Waterproof FPC connector
By introducing a waterproof membrane and multi-layer sealing gasket structure into the FPC connector, combined with threaded connection and rotating ring design, the problem of connector damage caused by liquid penetration is solved, achieving efficient waterproofing and multiple signal channels.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing FPC connectors are easily damaged by liquid penetration, and traditional vertical mating and threaded screw-in connectors are insufficient in terms of waterproof performance and the number of signal channels.
A waterproof FPC connector was designed, employing a waterproof membrane and multi-layer sealing gasket structure, combined with threaded connection and rotating ring design, to ensure that liquid cannot penetrate and to support multiple signal channels.
It achieves excellent waterproof performance and multiple signal channels, avoiding connector corrosion and damage due to liquids, and is easy to use and structurally stable.
Smart Images
Figure CN224082770U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of integrated circuit technology, specifically to a waterproof FPC connector. Background Technology
[0002] FPC connectors are flexible circuit boards, favored for their lightweight, thinness, and ability to be bent and fold freely. Made from polyester film or polyimide as a substrate, they are highly reliable and extremely flexible printed circuits. By embedding circuit designs into a flexible, thin plastic sheet, a large number of precision components can be packed into narrow and limited spaces, forming a flexible circuit. This type of circuit can be bent and folded at will, is lightweight, small in size, has good heat dissipation, and is easy to install, breaking through the limitations of traditional interconnection technologies. The materials used in the structure of flexible circuits include insulating films, conductors, and adhesives.
[0003] FPC connectors are printed circuits made of flexible insulating substrates, possessing many advantages that rigid printed circuit boards lack. They can be freely bent, rolled, and folded, arranged arbitrarily according to spatial layout requirements, and moved and stretched freely in three-dimensional space, thus achieving integration of component assembly and wire connection. Using FPCs can significantly reduce the size and weight of electronic products, meeting the needs of electronic products developing towards high density, miniaturization, and high reliability. Therefore, FPCs are widely used in aerospace, military, mobile communications, laptops, computer peripherals, PDAs, digital cameras, and other fields and products. FPCs also have advantages such as good heat dissipation and solderability, ease of assembly, and lower overall cost. The combination of rigid and flexible design also compensates to some extent for the slight deficiency in component load-bearing capacity of flexible substrates.
[0004] FPC connectors, as integrated circuit boards, are very susceptible to water damage. If water or liquid splashes occur, the liquid will connect previously unrelated circuits, causing short circuits and damage. High humidity in the air can also cause condensation on the surface of circuit boards or other electronic components and equipment, which can also damage the circuit boards.
[0005] Most electrical connectors use a vertical plug-in design. The advantage of a vertical plug-in design is its simplicity in manufacturing. However, there are large gaps between vertical plugs, allowing liquids to seep in and resulting in poor waterproofing. If the gaps are reduced, vertical plugs become very difficult to use. Threaded connectors offer better waterproofing, and most liquid containers, such as beverage bottles, use threaded connections. However, applying threaded connections to electrical connectors can cause wire tangling and damage. Some engineers have designed circular connectors, such as threaded DC plugs and antenna plugs, but these plugs only have two signal channels, limiting their application. Utility Model Content
[0006] Technical problems to be solved
[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a waterproof FPC connector, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section, such as connector damage caused by liquid penetration.
[0008] (II) Technical Solution
[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a waterproof FPC connector, comprising an FPC circuit board, wherein a waterproof membrane is provided on the outer side of the FPC circuit board, a waterproof interface is soldered on the FPC circuit board, and a waterproof connector is threaded onto the waterproof interface.
[0010] Preferably, the waterproof connector includes an electrical connector, a second connector ring, a third connector ring, and a fourth connector ring. The second connector ring is fitted onto the electrical connector, the third connector ring is fitted onto the second connector ring, and the fourth connector ring is fitted onto the third connector ring. The fourth connector ring has a first waterproof groove, and a first sealing gasket is adhered in the first waterproof groove. The second connector ring has an external thread, and a rotating groove is formed inside the second connector ring.
[0011] Preferably, a rotating ring is fitted onto the electrical connector, and the rotating ring is installed in a rotating groove.
[0012] Preferably, the waterproof interface includes an electrical interface, a second interface ring, and a third interface ring. The electrical interface is soldered onto the FPC circuit board. A platform-shaped base is soldered to the outside of the electrical interface on the FPC circuit board. The second interface ring is soldered above the platform-shaped base. The third interface ring is disposed above the second interface ring. An internal thread is formed inside the second interface ring. A second waterproof groove is formed on the second interface ring. A second sealing gasket is adhered in the second waterproof groove. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the electrical interface. The second connector ring is threadedly connected to the second interface ring. The third interface ring is sleeved on the third connector ring, and the end face of the third connector ring abuts against the second sealing gasket. The end face of the third interface ring abuts against the first sealing gasket.
[0013] Preferably, the FPC circuit board is covered with a waterproof membrane, and the waterproof membrane has through holes corresponding to the waterproof interfaces, and the waterproof membrane is sealed to the waterproof interfaces.
[0014] (III) Beneficial Effects
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a waterproof FPC connector, which has the following advantages:
[0016] 1. This waterproof FPC connector is equipped with a first sealing gasket and a second sealing gasket to prevent liquid corrosion of the connection between the waterproof groove and the sealing gasket, resulting in good waterproof performance. It is also designed as a threaded connector, and the electrical connector can be configured with multiple signal channels, offering excellent waterproof performance and ease of use.
[0017] 2. It is equipped with a first sealing gasket and a second sealing gasket. The two sealing gaskets are installed in opposite directions to prevent liquid from flowing into the waterproof tank, corroding the connection between the waterproof tank and the sealing gasket, and ultimately causing liquid penetration. It has a good waterproof effect.
[0018] 3. The electrical connector is equipped with a rotating ring. The rotating ring, in conjunction with the rotating groove, allows the waterproof connector to rotate while the electrical connector does not rotate relative to the electrical interface. The electrical connector can be equipped with multiple signal channels to prevent connector damage. Furthermore, the connector has a threaded structure, which provides better waterproof performance compared to plug-in threaded connectors. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof connector structure of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first sealing gasket of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the two rings of the connector of this utility model;
[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connector of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the waterproof interface of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the waterproof interface of this utility model.
[0027] In the diagram: 1. FPC circuit board; 2. Waterproof membrane; 3. Waterproof interface; 4. Waterproof connector; 5. Electrical connector; 6. Connector ring 2; 7. Connector ring 3; 8. Connector ring 4; 9. Rotating ring; 10. Rotating groove; 11. External thread; 12. First waterproof groove; 13. First sealing gasket; 14. Electrical interface; 15. Interface ring 2; 16. Interface ring 3; 17. Internal thread; 18. Second waterproof groove; 19. Second sealing gasket. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0029] Please see Figure 1-8 This utility model provides a technical solution:
[0030] A waterproof FPC connector includes an FPC circuit board 1, a waterproof membrane 2 on the outside of the FPC circuit board 1, a waterproof interface 3 soldered onto the FPC circuit board 1, and a waterproof connector 4 threaded onto the waterproof interface 3. The FPC circuit board 1 is wrapped by the waterproof membrane 2, the waterproof interface 3 is soldered to the waterproof membrane 2 and sealed, and the waterproof connector 4 is inserted into the waterproof interface 3. The aperture of the waterproof interface 3 that allows liquid to enter is blocked by the waterproof connector 4. Thus, the device is completely waterproof, preventing liquid from flowing or penetrating to the FPC circuit board 1, and the FPC circuit board 1 can be electrically connected to external devices.
[0031] Furthermore, the waterproof connector 4 includes an electrical connector 5, a second connector ring 6, a third connector ring 7, and a fourth connector ring 8. The second connector ring 6 is fitted onto the electrical connector 5, the third connector ring 7 is fitted onto the second connector ring 6, and the fourth connector ring 8 is fitted onto the third connector ring 7. The fourth connector ring 8 has a first waterproof groove 12, and a first sealing gasket 13 is adhered inside the first waterproof groove 12. The second connector ring 6 has an external thread 11, and a rotating groove 10 is formed inside the second connector ring 6. It is recommended that the first sealing gasket 13 be an elastic rubber sealing ring. The third connector ring 16 and the fourth connector ring 8 abut against the first sealing gasket 13 to prevent liquid from passing through gaps.
[0032] Furthermore, a rotating ring 9 is fitted onto the electrical connector 5, and the rotating ring 9 is installed in the rotating groove 10. The rotating ring 9 is smaller than the rotating groove 10, so that the electrical connector 5 can rotate within the connector ring 6, which prevents the electrical connector 5 from rotating relative to the electrical interface 14 when tightening the connector, thus preventing damage to the connector.
[0033] Furthermore, the waterproof interface 3 includes an electrical interface 14, an interface second ring 15, and an interface third ring 16. The electrical interface 14 is soldered onto the FPC circuit board 1. A platform-shaped base is soldered onto the outside of the electrical interface 14 on the FPC circuit board 1. The interface second ring 15 is soldered on top of the platform-shaped base. The interface third ring 16 is located above the interface second ring 15. An internal thread 17 is formed inside the interface second ring 15. A second waterproof groove 18 is formed on the interface second ring 15. A second sealing gasket 19 is adhered inside the second waterproof groove 18. The electrical connector 5 is electrically connected to the electrical interface 14. The connector second ring 6 is threadedly connected to the interface second ring 15. The interface third ring 16 is sleeved on the connector third ring 7, and the end face of the connector third ring 7 abuts against the second sealing gasket 19. The end face of the interface third ring 16 abuts against the first sealing gasket 13. The second sealing gasket 19 is recommended to be made of elastic rubber. The joint three-ring 7 and the interface two-ring 15 abut against the second sealing gasket 19 to prevent liquid from passing through the gap. Its function is similar to that of the first waterproof groove 12 and the first sealing gasket 13. However, when liquid seeps from the waterproof joint 4 to the waterproof interface 3, the liquid may seep into the first waterproof groove 12. The liquid corrodes the connection between the first waterproof groove 12 and the first sealing gasket 13, causing the first sealing gasket 13 to fall off from the first waterproof groove 12. The connection between the second sealing gasket 19 and the second waterproof groove 18 requires liquid to seep from the waterproof interface 3 to the waterproof joint 4 to potentially corrode and break. Setting two sets of waterproof measures can prevent liquid from seeping in from two directions, resulting in good waterproof performance.
[0034] Furthermore, the FPC circuit board 1 is covered with a waterproof membrane 2, and the waterproof membrane 2 has through holes corresponding to the waterproof interface 3. The waterproof membrane 2 and the waterproof interface 3 are sealed together. The waterproof membrane 2 and the waterproof interface 3 can be soldered together. The opening of the waterproof membrane 2 is set in the same way as the upper opening of the bottom platform of the waterproof interface 3. The soldering material of the waterproof membrane 2 is melted and soldered to the lower part of the platform base. This method can increase the sealing performance.
[0035] Working principle: When it is necessary to use this device to connect equipment, replace the connector on the equipment with the waterproof connector 4 of this device. The bottom of the waterproof connector 4 can be connected to the equipment with a cable. The cable passes through the waterproof connector 4 and is electrically connected to the electrical connector 5 inside the waterproof connector 4. Insert the waterproof connector 4 into the waterproof interface 3 and screw it so that 77 abuts against the second sealing gasket 19 and the interface three rings 16 abut against the first sealing gasket 13, thus completing the connection.
[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A waterproof FPC connector comprising an FPC circuit board (1), characterized by: The FPC circuit board (1) is provided with a waterproof film (2) outside, and a waterproof interface (3) is welded on the FPC circuit board (1), and a waterproof connector (4) is threadedly connected on the waterproof interface (3).
2. The waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waterproof connector (4) comprises an electric connector (5), a connector second ring (6), a connector third ring (7) and a connector fourth ring (8), the connector second ring (6) is sleeved on the electric connector (5), the connector third ring (7) is sleeved on the connector second ring (6), the connector fourth ring (8) is sleeved on the connector third ring (7), a first waterproof groove (12) is formed in the connector fourth ring (8), a first sealing rubber pad (13) is adhered in the first waterproof groove (12), an external thread (11) is formed in the connector second ring (6), and a rotating groove (10) is formed in the connector second ring (6).
3. The waterproof FPC connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electric connector (5) is sleeved with a rotating ring (9), and the rotating ring (9) is installed in the rotating groove (10).
4. The waterproof FPC connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The waterproof interface (3) comprises an electric interface (14), an interface second ring (15) and an interface third ring (16), the electric interface (14) is welded on the FPC circuit board (1), a trapezoidal base is welded outside the electric interface (14) on the FPC circuit board (1), the interface second ring (15) is welded above the trapezoidal base, the interface third ring (16) is arranged above the interface second ring (15), an internal thread (17) is formed in the interface second ring (15), a second waterproof groove (18) is formed in the interface second ring (15), a second sealing rubber pad (19) is adhered in the second waterproof groove (18), the electric connector (5) is electrically connected with the electric interface (14), the connector second ring (6) is threadedly connected with the interface second ring (15), the interface third ring (16) is sleeved on the connector third ring (7), and the end surface of the connector third ring (7) abuts against the second sealing rubber pad (19), and the end surface of the interface third ring (16) abuts against the first sealing rubber pad (13).
5. The waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The FPC circuit board (1) is provided with a waterproof film (2), a through hole is formed in the waterproof film (2) corresponding to the waterproof interface (3), and the waterproof film (2) is sealingly connected with the waterproof interface (3).