TWI690120B - Wire-to-board connector and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connector, suitable for wire-to-board applications, includes a base body to hingely connect a cover body thereto. A plurality of conductive terminals are installed in the cover. The cover can move from an open posture to a closed posture. In the open posture, the cover is not in a cavity of the base. In the closed posture, the cover is located in the cavity of the base. When the cover body is in a closed posture, a locking member locks the cover body to the base body.

Description

Wire-to-board connector and connector assembly

The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors suitable for wire-to-board applications.

Wire-to-board connectors are commonly used in applications that establish an electrical connection between a wire or cable assembly and a printed circuit board. A typical connection is established on a conductive contact pad formed on the edge of a circuit board (such as an edge connector), and usually engages the edge of the circuit board in a sliding manner. In other cases, a connection is required inside the circuit board. In these cases, a connector cannot be slidably engaged like an edge connector but is adapted to engage a pad or plated hole provided at a location inside the circuit board.

The previous solution involved mounting a connector inside the circuit board by soldering the tail to a plated through hole or contact pad. The connector is provided with an attachment point for another connector, and a wire or cable assembly connected to the circuit board is fixed to the other connector. However, some people will appreciate further improvements in wire-to-board connections.

In an embodiment of the invention, a wire-to-board connector is provided and includes: a plurality of conductive The terminal is installed in a non-conductive cover body, and the cover body is hingedly attached to a base body, the base body is configured to be fixed to a printed circuit board. Each terminal includes an elastic contact. The cover body can move relative to the base body around the hinge portion to move the cover body from an open posture to a closed posture. In the open posture, the cover body is not in the cavity, but in the closed posture, The cover is located in the cavity of the base body and can move from a closed posture to an open posture. A retaining member is configured to lock the cover body to the base body when the cover body is in a closed posture. When the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, the elastic contact of the terminal engages the contact pad on the printed circuit board. The terminal remains pressed to provide close electrical contact while wiping across.

The connector of the present invention includes a plurality of conductive terminals, each of which includes an elastic contact; a non-conductive cover having a plurality of cavities therein, the plurality of conductive terminals being installed in the cavity of the cover A non-conductive substrate, the substrate defines a cavity, the substrate is configured to be fixed to a printed circuit board; a hinge portion, the cover is connected to the base, wherein the cover can surround the The hinge portion moves relative to the base body to move the cover body from an open posture to a closed posture. In the open posture, the cover body is not in the cavity of the base body. In the closed posture, the The cover body is located in the cavity of the base body; and a locking member configured to lock the cover body to the base body when the cover body is in the closed posture.

In some embodiments, the locking member includes: at least one elastic buckling arm, mounted on one of the cover body and the base body, and engaging the other of the cover body and the base body.

In some embodiments, the at least one elastic retaining arm enables the at least one The cover body and the base body to which the elastic clasping arms are attached are disengaged.

In some embodiments, the locking member further includes: a tab on the base body, engaging a notch on one of the plurality of terminals.

In some embodiments, the locking member includes: a tab on the base that engages a notch on one of the plurality of terminals.

In some embodiments, when the cover body is in the open posture, the elastic contact extends outward from the cover body, and wherein, when the cover body is in the closed posture, the elastic contact The piece can be deformed to be substantially inside the cavity of the cover.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion rotatably connects the cover body to the base body.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion is formed integrally with the cover body and the base body.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion is formed integrally with the cover body and the base body.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion is flexible to rotate the cover relative to the base.

The assembly of the present invention includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of contact pads; a connector including: a plurality of conductive terminals, each terminal including an elastic contact; a non-conductive cover body having a plurality of cavities therein Body, the plurality of conductive terminals are installed in the cavity of the cover body; a non-conductive base body defining a cavity body; a hinge portion connecting the cover body to the base body, wherein the cover body It can move relative to the base around the hinge to move the cover from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, the cover is not in the cavity of the base, but in the closed position. The cover body is located in the cavity of the base body; and a locking member configured to lock the cover body to the base body when the cover body is in a closed posture; wherein the base body is fixed to the printed circuit board And, wherein, when the lid body is rotated to the closed posture, each elastic contact piece engages the respective contact pad.

In some embodiments, the locking member includes: at least one elastic buckling arm, mounted on one of the cover body and the base body, and engaging the other of the cover body and the base body.

In some embodiments, the at least one elastic buckling arm can disengage the cover body and the base body to which the at least one elastic buckling arm is attached.

In some embodiments, the locking member further includes: a tab on the base body, engaging a notch on one of the plurality of terminals.

In some embodiments, the locking member includes: a tab on the base that engages a notch in one of the terminals.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion rotatably connects the cover body to the base body.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion is formed integrally with the cover body and the base body.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion is formed integrally with the cover body and the base body.

In some embodiments, the hinge portion is flexible, so that the cover is relatively opposed to the The substrate rotates.

In some embodiments, the printed circuit board includes a plurality of openings thereon and the base body includes a plurality of board mounting lugs that are removably mounted within the plurality of openings.

20, 20': electrical connector

22: Printed circuit board

24, 24': substrate

26, 26': cover

28: hinge

30: conductive terminal

32: The first wall

32a: inner surface

32b: outer surface

34, 34': Second wall

34a, 36a: flat inner surface

34b, 36b: opposite outer surfaces

34c, 36c: outer end

36, 36': the third wall

38, 38': cavity

40: docking end

42: mounting end

44, 44': the first gap

46, 46': the second gap

48: first recess

50: second recess

52: The first wall

54: Second wall

56: First shoulder

58: Second shoulder

60: the first gap

62: Second gap

64: the first wall

66: Second wall

68: rib

70: Wall

72: Tab

74: Board mounting lug

76: opening

78: lock shoulder

80: positioning tab

82: opening

84: Wall

84a, 84b, 84c, 84d: side

86: docking end

88: mounting end

90, 90': cavity

92: recess

94: Access

94a, 96a: outer side

96: First holding arm

98: second holding arm

100: plate lugs keep protruding

102, 104: buckle arm

106: Barb

108: Contact

110: cable installation section

112: Holding Department

114: elastic contact

116a: curved part

116b: straight part

116c: curved part

116d: straight part

116e: curved part

116f: straight part

116g: curved part

118: contact protrusion

120: opening

122: base wall

124, 126: side wall

128: cavity

130, 132: notch

134: base wall

136, 138: side wall

140: cavity

142: Cover body engages elastic arm

144: contact pad

146, 148: buckle arm

150: Barb

Other features and functions of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a printed circuit capable of mounting the connector A perspective view of the board with the connector in an open posture; Figure 2 is a front view of the connector in the open posture of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the connector in the open posture of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagram 1 is a plan view of the connector in the open position; FIG. 5 is a side view of the connector in the open position of FIG. 1; FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a conductive terminal of the connector; FIG. 8 is a conductive terminal 9 and 10 are perspective views of the connector of FIG. 1 during assembly of the connector; FIG. 11 is a view of the connector of FIG. 1 when a cover body of the connector rotates from an open position toward a closed position relative to the base body A perspective view of the process; FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of the connector of FIG. 1 being mounted on a printed circuit board in an embodiment; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 1 and a printed circuit board, And shows that the cover of the connector faces Moving further towards the closing position; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the final mounting position of the connector of FIG. 1 mounted on the printed circuit board and the lid in the closing position in one embodiment; FIG. 16 is the connector and printing of FIG. 1 A cutaway view of the circuit board and showing the final installation position of the cover in the closed position of the cover; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the final installation position of the connector of FIG. 1 in the closed position of the cover; FIG. 18 is FIG. 17 An enlarged view of the circled part of FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention and a printed circuit board on which the connector can be mounted, with the connector in an open position; FIG. 20 is a diagram 19 is a front view of the connector in the open position; FIG. 21 is a rear view of the connector in the open position of FIG. 19; FIG. 22 is a top view of the connector in the open position of FIG. 19; FIG. 23 is the position of FIG. A side view of the connector in the open posture; FIGS. 24 and 25 are perspective views of the connector of FIG. 19 during the connector assembly process; FIG. 26 is the cover of the connector of FIG. 19 from the open posture toward the base body of the connector A perspective view during the rotation of a closed posture; FIGS. 27 and 28 are perspective views of the connector of FIG. 1 being mounted on a printed circuit board in an embodiment; FIG. 29 is a view of the connector of FIG. 19 and a printed circuit board A cutaway view showing that the cover of the connector is moving further toward the closed posture; FIG. 30 is an embodiment of the connector of FIG. 19 installed on a printed circuit board and in a closed position in the cover A perspective view of a final installation position in the closed posture; FIG. 31 is a cut-away view of the connector and printed circuit board of FIG. 19 and shows the final installation position of the cover in the closed posture of the cover; FIG. 32 is FIG. 19 Is a perspective view of the connector in the final installation position of the cover in a closed position;

The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to be limited to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Thus, unless stated otherwise, the features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additional combinations not given for simplicity.

In the consumer market, power connectors are used to provide appliance control circuit board current to printed circuit boards in white goods. Currently, original equipment manufacturers have to use joints and connectors to allow docking in the middle of a printed circuit board. This approach increases the cost of joints, welding and processing costs, and the cost of processing scrap. One solution to minimize these defects is to provide a low-cost clip-on wiring harness connector that can be terminated and connected to the middle of a printed circuit board without using a connector.

A first embodiment of an electrical connector 20 connected to a printed circuit board 22 without a connector is shown in FIGS. 1-18, and an electrical connector 20' connected to a printed circuit board 22 without a connector A second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIGS. 19 to 33. Provided by electrical connectors 20, 20' An electrical connection between a cable (not shown) and the printed circuit board 22.

Attention is paid to the first embodiment of the connector shown in FIGS. 1 to 18. The connector 20 includes a base 24 and a cover 26 attached to each other via a hinge 28 and a plurality of conductive terminals 30 installed in the cover 26.

The base body 24 is formed of an insulating material and has: a first wall 32; a second wall 34 extending vertically outward from the first wall 32 at a first end of the first wall 32; and a third wall 36 at A second end of the first wall 32 extends vertically outward from the first wall 32, so that an opening or cavity 38 is formed by the first, second, and third walls 32, 34, 36. The first wall, the second wall and the third wall 32, 34, 36 generally form a "U" shape. The walls 32, 34, 36 define a pair of terminals 40 of the base body 24 configured to engage the printed circuit board 22 and a mounting end 42 opposite to the terminal 40.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first wall 32 has a first notch 44 and a second notch 46 and a first recess 48 and a second recess 50 that communicate with the first and second notches 44 and 46. The first and second notches 44, 46 extend between the inner surface 32a and the outer surface 32b of the first wall 32. The inner surface 32a forms a surface of the cavity 38. The first notch 44 extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and extends a predetermined distance inward from the second wall 34. The second notch 46 extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and extends a predetermined distance inward from the third wall 36. As a result, the first wall 32 has a first wall portion 52 narrower than a second wall portion 54 and generally forms a "T" shape. The first and second recesses 48, 50 extend inward from the outer surface 32b of the first wall 32 by a predetermined distance. As shown, the first recess 48 extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and a predetermined distance from the first notch 44 toward the second notch 46, and the second recess 50 extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and from the first The two notches 46 extend a predetermined distance toward the first notch 44. As a result, a first shoulder 56 is formed by the first notch 44 It is formed with the first recess 48 and a second shoulder 58 is formed by the second notch 46 and the second recess 50.

Each of the second and third walls 34, 36 has a flat inner surface 34a, 36a facing each other and forming a surface of the cavity 38 and an opposite outer surface 34b, 36b. As best shown in FIG. 5, the second and third walls 34, 36 each have first and second walls extending between inner surfaces 34a, 36a and outer surfaces 34b, 36b of the second and third walls 34, 36. Notches 60, 62 (the first and second notches 60, 62 are only shown on the second wall 34). The first notch 60 extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and extends from the first wall 32. The first notch 60 on the second wall 34 communicates with the first notch 44 on the first wall 32. The second notch 62 extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and extends a predetermined distance from an outer end 34c, 36c of the first and second walls 34, 36. The first notch 60 on the third wall 36 communicates with the second notch 46 on the first wall 32. As a result, the first and second walls 34, 36 have a first wall portion 64 narrower than a second wall portion 66 and generally form a "T" shape.

A plurality of spaced ribs 68 extend from the inner surface 32a of the first wall 32 into the cavity 38. Each rib 68 has an elongated wall 70 that extends into the cavity 38 along the first wall 52 and a portion of the second wall 54; and a tab 72 that extends from one end of the wall 70 to the cavity Body 38. The tab 72 extends further into the cavity 38 than the wall 70 so that each rib 68 generally forms an L-shape. In an embodiment, each wall 70 has an end located at the butt end 40 and extending toward the mounting end 42. The second end of each rib 68 is spaced from the mounting end 42. In each rib 68, the wall 70 and the tab 72 may have the same width defined between the wall 70 and the side of the tab 72.

In one embodiment, a series of deformable plate mounting lugs 74 extend from each second wall portion 66 at the butt end 40 of the base body 24 and pass through the notches 60, 62. The board mounting lug 74 is configured to be inserted into the opening 76 formed in the printed circuit board 22 to fix the base 24 to the printed circuit board 22. In this embodiment Each board mounting lug 74 has a locking shoulder 78. Once the board mounting lug 74 passes through the opening 76, the locking shoulder 78 engages a surface of the printed circuit board 22. An independent positioning tab 80 may extend from the first wall portion 52 at the butt end 40 of the base body 24 and be configured to be inserted into an opening 82 formed in the printed circuit board 22. In another embodiment, the butt end 40 of the base 24 is surface mounted (not shown) on the printed circuit board 22.

The cover 26 is formed of an insulating material and includes a wall 84 having: a pair of terminals 86 configured to engage the printed circuit board 22; and a mounting terminal 88 opposite to the terminal 86; and side surfaces 84a, 84b, 84c , 84d, which extends between the butt end 86 and the mounting end 88. A plurality of spaced-apart cavities 90 are provided to extend through the wall 84 from the butt end 86 toward the mounting end 88. Each cavity 90 has a pair of recesses 92 extending outward therefrom in opposite directions toward side surfaces 84b and 84d, respectively. The recess 92 extends from the butt end 86 toward the mounting end 88 and along a portion of the cavity 90. The passage 94 communicates with the cavity 90 and each passage 94 extends from the side surface 84c to the respective cavity 90. Each passage 94 also extends from the butt end 86 toward the mounting end 88. The passage 94 is offset from the respective cavity 90. Each passage 94 has a width slightly larger than the width of the rib 68.

A first holding arm 96 extends from the side 84c close to the side 84b and extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 86 toward the mounting end 88. A second holding arm 98 extends from the side 84c close to the side 84d and extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 86 toward the mounting end 88. A plate lug holding protrusion 100 extends outward from an outer side surface 96a, 96a of the first and second holding arms 96, 98.

A retaining arm 102 extends from the side 84c and is close to but spaced from the first retaining arm 96. A retaining arm 104 extends from the side 84c and is close to but spaced from the second retaining arm 98. Each holding arm 102, 104 has a barb 106 at its free end and the two barbs 106 face each other.

The hinge 28 connects the base 24 to the cover 26 and allows the cover 26 to be surrounded by the hinge 28 A defined axis rotates relative to the base body 24. In one embodiment, the hinge 28 is formed of a flexible insulating material and integrally molded between the base 24 and the cover 26. The hinge 28 extends between the mounting end 42 of the base 24 and the mounting end 88 of the cover 26.

The plurality of terminals 30 are formed of a conductive material such as copper or a copper-based alloy. As best shown in FIGS. 6-8, each terminal 30 has: a contact portion 108 configured to provide an electrical connection to the printed circuit board 22; and a cable mounting portion 110 configured to be connected to a cable; And a holding portion 112, which connects the contact portion 108 to the cable mounting portion 110.

The contact portion 108 includes: an elastic contact 114 formed with a loop back geometric structure; and a contact protrusion 118. As best shown in FIG. 8, when the contact portion 108 is not deformed, the elastic contact 114 includes: a curved portion 116a extending from the holding portion 112; a straight portion 116b extending from one end of the curved portion 116a and orthogonal to A center line of the terminal 30; a curved portion 116c, which extends from one end of the straight portion 116b; a straight portion 116d, which extends from one end of the curved portion 116c and is inclined with respect to the center line of the terminal 30; a curved portion 116e, which extends from the straight One end of the portion 116d extends and bends back toward the straight portion 116b; a straight portion 116f that extends from one end of the bent portion 116e and is inclined with respect to the center line of the terminal 30; and a bent portion 116g that extends from and contacts the one end of the straight portion 116f Straight part 116b. An opening 120 is formed in the elastic contact 114. The loop geometry basically creates a pair of cantilevered contacts. The contact protrusion 118 is formed on the bent portion 116e, and the bent portion 116e forms an outermost portion of the elastic contact 114.

The cable installation part 110 is configured to house a cable. In one embodiment, the cable mounting portion 110 is generally U-shaped and includes: a curved base wall 122; and side walls 124, 126 from the base wall 122 along the base wall The tangent of 122 extends so that a cavity 128 is formed therein. Each side wall 124, 126 has one end for initial insertion of the cable and an opposite rear end near the holding portion 112. A notch 130, 132 is provided at the rear end of each side wall 124, 126. The notches 130, 132 are aligned with each other.

The holding portion 112 extends between the contact portion 108 and the cable mounting portion 110. The holding portion 112 has a base wall 134 with the side walls 136 and 138 extending vertically from the base wall 134 so that a cavity 140 is formed therein. Each side wall 136, 138 has a cover body engaging with the elastic arm 142 extending outward from the cavity 140. The two cover engaging elastic arms 142 can be aligned with each other.

The connector 20 is assembled and fixed to the printed circuit board 22 in the order shown in FIGS. 9 to 16.

FIG. 9 shows that the terminal 30 is inserted into the cavity 90 of the cover 26. Initially, the cover 26 is in an open position. In the open position, the cover 26 is not in the cavity 38 of the base 24. The terminal 30 is inserted via the mounting end 88.

FIG. 10 shows that the terminal 30 is positioned and fixed in the cavity 90 of the cover 26. For each terminal 30, the contact portion 108 partially extends outward from the mating end 86 of the cover 26, the cable mounting portion 110 is close to the mounting end 88 of the cover 26, and the cover engaging elastic arm 142 is placed in the recess 92. Each terminal 30 is fixedly held in its cavity 90 through the cover body engaging elastic arm 142. Before the terminal 30 is inserted into the cavity 90 or after the terminal 30 is inserted into the cavity 90, a cable (not shown) may be attached to the terminal 30. As shown in FIG. 2, when the connector 20 is viewed from the side surface 84c, it can enter the notch 132 on each terminal 30 via the respective passage 94.

As shown in FIG. 11, the lid 26 partially rotates around the axis of the hinge 28 from this open position, and the lid 26 enters the cavity 38 of the base 24. The cables (not shown) are basically aligned vertically to accommodate Easy to position on the printed circuit board 22. When the cover 26 rotates around the hinge 28, the plate lug holding protrusions 100 on the holding arms 96, 98 slide along the flat inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the walls 34, 36.

The connector 20 is then mounted on the printed circuit board 22 so that the butt end 40 of the base 24 and the butt end 86 of the cover 26 are close to the printed circuit board 22. FIG. 12 shows that the connector 20 is inserted into the openings 76, 82 on the printed circuit board 22 (in the non-surface mount embodiment). In FIG. 13, the connector 20 is further pressed against the printed circuit board 22, and as the board mounting lug 74 enters the opening 76, the board mounting lug 74 deforms. After the locking shoulder 78 passes through the opening 76 in the printed circuit board 22 and engages the edge of the back surface of the printed circuit board 22, the board mounting lug 74 returns to its undeformed state to lock the connector 20 to the printed circuit board 22.

After the electrical connector 20 is mounted on the printed circuit board 22, the cover 26 rotates around the hinge 28, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. As the lid body 26 rotates further, the lid body 26 moves further in the cavity 38 of the base body 24 and the plate lug holding protrusions 100 on the holding arms 96, 98 continue to slide along the flat inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the walls 34, 36 . The rib 68 enters the passage 94 and slides in the passage 94. In an embodiment, the rib 68 fills the passage 94. As the cover 26 further rotates, the contact protrusions 118 on each contact portion 108 engage a respective conductive contact pad 144 on the printed circuit board 22 and slide along the conductive contact pad 144. The retaining arms 96, 98 and the retaining arms 102, 104 enter the notches 44, 46, and the barbs 106 are placed in the recesses 48, 50 and engage the shoulders 56, 58 to securely hold the cover 26 in this final installation position, This provides a first lock, and the tab 72 is placed in the recess 132 of the terminal 30 to provide a second lock (it should be noted that the recess 130 can be eliminated).

15 and 16 show that the cover body 26 is completely rotated around the axis of the hinge portion 28 to a final installation position, in which the cover body 26 is in a closed position. At this final installation location, the base The butt end 40 of the body 24 and the butt end 86 of the cover 26 approach and engage the printed circuit board 22, and the mounting ends 42, 88 are aligned. In the final mounting position, the contact protrusions 118 on each contact portion 108 engage respective conductive contact pads 144. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the contact portion 108 of the terminal 30 is shown to wipe the contact pad 144 while being pressed so that the elastic contact 114 can deform substantially in the cavity of the cover 26 when the cover 26 is in the closed position Within 90. This thereby improves the normal contact force between the elastic contact 114 and the contact pad 144 to ensure electrical connection.

The geometry of the notches 44, 46, the recesses 48, 50, and the latch arms 102, 104 provides a removal path structure on the hinge side of the connector 20 where the latch arms 102, 104 can deform away from the shoulders 56, 58 (removal) access provision). A user's fingers can engage and press the catch arms 102, 104 toward the respective holding arms 96, 98, so that the barb 106 moves out of the recesses 48, 50 and disengages the shoulders 56, 58. The lid 26 can then rotate around the hinge 28 in a reverse manner from the closed posture to the open posture.

As also shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, each plate lug holding protrusion 100 on the holding arms 96, 98 serves as a plate mounting lug reinforcement feature. When the cover 26 is fully rotated to its closed posture, the plate lug holding protrusion 100 is placed on the adjacent plate mounting lug 74. The board lug holding protrusion 100 suppresses the reverse deformation of the board mounting lug 74 so that the board mounting lug 74 cannot be extracted from the opening 76, which essentially clamps the connector 20 to the printed circuit board 22.

Although the notches 44, 46 and the recesses 48, 50 are shown and described as being on the base 24 and the retaining arms 102, 104 are shown and described as being on the cover 26, the notches 44, 46 and the recesses 48, 50 may be provided in The cover body 26 and the holding arms 102 and 104 can be disposed on the base body 24.

Attention is paid to the second embodiment of the connector 20' shown in Figs. 6 to 8 and 19 to 33. The connector 20' of the second embodiment is formed in the same manner as the connector 20 of the first embodiment except for the difference described here by a reference sign with an apostrophe. The same reference numerals denote the same parts and details are not repeated here.

The base body 24' of the connector 20' except that the second and third walls 34', 36' are generally rectangular and do not have the first and second wall portions 64, 66 so that the first and second notches 60, 62 are not provided It is formed in the same manner as the base 24. Instead, the second and third walls 34', 36' extend from the butt end 40 of the base body 24 to the mounting end 42 of the base body 24. Board mounting lugs 74 extend from the second and third walls 34', 36' at the butt end 40 of the base 24. The first notch 44' on the first wall 32 extends between the inner surface 32a and the outer surface 32b of the first wall 32, extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and extends a predetermined distance inward from the second wall 34'. The second notch 46' on the first wall 32 extends between the inner surface 32a and the outer surface 32b of the first wall 32, extends a predetermined distance from the butt end 40 and extends a predetermined distance inward from the third wall 36'.

The cover 26 ′ of the connector 20 ′ is formed in the same manner as the cover 26 except that the holding arms 96, 98 and the plate lug holding protrusion 100 have been replaced by the retaining arms 146, 148 extending from the side 84 c. The buckling arms 146 are close to but spaced apart from the buckling arms 102; Each buckling arm 146, 148 has a barb 150 at its free end. The barb 150 on the buckling arm 146 is opposite to the barb 106 on the buckling arm 102; the barb 150 on the buckling arm 148 is opposite to the barb 106 on the buckling arm 104.

The connector 20 ′ is assembled and fixed to the printed circuit board 22 in the order shown in FIGS. 24 to 33.

FIG. 24 shows that the terminal 30 is inserted into the cavity 90 of the cover 26'. Initially, the cover 26' is in a In the open position, in the open position, the cover 26' is not within the cavity 38 of the base 24'. The terminal 30 is inserted via the mounting end 88.

FIG. 25 shows that the terminal 30 is positioned and fixed in the cavity 90 of the cover 26'. For each terminal 30, the contact portion 108 partially extends outward from the mating end 86 of the cover 26', the cable mounting portion 110 is close to the mounting end 88 of the cover 26, and the cover engaging elastic arm 142 is disposed in the recess 92. Each terminal 30 is fixedly held in its cavity 90 through the cover body engaging elastic arm 142. Before the terminal 30 is inserted into the cavity 90 or after the terminal 30 is inserted into the cavity 90, a cable (not shown) may be attached to the terminal 30. When the connector 20' is viewed from the side surface 84c, the notch 132 on each terminal 30 can be entered via the respective passage 94.

As shown in FIG. 26, the cover 26 ′ partially rotates around the axis of the hinge 28 from this open position, and the cover 26 ′ enters the cavity 38 ′ of the base 24. The cables (not shown) are substantially vertically aligned for easy positioning on the printed circuit board 22. When the cover 26' rotates around the hinge 28, the barbs 150 on the retaining arms 146, 148 slide along the flat inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the second and third walls 34', 36'.

The connector 20 ′ is then mounted on the printed circuit board 22 so that the butt end 40 of the base 24 ′ and the butt end 86 of the cover 26 ′ are close to the printed circuit board 22. FIG. 27 shows that the connector 20' is inserted into the openings 76, 82 in the printed circuit board 22 (in the non-surface-mounted embodiment). In FIG. 28, the connector 20' is further pressed toward the printed circuit board 22, and as the board mounting lug 74 enters the opening 76, the board mounting lug 74 is deformed. After the locking shoulder 78 passes through the opening 76 in the printed circuit board 22 and engages the edge of the back of the printed circuit board 22, the board mounting lug 74 returns to its undeformed state to lock the connector 20' to the printed circuit board 22 .

After the connector 20' is mounted on the printed circuit board 22, the cover 26' is further rotated around the hinge 28, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. As the cover 26' rotates further, the cover 26' is in the cavity of the base 24 The barbs 150 further moving in the body 38' and the retaining arms 146, 148 continue to slide along the flat inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the walls 34', 36'. The rib 68 enters the passage 94 and slides in the passage 94. In an embodiment, the rib 68 fills the passage 94. As the cover 26 ′ further rotates, the contact protrusions 118 on each contact portion 108 engage and slide along the conductive contact pads 144 on the printed circuit board 22. The retaining arms 102, 104, 146, 148 enter the notches 44', 46', and the barbs 106 are positioned within the recesses 48, 50 to engage the shoulders 56, 58 and the barbs 150 engage the respective second and third walls 34 ', 36' to securely hold the cover 26' in the final installation position, thereby providing a first lock, and the tab 72 is placed in the recess 132 of the terminal 30 to provide a second lock (note that Yes, the notch 130 can be eliminated).

30 and 31 show that the cover 26' is completely rotated around the axis of the hinge 28 to a final installation position, and in the final installation position, the cover 26' is in a closed position. In this final mounting position, the butt end 40 of the base 24' and the butt end 86 of the cover 26' approach and engage the printed circuit board 22, and the mounting ends 42, 88 are aligned. In the final mounting position, the contact protrusions 118 on each contact portion 108 engage respective conductive contact pads 144. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, the contact portion 108 of the terminal 30 is shown wiping the contact pad 144 while being pressed, so that the elastic contact 114 can deform when the cover 26' is in the closed posture so that the substrate is on the cover 26' The cavity 90. This thereby improves the normal contact force between the elastic contact 114 and the contact pad 144 to ensure electrical connection.

The geometry of the notches 44', 46', recesses 48, 50 and the snap arms 102, 104, 146, 148 provide the snap arms 102, 104 on the hinge side of the connector 20' to be able to deform away from the shoulders 56, 58 And the buckling arms 146, 148 can be deformed away from the removal passage structure of the second and third walls 34', 36'. A user's fingers can engage and press the holding arms 102, 104 toward the respective holding arms 146, 148, So that the barb 106 moves out of the recesses 48, 50 and disengages from the shoulders 56, 58 and a user's finger can engage and press the latch arms 146, 148 toward the respective latch arms 102, 104 to release the fall The hook 150 is engaged with the second and third walls 34', 36'. Alternatively, a suitable tool (not shown) can be used to perform these operations. The cover 26' can then rotate around the hinge 28 in a reverse manner from the closed posture to the open posture.

Although the notches 44', 46' and the recesses 48, 50 are shown and described as being on the base 24' and the retaining arms 102, 104, 146, 148 are shown and described as being on the cover 26', the notch 44', 46' and the recesses 48, 50 may be provided on the cover 26' and the retaining arms 102, 104, 146, 148 are provided on the base 24'.

The disclosure provided herein illustrates features by virtue of its preferred and exemplary embodiments. A person of ordinary skill in the art can make many other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the accompanying application by reading the present disclosure.

20‧‧‧Electrical connector

22‧‧‧ printed circuit board

24‧‧‧Matrix

26‧‧‧cover

28‧‧‧ articulated part

30‧‧‧Conductive terminal

40‧‧‧ docking end

42‧‧‧Installation

60‧‧‧The first gap

62‧‧‧The second gap

68‧‧‧rib

70‧‧‧ Wall

72‧‧‧tab

74‧‧‧Board mounting lugs

76‧‧‧Opening

80‧‧‧positioning tab

82‧‧‧Opening

84‧‧‧ Wall

86‧‧‧ docking end

88‧‧‧Installation

94‧‧‧ access

96‧‧‧ First holding arm

98‧‧‧Second holding arm

100‧‧‧Board lug retention protrusion

102、104‧‧‧arm

118‧‧‧Contact protrusion

144‧‧‧contact pad

Claims (20)

A connector, including: Multiple conductive terminals, each terminal includes an elastic contact; A non-conductive cover body having a plurality of cavities therein, and the plurality of conductive terminals are installed in the cavity of the cover body; A non-conductive substrate, the substrate defines a cavity, and the substrate is configured to be fixed to a printed circuit board; A hinge portion connects the cover body to the base body, wherein the cover body can move relative to the base body around the hinge portion to move the cover body from an open posture to a closed posture In the open position, the cover is not in the cavity of the base, and in the closed position, the cover is located in the cavity of the base; and A locking member is configured to lock the cover body to the base body when the cover body is in the closed posture. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking member comprises: at least one elastic snap arm, mounted on one of the cover body and the base body, and engaging the cover body and the base body The other. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the at least one elastic clasp arm enables the engagement of the cover body and the base body to which the at least one elastic clasp arm is attached to be released. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the locking member further includes: a tab on the base body that engages a notch on one of the plurality of terminals. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking member includes: a tab on the base body that engages a notch on one of the plurality of terminals. The connector according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is in the open posture, the elastic contact extends outward from the cover, and wherein, when the cover is in the closed posture , The elastic contact can be deformed to be substantially inside the cavity of the cover. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion rotatably connects the cover body to the base body. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the hinge portion is formed integrally with the cover body and the base body. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion is integrally formed with the cover body and the base body. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion is flexible to rotate the cover relative to the base. A connector assembly, including: A printed circuit board with multiple contact pads on it; A connector, including: a plurality of conductive terminals, each terminal includes an elastic contact; a non-conductive cover body having a plurality of cavities therein, the plurality of conductive terminals are installed in the cavity of the cover body Inside the body; a non-conductive base body defining a cavity; a hinge portion connecting the cover body to the base body, wherein the cover body can move relative to the base body around the hinge portion to make the cover The body moves from an open posture to a closed posture. In the open posture, the cover body is not in the cavity of the base body. In the closed posture, the cover body is located in the cavity of the base body; and a locking member, configured When the cover body is in a closed position, the cover body is locked to the base body; Wherein, the substrate is fixed to the printed circuit board, And, wherein, when the lid body is rotated to a closed posture, each elastic contact piece engages with a respective contact pad. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the locking member includes: at least one elastic buckling arm mounted on one of the cover body and the base body to engage the cover body and the base body The other. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the at least one elastic clasping arm enables the disengagement of the cover body and the base body to which the at least one elastic clasping arm is attached. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the locking member further includes: a tab on the base body that engages a notch on one of the plurality of terminals. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the locking member includes: a tab on the base that engages a notch on one of the plurality of terminals. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the hinge portion rotatably connects the cover body to the base body. The connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein the hinge portion is formed integrally with the cover body and the base body. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the hinge portion is integrally formed with the cover body and the base body. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the hinge portion is flexible to rotate the cover relative to the base. The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the printed circuit board includes a plurality of openings thereon and the base body includes a plurality of board mountings removably mounted in the plurality of openings Lugs.

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