Housings for electrical connectors and electrical connector assemblies

Abstract

This invention provides a housing for an electrical connector. The body of the housing is configured to at least partially surround an insulating housing of the electrical connector. The body may be die-cast and includes a fixing mechanism for securing it to a first circuit board. The housing also includes a locking assembly that is detachably mounted to the body. The body further includes a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the second electronic system into position on the electrical connector when it is mounted onto the electrical connector. This invention also provides an electrical connector assembly. The housing for an electrical connector according to the invention is arranged at least partially around the electrical connector to improve the reliability of the connection between the electrical connector and a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, and a second electronic system, such as an SSD, thereby providing a reliable electrical connection between the first and second electronic systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to a housing for an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly including such a housing. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are used to provide electrical connections between electronic systems, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs). Edge connectors are a common type of electrical connector that can be mounted onto a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, such that the tails of the edge connector terminals are electrically connected to conductive parts on the first electronic system, for example, by soldering. Edge connectors can also act as female connectors, directly mating with conductive parts on or near the edge of a second electronic system, such as a solid-state drive (SSD), such that the conductive parts of the second electronic system contact the corresponding terminals of the edge connector. In this case, the PCB itself acts as the male connector mating with the edge connector, eliminating the need for a separate male connector. Thus, the conductive parts of the second electronic system can be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive parts of the first electronic system via the terminals of the edge connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first and second electronic systems.

[0003] As electronic system application environments become increasingly complex, existing electrical connectors struggle to provide reliable electrical connections between electronic systems, such as between a motherboard and an SSD. For instance, vibrations may occur in these environments. In such cases, the SSD inserted into the connector socket may unexpectedly detach due to vibration. Furthermore, vibration can cause stress concentration at the connection point between the connector and the motherboard it is mounted to. This stress concentration can damage the electrical connection between the connector and the motherboard, for example, by breaking the solder joint between the terminal tail and the conductive portion of the motherboard, or even damaging both the motherboard and the connector.

[0004] Therefore, existing electrical connectors need to be improved to ensure a reliable connection between the electrical connectors and the electronic system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a housing for electrical connectors to overcome the above-mentioned defects of existing electrical connectors.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a housing for an electrical connector is provided, the electrical connector including an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion extending from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted to a first circuit board, characterized in that the housing includes a body configured to at least partially surround the insulating housing, the body including a fixing mechanism for fixing to the first circuit board.

[0007] Preferably, the housing further includes a locking component that is detachably mounted to the body.

[0008] Preferably, the locking component is configured to lock a second electronic system mounted to the electrical connector in place.

[0009] Preferably, the locking component includes:

[0010] The pivot that is mounted to the body;

[0011] A locking member that is pivotally mounted to the pivot and pivotable about the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and

[0012] A deflecting member is arranged to act on the locking member to cause the locking member to pivot toward a locked position along the first direction.

[0013] Preferably, the locking member includes an actuating part that, when actuated, causes the locking member to pivot along the second direction toward the release position against the action of the deflecting member.

[0014] Preferably, the deflection member is a torsion spring.

[0015] Preferably, the torsion spring is sleeved on the pivot, with one end attached to the locking member and the other end attached to the body or the pivot.

[0016] Preferably, the locking member includes a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

[0017] Preferably, the pivot plate is mounted parallel to the first circuit board when the body is mounted onto the body.

[0018] Preferably, the pivot plate is mounted perpendicularly to the body when the body is mounted onto the first circuit board.

[0019] Preferably, the locking assembly further includes a stop member configured to hold the locking assembly in a locked position.

[0020] Preferably, the stop member includes a tongue configured to insert between the locking member and the body to prevent the locking member from pivoting along the second direction.

[0021] Preferably, the body is formed with a groove, and the locking component is disposed in the groove.

[0022] Preferably, the body further includes a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the second electronic system to be positioned on the electrical connector when the second electronic system is installed onto the electrical connector.

[0023] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, and the body further includes a second mating surface, the second mating surface being configured as a socket that at least exposes the first mating surface of the insulating housing, and the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in the direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is installed in place.

[0024] Preferably, the second positioning mechanism is a slot recessed into the body from the second mating surface.

[0025] Preferably, the slot includes at least one L-shaped segment.

[0026] Preferably, when the body has a groove, the groove extends into the slot.

[0027] Preferably, when the locking assembly includes the locking member, the locking member is pivotable into the slot.

[0028] Preferably, the body includes a chamber configured to accommodate the insulating housing, and the insulating housing is disposed in the chamber.

[0029] Preferably, the body includes at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing within the chamber.

[0030] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the support mechanism includes a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulating housing.

[0031] Preferably, the first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the body into the chamber.

[0032] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first guiding mechanism, and the body further includes a second guiding mechanism, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with each other to accurately position the insulating housing in the chamber.

[0033] Preferably, the first guide mechanism is a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism is a boss configured to be inserted into the recess.

[0034] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first mating surface.

[0035] Preferably, the recess is formed near the socket, and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

[0036] Preferably, when the first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the body into the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

[0037] Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid-state drive.

[0038] Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid-state drive (SSD), the SSD includes a housing, and the slot is configured to receive the edge of the housing of the SSD.

[0039] Preferably, the casing is made by die casting, molding or machining, and / or the thickness of the body is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0040] Preferably, the body includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which are separated by the slot.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present invention, a housing for an electrical connector is provided, the electrical connector comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion extending from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted to a first circuit board, characterized in that the housing comprises:

[0042] The body, which is configured to at least partially surround the insulating shell; and

[0043] A locking component that is detachably mounted to the body.

[0044] Preferably, the locking component is configured to lock in place a second electronic system to be installed into the electrical connector.

[0045] Preferably, the locking component includes:

[0046] The pivot that is mounted to the body;

[0047] A locking member that is pivotally mounted to the pivot and pivotable about the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and

[0048] A deflecting member is arranged to act on the locking member to cause the locking member to pivot toward a locked position along the first direction.

[0049] Preferably, the locking member includes an actuating part that, when actuated, causes the locking member to pivot along the second direction toward the release position against the action of the deflecting member.

[0050] Preferably, the deflection member is a torsion spring.

[0051] Preferably, the torsion spring is sleeved on the pivot, with one end attached to the locking member and the other end attached to the housing or the pivot.

[0052] Preferably, the locking member includes a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

[0053] Preferably, the pivot plate is mounted parallel to the first circuit board when the body is mounted onto the body.

[0054] Preferably, the pivot plate is mounted perpendicularly to the body when the body is mounted onto the first circuit board.

[0055] Preferably, the locking assembly further includes a stop member configured to hold the locking assembly in a locked position.

[0056] Preferably, the stop member includes a tongue configured to insert between the locking member and the body to prevent the locking member from pivoting along the second direction.

[0057] Preferably, the body is formed with a groove, and the locking component is disposed in the groove.

[0058] Preferably, the body further includes a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the second electronic system to be positioned on the electrical connector when the second electronic system is mounted on the electrical connector.

[0059] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, and the body further includes a second mating surface, the second mating surface being configured as a socket that at least exposes the first mating surface of the insulating housing, and the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in the direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is installed in place.

[0060] Preferably, the second positioning mechanism is a slot recessed into the body from the second mating surface.

[0061] Preferably, the slot includes at least one L-shaped segment.

[0062] Preferably, when the body has a groove, the groove extends into the slot.

[0063] Preferably, when the locking assembly includes the locking member, the locking member is pivotable into the slot.

[0064] Preferably, the body includes a chamber configured to accommodate the insulating housing, and the insulating housing is disposed in the chamber.

[0065] Preferably, the body includes at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing within the chamber.

[0066] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the support mechanism includes a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulating housing.

[0067] Preferably, the first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the body into the chamber.

[0068] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first guiding mechanism, and the body further includes a second guiding mechanism, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with each other to accurately position the insulating housing in the chamber.

[0069] Preferably, the first guide mechanism is a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism is a boss configured to be inserted into the recess.

[0070] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first mating surface.

[0071] Preferably, the recess is formed near the socket, and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

[0072] Preferably, when the first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the body into the chamber, the boss extends from the beam into the chamber.

[0073] Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid-state drive.

[0074] Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid-state drive (SSD), the SSD includes a housing, and the slot is configured to receive the edge of the housing of the SSD.

[0075] According to another aspect of the present invention, a housing for an electrical connector is provided, the electrical connector comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion extending from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted to a first circuit board, characterized in that the housing comprises:

[0076] The body is configured to at least partially surround the insulating housing, and the body includes a second positioning mechanism configured to guide the second electronic system to be positioned on the electrical connector when the second electronic system is installed onto the electrical connector.

[0077] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, and the body further includes a second mating surface, the second mating surface being configured as a socket that at least exposes the first mating surface of the insulating housing, and the second positioning mechanism preventing the second electronic system from moving in the direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is installed in place.

[0078] Preferably, the second positioning mechanism is a slot recessed into the body from the second mating surface.

[0079] Preferably, the slot includes at least one L-shaped segment.

[0080] Preferably, the body further includes a recess configured for housing a locking component, and the recess extends into the slot.

[0081] Preferably, the body includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which are separated by the slot.

[0082] Preferably, the outer casing includes an L-shaped first segment and a straight second segment, the first segment and the second segment being separated by the groove.

[0083] Preferably, the inner housing includes a chamber configured to accommodate the insulating housing, and the insulating housing is disposed in the chamber.

[0084] Preferably, the inner housing further includes at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing within the chamber.

[0085] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the support mechanism includes a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulating housing.

[0086] Preferably, the first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the inner shell into the cavity.

[0087] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first guiding mechanism, and the inner housing further includes a second guiding mechanism, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with each other to accurately position the insulating housing in the cavity.

[0088] Preferably, the first guide mechanism is a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism is a boss configured to be inserted into the recess.

[0089] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first mating surface.

[0090] Preferably, the recess is formed near the socket, and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

[0091] Preferably, when the first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the inner shell to the cavity, the boss extends from the beam into the cavity.

[0092] Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid-state drive.

[0093] Preferably, the second electronic system is a solid-state drive (SSD), the SSD includes a housing, and the slot is configured to receive the edge of the housing of the SSD.

[0094] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly is provided, comprising:

[0095] An electrical connector comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed within the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals including a contact portion and a tail portion extending from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted to a first circuit board; and

[0096] The aforementioned housing, the body of which at least partially surrounds the electrical connector.

[0097] Preferably, when the body further includes a second guiding mechanism, the insulating housing also includes a first guiding mechanism, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with each other to accurately position the insulating housing within the housing.

[0098] Preferably, the first guiding mechanism is a recess formed in the insulating housing.

[0099] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first mating surface.

[0100] Preferably, the recess is formed near the insertion port.

[0101] Preferably, the insulating housing further includes a first positioning mechanism to ensure that the electrical connector is accurately positioned on the first circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted onto the first circuit board.

[0102] Preferably, the electrical connector is a right-angle connector or a vertical connector.

[0103] According to the invention, the housing can be arranged at least partially around the electrical connector to improve the connection reliability between the electrical connector and a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, and a second electronic system, such as an SSD, thereby mitigating or even eliminating the influence of environmental factors such as vibration on the electrical connection between the first and second electronic systems, and providing a reliable electrical connection between the first and second electronic systems. Attached Figure Description

[0104] The above and other aspects of the invention will now be understood and appreciated more thoroughly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and not drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0105] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Another perspective view of the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0107] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Another perspective view of the electrical connector assembly shown, wherein the stop member of the locking assembly of the housing is removed and the locking member is in the locked position;

[0108] Figure 1D yes Figure 1C A front view of the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0109] Figure 1E yes Figure 1C Rear view of the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0110] Figure 1F It is along Figure 1D A cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram;

[0111] Figure 1G yes Figure 1A An exploded view of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0112] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the right-angle connector of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0113] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A Another perspective view of the right-angle connector shown;

[0114] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A Another perspective view of the right-angle connector shown;

[0115] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A The front view of the right-angle connector shown;

[0116] Figure 2E yes Figure 2A A bottom view of the right-angle connector shown;

[0117] Figure 3A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the housing of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0118] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Another perspective view of the casing shown;

[0119] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Another perspective view of the casing shown;

[0120] Figure 3D yes Figure 3A The front view of the casing shown;

[0121] Figure 3E yes Figure 3A The rear view of the casing shown;

[0122] Figure 4A and Figure 4B schematically shown Figure 1A The electrical connector assembly shown is mounted to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board;

[0123] Figure 5A yes Figure 1AA perspective view of the locking member of the locking assembly of the housing of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0124] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Another perspective view of the locking component shown;

[0125] Figure 6A yes Figure 1A A perspective view of the stop member of the locking component of the electrical connector assembly shown.

[0126] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Another perspective view of the stop component shown;

[0127] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention that can be used to connect to Figure 1A The electrical connector assembly shown is a second electronic system such as an SSD, wherein, Figure 7A This is a perspective view of the second electronic system. Figure 7B It is an exploded view of the second electronic system; and

[0128] Figures 8A to 8E schematically shown Figure 5A The second electronic system shown is connected to Figure 1A The process of assembling the electrical connector shown, wherein Figure 8A The process is shown from a perspective view. Figures 8B to 8D The process is shown from a side view. Figure 8E The process is shown in cross-section. Figures 8B to 8E Part of the first and second electronic systems were omitted.

[0129] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0130] 1 Electrical connector assembly

[0131] 10 right-angle connectors

[0132] 100 Insulating Housing

[0133] 101 Top Surface

[0134] 103 bottom

[0135] 105 front side

[0136] 107 rear side

[0137] 109 Left Side

[0138] 111 right side

[0139] 113 socket

[0140] 115 positioning protrusion

[0141] 117 recess

[0142] 200 terminals

[0143] 201 Contact Department

[0144] 203 tail

[0145] 300 sets of shells

[0146] 301 body

[0147] 301a outer casing

[0148] 301b Inner Housing

[0149] 303 top surface

[0150] 305 bottom

[0151] 306 chamber

[0152] 307 front side

[0153] 308 First Opening

[0154] 309 rear side

[0155] 310 Second Opening

[0156] 311 Left side

[0157] 312 Third Opening

[0158] 313 right side

[0159] 314 threaded hole

[0160] 315 First Beam

[0161] 317 boss

[0162] 319a Part 1

[0163] 319b Part 2

[0164] 321 groove

[0165] 400 Locking Component

[0166] 401 Pivot

[0167] 403 First Direction

[0168] 405 locking component

[0169] 405a body

[0170] 405b top surface

[0171] 405c bottom

[0172] 405d barb

[0173] 405e Installation Department

[0174] 405f Actuator

[0175] 407 deflection component

[0176] 409 Stopping Components

[0177] 500 First Circuit Board

[0178] 501 surface

[0179] 600 bolts

[0180] 700 Second Electronic System

[0181] 701 casing

[0182] 703 Second Circuit Board

[0183] 705 conductive part

[0184] 707 Opening

[0185] 709 edge

[0186] 711 dent

[0187] S Space Detailed Implementation

[0188] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to examples. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0189] Figures 1A to 1G An electrical connector assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. For example... Figures 1A to 1G As shown, the electrical connector assembly 1 may include a right-angle connector 10 and a housing 300 that at least partially surrounds the right-angle connector 10. The right-angle connector 10 may include an insulating housing 100 and a plurality of terminals 200 disposed within the insulating housing 100. The housing 300 may at least partially surround the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10.

[0190] Please see Figures 2A to 2EThe diagram details the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10 and a plurality of terminals 200 disposed within the insulating housing 100. The insulating housing 100 may have a generally block-shaped body and may include a top surface 101, a bottom surface 103 opposite to the top surface 101, and four sides extending between the top surface 101 and the bottom surface 103: a front side 105, a rear side 107, a left side 109, and a right side 111. Examples of materials suitable for manufacturing the insulating housing 100 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP).

[0191] Multiple terminals 200 can be housed within an insulating housing 100. Each of the multiple terminals 200 can be formed of a conductive material. Suitable conductive materials for manufacturing the terminals 200 can be metals, such as copper or metal alloys. The multiple terminals 200 can be configured to transmit differential signals between a first electronic system, such as a circuit board, and a second electronic system, such as an SSD. In some examples, the multiple terminals 200 can be arranged in multiple groups, each group comprising three terminals 200: a ground terminal, a first signal terminal, and a second signal terminal. The first signal terminal and the second signal terminal can form a differential signal pair. Each of the multiple terminals 200 includes a contact portion 201, a tail portion 203, and a body portion (not shown) extending between the contact portion 201 and the tail portion 203. The terminal 200 can be bent such that the tail portion 203 can extend substantially at a right angle relative to the contact portion 201. The tail portion 203 can be configured to be mountable (e.g., by soldering) to the first electronic system. The contact portion 201 can be configured to establish electrical contact with a conductive portion of the second electronic system.

[0192] Multiple sets of three terminals 200 can be configured as terminal blocks, with the terminals in each terminal block aligned and arranged within the terminal block. For example... Figures 2A to 2E As shown, when terminals 200 are disposed in the insulating housing 100, the terminals 200 are arranged as two terminal blocks that are opposite to each other and spaced apart, with the terminals in each terminal block aligned and arranged in the terminal block. The two terminal blocks can be spaced apart in a manner where the terminals 200 are aligned or staggered. A conductive part of the second electronic system can be inserted between the two terminal blocks, such that the conductive part of the second electronic system is configured to contact the contact portion 201 of the corresponding terminal 200. It should be understood that the multiple terminals 200 can also be in other suitable forms.

[0193] In some embodiments, the insulating housing 100 may be directly overmolded around the terminals 200 to hold the plurality of terminals 200 in place relative to each other. In some alternative embodiments, the right-angle connector 10 may include at least one retaining mechanism (not shown) to hold the plurality of terminals 200 in place relative to each other. The retaining mechanism may be partially or wholly made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the retaining mechanism include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). In some examples, at least one retaining mechanism may be overmolded around the plurality of terminals 200. In some examples, at least one retaining mechanism may be formed separately from the insulating housing 100 and can be detachably mounted into the insulating housing 100. It should be understood that the right-angle connector 10 may have other numbers and / or other forms of retaining mechanisms.

[0194] One side of the insulating housing 100 may have at least one socket, allowing the contact 201 of each of the plurality of terminals 200 to be accessed via the socket. This side may also be referred to as the "first mating surface". A second electronic system can mat with the insulating housing 100 from the first mating surface. For example, conductive parts of the second electronic system, such as an SSD, can be inserted between two terminal blocks via the socket on the first mating surface, such that the conductive parts of the second electronic system are configured to contact the contact 201 of the corresponding terminal 200. In this way, the conductive parts of the second electronic system can be electrically connected via the terminals 200 to corresponding conductive parts of the first electronic system, such as a motherboard, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second electronic system and the first electronic system. The first and second electronic systems can communicate using a right-angle connector 10, which uses a standardized protocol such as the PCI protocol. Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2D As shown, the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100 may have a socket 113, in which the contact portions 201 of each terminal of two opposing and spaced-apart terminal blocks are located, such that the contact portions 201 of a plurality of terminals 200 can be accessed via the socket 113. It should be understood that the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100 may have other numbers of sockets, such as two or more, such that the contact portions 201 of a plurality of terminals 200 can be accessed via said socket respectively. It should also be understood that the number of sockets may be the same as or different from the number of retaining mechanisms. For example, when the insulating housing 100 has two sockets, two retaining mechanisms may be correspondingly provided to hold the plurality of terminals 200 in place relative to each other, such that their contact portions 201 can be accessed via the two sockets respectively.

[0195] Please continue reading Figures 2A to 2EAs shown, when terminal 200 is held in insulating housing 100, the tail portion 203 of terminal 200 extends from insulating housing 100 approximately at a right angle relative to contact portion 201. Contact portion 201 of terminal 200 is accessible via socket 113 on front side 105 of insulating housing 100, and the tail portion 203 of terminal 200 can be configured to extend from bottom surface 103 of insulating housing 100 (also referred to as the "first mounting surface") for mounting to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. For example, the tail portions 203 of terminals 200 in two terminal blocks can be bent in opposite directions to be connected to corresponding conductive portions of the first electronic system. This connection can be achieved by soldering or other suitable methods.

[0196] The right-angle connector 10 may further include a first positioning mechanism disposed on the insulating housing 100 to ensure that the right-angle connector 10 is accurately positioned on the first electronic system when the right-angle connector 10 is mounted to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, and to prevent the insulating housing 100 from moving along the surface of the first electronic system. For example, the first positioning mechanism may be in the form of a positioning protrusion. Figures 2A to 2E Two positioning protrusions 115 are shown. The two positioning protrusions 115 can be respectively disposed on the bottom surface 103 of the insulating housing 100, near opposite ends of the insulating housing 100. However, it should be understood that the positioning protrusions 115 can also be disposed in other suitable locations. The positioning protrusions 115 can be designed to provide a foolproof design to prevent the right-angle connector 10 from being intentionally or unintentionally installed on the first electronic system in the wrong orientation. When the right-angle connector 10 is installed on the first electronic system, the positioning protrusions 115 can engage with a mating positioning mechanism (e.g., a recess or opening) on ​​the first electronic system to ensure that the right-angle connector 10 is accurately positioned on the first electronic system and to prevent the insulating housing 100 from moving along the surface of the first electronic system. It should be understood that the first positioning mechanism can also have other suitable forms.

[0197] In order to enable the right-angle connector 10 to provide a reliable electrical connection between a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, and a second electronic system, such as an SSD, the electrical connector assembly 1 may also include a housing 300 to improve the connection reliability between the right-angle connector 10 and the first and second electronic systems.

[0198] Please see further. Figures 3A to 3E The diagram shows in detail the housing 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. The housing 300 may have a generally blocky body 301, which may include a top surface 303, a bottom surface 305 opposite to the top surface 303, and four side surfaces extending between the top surface 303 and the bottom surface 305, namely: a front side surface 307, a rear side surface 309, a left side surface 311, and a right side surface 313.

[0199] The body 301 may also include a cavity 306 configured to accommodate the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10. For example... Figures 1A to 1G As shown, when the insulating housing 100 is disposed in the chamber 306, the body 301 may at least partially surround the insulating housing 100 to expose at least the positioning protrusion 115 on the first mounting surface of the insulating housing 100 (bottom surface 103 in the figure), the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 extending from the first mounting surface, and the socket 113 on the first mating surface (front side surface 105 in the figure). Specifically, the front side surface 307 of the body 301 may include a first opening 308 configured to communicate with the chamber 306 to expose at least the socket 113 on the first mating surface (i.e., front side surface 105) of the insulating housing 100 when the insulating housing 100 is received in the chamber 306. The front side surface 307 of the housing 300 may also be referred to as the "second mating surface". The bottom surface 305 of the body 301 may include a third opening 312 configured to communicate with the chamber 306 to expose at least the positioning protrusion 115 on the first mounting surface of the insulating housing 100 and the tail portion 203 of the terminal 200 extending from the first mounting surface when the insulating housing 100 is received in the chamber 306. The bottom surface 305 of the housing 300 may also be referred to as the "second mounting surface". In addition, the rear side surface 309 of the body 301 may include a second opening 310 configured to communicate with the chamber 306 so that the insulating housing 100 can be inserted into the chamber 306 via it.

[0200] The housing 300 may also include a fixing mechanism for securing it to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. In some examples, the body 301 of the housing 300 may be formed with mounting holes. Figures 3A to 3E Two mounting holes 314 are shown, configured to allow the housing 300 to be bolted to the first electronic system. As shown, the two mounting holes 314 may be formed at corner portions between adjacent sides of the housing 300. It should be understood that the housing 300 may include other numbers and / or other forms of fixing mechanisms.

[0201] Please see further. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe electrical connector assembly 1 can be secured to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board 500, via a fixing mechanism of the housing 300. The first circuit board may be, for example, a motherboard of a computer. In some examples, the insulating housing 100 of the right-angle connector 10 can be disposed within the cavity 306 of the housing 300. The right-angle connector 10 can then be accurately positioned on the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500 by engaging a first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 with a mating positioning mechanism (not shown) on the first circuit board 500. The first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 prevents the insulating housing 100 from moving along the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500. The tail 203 of the terminal 200 extending from the bottom surface 103 of the insulating housing 100 is mounted (e.g., by soldering) to a corresponding conductive portion on the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500. Then, a bolt 600 can be installed so that its threaded portion passes through the hole (not shown) of the first circuit board 500 and is screwed into the mounting hole 314 of the housing 300, thereby connecting the housing 300 to the first circuit board 500, whereby the electrical connector assembly 1 is fixed to the first circuit board 500.

[0202] When the electrical connector assembly 1 is secured to the first circuit board 500 by the fixing mechanism of the housing 300, the body 301 of the housing 300 can at least partially surround and provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 to prevent the insulating housing 100 from moving away from its mounting position. This improves the reliability of the connection between the right-angle connector 10 and a first electronic system such as the first circuit board 500, allowing the right-angle connector 10 to be more securely mounted on the first electronic system. In this way, the risk of damage to the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first electronic system, such as the solder joint between the tail 203 of the right-angle connector 10's terminal 200 and the conductive portion of the first circuit board 500, due to the insulating housing 100 moving away from its mounting position, can be avoided.

[0203] Since the insulating housing 100 is prevented from moving along the surface 501 of the first circuit board 500 solely by the engagement of the first positioning mechanism on the insulating housing 100 with the mating positioning mechanism on the first circuit board 500, for example, when a second electronic system such as an SSD is pulled out of the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, a pulling force is applied to the mating portion of the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500. This may cause stress concentration between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500. Such stress concentration may cause damage to the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thereby disrupting the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first electronic system.

[0204] To mitigate this stress concentration, the body 301 of the housing 300 may further include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the body 301 includes a first support mechanism configured to support a first mating surface of the insulating housing 100. Figures 3A to 3E As shown, the first support mechanism can take the form of a first beam 315 extending across the first opening 308 of the front side 307. The first beam 315 can be configured to support the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100. The first beam 315 can provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 when a second electronic system, such as an SSD, is removed from the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, thereby reducing or even eliminating stress concentration between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thus preventing damage to the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, and thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first circuit board 500. It should be understood that the first support mechanism can also take other suitable forms.

[0205] It should be understood that the body 301 of the housing 300 may optionally include a second support mechanism (not shown) configured to support the surface of the insulating housing 100 opposite to the first mating surface. For example, the second support mechanism may be configured to support the rear side 107 of the insulating housing 100. The second support mechanism can provide mechanical support to the insulating housing 100 when a second electronic system, such as an SSD, is inserted into the socket 133 of the insulating housing 100, thereby reducing or even eliminating stress concentration between the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, thus preventing damage to the first positioning mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the mating positioning mechanism of the first circuit board 500, and thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the first circuit board 500. It should also be understood that the second support mechanism may be in the form of a beam or other suitable form.

[0206] The insulating housing 100 may further include a first guiding mechanism, and the sleeve 300 may further include a second guiding mechanism. The first guiding mechanism of the insulating housing 100 and the second guiding mechanism of the sleeve 300 may be configured to cooperate with each other so that the insulating housing 100 can be accurately positioned within the cavity 306 of the sleeve 300. In some examples, such as... Figures 2A to 2E as well as Figures 3A to 3EAs shown, the first guiding mechanism may be a recess 117 formed on the body of the insulating housing 100, and the second guiding mechanism may be a boss 317 extending from the body 301 of the housing 300 and configured to be inserted into the recess 117. When the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the cavity 306 of the housing 300, the boss 317 of the housing 300 may engage with the recess 117 of the insulating housing 100 to guide the insulating housing 100 into the cavity 306 of the housing 300, so that the insulating housing 100 can be correctly positioned in the cavity 306 of the housing 300. In some examples, the boss 317 may extend from the first beam 315 of the body 301 into the cavity 306, and the recess 117 may be recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the first mating surface (i.e., the front side 105). In some examples, the recess 117 is recessed from the first mating surface (i.e., the front side 105) into the insulating housing 100, located near the socket 113, for example, below the socket 113 in the figure. In this case, the boss 317 extends into the recess 117, such that the socket 113 can be substantially surrounded by the body 301 of the housing 300, thereby providing mechanical support to the socket 133. This helps prevent damage to the socket 133 due to incorrect insertion or removal (e.g., angled insertion) of the second electronic system.

[0207] The housing 300 may also include a second positioning mechanism disposed on the second mating surface (i.e., the front side 307), which may be configured to engage with a mating positioning mechanism of a second electronic system, such as an SSD, to ensure that the second electronic system is accurately connected to the right-angle connector 10 and to hold the second electronic system in place and prevent movement of the second electronic system on the plane of the second mating surface. In some examples, the second positioning mechanism may be a slot recessed from the front side 307 into the body 301 of the housing 300. In some examples, such as... Figure 3A As shown, the body 301 includes an outer shell 301a and an inner shell 301b, which are spaced apart by a slot. In this case, the inner shell 301b may include a chamber 306 configured to receive the insulating shell 100. In some examples, the inner shell 301b may also include at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating shell 100. In some examples, the inner shell 301b includes a first support mechanism configured to support a first mating surface of the insulating shell 100. In some examples, such as... Figure 3AAs shown, the first support mechanism may take the form of a first beam 315 extending across a first opening 308 of the front side 307 of the inner housing 301b. The first beam 315 may be configured to support the front side 105 of the insulating housing 100. In some examples, the slot may extend at least partially around the first opening 308 of the front side 307. The slot may include an L-shaped first segment 319a and a straight second segment 319b separated from the first segment 319a. It should be understood that the first segment 319a and the second segment 319b may also be continuous, or the slot may include more segments. As shown, the outer housing 301a may also correspondingly include an L-shaped first segment and a straight second segment separated from the first segment. It should also be understood that the slot may include two or more L-shaped segments.

[0208] The mating positioning mechanism for the second electronic system can be the edge of the housing of the second electronic system or other mechanisms disposed on the housing. When the second electronic system is installed into the right-angle connector 10, the slot can receive the mating positioning mechanism of the second electronic system to guide the second electronic system to be accurately connected to the right-angle connector 10, and to hold the second electronic system in place and prevent it from moving on the plane of the front side 307 of the housing 300. In this way, the connection reliability between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system can be improved, allowing the second electronic system to be more securely installed into the right-angle connector 10, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk of damage to the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system, such as the electrical connection between the contact portion 201 of the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10 and the conductive portion of the second electronic system, due to the second electronic system moving away from its installation position.

[0209] The housing 300 may also include a locking assembly 400 configured to lock and unlock a second electronic system connected to the right-angle connector 10 via the socket 113. In other words, the locking assembly 400 is configured to lock the second electronic system to the right-angle connector 10. In some examples, the locking assembly 400 may be configured to be detachably mounted to the housing 300. Figures 1A to 1G The locking assembly 400 may include a pivot 401 for mounting to the housing 300, and a mechanism pivotally mounted to the pivot 401 and capable of moving about the pivot 401 along a first direction 403. Figure 1F ) and the second direction 404 opposite to the first direction 403 ( Figure 8C Pivoting locking member 407.

[0210] Please see further. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe diagram details the locking member 405 of the locking assembly 400. The locking member 405 may include a body 405a in the form of a pivot plate. The body 405a may include a top surface 405b and a bottom surface 405c opposite to the top surface 405b. The locking member 405 may also include a locking portion extending from the body 405a. In some examples, the locking portion may be in the form of a barb 405d, which extends from one end of the body 405a and protrudes from the bottom surface 405c. The bottom surface 405c may have a mounting portion 405e configured to allow the locking member 405 to be pivotally mounted to a pivot 401.

[0211] Please return to the previous page. Figures 1A to 1G The locking assembly 400 may further include a deflection member 407, which may be arranged to act on the locking member 405 to tend to pivot toward a locked position along a first direction 403. Figures 1C to 1F As shown, the locking member 405, under the action of the deflecting member 407, pivots along a first direction 403 to abut against the locking portion against the housing 300. The body 405a of the locking member 405 may also include an actuating portion 405f, for example shown in the figure as the end of the body 405 opposite to the barb 405d. The actuating portion 405f may be configured to, when actuated (e.g., pressed down), cause the locking member 405 to overcome the action of the deflecting member 407 and move along a second direction 404 opposite to the first direction 403 toward the release position (…). Figure 8C Pivoting. In some examples, the deflection member 407 is a torsion spring that is fitted onto the pivot 401, with one end attached to the locking member 405 and the other end attached to the pivot 401 or the housing 300.

[0212] Please continue reading Figures 3A to 3E The housing 300 may also include a recess 321 configured to accommodate the locking member 400. In some examples, the recess 321 may be formed in the body 301 of the housing 300 and extend into the slot. This allows the locking member 405 to pivot into the slot. For example, when the slot mates with the mating positioning mechanism of the second electronic system, the locking member 405 may pivot into the slot and latch onto the mating locking mechanism of the second electronic system, thereby locking the second electronic system in place and preventing it from disengaging from the socket 113 of the right-angle connector 10. This improves the reliability of the connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system, allowing the second electronic system to be more securely mounted to the right-angle connector 10, thereby reducing or even eliminating the risk of damage to the electrical connection between the right-angle connector 10 and the second electronic system due to movement of the second electronic system away from its mounting position. In some examples, such as Figure 3AAs shown, when the body 301 includes an outer housing 301a and an inner housing 301b separated by a slot, the recess 321 can divide the outer housing 301a into an L-shaped first segment and a straight second segment. In some examples, the recess 321 extends into the slot and divides the slot into a first segment 319a and a second segment 319b. It should be understood that the mating locking mechanism of the second electronic system can be a recess formed in the housing of the second electronic system or other suitable mechanism. Although in Figures 3A to 3E The recess 321 is shown to be recessed into the body 301 from the top surface 303, but it should be understood that the recess 321 may also be recessed into the body 301 from other sides, such as from the left side 311 and the right side 313. When the recess 321 is recessed into the body 301 from the top surface 303, the pivot-plate-shaped body 405a of the locking member 405 can be mounted parallel to the first circuit board 500 when the body 301 of the housing 300 is mounted onto the body 301 of the housing 300. When the recess 321 is recessed into the body 301 from the left side 311 and the right side 313, the pivot-plate-shaped body 405a of the locking member 405 can be mounted perpendicular to the first circuit board 500 when the body 301 of the housing 300 is mounted onto the body 301 of the housing 300. Furthermore, although only one locking component 400 is shown, it should be understood that the right-angle connector 10 may also include more than one locking component. It should also be understood that the locking component 400 can be arranged in any other suitable manner.

[0213] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B as well as Figure 1G As shown, the locking assembly 400 may further include a stop member 409 configured to hold the locking member 405 in the locked position. See further details. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram details the stop member 409 of the locking assembly 400. The stop member 409 may include a first mounting portion 409a and a second mounting portion 409b extending from its body, wherein the first mounting portion 409a is configured to attach to the locking member 405, and the second mounting portion 409b is configured to attach to the housing 300. The stop member 409 may also include a tongue 409c extending from its body, configured to be inserted between the locking member 405 and the housing 300 when the locking member 405 is in the locked position, to prevent the locking member from moving along a second direction 404 opposite to the first direction 403. Figure 8CThe locking member 405 is pivoted toward the release position, thereby holding the locking member 405 in the locked position. This prevents the locking member 405 from accidentally disengaging from the locked position, allowing the locking assembly 400 to more reliably lock the second electronic system to the right-angle connector 10, thus ensuring a more secure installation of the second electronic system into the right-angle connector 10. Additionally, the stop member 409 can be configured to prevent insertion between the locking member 405 and the housing 300 when the locking member 405 is not in the locked position. This prevents the stop member 409 from being mistakenly inserted between the locking member 405 and the housing 300.

[0214] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A second electronic system 700, which can be used for connection to an electrical connector assembly 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is schematically shown. The second electronic system 700 may be a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD). The second electronic system 700 may include a housing 701 and a second circuit board 703 disposed within the housing 701. Electronic components such as memory chips may be mounted on the second circuit board 703. One end of the second circuit board 703 may have a conductive portion 705 for contacting a contact portion 201 of a terminal 200 of a right-angle connector 10, thereby electrically connecting the second circuit board 703 to the terminal 200 of the right-angle connector 10. The housing 701 may have an opening 707 to expose the conductive portion 705 of the second circuit board 703. The portion of the housing 701 surrounding the conductive portion 705 may include a mating positioning mechanism configured to engage with a second positioning mechanism of the housing 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. In some examples, the edge 709 of the housing 701 surrounding the conductive portion 705 can serve as a mating positioning mechanism for the housing 701 and is configured to be inserted into a slot in the housing 300 of the electrical connector assembly 1. A mating locking mechanism for engaging with the locking member 405 can also be formed on the housing 701. In some examples, the mating locking mechanism of the housing 701 can be a recess 711 formed on the housing 701, and the barb 405d of the locking member 405 can snap into the recess 711. Furthermore, although in Figure 7A and Figure 7B The housing 701 is shown as comprising two halves 701a and 701b configured to be joined together, but it should be understood that the housing 701 may also be in the form of a single piece or other suitable form.

[0215] Figures 8A to 8E It schematically shows that Figure 7A The second electronic system 700 shown is connected to Figure 1A The process of the electrical connector assembly shown is as follows. Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the electrical connector assembly 1 has been designed according to... Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe described method is fixed to a first electronic system, such as a first circuit board 500. The stop member 409 of the locking assembly 400 is removed so that the locking member 405 can pivot along the second direction 404 to a released position. The second electronic system 700 is moved along the direction indicated by arrow A toward the front side 307 (i.e., the first mating surface) of the right-angle connector 10. Figure 8C As shown, when the actuating part 405f is actuated (e.g., pressed down), the locking member 405 pivots to the release position along a second direction 404 opposite to the first direction 403, overcoming the action of the deflecting member 407. A mating positioning mechanism of the second electronic system, such as the edge 709, is aligned with a second positioning mechanism of the housing 300. The second positioning mechanism of the housing 300 engages with the mating positioning mechanism of the second electronic system to ensure that the second electronic system is accurately connected to the right-angle connector 10. Figure 8D and Figure 8E As shown, the second electronic system 700 is installed in place. At this time, the second positioning mechanism of the housing 300 cooperates with the mating positioning mechanism of the second electronic system to prevent the second electronic system from moving in the direction along the second mating surface. The conductive part 705 of the second electronic system 700 is inserted between two terminal blocks via the socket 113 on the front side 105 (i.e., the first mating surface) of the insulating housing 100, and the contact part 201 of the corresponding terminal 200 presses against the conductive part 705. Subsequently, the actuation part 405f can be released so that the locking member 405 is pivoted to the locked position along the first direction 403 under the action of the deflection member 407, thereby latching the locking part onto the mating locking mechanism on the housing 701, for example, causing the barb 405d to snap into the recess 711 of the housing 701. In this way, the locking member 405 locks the second electronic system 700 in place. Subsequently, the stop member 409 can be installed into the locking assembly 400 such that the tongue 409c is inserted into the space S between the locking member 405 and the housing 300 to prevent the locking member 405 from pivoting toward the release position along the second direction 404, thereby holding the locking member 405 in the locked position.

[0216] The thickness of the body 301 of the housing 300 can be between 1 mm and 10 mm, where the thickness of the body 301 refers to the vertical distance from the top surface 303, left side surface 311, and / or right side surface 313 of the body 301 to the cavity 306. In some examples, the vertical distance from the top surface 303 of the body 301 to the cavity 306 can be between 1 mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the vertical distance from the left side surface 311 and / or right side surface 313 of the body 301 to the cavity 306 can be between 1 mm and 10 mm. In some examples, the body 301 can have a uniform or non-uniform thickness around the cavity 306. A smaller thickness of the body 301 of the housing 300 can reduce the space occupied by the housing 300 on the first circuit board 500, thereby reducing the space occupied by the electrical connector assembly 1 on the first circuit board 500. It should be understood that the body 301 of the housing 300 can also have other suitable thicknesses.

[0217] The body 301 of the housing 300 can be made of metallic or non-metallic materials, preferably of a metal alloy, and more preferably of a zinc alloy. The body 301 can be manufactured using any suitable process; for example, it can be manufactured by molding or machining. The body 301 is preferably manufactured using a die casting process. Manufacturing the body 301 using a die casting process makes the body 301 more suitable for providing mechanical support and positioning, and in cases where the housing 300 comprises an outer housing 301a and an inner housing 301b separated by slots, it makes the outer housing 301a and inner housing 301b easier to form. It should be understood that the housing can also be a two-piece design, i.e., the outer housing 301a and inner housing 301b can be manufactured separately and subsequently joined together.

[0218] Although the invention has been described in detail above in conjunction with the right-angle connector 10, it should be understood that the invention is also applicable to vertical connectors. Unlike the right-angle connector 10, in a vertical connector, the socket is formed in the top surface of the insulating housing opposite to the bottom surface (in other words, in a vertical connector, the mating surface is opposite to the mounting surface), and the terminals of the vertical connector are configured such that their contacts can be accessed via the socket. Vertical connectors can also be used to connect a second electronic system, such as an SSD, to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard. In some examples, the vertical connector can be configured to mount to a first electronic system, such as a motherboard, such that the tail of the terminals of the vertical connector is electrically connected to a conductive portion (e.g., a conductive trace) of the first electronic system. A second electronic system, such as an SSD, can be inserted into the socket such that the conductive portion of the second electronic system is configured to contact the contacts of the corresponding terminals. In this way, the conductive portion of the second electronic system can be electrically connected to the corresponding conductive portion of the first electronic system via the terminals of the vertical connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second electronic system and the first electronic system. The first and second electronic systems can communicate by sending signals using a vertical connector that uses a standardized protocol such as the PCI protocol.

[0219] It should also be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used only to distinguish one element or component from another, but these elements and / or components should not be limited by such terms.

[0220] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and not as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications or alterations do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing for an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed within the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a contact portion and a tail portion, the tail portion extending from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and configured for mounting to a first circuit board, characterized in that, The casing includes: An integral body configured to at least partially surround the insulating shell, the body comprising: A fixing mechanism configured for fixing to the first circuit board; Sub-parts, the sub-parts defining a chamber configured to receive the insulating housing; and A slot, separate from the chamber and configured to receive the edge of the housing of a second electronic system that mates with the electrical connector, wherein the slot includes a first section located between the top wall of the body and the sub-part of the body and a second section located between the side wall of the body and the sub-part of the body, thereby restricting movement of the second electronic system in both a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing also includes a locking component that is detachably mounted to the body.

3. The casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking component is configured to lock the second electronic system, which is mounted to the electrical connector, in place.

4. The casing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking component includes: The pivot that is mounted to the body; A locking member that is pivotally mounted to the pivot and pivotable about the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; and A deflecting member is arranged to act on the locking member to cause the locking member to pivot toward a locked position along the first direction.

5. The casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking member includes an actuating part that, when actuated, causes the locking member to pivot along the second direction toward the release position against the action of the deflecting member.

6. The casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The deflection component is a torsion spring.

7. The casing according to claim 6, characterized in that, The torsion spring is sleeved on the pivot, with one end attached to the locking member and the other end attached to the body or the pivot.

8. The casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking member includes a pivot plate and a locking portion extending from the pivot plate.

9. The casing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pivot plate can be mounted parallel to the first circuit board when the body is mounted onto the body.

10. The casing according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pivot plate can be mounted perpendicularly to the first circuit board when the body is mounted onto the body.

11. The casing according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking assembly also includes a stop member configured to hold the locking assembly in a locked position.

12. The casing according to claim 11, characterized in that, The stop member includes a tongue configured to insert between the locking member and the body to prevent the locking member from pivoting along the second direction.

13. The casing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The body has a groove, and the locking component is disposed in the groove.

14. The casing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The slot is also configured to guide the second electronic system to be positioned on the electrical connector when the second electronic system is installed onto the electrical connector.

15. The casing according to claim 14, characterized in that, The insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, and the body further includes a second mating surface configured as a socket that exposes at least the first mating surface of the insulating housing. The socket prevents the second electronic system from moving in the direction along the second mating surface when the second electronic system is installed in place.

16. The casing according to claim 15, characterized in that, The slot is recessed into the body from the second mating surface.

17. The casing according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first segment and the second segment form at least one L-shaped segment.

18. The casing according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the body has a groove, the groove extends into the slot.

19. The casing according to claim 18, characterized in that: The housing also includes a locking component that is detachably mounted to the body; The locking component is configured to lock the second electronic system mounted to the electrical connector in place; The locking assembly includes a pivot mounted to the body, a locking member pivotally mounted to the pivot and pivotable about the pivot in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a deflection member arranged to act on the locking member to cause the locking member to pivot toward a locking position along the first direction. as well as The locking member is capable of pivoting into the slot.

20. The casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating housing is disposed in the chamber.

21. The casing according to claim 20, characterized in that, The body includes at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing within the chamber.

22. The casing according to claim 21, characterized in that, The insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the support mechanism including a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulating housing.

23. The casing according to claim 22, characterized in that, The first support structure is a beam that extends across the opening of the body into the chamber.

24. The casing according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that, The insulating housing further includes a first guiding mechanism, and the body further includes a second guiding mechanism, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with each other to accurately position the insulating housing in the chamber.

25. The casing according to claim 24, characterized in that, The first guide mechanism is a recess formed in the insulating housing, and the second guide mechanism is a boss configured to be inserted into the recess.

26. The casing according to claim 25, characterized in that, The insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first mating surface.

27. The casing according to claim 26, characterized in that, The recess is formed near the socket, and the boss provides mechanical support to the socket when inserted into the recess.

28. The casing according to claim 25, characterized in that: The body includes at least one support mechanism configured to support the insulating housing in the chamber; The insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the support mechanism including a first support structure configured to support the first mating surface of the insulating housing; The first support structure is a beam extending across the opening of the body into the chamber; and The boss extends from the beam into the cavity.

29. The casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electronic system is a solid-state drive.

30. The casing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second electronic system is a solid-state drive (SSD), which includes a housing, and the slot is configured to receive the edge of the housing of the SSD.

31. The casing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The casing is manufactured by die casting, molding, or machining; and / or The thickness of the body is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

32. The casing according to claim 16, characterized in that, The body includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which are separated by the slot. The inner shell includes the sub-part, and the outer shell includes the top wall and the side wall.

33. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: An electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating housing, each of the plurality of terminals comprising a contact portion and a tail portion extending from a first mounting surface of the insulating housing and capable of being mounted onto a first circuit board; as well as The housing according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the body of the housing at least partially surrounds the electrical connector.

34. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that, In cases where the main body also includes a second guiding mechanism, the insulating housing also includes a first guiding mechanism, the first guiding mechanism and the second guiding mechanism being configured to cooperate with each other to accurately position the insulating housing within the housing.

35. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that, The first guiding mechanism is a recess formed in the insulating housing.

36. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 35, characterized in that, The insulating housing further includes a first mating surface, the contact portion being accessible via an insertion port on the first mating surface, and the recess being recessed into the insulating housing from the first mating surface.

37. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 36, characterized in that, The recess is formed near the socket.

38. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that, The insulating housing also includes a first positioning mechanism to ensure that the electrical connector is accurately positioned on the first circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted onto the first circuit board.

39. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 33, characterized in that, The electrical connector is a right-angle connector or a vertical connector.

Images