated.

The FPC connector 50 of this embodiment
Can be inserted and removed in the direction along the arrangement direction of the terminal rows or in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the connection row FPCs 56 are arranged. The direction in which the connection FPC 56 is inserted and removed can be selected.

Next, an FPC connector which is a connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connection FPC is connected to the FPC connector of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connector main body of the FPC connector. FIG. 13 shows the FPC
FIG. 13 is a view of the connector in an open state of the lock member with respect to the connector main body as viewed from a direction D in FIG. 12. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a view showing the closed state of the lock member with respect to the connector body in the FPC connector as viewed from a direction E in FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC connector in a state where a connection FPC is connected to the FPC connector.

The FPC connector 70 of this embodiment is similar to the FPC connector 70 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, the connector is mounted in an upright state with respect to the hard board 69, and mainly includes a connector body 60,
A lock member 61 serving as a lock means;
And a plurality of connection terminal plates 62 that are held by the

The connector main body 60 has a plurality of terminal receiving recesses 60a, a locking portion 60d at the upper part of the main body, a U-shaped guide groove 60 which opens on one side and the upper side of the main body and extends in the H direction.
b, a stopper 60e disposed on the other side of the main body,
A guide wall 60f for guiding the lock member 61 extending downward is provided below the stopper 60e.

The lock member 61 has an FPC pressing portion 6
1b and a connector body 60
Claw portion 61d that can be locked to the locking portion 60d, and an arm portion 61e having a protrusion 61f on one side.

The insertion portion 61a of the lock member 61 is moved from the initial inclined state (shown by a broken line in FIG. 15) to the connector main body 6.
No. 0 is inserted into the guide groove 60b and a concave portion 62c of the connection terminal plate 62, which will be described later. When in the initial inclined state, the protrusion 61f of the lock member 61 comes into contact with the stopper 60e of the connector main body 60 to prevent the lock member 61 from coming off (FIG. 13). When the insertion portion 61a moves from the initial inclined state to the completely inserted state, the protrusion 61f moves while being guided along the guide wall 60f of the connector main body 60.

When the projection 61f is in contact with the stopper 60e in the initial inclined state, the chamfered portion of the projection 61f contacts the guide wall 60f, and the lock member 61 is moved as shown in FIG. Can be tilted.

The connection terminal plate 62 is formed of a conductive material, and has a convex FPC contact portion 62a and a substrate terminal portion 62b.
And a recess 62c are provided and fixedly held in the terminal receiving recess 60a of the connector main body 60 (FIG. 15).

The contact portions 62a of the connection terminal plate 62 have the number of connection contacts, and
And a terminal row (connection terminal arrangement) along the H direction in the width direction of the connector main body 60 is formed in a state protruding from the FPC insertion surface by a small dimension.

The connection FPC 65 has connection patterns corresponding to the number of connection contacts, and a reinforcing substrate 66 is attached to the back side of the connection pattern.

The FPC of this embodiment having the above configuration
To connect the connection FPC 65 to the connector 70, first, the lock member 61 is lifted to the position of the initial tilt state (FIG. 13). When the lock member 61 is in the position of the initial tilt state, it is retracted from the insertion / removal path of the connection FPC 65, and the connection FPC 65 avoids the contact portion 62 a of the connection terminal plate 62 and has a U-shape from the H direction. Along the guide groove 60b. Therefore, the lock member 61 is connected to the guide wall 6.
Push the protrusion 61f to the position of the fully inserted state (shown by the solid line in FIG. 15) while guiding the protrusion 61f to 0f. In the fully inserted state, the plurality of connection patterns of the connection FPC 65 are pressed by the concave portions 62c of the connection terminal plate 62 via the FPC pressing portions 61b of the lock member 61, and the connection terminal plate 62
Abuts on and contacts the contact portion 62a. The lock member 61 is locked to the connector main body 60 by the claw portions 61d in a completely inserted state.

When the connecting FPC 65 is to be removed from the FPC connector 70 in the connected state, the lock member 61 is used.
Is lifted to the position of the above-mentioned initial inclined state (FIG. 13). In this state, the connection FPC 65 can be pulled out along the H direction or the J direction.

The FPC connector 70 of the present embodiment described above
According to the above, the present invention is applicable to a case where there is no space for opening and closing the lock member around the FPC connector. If the lock member 61 is moved substantially upward or downward while changing the inclination angle, the connection can be made. The FPC 65 can be attached and detached from the H direction or the J direction.

The FPC connector of each of the above-described embodiments is
Although described as a vertical connector mounted upright on a hard board, the gist of the present invention is not limited to the vertical connector mounted on the hard board, and
The same structure can be applied to a vertical connector mounted on a PC, a hard board, or a horizontal connector mounted on an FPC, and the same effect can be obtained.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In a connector for connecting a circuit formed on a hard board or an FPC to a circuit formed on a connection FPC, the hard board or an arrangement of connection terminals of a connector mounted on the FPC is used. A structure is adopted in which the connection FPC can be inserted in a direction parallel to the arrangement direction, and a dead space for connecting the connection FPC to a hard board or an FPC can be minimized. It is possible to provide a connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board which is easy to assemble, and a flexible printed circuit board for connection.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an FPC connector and a connection FPC according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the FPC connector and the connection FPC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connection FPC is connected to the FPC connector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line YY of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the FPC connector when a hard board to which the FPC connector of FIG. 1 is applied is mounted on a camera.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an FPC connector and a connection FPC according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC connector of FIG. 6 in a state where a connecting FPC is inserted in a lock member released state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connection FPC is connected to the FPC connector of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an FPC connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a state where a connecting FPC is inserted.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC connector in a connection state in which a lock member of the FPC connector of FIG. 9 is closed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connection FPC is connected to an FPC connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a connector main body of the FPC connector of FIG. 11;

13 is a view of the FPC connector of FIG. 11 when the lock member is opened relative to the connector main body, as viewed from a direction D in FIG. 12;

14 is a view of the FPC connector of FIG. 11 in a closed state of the lock member with respect to the connector main body as viewed from a direction E in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an FPC for connection to the FPC connector of FIG. 11;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the FPC connector in a state in which is connected.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a conventional vertical flexible printed circuit board connector and a connection flexible printed circuit board in a connected state.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a conventional horizontal flexible printed circuit board connecting connector and a connection flexible printed circuit board in a connected and inserted state.

18 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a compact camera which is one of the conventional electronic devices to which the conventional connector for connecting a vertical flexible printed circuit board shown in FIG. 16 is applied.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 18 showing the periphery of the vertical printed circuit board connector inside the camera of FIG. 18;

[Explanation of symbols]

20, 40, 50, 70 FPC connector (connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board) 22, 42, 51, 61 Lock member (lock means) 24, 44, 54, 62 Connection terminal plate (connection terminal) 24c, 44c ... Terminal rows of contact portions (arrangement of connection terminals) 25, 45, 56, 65 FPCs for connection (flexible printed circuit boards for connection) 31, 49, 59, 69... Hard boards (hard printed boards) 41c, 41d, 52f ... Guide grooves (grooves) 41e. Protrusions 45b. Lateral protrusions (protrusions at the tip) H. Terminal row direction (direction of arrangement of connection terminals)

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A flexible printed circuit board connector for electrically connecting a circuit formed on a rigid printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board to a circuit formed on a connecting flexible printed circuit board. A connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board, wherein the connection flexible printed circuit board is insertable along a rigid printed circuit board or an arrangement direction of connection terminals of connectors mounted on the flexible printed circuit board. 2. A flexible printed circuit board for connection, comprising: locking means for fixing the flexible printed circuit board for connection inserted into the connector for flexible printed circuit board connection, and by rotating or sliding the locking means. The connector for connecting a flexible printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein the connector is fixed. 3. The flexible printed circuit board according to claim 1, wherein a connection terminal for connecting to the flexible printed circuit board inserted into the flexible printed circuit board connector is arranged inside the locking means. Connector for connection. 4. The flexible printed circuit board connector according to claim 1, further comprising a groove and a projection serving as a guide when the connection flexible printed circuit board is inserted. 5. A protruding portion is provided at a tip portion of the connecting flexible printed board on the side to be inserted, and the protruding portion fits with the protruding portion of the flexible printed board connecting connector when the connecting flexible printed board is fixed. The connecting flexible printed board connected to the flexible printed board connecting connector according to claim 4, wherein the flexible printed board is connected to the flexible printed board connecting connector according to claim 4.