Electrical connector

Abstract

An electrical connector (10) includes a housing (12) configured to receive a flat first substrate (18), such as a flat cable (18), having electrically conductive first circuit traces (20) with first contact areas (22). The housing (12) is also configured to receive a flat second substrate (28), such as a printed circuit board or another flat cable (18), having electrically conductive second circuit traces (30) with second contact areas (32). The housing (12) is configured to align the first contact areas (22) with the second contact areas (32). The connector (10) also includes a force applying device (14) configured to apply a compressive contact force (50) to the first substrate (18) and the second substrate (28) to bring the first contact areas (22) into intimate compressive contact with the second contact areas (32). The connector (10) can also include a movable actuating member (40) configured to selectively increase the compressive contact force (50) applied to the first substrate (18) and the second substrate (28) by interacting with the force applying device (14).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed on March 16, 2020, with application number CN202010181168.2 and title "Electrical Connector". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly to electrical connectors configured to electrically interconnect pairs of flat cables. Attached Figure Description

[0003] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of example, in which:

[0004] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of example, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0006] Figure 2 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A three-dimensional sectional view of the electrical connector shown.

[0007] Figure 3 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the electrical connector shown.

[0008] Figure 4 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A three-dimensional sectional view of the electrical connector shown;

[0009] Figure 5 It is used in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the flat cable of the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0010] Figure 6 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Exploded 3D view of the flat cables used;

[0011] Figure 7A This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A three-dimensional top view of the reinforcing member of the flat cable shown;

[0012] Figure 7B This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A three-dimensional bottom view of the reinforcing member of the flat cable shown;

[0013] Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the insertion Figure 1 Before the electrical connector shown Figure 5 An exploded 3D view of the flat cable shown.

[0014] Figure 9 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The flat cable shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of the electrical connector shown.

[0015] Figure 10 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A three-dimensional sectional view of the component shown;

[0016] Figure 11 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A side sectional view of the component shown;

[0017] Figure 12 According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the insertion Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the connector position guarantee device preceding the actuating component shown.

[0018] Figure 13 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 The side sectional view of the component shown shows the connector position ensuring the device is assembled to... Figure 1 The electrical connector shown is in the ready position;

[0019] Figure 14 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 A 3D view of the components shown;

[0020] Figure 15 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 A perspective view of the components shown and the printed circuit board including the corresponding mating electrical connectors;

[0021] Figure 16 It is according to an embodiment of the present invention and Figure 15 The printed circuit board interconnect shown Figure 13 The sectional side view of the component shown shows the connector position ensuring the device is in the ready position;

[0022] Figure 17 It is according to an embodiment of the present invention and Figure 15 The printed circuit board interconnect shown Figure 13 The sectional side view of the component shown shows the connector position ensuring the device is in the working position;

[0023] Figure 18 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 A separate view of the contact area of ​​the printed circuit board shown; and

[0024] Figure 19This is according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 A separate view of the contact area of ​​the printed circuit board shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Detailed reference will now be made to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments described may also be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a housing configured to receive a flat first substrate, the flat first substrate including conductive first circuit traces having a first contact region. The housing is also configured to receive a flat second substrate, the flat second substrate including conductive second circuit traces having a second contact region. The housing is configured to align the first contact region with the second contact region. The electrical connector further includes a force-applying device configured to apply a compressive contact force to the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby causing the first contact region to compressively contact the second contact region.

[0027] In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical connector may further include an actuating member configured to increase the compressive contact force applied to the first and second substrates through interaction with a force-applying device. The actuating member can move from a preparatory position where the actuating member does not increase the compressive contact force to a working position where the actuating member increases the compressive contact force.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the actuating member can be configured such that the increase in compressive contact force is within a predetermined range regardless of the total thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0029] In some embodiments of the invention, the compressive contact force is provided solely by the force-applying device.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the force-applying device is disposed within the housing.

[0031] In some embodiments of the invention, the force-applying device may have an open box-like structure configured to surround a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the force-applying device is formed of a metallic material, while the housing is formed of a polymer material.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, the compressive contact force includes a first compressive contact force and a second compressive contact force opposite to the first compressive contact force. The force application device may include a first spring member configured to apply the first compressive contact force to a first substrate and a second spring member configured to apply the second compressive contact force to a second substrate.

[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, in the preparatory position, the actuating member is not located between the first spring member and the second spring member, and in the operating position, the actuating member is located between the first spring member and the second spring member. The actuating member may be configured to apply a second compressive contact force to the actuating member when in the operating position, thereby applying the second compressive contact force to the second substrate.

[0035] In some embodiments of the invention, the actuating member and the connector position guaranteeing device are integrated, and are configured to allow the actuating member to move from a preparatory position to a working position when the housing is received in and fully engaged with the corresponding mating connector.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the actuating member can be configured such that the second compressive contact force is within a predetermined range regardless of the total thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second spring member is positioned opposite to the first spring member.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first spring member and the second spring member are integrally formed within the force-applying device.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first spring member is an arc-shaped first fixed beam having a first radius of curvature, and the second spring member is an arc-shaped second fixed beam having a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature.

[0040] In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical connector includes a first substrate formed of a flexible material and a flat reinforcing member attached to a surface of the first substrate positioned opposite to the first contact area.

[0041] In some embodiments of the invention, a reinforcing member defines an opening through which a first spring member is received, and the first spring member contacts a surface of a first substrate positioned opposite to the first contact area through the opening.

[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing member is disposed within the housing and attached to the housing by a latching mechanism.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the rear edge of the reinforcing member defines a ridge that is configured to contact the housing and position a first contact area within the housing.

[0044] In some embodiments of the invention, the leading edge of the reinforcing member is defined as an angled lip, the maximum height of which is at least equal to the thickness of the first substrate.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a housing configured to receive a flat first substrate within a cavity defined within the housing. The flat first substrate includes conductive first circuit traces having a first contact region. The housing is further configured to receive a flat second substrate within the cavity. The flat second substrate includes conductive second circuit traces having a second contact region. The first contact region is configured to align with the second contact region. The electrical connector also includes a force-applying device having a first spring member configured to apply a first compressive contact force to the first substrate and a second spring member configured to apply a second compressive contact force to the second substrate, thereby causing the first contact region and the second contact region to enter into a tight compressive contact.

[0046] In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical connector may further include an actuating member configured to increase the compressive contact force applied to the first substrate and the second substrate through interaction with a force-applying device. The actuating member is configured to move from a preparatory position where it is not located between the first spring member and the first substrate to an operational position where it is located between the first spring member, thereby applying the first compressive contact force to the first substrate.

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, the actuating member is configured to increase a second compressive contact force applied to the second substrate by the second spring member when the actuating member is in the operating position.

[0048] In some embodiments of the invention, the dimensions of the actuating member are configured such that the second compressive contact force applied to the second substrate is within a predetermined range, regardless of the total thickness of the first and second substrates.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the actuating member are configured such that, regardless of the total thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate, when the actuating member is in the working position, the first compressive contact force applied to the first substrate is within a predetermined range.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first compressive contact force and the second compressive contact force are provided solely by the force-applying device.

[0051] In some embodiments of the invention, the force-applying device has an open box-like structure configured to surround a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0052] In some embodiments of the invention, the electrical connector further includes a first substrate. The first substrate may be formed of a flexible material. The electrical connector also includes a flat reinforcing member attached to a surface of the first substrate positioned opposite to the first contact area.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the invention, a reinforcing member is provided configured for attachment to a flat, flexible cable formed of a flexible, flat substrate having conductive circuit traces including exposed contact areas. The reinforcing member includes a flat body portion and an opening through the body portion configured to allow access to a surface of the substrate opposite the contact area.

[0054] In some embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing member further includes an angled lip on the leading edge of the reinforcing member, the maximum height of which is at least equal to the thickness of the substrate.

[0055] In some embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing member is configured to be disposed within and attached to the electrical connector housing.

[0056] In some embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing member further includes a locking latch configured to engage the impact surface within the housing and retain the reinforcing member within the housing.

[0057] In some embodiments of the invention, the reinforcing member further includes a rear edge that defines a ridge that forms the rear surface of the housing of the contact connector, thereby positioning the contact area within the housing.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a printed circuit board assembly is provided. The printed circuit board assembly includes a circuit board substrate and circuit board traces having circuit board contact regions configured to make close contact with cable contact regions of cable circuit traces contained in a flat cable. The circuit board contact regions define a plurality of ridges projecting from the surface of the circuit board substrate.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple ridges are formed on the outer edges of multiple electroplated through-holes in the circuit board contact area. The multiple electroplated through-holes can be arranged linearly in the circuit board contact area.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple ridges are formed by a serpentine pattern in the circuit board traces within the circuit board contact area.

[0061] In some embodiments of the invention, the printed circuit board assembly further includes a connector housing surrounding a circuit board contact area. The connector housing is configured to receive a mating connector attached to a flat cable.

[0062] Figure 1-19 illustrates a non-limiting example of an electrical connector according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figure 3 As best shown, the electrical connector (hereinafter referred to as connector 10) includes a housing 12, a force-applying device (hereinafter referred to as spring array 14), and a retainer 16 configured to secure the spring within the housing 12.

[0063] Connector 10 is configured to receive a flat first substrate, as in this specific, non-limiting example, such as Figure 8 and 9 As best shown, the flat first substrate is a flat cable 18. The flat cable 18 includes a plurality of conductive circuit traces (not shown), each conductive circuit trace having an exposed first contact area 22. The flat cable 18 also includes a reinforcing member 24, which is attached to the flat cable 18 opposite to the first contact area 22.

[0064] Connector 10 and flat cable 18 are configured to be received within a corresponding mating connector 26 attached to a flat second substrate, as in this specific, non-limiting example, such as Figure 15 and 16 As best shown, the flat second substrate is a printed circuit board (PCB) 28. PCB 28 may be a component of an electronic controller (not shown) connected to the flat cable 18. PCB 28 includes a plurality of conductive second circuit traces 30, each second circuit trace having a second contact area 32. When the flat cable 18 and PCB 28 are received within the connector 10, the housing 12 is configured to align the first contact area 22 with the second contact area 32. Once the connector 10 mates with the mating connector 26, the spring array 14 is configured to apply a compressive contact force to the flat cable 18 and PCB 28, thereby causing the first contact area 22 and the second contact area 32 to make tight compressive contact.

[0065] As in Figure 12 As best shown in 17, connector 10 also includes connector position assurance (CPA) device 34, which can be obtained from... Figure 16 The preparatory position 36 shown is moved to Figure 17 The working position 38 is shown. The CPA device 34 also includes an actuating member 40 configured to increase the compressive contact force applied to the flat cable 18 and PCB 28 by interacting with the spring array 14.

[0066] Now focus on connector 10, housing 12, and retainer 16, which are formed of dielectric materials, such as polyamide (PA, also known as nylon), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or other engineered polymers. Figure 2As shown in the optimal configuration, housing 12 defines a cavity 42 extending therethrough, in which spring array 14, flat cable 18, and PCB 28 are received. Spring array 14 is secured within cavity 42 by latching features on retainer 16 engaging with corresponding features defined within cavity 42.

[0067] exist Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the spring array 14 has an open box shape, formed by stamping a sheet of metal, such as stainless steel, and folding it into an open box shape. This open box surrounds the joint between the flat cable 18 and the PCB 28 when the connector 10 and mating connector 26 are fully engaged. Figure 11 As shown, the bottom surface 44 of the spring array 14 defines a plurality of first spring members (hereinafter referred to as bottom spring members 46), which are integrally formed with the spring array 14 and configured to apply a first component 50 of a compressive contact force to the flat cable 18. The top surface 52, opposite the bottom surface 44, defines a second spring member (hereinafter referred to as top spring member 48), which is also integrally formed with the spring array 14 and configured to apply a second component 54 of a compressive contact force to the PCB 28. The bottom spring members 46 are arranged such that they contact the flat cable 18 in a position opposite to each first contact area 22. This provides the benefit of providing a first component 50 of the compressive spring force to each first contact area 22. The top spring member 48 may be a single spring member or may include multiple spring members.

[0068] like Figure 16 As shown, the bottom spring member 46 is in direct contact with the flat cable 18, while the top spring member 48 is not in contact with the PCB 28. Therefore, the second component 54 of the compressive contact force applies a compressive contact force to the PCB 28 via the actuating member 40, which is located between the top spring member 48 and the PCB 28, and when in such a state... Figure 17 When in working position 38 as shown, it is in mechanical contact with both the top spring member 48 and the PCB 28.

[0069] The open, box-like configuration of the spring array 14 ensures that the compressive contact forces 50, 52 applied to the flat cable 18 and PCB 28 are provided solely by the spring array 14. The spring array 14 floats freely within the housing 12, preventing the housing 12 from providing any compressive contact force to the flat cable 18 or PCB 28. The inventors have discovered that the open, sheet-like metal housing of the spring array 14 minimizes the reduction in the compressive contact force 50 that might occur over time or due to exposure to elevated temperatures, such as temperatures exceeding 85°C caused by relaxation when a polymer element, such as the housing 12, provides all or part of the compressive contact forces 50, 54.

[0070] like Figure 16 As best shown, each of the bottom spring members 46 has an arcuate fixing beam portion 56 with a first radius of curvature 58, and each of the top spring members 48 has an arcuate fixing beam portion 60 with a second radius of curvature 62. Figure 16 As can be seen, the first radius of curvature 58 of the bottom spring member 46 is smaller than the second radius of curvature 62 of the top spring member 48. This difference in radii of curvature 58 and 62 provides two distinct benefits. The shorter first radius of curvature 58 of the bottom spring member 46 forms a apex, resulting in a smaller contact area between each bottom spring member 46 and the flat cable 18, thereby increasing the contact pressure applied between the first contact area and the second contact area 32. As the actuating member 40 moves from the preparatory position 36 to the working position 38 and inserts between the top spring member 48 and the PCB 28, the longer second radius of curvature 62 of the top spring member 48 provides a smaller deviation between the initial insertion force and the peak insertion force. The spring array 14 is not a current-carrying member of the connector 10. Therefore, the material selection for forming the spring array 14 can be based on the mechanical properties of the material, without concern for electrical properties.

[0071] Alternative embodiments of the connector may exclude the actuating member, and in these embodiments, the top spring member may be in direct contact with the PCB. In these embodiments, it may be preferable to have an electrically insulating surface of the PCB in contact with the top spring member or to have an electrically insulating member between the top spring member and the PCB to prevent electrical short circuits of conductive traces on the PCB. Alternatively, alternative embodiments of the connector may include a top spring member and a bottom spring member, which are cantilever springs, helical springs, elliptical springs, or other types of compression springs. In applications where polymer creep or relaxation is not a design factor, the spring array may be formed of a polymer material, since the spring array is not a current-carrying member, or it may not be a separate open-casing design but can be integrated into the housing.

[0072] like Figure 12As best shown, the actuating member 40 is a flat member integral with the CPA device 34. The CPA device 34 is formed of a dielectric material such as PA or PBT. The CPA device 34 is slidably attached to the housing 12 and configured to ensure that the connector 10 fully engages with the mating connector 26. The CPA device 34 is designed such that it can not move from the ready position 36 to the working position 38 until the connector 10 is fully engaged with the mating connector 26. The design and operation of CPA devices for electrical connectors are well known to those skilled in the art. The thickness of the actuating member 40 is designed such that the second component 54 of the compressive contact force is within a predetermined range regardless of the total thickness of the flat cable 18 and the PCB 28. In an alternative embodiment, the actuating member may comprise a plurality of individual fingers aligned with the second contact area instead of a single flat member.

[0073] Now focus on flat cable 18, such as Figure 5 As shown, the flat cable 18 includes a flexible substrate 64 comprising flat first conductive traces, such as thin copper strips, encased in an insulating material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This type of flat cable 18 is commonly referred to as a flexible flat cable 18 (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC). Figure 5 As shown, the width of the first conductive trace can be varied to provide different electrical characteristics, such as resistance or current capacity. Insulation material is removed from at least one end of the flat cable 18 to expose the first conductive trace, thereby providing a first contact area 22.

[0074] The flat cable 18 also includes a reinforcing member 24 attached to one end of the flat cable 18 on a side positioned opposite to the first contact area 22. The reinforcing member 24 can be attached to the flat cable 18 using a crimping adhesive (not shown), such as VHB manufactured by 3M Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. TM Double-sided tape. The reinforcing member 24 is formed of a dielectric material such as PA or PBT and includes a flat body portion 68 and a plurality of openings 70 extending through the body portion, the openings 70 being configured to allow the bottom spring member 46 to contact the surface of the flat cable 18 opposite to the first contact area 22.

[0075] The reinforcing member 24 includes an angled lip 72 on its leading edge, the maximum height of which is at least equal to the thickness of the flat cable 18. The angled lip 72 is configured to protect the flat cable 18 when it is inserted into the cavity 42 and the spring array 14. The reinforcing member 24 also includes a locking latch 74 configured to engage an impact surface 76 within the cavity 42 of the housing 12. Without referring to any particular operational theory, as the reinforcing member 24 is inserted into the cavity 42, the angled leading edge of the locking latch 74 causes the flat body to bend upwards until the trailing edge of the locking latch 74 passes the impact surface 76 and the flat body returns to its flat form, thereby engaging the trailing edge of the locking latch 74 with the impact surface 76. The locking latch 74 and the impact surface 76 cooperate to retain the reinforcing member 24 within the housing 12. The rear edge of the reinforcing member 24 defines a ridge 78, which forms the rear surface 80 of the housing 12 of the electrical connector 10, thereby positioning the reinforcing member 24 within the housing 12. Figure 13 As best shown, the locking latch 74, the ridge 78, and the retainer 16 cooperate to position the first contact area 22 within the connector 10.

[0076] Now focus on PCB 28, such as Figure 18 and 19 As shown, PCB 28 includes a circuit board substrate 82 and a plurality of second conductive traces 30 disposed thereon. The exposed ends of the second conductive traces 30 define second contact regions 32. The second contact regions 32 define a plurality of ridges 84 projecting from the surface of the circuit board substrate, these ridges 84 being configured to concentrate stress on the first contact regions 22. Without referring to any particular operational theory, this stress concentration increases the reliability and current carrying capacity of the connection between the first contact regions 22 and the second contact regions 32.

[0077] PCB 28 can use a circuit board substrate 82 formed of epoxy resin or polyimide resin. The resin can be reinforced with woven glass cloth or other matrices such as short fibers. Substrates formed from such materials are commonly referred to as FR-4 or G-10 type circuit boards. PCB 28 can alternatively be constructed from ceramic or rigid polymer materials. The list of acceptable substrate materials is not exhaustive, and other materials can also be successfully used. A conductive material layer, such as a copper-based material, is electroplated on at least one main surface of PCB 28. The conductive material layer is then formed, typically by using a chemical etching process to create a second conductive trace 30 and a second contact area 32.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 18As shown, a plurality of ridges 84 are formed on the outer edges of a plurality of electroplated through holes or through portions 86 in the second contact region 32. Each second contact region 32 may include a plurality of interconnected through portions 86 arranged linearly.

[0079] Each through-hole 86 includes two pads at corresponding locations on different layers of the substrate 82, electrically connected via holes through the board. The holes are made conductive by electroplating. The electroplating is thickest at the outer edges of the pads and gradually decreases in thickness as it approaches the holes, thus forming an "inverted volcano" shape. Pads on one or both sides of the PCB 28 are connected to second conductive traces 30 on the surface of the PCB 28. The second conductive traces 30 interconnect each second contact area 32 to electrical components on the PCB 28. The materials and manufacturing techniques used to form the PCB and through-holes are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0080] In other embodiments of the invention, such as Figure 19 As shown, multiple ridges 84 are formed by a serpentine pattern 88 in the second conductive trace 30 within the second contact region 32.

[0081] The printed circuit board also includes a mating connector 26 that defines a shield 90 surrounding the second contact area 32, the shield 90 being configured to receive the front portion of the housing 12 of the connector 10. The connector 10 and the mating connector 26 mate to align the first contact area 22 with the second contact area 32.

[0082] Although the example connector 10 described herein is configured to connect flat cable 18 to PCB 28, other embodiments of the connector are also conceivable, wherein the connector is configured to interconnect one flat cable with another flat cable to create a series connection.

[0083] Furthermore, although the connector 10 described herein is configured to connect a single flat cable 18 to the PCB 28, other embodiments of the connector are also conceivable, wherein the connector is configured to interconnect two flat cables with the PCB; one flat cable is connected to each side of the PCB.

[0084] Furthermore, although the connector 10 described herein includes an actuation member 40 integrated with the CPA device 34, other embodiments of the invention are also conceivable, in which the actuation member is implemented without the CPA device.

[0085] Therefore, an electrical connector 10 is proposed. This connector provides a zero insertion force (ZIF) connection between a flat cable 18 and a PCB 28, another flat cable, or any other flat substrate with properly aligned contact areas, while providing a large contact force after the actuating member 40 moves to the working position 38. When the connector 10 and the mating connector 26 are attached to each other, the connector 10 also provides a reduced wiping force between the first contact area 22 and the second contact area 32. The thickness of the actuating member 40 can be adjusted to accommodate different thicknesses of flat cables, PCBs, or other substrates without requiring changes to the housing 12, retainer 16, or spring array 14 of the connector 10. The actuating member 40 and the spring array 14 cooperate to advantageously provide uniform compressive contact pressure on each pair of first contact areas 22 and second contact areas 32. Furthermore, the ridge 84 formed in the second contact area 32 creates stress concentration, which increases reliability and the current carrying capacity of the connection between the first contact area 22 and the second contact area 32.

[0086] Although the invention has been described with respect to its preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto, but only to the scope set forth in the following claims. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to the teachings of the invention to suit particular situations or materials without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of the various components, and the number and position of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means intended to be limiting; they are merely prototypical embodiments.

[0087] After reading the above description, many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the following claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0088] As used herein, “one or more” includes functions performed by a single element, functions performed by more than one element, such as in a distributed manner, multiple functions performed by a single element, multiple functions performed by multiple elements, or any combination of the above.

[0089] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., are used in certain circumstances to describe various elements herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. Both the first contact and the second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0090] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items. It should also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising” identify the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0091] As used herein, depending on the context, the term "if" may optionally be interpreted as "when" or "in response to determination" or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determined" or "if [the condition or event] is detected" may optionally be interpreted as indicating "when determined" or "in response to determination" or "when [the condition or event] is detected" or "in response to detection of [the condition or event]."

[0092] Furthermore, although prescriptive or directional terms may be used herein, these elements should not be limited by such terms. Unless otherwise stated, all prescriptive or directional terms are for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another and do not indicate any particular order, sequence of operations, direction, or orientation.

Claims

1. An electrical connector (10), comprising: A housing (12) configured to receive a flat first substrate (18) within a cavity (42) defined within the housing (12), the first substrate including a conductive first circuit trace having a first contact region (22), and the housing further configured to receive a flat second substrate (28) within the cavity (42), the second substrate including a conductive second circuit trace (30) having a second contact region (32), wherein the first contact region (22) is configured to align with the second contact region (32); and The force application device (14) includes a first spring member (46) configured to apply a first compressive contact force (50) to the first substrate (18) and a second spring member (48) configured to apply a second compressive contact force (54) to the second substrate (28), thereby causing the first contact area (22) and the second contact area (32) to directly mechanically compressively contact each other, wherein the second spring member (48) applies the second compressive contact force (54) to an actuating member (40) located between the second spring member (48) and the second substrate (28), thereby applying the second compressive contact force (54) to the second substrate (28), wherein the force application device (14) has an open box-shaped structure and floats freely within the housing (12).

2. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuating member (40) is configured to increase the second compressive contact force (54) applied to the first substrate (18) and the second substrate (28) by interacting with the second spring member (48), wherein the actuating member (40) is configured to move from a preparatory position (36) to a working position (38), in the preparatory position in which the actuating member (40) is not located between the second spring member (48) and the second substrate (28), and in the working position in which the actuating member (40) is located between the second spring member (48) and the second substrate (28).

3. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuating member (40) is configured to increase the second compressive contact force (54) applied to the second substrate (28) by the second spring member (48) when the actuating member (40) is in the working position (38).

4. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The dimensions of the actuating member (40) are configured such that the second compressive contact force (54) applied to the second substrate (28) is within a first predetermined range, regardless of the total thickness of the first substrate (18) and the second substrate (28).

5. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dimensions of the actuating member (40) are configured such that, regardless of the total thickness of the first substrate (18) and the second substrate (28), when the actuating member (40) is in the working position (38), the first compressive contact force (50) applied to the first substrate (18) is within a second predetermined range.

6. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The actuating member (40) is integral with the connector position guaranteeing device (34), which is configured to allow the actuating member (40) to move from the preparatory position (36) to the working position (38) when the housing (12) is received in and fully engaged with the corresponding mating connector (10).

7. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first compressive contact force and the second compressive contact force are provided solely by the force-applying device (14).

8. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying device (14) is disposed inside the housing (12).

9. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying device (14) has an open box-shaped structure configured to surround the first substrate (18) and the second substrate (28).

10. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying device (14) is made of metal, and the housing (12) is made of polymer.

11. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second spring member (48) is positioned opposite to the first spring member (46).

12. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first spring member (46) and the second spring member (48) are integrally formed within the force-applying device (14).

13. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first spring member (46) is an arc-shaped first fixed beam (56) with a first radius of curvature (58), and the second spring member (48) is an arc-shaped second fixed beam (60) with a second radius of curvature (62), wherein the first radius of curvature (58) is smaller than the second radius of curvature (62).

14. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first substrate (18) is formed of a flexible material (64); as well as A flat reinforcing member (24) is attached to a surface of the first substrate (18) that is positioned opposite to the first contact area (22).

15. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The reinforcing member (24) defines an opening (70) through the reinforcing member (24), in which the first spring member (46) is received, and the first spring member (46) contacts the surface of the first substrate (18) positioned opposite to the first contact area (22) through the opening.

16. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The reinforcing member (24) is disposed within the housing (12) and attached to the housing (12) by means of a latching mechanism (74).

17. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The rear edge of the reinforcing member (24) defines a ridge (78) configured to contact the housing (12) and position the first contact area (22) within the housing (12).

18. The electrical connector (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The leading edge of the reinforcing member (24) is defined as an angled lip (72), the maximum height of which is at least equal to the thickness of the first substrate (18).

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