Flexible circuit connector

Details Flexible circuit connector Flexible circuit connector

1999-11-09

2001-03-20

Paumen, Gary F. (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

Coupling part with actuating means urging contact to move...

Having open slot for receiving preformed panel circuit...

C439S495000, C439S910000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06203345

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a flexible circuit connector, and in particular to a flexible circuit connector having a low to zero coupling force (moment).
2. The Prior Art
A flexible circuit connector connects a flexible circuit board to a rigid circuit board. The flexible circuit connector comprises an insulative housing mounted to the rigid circuit board. A plurality of slots is defined in the housing for receiving and retaining conductive contacts electrically connected to the rigid circuit board. An opening is defined in the housing in communication with the slots for receiving an end portion of a flexible circuit whereby conductive traces printed on the flexible circuit board electrically engage the contacts. An actuator is attached to the housing for securing the flexible circuit to the connector. The actuator may be detachable from the connector or movably mounted to the housing to render the actuator movable between an open position where a space is present between the actuator and the housing for the insertion of the flexible circuit and a closed position where the actuator engages and applies a force on the flexible circuit to secure the flexible circuit between the actuator and the housing and ensure proper electrical engagement between the flexible circuit and the contacts. Examples of conventional flexible circuit connectors are those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,989,336, 4,334,728, 4,449,773, 4,477,137, 4,647,131, 4,718,859, 4,778,403, 4,936,792, 5,639,260, 5,458,506, 5,580,272, 5,695,359, 5,695,360, 5,741,154, 5,753,709, 5,785,549, 5,824,883, 5,839,917, 5,895,287, and 5,904,586.
Some of the conventional flexible circuit connectors have a sophisticated structure which complicates the manufacturing process thereof and increases costs. Another disadvantage of the conventional flexible circuit connectors is that they require a large coupling force (moment) in securing a flexible circuit thereto. Furthermore, in certain cases, the conventional flexible circuit may not be effective in securing the flexible circuit.
It is thus desired to provide a flexible circuit connector, which overcomes the problems, discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a flexible circuit connector having a simple structure.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible circuit connector requiring a small coupling force in securing a flexible circuit.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a flexible circuit connector capable to effectively engaging and securing a flexible circuit.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a flexible circuit connector having an actuator fixed by an actuator retainer which also serves as a soldering tab of the connector.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a flexible circuit connector having inspection windows defined therein for visual inspection of proper seating of a flexible circuit in the connector.
To achieve the above objects, a flexible circuit connector in accordance with the present invention comprises an insulative housing defining an interior space for receiving a flexible circuit. Conductive contacts are retained in the housing, each having a concave portion extending into the interior space for engaging the flexible circuit. An actuator is pivotally attached to the housing for being moveable between an open position where an opening is formed between the actuator and the housing for insertion of the flexible circuit and a closed position where the actuator engages and thus securely retains the circuit board in the housing. The contacts are arranged to have the concave portions thereof substantially aligned with a rotational axis of the actuator for reducing coupling force required for moving the actuator from the open position to the closed position. At least one inspection window is defined in the housing in communication with the interior space for visual inspection of the flexible circuit received in the housing. The actuator has two spaced arms each forming a pivot pin received in a hole defined in the housing. A slot is defined in the housing extending from the hole for guiding the pivot pin into the hole. A retainer is mounted to the housing and engages the pivot pin for retaining the pivot pin in the hole. A soldering tab extends from the retainer for being soldered to a circuit board to fix the connector to the circuit board.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5498169 (1996-03-01), Ikemoto
patent: 5695360 (1997-12-01), Seto et al.
patent: 5785549 (1998-07-01), Takayasu
patent: 5842883 (1998-12-01), Igarashi et al.
patent: 5904586 (1999-05-01), Takayasu

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