Securement of a shell to an insulator body

A thin type lock and unlock connector include a first shell, a second shell and a first insulator, which are buckled and combined with each other by the respective provided first fixing members to form a connector that can be connected to a flexible printed circuit board. The second shell provides a first locking member and a first elastic member to lock the flexible printed circuit board to the connector. When an external force is applied to the first pressing part of the first shell, it acts on the locking member to unlock the flexible printed circuit board that the flexible printed circuit board can be detached from the connector. The first insulator provides an action portion with a slope to be arranged corresponding to the first locking member, to determine the deformation stroke of the first locking member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fields of a connector, and more particularly, to a thin type lock and unlock connector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, a wire to board connector provides a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and a printed circuit board (PCB) with a plurality of leading end/trailing end electrode connecting.

In order to enable the connector to be used in application fields requiring a narrower space, such as the automotive field or the application field of thin electronic products, the person skilled in the art of the present invention has considered how to make thin connectors to match the aforementioned application fields. In addition to making the thin connectors, also to consider whether automatic locking and manual unlocking functions are capable of being provided in the process of thinning connectors.

In view of this, a thin type lock and unlock connector is provided in the present invention, in order to solve an issue that cannot be solved by the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first objective of the present invention is to provide a thin type lock and unlock connector, such that it is capable of being used for connecting with a flexible printed circuit board, and while is capable of achieving an objective for automotive locking and manual unlocking.

A second objective of the present invention is, according to the thin type lock and unlock connector as mentioned above, providing a three members structure with a first shell, a second shell and a first insulator. A connector connecting with the flexible printed circuit board is formed through a fixing member provided by the first shell, the second shell and the first insulator further buckled and combined with each other.

A third objective of the present invention provides a thin type lock and unlock connector providing a two members structure with a fifth shell and a second insulator. A connector connecting with the flexible printed circuit board is formed through a fixing member provided by the fifth shell and the second insulator further buckled and combined with each other.

A fourth objective of the present invention is, according to the thin type lock and unlock connector as mentioned above, providing a first pressing part of the first shell for intermediately pressing a second pressing part of the second shell so as to achieve an objective for unlocking, or providing a fifth pressing part for directly pressing the fifth shell so as to achieve an objective for unlocking.

A fifth objective of the present invention is, according to the thin type lock and unlock connector as mentioned above, providing an action portion with a first slope (or called a second slope) so as to be disposed corresponding to a first locking member (or a second locking member) of the second shell (or called a fifth shell), so as to achieve an objective for determining a deformation stroke of the first locking member (or the second locking member) through the first slope (or called the second slope).

In order to achieve the objectives mentioned above and the other objective, the present invention provides a thin type lock and unlock connector being capable of connecting the flexible printed circuit board. The thin type lock and unlock connector comprises a first shell, a second shell and a first insulator. The first shell comprises a first body, a plurality of first pressing parts and a plurality of first fixing portions. The plurality of first pressing parts and the plurality of first fixing portions are respectively arranged on both sides of the first body. The plurality of first pressing parts connect with the plurality of first fixing portions and the first body. The plurality of first fixing portions respectively provide a first fixing member, a third fixing member and a fifth fixing member. The first fixing member extends forward a direction of the first body, and the third fixing member extends far away a direction of the first body. The second shell comprises a second body, a plurality of second pressing parts and a plurality of second fixing members. The plurality of second pressing parts and the plurality of second fixing members are respectively arranged on both sides of the second body. The plurality of second pressing parts connect with the plurality of second fixing members and the second body. The plurality of second pressing parts are disposed corresponding to the plurality of first pressing parts. The plurality of second pressing parts provide a first locking member and a first elastic member. The plurality of second fixing members connect with the plurality of first elastic members and the plurality of second fixing members are disposed corresponding to the plurality of first fixing members. The first insulator comprises a third body, a plurality of first action portions and a plurality of sixth fixing members. The third body is provided corresponding to a first surface, a second surface and a first accommodating space. The first surface combines with the first shell, and the second surface combines with the second shell. The plurality of first action portions and the plurality of sixth fixing members are respectively arranged on both sides of the third body. The plurality of first action portions are disposed corresponding to the plurality of first locking members, and the first accommodating space accommodates a portion of the plurality of first locking members. The plurality of first action portions respectively form a first slope to determine a deformation stroke of the plurality of first locking members, such that the plurality of first locking members are stopped by the first slope, furthermore the plurality of sixth fixing members are corresponding to the plurality of fifth fixing members. Wherein, through a combination between the plurality of first fixing members, the plurality of second fixing members, the plurality of fifth fixing members, the plurality of sixth fixing members and the plurality of first elastic members, such that the first shell, the second shell and the first insulator buckles and combines with each other, Furthermore, after the plurality of first pressing parts are suffered an external force to deform forward a first direction deformation, the plurality of first elastic members are suffered from a deformation of the plurality of first pressing parts, so as to further drive the plurality of first locking members to deform forward a second direction such that the flexible printed circuit board located in the first accommodating space is capable of being unlocked, and when a deformation of the plurality of first elastic members do not occur, the plurality of first locking members lock the flexible printed circuit board in the first accommodating space.

In order to achieve the objective mentioned above and the other objective, the present invention provides a thin type lock and unlock connector being capable of connecting a flexible printed circuit board. A thin type lock and unlock connector comprises a fifth shell and a second insulator. The fifth shell comprises a fifth body, a plurality of fifth pressing parts, a plurality of ninth fixing members, a plurality of eleventh fixing members and a plurality of thirteenth fixing members. The plurality of fifth pressing parts and the plurality of ninth fixing members are arranged on both sides of the fifth body. The plurality of eleventh fixing members are disposed on a leading edge of the fifth body, and the plurality of thirteenth fixing members are disposed on a trailing edge of the fifth body, the plurality of fifth pressing parts connect with the plurality of ninth fixing members and the fifth body. The plurality of fifth pressing parts provide a second locking member and a second elastic member. The plurality of ninth fixing members connect with the plurality of second elastic members. The second insulator comprises a seventh body, a plurality of second action portions, a plurality of fourth openings, a plurality of twelfth fixing members and a plurality of fourteenth fixing members. The seventh body provides a second accommodating space. The plurality of second action portions are arranged on both sides of the seventh body. The plurality of second action portions are disposed corresponding to the plurality of second locking members, and a portion of the plurality of second locking members are accommodated in the second accommodating space. The plurality of second action portions respectively form the second slope so as to determine a deformation stroke of the plurality of second locking members, such that the plurality of second locking members are stopped by the second slope. The plurality of fourth openings are disposed corresponding to the plurality of ninth fixing members. The plurality of twelfth fixing members are disposed corresponding to the plurality of eleventh fixing members. The plurality of fourteenth fixing members are disposed corresponding to the plurality of thirteenth fixing members. Wherein, through a combination between the plurality of ninth fixing members, the plurality of eleventh fixing members, the plurality of thirteenth fixing members, the plurality of fourth openings, the plurality of twelfth fixing members and the plurality of fourteenth fixing members, such that the fifth shell and the second insulator are buckled and combined with each other. Furthermore the plurality of fifth pressing parts are suffered from an external force thereby after a first direction deformation, the plurality of second elastic members are suffered from a deformation of the plurality of fifth pressing parts, such that the plurality of second locking members are further dived forward a second direction of a deformation, so as to the flexible printed circuit board located in the second accommodating space is unlocked, and when a deformation of the plurality of second elastic members are not occurred, the plurality of second locking members lock the flexible printed circuit board in the second accommodating space.

Comparing to a common thin type lock and unlock connector, the present invention provides a thin type lock and unlock connector can be applied to the flexible printed circuit board, and the thin type lock and unlock connector is not only capable of thinning the thickness, but also performs the locking and unlocking.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In order to fully comprehend the objectives, features and efficacy of the present invention, a detailed description is described by the following substantial embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The description is as below.

The description of unit, element and component in the present invention uses “one”, “a”, or “an”. The way mentioned above is for convenience, and for general meaning of the category of the present invention. Therefore, the description should be understood as “include one”, “at least one”, and include the singular and plural forms at the same time unless obvious meaning.

The description of comprise, have, include, contain, or another similar semantics has the non-exclusive meaning. For example, an element, structure, product, or device contain multi requirements are not limited in the list of the content, but include another inherent requirement of element, structure, product or device not explicitly listed in the content. In addition, the term “or” is inclusive meaning, and not exclusive meaning.

FIG.1shows a perspective schematic view of a thin type lock and unlock connector of a first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG.1, thin type lock and unlock connector10can connects with a flexible printed circuit board (FIG.1not shown).

The thin type lock and unlock connector10comprises a first shell12, a second shell14and a first insulator16. Also refer toFIG.2illustrating an explosion schematic of the thin type lock and unlock connector of the present invention inFIG.1. In a second embodiment, thin type lock and unlock connector10also may comprises a plurality of terminals26illustrated inFIG.8.

Also refer toFIG.3(a)toFIG.3(c), illustrating a view of the first shell inFIG.2of the present invention.FIG.3(a)illustrates a bottom view of the first shell inFIG.2of the present invention;FIG.3(b)illustrates a top view of the first shell inFIG.2of the present invention; andFIG.3(c)illustrates a side view of the first shell inFIG.2of the present invention.

The first shell12comprises a first body122, a plurality of first pressing parts124and a plurality of first fixing portions126. Herein, the quantities of the first pressing part124and the first fixing portion126are two as an example.

The first pressing part124and the first fixing portion126are respectively arranged on both sides of the first body122, that is a right side and a left side ofFIG.3(a)andFIG.3(b). InFIG.3(a)andFIG.3(b), a first pressing part124connects with the first fixing portion126and the first body122.

The first fixing portions126respectively provide a first fixing member1262, a third fixing member1264and a fifth fixing member1266, such that the first fixing portion126consists of at least a first fixing member1262, a third fixing member1264and a fifth fixing member1266. Wherein, the first fixing member1262extends forward a direction of the first body122(or called inward bending extension) and the third fixing member1264extends forward a direction away from the first body122(or called outward bending extension), that is, the extension direction of the first fixing member1262is opposite to the extension direction of the third fixing member1264.

In the first embodiment, the first body122further comprises a plurality of first openings128. Herein, the quantity of the first opening128is two as an example. The first opening128is disposed corresponding to a first locking member1442of the second shell14as described below. Specially, when a first elastic arm14422deforms, the deformation may not act onto the first shell12through a bulge of the first opening128.

In the first embodiment, the first body122further comprises a plurality of seventh fixing members1268. Herein, the quantity of a seventh fixing member1268is two as an example. The seventh fixing member1268protrudes above a first fixing portion126is in a protruding direction, said direction is almost vertical or vertical to the extension direction of the first fixing member1262and the third fixing member1264.

In the first embodiment, a plurality of first gaps1210are formed between the first body122and a first pressing part124, so as to partially separate the first body122and the first pressing part124, such that a deformation is easily generated through the first pressing part124suffering an external force.

In the first embodiment, the first body122forms a positioning opening1214, for being corresponding to a positioning column1616as described below.

Also refer toFIG.4(a)toFIG.4(c), illustrating a plurality of views of the second shell inFIG.2of the present invention.FIG.4(a)illustrates a bottom view of the second shell inFIG.2of the present invention;FIG.4(b)illustrates a top view of the second shell inFIG.2of the present invention; andFIG.4(c)illustrates a side view of the second shell inFIG.2of the present invention.

The second shell14comprises a second body142, a plurality of second pressing parts144and a plurality of second fixing members146. Herein, the quantity of the second pressing part144and the second fixing member146are both two as an example.

The second pressing part144and the second fixing member146are respectively arranged on both sides of second body142. The second pressing part144connects with the second fixing member146and the second body142. The second pressing part144is disposed corresponding to the first pressing part124. The second pressing part144provides a first locking member1442and a first elastic member1444. The second fixing member146connects with a first elastic member1444, and the second fixing member146is disposed corresponding to a first fixing member1262. Also refer toFIG.6, showing the first fixing member1262is stopped by the second fixing member146so as to confine the second fixing member146.

In the first embodiment, the second shell14further comprises a plurality of fourth fixing members1410. Herein, the quantity of a fourth fixing member1410is four as an example.

In the first embodiment, the second pressing part144forms a plurality of second gaps148, such that a first locking member1442and a first elastic member1444are partially separated. Furthermore, each one of the plurality of first locking members1442further comprises a first elastic arm14422and a first fastening block14424. Wherein, the first fastening block14424protrudes above the first elastic arm14422, and the first fastening block14424is accommodated in the first accommodating space SP1as described below, so as to be corresponding to a notch (figure not shown) of the flexible printed circuit board (figure not shown). The first elastic arm14422is disposed corresponding to a first slope S1. Herein, the first elastic member1444is illustrated by a U-shaped element as an example, if an elastic structure is just formed, is belong to an elastic member called in the present invention.

In the first embodiment, the second pressing part144further forms a plurality of pressing sheets1446. The pressing sheet1446is disposed corresponding to the first pressing part124. The pressing sheet1446is closer to the first pressing part124comparing to the first locking member1442and the first elastic member1444, such that the second pressing part144contacts the first pressing part124earlier than the first locking member1442and the first elastic member1444.

Also refer toFIG.5(a)toFIG.5(d), illustrating a plurality of views of the first insulator inFIG.2of the present invention.FIG.5(a)illustrates a bottom view of the first insulator inFIG.2of the present invention;FIG.5(b)illustrates a top view of the first insulator inFIG.2of the present invention; andFIG.5(c)illustrates a front view of the first insulator inFIG.2of the present invention, andFIG.5(d)illustrates a side view of the first insulator inFIG.2of the present invention.

The first insulator16comprises a third body162, a plurality of first action portions164and a plurality of sixth fixing members166. Herein, the quantity of a first action portion164and a sixth fixing member166are two as an example.

The third body162provides a first surface1622, a second surface1624and a first accommodating space SP1. The first surface1622combines with the first shell12, and the second surface1624combines with a second shell14.

The first action portion164and the sixth fixing member166are respectively arranged on both sides of the third body162. The first action portion164is disposed corresponding to the first locking member1442, and the first accommodating space SP1accommodates a portion (i.e., the first fastening block14424) of the first locking member1442as shown inFIG.11which is a front view of the thin type lock and unlock connector of the first embodiment. The first action portion164respectively forms the first slope S1so as to determine a deformation stroke of the first locking member1442, such that the first locking member1442is stopped by the first slope S1, furthermore the sixth fixing member166is disposed corresponding to fifth fixing member1266.

In the first embodiment, the third body162further comprises a plurality of second openings168. The seventh fixing member1268is disposed corresponding to second opening168. Furthermore, the seventh fixing member1268combines with the second opening168, such that the first shell12is confined in third body162.

In the first embodiment, the third body162further comprises formed a plurality of first recess1610. Herein, the quantity of a first recess1610is two as an example. The first recess1610combines with the fifth fixing member1266, so as to confine the fifth fixing member1266in the third body162.

In the first embodiment, the first insulator16further comprises a plurality of eighth fixing members1612. Herein, the quantity of the eighth fixing member1612is four as an example. The eighth fixing member1612is disposed corresponding to the fourth fixing member1410, so as to confine the second shell14in the first insulator16.

In the first embodiment, the third body162further comprises a formed positioning column1616, is disposed corresponding to a positioning opening1214of the first shell12. Through inserting the positioning column1616into the positioning opening1214, so as to confine the first shell12in the first insulator16.

Also refer toFIG.6, showing a sectional view through line A-A inFIG.1of the present invention. InFIG.6, according to the first shell12, the second shell14and the first insulator16as mentioned above, it is known that through the combination between the first fixing member1262, the second fixing member146, the fifth fixing member1266, the sixth fixing member166and the first elastic member1444, such that the first shell12, the second shell14and the first insulator16are buckled and combined with each other.

The first pressing part124is suffered an external force to forward a first direction, for example, theFIG.3(c)as an example, the first direction is a −Y axis (the figure faces down) direction. After a deformation of the first pressing part124, the first elastic member1444is suffered a deformation of the first pressing part124to further drive the first locking member1442to deform forward the second direction. For example, theFIG.4(c)as an example, a second direction is a direction of +Y axis (the figure faces up), such that after occurring a deformation of the first locking member1442, the deformation unlocks the flexible printed circuit board (FIGURE not shown) located in the first accommodating space SP1, and when a deformation of the first elastic member1444occurs, the first locking member1442locks the flexible printed circuit board in the first accommodating space SP1.

Also refer toFIG.7, illustrating a sectional view through line B-B inFIG.1of the present invention. InFIG.7, the first action portion164is showing as a structure of the first slope S1, such that first pressing part124applying an external force to the first shell12, i.e. the external force along a direction face down in the figure is applied to the first pressing part124, the first pressing part124intermediately presses pressing sheet1446resulting in a deformation of the first elastic member1444, further drive the first locking member1442to deform. Wherein, a deformation stroke of deformation of the first locking member1442is stopped by the first slope S1.

Return toFIG.3(b)andFIG.4(c), after the first locking member1442deforming forward the second direction, at least a portion of the first locking member1442protrude above the first opening128located in the first shell12as mentioned above. Through a structure of the first opening128, an objective for thinning the connector can be achieved.

In the first embodiment, at least one of the first shell12and the second shell14further comprises a plurality of ground electrodes1212,1412and a plurality of second recesses1614formed in the first accommodating space SP1of the third body162, a quantity of the second recess1614is equal to or more than a quantity of the ground electrode1212,1412. The ground electrode1212,1412are disposed corresponding to second recess1614, and the ground electrode1212,1412is disposed in the second recess1614.

In the first embodiment, the second shell14as mentioned above further comprises a buckling member1414, and the third body162further comprises slot1626, By combining the buckling member1414with the slot1626, the second shell14is buckled on the third body162. Wherein, a bump14142is formed on both sides of the buckling member14142, such that the buckling member1414is buckled on the slot1626, and through the slot1626buckled on the bump14142.

Please refer toFIG.8, illustrating an explosion schematic of the thin type lock and unlock connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG.8, thin type lock and unlock connector20similarly connects with a flexible printed circuit board. Differing from the present embodiment, an architecture of two shells in the first embodiment is changed to an architecture of one shell.

The thin type lock and unlock connector20comprises a fifth shell22and a second insulator24. The thin type lock and unlock connector20also further comprises a plurality of terminals26.

Also refer toFIG.9(a)toFIG.9(c), illustrating a plurality of views of a fifth shell inFIG.8of the present invention.FIG.9(a)illustrates a bottom view of the fifth shell inFIG.8of the present invention;FIG.9(b)illustrates a top view of the fifth shell inFIG.8of the present invention; andFIG.9(c)illustrates a side view of the fifth shell inFIG.8of the present invention.

The fifth shell22comprises a fifth body222, a plurality of fifth pressing parts224, a plurality of ninth fixing members226, a plurality of eleventh fixing members228and a plurality of thirteenth fixing members2210. Herein, the quantities of the fifth pressing part224, the ninth fixing member226, the eleventh fixing member228and the thirteenth fixing member2210are two as an example.

The fifth pressing part224and the ninth fixing member226are arranged on both sides of the fifth body222. Herein, the ninth fixing member226may be consisted of the first pin2262, the second pin2264and the ground member2266. Wherein, the first pin2262is formed on the leading end of ninth fixing member226corresponding to a fourth opening246as described below, the second pin2264is formed on an upper side of the ninth fixing member226, and the ground member2266is formed on a lateral side for providing a connection of a printing circuit board (figure not shown). An eleventh fixing member228is disposed on the leading edge A of the fifth body222, and a thirteenth fixing member2210is disposed on a trailing edge B of the fifth body222. Herein, a bump2282is formed on both sides of the leading edge of the eleventh fixing member228, so as to buckle a twelfth fixing member248as described below, i.e. the eleventh fixing member228is buckled on the twelfth fixing member248by the bump2282. Wherein, the leading edge A and the trailing edge B are located at a corresponding side. The fifth pressing part224connects with the ninth fixing member226and the fifth body222. The fifth pressing part224provides a second locking member2242and a second elastic member2244. The ninth fixing member226connects with a second elastic member2244.

In the second embodiment, the fifth pressing part224forms a plurality of fourth gaps2212, for partially separating the second locking member2242and the second elastic member2244, furthermore each one of the plurality of second locking members2242further comprises a second elastic arm22422and a second fastening block22424. The second fastening block22424protrudes above the second elastic arm22422, and the second fastening block22424is accommodated in the second accommodating space SP2as described below so as to be capable of being corresponding to the notch of the flexible printed circuit board. Furthermore, the second elastic arm22422is disposed corresponding to a second slope, so as to stop deformed the second elastic arm22422.

Also refer toFIG.10(a)toFIG.10(d), illustrating a plurality of views of a second insulator inFIG.8of the present invention.FIG.10(a)illustrates a top view of the second insulator inFIG.8of the present invention;FIG.10(b)illustrates a bottom view of the second insulator inFIG.8of the present invention;FIG.10(c)illustrates a front view of second insulator inFIG.8of the present invention; andFIG.10(d)illustrates a side view of second insulator inFIG.8of the present invention.

The second insulator24comprises a seventh body242, a plurality of second action portions244, a plurality of fourth openings246, a plurality of twelfth fixing members248and a plurality of fourteenth fixing members2410. Herein, the quantities of the second action portion244, the fourth opening246, the twelfth fixing member248and the fourteenth fixing member2410are two as an example, and the quantities of the second action portions244, the plurality of fourth openings246, the plurality of twelfth fixing members248and the plurality of fourteenth fixing members2410are equal to or more than the quantities of the fifth pressing part224, the ninth fixing member226, the eleventh fixing member228and the thirteenth fixing member2210.

The seventh body242provides a second accommodating space SP2. The second action portion244is arranged on both sides of the seventh body242. The second action portion244is disposed corresponding to the second locking member2242, and the second accommodating space SP2accommodates a portion (i.e., the second fastening block22424) of the second locking member2242as shown inFIG.12which is a front view of the thin type lock and unlock connector of the second embodiment. The second action portion244forms the second slope S2so as to determine a deformation stroke of the second locking member2242, such that the second locking member2242is stopped by the second slope S2. The fourth opening246is disposed corresponding to the ninth fixing member226. The twelfth fixing member248is disposed corresponding to the eleventh fixing member228. The fourteenth fixing member2410is disposed corresponding to the thirteenth fixing member2210.

In the second embodiment, the seventh body242may further comprise a socket2414corresponding to a second pin2264, so as to confine the fifth shell22in a second insulator24.

Wherein, through a combination between the ninth fixing member226, the eleventh fixing member228, the thirteenth fixing member2210, the fourth opening246, the twelfth fixing member248and the fourteenth fixing member2410, such that the fifth shell22is buckled and combined with the second insulator24each other. Furthermore, after the fifth pressing part224is suffer an external force to be deformed forward the first direction, the second elastic member2244is suffered a deformation of the fifth pressing part224to further drive the second locking member2242deform forward the second direction deformation, such that the flexible printed circuit board located in the second accommodating space SP2is unlocked, and when a deformation of the second elastic member2244does not occurred, the second locking member2242will lock the flexible printed circuit board in the second accommodating space SP2.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the fifth shell22mentioned above may provide a plurality of ground electrodes2214and a plurality of fourth recess2412formed in the second accommodating space SP2of the seventh body242mentioned above, Herein, the quantities of the ground electrode2214and the fourth recess2412are two as an example. The ground electrode2214is disposed corresponding to the fourth recess2412, and the ground electrode2214is disposed in the fourth recess2412. Wherein, the ground electrode2214is formed in the fifth body222.

The present invention is disclosed by the preferred embodiment in the aforementioned description; however, it is contemplated for one skilled at the art that the embodiments are applied only for an illustration of the present invention rather than are interpreted as a limitation for the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the various substantial alternation or replacement equivalent to these embodiments shall be considered as being covered within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be defined by the claims.