An extended FPC structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of extension type FPC structures, including the female seat plug-in including being arranged at the one end of first FPC line row, and the male seat plug-in being arranged at the one end of second FPC line row and being formed with female end plug-in plug-in cooperation, female seat plug-in has several pin terminals arranged in its plug-in interface, several pin terminals are bent and extend outside female seat plug-in, and are respectively welded on first FPC line row;Male seat plug-in has several spring terminals arranged in several insertion holes, several spring terminals are bent and extend outside male seat plug-in, and are respectively welded on second FPC line row.This extension type FPC structure provides reliable electrical contact and mechanical strength for two sections FPC line row by the plug-in cooperation of female and male seat plug-in, using the modular design of female and male seat plug-in, realizes structure simplification, space saving, cost reduction and multiple advantages such as easy maintenance, effectively breaks through the processing limit of FPC single length, meets the demand of battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flexible printed circuit board technology, specifically to an extended FPC structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of information electronic products, FPC (generally referring to flexible circuit boards) is a widely used type of circuit board product. In particular, it has the characteristics of being thin, flexible, rollable, low voltage, low power consumption, and low power consumption. Through embedded circuit design, it can embed a large number of compact components in a limited space. The automotive battery modules on the market use FPC busbars to replace the traditional wire harness connection method in order to achieve the purpose of collecting information such as battery module voltage and temperature.

[0003] Existing FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) lines are manufactured from rolls using a die-cutting process. The length of the FPC lines processed by the die-cutting equipment is fixed, which limits the length of the FPC product. However, in practical applications, battery pack modules used in some situations are made larger and longer. Due to the limitations of the application environment, the length of existing FPC lines cannot meet the requirements of the battery pack modules. On the other hand, excessively long FPC lines will exceed the processing capacity of the equipment. To address this, FPC extension boards are often used. These FPC extension boards are made by soldering two ribbon cable connectors onto a PCB circuit board, connecting the corresponding FPC lines to the corresponding ribbon cable connectors to extend the length of the FPC product. However, the structure of these FPC extension boards is complex, they occupy a lot of space, have high manufacturing costs, and are not conducive to the arrangement on battery modules. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the problem that in the prior art, the FPC line is too long and exceeds the equipment processing process. In this case, FPC extension boards are used. However, the FPC extension boards have a complex structure and high production cost, which is not conducive to their placement on battery modules.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an extended FPC structure, including a first FPC bus and a second FPC bus electrically connected by a plug-in structure. The first FPC bus has a plurality of first lines, and the second FPC bus has a plurality of second lines. The plug-in structure includes a female connector at one end of the first FPC bus and a male connector at one end of the second FPC bus that forms a plug-in engagement with the female connector. A locking structure is provided between the female connector and the male connector to keep their relative positions fixed. The female connector has a plurality of pin terminals arranged in its interface, which are bent out of the female connector and respectively soldered to the first FPC bus and electrically connected to the plurality of first lines. The male connector has a plurality of spring terminals arranged in a plurality of sockets and engaging with the plurality of pin terminals, which are bent out of the male connector and respectively soldered to the second FPC bus and electrically connected to the plurality of second lines.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, a first reinforcing plate is attached to the back of the first FPC busbar facing away from the female connector, and a second reinforcing plate is attached to the back of the second FPC busbar facing away from the male connector. Mounting holes are provided on the first and / or second reinforcing plates.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the female connector has a first set of fixing feet on both sides of its bottom that pass between the first FPC busbar and the second reinforcing plate, and the male connector has a second set of fixing feet on both sides of its bottom that pass between the second FPC busbar and the second reinforcing plate. The first FPC busbar and the second FPC busbar are respectively welded to the fixing feet.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate are respectively FR4 reinforcing plates or reinforcing steel plates.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, a number of pin terminals are arranged in two rows on the female connector plug, and have two rows of pins that extend out of the rear end of the female connector plug in a staggered manner. The two rows of pins are respectively bonded to the first FPC bus in a Z-shaped structure. The first FPC bus is provided with a number of pads that are respectively connected to the two rows of pins.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the rear end of the female plug is provided with multiple positioning blocks and multiple positioning slots formed between the multiple positioning blocks, and the two rows of pins are respectively inserted into the multiple positioning slots.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the female connector is provided with a limiting slot for mounting a plurality of pin terminals at intervals. Each pin terminal has a pin body that is snapped into the limiting slot, a pin head formed at one end of the pin body and passing through the connector, and a pin foot formed at the other end of the pin body and soldered onto the first FPC busbar.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, several spring terminals have several L-shaped terminal feet extending from the rear end of the male connector insert, and the several L-shaped terminal feet are bonded to the second FPC busbar.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, a guide structure is provided between the male connector and the female connector, the guide structure comprising:

[0014] The guide groove assembly includes a set of first guide grooves disposed on the top of the male connector plug, and a set of second guide grooves disposed on the inner walls on both sides of the plug interface;

[0015] The guide bar assembly includes a set of first guide bars disposed on the top of the plug interface and cooperating with a first guide groove, and a set of second guide bars disposed on both side walls of the male plug and cooperating with a second guide groove.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment, the locking structure includes a set of locking buckles disposed on the top of the male connector and a set of locking grooves disposed on the inner wall of the insertion interface of the female connector. When the male connector and the female connector are inserted into each other, the set of locking buckles and the set of locking grooves form a locking engagement.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:

[0018] 1. In the extended FPC structure provided by this utility model, the first FPC busbar and the second FPC busbar are electrically connected through a plug-in structure. The plug-in structure adopts a standardized female connector and male connector. The pin terminals of the female connector and the spring terminals of the male connector are directly welded to the two FPC busbars through a bending process, resulting in a strong connection and stable electrical performance. This achieves direct integration of the male and female connectors at one end of the two connected FPC busbars. Furthermore, a locking structure prevents the male and female connectors from falling off during the plug-in state, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection. This design allows for batch assembly of male and female connectors using automated equipment, reducing labor costs. Electrical connections between multiple FPC busbars are achieved directly through the plug-in connection of the female and male connectors, eliminating the need for adapter boards and cable trays that may be required in traditional extension solutions. This reduces component layers and makes the overall structure more compact. The extended FPC structure using this technology achieves multiple advantages through its plug-in modular design, including structural simplification, space saving, cost reduction, improved reliability, and ease of maintenance. It effectively overcomes the processing limitations of single FPC lengths, meeting the needs of large-size battery modules.

[0019] 2. In the extended FPC structure provided by this utility model, the ultra-long FPC is directly divided into at least two segments. Each segment can be independently produced and processed within the standard process capability of existing equipment, thereby avoiding the equipment processing bottleneck and yield reduction caused by excessive length of a single FPC. The length of each of the two FPC segments can be flexibly designed according to the actual application scenario. Then, the male and female connectors are directly integrated at the ends of the two FPC busbars. The male and female connectors are also designed for flat connection, and the thickness and volume of the entire connection area are effectively controlled. The plug-in cooperation of the male and female connectors provides reliable electrical contact and a certain mechanical strength for the two FPC busbars, which can ensure the stability and reliability of the connection during vibration, impact or long-term use. This extended structure design of the FPC structure realizes modular installation, simplifies the installation, maintenance and replacement process, and is suitable for scenarios with complex environments, compact space and high reliability requirements, such as battery modules.

[0020] 3. In the extended FPC structure provided by this utility model, since the FPC busbar itself is a flexible structure, and the axial force and torque generated during the insertion and removal of the male and female connectors can easily cause tearing or deformation at one end of the FPC busbar, firstly, the first reinforcing plate and the first reinforcing plate provide stable support for the female and male connectors respectively, preventing the FPC substrate from deforming or tearing during the insertion and removal process, and protecting the integrity of the connection between the welding terminals and the FPC substrate; secondly, since the two reinforcing plates are located on the back of the terminal welding area of ​​the male and female connectors respectively, the FPC can be locally kept rigid, thereby providing a rigid support surface for terminal welding, which facilitates the precise positioning of the welding points by automated welding equipment and improves the welding yield; furthermore, by designing mounting holes or snap-fit ​​structures on the reinforcing plates, they can be fixed to structural components such as battery module brackets by screws or snap-fits, keeping the position of the FPC busbar stable and avoiding line wear or connector loosening caused by vibration.

[0021] 4. In the extended FPC structure provided by this utility model, the fixing feet are inserted from both sides of the bottom of the male or female connector into the space between the FPC busbar and the reinforcing plate, which strengthens the connection strength between the male and female connectors and the two FPC busbars. The fixing feet are welded to the FPC busbar and the reinforcing plate to form a rigid whole, which is equivalent to adding mechanical anchor points at the bottom of the male and female connectors, preventing fatigue fracture of the solder joints or loosening of the contact points caused by vibration, and improving the vibration and impact resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a side view of the extended FPC structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the extended FPC structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the female connector plug and the first FPC busbar of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 4 For Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the female connector plug shown in the figure;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the male connector plug and the second FPC busbar of this utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. First FPC busbar; 2. Second FPC busbar; 3. Female connector plug; 30. Plug interface; 31. Pin terminal; 32. Pin foot; 33. Positioning block; 4. Male connector plug; 41. Spring terminal; 5. First reinforcing plate; 6. Second reinforcing plate; 7. Fixing foot; 81. Locking buckle; 82. Locking groove; 91. First guide groove; 92. Second guide groove; 93. First guide strip; 94. Second guide strip. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second" and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] Example

[0034] The following is a detailed description of this embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0035] This embodiment provides, as follows: Figure 1-5 An extended FPC structure is shown, comprising a first FPC busbar 1 and a second FPC busbar 2 electrically connected by a plug-in structure. The first FPC busbar 1 has a plurality of first lines, and the second FPC busbar 2 has a plurality of second lines. The plug-in structure includes a female connector 3 disposed at one end of the first FPC busbar 1 and a male connector 4 disposed at one end of the second FPC busbar 2 and forming a plug-in engagement with the female connector 3. A locking structure is provided between the female connector 3 and the male connector 4 to keep their relative positions fixed. The female connector 3 has a plurality of pin terminals 31 arranged in its plug-in interface 30. The plurality of pin terminals 31 are bent out of the female connector 3 and are respectively soldered to the first FPC busbar 1 and electrically connected to the plurality of first lines. The male connector has a plurality of spring terminals 41 arranged in a plurality of sockets and engaging with the plurality of pin terminals 31. The plurality of spring terminals 41 are bent out of the male connector 4 and are respectively soldered to the second FPC busbar 2 and electrically connected to the plurality of second lines.

[0036] The above-described implementation method is the core technical solution of this embodiment. Based on the standardized design of the plug-in structure, the female connector 3 and male connector 4 are used. The pin terminals 31 of the female connector 3 and the spring terminals 41 of the male connector 4 are directly welded to the two FPC busbars through a bending process, resulting in a strong connection and stable electrical performance. This allows the male connector 4 and female connector 3 to be directly integrated at one end of the two FPC busbars. Furthermore, a locking structure prevents the male and female connectors 3 from falling off during the plug-in state, ensuring the stability of the electrical connection. The male and female connectors 3 designed in this way can be mass-assembled using automated equipment, reducing labor costs. The electrical connection of multiple FPC busbars is achieved directly through the plug-in cooperation of the female connector 3 and male connector 4, eliminating the need for adapter boards and cable trays that may be required in traditional extension solutions, reducing component layers, and making the overall structure more compact. The extended FPC structure using this technical solution, through its plug-in modular design, achieves multiple advantages such as structural simplification, space saving, cost reduction, improved reliability, and ease of maintenance. It effectively overcomes the processing limitations of a single FPC length and meets the needs of large-size battery modules.

[0037] Since the FPC busbar itself is a flexible structure, and the axial force and torque generated when the male and female connectors 3 are inserted and removed can easily cause tearing or deformation at one end of the FPC busbar, it is further preferred to have a first reinforcing plate 5 attached to the back of the end of the first FPC busbar 1 facing away from the female connector 3, and a second reinforcing plate 6 attached to the back of the end of the second FPC busbar 2 facing away from the male connector 4. The first reinforcing plate 5 and the second reinforcing plate 6 are FR4 reinforcing plates, or they can be reinforcing steel plates. The reinforcing plates are attached to the back of the FPC busbar through a back adhesive process to provide rigid support and prevent circuit breakage or substrate damage caused by external force. This structural design serves several purposes. First, the first and second reinforcing plates 5 provide stable support for the female connector 3 and male connector 4, respectively, preventing deformation or tearing of the FPC substrate during insertion and removal, and protecting the integrity of the connection between the welding terminals and the FPC substrate. Second, since the two reinforcing plates are located on the back of the terminal welding areas of the male and female connectors, the FPC can maintain local rigidity, thus providing a rigid support surface for terminal welding, facilitating precise positioning of the weld points by automated welding equipment and improving welding yield. Third, by providing mounting holes or snap-fit ​​structures on the first and / or second reinforcing plates 5 and 6, the FPC can be fixed to structural components such as battery module brackets by screws or snap-fits, keeping the position of the FPC busbar stable and preventing line wear or connector loosening due to vibration.

[0038] For further optimization settings, refer to Figure 1The female connector 3 has a first set of fixing feet 7 on both sides of its bottom, which are inserted between the first FPC busbar 1 and the second reinforcing plate 6. The male connector 4 has a second set of fixing feet 7 on both sides of its bottom, which are inserted between the second FPC busbar 2 and the second reinforcing plate 6. The first FPC busbar 1 and the second FPC busbar 2 are welded to the fixing feet 7 respectively. This structural arrangement strengthens the connection between the male connector 4 and the female connector 3 and the two FPC busbars by having each set of fixing feet 7 inserted between the FPC busbars and the reinforcing plates from both sides of the bottom of the male connector 4 or the female connector 3. The fixing feet 7 form a rigid whole with the FPC busbars and the reinforcing plates by welding, which is equivalent to adding mechanical anchor points to the bottom of the male connector 4 and the female connector 3. This prevents fatigue fracture of the solder joints or loosening of the contact points caused by vibration, and improves the vibration and impact resistance.

[0039] The following is combined with Figure 2-5 Detailed instructions on how to configure male connector plug-in 4 and female connector plug-in 3:

[0040] The female connector 3 is provided with a limiting slot for mounting a plurality of pin terminals 31 at intervals. Each pin terminal 31 has a pin body that is snapped into the limiting slot, a pin head formed at one end of the pin body and passing through the connector 30, and a pin foot 32 formed at the other end of the pin body and soldered onto the first FPC busbar 1. After the pin terminal 31 is snapped into the female connector 3 by the pin body and the limiting slot, a snap-lock mechanical locking can be formed, which improves the anti-pull-out ability of the pin terminal. In a further preferred configuration, a plurality of pin terminals 31 are arranged in two rows, upper and lower, on the female connector plug 3, and have two rows of pins 32 that extend out of the rear end of the female connector plug in a staggered manner. The two rows of pins 32 are respectively bonded to the first FPC busbar 1 in a Z-shaped structure. The first FPC busbar 1 is provided with a plurality of pads that respectively connect the two rows of pins 32. The rear end of the female connector plug is provided with a plurality of positioning blocks 33 and a plurality of positioning grooves formed between the plurality of positioning blocks 33. The two rows of pins 32 are respectively inserted into the plurality of positioning grooves. The plurality of positioning grooves play a positioning role for the two rows of pins 32 extending out of the rear end of the female connector plug 3, which can accurately constrain the positional accuracy of the pins 32, thereby improving the mechanical strength and bending resistance of the pins.

[0041] In a further preferred configuration, several spring terminals 41 have several L-shaped terminal feet extending from the rear end of the male connector plug 4. These L-shaped terminal feet are bonded to the second FPC busbar 2. The first FPC busbar 1 is provided with several pads that connect to the L-shaped terminals respectively. With this structure, the male connector plug 4 is completely bonded to the surface of the second FPC busbar 2 through the horizontal section of the L-shaped terminal feet. Compared with the traditional vertically exiting spring terminals 41, this reduces the vertical space occupied. Furthermore, the increased welding area between the L-shaped terminal feet and the second FPC busbar allows for the formation of large-area pad connections, significantly improving the anti-peeling ability of the solder joints.

[0042] like Figure 3-5 As shown, a guide structure is provided between the male connector 4 and the female connector 3. The guide structure includes a guide groove assembly and a guide strip assembly. The guide groove assembly includes a set of first guide grooves 91 disposed on the top of the male connector 4 and a set of second guide grooves 92 disposed on the inner walls of both sides of the connector 30. The guide strip assembly includes a set of first guide strips 93 disposed on the top of the connector 30 and cooperating with the first guide grooves 91, and a set of second guide strips 94 disposed on the side walls of the male connector 4 and cooperating with the second guide grooves 92. This guide structure, through the guiding cooperation of the first guide grooves 91 and the first guide strips 93, and through the guiding cooperation of the second guide grooves 92 and the second guide strips 94, provides multi-dimensional guidance for the mating connection of the male connector 4 and the female connector 3, improving docking accuracy, distributing mechanical load, and enhancing structural reliability.

[0043] To prevent the male connector 4 and female connector 3 from becoming detached after mating, the locking structure includes a set of locking buckles 81 on the top of the male connector 4 and a set of locking grooves 82 on the inner wall of the insertion interface 30 of the female connector 3. When the male connector 4 and female connector 3 are mated, the locking buckles 81 and locking grooves 82 engage to form a locking fit. This structural design, through the mechanical locking formed by the engagement of the locking buckles 81 and locking grooves 82, effectively resists the separation of the connectors caused by external forces such as vibration, impact, and accidental insertion / removal, thus improving structural stability and durability.

[0044] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An extended FPC structure, comprising a first FPC busbar (1) and a second FPC busbar (2) electrically connected by a plug-in structure, wherein the first FPC busbar (1) is provided with a plurality of first lines and the second FPC busbar (2) is provided with a plurality of second lines, characterized in that: The connector structure includes a female connector (3) disposed at one end of the first FPC busbar (1) and a male connector (4) disposed at one end of the second FPC busbar (2) and forming a plug-in engagement with the female connector. A locking structure is provided between the female connector (3) and the male connector (4) to keep their relative positions fixed. The female connector (3) has a plurality of pin terminals (31) arranged in its plug-in interface (30). The plurality of pin terminals (31) are bent out of the female connector (3) and respectively soldered to the first FPC busbar (1) and electrically connected to a plurality of first lines. The male connector has a plurality of spring terminals (41) arranged in a plurality of sockets and engaging with the plurality of pin terminals (31). The plurality of spring terminals (41) are bent out of the male connector (4) and respectively soldered to the second FPC busbar (2) and electrically connected to a plurality of second lines.

2. The extended FPC structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back of the first FPC busbar (1) facing away from the female connector (3) is fitted with a first reinforcing plate (5), and the back of the second FPC busbar (2) facing away from the male connector (4) is fitted with a second reinforcing plate (6). The first reinforcing plate (5) and / or the second reinforcing plate (6) are provided with mounting holes.

3. The extended FPC structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The female connector (3) has a first set of fixing feet (7) on both sides of its bottom, which are inserted between the first FPC busbar (1) and the second reinforcing plate (6). The male connector (4) has a second set of fixing feet (7) on both sides of its bottom, which are inserted between the second FPC busbar (2) and the second reinforcing plate (6). The first FPC busbar (1) and the second FPC busbar (2) are respectively welded to the fixing feet (7).

4. The extended FPC structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first reinforcing plate (5) and the second reinforcing plate (6) are respectively FR4 reinforcing plates or reinforcing steel plates.

5. The extended FPC structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: A number of pin terminals (31) are arranged in two rows on the female connector (3) and have two rows of pins that extend out of the rear end of the female connector. The two rows of pins are respectively bonded to the first FPC busbar (1) in a Z-shaped structure. The first FPC busbar (1) is provided with a number of pads that connect the two rows of pins respectively.

6. The extended FPC structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rear end of the female plug is provided with multiple positioning blocks (33) and multiple positioning slots formed between the multiple positioning blocks (33), and two rows of pins (32) are respectively inserted into the multiple positioning slots.

7. The extended FPC structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several spring terminals (41) have several L-shaped terminal feet extending from the rear end of the male connector plug (4), and the several L-shaped terminal feet are bonded to the second FPC busbar (2).

8. An extended FPC structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: A guide structure is provided between the male connector (4) and the female connector (3), the guide structure including: The guide groove assembly includes a set of first guide grooves (91) disposed on the top of the male connector plug (4) and a set of second guide grooves (92) disposed on the inner walls on both sides of the plug interface (30); The guide bar assembly includes a set of first guide bars (93) disposed on the top of the plug interface (30) and cooperating with the first guide groove (91), and a set of second guide bars (94) disposed on both side walls of the male plug (4) and cooperating with the second guide groove (92).

9. The extended FPC structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking structure includes a set of locking buckles (81) on the top of the male plug (4) and a set of locking grooves (82) on the inner wall of the insertion interface (30) of the female plug (3). When the male plug (4) and the female plug (3) are inserted into each other, the set of locking buckles (81) and the set of locking grooves (82) form a locking engagement.

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