Flexible circuit connector

Abstract

A flexible circuit connector includes a 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 electrically engaging the flexible circuit. An actuator 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 into the housing 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.