Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a mating module. The electrical connector includes a housing, a first conductive terminal, and a second conductive terminal. The first conductive terminal includes a first contact portion. The second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion. The mating module has a tongue plate, which has a base, a transition portion, and a retractable portion. The retractable portion is configured to be inserted between the first and second contact portions; the first and second contact portions are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being pressed along the transition portion by the mating module; the first and second contact portions are configured to extend beyond the transition portion to contact the mating module and achieve an electrical connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024116703674, filed on November 20, 2024, entitled "Connector Assembly", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a connector assembly, belonging to the field of connector technology. Prior Technology

[0003] Electrical connectors in related technologies include an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals disposed on the insulating body, and a metal housing mounted on the insulating body. The plurality of conductive terminals includes a plurality of signal terminals. Each conductive terminal includes a resilient contact arm, which includes a contact portion and a tail portion integrally extending from the contact portion. However, as the requirements for signal transmission quality in electrical connectors continue to increase, a longer tail portion will generate significant resonance.

[0004] Furthermore, shortening the aforementioned tail section makes it easier for foreign objects to insert and damage it, thereby reducing the reliability of the aforementioned electrical connector.

[0005] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in electrical connectors in related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector assembly with conductive terminal protection function.

[0007] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a connector assembly, comprising: an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: a housing, the housing having a receiving slot extending along a first direction; a first terminal module, the first terminal module being at least partially disposed in the housing, the first terminal module including a plurality of first conductive terminals, each first conductive terminal including a first elastic contact arm, the first elastic contact arm including a first contact portion, the first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot; and a second terminal module, the second terminal module being at least partially disposed in the housing, the second terminal module including a plurality of second conductive terminals, each second conductive terminal including a second elastic contact arm, the second elastic contact arm including a second contact portion, the second contact portion protruding into the receiving slot. The groove; the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion are respectively located on both sides of the aforementioned receiving slot along the second direction, the aforementioned second direction being perpendicular to the aforementioned first direction; and a docking module, the aforementioned docking module having a tongue plate, a plurality of first contact pieces located on one side of the aforementioned tongue plate and a plurality of second contact pieces located on the other side of the aforementioned tongue plate, the aforementioned tongue plate having a base, a transition portion connected to the aforementioned base and a contraction portion connected to the aforementioned transition portion, wherein the thickness of the aforementioned contraction portion along the aforementioned second direction is less than the thickness of the aforementioned base along the aforementioned second direction, and the aforementioned transition portion having a first guide surface and a second guide surface; When the aforementioned docking module is inserted into the aforementioned receiving slot, the aforementioned retractable portion is configured to be inserted between the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion; the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being squeezed along the aforementioned first guide surface and the aforementioned second guide surface, respectively; the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the aforementioned first guide surface and the aforementioned second guide surface, so as to contact the aforementioned first contact piece and the aforementioned second contact piece respectively and achieve electrical connection.

[0008] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the aforementioned shrinkage portion includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposite to the aforementioned first flat surface along the aforementioned second direction; the aforementioned base includes a third flat surface and a fourth flat surface opposite to the aforementioned third flat surface along the aforementioned second direction; the aforementioned first guide surface connects the aforementioned first flat surface and the aforementioned third flat surface, and the aforementioned second guide surface connects the aforementioned second flat surface and the aforementioned fourth flat surface.

[0009] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the aforementioned first guide surface smoothly connects the aforementioned first flat surface and the aforementioned third flat surface, and the aforementioned second guide surface smoothly connects the aforementioned second flat surface and the aforementioned fourth flat surface.

[0010] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first guide surface and the first flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the first guide surface and the third flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the second guide surface and the second flat surface are transitioned by an arc, and the second guide surface and the fourth flat surface are transitioned by an arc.

[0011] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the distance between the aforementioned third flat surface and the aforementioned fourth flat surface along the aforementioned second direction is greater than the distance between the aforementioned first flat surface and the aforementioned second flat surface along the aforementioned second direction.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the aforementioned contraction portion is provided with a first guide slope and a second guide slope at its end, and the aforementioned first guide slope and the aforementioned second guide slope are configured to abut against the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion, respectively.

[0013] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the aforementioned housing includes a first conductive housing and a second conductive housing, the first conductive housing and the second conductive housing are separately arranged and fixed together to form the aforementioned receiving slot; the first conductive terminal does not contact the first conductive housing, and the second conductive terminal does not contact the second conductive housing.

[0014] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector further includes a first grounding plate fixed to the aforementioned first conductive housing. The aforementioned first grounding plate includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate opposite to the aforementioned first mounting plate, and a first connecting plate connecting one side of the aforementioned first mounting plate and one side of the aforementioned second mounting plate. The aforementioned second mounting plate is provided with a first grounding spring arm protruding into the aforementioned receiving slot. The aforementioned first grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the aforementioned docking module.

[0015] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector includes a second grounding plate fixed to the aforementioned second conductive housing. The aforementioned second grounding plate includes a third mounting plate, a fourth mounting plate opposite to the aforementioned third mounting plate, and a second connecting plate connecting one side of the aforementioned third mounting plate and one side of the aforementioned fourth mounting plate. The aforementioned fourth mounting plate is provided with a second grounding spring arm protruding into the aforementioned receiving slot. The aforementioned second grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the aforementioned docking module.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector includes a first cable connected to the aforementioned first conductive terminal and a second cable connected to the aforementioned second conductive terminal.

[0017] Compared to conventional technology, the connector assembly of the present invention includes a mating module, wherein the mating module has a tongue plate, a plurality of first contact pieces located on one side of the tongue plate, and a plurality of second contact pieces located on the other side of the tongue plate. The tongue plate has a base, a transition portion connected to the base, and a contraction portion connected to the transition portion, wherein the thickness of the contraction portion along the second direction is less than the thickness of the base along the second direction, and the transition portion has a first guide surface and a second guide surface. When the mating module is inserted into the receiving slot, the contraction portion is configured to be inserted between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being pressed along the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively, to contact the first contact piece and the second contact piece and achieve electrical connection. With this configuration, the optimized docking module of the present invention can expand the first elastic contact arm and the second elastic contact arm outward in layers when inserted into the aforementioned receiving slot, thereby reducing the risk that the first end of the first conductive terminal and the second end of the second conductive terminal may be damaged by foreign objects after their length is shortened, and improving reliability. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in one embodiment, wherein the mating module is inserted into the electrical connector. Figure 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of Figure 1, wherein the aforementioned mating module and the aforementioned electrical connector are separated from each other. Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of Figure 2 from another angle. Figure 4 is a right view of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the aforementioned electrical connector in Figure 1, wherein the first module, the second module, and the outer insulating shell are separated from each other. Figure 6 is a top view when the aforementioned first module and the aforementioned second module are separated from each other. Figure 7 is a bottom view of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a partial exploded perspective view of the aforementioned first module. Figure 9 is a partial exploded perspective view of the aforementioned second module. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the first shell, the first insulating block, and the first grounding plate in Figure 8 from another angle. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the second shell, the second insulating block, and the second grounding plate in Figure 9 from another angle. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of the present invention along line EE in Figure 1, wherein the mating module is just inserted into the mating slot. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 12 when the mating module is further inserted. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 when the docking module is inserted into place. Figure 15 is a partial enlarged view of framed portion B in Figure 12. Figure 16 is a partial enlarged view of framed portion C in Figure 13. Figure 17 is a partial enlarged view of framed portion D in Figure 14. Implementation

[0019] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If multiple embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The contents described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as described in the claims of the present invention.

[0020] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “foreword,” or “the” used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are open-ended expressions, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from including other elements. In this invention, the term "plural" means two or more.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, this invention discloses a connector assembly including an electrical connector 100 and a mating module 300 for at least partially inserting into the electrical connector 100. In the embodiment of the invention, the electrical connector 100 is an OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector; correspondingly, the mating module 300 is an OSFP plug connector. More specifically, in the embodiment of the invention, the electrical connector 100 is a socket cable connector. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned electrical connector 100 can also be an SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, a QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, a QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) socket connector, an SFP-DD (Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) socket connector, or a DSFP (Dual Chanel Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, etc.; correspondingly, the aforementioned mating module 300 can be an SFP plug connector, a QSFP plug connector, a QSFP-DD plug connector, an SFP-DD plug connector, or a DSFP plug connector, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the basic architecture of the aforementioned electrical connectors 100 of the above types is specified by the corresponding association standards, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0023] In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector 100 is provided with a receiving slot 101 that at least partially accommodates the aforementioned mating module 300. To simplify the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, the insertion / removal direction between the aforementioned mating module 300 and the aforementioned electrical connector 100 is a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., front-to-back direction); the thickness direction of the aforementioned receiving slot 101 is a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., vertical direction); and the width direction of the aforementioned receiving slot 101 is a third direction A3-A3 (e.g., horizontal direction). The aforementioned first direction A1-A1, the aforementioned second direction A2-A2, and the aforementioned third direction A3-A3 are all perpendicular to each other.

[0024] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aforementioned docking module 300 includes a tongue plate 301. The tongue plate 301 includes an upper surface 302, a lower surface 303, a plurality of first contact pieces 304 exposed on the upper surface 302, and a plurality of second contact pieces 305 exposed on the lower surface 303. The plurality of first contact pieces 304 are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3, and the plurality of second contact pieces 305 are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3.

[0025] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned plurality of first contact pieces 304 includes a plurality of first signal contact pieces 3041 and a plurality of first ground contact pieces 3042. The aforementioned plurality of first signal contact pieces 3041 are divided into multiple groups, wherein each group of first signal contact pieces 3041 includes two first signal contact pieces 3041 arranged adjacently along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. A first ground contact piece 3042 is provided on each side of each group of first signal contact pieces 3041 to improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality. In the embodiment of the present invention, each group of first signal contact pieces 3041 forms a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed. In the embodiment of the present invention, the length of each first ground contact piece 3042 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1 is greater than the length of each first signal contact piece 3041 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1, to better improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality.

[0026] Similarly, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned plurality of second contact pieces 305 includes a plurality of second signal contact pieces 3051 and a plurality of second ground contact pieces 3052. The aforementioned plurality of second signal contact pieces 3051 are divided into multiple groups, wherein each group of second signal contact pieces 3051 includes two second signal contact pieces 3051 arranged adjacently along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. A second ground contact piece 3052 is provided on each side of each group of second signal contact pieces 3051 to improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality. In the embodiment of the present invention, each group of second signal contact pieces 3051 forms a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed. In the embodiment of the present invention, the length of each second ground contact piece 3052 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1 is greater than the length of each second signal contact piece 3051 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1, to better improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality.

[0027] In the embodiment of the present invention, the tongue plate 301 is provided with a base 3011, a transition portion 3012 connected to the base 3011, and a contraction portion 3013 connected to the transition portion 3012. The base 3011, the transition portion 3012, and the contraction portion 3013 are arranged sequentially along the first direction A1-A1. The thickness of the contraction portion 3013 along the second direction A2-A2 is less than the thickness of the base 3011 along the second direction A2-A2.

[0028] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned contraction portion 3013 includes a first flat surface 3013a and a second flat surface 3013b opposite to the first flat surface 3013a along the aforementioned second direction A2-A2. The aforementioned base portion 3011 includes a third flat surface 3011a and a fourth flat surface 3011b opposite to the aforementioned third flat surface 3011a along the aforementioned second direction A2-A2. The aforementioned transition portion 3012 is provided with a first guide surface 3012a and a second guide surface 3012b. The first guide surface 3012a connects the aforementioned first flat surface 3013a and the aforementioned third flat surface 3011a, and the aforementioned second guide surface 3012b connects the aforementioned second flat surface 3013b and the aforementioned fourth flat surface 3011b.

[0029] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first guide surface 3012a smoothly connects the first flat surface 3013a and the third flat surface 3011a, and the second guide surface 3012b smoothly connects the second flat surface 3013b and the fourth flat surface 3011b. Specifically, the first guide surface 3012a and the first flat surface 3013a are transitioned by an arc, the first guide surface 3012a and the third flat surface 3011a are transitioned by an arc, the second guide surface 3012b and the second flat surface 3013b are transitioned by an arc, and the second guide surface 3012b and the fourth flat surface 3011b are transitioned by an arc.

[0030] The distance between the aforementioned third flat surface 3011a and the aforementioned fourth flat surface 3011b along the aforementioned second direction A2-A2 is greater than the distance between the aforementioned first flat surface 3013a and the aforementioned second flat surface 3013b along the aforementioned second direction A2-A2.

[0031] In addition, the aforementioned contraction section 3013 is provided with a first guide slope 3013c and a second guide slope 3013d located at its end.

[0032] Referring to Figures 5 to 17, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector 100 includes a first module M1, a second module M2, and an outer insulating shell 9 fixed on the first module M1 and the second module M2, wherein the first module M1 and the second module M2 are separately disposed and fixed together.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector 100 includes a housing 1 and a plurality of conductive terminals 3 disposed on the aforementioned housing 1.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned housing 1 is a conductive housing. The conductive housing is a metal housing made of metallic material to further improve the shielding effect and enhance the quality of signal transmission. In another embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned conductive housing may also be a composite housing formed by electroplating metallic material onto insulating material. This composite housing can also improve the shielding effect and enhance the quality of signal transmission.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned housing 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 is a first conductive housing, and the second housing 12 is a second conductive housing. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fixed together, for example, after the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are assembled, they are then fixed together by means such as welding. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first housing 11 of the first module M1 and the second housing 12 of the second module M2 are separately disposed and fixed together to jointly form the aforementioned receiving slot 101.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first housing 11 includes a first base 111 and a first protrusion 112 extending forward from the first base 111. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first base 111 and the first protrusion 112 have the same width. The first base 111 is provided with a first upper surface 1111, a first lower surface 1112, a first rear surface 1115, and a plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 recessed forward from the first rear surface 1115. The plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. Furthermore, the plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 penetrate downward through the aforementioned first lower surface 1112. In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first base 111 also provides a plurality of first partition portions 1113, wherein any two adjacent first mounting grooves 1116 are separated by a first partition portion 1113 located between the two first mounting grooves 1116, so as to improve shielding and improve the quality of signal transmission. The aforementioned first base 111 also includes a first mounting groove 1110 formed recessed upward from the aforementioned first lower surface 1112. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first mounting groove 1116 extends rearward through the aforementioned first rear surface 1115, the aforementioned first mounting groove 1116 communicates downward with the aforementioned first mounting groove 1110, and the aforementioned first mounting groove 1110 extends downward through the aforementioned first lower surface 1112. In addition, the bottom of the aforementioned first base 111 is also provided with at least one first groove 1118 near the aforementioned first protrusion 112.

[0037] The aforementioned first protrusion 112 has a second upper surface 1121, a second lower surface 1122, and a plurality of first mounting openings 1123 extending upward along the aforementioned second direction A2-A2 through the aforementioned second upper surface 1121. The aforementioned first mounting openings 1123 do not completely penetrate the first front end face 1120 of the aforementioned first protrusion 112 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1. In other words, the aforementioned first protrusion 112 has a first crossbeam portion 1125 located at the front end of the aforementioned first mounting opening 1123 to improve the structural strength of the aforementioned first protrusion 112. The upper surface of the aforementioned first crossbeam portion 1125 is lower than the second upper surface 1121 of the aforementioned first protrusion 112. The aforementioned first protrusion 112 also includes a plurality of first positioning posts 1124 protruding upward along the aforementioned second direction A2-A2 from the aforementioned second upper surface 1121. In addition, the aforementioned first housing 11 also includes a first receiving slot 101a extending along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1 through the aforementioned first front end face 1120. The aforementioned first mounting opening 1123 is connected to the aforementioned first receiving slot 101a. The aforementioned first receiving slot 101a is configured to at least partially receive the docking module 300.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first housing 11 further includes a plurality of first terminal module receiving slots 113 extending along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1. The aforementioned first mounting opening 1123 is located at one end (e.g., the front end) of the aforementioned first terminal module receiving slot 113. Each first terminal module receiving slot 113 extends from a portion of the aforementioned first base 111 to the aforementioned first protrusion 112. The rear end of the aforementioned first terminal module receiving slot 113 communicates with the aforementioned first mounting slot 1116, the middle portion of the aforementioned first terminal module receiving slot 113 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the aforementioned first housing 11, and the front end of the aforementioned first terminal module receiving slot 113 penetrates downward through the aforementioned second lower surface 1122. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first terminal module receiving groove 113 includes a first surrounding groove 1131 near the aforementioned first mounting groove 1116 and a first open groove 1132 away from the aforementioned first mounting groove 1116. The aforementioned first surrounding groove 1131 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the aforementioned first housing 11, and the aforementioned first open groove 1132 is connected to the aforementioned receiving slot 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting the middle part of the aforementioned first terminal module receiving groove 113 to be surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the aforementioned first housing 11, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the aforementioned first terminal module receiving groove 113 can be better shielded; on the other hand, adjacent aforementioned first terminal module receiving grooves 113 can be better separated, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0039] The aforementioned plurality of first terminal module receiving slots 113 are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. The aforementioned first housing 11 includes a plurality of first partition walls 114 arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. Two adjacent first terminal module receiving slots 113 are separated by corresponding first partition walls 114 along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. With this arrangement, each first terminal module receiving slot 113 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving the quality of data transmission.

[0040] The aforementioned first module M1 also includes a first insulating block 21 fixed in the aforementioned first mounting opening 1123, and the aforementioned first insulating block 21 is provided with a plurality of first slots 211.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second housing 12 includes a second base 121 and a second protrusion 122 extending forward from the aforementioned second base 121. The aforementioned second base 121 is provided with a third upper surface 1211, a third lower surface 1212, a second rear surface 1215, and a plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 recessed forward from the aforementioned second rear surface 1215. The aforementioned plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. The aforementioned plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 penetrate the aforementioned second base 121 vertically. The aforementioned plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 penetrate the aforementioned third upper surface 1211 upwardly. In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second base 121 is further provided with a plurality of second partition portions 1213, wherein any two adjacent aforementioned second mounting grooves 1216 are separated by a second partition portion 1213 located between the two second mounting grooves 1216, so as to improve shielding and improve the quality of signal transmission. The aforementioned second base 121 also includes a second mounting groove 1210 recessed downward from the aforementioned third upper surface 1211. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second mounting groove 1216 extends rearward through the aforementioned second rear surface 1215, the aforementioned second mounting groove 1216 communicates upward with the aforementioned second mounting groove 1210, and the aforementioned second mounting groove 1210 extends upward through the aforementioned third upper surface 1211. In addition, the top of the aforementioned second base 121 is also provided with at least one second groove 1218 near the aforementioned second protrusion 122.

[0042] The aforementioned second protrusion 122 has a fourth upper surface 1221, a fourth lower surface 1222, and a plurality of second mounting openings 1223 extending downward through the aforementioned fourth lower surface 1222. The aforementioned second mounting openings 1223 do not completely penetrate the second front end face 1220 of the aforementioned second protrusion 1222. In other words, the aforementioned second protrusion 122 has a second crossbeam portion 1225 located at the front end of the aforementioned second mounting opening 1223 to improve the structural strength of the aforementioned second protrusion 122. The lower surface of the aforementioned second crossbeam portion 1225 is higher than the fourth lower surface 1222 of the aforementioned second protrusion 122. The aforementioned second protrusion 122 also includes a plurality of second positioning posts 1224 protruding downward through the aforementioned second lower surface 1122. Furthermore, the aforementioned second housing 12 also includes a second receiving slot 101b extending along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1 through the aforementioned second front end face 1220. The aforementioned second mounting opening 1223 communicates with the aforementioned second receiving slot 101b. The aforementioned second receiving slot 101b is configured to at least partially receive the docking module 300.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second housing 12 further includes a plurality of second terminal module receiving slots 123 extending along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1. The aforementioned second mounting opening 1223 is located at one end (e.g., the front end) of the aforementioned second terminal module receiving slot 123. Each second terminal module receiving slot 123 extends from the aforementioned second base 121 to the aforementioned second protrusion 122. The rear end of the aforementioned second terminal module receiving slot 123 communicates with the aforementioned second mounting slot 1216, the middle portion of the aforementioned second terminal module receiving slot 123 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the aforementioned second housing 12, and the front end of the aforementioned second terminal module receiving slot 123 extends upward through the aforementioned fourth upper surface 1221. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second terminal module receiving groove 123 includes a second surrounding groove 1231 near the aforementioned second mounting groove 1216 and a second open groove 1232 away from the aforementioned second mounting groove 1216. The aforementioned second surrounding groove 1231 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the aforementioned second housing 12, and the aforementioned second open groove 1232 is connected to the aforementioned receiving slot 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting the middle part of the aforementioned second terminal module receiving groove 123 to be surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the aforementioned second housing 12, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the aforementioned second terminal module receiving groove 123 can be better shielded; on the other hand, adjacent aforementioned second terminal module receiving grooves 123 can be better separated, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0044] The aforementioned plurality of second terminal module receiving slots 123 are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. The aforementioned second housing 12 includes a plurality of second partition walls 124 arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. Two adjacent second terminal module receiving slots 123 are separated by corresponding second partition walls 124 along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. With this arrangement, each second terminal module receiving slot 123 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving the quality of data transmission.

[0045] The aforementioned second module M2 also includes a second insulating block 22 fixed in the aforementioned second mounting opening 1223, and the aforementioned second insulating block 22 is provided with a plurality of second slots 221.

[0046] The aforementioned plurality of conductive terminals 3 includes a plurality of first conductive terminals 31 and a plurality of second conductive terminals 32. Each first conductive terminal 31 includes a first fixing portion 311 extending along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1, a first elastic contact arm 310 extending forward from the front end of the aforementioned first fixing portion 311, and a first tail portion 313 extending rearward from the rear end of the aforementioned first fixing portion 311. The aforementioned first fixing portion 311 is at least partially located in the aforementioned first surrounding groove 1131, the aforementioned first elastic contact arm 310 is at least partially located in the first open groove 1132, and the aforementioned first tail portion 313 is at least partially located in the aforementioned first mounting groove 1116. The aforementioned first elastic contact arm 310 includes a first contact portion 3101 extending through the aforementioned first open groove 1132 into the aforementioned first receiving slot 101a. The aforementioned first contact portion 3101 is used to contact the first signal contact piece 3041 of the aforementioned tongue plate 301. In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first tail portion 313 extends horizontally rearward to be electrically connected to the first cable 51. Furthermore, the aforementioned first elastic contact arm 310 also includes a first end portion 3102 extending from the aforementioned first contact portion 3101. The first end portion 3102 of the aforementioned first conductive terminal 31 can be received in the aforementioned first slot 211 when the aforementioned first elastic contact arm 310 undergoes elastic deformation. In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first end portion 3102 is shorter in length to improve resonance and enhance signal transmission quality.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned plurality of first conductive terminals 31 are divided into multiple groups, each group of first conductive terminals 31 including a first signal terminal S1 and a second signal terminal S2 adjacent to the first signal terminal S1. Preferably, the aforementioned first signal terminal S1 and the aforementioned second signal terminal S2 in each group of first conductive terminals 31 form a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed and is suitable for high-speed signal transmission.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector 100 further includes a first retaining block 33 fixed to the aforementioned first signal terminal S1 and the aforementioned second signal terminal S2 of each set of first conductive terminals 31. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first signal terminal S1 and the aforementioned second signal terminal S2 are embedded in the aforementioned first retaining block 33 to form an integral first terminal module 31a. The first contact portion 3101 of the aforementioned first signal terminal S1 and the aforementioned second signal terminal S2 in each first terminal module 31a abuts against the first signal contact piece 3041 of the aforementioned mating module 300. The aforementioned first terminal module 31a is at least partially disposed (e.g., assembled in) the aforementioned first terminal module receiving groove 113.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first retaining block 33 includes a first fixing block 331 fixed to the middle portion of the first fixing part 311 of the aforementioned first signal terminal S1 and the aforementioned second signal terminal S2, and a second fixing block 332 fixed to the rear end of the first fixing part 311 of the aforementioned first signal terminal S1 and the aforementioned second signal terminal S2. The aforementioned first fixing block 331 and the aforementioned second fixing block 332 are installed and fixed in the aforementioned first terminal module receiving groove 113, so that the aforementioned first conductive terminal 31 does not short-circuit with the aforementioned first housing 11 due to contact. The aforementioned first tail portion 313 extends rearward into the aforementioned first mounting groove 1116 to facilitate connection with the aforementioned first cable 51.

[0050] Similarly, each second conductive terminal 32 includes a second fixing portion 321 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a second elastic contact arm 320 extending forward from the front end of the second fixing portion 321, and a second tail portion 323 extending rearward from the rear end of the second fixing portion 321. The second fixing portion 321 is at least partially located in the second surrounding groove 1231, the second elastic contact arm 320 is at least partially located in the second open groove 1232, and the second tail portion 323 is at least partially located in the second mounting groove 1216. The second elastic contact arm 320 includes a second contact portion 3201 extending through the second open groove 1232 into the second receiving slot 101b. The second contact portion 3201 is used to contact the second signal contact piece 3051 of the tongue plate 301. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second tail portion 323 extends horizontally rearward from the second fixing portion 321 for electrical connection with the second cable 52. Furthermore, the aforementioned second elastic contact arm 320 also includes a second end portion 3202 extending from the aforementioned second contact portion 3201. The second end portion 3202 of the aforementioned second conductive terminal 32 can be received in the aforementioned second slot 221 when the aforementioned second elastic contact arm 320 undergoes elastic deformation. In the embodiment of the present invention, the length of the aforementioned second end portion 3202 is relatively short to improve resonance and enhance the quality of signal transmission.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned plurality of second conductive terminals 32 are divided into multiple groups, each group of second conductive terminals 32 including a third signal terminal S3 and a fourth signal terminal S4 adjacent to the aforementioned third signal terminal S3. Preferably, the aforementioned third signal terminal S3 and the aforementioned fourth signal terminal S4 in each group of second conductive terminals 32 form a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed and is suitable for high-speed signal transmission.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector 100 further includes a second retaining block 34 fixed to the aforementioned third signal terminal S3 and the aforementioned fourth signal terminal S4 of each set of second conductive terminals 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned third signal terminal S3 and the aforementioned fourth signal terminal S4 are embedded in the aforementioned second retaining block 34 to form an integral second terminal module 32a. The second contact portion 3201 of the aforementioned third signal terminal S3 and the aforementioned fourth signal terminal S4 in each second terminal module 32a abuts against the second signal contact piece 3051 of the aforementioned mating module 300. The aforementioned second terminal module 32a is at least partially disposed in (e.g., assembled in) the aforementioned second terminal module receiving groove 123.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second retaining block 34 includes a third fixing block 341 fixed to the middle portion of the second fixing part 321 of the aforementioned third signal terminal S3 and the aforementioned fourth signal terminal S4, and a fourth fixing block 342 fixed to the rear end of the second fixing part 321 of the aforementioned third signal terminal S3 and the aforementioned fourth signal terminal S4. The aforementioned third fixing block 341 and the aforementioned fourth fixing block 342 are installed and fixed in the aforementioned second terminal module receiving groove 123, so that the aforementioned second conductive terminal 32 does not short-circuit with the aforementioned second housing 12 due to contact. The aforementioned second tail portion 323 extends rearward into the aforementioned second mounting groove 1216 to facilitate connection with the aforementioned second cable 52.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned electrical connector 100 further includes at least one grounding piece 4 disposed on the aforementioned housing 1. One end of the aforementioned grounding piece 4 is fixed relative to the aforementioned housing 1, and the aforementioned grounding piece 4 includes a first grounding piece 41 and a second grounding piece 42. In the embodiment of the present invention, there are two first grounding pieces 41 made of metal; there are also two second grounding pieces 42 made of metal.

[0055] Each first grounding plate 41 is generally U-shaped and includes a first mounting plate 411, a second mounting plate 412 opposite to the first mounting plate 411, a first connecting plate 413 connecting one side of the first mounting plate 411 and one side of the second mounting plate 412, and a first extension plate 414 extending downward and rearward from the other side of the second mounting plate 412. The first mounting plate 411 is provided with a first mounting positioning hole 4111 that mates with the first positioning post 1124. The first extension plate 414 is received in a first groove 1118 of the corresponding first housing 11.

[0056] The aforementioned first connecting plate 413 is located at the front end of the aforementioned receiving slot 101 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1; when the aforementioned docking module 300 is inserted, the aforementioned tongue plate 301 may first contact the aforementioned first connecting plate 413, thereby facilitating the release of static electricity. The aforementioned second mounting plate 412 is provided with a plurality of first grounding spring arms 415 arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. Each set of first conductive terminals 31 has a aforementioned first grounding spring arm 415 on both sides of the first elastic contact arm 310, so as to improve the shielding effect and improve the signal transmission quality.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first positioning post 1124 is fixed to the aforementioned first mounting positioning hole 4111, thereby fixing the aforementioned first mounting plate 411 to the second upper surface 1121 of the aforementioned first protrusion 112.

[0058] Each second grounding plate 42 is generally U-shaped and includes a third mounting plate 421, a fourth mounting plate 422 opposite to the third mounting plate 421, a second connecting plate 423 connecting one side of the third mounting plate 421 and one side of the fourth mounting plate 422, and a second extension plate 424 extending downward and rearward from the other side of the fourth mounting plate 422. The third mounting plate 421 is provided with a second mounting positioning hole 4211 that mates with the second positioning post 1224. The second extension plate 424 is received in a second groove 1218 of the corresponding second housing 12.

[0059] The aforementioned second connecting plate 423 is located at the front end of the aforementioned receiving slot 101 along the aforementioned first direction A1-A1; when the aforementioned docking module 300 is inserted, the aforementioned tongue plate 301 may first contact the aforementioned second connecting plate 423, thereby facilitating the release of static electricity. The aforementioned fourth mounting plate 422 is provided with a plurality of second grounding spring arms 425 arranged at intervals along the aforementioned third direction A3-A3. Each set of second conductive terminals 32 has a aforementioned second grounding spring arm 425 on both sides of the second elastic contact arm 320, so as to improve the shielding effect and improve the signal transmission quality.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second positioning post 1224 is fixed to the aforementioned second mounting positioning hole 4211, thereby fixing the aforementioned third mounting plate 421 to the fourth lower surface 1222 of the aforementioned second protrusion 122.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first module M1 further includes a first shielding sheet 61 disposed on the aforementioned first housing 11 and a first shielding cover plate 62 disposed on the aforementioned first housing 11. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned first shielding sheet 61 is a metal shielding sheet, and the aforementioned first shielding cover plate 62 is a metal shielding cover plate. The aforementioned first shielding sheet 61 is disposed in the aforementioned first mounting groove 1110. By installing the aforementioned first shielding sheet 61, the downwardly open first mounting groove 1116 can be better shielded, thereby improving the shielding effect.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second module M2 further includes a second shielding plate 63 disposed on the aforementioned second housing 12 and a second shielding cover plate 64 disposed on the aforementioned second housing 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned second shielding plate 63 is a metal shielding plate, and the aforementioned second shielding cover plate 64 is a metal shielding cover plate. The aforementioned second shielding plate 63 is disposed in the aforementioned second mounting groove 1210. By installing the aforementioned second shielding plate 63, the downwardly open second mounting groove 1216 can be better shielded, thereby improving the shielding effect.

[0063] Referring to Figure 15, in the embodiment of the present invention, after the lengths of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202 are shortened, the distance T2 between the lower pointed corner of the first end portion 3102 and the upper pointed corner of the second end portion 3202 along the second direction A2-A2 is less than the thickness T3 of the tongue plate 301 along the second direction A2-A2. Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the contraction portion 3013 along the second direction A2-A2 is less than the distance T2 between the lower pointed corner of the first end portion 3102 and the upper pointed corner of the second end portion 3202 along the second direction A2-A2.

[0064] Referring to Figures 12 to 17, during use, when the aforementioned docking module 300 is inserted into the aforementioned receiving slot 101, the aforementioned first guide slope 3013c and the aforementioned second guide slope 3013d are configured to abut against the aforementioned first contact portion 3101 and the aforementioned second contact portion 3201, respectively; the aforementioned retractable portion 3013 is configured to be inserted between the aforementioned first contact portion 3101 and the aforementioned second contact portion 3201; the aforementioned first contact portion 3101 and the aforementioned second contact portion 3201 are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being squeezed along the aforementioned first guide surface 3012a and the aforementioned second guide surface 3012b, respectively; the aforementioned first contact portion 3101 and the aforementioned second contact portion 3201 are configured to pass over the aforementioned first guide surface 3012a and the aforementioned second guide surface 3012b, respectively, to contact the aforementioned first contact piece 304 and the aforementioned second contact piece 305 and achieve electrical connection. This configuration improves resonance and enhances signal transmission quality by shortening the lengths of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202. Furthermore, the optimized design of the docking module 300 allows it to extend the first elastic contact arm 310 and the second elastic contact arm 320 outwards in stages when inserted into the receiving slot 101. This reduces the risk of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202 being damaged by foreign objects after their lengths are shortened, thus improving reliability.

[0065] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

[0066] 1: Shell 100: Electrical connector 101: Containment Slot 101a: First containment slot 101b: Second Containment Slot 11: First shell 111: First base 1110: First mounting groove 1111: First upper surface 1112: First lower surface 1113: First partition section 1115: First rear surface 1116: First mounting slot 1118: First Groove 112: First protrusion 1120: First front face 1121: Second upper surface 1122: Second lower surface 1123: First installation opening 1124: First positioning post 1125: First crossbeam section 113: First terminal module receiving slot 1131: First circumferential groove 1132: First Open Slot 114: First partition wall 12: Second shell 121: Second base 1210: Second mounting groove 1211: Third upper surface 1212: Third lower surface 1213: Second partition section 1215: Second rear surface 1216: Second mounting slot 1218: Second Groove 122: Second protrusion 1220: Second front face 1221: Fourth upper surface 1222: Fourth lower surface 1223: Second installation opening 1224: Second positioning post 1225: Second crossbeam section 123: Second terminal module receiving slot 1231: Second Circular Groove 1232: Second Open Slot 124: Second partition wall 21: First insulating block 211: First slot 22: Second insulating block 221: Second slot 3: Conductive terminals 300: Docking Module 301: Tongue plate 3011: Base 3011a: Third flat surface 3011b: Fourth flat surface 3012: Transition Section 3012a: First guidance surface 3012b: Second guidance surface 3013: Shrinkage section 3013a: First flat surface 3013b: Second flat surface 3013c: First guide ramp 3013d: Second guiding ramp 302: Upper surface of lingual plate 303: Lower surface of the tongue plate 304: First Contact Piece 3041: First signal contact piece 3042: First grounding contact piece 305: Second contact piece 3051: Second signal contact piece 3052: Second grounding contact piece 31: First conductive terminal 31a: First terminal module 310: First elastic contact arm 3101: First Contact Section 3102: First end portion 311: First fixing part 313: First Tail 32: Second conductive terminal 32a: Second terminal module 320: Second elastic contact arm 3201: Second Contact Section 3202: Second terminal part 321: Second fixing part 323: Second tail section 33: First holding block 331: First fixed block 332: Second fixed block 34: Second holding block 341: Third fixed block 342: Fourth fixed block 4: Grounding plate 41: First grounding piece 411: First mounting plate 4111: First mounting positioning hole 412: Second mounting plate 413: First connecting plate 414: First Extension Plate 415: First grounding spring arm 42: Second grounding plate 421: Third mounting plate 4211: Second mounting positioning hole 422: Fourth mounting plate 423: Second connecting plate 424: Second Extension Plate 425: Second grounding spring arm 51: First Cable 52: Second cable 61: First shielding plate 62: First shielding cover 63: Second shielding plate 64: Second shielding cover 9: Outer insulating housing A1-A1: First direction A2-A2: Second direction A3-A3: Third-party B: The framed part in Figure 12 C: The framed portion in Figure 13 D: The framed portion in Figure 14 EE: Line M1: First Module M2: Second Module S1: First signal terminal S2: Second signal terminal S3: Third signal terminal S4: Fourth signal terminal T1, T3: Thickness T2: Distance

Claims

1. A connector assembly, wherein, include: An electrical connector, comprising: a housing having a receiving slot extending in a first direction; a first terminal module at least partially disposed in the housing, the first terminal module including a plurality of first conductive terminals, each first conductive terminal including a first resilient contact arm, the first resilient contact arm including a first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot; and a second terminal module at least partially disposed in the housing, the second terminal module including a plurality of second conductive terminals, each second conductive terminal including a second resilient contact arm, the second resilient contact arm including a second contact portion protruding into the receiving slot. In the groove; the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion are respectively located on both sides of the aforementioned receiving slot along the second direction, the aforementioned second direction being perpendicular to the aforementioned first direction; and a docking module, the aforementioned docking module having a tongue plate, a plurality of first contact pieces located on one side of the aforementioned tongue plate and a plurality of second contact pieces located on the other side of the aforementioned tongue plate, the aforementioned tongue plate having a base, a transition portion connected to the aforementioned base and a contraction portion connected to the aforementioned transition portion, wherein the thickness of the aforementioned contraction portion along the aforementioned second direction is less than the thickness of the aforementioned base along the aforementioned second direction, and the aforementioned transition portion having a first guide surface and a second guide surface; Specifically, when the aforementioned docking module is inserted into the aforementioned receiving slot, the aforementioned shrinking portion is configured to be inserted between the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion; the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being squeezed along the aforementioned first guide surface and the aforementioned second guide surface, respectively; the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the aforementioned first guide surface and the aforementioned second guide surface, respectively, to contact the aforementioned first contact piece and the aforementioned second contact piece and to achieve electrical connection; the thickness of the aforementioned transition portion gradually decreases from the aforementioned base portion to the aforementioned shrinking portion along the aforementioned second direction.

2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The aforementioned contraction portion includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposite to the aforementioned first flat surface along the aforementioned second direction; the aforementioned base includes a third flat surface and a fourth flat surface opposite to the aforementioned third flat surface along the aforementioned second direction; the aforementioned first guide surface connects the aforementioned first flat surface and the aforementioned third flat surface, and the aforementioned second guide surface connects the aforementioned second flat surface and the aforementioned fourth flat surface.

3. The connector assembly as described in claim 2, wherein: The aforementioned first guide surface smoothly connects the aforementioned first flat surface and the aforementioned third flat surface, and the aforementioned second guide surface smoothly connects the aforementioned second flat surface and the aforementioned fourth flat surface.

4. The connector assembly as described in claim 3, wherein: The first guide surface and the first flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the first guide surface and the third flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the second guide surface and the second flat surface are transitioned by an arc, and the second guide surface and the fourth flat surface are transitioned by an arc.

5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The distance between the aforementioned third flat surface and the aforementioned fourth flat surface along the aforementioned second direction is greater than the distance between the aforementioned first flat surface and the aforementioned second flat surface along the aforementioned second direction.

6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The aforementioned contraction portion is provided with a first guide slope and a second guide slope at its end, and the aforementioned first guide slope and the aforementioned second guide slope are configured to abut against the aforementioned first contact portion and the aforementioned second contact portion, respectively.

7. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The aforementioned housing includes a first conductive housing and a second conductive housing, which are separately disposed and fixed together to form the aforementioned receiving slot; the aforementioned first conductive terminal does not contact the aforementioned first conductive housing, and the aforementioned second conductive terminal does not contact the aforementioned second conductive housing.

8. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The aforementioned electrical connector further includes a first grounding plate fixed to the aforementioned first conductive housing. The aforementioned first grounding plate includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate opposite to the aforementioned first mounting plate, and a first connecting plate connecting one side of the aforementioned first mounting plate and one side of the aforementioned second mounting plate. The aforementioned second mounting plate is provided with a first grounding spring arm protruding into the aforementioned receiving slot. The aforementioned first grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the aforementioned docking module.

9. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The aforementioned electrical connector includes a second grounding plate fixed to the aforementioned second conductive housing. The aforementioned second grounding plate includes a third mounting plate, a fourth mounting plate opposite to the aforementioned third mounting plate, and a second connecting plate connecting one side of the aforementioned third mounting plate and one side of the aforementioned fourth mounting plate. The aforementioned fourth mounting plate is provided with a second grounding spring arm protruding into the aforementioned receiving slot. The aforementioned second grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the aforementioned docking module.

10. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The aforementioned electrical connector includes a first cable connected to the aforementioned first conductive terminal and a second cable connected to the aforementioned second conductive terminal.

Images