Electric connector assembly and industrial camera

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric connector assembly and an industrial camera. The electric connector assembly comprises a flexible circuit board, at least two spaced rigid supporting pieces and at least two electric connectors. The flexible circuit board is provided with at least two electric connection areas; the rigid supporting pieces are installed on the flexible circuit board, each electric connection area is provided with one rigid supporting piece, and the rigid supporting pieces support the electric connection areas; and each electric connector is electrically connected with one electric connection area of the flexible circuit board. According to the scheme, the possibility of loose connection of the electric connector assembly with the plurality of electric connectors can be reduced, and the reliability and the stability of electric connection between each electric connector of the electric connector assembly and the flexible circuit board are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and in particular to electrical connector assemblies and industrial cameras. Background Art

[0002] With the development of social industry and the increasing dependence on industrial inspection technology, various industrial cameras are increasingly integrated into industrial inspection and production, and are used in factories, laboratories and other places to replace human eye inspection, replacing the visual fatigue of human eye inspection.

[0003] Industrial camera interfaces use aviation plugs as the transmission interface for data, power, and control. An industrial camera usually has multiple aviation plugs that are electrically connected to the flexible circuit board inside the industrial camera. After long-term plugging and unplugging of multiple aviation plugs, the connection between the aviation plugs and the flexible circuit board is prone to loosening. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides an electrical connector assembly and an industrial camera, which are beneficial to improving the reliability of the electrical connection between multiple electrical connectors such as aviation plugs and flexible circuit boards.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an electrical connector assembly, which includes a flexible circuit board, at least two spaced-apart rigid support members, and at least two electrical connectors; the flexible circuit board has at least two electrical connection areas; the rigid support member is mounted on the flexible circuit board, each electrical connection area is provided with a rigid support member, and the rigid support member supports the electrical connection area; each electrical connector is electrically connected to an electrical connection area of ​​the flexible circuit board.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present application, the electrical connector is arranged on the side of the corresponding rigid support member facing away from the flexible circuit board; the electrical connector has a conductive terminal, the flexible circuit board has an electrical socket, the rigid support member has a through hole that is at least partially connected to the electrical socket, and the conductive terminal of the electrical connector passes through the through hole to be electrically connected to the electrical socket.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present application, the rigid support member is an insulating plate; the rigid support member is connected to the flexible circuit board by at least one of bonding, hot melting, and clamping.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body, and the electrical connection area is arranged on the circuit board body; the flexible circuit board also includes a first connecting arm connected to the circuit board body, and the first connecting arm is provided with a first electrical connection portion at one end away from the circuit board body; and / or the flexible circuit board also includes a second connecting arm connected to the circuit board body, the second connecting arm is located on a side of the circuit board body away from the first connecting arm, and the second electrical connection portion is provided at one end of the second connecting arm away from the circuit board body.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible circuit board includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm, and the circuit board body is defined by intersecting length and width directions. Along the width direction, the first connecting arm is arranged on one side of the circuit board body, and the second connecting arm is arranged on the other side of the circuit board body, and each rigid support member is arranged linearly along the length direction.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible circuit board is provided with holes, at least part of the holes are located between adjacent rigid support members, and the wiring of the flexible circuit board avoids the holes.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present application, the hole between adjacent rigid support members is single; or, the holes between adjacent rigid support members are at least two holes arranged at intervals, and at least two holes are arranged in a direction that intersects the arrangement direction of the adjacent rigid support members.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present application, the circuit board body is defined by intersecting length and width directions, and along the width direction, the circuit board body has a first side and a second side; the flexible circuit board includes a first connecting arm, the first connecting arm is connected to the first side of the circuit board body, and / or the flexible circuit board includes a second connecting arm, the second connecting arm is connected to the second side of the circuit board body; at least two rigid support members are arranged linearly along the length direction; the flexible circuit board is provided with holes, and the routing of the flexible circuit board avoids the holes; holes are provided between adjacent rigid support members, and / or holes are provided in the connection area between the circuit board body and the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present application provides an industrial camera comprising an electrical connector assembly according to any of the above-mentioned solutions.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present application, a flexible circuit board between two adjacent rigid support members is provided with a folded portion, so that the two adjacent rigid support members can move away from and approach each other.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body and at least one connecting arm, the electrical connection area is arranged on the circuit board body, the circuit board body is defined by intersecting length and width directions, the connecting arm is arranged on one side of the circuit board body in the width direction, and an electrical connection portion is provided at one end of the connecting arm away from the circuit board body, and a folded portion is also provided in the connection area between the circuit board body and the connecting arm; each rigid support member is arranged linearly along the length direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present application, the flexible circuit board is provided with holes, at least part of the holes are located between adjacent rigid support members, and the wiring of the flexible circuit board avoids the holes; at least part of the holes are arranged in the folded portion.

[0017] The present application provides an electrical connector assembly and an industrial camera having the electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes a flexible circuit board, at least two spaced-apart rigid support members, and at least two electrical connectors. The flexible circuit board has at least two electrical connection areas. Each rigid support member is installed on the flexible circuit board and spaced apart at different positions on the flexible circuit board. Each electrical connection area is independently supported by its corresponding rigid support member, which can effectively disperse the stress generated by the electrical connector during the plugging and unplugging process. When some of the electrical connectors are subjected to external forces, the other electrical connectors can still maintain the stability and reliability of the electrical connection with the flexible circuit board through their corresponding rigid support members. The present application can reduce the mutual influence of each electrical connector when subjected to external forces through the independent setting of each rigid support member, reduce the problem of loose connection between each electrical connector and the flexible circuit board, and improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the aviation plug and the flexible circuit board during long-term plugging and unplugging of multiple aviation plugs, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the aviation plug and the flexible circuit board during long-term plugging and unplugging of multiple electrical connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive work, among which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the electrical connector assembly provided by the present application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of an electrical connector assembly; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a rear view schematic diagram of an electrical connector assembly; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of an electrical connector assembly; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of an electrical connector assembly; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic front view of a flexible circuit board and a rigid support member in an electrical connector assembly; Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a front view of a flexible circuit board in an electrical connector assembly; Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a flexible circuit board and a rigid support member in another embodiment of the electrical connector assembly provided by the present application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the installation status of the electrical connector assembly in the industrial camera provided by this application.

[0019] Description of reference numerals: 10. Electrical connector components 100. Flexible circuit boards 101. Electrical connection area 102. Holes 103. Electrical socket 104. Folds 110. Circuit board body 110A, first side 110B, second side 120A, first connecting arm 120B, second connecting arm 121A, first electrical connection portion 121B, second electrical connection portion 200. Rigid support 201, through hole 300. Electrical connector X, length direction Y, width direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0021] Industrial camera interfaces use aviation plugs as the transmission interface for data, power, and control. An industrial camera usually has multiple aviation plugs. When one aviation plug is plugged in or unplugged from an external cable connector, the other aviation plugs will also be subjected to the force, causing the solder joints at the interface to loosen, resulting in poor contact or, in severe cases, even the solder joints at the interface to fall off.

[0022] Based on this, the present application provides an electrical connector assembly, which is applied to an industrial camera. In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 5, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the electrical connector assembly provided by the present application, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a main view of an electrical connector assembly, Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A rear view schematic diagram of an electrical connector assembly, Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of an electrical connector assembly, Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The electrical connector assembly 10 includes a flexible circuit board 100, at least two spaced apart rigid support members 200 and at least two electrical connectors 300; Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a front view of a flexible circuit board and a rigid support member in an electrical connector assembly, Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a front view of a flexible circuit board in an electrical connector assembly, wherein the flexible circuit board 100 has at least two electrical connection areas 101 ( Figure 7 The medium gray area represents the electrical connection area 101); the rigid support member 200 is installed on the flexible circuit board 100, and each electrical connection area 101 is provided with a rigid support member 200, and the rigid support member 200 supports the electrical connection area 101; each electrical connector 300 is electrically connected to an electrical connection area 101 of the flexible circuit board 100.

[0023] Among them, the flexible circuit board 100 is made of flexible materials such as PI (polyimide) as a base material and has multiple wiring circuits therein. The flexible circuit board 100 is usually located inside an industrial camera. The flexible circuit board 100 is used to connect to circuit boards such as the main board inside the industrial camera to realize signal transmission between each electrical connector 300 and the main board through the flexible circuit board 100. For example, an electrical connection portion can be set on the edge of the flexible circuit board 100 to facilitate plug-in connection with the main board.

[0024] The flexible circuit board 100 has at least two electrical connection areas 101, which respectively correspond to the electrical connection of at least two electrical connectors 300. For example, the number of electrical connection areas 101 on the flexible circuit board 100 can be two, three, four or more, which respectively correspond to the electrical connection of two, three, four or more electrical connectors 300.

[0025] The electrical connector 300 serves as the interface for the industrial camera. It is used to connect to external cables (e.g., using a plug-in connection) to establish a connection between the industrial camera and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or industrial network. Specifically, one electrical connector 300 is electrically connected to a corresponding electrical connection area 101 of the flexible printed circuit board 100. The electrical connector 300 can extend from the interior of the industrial camera, penetrate the camera housing, and be exposed on the exterior surface of the camera. For example, it can protrude from the exterior surface of the camera housing to facilitate connection between the external cable and the electrical connector 300. For example, the electrical connector 300 typically has multiple metal conductive terminals. Each of the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 can be soldered to the wiring circuit within the corresponding electrical connection area 101. Once the electrical connector 300 is connected to an external cable, power and data transmission between the industrial camera and the outside world is achieved.

[0026] As an example, the electrical connector 300 can be an aviation plug, and correspondingly, the external cable has an aviation socket. The aviation plug can also be called a circular electrical connector. The aviation plug is a subcategory of the electrical connector 300. Its shape is circular, specifically a cylindrical pin electrical connector. Its basic feature is that the aviation plug and aviation socket have screw buckles. After connection, they can be tightened and fixed, and are not easy to fall off. The aviation plug and aviation socket contain contacts for transmitting data and power, and usually have a plastic or metal shell surrounding the contacts, which is embedded in an insulating material to maintain their alignment. These terminals are usually paired with cables. The cylindrical shape of the aviation plug makes the aviation plug more resistant to mechanical turbulence and impact damage. This application does not limit the type and structure of the electrical connector 300. In other embodiments, other types of electrical connectors 300 can also be used, such as rectangular electrical connectors.

[0027] In the present application, the electrical connector 300 has at least two, and illustratively, may be two, three, four or more. Figures 1 to 5 The diagram shows a case where there are three electrical connectors 300 . In other embodiments, the number of electrical connectors 300 may be other.

[0028] The rigid support member 200 is used to provide rigid support for the electrical connection area 101, which can limit the bending deformation of the electrical connection area 101 and maintain its flat state. It can facilitate the welding of the metal terminals of the electrical connector 300 during the process of welding the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 to the electrical connection area 101 of the flexible circuit board 100, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the electrical connector 300 and the electrical connection area 101 after welding. It can also reduce the risk of solder joints falling off due to pulling between the electrical connector 300 and the electrical connection area 101 after welding is completed, thereby maintaining a stable electrical connection between the electrical connector 300 and the electrical connection area 101.

[0029] In some embodiments, the rigid support member 200 is arranged corresponding to the electrical connection area 101, and each electrical connection area 101 corresponds to one rigid support member 200, and each rigid support member 200 is arranged at intervals, so that each rigid support member 200 can independently provide rigid support for each electrical connection area 101.

[0030] In other embodiments, a plurality of rigid support members 200 may be provided in one electrical connection area 101 , and the plurality of rigid support members 200 may jointly play a role in rigidly supporting the electrical connection area 101 .

[0031] The electrical connector assembly 10 of the above scheme provided in the present application includes a flexible circuit board 100, at least two spaced-apart rigid support members 200 and at least two electrical connectors 300. The flexible circuit board 100 has at least two electrical connection areas 101. Each rigid support member 200 is installed on the flexible circuit board 100 and is spaced apart at different positions on the flexible circuit board 100. Each electrical connection area 101 is independently supported by its corresponding rigid support member 200, which can effectively disperse the stress generated by the electrical connector 300 during the plugging and unplugging process. When some of the electrical connectors 300 are subjected to external force, the other electrical connectors 300 can still maintain the stability and reliability of the electrical connection with the flexible circuit board 100 through their corresponding rigid support members 200. The present application can reduce the mutual influence of each electrical connector 300 when subjected to external force through the independent setting of each rigid support member 200, thereby reducing the problem of loose connection between each electrical connector 300 and the flexible circuit board 100.

[0032] The situation where the electrical connector 300 is subjected to external force may be that during the process of assembling the electrical connector assembly 10 as a whole to the industrial camera, each electrical connector 300 is subjected to force from the shell or other components of the industrial camera; it may also be that after the electrical connector assembly 10 is assembled, the assembly gap of the electrical connector 300 is subjected to force due to assembly errors of each electrical connector 300 or manufacturing errors of the industrial camera itself; it may also be that after the electrical connector assembly 10 is assembled, during the use of the industrial camera, each electrical connector 300 is plugged in and out of external cables, which generates force on the electrical connector 300.

[0033] In some related technologies, each electrical connection area 101 is rigidly supported by a single rigid support member 200, and the single rigid support member 200 covers each electrical connection area 101 of the flexible circuit board 100. The single rigid support member 200 serves as the base of the flexible circuit board 100. With this support scheme, when a part of the electrical connectors 300 is subjected to external force (for example, a single electrical connector 300 during the cable plugging and unplugging process), the stress transmitted by the electrical connector 300 to the single rigid support member 200 cannot be released. Therefore, the stress will be transmitted to other electrical connectors 300 through the single rigid support member 200, causing the other electrical connectors 300 to be pulled and causing the solder joints between the other electrical connectors 300 and the flexible circuit board 100 to loosen and fall off. In the present application, multiple independent rigid support members 200 are installed on the same flexible circuit board 100 to rigidly support each electrical connection area 101 on the flexible circuit board 100. When a part of the electrical connectors 300 is subjected to external force, the stress can be effectively dispersed to reduce the impact on the electrical connection between other electrical connectors 300 and the flexible circuit board 100.

[0034] In other related technologies, in order to reduce the mutual influence of each electrical connector 300 during the plugging and unplugging process, a solution is adopted in which multiple flexible circuit boards 100 are independent of each other, that is, one electrical connector 300 is corresponding to a flexible circuit board 100, and each electrical connector 300 and its corresponding flexible circuit board 100 are installed separately. However, this solution increases the number of flexible circuit boards 100. Therefore, when each flexible circuit board 100 is assembled inside the industrial camera, it is necessary to connect it to other components inside the camera, such as the main board. First, it will bring complexity to the assembly, and second, it is necessary to design the layout of each flexible circuit board 100 to avoid mutual interference. In addition, since the flexible circuit board 100 itself is flexible, when the number of flexible circuit boards 100 increases, the assembly and layout in the industrial camera are relatively complicated and cumbersome; however, the present application adopts a single flexible circuit board 100, and each electrical connector 300 is connected to the flexible circuit board 100, which is conducive to reducing the complexity and cumbersomeness of the assembly and layout of multiple flexible circuit boards 100 in the industrial camera, and can reduce the mutual influence of each electrical connector 300 during the plugging and unplugging process through each independent rigid support member 200, which is conducive to improving the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between each electrical connector 300 and the flexible circuit board 100.

[0035] In some embodiments, see Figures 5 to 7 The electrical connector 300 is arranged on the side of the corresponding rigid support member 200 facing away from the flexible circuit board 100; the electrical connector 300 has a conductive terminal (not shown), the flexible circuit board 100 has an electrical socket 103, and the rigid support member 200 has a through hole 201 that is at least partially connected to the electrical socket 103. The conductive terminal of the electrical connector 300 passes through the through hole 201 and is electrically connected to the electrical socket 103.

[0036] Among them, the electrical connector 300 is electrically connected to the flexible circuit board 100 through conductive terminals. Specifically, the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 are inserted into the electrical sockets 103 of the flexible circuit board 100, and the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 are welded to the electrical sockets 103 of the flexible circuit board 100 by soldering or other methods.

[0037] Since the electrical connector 300 is disposed on the side of the corresponding rigid support member 200 facing away from the flexible printed circuit board 100, that is, the rigid support member 200 is sandwiched between the flexible printed circuit board 100 and the electrical connector 300, the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 need to pass through the rigid support member 200 before being electrically connected to the electrical receptacle 103 of the flexible printed circuit board 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, through-holes 201 are provided on the rigid support member 200 to physically connect with the electrical receptacle 103. The conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 can pass through the through-holes 201 on the rigid support member 200 and be inserted into the electrical receptacle 103 of the flexible printed circuit board 100. Each through-hole 201 on the rigid support member 200 can be formed into a through-hole structure by injection molding or machining the rigid support member 200.

[0038] In some embodiments, the number of conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300, the number of electrical sockets 103 of the flexible circuit board 100, and the number of through holes 201 on the rigid support member 200 are the same to achieve a one-to-one correspondence. The electrical connector 300 has at least one conductive terminal, and one conductive terminal corresponds to one through hole 201 and one electrical socket 103. For example, the number of conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300, the through holes 201 on the rigid support member 200, and the electrical sockets 103 of the flexible circuit board 100 can all be three, six, eight, or other numbers. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The figure shows a case where there are eight through holes 201 on the rigid support member 200 and eight electrical plug holes 103 on the flexible circuit board 100 .

[0039] In an embodiment in which the rigid support member 200 is clamped between the flexible circuit board 100 and the electrical connector 300, the through holes 201 on the rigid support member 200 can also guide and position the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300. The conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 pass through the through holes 201 on the rigid support member 200 and are then inserted into the electrical sockets 103 of the flexible circuit board 100. The connection design between the through holes 201 and the electrical sockets 103 enables the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 to have an automatic centering function during the insertion process. This embodiment also reduces the risk of displacement of the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 through the mechanical constraints of the through holes 201, which is beneficial to improving the connection accuracy and stability between the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 and the corresponding electrical sockets 103, and further beneficial to improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the electrical connector 300 and the flexible circuit board 100.

[0040] In this embodiment, the rigid support member 200 is sandwiched between the flexible circuit board 100 and the electrical connector 300. In other embodiments, the rigid support member 200 and the electrical connector 300 may be located on opposite sides of the flexible circuit board 100. In these embodiments, the rigid support member 200 can also play a role in rigidly supporting the electrical connection area 101. However, since the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 no longer need to pass through the rigid support member 200 and then be inserted into the electrical sockets 103 of the flexible circuit board 100, the rigid support member 200 no longer needs to be provided with through holes 201 for the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 300 to pass through.

[0041] In some embodiments, the rigid support member 200 can be a plate-shaped member, with its surface adhered to and fixed to the surface of the electrical connection area 101 to reduce the space occupied by the rigid support member 200 within the industrial camera. In other embodiments, the rigid support member 200 can also be in the form of a sheet, mesh, block, column, or other similar structure.

[0042] In some embodiments, the rigid support member 200 is an insulating plate, and the rigid support member 200 is connected to the flexible circuit board 100 by at least one of bonding, hot-melt bonding, and clamping.

[0043] The rigid support member 200 can be made of an insulating material such as hard plastic. When bonding the rigid support member 200 to the flexible circuit board 100, epoxy resin or hot melt adhesive can be used for fixation. When hot melt bonding is used, the rigid support member 200 can be locally heated to fuse it to the substrate of the flexible circuit board 100. When snap-fitting, the edges of the rigid support member 200 can be designed with snap-fit ​​structures that mate with slots on the flexible circuit board 100. This connection method facilitates a more stable mechanical connection and electrical insulation between the rigid support member 200 and the flexible circuit board 100.

[0044] The rigid support member 200 made of insulating material in this embodiment can effectively block unnecessary current paths between the flexible circuit board 100 and the electrical connector 300, reduce the risk of circuit short circuits, and improve the electrical safety of the overall structure. Through various connection methods such as bonding, hot melting or snapping, it can adapt to assembly requirements in different production environments and optimize assembly efficiency and connection reliability for different application scenarios.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110, the electrical connection area 101 is arranged on the circuit board body 110, and the flexible circuit board 100 also includes at least one of a first connecting arm 120A and a second connecting arm 120B connected to the circuit board body 110, the second connecting arm 120B is located on the side of the circuit board body 110 away from the first connecting arm 120A, and a first electrical connection portion 121A is provided at the end of the first connecting arm 120A away from the circuit board body 110, and a second electrical connection portion 121B is provided at the end of the second connecting arm 120B away from the circuit board body 110.

[0046] The circuit board body 110 serves as the foundation of the flexible circuit board 100. Each electrical connection region 101 is directly disposed on the circuit board body 110. A first connecting arm 120A is connected to the circuit board body 110, and its distal end is provided with a first electrical connection portion 121A for achieving electrical connection in a specific direction. A second connecting arm 120B is disposed on the other side of the circuit board body 110 and similarly has a second electrical connection portion 121B at its distal end for achieving electrical connection in the other direction. The first and second electrical connection portions 121A, 121B may employ, but are not limited to, plug-in electrical connection structures. A combination of different numbers of connecting arms may be employed, such as providing only the first connecting arm 120A, only the second connecting arm 120B, or both, to accommodate different electrical connection requirements. For example, one connecting arm may be used to connect to the mainboard of an industrial camera, while the other connecting arm may be used to connect to other circuit boards within the industrial camera.

[0047] Generally speaking, the flexible circuit board 100 is a single unit. A portion of the flexible circuit board 100 (the area used for electrically connecting to the various electrical connectors 300) can serve as the circuit board body 110, while the other portion can serve as the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B. The lengths of the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B, as well as the lengths of their internal traces, can be determined based on the signal transmission duration and the relative position between the desired electrically connected portion and the circuit board body 110. This application does not limit the specific size, shape, or internal traces of the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B, nor does it limit their positions relative to the circuit board body 110. Figures 1 to 7 An exemplary structure of the circuit board body 110 , the first connecting arm 120A, and the second connecting arm 120B of the flexible circuit board 100 is shown. In actual application, the electrical connection requirements between the flexible circuit board 100 and other components in the industrial camera may be used as the basis.

[0048] In some embodiments, as Figures 1 to 7As shown, when the flexible circuit board 100 includes both the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B, the circuit board body 110 defines an intersecting length direction X and width direction Y. Along the width direction Y, the circuit board body 110 has a first side 110A and a second side 110B. The first connecting arm 120A is connected to the first side 110A of the circuit board body 110, and the second connecting arm 120B is connected to the second side 110B of the circuit board body 110. The rigid support members 200 are arranged linearly along the length direction X.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B are respectively located on both sides of the circuit board body 110 in the width direction Y. This layout can balance the structural force of the flexible circuit board 100, and the multiple rigid support members 200 connected to the circuit board body 110 are arranged linearly along the length direction X, which is beneficial to the utilization of the space between the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B of the multiple rigid support members 200, so that the overall size of the electrical connector assembly 10 of the present application in the width direction Y will not be too large, thereby optimizing the spatial layout of the entire electrical connector assembly 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, refer again to Figures 6 and 7 The flexible circuit board 100 is provided with holes 102 , at least part of the holes 102 are located between adjacent rigid support members 200 , and the routing of the flexible circuit board 100 avoids the holes 102 .

[0051] Among them, the hole 102 is arranged in the area between adjacent rigid support members 200 on the flexible circuit board 100. This hole design forms a partially hollowed structure of the flexible circuit board 100 through the hollowing out of the physical structure. The shape of the hole 102 can be rectangular, square, circular, elliptical or an irregular structure. The specific shape and size are adjusted according to the force requirements. Laser cutting or stamping process can be used to form a through-hole structure at a preset position.

[0052] The routing paths of the flexible printed circuit board 100 are designed to avoid the hole 102 area. For example, by forming a ring routing area around the hole 102 or adjusting the routing direction of the routing, the circuit connection of the flexible printed circuit board 100 can still be achieved.

[0053] In this embodiment, by providing holes 102 at specific locations on the flexible circuit board 100, stress transfer between adjacent rigid support members 200 can be effectively blocked. When an external force acts on any electrical connector 300, the stress from that electrical connector 300 on the flexible circuit board 100 is transferred to the area where the adjacent electrical connector 300 is located. The hollow area formed by the holes 102 can serve as a stress relief space, reducing the possibility of deformation stress of the flexible circuit board 100 in the area where the electrical connector 300 is located being transferred to the flexible circuit board 100 in the area where the adjacent electrical connector 300 is located, thereby reducing the mutual influence and interference between the various electrical connectors 300 when subjected to external forces. In addition, compared to a solid-surface flexible circuit board 100, a flexible circuit board 100 designed with holes 102 can reduce its weight and has better bendability, making it more convenient to install the flexible circuit board 100 in an industrial camera.

[0054] In some embodiments, refer again to Figures 6 and 7 , the hole 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 is single.

[0055] In this embodiment, there is a single large hole 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200. The single hole 102 has a simple structure, is easy to process, and can form a larger hole area, making it easy to adjust the shape and size of the hole 102 to control the stress release effect of the flexible circuit board 100 in the area between adjacent electrical connectors 300.

[0056] In some embodiments, there are at least two holes 102 spaced apart between adjacent rigid support members 200 , and at least two holes 102 are arranged in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the adjacent rigid support members 200 .

[0057] For example, when adjacent rigid support members 200 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction X of the flexible circuit board 100, the holes 102 may be spaced apart along the width direction Y of the flexible circuit board 100. There are at least two holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200, and illustratively, there may be two, three, four, or more holes 102. The shapes and sizes of the multiple holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 may be the same or different, and the distances between the multiple holes 102 and any rigid support member 200 along the longitudinal direction X of the flexible circuit board 100 may be the same or different.

[0058] In this embodiment, the multiple holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 can form multiple stress release channels, which can disperse the stress of the flexible circuit board 100 without reducing the strength of the flexible circuit board 100 in the area between adjacent electrical connectors 300.

[0059] In other embodiments, when the holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 are multiple and spaced apart, the arrangement of the multiple holes 102 can be arbitrary. For example, the multiple holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 can also be arranged linearly along the length direction X of the flexible circuit board 100, and the multiple holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 can also be arranged in a matrix or a circular arrangement.

[0060] See also Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a flexible circuit board and a rigid support member in another embodiment of the electrical connector assembly provided by the present application. In some embodiments, the circuit board body 110 is defined by an intersecting length direction X and width direction Y. Along the width direction Y, the circuit board body 110 has a first side 110A and a second side 110B. At least two rigid support members 200 are arranged linearly along the length direction X, and the flexible circuit board 100 is provided with a hole 102, and the routing of the flexible circuit board 100 avoids the hole 102.

[0061] Among them, in some optional embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110 and a first connecting arm 120A, and the first connecting arm 120A is connected to the first side 110A of the circuit board body 110, that is, the flexible circuit board 100 has only one connecting arm. In these embodiments, the position at which the hole 102 is set can be located only between adjacent rigid support members 200, or only in the connection area between the first connecting arm 120A and the circuit board body 110, or the hole 102 can be set in both areas at the same time, and the holes 102 in different areas can be separated from each other or connected.

[0062] In other optional embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110 and a second connecting arm 120B, and the second connecting arm 120B is connected to the second side 110B of the circuit board body 110, that is, the flexible circuit board 100 has only one connecting arm. In these embodiments, the position at which the hole 102 is set can be located only between adjacent rigid support members 200, or only in the connection area between the second connecting arm 120B and the circuit board body 110, or the holes 102 can be set in both areas at the same time, and the holes 102 in different areas can be separated from each other or connected.

[0063] In some other optional embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110, a first connecting arm 120A and a second connecting arm 120B, the first connecting arm 120A is connected to the first side 110A of the circuit board body 110, and the second connecting arm 120B is connected to the second side 110B of the circuit board body 110, that is, the flexible circuit board 100 has two connecting arms. In these embodiments, the position at which the hole 102 is set can be located only between adjacent rigid support members 200, or only in the connection area between the first connecting arm 120A and the circuit board body 110, or only in the connection area between the second connecting arm 120B and the circuit board body 110. The holes 102 can also be set simultaneously in any two or more of these areas, and the holes 102 in different areas can be separated from each other or connected.

[0064] In this embodiment, the number of connecting arms of the flexible circuit board 100 may be one or two. One or both of the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B may be selected according to actual electrical connection requirements. The positions of the holes 102 may also be various. The holes 102 may be set only in the area between adjacent rigid support members 200, or only in the connection area between the connecting arm and the circuit board body 110, or simultaneously in these areas. The arrangement of the holes 102 is flexible and changeable. The holes 102 set in the area between adjacent rigid support members 200 can directly block the transmission of the deformation stress of the circuit board body 110 between adjacent electrical connectors 300. The holes 102 set in the connection area between the connecting arm and the circuit board body 110 can reduce the possibility of the deformation stress of the circuit board body 110 being transmitted to the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B, thereby reducing the possibility of the flexible circuit board 100 transmitting stress between adjacent electrical connectors 300 through the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B.

[0065] The present application also provides an industrial camera including the electrical connector assembly 10. The specific structure of the electrical connector assembly is similar to that of the aforementioned embodiments. Since the present industrial camera utilizes all of the technical solutions of the aforementioned embodiments, it at least possesses all of the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the aforementioned embodiments, and thus will not be further elaborated here.

[0066] Specifically, the industrial camera may include a shell. In the electrical connector assembly 10 of the embodiment of the present application, the flexible circuit board 100 and the various rigid support members 200 installed thereon can be located in the shell. The flexible circuit board 100 can be electrically connected to other components in the shell, such as a main board, through the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B, and the various electrical connectors 300 are exposed to the outer surface of the shell after passing through the shell to facilitate the plugging and unplugging of external cables and the various electrical connectors 300. In a further embodiment, the various electrical connectors 300 can protrude from the outer surface of the shell to facilitate the plugging and unplugging of cables, and the electrical connectors 300 will not occupy too much space inside the shell.

[0067] See also Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the installation status of the electrical connector assembly in the industrial camera provided by the present application. In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 between two adjacent rigid support members 200 is provided with a folded portion 104, so that the two adjacent rigid support members 200 can move away from and approach each other.

[0068] The flexible circuit board 100 is provided with the corrugated portion 104, which means that when the flexible circuit board 100 is not installed in the industrial camera, the flexible circuit board 100 is in a flat state. At this time, the flexible circuit board 100 is a flat board, and its surface has no wrinkles, grooves, local bulges and other corrugated portion 104 structures. When the flexible circuit board 100 is installed in the industrial camera, wrinkles, grooves, local bulges and other corrugated portion 104 structures are formed on the surface of the flexible circuit board 100.

[0069] The folded portion 104 makes the flexible circuit board 100 relaxed and not fully tightened / tensioned, providing a buffer space for the stress transmission of the flexible circuit board 100. Therefore, when an external force acts on one or part of the electrical connectors 300, the stress transmitted by the flexible circuit board 100 can be effectively released in the folded portion 104, thereby effectively blocking the stress from being transmitted to the area of ​​the flexible circuit board 100 where the adjacent electrical connector 300 is located. The area of ​​the flexible circuit board 100 where each electrical connector 300 is located can produce independent deformation. When a single electrical connector 300 is subjected to force, the areas of the flexible circuit board 100 where other electrical connectors 300 are located will not produce linked deformation.

[0070] The traditional installation method of the flexible circuit board 100 is a tension installation. When a single electrical connector 300 is subjected to force, the stress transmitted by the flexible circuit board 100 will be directly transmitted to the area of ​​the flexible circuit board 100 where the adjacent electrical connector 300 is located, causing the area of ​​the flexible circuit board 100 where the adjacent electrical connector 300 is located to produce linked deformation, thereby causing the solder joints of the adjacent electrical connector 300 to loosen or fall off; however, the present application provides a folded portion 104 on the flexible circuit board 100, which can effectively buffer and release the internal stress of the flexible circuit board 100 when it is transferred from the area where one of the electrical connectors 300 is located to the area where the adjacent electrical connector 300 is located, thereby reducing and blocking the transfer of internal stress of the flexible circuit board 100 between the areas where two adjacent electrical connectors 300 are located.

[0071] The shape of the wrinkled portion 104 can be wrinkles, grooves, local bulges, etc. In some optional embodiments, the wrinkled portion 104 is a wrinkled structure with a certain extension length, and the extension direction of the wrinkled structure intersects with the arrangement direction of each rigid support member 200. For example, the extension direction of the wrinkled structure can be perpendicular to the arrangement direction of each rigid support member 200. In this way, the wrinkled structure can effectively absorb the stress transmitted in the flexible circuit board 100. The cross-sectional shape of the wrinkled structure can be U-shaped, n-shaped, S-shaped, wavy, etc.

[0072] In some embodiments, the pleated portion 104 forms a folding structure, and a low-viscosity adhesive material can be provided between the overlapping parts of the folding structure, which is conducive to allowing the folding structure to form a more regular and stable structure when not under stress. On the one hand, it is convenient for installation, and on the other hand, it is conducive to reducing the risk of the pleated portion 104 being deformed and stuck, resulting in difficulty in stretching under stress.

[0073] Continue reading Figure 9 In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110 and at least one connecting arm. The electrical connection area 101 is provided on the circuit board body 110. The circuit board body 110 defines an intersecting length direction X and width direction Y. The connecting arm is provided on one side of the circuit board body 110 in the width direction Y. An electrical connection portion is provided at one end of the connecting arm away from the circuit board body 110. A folded portion 104 is also provided in the connection area between the circuit board body 110 and the connecting arm. Each rigid support member 200 is arranged linearly along the length direction.

[0074] Among them, at least one connecting arm may include at least one of the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B of the above embodiments, and the connecting arm electrical connection part is the first electrical connection part 121A on the first connecting arm 120A and the second electrical connection part 121B on the second connecting arm 120B. Optionally, in some optional embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110 and a first connecting arm 120A, and the first connecting arm 120A is connected to the first side 110A of the circuit board body 110, that is, the flexible circuit board 100 has only one connecting arm; in other optional embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110 and a second connecting arm 120B, and the second connecting arm 120B is connected to the second side 110B of the circuit board body 110, that is, the flexible circuit board 100 has only one connecting arm; in some other optional embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 includes a circuit board body 110, a first connecting arm 120A and a second connecting arm 120B, the first connecting arm 120A is connected to the first side 110A of the circuit board body 110, and the second connecting arm 120B is connected to the second side 110B of the circuit board body 110, that is, the flexible circuit board 100 has two connecting arms.

[0075] In this embodiment, the flexible circuit board 100 may have one or two connecting arms, and one or both of the first connecting arm 120A and the second connecting arm 120B may be selected according to actual electrical connection requirements.

[0076] In some embodiments, the flexible circuit board 100 has holes 102 , at least part of the holes 102 are located between adjacent rigid support members 200 , and the wiring of the flexible circuit board 100 avoids the holes 102 ; at least part of the holes 102 are disposed in the folded portion 104 .

[0077] In the industrial camera provided in this embodiment, holes 102 and wrinkled portions 104 are simultaneously provided on the flexible circuit board 100 in the area between adjacent rigid support members 200. Both the holes 102 and the wrinkled portions 104 can serve to release the stress transmitted inside the flexible circuit board 100. The combined design of the holes 102 and the wrinkled portions 104 can effectively absorb the stress transmitted inside the flexible circuit board 100, reduce mutual interference when different electrical connectors 300 are plugged in and out, and significantly improve the connection reliability of the multi-electrical connector structure.

[0078] Furthermore, at least a portion of the holes 102 are disposed within the pleated portion 104, thereby increasing the area of ​​the holes 102 between adjacent rigid support members 200 while also allowing the pleated portion 104 to perform its buffering and stress-relieving functions. In other embodiments, the holes 102 and the pleated portion 104 may be completely staggered, that is, arranged along the arrangement direction of adjacent electrical connectors 300.

[0079] It should be noted that, for the industrial camera provided in the present application, since both the holes 102 and the corrugated portions 104 on the flexible circuit board 100 can serve to release stress, the flexible circuit board 100 in the industrial camera of the present application can be provided with only holes 102, or only corrugated portions 104, or both holes 102 and corrugated portions 104 can be provided.

[0080] When the flexible circuit board 100 in the industrial camera of the present application is provided with both the hole 102 and the folded portion 104, the relative positions of the hole 102 and the folded portion 104 can also be various. For example, at least a portion of the hole 102 in the above embodiment can be provided in the folded portion 104, or the folded portion 104 can be provided completely away from the hole 102.

[0081] The terms "first", "second" and "third" in this application are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, the features defined as "first", "second" and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. All directional indications in the embodiments of this application (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) are only used to explain the relative positional relationship, movement, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0082] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present application and does not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made using the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector assembly, characterized in that: The electrical connector assembly comprises: a flexible circuit board having at least two electrical connection areas; At least two rigid support members spaced apart from each other, the rigid support members being mounted on the flexible circuit board, each of the electrical connection areas being provided with the rigid support member, the rigid support members supporting the electrical connection area; At least two electrical connectors, each of the electrical connectors is electrically connected to one of the electrical connection areas of the flexible circuit board.

2. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connector is arranged on a side of the corresponding rigid support member facing away from the flexible circuit board; The electrical connector has a conductive terminal, the flexible circuit board has an electrical socket, the rigid support has a through hole at least partially connected to the electrical socket, and the conductive terminal of the electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical socket through the through hole.

3. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The rigid support member is an insulating plate; The rigid support member is connected to the flexible circuit board by at least one of bonding, hot melting and clamping.

4. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body, and the electrical connection area is provided on the circuit board body; The flexible circuit board further includes a first connecting arm connected to the circuit board body, wherein a first electrical connection portion is provided at one end of the first connecting arm away from the circuit board body; and / or, The flexible circuit board also includes a second connecting arm connected to the circuit board body. The second connecting arm is located on a side of the circuit board body away from the first connecting arm. A second electrical connection portion is provided at one end of the second connecting arm away from the circuit board body.

5. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The flexible circuit board includes a first connecting arm and a second connecting arm. The circuit board body is defined by intersecting length and width directions. Along the width direction, the first connecting arm is arranged on one side of the circuit board body, and the second connecting arm is arranged on the other side of the circuit board body. Each of the rigid support members is arranged linearly along the length direction.

6. The electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board is provided with holes, at least part of the holes are located between adjacent rigid support members, and the wiring of the flexible circuit board avoids the holes.

7. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The hole between adjacent rigid support members is single; or, the holes between adjacent rigid support members are at least two holes arranged at intervals, and at least two of the holes are arranged in a direction intersecting with the arrangement direction of adjacent rigid support members.

8. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The circuit board body is defined by a length direction and a width direction intersecting each other, and along the width direction, the circuit board body has a first side and a second side; The flexible circuit board includes a first connecting arm connected to the first side of the circuit board body; and / or the flexible circuit board includes a second connecting arm connected to the second side of the circuit board body; At least two of the rigid support members are linearly arranged along the length direction; The flexible circuit board is provided with holes, and the wiring of the flexible circuit board avoids the holes; The holes are provided between adjacent rigid support members; and / or the holes are provided in the connection area between the circuit board body and the first connecting arm and / or the second connecting arm.

9. An industrial camera, characterized in that: The invention comprises the electrical connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The industrial camera according to claim 9, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board between two adjacent rigid support members is provided with a wrinkle portion, so that the two adjacent rigid support members can move away from and approach each other.

11. The industrial camera according to claim 10, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board includes a circuit board body and at least one connecting arm, the electrical connection area is arranged on the circuit board body, the circuit board body defines an intersecting length direction and width direction, the connecting arm is arranged on one side of the circuit board body in the width direction, and an electrical connection portion is provided at one end of the connecting arm away from the circuit board body, and the connection area between the circuit board body and the connecting arm is also provided with the folded portion; each of the rigid support members is arranged linearly along the length direction.

12. The industrial camera according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board is provided with holes, at least part of the holes are located between adjacent rigid support members, and the wiring of the flexible circuit board avoids the holes; At least a portion of the hole is disposed in the folded portion.

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