Single-row waterproof FPC connector

Abstract

The application provides a single-row waterproof FPC connector, which comprises a male end assembly and a female end assembly; the male end assembly comprises a first shell, an elastic check ring and an FPC plate; the female end assembly comprises a second shell and a plurality of elastic sheet terminals corresponding to the FPC plate; the first shell is provided with a first stepped portion; the elastic check ring is arranged around the first stepped portion; the FPC plate is arranged in the first shell; the second shell is provided with a second stepped portion corresponding to the first stepped portion; when the male end assembly is connected with the female end assembly, the second stepped portion is arranged around the elastic check ring and abuts against the first stepped portion, so that the first stepped portion and the second stepped portion form a closed structure; and the elastic sheet terminals are connected with the FPC plate. The closed structure between the elastic check ring, the first stepped portion and the second stepped portion makes the connector have a higher sealing level, reaches the IP67 or above standard, and still keeps normal work even if immersed in water for a short time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical connection technology, and in particular to a single-row waterproof FPC connector. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the accelerated electrification, intelligentization, and localization of the automotive industry, the automotive connector market has experienced significant growth. As a key component for signal and energy transmission, automotive-grade FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) connectors play an indispensable role in automobiles. These connectors are becoming increasingly segmented and precise, requiring comprehensive, reliable, and stable functionality to adapt to complex application environments. This presents higher standards and challenges for technological advancements and manufacturers. Simultaneously, the design of FPC connectors must consider their reliability under extreme conditions.

[0003] However, while existing FPC connectors have achieved precision and miniaturization, they are not good at environmental protection, especially in terms of waterproof performance. Most of them can only reach the anti-condensation level, which is difficult to meet the application scenarios with high waterproof requirements. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide a single-row waterproof FPC connector that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] This application provides a single-row waterproof FPC connector, including: a male terminal assembly and a female terminal assembly; the male terminal assembly includes a first housing, an elastic retaining ring and an FPC board; the female terminal assembly includes a second housing and a plurality of spring-loaded terminals corresponding to the FPC board; The first housing has a first stepped portion; the elastic retaining ring is arranged around the first stepped portion; the FPC board passes through the first housing; the second housing has a second stepped portion corresponding to the first stepped portion; When the male terminal component is connected to the female terminal component, the second stepped portion is disposed around the elastic retaining ring and abuts against the first stepped portion, so that the first stepped portion and the second stepped portion form a closed structure; the spring contact terminal is connected to the FPC board.

[0006] Furthermore, it also includes: a first locking member; the first locking member passing through the first housing; the first locking member having a positioning part; the FPC board having a limiting hole corresponding to the positioning part; When the first locking member is in the target locking position, the first locking member abuts against the FPC plate, and the positioning part passes through the limiting hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the first locking member is provided with a first latching position and a second latching position; the first housing is provided with a latching position corresponding to the first latching position and the second latching position; When the first locking member is in the initial position, the latching position is engaged with the first latching position; When the first locking member is in the target locking position, the latching position is engaged with the second latching position.

[0008] Furthermore, the FPC board is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part; the first limiting part and the second limiting part are asymmetrical structures; The first housing is provided with a first abutting part corresponding to the first limiting part, and a second abutting part corresponding to the second limiting part; The first limiting part is connected to the first abutting part; the second limiting part is connected to the second abutting part.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes: a second locking member; the first housing is provided with a latching portion; the second housing is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion corresponding to the latching portion; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, one side of the latching part is engaged with the latching part; the second locking member is disposed on the other side of the latching part and is engaged with the first housing, so that the engagement state of the latching part and the latching part is locked.

[0010] Furthermore, the second locking member is provided with a limiting protrusion; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, the limiting protrusion passes through and abuts against the buckle portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the latching part includes two parts; the latching parts are respectively disposed on different sides of the first housing; The second locking member comprises two parts; each of the second locking members corresponds to one of the latching parts.

[0012] Furthermore, the second housing is provided with a limiting protrusion to form an asymmetrical structure in the accommodating cavity of the second housing; the first housing is provided with a first limiting guide groove corresponding to the limiting protrusion; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, the first limiting guide groove and the limiting protrusion are engaged and connected.

[0013] Furthermore, the second housing is provided with a limiting guide bar to form an asymmetrical structure in the accommodating cavity of the second housing; the first housing is provided with a second limiting guide groove corresponding to the limiting guide bar; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, the second limiting guide groove is connected to the limiting guide strip.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes: two positioning pieces; the positioning pieces are respectively inserted through different sides of the second housing.

[0015] This application has the following advantages: In the embodiments of this application, addressing the poor waterproof performance of existing FPC connectors, this application provides a solution for achieving waterproofing after board-to-wire mating through a flexible retaining ring and a stepped structure. Specifically, a single-row waterproof FPC connector includes a male terminal assembly and a female terminal assembly. The male terminal assembly includes a first housing, a flexible retaining ring, and an FPC board. The female terminal assembly includes a second housing and several spring-loaded terminals corresponding to the FPC board. The first housing has a first stepped portion. The flexible retaining ring is arranged around the first stepped portion. The FPC board passes through the first housing. The second housing has a second stepped portion corresponding to the first stepped portion. When the male terminal assembly is connected to the female terminal assembly, the second stepped portion is arranged around the flexible retaining ring and abuts against the first stepped portion, forming a closed structure between the first and second stepped portions. The spring-loaded terminals are connected to the FPC board. This application, through the flexible retaining ring and the closed structure between the first and second stepped portions, enables the connector to have a higher sealing rating, reaching IP67 or higher standards, and maintaining normal operation even after short-term immersion in water. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application, the drawings used in the description of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a single-row waterproof FPC connector provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a single-row waterproof FPC connector provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the public terminal component in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mother component in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of a single-row waterproof FPC connector provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at section A in the middle; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure at section B; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the male terminal component, the first locking member, and the FPC board in one embodiment of this application; 1. Male end assembly; 11. First housing; 111. First stepped portion; 112. Snap-fit ​​position; 113. First abutment portion; 114. Second abutment portion; 115. Snap-fit ​​portion; 116. First limiting guide groove; 117. Second limiting guide groove; 12. Elastic retaining ring; 13. FPC board; 131. Limiting hole; 132. First limiting portion; 133. Second limiting portion; 2. Female end assembly; 21. Second housing; 211. Second stepped portion; 212. Snap-fit ​​portion; 213. Limiting protrusion; 214. Limiting guide strip; 22. Spring contact terminal; 3. First locking member; 31. Positioning portion; 32. First snap-fit ​​position; 33. Second snap-fit ​​position; 4. Second locking member; 41. Limiting protrusion; 5. Positioning piece. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] The inventors, through analysis of existing technologies, discovered that most current FPC connectors only achieve anti-condensation levels, a deficiency that will become increasingly pronounced with the widespread application and multi-scenario use of FPC connectors. Existing FPC connectors cannot achieve an IP67 or higher sealing rating, meaning they cannot maintain normal operation even after short-term immersion in water. Furthermore, existing FPC connectors cannot balance electrical stability with efficient signal transmission, failing to guarantee accurate connections under harsh conditions such as humidity, high temperatures, and vibration, leading to system failures due to short circuits or poor contact.

[0020] Based on the above systematic analysis, the core technical concepts of this application include: To ensure reliable operation of automobiles in complex environments, the FPC waterproof connector of this application has a higher sealing rating, reaching IP67 or higher standards, and can maintain normal operation even after being immersed in water for a short period of time. Simultaneously, the connector of this application also considers the stability of electrical performance and the high efficiency of signal transmission, ensuring accurate connection even under harsh conditions such as humidity, high temperature, and vibration, avoiding system failures due to short circuits or poor contact. Furthermore, to adapt to the stringent requirements of new energy vehicles for lightweighting and space utilization, the FPC waterproof connector of this application further optimizes material and structural design while maintaining protective performance, thereby improving the overall integration level and manufacturing process adaptability.

[0021] Reference Figure 1-8 This illustration shows a single-row waterproof FPC connector according to an embodiment of the present application, including: a male terminal assembly 1 and a female terminal assembly 2; the male terminal assembly 1 includes a first housing 11, an elastic retaining ring 12 and an FPC board 13; the female terminal assembly 2 includes a second housing 21 and a plurality of spring terminals 22 corresponding to the FPC board 13; The first housing 11 is provided with a first stepped portion 111; the elastic retaining ring 12 is arranged around the first stepped portion 111; the FPC plate 13 passes through the first housing 11; the second housing 21 is provided with a second stepped portion 211 corresponding to the first stepped portion 111; When the male terminal component 1 is connected to the female terminal component 2, the second stepped portion 211 is arranged around the elastic retaining ring 12 and abuts against the first stepped portion 111, so that the first stepped portion 111 and the second stepped portion 211 form a closed structure; the spring terminal 22 is connected to the FPC board 13.

[0022] In the embodiments of this application, addressing the poor waterproof performance of existing FPC connectors, this application provides a solution for achieving waterproofing after board-to-wire mating through an elastic retaining ring 12 and a stepped structure. Specifically, it provides a single-row waterproof FPC connector, comprising: a male terminal assembly 1 and a female terminal assembly 2; the male terminal assembly 1 includes a first housing 11, an elastic retaining ring 12, and an FPC board 13; the female terminal assembly 2 includes a second housing 21 and a plurality of spring-loaded terminals 22 corresponding to the FPC board 13; the first housing 11 is provided with a first stepped portion 111. The elastic retaining ring 12 is arranged around the first stepped portion 111; the FPC board 13 passes through the first housing 11; the second housing 21 has a second stepped portion 211 corresponding to the first stepped portion 111; when the male terminal assembly 1 is connected to the female terminal assembly 2, the second stepped portion 211 is arranged around the elastic retaining ring 12 and abuts against the first stepped portion 111, so that the first stepped portion 111 and the second stepped portion 211 form a closed structure; the spring terminal 22 is connected to the FPC board 13. This application, through the closed structure between the elastic retaining ring 12, the first stepped portion 111, and the second stepped portion 211, enables the connector to have a higher sealing rating, reaching IP67 or higher standards, and maintaining normal operation even after short-term immersion in water.

[0023] The following will further describe a single-row waterproof FPC connector in this exemplary embodiment.

[0024] It should be noted that the cross-section of the elastic retaining ring 12, near the second housing 21, may have a wavy texture. Under pressure, it can elastically deform, effectively filling minor unevenness and gaps between the sealing surfaces and compensating for the tolerances between the first stepped portion 111 and the second stepped portion 211. The first stepped portion 111 is press-fitted with the second stepped portion 211 through the elastic retaining ring 12, thus forming a closed structure, ensuring the stability of electrical performance and achieving a precise and reliable connection.

[0025] The spring-loaded terminal 22 can be elastically connected to the FPC board 13, thereby ensuring reliable contact and helping to eliminate poor contact caused by assembly position errors, vibration displacement, etc., thus ensuring the electrical connection performance after the connector is assembled. Each spring-loaded terminal 22 can be provided with two elastic contacts, and the elastic contacts are elastically connected to the FPC board 13, further increasing the reliability of contact and the efficiency of signal transmission.

[0026] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5-8In one embodiment of this application, it further includes: a first locking member 3; the first locking member 3 passes through the first housing 11; the first locking member 3 is provided with a positioning part 31; the FPC board 13 is provided with a limiting hole 131 corresponding to the positioning part 31; When the first locking member 3 is in the target locking position, the first locking member 3 abuts against the FPC plate 13, and the positioning part 31 passes through the limiting hole 131.

[0027] It should be noted that the first locking member 3 abuts against the FPC board 13 so that the FPC board 13 is tightly fitted to the insertion cavity of the first housing 11, and the positioning part 31 passes through the limiting hole 131 so that the FPC board 13 cannot be removed from the first housing 11 in the insertion direction. This ensures the stability of the assembly structure and enhances the waterproof performance of the FPC insertion side of the first housing 11.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, the first locking member 3 is provided with a first latching position 32 and a second latching position 33; the first housing 11 is provided with a latching position 112 corresponding to the first latching position 32 and the second latching position 33; When the first locking member 3 is in the initial position, the latching position 112 is engaged with the first latching position 32. When the first locking member 3 is in the target locking position, the latching position 112 is engaged with the second latching position 33.

[0029] It should be noted that when assembling the male end component 1, the first locking member 3 is pre-installed in the initial position. Since the latching position 112 is engaged with the first latching position 32 at this time, the first locking member 3 has not yet blocked the insertion cavity of the first housing 11. The FPC board 13 can be inserted from the FPC insertion side of the first housing 11. Then, the first locking member 3 is moved to the target locking position so that the latching position 112 is engaged with the second latching position 33, thus completing the secondary locking and limiting the position of the FPC board 13.

[0030] Reference Figure 8 In one embodiment of this application, the FPC board 13 is provided with a first limiting part 132 and a second limiting part 133; the first limiting part 132 and the second limiting part 133 are asymmetrical structures; The first housing 11 is provided with a first abutting part 113 corresponding to the first limiting part 132, and a second abutting part 114 corresponding to the second limiting part 133; The first limiting part 132 is connected to the first abutting part 113; the second limiting part 133 is connected to the second abutting part 114.

[0031] It should be noted that by setting an asymmetrical structure on the FPC board 13, the FPC board 13 cannot fully cooperate with the first abutment part 113 and the second abutment part 114 when it is inserted in reverse, thereby achieving the insertion error prevention of the FPC board 13.

[0032] Reference Figure 2-3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, it further includes: a second locking member 4; the first housing 11 is provided with a latching part 115; the second housing 21 is provided with a latching part 212 corresponding to the latching part 115; When the male end component 1 is connected to the female end component 2, one side of the latching part 115 is fastened to the latching part 212; the second locking member 4 is disposed on the other side of the latching part 115 and fastened to the first housing 11, so that the latching state of the latching part 115 and the latching part 212 is locked.

[0033] It should be noted that the second locking member 4 can ensure a stable connection between the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 and prevent disengagement.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the second locking member 4 is provided with a limiting protrusion 41; When the male end component 1 is connected to the female end component 2, the limiting protrusion 41 passes through and abuts against the buckle part 115.

[0035] It should be noted that by setting a limiting protrusion 41 on the second locking member 4, the accuracy and stability of the second locking member 4 being installed on the buckle part 115 are ensured, and it is not easy to fall off. At the same time, it can also serve as an abutment structure to limit the buckle part 115.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, the latching part 115 includes two parts; the latching parts 115 are respectively disposed on different sides of the first housing 11; The second locking member 4 includes two parts; the second locking member 4 corresponds one-to-one with the latching part 115.

[0037] It should be noted that the buckle part 115 is set at the left and right ends of the first housing 11, which conforms to the ergonomic finger position, so that the assembly task can be completed easily and efficiently.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the second housing 21 is provided with a limiting protrusion 213 to form an asymmetrical structure in the accommodating cavity of the second housing 21; the first housing 11 is provided with a first limiting guide groove 116 corresponding to the limiting protrusion 213; When the male end component 1 is connected to the female end component 2, the first limiting guide groove 116 is engaged with the limiting protrusion 213.

[0039] It should be noted that the limiting protrusion 213 can be disposed at the top of the accommodating cavity of the second housing 21. By providing an asymmetrical structure in the second housing 21, it is prevented that the first housing 11 can not fully cooperate with the second housing 21 when inserted in reverse, thus achieving foolproof insertion.

[0040] In one embodiment of this application, the second housing 21 is provided with a limiting guide strip 214 to form an asymmetrical structure in the accommodating cavity of the second housing 21; the first housing 11 is provided with a second limiting guide groove 117 corresponding to the limiting guide strip 214; When the male end component 1 is connected to the female end component 2, the second limiting guide groove 117 is connected to the limiting guide strip 214.

[0041] It should be noted that the limiting guide strip 214 can be disposed at the upper left corner of the accommodating cavity of the second housing 21. By providing an asymmetrical structure in the second housing 21, it is prevented that the first housing 11 cannot fully cooperate with the second housing 21 when inserted in reverse, thus achieving foolproof insertion.

[0042] In the above embodiments of this application, by setting multiple foolproof structures in the installation and mating structure of the entire connector, the installation difficulty and usage difficulty of the connector can be reduced to the greatest extent, thereby reducing human error of the connector and ensuring normal use of the connector.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4-5 In one embodiment of this application, it further includes: two positioning pieces 5; the positioning pieces 5 are respectively disposed on different sides of the second housing 21.

[0044] It should be noted that the positioning piece 5 can be riveted to the bottom of both sides of the second housing 21; by setting the positioning piece 5, it can be ensured that the female end assembly 2 can be fixedly installed on the corresponding substrate.

[0045] In one specific implementation, the first locking element 3 can be a TPA (Terminal Position Assurance) element, designed to ensure the wire terminals are securely fixed inside the connector. Its main function is to prevent the terminals from moving or falling off due to vibration or other external forces, thereby ensuring the stability and safety of electrical signal transmission. TPA typically protects the terminal position through a mechanical locking method, which helps improve the performance and durability of the entire electrical connection system.

[0046] In one specific implementation, the second locking element 4 can be a CPA (Connector Position Assurance) element, a mechanism used to ensure that the male and female ends of the electrical connector are correctly and securely engaged. It can effectively prevent electrical faults caused by incomplete mating or accidental loosening, and the locking device increases the security and stability of the connection, which is crucial for maintaining the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0047] Although preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0048] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes said element.

[0049] The above provides a detailed description of a single-row waterproof FPC connector provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A single-row waterproof FPC connector, characterized in that, include: Male terminal assembly and female terminal assembly; the male terminal assembly includes a first housing, an elastic retaining ring and an FPC board; the female terminal assembly includes a second housing and a plurality of spring-loaded terminals corresponding to the FPC board; The first housing has a first stepped portion; the elastic retaining ring is arranged around the first stepped portion; the FPC board passes through the first housing; the second housing has a second stepped portion corresponding to the first stepped portion; When the male terminal component is connected to the female terminal component, the second stepped portion is disposed around the elastic retaining ring and abuts against the first stepped portion, so that the first stepped portion and the second stepped portion form a closed structure; the spring contact terminal is connected to the FPC board.

2. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first locking element; the first locking element passes through the first housing; the first locking element is provided with a positioning part; the FPC board has a limiting hole corresponding to the positioning part; When the first locking member is in the target locking position, the first locking member abuts against the FPC plate, and the positioning part passes through the limiting hole.

3. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first locking member is provided with a first latching position and a second latching position; the first housing is provided with a latching position corresponding to the first latching position and the second latching position; When the first locking member is in the initial position, the latching position is engaged with the first latching position; When the first locking member is in the target locking position, the latching position is engaged with the second latching position.

4. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The FPC board is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part; the first limiting part and the second limiting part are asymmetrical structures; The first housing is provided with a first abutting part corresponding to the first limiting part, and a second abutting part corresponding to the second limiting part; The first limiting part is connected to the first abutting part; the second limiting part is connected to the second abutting part.

5. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: a second locking element; the first housing is provided with a latching part; the second housing is provided with a snap-fit ​​part corresponding to the latching part; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, one side of the latching part is engaged with the latching part; the second locking member is disposed on the other side of the latching part and is engaged with the first housing, so that the engagement state of the latching part and the latching part is locked.

6. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second locking member is provided with a limiting protrusion; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, the limiting protrusion passes through and abuts against the buckle portion.

7. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The latching part includes two parts; the latching parts are respectively disposed on different sides of the first housing. The second locking member comprises two parts; each of the second locking members corresponds to one of the latching parts.

8. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing has a limiting protrusion that makes the accommodating cavity of the second housing form an asymmetrical structure; the first housing has a first limiting guide groove corresponding to the limiting protrusion; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, the first limiting guide groove and the limiting protrusion are engaged and connected.

9. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second housing is provided with a limiting guide bar to form an asymmetrical structure in the accommodating cavity of the second housing; the first housing is provided with a second limiting guide groove corresponding to the limiting guide bar; When the male end component is connected to the female end component, the second limiting guide groove is connected to the limiting guide strip.

10. The single-row waterproof FPC connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Two positioning plates; The positioning pieces are respectively inserted on different sides of the second housing.

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