Floating sockets and floating connectors

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of electrical connectors that allow relative movement between coupled components, such as floating or automatic mating, and particularly to a floating socket and a floating connector. The floating socket includes a floating insulator and socket terminals. The socket terminals include a plug end, a fixed end, and a floating portion located between the plug end and the fixed end. The plug end is fixed to the floating insulator. The fixed end of the socket terminal is connected to a fixing seat for fixing the floating socket. The fixing seat includes a socket housing and two or more insulating blocks fixed relative to the socket housing. The fixed end of the socket terminal is assigned to different insulating blocks and fixed by the corresponding fixing blocks. This utility model's floating socket solves the problem of low yield caused by the difficulty in manufacturing the fixed insulator in existing floating sockets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connectors that allow relative movement between coupling components, such as floating or automatic docking, and particularly to a floating socket and a floating connector. Background Technology

[0002] The socket of a floating connector features a floating structure that absorbs misalignment and vibration generated during board mounting when the plug and socket are mated. As a typical floating socket, it includes a fixed insulator, a floating insulator, and socket terminals. One end of the socket terminal is fixed relative to and held by the floating insulator, while the other end (the fixed end) is fixed relative to and held by the fixed insulator. The floating and fixed insulators are spaced apart in the mating direction of the socket terminals. A portion of the socket terminal located between the fixed and floating insulators forms an elastic section, allowing the floating insulator to float relative to the fixed insulator, thereby further enabling the floating of the socket's mating end.

[0003] There are two main methods for manufacturing floating sockets. One method, as described in the patent specification with authorization announcement number CN110518380B, involves holding the plug end of the socket terminal in an integrally formed floating insulator and holding the fixed end in an integrally formed fixed insulator. The socket terminal is held in the fixed insulator and the floating insulator while they are being formed. The other method involves holding the socket terminal in only one of the fixed insulator or the floating insulator while it is being formed, and then fixing the formed module as a whole onto the other of the fixed insulator and the floating insulator.

[0004] In existing manufacturing processes, the size of the fixed insulator is generally large. As is common in the injection molding field, the larger the size of the component, the more difficult it is to control the process and the lower the yield. Therefore, defects often occur at the fixed insulator during the manufacturing process, which affects the yield of floating sockets and increases the manufacturer's manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a floating socket to solve the problem of low yield rate caused by the difficulty in manufacturing the fixed insulator in existing floating sockets.

[0006] Meanwhile, the purpose of this utility model is also to provide a floating connector that uses the above-mentioned floating socket.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the floating socket of this utility model adopts the following technical solution: a floating socket, including a floating insulator and socket terminals, wherein the socket terminals include a plug-in end, a fixed end and a floating part located between the plug-in end and the fixed end, the plug-in end is fixed to the floating insulator, and the fixed end of the socket terminals is connected to a fixing seat for fixing the floating socket, the fixing seat includes a socket housing and two or more insulating blocks fixed relative to the socket housing, and the fixed end of the socket terminals is assigned to different insulating blocks and fixed by the corresponding fixing blocks.

[0008] Furthermore, the socket housing is provided with a printed circuit board connection structure for fixed connection with the printed circuit board.

[0009] Furthermore, the printed circuit board connection structure is a socket housing solder foot formed by outward turning on the socket housing.

[0010] Furthermore, a clearance opening is provided on the socket housing, the size of which is larger than the outer contour size of the floating insulator, and the socket housing is fitted onto the insulating block from the plug end of the socket.

[0011] Furthermore, the socket terminals are divided into two rows, and the insulating blocks correspond to the two rows of socket terminals respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the socket housing is provided with an elastic clamp, which together with the inner wall of the socket housing forms a clamping opening. The inlet of the clamping opening is away from the floating insulator, and the insulating blocks are respectively clamped and fixed in the corresponding clamping openings.

[0013] Furthermore, the elastic clamp is formed by bending a sheet material that is integral with the socket housing.

[0014] Furthermore, slots are provided on the insulating blocks, and elastic claws corresponding to the slots are provided on the wall of the socket housing. The elastic claws are engaged in the corresponding slots to prevent the socket housing from separating from the insulating blocks along the socket insertion direction.

[0015] Furthermore, the elastic claws and elastic clamps are distributed on opposite sides of the same position on the corresponding part of the insulating block.

[0016] Furthermore, a recess is provided at the plug end of the socket terminal for engaging with the adapter terminal to obtain a gentle insertion and extraction force.

[0017] Beneficial Effects: This invention relates to an improved floating socket. Specifically, the fixed ends of the socket terminals are fixed using two or more insulating blocks on a fixed base. Compared to the existing method of using an integral fixed insulator to fix the fixed ends of the socket terminals, the size of the insulating blocks is smaller than that of the original fixed insulator, thus reducing the manufacturing difficulty and increasing the yield. The insulating blocks are fixed to the socket housing, and the socket housing can be used to position the insulating blocks, thereby achieving the positioning of the fixed ends of the socket terminals. Therefore, when the socket terminals are assigned to different insulating blocks, the relative positions of the fixed ends of the socket terminals can still be guaranteed, ensuring the normal and reliable operation of the floating socket. Furthermore, the socket housing and the insulating blocks are assembled structures, resulting in a relatively low probability of assembly failure. In summary, this invention solves the problem of low yield caused by the difficulty in manufacturing the fixed insulator in existing floating sockets.

[0018] The floating connector of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0019] A floating connector includes a plug and a socket, wherein the socket is a floating socket, the floating socket includes a floating insulator and socket terminals, the socket terminals include a plug end, a fixed end, and a floating portion located between the plug end and the fixed end, the plug end is fixed to the floating insulator, and the fixed end of the socket terminal is connected to a fixing seat for fixing the floating socket, the fixing seat includes a socket housing and two or more insulating blocks fixed relative to the socket housing, the fixed end of the socket terminal is assigned to different insulating blocks and fixed by the corresponding fixing blocks.

[0020] Furthermore, the socket housing is provided with a printed circuit board connection structure for fixed connection with the printed circuit board.

[0021] Furthermore, the printed circuit board connection structure is a socket housing solder foot formed by outward turning on the socket housing.

[0022] Furthermore, a clearance opening is provided on the socket housing, the size of which is larger than the outer contour size of the floating insulator, and the socket housing is fitted onto the insulating block from the plug end of the socket.

[0023] Furthermore, the socket terminals are divided into two rows, and the insulating blocks correspond to the two rows of socket terminals respectively.

[0024] Furthermore, the socket housing is provided with an elastic clamp, which together with the inner wall of the socket housing forms a clamping opening. The inlet of the clamping opening is away from the floating insulator, and the insulating blocks are respectively clamped and fixed in the corresponding clamping openings.

[0025] Furthermore, the elastic clamp is formed by bending a sheet material that is integral with the socket housing.

[0026] Furthermore, slots are provided on the insulating blocks, and elastic claws corresponding to the slots are provided on the wall of the socket housing. The elastic claws are engaged in the corresponding slots to prevent the socket housing from separating from the insulating blocks along the socket insertion direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the elastic claws and elastic clamps are distributed on opposite sides of the same position on the corresponding part of the insulating block.

[0028] Furthermore, a recess is provided at the plug end of the socket terminal for engaging with the adapter terminal to obtain a gentle insertion and extraction force.

[0029] Beneficial Effects: This invention represents an improved floating connector. Specifically, the socket uses two or more insulating blocks on a fixed base to fix the fixed ends of the socket terminals. Compared to the existing technology that uses an integral fixed insulator to fix the fixed ends of the socket terminals, the size of the insulating blocks is smaller than that of the original fixed insulator, thus reducing the manufacturing difficulty and increasing the yield. The insulating blocks are fixed to the socket housing, and the socket housing can be used to position the insulating blocks, thereby achieving the positioning of the fixed ends of the socket terminals. Therefore, when the socket terminals are assigned to different insulating blocks, the relative positions of the fixed ends of the socket terminals can still be guaranteed, ensuring the normal and reliable operation of the floating socket. Furthermore, the socket housing and the insulating blocks are assembled, resulting in a relatively low probability of assembly failure. In summary, this invention solves the problem of low yield caused by the difficulty in manufacturing the fixed insulator in existing floating connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the floating connector of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional diagram of a floating socket;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a 3D view of the insulating blocks (showing the layout structure of the two insulating blocks);

[0033] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the socket housing;

[0034] Figure 5 This is the front view of the socket terminals;

[0035] Figure 6 It is a 3D diagram of the socket terminals;

[0036] Figure 7 It is a 3D diagram of the plug;

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the plug in the diagram;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the plug terminals;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the fixing plate.

[0040] In the diagram: 1. Plug; 11. Plug insulator; 12. Plug terminal; 121. Interference fit structure; 122. Plug solder joint; 13. Fixing plate; 131. Reinforced part; 2. Socket; 21. Socket terminal; 211. Fixed end; 212. Plug end; 213. Deformable part; 214. Insulator block mating part; 215. Floating insulator mating part; 216. Printed circuit board connection part; 217. Support part; 218. Recess; 22. Fixing base; 221. Insulator block; 2211. Slot; 222. Socket housing; 2221. Printed circuit board connection structure; 2222. Clearance opening; 2223. Elastic clamp; 2224. Elastic claw; 223. Socket solder joint; 23. Floating insulator. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0042] To achieve a floating connection, board-to-board connectors (connectors used for connecting printed circuit boards) typically use a plug 1 with a typical plug structure and a socket 2 with a floating socket structure. In existing floating sockets, the fixed end 211 of the socket terminal 21 is fixed to a single-piece molded insulator. However, the fixed insulator is relatively large, making it prone to cracking, bubbles, and other defects during the molding process. To address these issues, a structure that allows the insulating component of the fixed end of the socket terminal 21 to be molded in a smaller size while still providing fixation and positioning for the socket terminal 21 can solve these problems. The floating socket solution of this invention is based on this inventive concept.

[0043] Based on the above inventive concept, the basic solution of the floating socket of this utility model is as follows:

[0044] The floating socket includes a socket terminal 21, a fixed base 22, and a floating insulator 23. The fixed base 22 includes an insulating block 221. The fixed end 211 of the socket terminal 21 is disposed on the insulating block 221, and the plug end 212 is disposed on the floating insulator 23. The floating insulator 23 is supported by the socket terminal 21. The portion of the socket terminal 21 located between its plug end and fixed end constitutes the floating part.

[0045] The mounting base 22 is used to fix and connect the floating socket to the corresponding printed circuit board (not shown in the figure) during use, serving as a base for fixing the socket terminals 21 and supporting the floating insulator 23. Since it is used to fix the fixed end of the socket terminals 21, the mounting base 22 includes an insulating block 221, and the mounting base 22 also includes a socket housing 222 covering the insulating block 221.

[0046] The main function of the floating insulator 23 is to constrain and retain the insertion end 212 of the socket terminal 21, enabling it to form a compliant female or male connector. During use, the force between the floating insulator 23 and the plug housing or insulator guides the initially misaligned plug 1 and socket 2 to the correct insertion path. For example, in... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, an opening is provided in the middle of the floating insulator 23, which allows the tongue with plug terminals on the plug to be inserted during use, thereby connecting the plug 1 to the socket 2. In the above or similar embodiments, the floating insulator 23 makes the plug end of the floating socket form a female connector. It is understood that when it is necessary to make the plug end of the floating socket form a male connector, the plug end of the socket terminal 21 can be arranged on its outer wall, thus forming a male connector structure.

[0047] The fixed end 211 of the socket terminal 21 is used to connect to the corresponding line on the printed circuit board, and the plug end 212 is used to connect to the corresponding plug terminal; this is common knowledge in the art. Therefore, it is a necessary structure that the fixed end 211 of the socket terminal 21 is located on the insulating block 221 and has a socket soldering part 223, while the plug end 212 is located on the floating insulator 23. In some cases, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the plug-in end of the socket terminal 21 can be directly fixed to the floating insulator 23 while the floating insulator 23 is being formed, making the two an integral structure. Similarly, the fixed end 211 of the socket terminal 21 can be directly fixed to the insulating block 221 while the insulating block 221 is being formed, making the two an integral structure. The above-mentioned forming process can be, for example, injection molding. Of course, in other cases, a forced-fit structure can also be used between the socket terminal 21 and the floating insulator 23 and the insulating block 221, such as a plug-in or other fixed structure.

[0048] In order for the floating insulator 23 to have a certain amount of floating, it must be supported by a flexible component. Since the floating connector involved in this utility model is often small in size, the space for additional support components is inevitably insufficient. Therefore, the floating insulator 23 is directly supported by the flexible socket terminal 21.

[0049] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, to improve the elasticity of the socket terminal 21, a deformable portion 213 is provided on the socket terminal 21. This deformable portion 213 is U-shaped. During use, this deformable portion 213 will become the main deformation point when the floating insulator moves relative to the fixed base. For example, Figure 2 Deformation in the left-right direction and deformation perpendicular to the paper surface, etc. Furthermore, in Figure 2 , 5 In the embodiments shown in 6, the socket terminal 21 is also provided with an insulating block mating part 214, a floating insulator mating part 215, and a printed circuit board connecting part 216. The insulating block mating part 214 and the floating insulator mating part 215 are both bent structures, which can more firmly mate with the corresponding insulator and prevent it from falling out. The part between the insulating block mating part 214 and the floating insulator mating part 215 constitutes a support part 217, which is mainly responsible for supporting the floating insulator 23. The printed circuit board connecting part 216 is a flat section with a soldering area formed on it, which can be connected to the printed circuit board by surface mounting soldering during use.

[0050] In a more preferred embodiment, a recess 218 for engaging with a mating terminal is provided at the insertion end of the socket terminal 21 to obtain a gentle insertion and extraction force. Of course, those skilled in the art should understand that the recess 218 is not a necessary structure of the socket terminal 21, and in other embodiments, the surface at the insertion end may also be flat.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the socket housing 222 is provided with a printed circuit board (PCB) connection structure 2221 for fixed connection with a printed circuit board. The PCB connection structure 2221 cooperates with the PCB to fix the socket housing 222 to the PCB, thereby reinforcing the mounting base 22. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the printed circuit board connection structure 2221 is an outwardly flared socket housing weld foot provided on the socket housing 222. In other embodiments, the printed circuit board connection structure 2221 can also be a bolt hole, a riveting hole, or a structure that can cooperate with an adhesive, as long as it can fix the socket housing to the printed circuit board.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the socket housing 222 is provided with a clearance opening 2222 to avoid the limiting body. The size of the clearance opening 2222 on the socket housing 222 is larger than the outer contour size of the floating insulator 23, and the socket housing 222 is fitted onto the insulating block 221 from the plug-in end of the socket. By setting the size of the clearance opening to meet the above requirements, the integrated manufacturing and installation of the socket housing can be achieved, which simplifies the overall structure of the floating socket to a certain extent, simplifies its installation process, and reduces costs. Of course, when the socket housing adopts a split splicing structure, it is not necessary to meet the above requirements, that is, in the floating socket of this utility model, the above structural features are not unique.

[0053] In the field of injection molding, it is common knowledge that the larger the part size, the lower the yield rate. This is because when the part size reaches a certain value, phenomena such as uneven material distribution, uneven heating and cooling, material shrinkage, and mechanical stress concentration will occur, ultimately leading to part manufacturing failure. For example... Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the socket terminals 21 of this utility model are divided into two rows, and the insulating blocks 221 are set as two corresponding to the two rows of socket terminals. The two insulating blocks 221 are respectively fixedly installed on the socket housing 222. In the above embodiment, each insulating block 221 is an integral structure, while in other embodiments, the insulating block 221 itself can also be a split structure.

[0054] To minimize the size of the insulating block 221 and save on insulating block material, the insulating block 221 is designed to be smaller, thus allowing the insulating blocks 221 to be arranged at intervals, with the intervals between the insulating blocks 221 forming a channel. Following this approach, the number of insulating blocks 221 can certainly be increased, in which case the socket terminals 21 can be divided into more rows.

[0055] Regarding the fixing of the insulating block 221 to the socket housing 222, an elastic clamping plate 2223 can be provided in the socket housing 222. The elastic clamping plate 2223 and the inner wall of the socket housing 222 together form a clamping opening, with the inlet of the clamping opening facing away from the floating insulator 23. The insulating block 221 is clamped and fixed in the corresponding clamping opening. The elastic clamping plate 2223 can be formed by bending a sheet material integral with the socket housing 222, or it can be fixed to the side wall of the socket housing 222 by welding, pressing, or other processes. Of course, the method of fixing the insulating block 221 to the socket housing 222 is not unique. In some embodiments, the insulating block 221 can also be fixed to the socket housing 222 by adhesive bonding, screw connection, or other methods.

[0056] When the insulating block 221 is fixed using the elastic clamp 2223, as a preferred embodiment, slots 2211 are respectively provided on the insulating block 221, and elastic claws 2224 corresponding to the slots are provided on the wall of the socket housing 222. The elastic claws 2224 are engaged in the corresponding slots 2211 to prevent the socket housing from separating from the insulating block along the socket insertion direction. At this time, the elastic claws 2224 form a barb-like structure, which can further prevent the insulating block 221 from detaching from the aforementioned clamps. When the optimal fixing effect is desired, the elastic claws 2224 and the elastic clamp 2223 can interact with each other, in which case the elastic claws and the elastic clamp are distributed on opposite sides of the same position on the insulating block 221. For example... Figure 4 The structure is shown in the figure, in which the elastic claw 2224 and the elastic clamp 2223 are located at the same position along the length of the socket housing 222.

[0057] The specific implementation method of the floating connector of this utility model is as follows:

[0058] like Figure 1-10 As shown, the floating connector includes a plug 1 and a socket 2. The floating socket 2 is the floating socket of this invention, and its structure can be referred to in the embodiment of the floating socket of this invention. The structure of the plug 1 is as follows... Figure 7-10 As shown, the device includes a plug insulator 11, a plug terminal 12, and a retaining plate 13. The plug terminal 12 transmits signals by contacting the plug end of the socket terminal with its contact portion. An interference fit 121 on the plug terminal 12 cooperates with the plug insulator 11 to secure the plug terminal 12. The plug soldering portion 122 on the plug terminal 12 can be surface-mounted to the circuit board during use, enabling signal transmission from the printed circuit board through the plug 1 and socket 2. The retaining plate 13 is surface-mounted to the circuit board via its soldering portion, strengthening the plug's fixation on the printed circuit board and ensuring product reliability in harsh environments. A mounting portion 131 on the retaining plate 13 cooperates with the plug insulator to secure the retaining plate 13.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A floating socket comprising a floating insulator (23) and a socket terminal (21) including a plug-in end (212), a fixed end (211) and a floating portion between the plug-in end and the fixed end, the plug-in end being fixed to the floating insulator (23), characterized in that, The fixed end of the socket terminal (21) is connected to a fixing seat (22) for fixing the floating socket. The fixing seat includes a socket housing (222) and two or more insulating blocks (221) fixed relative to the socket housing. The fixed end of the socket terminal is assigned to different insulating blocks (221) and fixed by the corresponding fixing blocks.

2. The floating socket of claim 1, wherein, The socket housing (222) is provided with a printed circuit board connection structure (2221) for fixed connection with the printed circuit board.

3. The floating socket of claim 2, wherein, The printed circuit board connection structure (2221) is a socket housing solder foot formed by an outward turn on the socket housing (222).

4. A floating socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, An clearance opening (2222) is provided on the socket housing (222), the size of which is larger than the outer contour size of the floating insulator (23), and the socket housing is fitted onto the insulating block from the plug end of the socket.

5. The floating socket of claim 4, wherein, The socket terminals (21) are divided into two rows, and the insulating blocks (221) correspond to the two rows of socket terminals respectively.

6. The floating socket of claim 1, wherein, The socket housing (222) is provided with an elastic clamp (2223), which together with the inner wall of the socket housing forms a clamping opening. The inlet of the clamping opening is away from the floating insulator (23), and the insulating blocks (221) are clamped and fixed in the corresponding clamping openings.

7. The floating socket of claim 6, wherein, The elastic clamp (2223) is formed by bending a sheet material that is integral with the socket housing.

8. A floating socket according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that, A slot (2211) is provided on the insulating block (221), and an elastic claw (2224) corresponding to the slot is provided on the wall of the socket housing. The elastic claw is engaged in the corresponding slot to prevent the socket housing from separating from the insulating block along the socket insertion direction.

9. The floating socket according to claim 8, characterized in that, The elastic claws (2224) and elastic clamps (2223) are distributed on opposite sides of the same position of the corresponding part of the insulating block.

10. The floating socket of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, A recess (218) for engaging with an adapter terminal is provided at the plug end of the socket terminal (21) to obtain a gentle insertion and extraction force.

11. Floating connector comprising a plug (1) and a socket (2), characterized in that, The socket is a floating socket as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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