WO2007148874A1

WO2007148874A1 - A connector for a flexible cable

Info

Publication number: WO2007148874A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/002324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jae-Hyung Lee; Yong-Soo Kim
Original assignee: Molex Korea Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-05-10
Filing date: 2007-05-10
Publication date: 2007-12-27
Also published as: KR100798758B1; KR20070109324A

Abstract

A connector for a flexible cable includes: a housing configured to be fixed on a circuit member; a plurality of metal terminals inserted into and fixed to the housing, each terminal including a portion outside and a portion inside the housing; an actuator for fixing an FPC/FFC inserted from a front of the housing into the housing in an insertion direction, the actuator being pivotably movable between first and second operative positions, wherein at the first operative position the FPC/FFC is inserted into/removed from the housing and at the second operative position the FPC/FFC is fixed within the housing; and a fixing unit respectively provided at either side portion of the actuator and at either side portions of the housing for fixing the actuator, the actuator being perpendicularly fixed to the housing through the fixing unit when the actuator is in the first operative position or being horizontally coupled to the housing for sealing the metal terminals when the actuator is in the second operative position. Accordingly, the actuator of the flexible cable connector for fixing the FPC/FFC is tightly closed and fixed, thus making it possible to prevent the FPC/FFC from being damaged by the opening of the actuator. Further, the flexible cable connector of the present invention can increase the work stability and the capability of perceiving the completion of work.

Description

Description A CONNECTOR FOR A FLEXIBLE CABLE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a connector for attachably and detachably fixing a flexible cable, and more paricularly, to a flexible cable connector that can minimize the damage of semiconductor circuit elements due to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and ensuring the stability of components by fully coupling the actuator to the housing and preventing the bursting open of the actuator. Background Art

[2] Flexible cables are generally classified into flexible printed cable (FPC) and flexible flat cables (FFC).

[3] FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional flexible cable connector for electrically coupling an FPC or FFC to a printed circuit board (PCB).

[4] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, the conventional flexible cable connector includes a housing 10, a plurality of metal terminals 20, an actuator 30, and two fitting nails 40. The housing is fixed to a PCB and formed of a synthetic resin. The metal terminals 20 are inserted into and fixed to the housing 10 from a rear side thereof. The actuator 30 fixes an FPC/FFC to the housing 10, the FPC/FFC being inserted from a front side of the housing. The fitting nails 40 ascends to insert the actuator 30 into pivot grooves 20a of the metal terminals 20.

[5] A plurality of seating slots 11 are formed at a front portion of the housing 10 such that the FPC/FFC is seated and fixed thereto. A plurality of terminal insertion slots 12 are formed at a rear portion of the housing 12 such that the metal terminals 20 are inserted and fixed thereto. Fixing arms 13 are formed on either side of the housing 10. Fixing grooves 13a are formed in an inside of the fixing arms 13 such that either end of the actuator 30 are fixed thereto.

[6] Fixing protrusions 31 protrude from either rear side of the actuator 30 and are rotatably fixed to the fixing grooves 13a formed in the inside of the fixing arms 13. Locking protrusions 32 protrude from either front portion of the actuator 30. When the actuator 30 is placed at a closing position, the locking protrusions 32 are locked to either front portion of the housing 10, so that the actuator 30 does not rotate.

[7] A rotating shaft 33 is formed at a rear portion of the actuator 30. The rotating shaft

33 is inserted into the pivot grooves 20a of the metal terminals 20 to define a rotational center of the actuator 30.

[8] A process of assembling the conventional flexible cable connector will be described below. First, the actuator 30 is erected and its rear end is inserted between the fixing amis 13. The fixing protrusions 31 of the actuator 30 are respectively inserted into the fixing grooves 13a of the housing 10. Then, the metal terminals 20 are respectively inserted into the corresponding terminal insertion slots 12, and the fitting nails 40 are respectively inserted into either side of the housing 10. Finally, the roating shaft 33 of the actuator 30 is inserted into the pivot grooves 20a of the metal terminals 20. In this way, the process of assembling the conventional flexible cable connector is completed.

[9] In order to couple the FPC/FFC to the assembled connector, the actuator 30 is rotated to the opening position and an end of the FPC/FFC is seated on the seating slots 11 of the housing 10. Then, the actuator 30 is rotated to the closing position.

[10] In the above-described flexible cable connector, however, the fixing force is weak because the actuator 30 placed in the closing position is locked only by the locking protrusions 32 protruding from either end of the front portions of the actuator 30. Therefore, in such a state that the FPC/FFC is coupled to the metal terminals 20, the locked state of the actuator 30 is easily released when the front portion of the actuator 30 is slightly pulled upwad or impact is applied to the housing 10. As a result, the fixing force of fixing the FPC/FFC is weakened so that the connection between the FPC/FFC and the metal terminals 20 are weakened or completely eliminated.

[11] As described above, since the locked state of the actuator 30 is not firm, the semiconductor circuit elements may be damaged due to the opening of the actuator 30. In addition, due to the decreased stability of the components of the flexible cable connector, an operator needs to take care of the assembly process.

[12] Further, when the actuator 30 is locked, it is difficult for the operator to make sure that the actuator 30 is firmly locked. Consequently, the workability and productivity are degraded.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible cable connector that can completely seal metal terminals exposed to the outside when an actuator is in a closed state, thereby minimizing the damage of semiconductor circuit elements due to electrostatic discharge.

[14] Another object of the present is to provide a flexible cable connector that can firmly couple an actuator to a housing when the actuator is in a closed state, therey preventing the bursting open of the actuator and ensuring the stability of components. Technical Solution

[15] According to an aspect of the present invention, a connector for a flexible cable includes: a housing configured to be fixed on a circuit member and formed of a synthetic resin; a plurality of metal terminals inserted into and fixed to the housing, each terminal including a portion outside and a portion inside the housing; an actuator for fixing an FPC/FFC inserted from a front of the housing into the housing in an insertion direction, the actuator being pivotably movable between first and second operative positions, wherein at the first operative position the FPC/FFC is inserted into/removed from the housing and at the second operative position the FPC/FFC is fixed within the housing; and a fixing unit respectively provided at either side portion of the actuator and at either side portion of the housing for fixing the actuator, the actuator being perpendicularly fixed to the housing through the fixing unit when the actuator is in the first operative position or being horizontally coupled to the housing for sealing the metal terminals when the actuator is in the second operative position.

[16] The fixing unit includes a hinge member having a rounded bottom and formed at either side of the actuator perpendicularly at a lower portion thereof when the actuator is in the first operative position, and a guide member contacting a lower portion of the hinge member and formed lengthwise on either lower side of the housing, and a fixing protrusion formed to protrude respectively from left and right upper sides of the housing and contacting the hinge member at a rear thereof for maintaining the actuator in the first operative position.

[17] The fixing unit includes a hook extending from an inside of the hinge member to allow the actuator to couple horizontally to the housing when the actuator is in the second operative position, and a catching tab extending from either front side of the housing coupling to the hinge member of the actuator, the catching tab being configured to latch and fix the hook.

[18] When the hook is coupled to the catching tab through elasticity of the hook, the hook is elastically caught and fixed, such that the actuator is perceived from an outside to be completely fixed to the housing.

Advantageous Effects

[19] In the flexible cable connector according to the present invention, when the actuator is in the closed state, the connector completely seals the metal terminals exposed to outside, thereby minimizing the damage of the semiconductor circuit elements due to electrostatic discharge. In addition, since the actuator is fully coupled to the housing when it is in the closed state, the bursting open of the actuator can be prevented. Consequently, the stability of the components can be ensured and the damage of the FPC/ FFC due to the bursting open of the actuator can be prevented.

[20] Moreover, the user can perceive that the actuator is completely closed. Therefore, the capability of perceiving the completion of work, the workability, and the productivity can be improved.. Brief Description of the Drawings [21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional flexible cable connector.

[22] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional flexible cable connector.

[23] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector when an actuator is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention. [24] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the flexible cable connector illustrated in FIG.

3. [25] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector when the actuator is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention. [26] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the flexible cable connector illustrated in FIG.

5. [27] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a side of the actuator is coupled to a side of the housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [28] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a side portion of a flexible cable connector when an actuator is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention. [29] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a side portion of a flexible cable connector when an actuator is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention. [30] FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a fixing structure of an actuator in a flexible cable connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [31] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an FPC/FFC is inserted into and fixed to a flexible cable connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [32] DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS IN MAIN PORTIONS OF THE

DRAWINGS>

[33] 1: flexible cable connector 2: housing

[34] 2a: catching tab 2b: guide member

[35] 2c: fixing protrusion 3: metal terminal

[36] 4: actuator 4a: hook

[37] 4b: hinge member 4c: pivot

[38] 5: fixing unit 6: FPC/FFC

[39] 7: seating slot

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [40] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [41] FIGs. 3 to 6 illustrate a flexible cable connector for fixing an FPC/FFC according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, a state in which an actuator of the flexible cable connector is opened is illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4, and a state in which the actuator of the flexible cable connector is closed is illustrated in FIGs. 5 and 6.

[42] The flexible cable connector 1 includes a housing 2 fixed on a PCB, a plurality of metal terminals 3 fixed to the housing 2, and an actuator 4 for fixing the FPC/FFC to the housing 2.

[43] The housing 2 is formed of a synthetic resin and makes the actuator 4 fixed to an opened state or a closed state.

[44] The metal terminals 3 are inserted into and fixed to the housing 2 from the rear side thereof and electrically couple the FPC/FFC to the PCB.

[45] The actuator 4 fixes the FPC/FFC to the housing 2, the FPC/FFC being inserted into the housing 2 from the front side thereof. More specifically, the actuator 4 is pivotabe between a first operative position and a second operative position with respect to the housing 2.

[46] The actuator 4 is opened in order to receive the FPC/FFC. When the actuator 4 is placed in the first operative position, it is fixed perpendicular to the housing 2. When the actuator 4 is in the second operative position for fixing the FPC/FFC, it is coupled parallel to the housing 2 so that the metal terminals 3 provided in the housing 2 are fixed sealed.

[47] Particularly, the actuator 4 is coupled to and fixed to the housing 2 when it is closed. In order to fix the actuator 4, fixing units 5 are provided at either side of the actuator 4 and either side of the housing 2. Either side of the actuator 4 are attachably and detachably fixed to either side of the housing 2.

[48] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fixing structure of the actuator 4. Referring to FIG.

7, the fixing units 5 are provided at either side of the actuator 4 and either side of the housing 2. Therefore, the actuator 4 of the flexible cable connector 1 maintains the first operative position in such a state that it is placed perpendicular to the housing 2 through the fixing units 5. In addition, the actuator 4 of the flexible cable connector 1 maintains the second operative position in such a state that it is horizontally fixed to the housing 2.

[49] The fixing unit 5 includes a hook 4a formed on the actuator 4 and a catching tab 2a formed on the housing 2. Due to the rotation of the actuator 4, the hook 4a is rotated to the fixing position and caught by the catching tab 2a. Hence, the actuator 4 is fixed to the second operative position.

[50] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a case that the actuator 4 maintains a perpendicular state with respect to the housing 2. Referring to FIG. 8, hinge members 4b are formed at either side of the actuator 4. The hinge members 4b have rounded bott oms so that the actuator 4 is erected at the first operative position. Guide members 2b contacting the bottoms of the hinge members 4b are formed on either side of the housing 2 in a length direction. Fixing protrusions 2c protrude from left and right upper sides of the housing 2 and contact the hinge members 4b at the rear side thereof, such that the actuator 4 maintains the first operative position.

[51] That is, when the actuator 4 is opened and maintains the first operative position with respect to the housing 2, the hinge member 4b of the actuator 4 contacts the fixing protrusion 2c of the housing 2. Hence, the actuator 4 does not rotate any more and maintains the erect state. A pivot 4c is formed in an inside of the hinge member 4b. The pivot 4c is inserted into an outer portion of the housing 2 to allow the hinge 4b to rotate. Thus, the actuator 4 can be rotated with respect to the housing 2.

[52] FIGs. 9 and 10 illustrate a caes that the actuator 4 maintains the horizontal state with respect to the housing at the second operative position. Referring to FIGs. 9 and 10, a hook 4a extends from the inside of the hinge member 4b to allow the actuator 4 to horizontally couple to the housing 2 when the actuator 4 is in the second operative position, and catching tabs 2a extend from either front side of the housing 2 coupled to the hinge member 4b of the actuator 4, such that the hook 4a is caught by and fixed to the catching tabs 2a.

[53] Since the hook 4a of the actuator 4 is caught by and fixed to the catching tab 2a, the actuator 4 is fixed to the housing 2, while maintaining its closed state.

[54] Since the hook 4a is elastically caught by and fixed to the catching tab 2a by elastic force of the hook 4a, the user can perceive from the outside that the actuator 4 is completely fixed to the housing 2. The reason why the user can perceive the complete fixing of the actuator 4 is because the user can hear an audible click sound and feel a clicking sense when the hook 4a is fixed to the catching tab 2a.

[55] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the inserted FPC/FFC 6 is fixed to the flexible cable connector 1 by the closing of the actuator 4. Referring to FIG. 11, the actuator 4 is rotated to the first operative position, and an end of the FPC/ FFC 6 is placed at a seating slot 7 formed in the housing 2. Finally, the actustor 4 is rotated to the second operative position. In this way, the FPC/FFC 6 is fixed to the flexible cable connector 1.

[56] Therefore, the actuator 4 of the flexible cable connector 1 for fixing the FPC/FFC 6 is tightly closed and fixed, thus making it possible to prevent the FPC/FFC 6 from being damaged by the opening of the actuator 4. Further, the flexible cable connector 1 of the present invention can increase the work stability and the capability of perceiving the completion of work.

Claims

[1] A connector for a flexible cable, the connector comprising: a housing

(2) configured to be fixed on a circuit member and formed of a synthetic resin; a plurality of metal terminals

(3) inserted into and fixed to the housing (2), each terminal including a portion outside and a portion inside the housing (2); an actuator (4) for fixing an FPC/FFC (6) inserted from a front of the housing (2) into the housing (2) in an insertion direction, the actuator being pivotably movable between first and second operative positions, wherein at the first operative position the FPC/FFC is inserted into/removed from the housing (2) and at the second operative position the FPC/FFC is fixed within the housing (2); and a fixing unit (5) respectively provided at either side portion of the actuator (4) and at either side portion of the housing (2) for fixing the actuator (4), the actuator

(4) being perpendicularly fixed to the housing (2) through the fixing unit

(5) when the actuator (4) is in the first operative position or being horizontally coupled to the housing (2) for sealing the metal terminals (3) when the actuator

(4) is in the second operative position.

[2] The connector of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit (5) includes a hinge member

(4b) having a rounded bottom and formed at either side of the actuator (4) perpendicularly at a lower portion thereof when the actuator (4) is in the first operative position, and a guide member (2b) contacting a lower portion of the hinge member (4b) and formed lengthwise on either lower side of the housing (2), and a fixing protrusion (2c) formed to protrude respectively from left and right upper sides of the housing (2) and contacting the hinge member (4b) at a rear thereof for maintaining the actuator (4) in the first operative position.

[3] The connector of claim 2, wherein the fixing unit (5) includes a hook (4a) extending from an inside of the hinge member (4b) to allow the actuator (4) to couple horizontally to the housing (2) when the actuator (4) is in the second operative position, and a catching tab (2a) extending from either front side of the housing (2) coupling to the hinge member (4b) of the actuator (4), the catching tab (2a) being configured to catch and fix the hook (4a).

[4] The connector of claim 3, wherein when the hook (4a) is coupled to the catching tab (2a) through elasticity of the hook (4a), the hook (4a) is elastically caught and fixed, such that the actuator (4) is perceived from an outside to be completely fixed to the housing (2).