WO2008004757A1 - A connector for a flexible cable - Google Patents

A connector for a flexible cable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008004757A1
WO2008004757A1 PCT/KR2007/002327 KR2007002327W WO2008004757A1 WO 2008004757 A1 WO2008004757 A1 WO 2008004757A1 KR 2007002327 W KR2007002327 W KR 2007002327W WO 2008004757 A1 WO2008004757 A1 WO 2008004757A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuator
housing
operative position
fpc
ffc
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2007/002327
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jae-Hyung Lee
Yong-Soo Kim
Original Assignee
Molex Korea Co., Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Molex Korea Co., Ltd. filed Critical Molex Korea Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2008004757A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008004757A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/77—Coupling devices for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/771—Details
    • H01R12/774—Retainers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/82—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force
    • H01R12/85—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force contact pressure producing means, contacts activated after insertion of printed circuits or like structures
    • H01R12/88—Coupling devices connected with low or zero insertion force contact pressure producing means, contacts activated after insertion of printed circuits or like structures acting manually by rotating or pivoting connector housing parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector for attachably/detachably fixing a flexible cable, and more paricularly, to a flexible cable connector that can improve the performance of the connector, and stability of components, workability, and productivity by completely fixing an actuator in an opened state and allowing the actuator to be smoothly rotated into a closing position.
  • Flexible cables are generally classified into flexible printed cable (FPC) and flexible flat cables (FFC).
  • FPC flexible printed cable
  • FFC flexible flat cables
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional flexible cable connector for electrically coupling an FPC or FFC to a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a rotating shaft 33 is formed at a rear portion of the actuator 30.
  • the rotating shaft is formed at a rear portion of the actuator 30.
  • 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.
  • the fixing/releasing means of the actuator is imperfect.
  • the fixing force is weak such that, 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.
  • 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.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible cable connector that can improve the performance of the connector, and stability of components, workability, and productivity by completely fixing an actuator in an opened state and allowing the actuator to be smoothly rotated into a closing position.
  • 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; and 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 for fixing the actuator at the second operative position, the fixing unit including hinge members provided at either side portion of the housing for fixing the actuator at the second operative position, and coupled to the housing for sealing the metal terminals when the actuator is at the first operative position.
  • the fixing unit includes a guide member formed lengthwise on a lower side surface of the housing for contacting a lower portion of the hinge member to fix the actuator at the first operative position, a catching tab extending from upper left and right sides of the housing for contacting a rear of the hinge member to maintain the actuator at the first operative position, and a supporting member extending from the upper left and right sides of the housing with a predetermined gap between the catching tab and respectively contacting lower inner sides of the hinge member for maintaining the actuator at the first operative position.
  • the guide member, the catching tab, and the supporting member of the fixing unit are arranged to form a triangle at a lower portion of the hinge member of the actuator, for supporting the actuator at the first operative position.
  • the hinge member is rounded at a portion contacting the guide member of the housing, for minimizing interference with the housing to allow the hinge member to smoothly pivot when the actuator is closed.
  • a user only inserts the FPC/FFC into the actuator being in the opened state at the first operative position, and closes the actuator.
  • a process of the user's opening the actuator is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency of work.
  • a friction portion between the actuator and the housing is minimized such that a noise due to the operation of the actuator can be reduced. Consequently, the performance of the connector is improved, and the workability, the productivity, and the stability of components can be improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional flexible cable connector.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional flexible cable connector.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector when an actuator is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the flexible cable connector illustrated in FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector when the actuator is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the flexible cable connector illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a side sectional view illustrating a state in which an actuator is opened at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a side sectional view illustrating a state in which an actuator is rotated into a closing position according to an embodiment of the presetn invention.
  • FIG. 9 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. [27] DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS IN MAIN PORTIONS OF THE
  • 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
  • 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.
  • the housing 2 is formed of a synthetic resin and makes the actuator 4 fixed to an opened state or a closed state.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the actuator 4 is opened in order to receive the FPC/FFC.
  • the actuator 4 When the actuator 4 is placed in the first operative position, it is fixed perpendicular to the housing 2.
  • 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.
  • Hinge members 4a capable of axial rotation are installed on either side of the actuator 4 for rotation of the actuator 4.
  • Fxing units are provided at either side of the housing 2 coupled to the hinge members 4a of the actuator 4, for fixing the actuator 4 in the first operative position.
  • the fixing unit includes a guide member 2a, a catching tab 2b, and a supporting member 2c.
  • the guide member 2a is formed lengthwise on a lower side surface of the housing 2 for contacting a lower portion of the hinge member 4a to erect the actuator 4 at the first operative position.
  • the catching tab 2b extends from an upper side surface of the housing 2 for contacting a rear of the hinge member 4a to maintain the erect state of the actuator 4.
  • the supporting member 2c extends from an upper protion of the housing 2 with a predetermined gap from the catching tab 2b, for contacting lower inner side of the housing 2 to maintain the erect state of the actuator 4.
  • the actuator 4 is in the first operative position through the fixing unit.
  • the guide member 2a supports a lower side of the hinge member 4a of the actuator 4 that is erected.
  • the catching tab 2b contacts the hinge member 4a from a rear thereof such that the hinge member 4a cannot be not rotated anymore at the first operative position.
  • the supporting member 2c contacts a inner side of the hinge member 4a that is erected at the first operative position such that the opened state of the actuator 4 is stably maintained.
  • the actuator 4 can fix an inserted FPC/FFC without its movement even though the actuator 4 is in the opened state at the first operative position.
  • FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a state in which an actuator is rotated into a closing position.
  • the hinge member 4a is rounded at a portion contacting the guide member 2a, for the housing 2 to minimize interference with the housing 2 to allow the hinge member 4a to smoothly pivot when the actuator 4 is closed.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the inserted FPC/FFC 5 is fixed to the flexible cable connector 1 by the closing of the actuator 4.
  • the actuator 4 is rotated to the first operative position, and an end of the FPC/ FFC 5 is placed at a seating slot 6 formed in the housing 2.
  • the actustor 4 is rotated to the second operative position. In this way, the FPC/FFC 5 is fixed to the flexible cable connector 1.
  • the actuator 4 being in an opened state can be provided in an assembly line through the stable fixing/releasing means of the actuator 4, thereby achieving cost reduction through reduction of process steps, simplification of work, and improvement of assembly operation.

Landscapes

  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

A connector for a flexible cable includes: a housing configured to be fixed on a circuit member; a plurality of metal terminals respectively 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 for fixing the actuator at the second operative position, the fixing unit including hinge members provided at either side portion of the housing for fixing the actuator at the second operative position, and coupled to the housing for sealing the metal terminals when the actuator is at the first operative position. Accordingly, since a user only inserts the FPC/FFC into the actuator and closes the actuator, a process of the user's opening the actuator is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency of work. In addition, when the actuator is rotated, a friction portion between the actuator and the housing is minimized such that a noise due to the operation of the actuator can be reduced.

Description

Description A CONNECTOR FOR A FLEXIBLE CABLE
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a connector for attachably/detachably fixing a flexible cable, and more paricularly, to a flexible cable connector that can improve the performance of the connector, and stability of components, workability, and productivity by completely fixing an actuator in an opened state and allowing the actuator to be smoothly rotated into a closing position. 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, since the actuator's movement occurs at an opening position and a closing position, the fixing/releasing means of the actuator is imperfect. In addition, the fixing force is weak such that, 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] Further, when the actuator 30 is rotated, the actuator 30 interferes with the housing
10, which results in the friction therebetween and a nosie. The noise improves customer complaints and degrades the stability of components, thereby degrading the reliability of products.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[12] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible cable connector that can improve the performance of the connector, and stability of components, workability, and productivity by completely fixing an actuator in an opened state and allowing the actuator to be smoothly rotated into a closing position. Technical Solution
[13] 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; and 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 for fixing the actuator at the second operative position, the fixing unit including hinge members provided at either side portion of the housing for fixing the actuator at the second operative position, and coupled to the housing for sealing the metal terminals when the actuator is at the first operative position.
[14] The fixing unit includes a guide member formed lengthwise on a lower side surface of the housing for contacting a lower portion of the hinge member to fix the actuator at the first operative position, a catching tab extending from upper left and right sides of the housing for contacting a rear of the hinge member to maintain the actuator at the first operative position, and a supporting member extending from the upper left and right sides of the housing with a predetermined gap between the catching tab and respectively contacting lower inner sides of the hinge member for maintaining the actuator at the first operative position.
[15] The guide member, the catching tab, and the supporting member of the fixing unit are arranged to form a triangle at a lower portion of the hinge member of the actuator, for supporting the actuator at the first operative position.
[16] The hinge member is rounded at a portion contacting the guide member of the housing, for minimizing interference with the housing to allow the hinge member to smoothly pivot when the actuator is closed.
Advantageous Effects
[17] In the flexible cable connector according to the present invention, a user only inserts the FPC/FFC into the actuator being in the opened state at the first operative position, and closes the actuator. Thus, a process of the user's opening the actuator is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency of work. In addition, when the actuator is rotated, a friction portion between the actuator and the housing is minimized such that a noise due to the operation of the actuator can be reduced. Consequently, the performance of the connector is improved, and the workability, the productivity, and the stability of components can be improved. Brief Description of the Drawings
[18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional flexible cable connector.
[19] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional flexible cable connector.
[20] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector when an actuator is opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[21] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the flexible cable connector illustrated in FIG.
3.
[22] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible cable connector when the actuator is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[23] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the flexible cable connector illustrated in FIG. 5. [24] FIG. 7 is a side sectional view illustrating a state in which an actuator is opened at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [25] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view illustrating a state in which an actuator is rotated into a closing position according to an embodiment of the presetn invention. [26] FIG. 9 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. [27] DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS IN MAIN PORTIONS OF THE
DRAWINGS>
[28] 1: flexible cable connector 2: housing
[29] 2a: guide member 2b: catching tab
[30] 2c: supporting member 3: metal terminal
[31] 4: actuator 4a: hinge member
[32] 5: FPC/FFC 6: seating slot
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [33] 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. [34] 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. [35] The housing 2 is formed of a synthetic resin and makes the actuator 4 fixed to an opened state or a closed state. [36] 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. [37] 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. [38] 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.
[39] Hinge members 4a capable of axial rotation are installed on either side of the actuator 4 for rotation of the actuator 4. Fxing units are provided at either side of the housing 2 coupled to the hinge members 4a of the actuator 4, for fixing the actuator 4 in the first operative position.
[40] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, the fixing unit includes a guide member 2a, a catching tab 2b, and a supporting member 2c. The guide member 2a is formed lengthwise on a lower side surface of the housing 2 for contacting a lower portion of the hinge member 4a to erect the actuator 4 at the first operative position. The catching tab 2b extends from an upper side surface of the housing 2 for contacting a rear of the hinge member 4a to maintain the erect state of the actuator 4. The supporting member 2c extends from an upper protion of the housing 2 with a predetermined gap from the catching tab 2b, for contacting lower inner side of the housing 2 to maintain the erect state of the actuator 4.
[41] Referring to FIG. 7, the actuator 4 is in the first operative position through the fixing unit. The guide member 2a supports a lower side of the hinge member 4a of the actuator 4 that is erected. The catching tab 2b contacts the hinge member 4a from a rear thereof such that the hinge member 4a cannot be not rotated anymore at the first operative position. The supporting member 2c contacts a inner side of the hinge member 4a that is erected at the first operative position such that the opened state of the actuator 4 is stably maintained.
[42] In addition, the guide member 2a, the catching tab 2b, and the supporting member
2c are arranged to form a triangle at a lower portion of the hinge member 4a, thereby supporting the actuator 4 at the first operative position without its movement.
[43] Consequently, because of the triangle arrangement, the actuator 4 can fix an inserted FPC/FFC without its movement even though the actuator 4 is in the opened state at the first operative position.
[44] In conclusion, a user only inserts the FPC/FFC into the actuator 4 being in the opened state at the first operative position, and closes the actuator 4. Accordingly, a process of the user's opening the actuator 4 is eliminated, thereby improving the efficiency of work.
[45] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a state in which an actuator is rotated into a closing position. Referring to FIG. 8, the hinge member 4a is rounded at a portion contacting the guide member 2a, for the housing 2 to minimize interference with the housing 2 to allow the hinge member 4a to smoothly pivot when the actuator 4 is closed.
[46] Specifically, when the actuator 4 is rotated, past a position at which an rotation angle of the actuator 4 is 45 degrees, interference between the hinge member 4a and the guide member 2a/the supporting member 2c is not occurred such that the actuator 4 is smoothly rotated.
[47] Untill a position, at which an rotation angle of the actuator 4 is 45 degrees, is reached, a friction portion between the actuator 4 and the housing 2 has a minimum area, thereby reducing a noise due to the rotation of the actuator 4.
[48] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the inserted FPC/FFC 5 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 5 is placed at a seating slot 6 formed in the housing 2. Finally, the actustor 4 is rotated to the second operative position. In this way, the FPC/FFC 5 is fixed to the flexible cable connector 1.
[49] Therefore, the actuator 4 being in an opened state can be provided in an assembly line through the stable fixing/releasing means of the actuator 4, thereby achieving cost reduction through reduction of process steps, simplification of work, and improvement of assembly operation.

Claims

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); and an actuator (4) for fixing an FPC/FFC (5) 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 (5) is inserted into/removed from the housing (2) and at the second operative position the FPC/FFC (5) is fixed within the housing (2); and: a fixing unit for fixing the actuator (4) at the second operative position, the fixing unit including hinge members (4a) provided at either side portion of the housing (2) for fixing the actuator (4) at the second operative position, and coupled to the housing (2) for sealing the metal terminals (3) when the actuator (4) is at the first operative position.
[2] The connector of claim 1, wherein the fixing unit includes a guide member (2a) formed lengthwise on a lower side surface of the housing (2) for contacting a lower portion of the hinge member (4a) to fix the actuator (4) at the first operative position, a catching tab (2b) extending from upper left and right sides of the housing (2) for contacting a rear of the hinge member (4a) to maintain the actuator (4) at the first operative position, and a supporting member (2c) extending from the upper left and right sides of the housing (2) with a predetermined gap between the catching tab (2b) and respectively contacting lower inner sides of the hinge member (4a) for maintaining the actuator (4) at the first operative position.
[3] The connector of claim 2, wherein the guide member (2a), the catching tab (2b), and the supporting member (2c) of the fixing unit are arranged to form a triangle at a lower portion of the hinge member (4a) of the actuator (4), for supporting the actuator (4) at the first operative position.
[4] The connector of claim 2, wherein the hinge member (4a) is rounded at a portion contacting the guide member (2a) of the housing (2), for minimizing interference with the housing (2) to allow the hinge member (4a) to smoothly pivot when the actuator (4) is closed.
PCT/KR2007/002327 2006-05-10 2007-05-10 A connector for a flexible cable WO2008004757A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2006-0042134 2006-05-10
KR1020060042134A KR100762988B1 (en) 2006-05-10 2006-05-10 An actuator opening and shutting structure of a flexibility cable connector

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008004757A1 true WO2008004757A1 (en) 2008-01-10

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ID=38894699

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2007/002327 WO2008004757A1 (en) 2006-05-10 2007-05-10 A connector for a flexible cable

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KR (1) KR100762988B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008004757A1 (en)

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US6267620B1 (en) * 2000-12-30 2001-07-31 Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. Flexible board electrical connector with an improved pressure member
US6338648B1 (en) * 1999-04-30 2002-01-15 J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd Electrical connector for flexible printed board
US6893288B2 (en) * 2001-03-23 2005-05-17 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Electrical connector for a flat cable

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