Floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector

Abstract

The invention discloses a board-to-board FPC connector with floating alignment. The board-to-board FPC connector comprises a female seat and a male seat. The female seat comprises a base and a floating module, and the floating module is suspended in a base containing cavity through a matrix type elastic supporting structure, can float transversely in multiple directions and is matched with a floating gap of a male seat butt joint cavity to achieve self-adaptive alignment adjustment. The floating module is provided with a ZIF type FPC interface and a conductive terminal, the terminal is divided into a welding part, an elastic contact part and a connecting part, the barb structure of the connecting part is reinforced and fixed, and the elastic contact part and the elastic sheet-shaped contact of the male seat form a dual compensation mechanism. The male seat butt joint cavity is provided with a guide inclined plane for assisting butt joint, and the floating module limiting column limits the floating range. According to the invention, the assembly precision requirement is greatly reduced, the assembly efficiency and the yield are improved, vibration and temperature deformation deviation can be offset, poor contact is avoided, the structure is compact, a conventional interface is compatible, the service life is long, and the structure is suitable for various electronic devices needing board-to-board FPC connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, specifically to a floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector. Background Technology

[0002] Board-to-board FPC connectors are widely used in electronic devices such as smartphones, automotive central control systems, and industrial sensors, serving as the means for signal and power transmission between two circuit boards. Existing board-to-board FPC connectors are mostly rigid mating structures, requiring extremely high alignment precision. Assembly necessitates high-precision equipment to compensate for tolerances, which not only increases overall assembly costs but also leads to low mass production efficiency. Forced mating can easily cause structural wear, reducing yield. Furthermore, under complex operating conditions such as equipment vibration and temperature deformation, traditional connectors lack effective floating compensation mechanisms, making it easy for conductive contacts and FPC gold fingers to deviate, leading to poor contact, signal attenuation, or even open circuits. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this invention provides a floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector, which can effectively solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] A floating board-to-board FPC connector includes a female connector connected to a first circuit board and a male connector connected to a second circuit board. The female connector includes a base and a floating module. The base has a receiving cavity at its center. The floating module is suspended in the receiving cavity by at least four elastic support structures arranged in a matrix, so that the floating module can float laterally in the receiving cavity.

[0006] The floating module is provided with an FPC connection interface for plugging in an FPC, and the FPC connection interface is provided with multiple conductive terminals.

[0007] The male connector includes a housing with a docking cavity adapted to the floating module. When the male connector docks with the female connector, there is a floating gap between the inner wall of the docking cavity and the outer periphery of the floating module. The conductive contacts of the male connector are in electrical contact with the FPC inserted into the FPC connection interface.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution, the elastic support structure includes a support column fixed to the bottom of the base receiving cavity, a spring sleeved on the support column, and a connector connecting the top of the spring to the bottom of the floating module.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution, the bottom of the floating module extends downward with multiple limiting posts, and the bottom of the receiving cavity of the base is provided with corresponding limiting holes. The limiting posts are inserted into the limiting holes, and there is a space for movement between the limiting posts and the inner wall of the limiting holes, so as to limit the floating range of the floating module.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, the FPC connection interface is a ZIF type interface, and the floating module is provided with a flip-up locking cover plate for locking the inserted FPC.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, the conductive terminal includes:

[0012] The welding section is used for welding to the first circuit board;

[0013] The elastic contact part, located inside the FPC connection interface, has an arc-shaped protrusion for maintaining elastic contact with the gold fingers on the FPC;

[0014] A connecting part connects the welding part and the elastic contact part, and a portion of the connecting part passes through the floating module and is fixed therein.

[0015] As a further description of the above technical solution, the connecting part is provided with an integrally formed barb structure at the position through the floating module to enhance its fixing force within the floating module.

[0016] As a further description of the above technical solution, the inner wall of the docking cavity of the male seat is provided with a guide slope, which is used to guide the floating module to smoothly enter the docking cavity in the initial stage of docking.

[0017] As a further description of the above technical solution, the conductive contacts of the male seat are elastic sheet-like contacts.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] The floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector of the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects during use:

[0020] The matrix-style elastic support structure, combined with floating gaps, enables multi-directional lateral adaptive adjustment of the floating module, significantly reducing assembly precision requirements. Dating can be completed without high-precision equipment, and the guide ramp further improves assembly efficiency and yield, making it suitable for mass production. A dual elastic compensation mechanism ensures stable conductivity. The macroscopic adjustment of the floating module, combined with the microscopic compensation of the terminal's arc-shaped protrusions and elastic sheet-like contacts, offsets deviations caused by vibration and temperature deformation, preventing poor contact and signal attenuation. Limiting posts and barbed structures enhance reliability, preventing excessive floating and terminal loosening, and extending service life. It is compatible with conventional interfaces, has a compact structure, and can be widely adapted to various electronic devices, combining practicality and versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a perspective structural diagram of the first part of a floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the second part of a floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the third part of a floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to the present invention.

[0025] Numbering on the map:

[0026] 1. First circuit board; 101. Female connector; 102. Floating module; 103. Limiting hole; 104. Limiting post; 105. Conductive terminal; 106. Support post; 107. Spring; 108. Receiving cavity; 109. FPC connection interface; 110. Elastic contact part; 111. Connecting part; 112. Welding part; 113. Base; 114. Connector; 2. Second circuit board; 201. Male connector; 202. Mating cavity; 203. Conductive contact; 204. Guide slope. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides a floating board-to-board FPC connector, including a female connector 101 connected to a first circuit board 1 and a male connector 201 connected to a second circuit board 2. The female connector 101 includes a base 113 and a floating module 102. The base 113 has a receiving cavity 108 at its center. The floating module 102 is suspended in the receiving cavity 108 by at least four elastic support structures arranged in a matrix, so that the floating module 102 can float laterally in the receiving cavity 108.

[0029] In this embodiment, the FPC is inserted into the ZIF-type interface on the floating module 102 of the female connector 101, and the locking cover is flipped to complete the mechanical locking of the FPC, ensuring that the FPC is in a stable fixed position on the floating module 102 and preventing the FPC from shifting during the subsequent floating process.

[0030] The floating module 102 is suspended within the receiving cavity 108 of the base 113 by four elastic support structures arranged in a matrix. The springs 107 in the elastic support structures are in a pre-compressed state, providing upward support for the floating module 102 to maintain its suspended posture, while also reserving space for lateral elastic deformation, allowing the floating module 102 to float flexibly in the horizontal direction. At the same time, the limiting post 104 at the bottom of the floating module 102 is inserted into the limiting hole 103 of the base 113. The movement space between the limiting post 104 and the inner wall of the limiting hole 103 limits the maximum floating range of the floating module 102, preventing excessive floating from causing structural damage or failure of the conductive terminal 105.

[0031] The floating module 102 is provided with an FPC connection interface 109 for plugging in an FPC, and the FPC connection interface 109 is provided with a plurality of conductive terminals 105.

[0032] The welding portion 112 of the conductive terminal 105 is fixedly welded to the first circuit board 1, serving as a fixed anchor point that does not move with the floating module 102, ensuring the basic stability of the electrical connection between the terminal and the circuit board; the connecting portion 111 penetrates and is fixed inside the floating module 102, moving synchronously with the lateral floating of the floating module 102, while the barbed structure of the connecting portion 111 enhances the fixing force with the floating module 102, preventing the terminal from loosening during displacement; the arc-shaped protrusion of the elastic contact portion 110 elastically fits the FPC gold finger, and when the floating module 102 drives the connecting portion 111 to move, the arc-shaped protrusion can offset the contact deviation caused by the displacement through elastic deformation, always maintaining a tight fit with the gold finger.

[0033] In the initial stage of docking between male seat 201 and female seat 101, the guide slope 204 on the inner wall of the docking cavity 202 of male seat 201 plays a guiding role. The floating module 102 is gradually slid into the docking cavity 202 through the contact of the slope, so as to avoid jamming or displacement in the initial stage of docking.

[0034] The male connector 201 includes a housing, on which a docking cavity 202 adapted to the floating module 102 is provided. When the male connector 201 docks with the female connector 101, there is a floating gap between the inner wall of the docking cavity 202 and the outer periphery of the floating module 102. The conductive contacts 203 of the male connector 201 are in electrical contact with the FPC inserted into the FPC connection interface 109.

[0035] During the docking process, the floating gap reserved between the inner wall of the male connector 201 docking cavity 202 and the outer periphery of the floating module 102 provides lateral adjustment space for the floating module 102. If there is a slight misalignment between the male and female connectors 101 (such as displacement caused by circuit board assembly tolerance or vibration), the floating module 102 will adaptively adjust its position in the horizontal direction under the action of the docking force and the elasticity of the elastic support structure until the conductive contact 203 of the male connector 201 is precisely aligned with the FPC surface, thus achieving automatic alignment compensation.

[0036] The conductive contact 203 of the male seat 201 adopts an elastic sheet structure. When in contact with the FPC, it can further compensate for minor alignment deviations through its own elastic deformation. Combined with the macroscopic floating of the floating module 102 and the microscopic elastic compensation of the conductive terminal 105, a dual compensation mechanism is formed to ensure that even under operating conditions such as equipment vibration and temperature deformation, the conductive path remains stable and there are no problems such as poor contact or open circuit.

[0037] This embodiment solves the problems of high alignment accuracy requirements, unstable contact under vibration, and low assembly fault tolerance of traditional board-to-board FPC connectors. The combination design of matrix elastic support structure and floating gap allows the floating module 102 to float laterally in multiple directions, effectively compensating for assembly tolerances when the male and female connectors 101 are mated. This eliminates the need for high-precision assembly equipment, reducing the overall assembly process requirements. The guide slope 204 on the inner wall of the mating cavity 202 shortens the mating alignment time, avoids structural wear caused by forced mating, and improves assembly efficiency and yield, making it particularly suitable for mass production scenarios. The fixed design of the welding part 112 prevents the terminals from detaching from the circuit board during floating. The arc-shaped protrusion of the elastic contact part 110 and the elastic sheet-like contact of the male connector 201 form double elastic compensation, which can offset the small displacements caused by equipment vibration and temperature changes, ensuring continuous stability of the conductive path, reducing contact resistance fluctuations, and minimizing the risk of signal attenuation or interruption. The barbed structure of the connecting part 111 enhances the bonding force between the terminal and the floating module 102, preventing the terminal from loosening or shifting due to long-term floating, and further improving the service life and reliability of the connector. The cooperation between the limiting post 104 and the limiting hole 103 can precisely limit the floating range of the floating module 102, avoiding fatigue damage to the elastic support structure and bending failure of the conductive terminal 105 due to excessive floating, thus protecting the core components from damage. At the same time, no special modifications are required to the FPC or circuit board, and it is compatible with conventional ZIF type FPC interfaces and standard conductive contact 203 designs, and can be widely used in various electronic devices that require board-to-board FPC connections, such as smartphones, tablets, automotive central control systems, and industrial sensors. The integrated structure of the elastic support structure, limiting structure, and conductive terminal 105 achieves the floating function without significantly increasing the overall size of the connector.

[0038] Furthermore, the elastic support structure includes a support column 106 fixed to the bottom of the receiving cavity 108 of the base 113, a spring 107 sleeved on the support column 106, and a connector 114 connecting the top of the spring 107 to the bottom of the floating module 102.

[0039] The support column 106 is vertically fixed to the bottom of the receiving cavity 108 of the base 113, serving as a structural reference. The spring 107 is coaxially sleeved on the support column 106 and is in a pre-compressed state. It provides continuous upward support for the floating module 102, ensuring that the floating module 102 is stably suspended in the receiving cavity 108. Furthermore, the elastic deformation characteristics of the spring 107 itself reserve space for lateral displacement of the floating module 102. The connector 114 is fixed between the top of the spring 107 and the bottom of the floating module 102, realizing the rigid transmission of the spring force of the spring 107 to the floating module 102. This ensures that when the floating module 102 is subjected to external forces such as contact force or vibration, it can float flexibly in the horizontal direction through the extension and lateral deformation of the spring 107. The four structures arranged in a matrix ensure that the floating module 102 is subjected to uniform force, avoiding tilting or jamming caused by force on one side, and guaranteeing the stability of the floating motion.

[0040] The matrix distribution ensures that the floating module 102 is subjected to balanced forces in all directions, maintaining a horizontal attitude throughout the floating process and preventing misalignment of the FPC and the contact point of the seat 201 due to tilting.

[0041] Furthermore, the bottom of the floating module 102 extends downward with multiple limiting posts 104, and the bottom of the receiving cavity 108 of the base 113 is provided with a corresponding limiting hole 103. The limiting posts 104 are inserted into the limiting holes 103, and there is a space for movement between the limiting posts 104 and the inner wall of the limiting holes 103, so as to limit the floating range of the floating module 102.

[0042] The limiting post 104 is vertically inserted into the corresponding limiting hole 103, and the outer diameter of the limiting post 104 is smaller than the inner diameter of the limiting hole 103. The reserved space between the two is just matched with the normal floating stroke required by the floating module 102. When the floating module 102 undergoes excessive displacement due to assembly deviation, severe vibration or other factors, the outer wall of the limiting post 104 will contact the inner wall of the limiting hole 103 to form a mechanical block, restricting the floating module 102 from continuing to move, thereby controlling the floating range within the preset safe range and avoiding exceeding the elastic limit of the spring 107 or the deformation threshold of the conductive terminal 105.

[0043] Furthermore, the FPC connection interface 109 is a ZIF type interface, and the floating module 102 is provided with a flip-up locking cover plate for locking the inserted FPC.

[0044] The FPC connection interface 109 adopts a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) structure, which allows the FPC to be smoothly inserted into the interface without applying excessive insertion force during assembly, avoiding damage to the FPC's gold fingers during insertion. The flip-up locking cover on the floating module 102 achieves mechanical locking through a flipping action after the FPC is inserted into place. After the cover flips, it forms a clamping force with the inner wall of the interface, firmly fixing the FPC in the interface and preventing the FPC from loosening, shifting, or falling off during the movement of the floating module 102 or equipment vibration. At the same time, the flip-up structure design of the locking cover allows for quick unlocking, facilitating the inspection and replacement of the FPC.

[0045] Furthermore, the conductive terminal 105 includes:

[0046] Welding part 112 is used for welding to the first circuit board 1;

[0047] The welding part 112 is directly welded to the first circuit board 1 and serves as the fixed anchor point for the entire terminal. It does not move with the floating module 102, thus ensuring the stability of the electrical connection between the terminal and the circuit board.

[0048] The elastic contact portion 110 is located within the FPC connection interface 109 and has an arc-shaped protrusion for maintaining elastic contact with the gold fingers on the FPC.

[0049] The elastic contact portion 110 is located within the FPC connection interface and adopts an arc-shaped protrusion elastic structure, serving as the core of terminal compensation. When the floating module 102 drives the connection portion 111 to move, the elastic deformation of the arc-shaped protrusion can offset the contact deviation caused by the displacement, always maintaining a tight fit with the FPC gold fingers and avoiding poor contact.

[0050] The connecting part 111 connects the welding part 112 and the elastic contact part 110. A portion of the connecting part 111 passes through the floating module 102 and is fixed therein.

[0051] It runs through and is fixed inside the floating module 102. It is the follower segment of the terminal and will follow the lateral floating synchronous displacement of the floating module 102.

[0052] The welding part 112 is directly welded and fixed to the first circuit board 1, serving as the fixed anchor point for the entire terminal. It does not move with the floating module 102, ensuring the basic stability of the electrical connection between the terminal and the circuit board and avoiding the impact of floating motion on welding reliability. The connecting part 111 passes through the floating module 102 and is fixed therein, serving as the follower section of the terminal. It can follow the lateral floating and synchronous displacement of the floating module 102, realizing the linkage between the terminal and the floating module 102. The elastic contact part 110 is located inside the FPC connection interface 109. The arc-shaped protrusion structure has good elastic deformation capability. When the floating module 102 drives the connecting part 111 to move, the arc-shaped protrusion can offset the contact deviation caused by the displacement through its own elastic deformation, always maintaining a tight fit with the FPC gold finger and ensuring unobstructed conductive path.

[0053] Furthermore, the connecting part 111 is provided with an integrally formed barb structure at the position through the floating module 102 to enhance its fixing force within the floating module 102.

[0054] The barb structure is integrally formed with the connecting part 111 and is located at the position where the connecting part 111 passes through the floating module 102. It is serrated or hooked. When the connecting part 111 passes through the floating module 102, the barb structure can pass smoothly through the mounting hole of the floating module 102 due to its own tilt angle. After installation, the reverse tooth surface of the barb structure is tightly engaged with the inner wall of the mounting hole of the floating module 102, forming a mechanical anti-detachment resistance, which prevents the connecting part 111 from loosening or displacing in the axial or radial direction. This enhances the fixing force of the connecting part 111 in the floating module 102, so that the connecting part 111 and the floating module 102 form a stable whole, ensuring that the connecting part 111 can accurately follow the floating module 102 to float synchronously.

[0055] Furthermore, the inner wall of the docking cavity 202 of the male seat 201 is provided with a guide slope 204, which is used to guide the floating module 102 to smoothly enter the docking cavity 202 in the initial stage of docking.

[0056] A guide ramp 204 is arranged around the entrance of the docking cavity 202 of the male seat 201, and is flared (wider at the outer end and narrower at the inner end). During the initial docking of the male and female seats 101, the top of the floating module 102 contacts the guide ramp 204 first. The inclination angle of the ramp generates a lateral guiding force, which can automatically correct minor alignment deviations between the floating module 102 and the docking cavity 202, guiding the floating module 102 smoothly into the docking cavity 202 along the ramp's trajectory. As the docking process progresses, the guide ramp 204 gradually contracts, precisely guiding the floating module 102 to the center position of the docking cavity 202, ensuring a smooth docking process and avoiding jamming, misalignment, or hard collisions.

[0057] Furthermore, the conductive contact 203 of the male seat 201 is an elastic sheet-like contact.

[0058] The conductive contact 203 of the male connector 201 adopts an elastic sheet structure, which has good elastic deformation capability. After the male and female connectors 101 are connected, the elastic sheet contact comes into contact with the FPC surface and generates slight compression deformation. The elastic force generated by the deformation makes the contact tightly fit with the gold fingers of the FPC. When the equipment vibrates or the floating module 102 undergoes slight adjustments, the elastic sheet contact can further compensate for the slight alignment deviation through its own elastic deformation, always maintaining the contact pressure with the FPC. Combined with the macroscopic floating of the floating module 102 and the microscopic compensation of the conductive terminal 105, the conductive path is kept stable.

[0059] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A floating-alignment board-to-board FPC connector, comprising a female connector connected to a first circuit board and a male connector connected to a second circuit board, characterized in that: The female base includes a base and a floating module. The base has a receiving cavity at its center. The floating module is suspended in the receiving cavity by at least four elastic support structures arranged in a matrix, so that the floating module can float laterally in the receiving cavity. The floating module is provided with an FPC connection interface for plugging in an FPC, and the FPC connection interface is provided with multiple conductive terminals. The male connector includes a housing with a docking cavity adapted to the floating module. When the male connector docks with the female connector, there is a floating gap between the inner wall of the docking cavity and the outer periphery of the floating module. The conductive contacts of the male connector are in electrical contact with the FPC inserted into the FPC connection interface.

2. The floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic support structure includes a support column fixed to the bottom of the base cavity, a spring sleeved on the support column, and a connector connecting the top of the spring to the bottom of the floating module.

3. A floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the floating module extends downward with multiple limiting posts, and the bottom of the receiving cavity of the base is provided with corresponding limiting holes. The limiting posts are inserted into the limiting holes, and there is a space for movement between the limiting posts and the inner wall of the limiting holes, so as to limit the floating range of the floating module.

4. A floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The FPC connection interface is a ZIF type interface, and the floating module is provided with a flip-up locking cover for locking the inserted FPC.

5. A floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive terminal includes: The welding section is used for welding to the first circuit board; The elastic contact part, located inside the FPC connection interface, has an arc-shaped protrusion for maintaining elastic contact with the gold fingers on the FPC; A connecting part connects the welding part and the elastic contact part, and a portion of the connecting part passes through the floating module and is fixed therein.

6. A floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The connecting part has an integrally formed barb structure at the position where it passes through the floating module, which is used to enhance its fixing force within the floating module.

7. A floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the docking cavity of the male seat is provided with a guide slope to guide the floating module to smoothly enter the docking cavity in the initial stage of docking.

8. A floating alignment board-to-board FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive contacts of the male seat are elastic sheet-like contacts.

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