Patent ID: 6121701
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: G11B,H01R,H02K

Abstract:
An improved flexible printed circuit connector for use in a motor having a hollow shaft comprising:a base adapted to be plugged into an opening in said hollow shaft;a body supported on said base and having a substantially flat face supporting connector rods which are electrically extended through said base to be available for electrical connections;a connector/snap spring assembly comprising a pair of arms adapted to snap over shoulders on said body and a one or more flexible springs adapted to be pressed against a flexible printed circuit which is inserted between said connector/snap spring assembly and said body and base portion so that electrical traces on a surface of said flexible printed circuit are pressed against said connector rods to firmly establish electrical connections between said flexible printed circuit and said electrical conductive rods;a pin supported from said face of said connector body and extending radially across the base of said body above said connector pads and adapted to be inserted through a hole in said flexible printed circuit to serve as a strain relief on said flexible printed circuit to prevent the circuit from being pulled out of the connector;wherein said connector/snap spring assembly includes said flexible fingers being equal in number to the number of connector rods on said face of said body so that said traces on said flexible printed circuit are tightly pressed against each of said connector rods; anda connector snap having flexible arms supported from a body and a connector spring having a back portion and a finger portion which are integrally formed and snapped axially over said body to form an integrated connector assembly with said springs being supported between said arms facing said connector rods on said body portion.