JP2008053123A - Fpc connector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector including an opening and closing cover which is never carelessly unlocked. <P>SOLUTION: The connector 10 comprises a housing 2 having a recessed part 21 for placing a FPC 1, a metallic cover 3 openably and closeably covering the recessed part 21, and a first shell 4 constituting an outer shell of the housing 2. The housing 2 includes a contact 5 disposed in parallel in the recessed part 21 and a pair of tubs 5a/5b disposed at both wings of the recessed part 21. The tubs 5a/5b include press-in pieces 61 and hook-like pieces 62. The metallic cover 3 includes a pair of cylindrical shaft parts 3a/3b rotatably and movably supported by receiving parts 2a/2b provided on the housing 2, and a pair of locking parts 3c/3d capable of engaging locking with a pair of hook-like pieces 62. The first shell 4 includes a pair of presser parts 4a/4b retaining the cylindrical shaft parts 3a/3b, and elastic inclined sides 4c/4d energizing the metallic cover 3 toward the hook-like pieces 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector for connecting to a flat flexible cable such as FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or FFC (Flexible Flat Cable). In this specification, flat flexible cables are collectively referred to as FPCs. In particular, the present invention relates to a so-called horizontally mounted FPC connector in which the FPC insertion direction is horizontal with respect to the surface of a printed circuit board. Concerning structure.

  An FPC connector that is surface-mounted on a printed circuit board, a so-called surface-mount type FPC connector, for example, is a housing in which a recess into which an FPC is inserted is formed, and the housing is mounted side by side at a predetermined pitch. Has multiple contacts. And in order to make FPC and these contacts contact, the cover housing which opens and closes is provided in the connector for FPC.

An FPC connector that is surface-mounted on a printed circuit board is required to have a low mounting height (low profile). In order to meet the need for lighter, thinner and smaller electronic devices, the housing accommodates a plurality of contacts, has a housing having a recess, a cover housing that opens and closes, and a projection that covers a part of the housing and hangs down toward the contacts. There has been invented a connector for FPC that is capable of reliable electrical connection between an FPC and a contact and a reduction in height (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-196995 A

  FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional view of an FPC connector according to Patent Document 1, and is a state diagram in which a cover housing is opened. FIG. 14 of the present application corresponds to FIG. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of an FPC connector according to Patent Document 1, and is a state diagram in which a cover housing is closed. FIG. 15 of the present application corresponds to FIG.

  14 or 15, the connector 9 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 90, a plurality of contacts 91, a metal cover 92, and a plate-shaped cover housing 93. The housing 90 has a recess 912 into which the FPC 8 is inserted. The contact 91 has an arm 91b and a contact 91a formed at the tip of the arm 91b. The arm 91 b is accommodated in a groove 914 that communicates with the recess 912. The contact 91 a protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 912.

  The metal cover 92 is attached to the housing 90 and covers a part of the recess 912 and the step 916 that forms the recess 912. The metal cover 92 has a convex portion 928 that protrudes in a V shape toward the concave portion 912. Further, the metal cover 92 has an engagement receiving portion 924 on the tip end side.

  Both wings on the base end side of the cover housing 93 have a pair of arc bearing portions 931 that are rotatably supported by the housing 90. Both wings on the front end side of the cover housing 93 have a pair of locking protrusions 932 that protrude in opposite directions. The pair of locking protrusions 932 can be locked to a pair of opposing elastic pieces 923 provided on the tip side of the metal cover 92. Further, the cover housing 93 has an engagement protrusion 933 on the proximal end side that engages with the engagement receiving portion 924 when rotating.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the FPC 8 can be inserted into the recess 912 from the X direction with the cover housing 93 opened. As shown in FIG. 15, in the locked state in which the cover housing 93 is closed, the pressing portion 934 formed on the cover housing 93 can press the FPC 8 against the contact 91 a to achieve electrical connection.

  In the FPC connector according to Patent Document 1, the cover housing 93 is made of a highly rigid steel plate or the like, and the convex portions 928 provided on the metal cover 92 are reinforcing ribs that are intermittent in the longitudinal direction. The plate thickness of these members can be reduced against the reaction force, and the overall height of the connector can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the horizontally mounted FPC connector, the FPC 8 is inserted toward the insertion port provided in the back of the recess 912. However, when the connector is further reduced in size, the FPC is inserted into the insertion port only by tactile sensation, and it becomes difficult to correctly and easily connect the FPC to the connector. There is a demand for a flat-mounted FPC connector that can easily and correctly connect the FPC without inserting the FPC into the insertion slot.

  Further, the FPC connector according to Patent Document 1 is locked so that the pair of elastic pieces 923 hold the pair of locking projections 932, and the lock is easily released by an impact applied to an electronic device including the connector. There is. If the rigidity of the pair of elastic pieces 923 is increased so that the lock is not inadvertently released, it is difficult to open and close the cover housing. An FPC connector that can easily open and close the cover housing and that does not unintentionally release the lock is desired. The above can be said to be the subject of the present invention.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a horizontally mounted FPC connector in which an FPC can be correctly and easily connected and a cover that opens and closes is not inadvertently unlocked. .

  The inventor provides the housing with a concave portion on which the FPC is placed, and by providing an elastic oblique side on the housing side to prevent the cover housing from moving when the force for unlocking the cover housing acts inadvertently. Based on this, the inventors have invented the following new FPC connector.

  (1) A substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing having a recessed portion on which an FPC is placed, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover that covers the recessed portion of the housing so as to be openable and closable, and a first shell constituting the outer shell of the housing The housing includes a contact disposed in parallel with the recess and a pair of tabs disposed on both wings of the recess, the contact including the recess The tab has a contact point protruding from the bottom side, and the tab has a press-fitting piece formed on the base end side and a hook-like piece formed on the tip end side, and the metal The cover is formed on both wings on one end, and is formed on a pair of cylindrical shafts that are rotatably supported by the receiving portions provided on both wings of the housing, and on both wings on the other end. Can be locked to the pair of hook-shaped pieces. The first shell is formed on both wings, and is formed at a center portion and a pair of pressing portions that hold the pair of cylindrical shaft portions facing the receiving portion. An FPC connector having an elastic oblique side that protrudes inclined toward the bottom surface of the recess and urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces.

  The FPC connector according to the invention of (1) includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover, and a first shell. The housing has a recess in which the FPC is placed. The metal cover covers the recess of the housing so that it can be opened and closed. The first shell constitutes the outer shell of the housing. The housing includes a plurality of contacts and a pair of tabs therein. The plurality of contacts are arranged in parallel in the recess. The pair of tabs are disposed on both wings of the recess.

  In the FPC connector according to the invention of (1), the contact has an arm, and this arm is provided with a contact point protruding from the bottom surface of the recess on the tip side. The tab has a press-fitting piece formed on the proximal end side and a hook-like piece formed on the distal end side. The metal cover has a pair of cylindrical shaft portions formed on both wings at one end portion, and a pair of locking portions formed on both wings at the other end portion. The pair of cylindrical shaft portions are rotatably supported by the receiving portions provided on both wings of the housing. The pair of locking portions can be locked to the pair of hook-shaped pieces.

  Furthermore, in the FPC connector according to the invention of (1), the first shell has a pair of pressing portions formed on both wings and an elastic oblique side formed on the center portion. The pressing portion holds the cylindrical shaft portion facing the receiving portion. The elastic oblique side protrudes inclining toward the bottom surface of the recess, and urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of bowl-shaped pieces.

  Here, as the FPC, a single-sided FPC having a conductor pattern only on one side is preferably used. Generally, in a single-sided FPC, a copper foil is laminated on a base made of polyimide or the like (also referred to as a base film), and the copper foil is etched to form a conductor pattern. The conductor pattern is covered with a thin film coverlay (also called overlay) made of polyimide or the like. The terminal portion of the single-sided FPC connected to the connector has a conductive pattern exposed and requires a certain degree of strength (rigidity), and therefore a reinforcing plate made of polyester or polyimide is attached to the base.

  The housing has an insulating property. The insulating housing may be a housing made of a non-conductive material, and a synthetic resin can be molded to obtain a substantially rectangular parallelepiped insulating housing. The contact has conductivity, and a conductive contact having a desired shape can be obtained by punching a conductive metal plate. For example, a copper alloy is preferably used as the contact in consideration of ease of machining, spring characteristics, conductivity, etc., but the contact is not limited to the copper alloy.

  The fact that the FPC is placed in the recess means that the conductor pattern side of the terminal portion of the single-sided FPC advances toward the bottom surface of the recess, and this conductor pattern side is placed on the bottom surface of the recess. The FPC connector according to the invention of (1) does not have the insertion port that is configured in the conventional horizontal mounting type FPC connector, and a plurality of FPCs placed in the recesses are closed by closing the metal cover. It can be easily and correctly connected to the contacts.

  For example, a plurality of parallel grooves are formed in the central portion of the recess, and contacts are arranged in the grooves. The contact is preferably a cantilever contact in which the cantilever acts as a spring. The contact serving as the cantilever contact may be a plate-like contact, and the base end side of the contact is press-fitted into the housing including the groove. The arm extending from the base end side of the contact is disposed in the groove. The arm being disposed in the groove means that the arm can be bent toward the bottom surface of the groove. And the contact which contacts the conductor pattern of FPC is provided in the front-end | tip part of the arm. The arrangement of contacts in parallel means that the contacts are arranged close to each other and arranged in a line.

  The metal cover has conductivity and is preferably a metal body having relatively rigidity. For example, the shielding effect is obtained because the metal cover has conductivity. As will be described later, the ground line is strengthened by connecting the FPC having the ground pattern and the conductive metal cover. Furthermore, by using a metal cover having rigidity, it is possible to prevent bending with respect to reaction forces of a plurality of arms even if the plate thickness is relatively thin. The metal cover main body and the pair of cylindrical shaft portions may be integrated or separate. For example, the metal cover body and the pair of columnar shaft parts can be integrated by press-fitting the cylinder shaft part into the metal cover body.

  The first shell is made of a metal plate, and a shielding effect can be obtained by using a conductive metal plate. Moreover, by making the first shell a conductive metal plate, the ground can be grounded to the printed board by being electrically connected to the metal cover. For example, the developed metal plate can be molded to obtain a first shell having a desired shape. And the outer shell of a housing is comprised by assembling | attaching a 1st shell to a housing.

  The tab is made of a metal plate, and a metal plate that is easily soldered is preferable. For example, the base end portion of the contact assembled to the housing is soldered to the printed circuit board. Further, the base ends of the pair of tabs are soldered to the printed circuit board, whereby the soldering of the connector is strengthened. Here, the tab reinforces the solder joint strength of the connector.

  By assembling the first shell to the housing, the receiving portion of the housing and the pressing portion of the first shell form a so-called elongated hole that makes the cylindrical shaft portion turnable and movable. When the metal cover is closed from the state in which the metal cover is opened, the pair of locking portions formed on both wings of the other end of the metal cover abuts on the tip portions of the pair of hook-shaped pieces. For example, the tip of the bowl-shaped piece is formed in a circular arc, and when the metal cover is pushed with a relatively strong force, the metal cover slides on the arc-shaped tip of the bowl-like piece and resists the elastic oblique side on the first shell side. Move to. When the metal cover is completely closed, the metal cover is urged by the elastic oblique side and moves to the bowl-shaped one side. That is, a pair of latching | locking parts latches on a pair of hook-shaped piece, and will be in a locked state.

  When the metal cover is in a locked state, the force for releasing the lock, that is, the force toward the first shell is divided into a force parallel to the elastic oblique side and a force perpendicular to the elastic oblique side. On the other hand, the pair of cylindrical shaft portions provided on the metal cover are blocked by the receiving portion of the housing and the pressing portion of the first shell, and the metal cover is only allowed to move substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the recess. Thus, in the locked state, the elastic oblique side urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces, so that it is difficult to release the lock carelessly. When opening the metal cover, the lock can be released by pushing the metal cover toward the first shell with a relatively strong force.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the elastic oblique side urges the metal cover to such an extent that the pair of hook-shaped pieces slightly elastically deforms, and it is preferable that the urging force by the elastic inclined side acts equally on the pair of hook-shaped pieces. . The elastic oblique side may be only one side, or may be distributed to a plurality of sides so as to be intermittent.

  (2) A substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing having a recessed portion on which the FPC is placed, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover that covers the recessed portion of the housing so as to be openable and closable, and a second shell constituting the outer shell of the housing The housing includes a contact disposed in parallel with the recess, and the contact includes an arm provided on the tip side with a contact protruding from the bottom surface of the recess. The metal cover is formed on both wings at one end, and is rotatably supported by a receiving portion provided on both wings of the housing, and a pair of cylindrical shafts, and the other end. A pair of locking portions formed on both wings and engageable with a hook-shaped piece formed on the tip end side of both wings of the second shell, and the second shell is formed on both wings, The pair of facing the receiving portions A pair of pressing portions that hold the column shaft portion, and an elasticity that is formed at the center portion and protrudes toward the bottom surface of the recess, and urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces. An FPC connector having a hypotenuse.

  The FPC connector according to the invention of (2) includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover, and a second shell. The housing has a recess in which the FPC is placed. The metal cover covers the recess of the housing so that it can be opened and closed. The second shell constitutes the outer shell of the housing. The housing includes a plurality of contacts inside. The plurality of contacts are arranged in parallel in the recess. The contact has an arm, and this arm is provided with a contact point protruding from the bottom surface of the recess on the tip side.

  In the FPC connector according to the invention of (2), the metal cover includes a pair of cylindrical shaft portions formed on both wings at one end, and a pair of locking portions formed on both wings at the other end. ,have. The pair of cylindrical shaft portions are rotatably supported by the receiving portions provided on both wings of the housing. A pair of latching | locking part can be latched to the hook-shaped piece formed in the front-end | tip part side of the both wings of a 2nd shell. The second shell has a pair of pressing portions formed on both wings and an elastic oblique side formed in the center portion. The pair of pressing portions holds the pair of cylindrical shaft portions facing the pair of receiving portions. The elastic oblique side protrudes inclining toward the bottom surface of the recess, and urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of bowl-shaped pieces.

  The FPC connector according to the invention (2) has the same function and function as the FPC connector according to the invention (1). In the FPC connector according to the invention of (1), the first shell and the pair of tabs are separate from each other, whereas the FPC connector according to the invention of (2) is a pair of the shell constituting the outer shell of the housing and the pair of tabs. The tabs are integrated to reduce the number of components. The connector for FPC according to the invention of (2) can contribute to the reduction of the manufacturing cost.

  (3) The contact includes a first contact having a long arm and a second contact having a short arm, and the first contact and the second contact are alternately arranged in the recess. The connector for FPC according to (1) or (2), which is arranged.

  The FPC connector according to the invention of (3) can prevent a short circuit between narrow pitch FPC lines by arranging a plurality of contacts in a staggered manner. Further, by arranging a plurality of contacts in a staggered manner, it is possible to prevent the FPC from being refracted in a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

  (4) The FPC includes a pair of convex pieces projecting in directions opposite to each other in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the housing engages with the pair of convex pieces to engage the FPC. The FPC connector according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a pair of protrusions that can be prevented from falling off are provided on both wings of the recess.

  The FPC includes a pair of convex pieces at the terminal portion and a pair of protrusions at the concave portion of the housing, thereby preventing the FPC from being unintentionally pulled out.

  (5) The FPC connector according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the FPC includes a ground pattern facing the conductor pattern.

  The FPC has a ground pattern opposite to the conductor pattern, and since the connector uses a conductive material for the cover and the shell, the signal can be transmitted at high speed.

  The FPC connector according to the present invention does not have the insertion port configured in the conventional horizontal mounting type FPC connector, and the FPC is placed in the recess without inserting the FPC into the insertion port. It can be easily and correctly connected to multiple contacts. In addition, the FPC connector according to the present invention has a structure in which the cover as an actuator can be easily opened and closed and the lock is not inadvertently released. Furthermore, since a conductive material is used for the cover and the shell, shielding and ground connection are possible. Further, since the cover is made of metal as the actuator, the strength due to the reaction force of the contact is secured, and the connector can be reduced in height.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective external view showing a configuration of an FPC connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a metal cover is opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the metal cover is closed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram before the FPC is attached to the connector. FIG. 5 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the FPC is attached to the connector. FIG. 6 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the FPC is attached to the connector and the metal cover is closed.

  FIG. 7 is a right side view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the metal cover is locked. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the metal cover is locked. FIG. 9 is a right side view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram for releasing the lock of the metal cover. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram for releasing the lock of the metal cover. FIG. 11 is a right side view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the metal cover is closed.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective external view of an FPC connector according to another embodiment, in which the metal cover is closed. FIG. 13 is a perspective external view of a second shell provided in the FPC connector according to the other embodiment.

  First, the configuration of an FPC connector (hereinafter abbreviated as a connector) according to the present invention will be described. In FIG. 3, the connector 10 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover 3, and a first shell 4. The housing 2 has a recess 21 in which the FPC 1 is placed. The metal cover 3 covers the recess 21 of the housing 2 so that it can be opened and closed. The first shell 4 constitutes the outer shell of the housing 2. The housing 2 includes a plurality of contacts 5 and a pair of tabs 6a and 6b. The plurality of contacts 5 are arranged in parallel in the recess 21. The pair of tabs 6 a and 6 b are disposed on both wings of the recess 21.

  In FIG. 1, the contact 5 includes a first contact 5a having a long arm 51 and a second contact 5b having a short arm 51 (see FIG. 8). The first contacts 5 a and the second contacts 5 b are alternately arranged in the recess 21. The arm 51 is provided with a contact point 52 protruding from the bottom surface of the recess 21 on the tip side. The plurality of contacts 52 are staggered.

  The tab 6a and the tab 6b are the same, but for the sake of convenience of description, they are distinguished by being labeled. Hereinafter, the tab 6a will be described as a representative, and description of the tab 6b may be omitted. In FIG. 3, the tab 6 a includes a press-fitting piece 61 formed on the base end side and a hook-like piece 62 formed on the tip end side.

  In FIG. 3, the metal cover 3 includes a pair of cylindrical shaft portions 3a and 3b formed on both wings at one end, and a pair of locking portions 3c and 3d formed on both wings at the other end. Have. The pair of cylindrical shaft portions 3 a and 3 b are supported by the receiving portions 2 a and 2 b provided on both wings of the housing 2 so as to be rotatable and movable. The pair of locking portions 3c and 3d can be locked to the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62.

  In FIG. 3, the first shell 4 has a pair of pressing portions 4a and 4b formed on both wings, and a pair of elastic oblique sides 4c and 4d formed at the center. The pair of pressing portions 4a and 4b hold the pair of cylindrical shaft portions 3a and 3b facing the pair of receiving portions 2a and 2b (see FIG. 1). The pair of elastic hypotenuses 4c and 4d incline and project toward the bottom surface of the recess 21 and urge the other end of the metal cover 3 toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62 (see FIG. 1).

  1 or 3, the FPC 1 includes a pair of convex pieces 1 a and 1 b that protrude in directions opposite to each other in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the housing 2 includes a pair of protrusions 2c and 2d that engage with the pair of convex pieces 1a and 1b to prevent the FPC 1 from dropping off, on both wings of the recess 21. The FPC 1 may include a ground pattern facing a conductor pattern (not shown).

  In FIG. 1 or FIG. 3, a plurality of parallel grooves 21 a are formed in the central portion of the recess 21. Contacts 5 are disposed in these grooves 21a. The arm 51 can be bent toward the bottom surface of the groove 21a. The contact 5 is a plate-like contact, and the base end side of the contact 5 is press-fitted into the housing 2 including the groove 21a. And the base end part side of the contact 5 forms the lead part 53 solder-bonded to the printed circuit board 1p (refer FIG.1 and FIG.8).

  In FIG. 3, the press-fitting piece 61 is formed with a barb 61a which is a fine press-fitting projection on the plate thickness surface. When these barbs 61 a break through the inner walls of the press-fitting holes 2 e and 2 f provided in the housing 2, the pair of tabs 6 a and 6 b are press-fitted into the housing 2 and fixed. The press-fitting piece 61 is press-fitted toward the opening side of the press-fitting holes 2e and 2f from the bottom side facing the open side of the recess 21.

  In FIG. 3, the first shell 4 has a pair of pressing parts 4 a and 4 b that are opposed to each other by bending both wings at a substantially right angle. Barbs 41a are formed on the plate thickness surfaces of the pair of pressing portions 4a and 4b. When these barbs 41 a break through the inner walls of the press-fitting holes 2 e and 2 f provided in the housing 2, the first shell 4 is press-fitted into the housing 2 and fixed. The pair of press-fitting pieces 61 and 61 and the pair of pressing portions 4a and 4b are in contact with each other in the press-fitting holes 2e and 2f.

  In FIG. 3, the metal cover 3 has a pair of cutout grooves 3e and 3f into which a pair of elastic oblique sides 4c and 4d can enter, at the center of one end. And the corner part by the side of the bottom face of a pair of notch grooves 3e * 3f forms the slope 31 which contact | abuts the elastic hypotenuse 4c * 4d (refer FIG. 8 or FIG. 10). The pair of locking portions 3c and 3d are cut out at substantially right angles.

  Next, the operation and action of the connector according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the metal cover 3 is opened, and the conductor pattern (not shown) side of the end portion 11 of the FPC 1 faces the bottom surface of the recess 21. And the conductor pattern side of the terminal part 11 of FPC1 advances toward the bottom face of the recessed part 21, and this conductor pattern side is mounted in the bottom face of the recessed part 21 (refer FIG. 5). In FIG. 5, the FPC 1 is guided by the pair of protrusions 2c and 2d and the pair of opposed inner walls 1g and 1h and positioned with the plurality of contacts 5 (see FIG. 4). The connector 10 is not provided with the insertion port configured in the conventional horizontal mounting type FPC connector, and the FPC 1 placed in the recess 21 is correctly connected to the plurality of contacts 5 by closing the metal cover 3. It can be easily connected (see FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the metal cover 3 is closed, the pair of convex pieces 1a and 1b formed on the FPC are engaged with the pair of protrusions 2c and 2d, and the FPC 1 is carelessly pulled out. Is prevented (see FIG. 5).

  In FIG. 1, by assembling the first shell 4 to the housing 2, the pair of receiving portions 2a and 2b of the housing 2 and the pair of pressing portions 4a and 4b of the first shell 4 are paired with a pair of cylindrical shaft portions 3a and 3b. Is formed so as to be rotatable and movable (see FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the metal cover 3 is in contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of elastic hypotenuses 4c and 4d and maintains the open posture (see FIGS. 1 and 11). When the metal cover 3 is closed from the state in which the metal cover 3 is opened, the pair of locking portions 3c and 3d abut against the tip portions of the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the tip ends of the pair of locking portions 3c and 3d are formed in an arc, and the tip portions of the pair of hook-like pieces 62 and 62 are formed in an arc. When the metal cover 3 is pushed with a relatively strong force, the pair of locking portions 3c and 3d slide on the arc tip portions of the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62, respectively. The metal cover 3 moves to the first shell 4 side against the pair of elastic oblique sides 4c and 4d (see FIG. 2). When the metal cover 3 is completely closed, the metal cover 3 is biased by the pair of elastic oblique sides 4c and 4d and moves toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62. That is, the locking portions 3c and 3d are locked to the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

  As shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, when the metal cover 3 is in the locked state, the force for releasing the lock, that is, the force of the metal cover 3 toward the first shell 4 is the force parallel to the pair of elastic oblique sides 4c and 4d. And a force perpendicular to the pair of elastic oblique sides 4c and 4d. On the other hand, the pair of cylindrical shaft portions 3 a and 3 b provided on the metal cover 3 is blocked by the pair of receiving portions 2 a and 2 b provided on the housing 2 and the pair of pressing portions 4 a and 4 b formed on the first shell 4. The metal cover 3 is only allowed to move substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the recess 21.

  As shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, in the locked state, the pair of elastic hypotenuses 4c and 4d urge the other end of the metal cover 3 toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces 62 and 62. It is difficult to unlock. When the metal cover 3 is opened, the lock can be released by pushing the metal cover 3 toward the first shell 4 with a relatively strong force (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

  Next, the configuration and operation of a connector according to another embodiment will be described. In FIG. 12, the connector 100 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 20, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover 30, and a second shell 7. The housing 20 has a recess 210 in which the FPC 1 is placed. The metal cover 30 covers the recess 210 of the housing 20 so that it can be opened and closed. The second shell 7 constitutes the outer shell of the housing 20. The housing 20 includes a plurality of contacts 5 therein (see FIG. 10). The plurality of contacts 5 are arranged in parallel in the recess 210. The contact 5 has an arm 51, and the arm 51 is provided with a contact 52 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 210 on the tip side.

  In FIG. 12, the metal cover 30 includes a pair of cylindrical shaft portions 30a and 30b formed on both wings at one end and a pair of columnar locking portions 30c formed on both wings at the other end. -It has 30d. The pair of cylindrical shaft portions 30 a and 30 b are supported by a pair of receiving portions 20 a and 20 b provided on both wings of the housing 20 so as to be rotatable and movable. A pair of latching | locking part 30c * 30d can be latched to a pair of hook-shaped piece 7e * 7f formed in the front-end | tip part side of the both wings of the 2nd shell 7 (refer FIG. 12).

  In FIG. 13, the second shell 7 has a pair of pressing portions 7a and 7b formed on both wings, and a pair of elastic oblique sides 7c and 7d formed in the center. The pair of pressing portions 7a and 7b are opposed to the pair of receiving portions 20a and 20b and hold the pair of cylindrical shaft portions 30a and 30b (see FIG. 12). The pair of elastic hypotenuses 7c and 7d project while being inclined toward the bottom surface of the recess 210, and urge the other end of the metal cover 30 toward the pair of hook-like pieces 7e and 7f.

  12 and 13, the housing 20 and the metal cover 30 correspond to the housing 2 and the metal cover 3, respectively (see FIG. 3). Here, the housing 20 and the metal cover 30 have the same configuration, function, and operation as the housing 2 and the metal cover 3, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Further, since the operations and actions of the connector 100 and the connector 10 are the same, a detailed description is omitted.

  12 and 13, a connector 100 according to another embodiment is formed as a second shell 7 by integrating the first shell 4 and the pair of tabs 6a and 6b (see FIG. 3). The second shell 7 has the functions of the first shell 4 and the pair of tabs 6a and 6b. For example, the second shell 7 is made of a molded conductive metal plate, and both wings of the second shell 7 are press-fitted into the housing 20 and fixed. The bottom surfaces of both wings of the second shell 7 are soldered to the printed circuit board 1p (see FIG. 1).

  In the connector 100 according to another embodiment, the shell constituting the outer shell of the housing and the pair of tabs are integrated to reduce the number of components. Therefore, the connector 100 according to another embodiment can contribute to a reduction in manufacturing cost.

  The FPC connector according to the present invention does not have the insertion port configured in the conventional horizontal mounting type FPC connector, and the FPC is placed in the recess without inserting the FPC into the insertion port. It can be easily and correctly connected to multiple contacts. In addition, the FPC connector according to the present invention has a structure in which the cover as an actuator can be easily opened and closed and the lock is not inadvertently released. Furthermore, since a conductive material is used for the cover and the shell, shielding and ground connection are possible. Further, since the cover is made of metal as the actuator, the strength due to the reaction force of the contact is secured, and the connector can be reduced in height.

  The FPC connector according to the present invention may be a printed circuit board connector that is solder-bonded to the surface of the printed circuit board, and may also be referred to as a surface mount connector. The FPC connector according to the present invention may be a horizontally mounted FPC connector in which the FPC insertion direction is horizontal with respect to the surface of the printed circuit board, and the insertion / extraction force of the FPC is almost zero. It is also a Zero Insertion Force) connector.

1 is a perspective external view showing a configuration according to an embodiment of an FPC connector according to the present invention, in which a metal cover is opened. FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the metal cover is closed. FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram before the FPC is attached to the connector. FIG. 3 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram in which the FPC is attached to the connector. FIG. 2 is a perspective external view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the FPC is attached to the connector and the metal cover is closed. It is a right view of the connector for FPC by the said embodiment, and is a state figure in which the metal cover was locked. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector for FPC by the said embodiment, and is a state figure by which the metal cover was locked. It is a right view of the connector for FPC by the said embodiment, and is a state figure which cancels | releases the lock | rock of a metal cover. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector for FPC by the said embodiment, and is a state figure which cancels | releases the lock | rock of a metal cover. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the FPC connector according to the embodiment, in which the metal cover is closed. It is a perspective appearance figure of the connector for FPC by other embodiments, and is a state figure where the metal cover was closed. It is a perspective external view of the 2nd shell with which the connector for FPC by the other embodiment is equipped. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector for FPC by a prior art, and is a state figure with the cover housing opened. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the connector for FPC by a prior art, and is a state figure with the cover housing closed.

Explanation of symbols

1 FPC
2 · 20 Housing 2a · 2b, 20a · 20b A pair of receiving portions 21 · 210 Recessed portions 3 · 30 Metal covers 3a · 3b, 30a · 30b A pair of cylindrical shaft portions 3c · 3d, 30c · 30d A pair of locking portions 4 1 shell 4a, 4b, 7a, 7b a pair of pressing parts 4c, 4d, 7c, 7d elastic slant side 5 contacts 6a, 6b a pair of tabs 10/100 connector 51 arm 52 contact 61 press-fit piece 62 hook-shaped piece

Claims (5)

A substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing in which a concave portion on which the FPC is placed is formed; a substantially rectangular plate-shaped metal cover that covers the concave portion of the housing so as to be openable and closable; and a first shell constituting an outer shell of the housing. An FPC connector comprising:
The housing includes a contact disposed side by side in the recess, and a pair of tabs disposed on both wings of the recess,
The contact has an arm provided on the tip side with a contact protruding from the bottom surface of the recess,
The tab has a press-fitting piece formed on the proximal end side, and a hook-shaped piece formed on the distal end side,
The metal cover is formed on both wings at one end, and is rotatably supported by a receiving portion provided on both wings of the housing, and a pair of cylindrical shafts that are movably supported, and both wings at the other end. A pair of locking portions that can be locked to the pair of hook-shaped pieces,
The first shell is formed on both wings, is formed at a center portion with a pair of pressing portions that hold the pair of cylindrical shaft portions facing the receiving portion, and is inclined and protrudes toward the bottom surface of the recess. And an elastic oblique side that urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces. A substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing in which a concave portion on which the FPC is placed is formed; a substantially rectangular plate-like metal cover that covers the concave portion of the housing so as to be openable and closable; and a second shell constituting the outer shell of the housing. An FPC connector comprising:
The housing includes a contact disposed in parallel in the recess,
The contact has an arm provided on the tip side with a contact protruding from the bottom surface of the recess,
The metal cover is formed on both wings at one end, and is rotatably supported by a receiving portion provided on both wings of the housing, and a pair of cylindrical shafts that are movably supported, and both wings at the other end. A pair of locking portions that can be locked to a hook-shaped piece formed on the tip end side of both wings of the second shell,
The second shell is formed on both wings, is formed in a center portion with a pair of pressing portions that hold the pair of cylindrical shaft portions facing the receiving portion, and protrudes inclined toward the bottom surface of the recess. And an elastic oblique side that urges the other end of the metal cover toward the pair of hook-shaped pieces.   The contact includes a first contact having a long arm and a second contact having a short arm, and the first contact and the second contact are alternately arranged in the recess. The connector for FPC of Claim 1 or 2.   The FPC includes a pair of convex pieces projecting in directions opposite to each other in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the housing is engaged with the pair of convex pieces to prevent the FPC from falling off. The connector for FPC in any one of Claim 1 to 3 which equips both wing | blades of the said recessed part with a pair of possible protrusion.   The FPC connector according to claim 1, wherein the FPC includes a ground pattern facing the conductor pattern.

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