Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Abstract

An electric connector and its combination, comprising an insulating fixed seat, an insulating floating seat, a floating terminal and a conductive shell, the insulating fixed seat has a terminal receiving groove, the bottom of the terminal receiving groove has a horizontally extending terminal fixing groove, the insulating floating seat is floatingly arranged above the insulating fixed seat, the insulating floating seat has an up-down through insertion hole, an annular groove is arranged on the outer wall of the insulating floating seat, the floating terminal is fixed in the insulating fixed seat, the floating terminal comprises a welding tail, a horizontal fixing part connected with the tail, a butt joint part and a floating connecting part elastically connected between the butt joint part and the horizontal fixing part, the floating connecting part is floatingly received in the terminal receiving groove, the butt joint part extends into the insertion hole of the insulating floating seat, the conductive shell is sleeved outside the insulating fixed seat, the conductive shell extends upwards to have a plurality of elastic butt joint pieces, the ends of the elastic butt joint pieces extend into the annular groove. The electric connector can better adapt to the assembly tolerance and keep normal work in the vibration environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector capable of floating connection with another electrical connector. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are used to connect electronic devices or between electronic devices and cables. Connections between electrical connectors are typically achieved through mating male and female connectors. A male connector usually includes an insulating base, a central conductive element within the insulating base, and a grounding shell outside the insulating base. A female connector typically includes mating terminals for mates with the central conductive element of the male connector, a conductive shell for mates with the grounding shell of the male connector, and an insulating base spaced between the mating terminals and the conductive shell. However, due to assembly tolerances, axial or radial misalignment often occurs between the male and female connectors, making mating difficult. Even if mating is achieved, misalignment between the central conductive element and the mating terminals can lead to poor contact, thus affecting the reliability of signal transmission.

[0003] To address this issue, a floating male connector has been introduced to the market. This type of connector has a certain amount of floating space between its central conductive component and conductive housing to accommodate assembly tolerances between the male and female connectors. However, the floating range of this male connector is limited, and its flexibility is poor. When used in vehicles or other transportation environments subject to frequent vibrations, it often causes signal transmission interruptions or even damage due to misalignment caused by vibration, requiring further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to propose an electrical connector and electrical connector assembly that can better adapt to assembly tolerances and can work normally in a vibration environment.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector is provided, comprising:

[0006] An insulating mounting base has a terminal receiving groove inside, and the bottom of the terminal receiving groove has a horizontally extending terminal fixing groove;

[0007] An insulating floating seat is buoyantly mounted above the insulating fixed seat. The insulating floating seat has a through-hole and an annular groove on its outer wall.

[0008] A floating terminal, fixed within the insulating mounting base, includes a soldered tail, a horizontally extending horizontally connected to the soldered tail, a mating portion, and a floating connecting portion formed by multiple bends and elastically connected between the mating portion and the horizontally fixed portion. The horizontally fixed portion is fixed in the terminal mounting groove, the floating connecting portion is buoyantly received in the terminal receiving groove, and the mating portion extends upward into the insertion hole of the insulating floating base; and...

[0009] A conductive housing is sleeved and fixed on the outside of the insulating fixing base. Multiple elastic mating pieces extend upward from the conductive housing, and the ends of the elastic mating pieces extend into the annular groove.

[0010] In one embodiment, the floating connection portion of the floating terminal includes three straight extension portions that are bent and extended in sequence, wherein any two straight extension portions are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the floating connection portion includes: a first bent portion connected to the docking portion, a horizontally extending first straight extension connected to the first bent portion, a second bent portion extending downward at a 90-degree angle from the first straight extension, a vertically extending second straight extension connected to the second bent portion, a third bent portion extending horizontally at a 90-degree angle from the second straight extension, a vertically extending third straight extension connected to the third bent portion, and a fourth bent portion connected to the third straight extension, wherein the horizontal fixing portion is connected to the fourth bent portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, a bent arm extends downward from each of the opposite sides of the first straight extension, and the bent arm has a free end that is suspended.

[0013] In one embodiment, the horizontal fixing portion of the floating terminal extends horizontally below the docking portion or extends horizontally in a direction away from directly below the docking portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the docking portion of the floating terminal includes two docking springs arranged opposite each other. The cross-section of the two docking springs is an arc shape that bends towards each other. The lower sides of the two docking springs are connected and the upper parts are separated, forming a vertically penetrating insertion cavity between them. The two docking springs move closer to the center of the insertion cavity near the upper end to form a neck.

[0015] In one embodiment, the docking portion is in the shape of a constricted bottle and includes, from bottom to top, a straight cylindrical portion, a tapered cylindrical portion formed by the tapered cylindrical portion gradually narrowing upwards, and a funnel-shaped insertion guide portion formed upwards from the tapered cylindrical portion. The constricted neck is formed at the junction of the tapered cylindrical portion and the insertion guide portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mating portion has a first slit and a second slit. The first slit extends downward from the upper end of the insertion guide to the straight cylindrical portion and cuts off the straight cylindrical portion. The second slit extends from the upper end of the insertion guide to the straight cylindrical portion but does not cut off the straight cylindrical portion. The floating connecting portion is connected to the lower end of the straight cylindrical portion and is located directly below the second slit.

[0017] In one embodiment, there is a gap between the terminal receiving groove and the floating connection portion, and the terminal receiving groove has spacers extending between the portions of the floating connection portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the insulating fixing base includes a main fixing base and an auxiliary fixing base. The terminal receiving groove is formed on one side of the main fixing base, and a side opening is formed on the side of the main fixing base. The auxiliary fixing base is snapped into the side opening. A spacer block is provided on the auxiliary fixing base, and the spacer block is spaced between the bent arm of the floating terminal and the horizontal fixing part of the floating terminal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the terminal receiving groove divides the inner wall of the main fixing seat into two opposing limiting walls, each of which is provided with a slot, and the auxiliary fixing seat is provided with a locking block that engages with the slot.

[0020] In one embodiment, a protruding stop wall is provided on one of the limiting walls of the main fixing seat, and the stop wall stops below the first bending portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the terminal receiving groove is formed on one side of the insulating fixing base, dividing the insulating fixing base into opposing first limiting walls and second limiting walls. The first limiting wall is provided with a partition wall extending horizontally toward the second limiting wall. There is a gap between the partition wall and the second limiting wall. The partition wall extends below the first straight extension and is spaced apart from the first straight extension. The second straight extension is inserted into the gap and is able to float in the gap.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first limiting wall and the second limiting wall are respectively provided with a first slot and a second slot near the bottom end. The openings of the first slot and the second slot are opposite to each other and together form the terminal fixing groove. The two sides of the horizontal fixing part of the floating terminal are respectively locked in the first slot and the second slot.

[0023] In one embodiment, the insulating floating seat includes a cylindrical body, the annular groove is disposed on the upper part of the insulating floating seat and surrounds the cylindrical body, and the outer wall of the cylindrical body protrudes outward in the lower direction near the annular groove to form a convex ring.

[0024] In one embodiment, the conductive housing includes: a sleeve portion sleeved outside the insulating fixing base, wherein each of the elastic mating pieces is distributed at intervals along the upper end of the sleeve portion and surrounds it in a cage shape, the upper end of the elastic mating piece is bent toward the central axis of the conductive housing to form a hook, the end of the hook extends into the annular groove, and the lower end of the sleeve portion is provided with an outwardly extending welding foot.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector assembly is provided, comprising: a male connector, a main mounting housing for insertion of the male connector, and an electrical connector as described above that mates with the male connector; the male connector comprises: a metal housing, a central conductive element housed within the metal housing, and an insulating base; the central conductive element is fixed to the insulating base, the insulating base being spaced between the metal housing and the central conductive element; the central conductive element makes corresponding contact with the mating portion of the floating terminal to establish a first electrical connection, while the metal housing is fitted around the outer periphery of the conductive housing to establish a second electrical connection.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following advantages:

[0027] The electrical connector and connector assembly of the present invention include a floating terminal, an insulating fixed base and an insulating floating base for mounting the floating terminal thereon, and a conductive housing sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixed base and the insulating floating base. The floating terminal includes a floating connection portion, which has good flexibility and can deform in various directions in three-dimensional space. Moreover, when the floating terminal floats, the insulating floating base can also adapt to the deformation of the floating terminal under the elastic constraint of the elastic mating piece of the conductive housing, thereby ensuring that the floating terminal can float in the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions to better adapt to the assembly tolerances between it and the electrical connector. It can also adapt to vibration and deform under vibration environment to maintain reliable mating with the electrical connector and ensure that the electrical connector works normally under vibration environment conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a side view of the electrical connector assembly according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view (AA) of the electrical connector assembly shown;

[0031] Figure 4a yes Figure 2The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the female connector mounted on the circuit board.

[0032] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a The diagram shows a top view of the female connector mounted on the circuit board.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 4a An exploded perspective view of the female connector shown.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the insulating retainer of the female connector shown.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the insulating retainer of the female connector shown from another angle;

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the insulating floating base and insulating fixed base of the female connector shown.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the floating terminal of the female connector shown.

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 Another perspective view of the floating terminal of the female connector shown;

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Side view of the floating terminal shown;

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the insulating floating base and conductive housing of the female connector shown.

[0041] Figure 13a yes Figure 4b BB section view;

[0042] Figure 13b yes Figure 4b CC section view;

[0043] Figure 14 yes Figure 4a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the mating state when the female connector and the mating male connector have assembly tolerances.

[0044] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the female connector of the second preferred embodiment;

[0045] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 An exploded view of the female connector shown.

[0046] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the floating terminal of the female connector shown.

[0047] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 A side view of the floating terminal shown;

[0048] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the floating terminals of the female connector assembled on the insulating base.

[0049] Figure 20 yes Figure 16 A perspective view of the floating terminal and insulating base of the female connector shown after assembly.

[0050] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 Side view of the floating terminal and insulating mounting base after assembly;

[0051] Figure 22 yes Figure 15 A top view of the female connector shown;

[0052] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A sectional view of DD;

[0053] Figure 24 yes Figure 22 A sectional view of the EE.

[0054] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0055] 100. Electrical connector assembly;

[0056] 1. Circuit board;

[0057] 2. Male connector; 21. Center conductive element; 22. Metal housing; 23. Insulating base; 24. Locking cap;

[0058] 2a. Male connector; 21a. Center conductive element; 22a. Metal housing; 221a. First metal housing; 222a. Second metal housing; 23a. Insulating base;

[0059] 3. Main mounting housing; 31. Connecting post; 311. Mounting channel;

[0060] 4. Female connector;

[0061] 41. Insulating fixing base; 410. Support platform; 411. Main fixing base; 4111. Stop wall; 4112. Slot; 4113. Groove; 412. Auxiliary fixing base; 4121. Spacer block; 4122. Locking block; 413. First limiting wall; 414. Second limiting wall; 4131. First slot; 4141. Second slot; 41a. Terminal receiving slot; 41b. Terminal fixing slot;

[0062] 42. Insulating floating seat; 421. Insertion hole; 422. Annular groove; 423. Cylinder body; 424. Raised ring;

[0063] 43. Floating terminal; 431. Butt joint; 4311. First slit; 4312. Second slit; 4313. Butt joint spring; 4314. Insertion guide; 4315. Neck; 4316. Conical section; 4317. Straight section; 4318. Insertion cavity; 432. Welded tail; 4321. Stepped section; 433. Floating connection; 4331. First bend; 4332. First straight extension; 4333. Second bend; 4334. Second straight extension; 4335. Third bend; 4336. Third straight extension; 4337. Fourth bend; 4338. Bending arm; 434. Horizontal fixing part;

[0064] 44. Conductive housing; 441. Sleeve section; 442. Flexible mating piece; 443. Hook; 444. Welding foot; 445. Buckle;

[0065] 6. Female connector; 61a. Terminal receiving groove; 61. Insulating fixing base; 613. First limiting wall; 614. Second limiting wall; 615. Partition wall; 616. Gap; 617. Stop part;

[0066] 62. Insulating floating seat; 63. Floating terminal; 631. Butt joint; 632. Welded tail; 633. Floating connection; 6331. First bending part; 6332. First straight extension part; 6333. Second bending part; 6334. Second straight extension part; 6335. Third bending part; 6336. Third straight extension part; 6337. Fourth bending part; 634. Horizontal fixing part; 64. Conductive housing. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Although the invention can be readily embodied in various forms, only some specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in this specification. It is understood that this specification should be regarded as an exemplary illustration of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to what is described herein.

[0068] Therefore, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to illustrate one feature of one embodiment of the invention, and does not imply that every embodiment of the invention must have the described feature. Furthermore, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. While certain features may be combined to illustrate possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly stated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0069] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back) used to explain the structure and movement of the various elements of the invention are relative rather than absolute. These descriptions are appropriate when these elements are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these elements change, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0070] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The electrical connector assembly 100 includes: a male connector 2, a main mounting housing 3 on which the male connector 2 is inserted, and a female connector 4 that mates with the male connector 2. The female connector 4 is mounted on a circuit board 1 and housed together with the circuit board 1 within the main mounting housing 3. The electrical connector assembly 100 is suitable for connecting electronic devices or connecting electronic devices to cables to achieve signal transmission. The electronic devices may be, for example, wireless communication devices, dashcams, car navigation systems, car audio systems, or car control panels.

[0071] The present invention mainly focuses on the structural improvement of the female connector. However, in order to clearly describe the structure of each part of the female connector in this preferred embodiment and the mating process between the female connector and the male connector, this embodiment schematically illustrates a male connector 2 and a main mounting housing 3 on which the male connector 2 is mounted.

[0072] See Figure 3 The male connector 2 includes: a metal shell 22, a central conductive element 21 housed within the metal shell 22, an insulating base 23, and a locking cover 24 sleeved on the outside of the metal shell 22. The central conductive element 21 is fixed to the insulating base 23, which is spaced between the metal shell 22 and the central conductive element 21, thus insulating them from each other. The metal shell 22 shields the central conductive element 21 to filter out noise and improve the fidelity of the transmitted signal. The locking cover 24 mates with the main mounting housing 3 to lock the male connector 2 onto the main mounting housing 3.

[0073] The main mounting housing 3 is provided with a mating post 31, and a mounting channel 311 is formed through the mating post 31 in the vertical direction. When the male connector 2 is installed in the main mounting housing 3, the metal shell 22, the central conductive element 21 and the insulating seat 23 of the male connector 2 are housed together in the mounting channel 311, and the locking cover 24 is sleeved on the outer wall of the mating post 31 and interlocks with the mating post 31.

[0074] The preferred embodiments of the female connector will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0075] For ease of description, this article defines the end of the female connector that is connected to the male connector as "upper" and the end of the female connector that is away from the male connector as "lower".

[0076] Please see Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 5 The female connector 4 in this embodiment includes an insulating fixed base 41, an insulating floating base 42, a floating terminal 43, and a conductive housing 44. The floating terminal 43 is housed within the insulating fixed base 41 and the insulating floating base 42, and the insulating fixed base 41, the insulating floating base 42, and the floating terminal 43 are together housed within the conductive housing 44. The insulating fixed base 41 and the insulating floating base 42 are spaced between the floating terminal 43 and the conductive housing 44, thus insulating the floating terminal 43 from the conductive housing 44.

[0077] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The insulating fixing base 41 includes a main fixing base 411 and an auxiliary fixing base 412.

[0078] The insulating mounting base 41 has a terminal receiving groove 41a, which is formed on one side of the insulating mounting base 41 and extends into the insulating mounting base 41. The terminal receiving groove 41a is used to receive the floating terminal 43. Specifically, in this embodiment, the terminal receiving groove 41a divides the inner wall of the main mounting base 411 into opposing first limiting walls 413 and second limiting walls 414.

[0079] The terminal receiving groove 41a forms a side opening on the side of the main fixing seat 411, and the auxiliary fixing seat 412 is snapped into the side opening to close it. The first limiting wall 413 and the second limiting wall 414 are respectively provided with slots 4112. The auxiliary fixing seat 412 is provided with a locking block 4122 that engages with the slots 4112. The main fixing seat 411 and the auxiliary fixing seat 412 are connected to each other by the locking block 4122 engaging with the slots 4112. The floating terminal 43 is installed in the terminal receiving groove 41a through the side opening of the main fixing seat 411, and the auxiliary fixing seat 412 is snapped into the side opening to encapsulate the floating terminal 43 in the terminal receiving groove 41a. The auxiliary fixing seat 412 is provided with a protruding spacer block 4121 that extends into the terminal receiving groove 41a to limit the movement of the floating terminal 43 within the terminal receiving groove 41a.

[0080] The bottom of the terminal receiving groove 41a has a horizontally extending terminal fixing groove 41b. Specifically, in this embodiment, a first slot 4131 and a second slot 4141 are respectively formed near the bottom of the first limiting wall 413 and the second limiting wall 414. The openings of the first slot 4131 and the second slot 4141 are opposite to each other and together form the terminal fixing groove 41b. The terminal fixing groove 41b is used to fix the floating terminal 43.

[0081] The first limiting wall 413 of the main fixing base 411 is provided with a protruding stop wall 4111, which is used to limit the floating terminal 43 (described in detail below). The outer side of the insulating fixing base 41 is also provided with at least one groove 4113 for fixing the conductive housing 44.

[0082] Please see Figure 8An insulating floating seat 42 is floatingly mounted above an insulating fixed seat 41. Specifically, in this embodiment, the top of the insulating fixed seat 41 has a horizontal support platform 410, and the insulating floating seat 42 is slidably positioned on the support platform 410, thereby enabling the insulating floating seat 42 to float horizontally. Furthermore, there is no vertical connection constraint between the insulating floating seat 42 and the insulating fixed seat 41, so the insulating floating seat 42 can float freely up and down relative to the insulating fixed seat 41. The floating amplitude of the insulating floating seat 42 is limited by a conductive shell 44 sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixed seat 41 and the insulating floating seat 42 (described in detail below). In addition, in other embodiments not shown, a receiving groove may be provided on the insulating fixed seat 41, and the insulating floating seat 42 is installed in the receiving groove. A gap exists between the insulating floating seat 42 and the receiving groove, allowing the insulating floating seat 42 to float horizontally and vertically relative to the insulating fixed seat 41. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a receiving groove or perforation may be provided on the insulating floating seat 42, so that the insulating fixed seat 41 extends partially into the receiving groove or perforation of the insulating floating seat 42, and there is a gap between the two, thereby enabling the insulating floating seat 42 to float freely horizontally and vertically relative to the insulating fixed seat 41.

[0083] The insulating floating seat 42 has a through-hole 421. The lower part of the floating terminal 43 is fixed inside the insulating fixed seat 41, and the upper part extends into the through-hole 421 of the insulating floating seat 42. An annular groove 422 is provided around the outer wall at the upper part of the insulating floating seat 42. The insulating floating seat 42 includes a cylindrical body 423. The through-hole 421 extends through the cylindrical body 423. Specifically, the annular groove 422 surrounds the cylindrical body 423 and is located near the upper end of the cylindrical body 423. The outer wall of the cylindrical body 423 protrudes outward in the lower direction near the annular groove 422 to form a raised ring 424.

[0084] Please see Figure 9 The floating terminal 43 is preferably made of a flexible conductive metal material, and includes a mating portion 431, a floating connecting portion 433, a horizontal fixing portion 434, and a welding tail portion 432 connected in sequence. The mating portion 431 and the welding tail portion 432 are located at opposite ends of the floating terminal 43. The floating connecting portion 433 connects the mating portion 431 and the horizontal fixing portion 434, and the horizontal fixing portion 434 connects the floating connecting portion 433 and the welding tail portion 432. The mating portion 431 mates with the central conductive element 21 of the male connector 2, and the welding tail portion 432 is welded to the circuit board 1 to electrically connect the floating terminal 43 to the circuit board 1. The floating connecting portion 433 enables the floating terminal 43 to float up and down, left and right, and back and forth, thereby achieving floating mating with the male connector 2. The horizontal fixing portion 434 fixes the lower end of the floating terminal 43 to the insulating fixing base 41.

[0085] See Figures 6 to 9The mating part 431 extends into the insertion hole 421 of the insulating floating seat 42, and the floating connecting part 433 and the horizontal fixing part 434 are housed within the insulating fixing seat 41. The floating connecting part 433 is housed within the terminal receiving groove 41a, and there is a gap between the floating connecting part 433 and the groove wall of the terminal receiving groove 41a, allowing the floating connecting part 433 to float within the terminal receiving groove 41a. The horizontal fixing part 434 is correspondingly housed within the terminal fixing groove 41b, and the welding tail 432 is exposed outside the insulating fixing seat 41.

[0086] The horizontal fixing part 434 extends horizontally directly below the mating part 431 and is received in the terminal fixing groove 41b. The thickness of the horizontal fixing part 434 is adapted to the height of the terminal fixing groove 41b to ensure a tight fit between the horizontal fixing part 434 and the groove wall of the terminal fixing groove 41b. Specifically, in this embodiment, the height of the first slot 4131 and the second slot 4141 constituting the terminal fixing groove 41b is adapted to the thickness of the horizontal fixing part 434, so that both sides of the horizontal fixing part 434 are respectively engaged in the first slot 4131 and the second slot 4141.

[0087] Please also refer to Figure 9 The welding tail 432 is connected to the end of the horizontal fixing part 434, and a step part 4321 is connected between the welding tail 432 and the horizontal fixing part 434.

[0088] See Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 The mating portion 431 of the floating terminal 43 includes two opposing mating springs 4313, with a slit formed between them. The lower sides of the two mating springs 4313 are connected, while their upper parts are separated, forming a vertically penetrating insertion cavity 4318 between them. The insertion cavity 4318 is used for inserting the central conductive element 21 of the male connector 2 and establishing an electrical connection therewith. The horizontal cross-section of each mating spring 4313 is an arc shape curving towards each other, so that the two mating springs 4313 have a centripetal force converging towards the center of the insertion cavity 4318, ensuring that the neck 4315 always maintains reliable contact with the central conductive element 21. The two mating springs 4313 converge towards the center of the insertion cavity 4318 near their upper ends to form a neck 4315 for contacting the central conductive element 21.

[0089] Specifically, the mating portion 431 of the floating terminal 43 has a first slit 4311 and a second slit 4312. The first slit 4311 extends from the upper end of the insertion guide portion 4314 to the straight cylindrical portion 4317 and cuts off the straight cylindrical portion 4317. The second slit 4312 extends from the upper end of the insertion guide portion 4314 to the straight cylindrical portion 4317 but does not cut off the straight cylindrical portion 4317. The floating connecting portion 433 is connected to the lower end of the straight cylindrical portion 4317 and is located directly below the second slit 4312.

[0090] The docking portion 431 is generally shaped like a constricted-neck bottle. From bottom to top, the docking portion 431 includes: a straight cylindrical portion 4317, a conical cylindrical portion 4316, a constricted neck 4315, and a insertion guide portion 4314. The straight cylindrical portion 4317 is a partially closed cylindrical structure with the same upper and lower diameters. The conical cylindrical portion 4316 is formed by gradually narrowing the diameter of the straight cylindrical portion 4317 upwards. The insertion guide portion 4314 is formed by slightly widening the diameter of the conical cylindrical portion 4316 upwards. The constricted neck 4315 is formed at the junction of the conical cylindrical portion 4316 and the insertion guide portion 4314.

[0091] See also Figure 3 and Figure 9 as well as Figure 14 The insertion guide portion 4314 is roughly flared, providing a docking guide for the central conductive element 21 of the male connector 2 to smoothly enter the insertion cavity 4318 of the mating portion 431. When the central conductive element 21 enters the insertion cavity 4318, the neck 4315 wraps around and contacts the outer periphery of the central conductive element 21, forming two arc-shaped contact bands, effectively increasing the contact area between the female connector and the central conductive element 21, so that the two can maintain reliable contact even in a vibration environment to establish a first electrical connection for signal transmission. The metal shell 22 of the male connector 2 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the conductive shell 44 of the female connector 4, and the elastic mating piece 442 of the conductive shell 44 elastically abuts against the inner wall of the metal shell 22 to establish a second electrical connection for grounding.

[0092] Please see Figures 9 to 11 The floating connection part 433 is elastically connected between the mating part 431 and the horizontal fixing part 434. The floating connection part 433 is formed by multiple bending, so the floating connection part 433 can deform in various directions in three-dimensional space, thereby enabling the floating terminal 43 to float in various positions such as left and right, front and back, and up and down.

[0093] For ease of description, the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions are defined as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively.

[0094] This embodiment, as one implementation of the floating connection part 433, includes three straight extension parts that extend in sequence by bending, wherein any two straight extension parts are perpendicular to each other. That is, the three straight extension parts extend along the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions in three-dimensional space, respectively, and the three straight extension parts achieve turning through multiple bends.

[0095] Specifically, the floating connection part 433 includes a first bending part 4331, a first straight extension part 4332, a second bending part 4333, a second straight extension part 4334, a third bending part 4335, a third straight extension part 4336 and a fourth bending part 4337 connected in sequence.

[0096] The first bending portion 4331 is formed by bending the lower end of the connecting portion 431 90 degrees in the X-axis direction. The first straight extension portion 4332 is connected to the first bending portion 4331 and extends horizontally in the X-axis direction from the horizontal end of the first bending portion 4331. The second bending portion 4333 is formed by bending the first straight extension portion 4332 90 degrees in the Z-axis direction. The second straight extension portion 4334 is connected to the second bending portion 4333 and extends vertically downward in the Z-axis direction from the lower end of the second bending portion 4333. The third bending portion 43... 35 is formed by bending the second straight extension 4334 horizontally by 90 degrees. The third straight extension 4336 is connected to the third bent extension 4335 and extends vertically from the third bent extension 4335 in a direction perpendicular to the second straight extension 4334. The fourth bent extension 4337 is formed by bending the third straight extension 4336 horizontally by 90 degrees in the Y-axis direction. The horizontal fixing part 434 is connected to the fourth bent extension 4337 and extends from the horizontal end of the fourth bent extension 4337 in the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction).

[0097] The three straight extensions and four bends of the floating connection part 433 form a flexible connection, which allows the floating connection part 433 to float relative to the docking part 431 and the floating connection part 433 to float relative to the horizontal fixing part 434. The three straight extensions of the floating connection part 433 extending in different directions in three-dimensional space can also float relative to each other, thereby realizing the floating terminal 43 to float in various directions in three-dimensional space.

[0098] See Figures 13a to 14 The floating connection 433 is housed in the terminal receiving groove 41a of the main fixed base 411. There is a gap between the terminal receiving groove 41a and the floating connection 433, so that the floating connection 433 has floating space.

[0099] The terminal receiving groove 41a has spacers extending between the various parts of the floating connection 433. These spacers can limit the elastic deformation of the various parts of the floating connection 433, preventing the floating terminal 43 from floating too much within the terminal receiving groove 41a and affecting its stability when mating with the male connector 2.

[0100] Please see Figure 11 Specifically, in this embodiment, a bent arm 4338 extends downward from each of the opposite sides of the first straight extension 4332, and the bent arm 4338 has a suspended free end. The two opposite bent arms 4338 can improve the capacitive reactance of the floating terminal 43 to achieve impedance matching, and can also cooperate with the auxiliary fixing seat 412 to achieve auxiliary fixing.

[0101] Please refer to it again. Figure 7 and Figure 13b A spacer block 4121 is provided on the auxiliary fixing base 412. The spacer block 4121 is spaced between the bent arm 4338 of the floating terminal 43 and the horizontal fixing part 434 of the floating terminal 43 to achieve auxiliary fixing of the floating terminal 43. At the same time, the spacer block 4121 can also limit the elastic deformation of the floating terminal 43 to a certain extent, so as to prevent the floating terminal 43 from floating too much and affecting its stability when mating with the male connector 2.

[0102] Please refer to it again. Figure 6 The first limiting wall 413 of the main fixing seat 411 is also provided with a protruding stop wall 4111. The stop wall 4111 stops below the first bent portion 4331 of the floating terminal 43 to limit the first bent portion 4331 from floating excessively.

[0103] Please see Figure 12 , Figure 13a and Figure 13b The conductive housing 44 is made of conductive material and is sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixing base 41 and the insulating floating base 42. The conductive housing 44 includes an annular sleeve portion 441 and a plurality of elastic mating pieces 442 extending upward from the sleeve portion 441. The sleeve portion 441 is sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixing base 41, and a plurality of outwardly extending welding feet 444 are provided at the lower end of the sleeve portion 441. The welding feet 444 are used to weld and fix the conductive housing 44 to the circuit board 1.

[0104] The sleeve portion 441 is provided with at least one inwardly protruding buckle 445. When the conductive housing 44 is sleeved on the insulating fixing base 41, the buckle 445 on the sleeve portion 441 can be stamped and extended into the groove 4113 of the insulating fixing base 41 (e.g., Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the two are relatively fixed.

[0105] The ends of each elastic mating piece 442 extend into the annular groove 422 of the insulating floating seat 42. Specifically, the elastic mating pieces 442 are distributed at intervals around the upper end of the sleeve portion 441 and form a cage shape. The upper ends of the elastic mating pieces 442 are bent towards the central axis of the conductive housing 44 to form hooks 443. The hooks 443 are suspended and fastened to the convex ring 424 of the insulating floating seat 42, and the ends of the hooks 443 extend into the annular groove 422 with a gap to prevent the insulating floating seat 42 from detaching from the insulating fixed seat 41 and to allow the insulating floating seat 42 to float narrowly in the horizontal and vertical directions. The convex ring 424 can limit the hooks 443 and prevent the hooks 443 from falling out of the annular groove 422.

[0106] Because the elastic mating piece 442 is elastic, it can deform appropriately so that the insulating floating seat 42 can float relative to the insulating fixed seat 41. During the floating process of the insulating floating seat 42, the elastic mating piece 442 can also provide appropriate restraint to the insulating floating seat 42, ensuring that the insulating floating seat 42 does not detach from the insulating fixed seat 41.

[0107] Please compare and refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 14 , Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector assembly 100 of the present invention, showing the mating state diagram of the female connector 4 and a male connector 2 of the first embodiment (no mating tolerance). Figure 14 The diagram shows the mating state of the female connector 4 and the male connector 2a in the first embodiment (with mating tolerance).

[0108] Figure 3 The male connector 2 has already been described above and will not be repeated here. Figure 14 The male connector 2a in the middle and Figure 3 The male connector 2 in the middle is slightly different. Figure 14 The male connector 2a includes: a central conductive element 21a, an insulating seat 23a on which the central conductive element 21a is mounted, and a metal shell 22a. The metal shell 22a includes a first metal shell 221a and a second metal shell 222a that are mated together. The first metal shell 221a and the second metal shell 222a form a through mounting channel. The central conductive element 21a and the insulating seat 23a are housed in the mounting channel.

[0109] See Figure 3When the female connector 4 and the male connector 2 are mated, the female connector 4 is housed in the main mounting housing 3, and the male connector 2 is inserted into the mating post 31 of the main mounting housing 3. The central conductive element 21 of the male connector 2 is inserted into the mating part 431 at the upper end of the floating terminal 43 of the female connector 4, and the two mating springs 4313 on the mating part 431 clamp the central conductive element 21 to achieve electrical connection between the two. The conductive housing 44 of the female connector 4 extends into the metal housing 22 of the male connector 2 and contacts the inner wall of the metal housing 22 to achieve electrical connection between the two. The male and female connectors 2 and 4 achieve electrical signal transmission through the conduction of the central conductive element 21 and the floating terminal 43, and achieve signal shielding through the conduction of the metal housing 22 and the conductive housing 44 to filter out noise.

[0110] See Figure 14 When there is an assembly tolerance between the female connector 4 and the male connector 2a, the male connector 2a and the female connector 4 will be axially misaligned. At this time, the central conductive part 21a of the male connector 2a can still be aligned with the edge of the mating part 431 of the female connector 4. The central conductive part 21a is guided by the flared opening of the insertion guide part 4314 at the upper end of the mating part 431, so that the central conductive part 21a can be smoothly inserted into the mating part 431. At the same time, the floating terminal 43, the insulating floating seat 42 and the elastic mating piece 442 of the conductive shell 44 of the female connector 4 will also bend in accordance with the central conductive part 21a. After the bend, the mating part 431 can still reliably connect with the central conductive part 21a, and the conductive shell 44 can still reliably connect with the second metal shell 222a of the male connector 2a. Even in a vibration environment, the floating terminal 43 can deform in all directions, such as left, right, front, back, up, and down, in accordance with the vibration, and still maintain a reliable connection with the male connector 2a after deformation, thereby ensuring the stability of signal transmission. Moreover, when the floating terminal 43 floats, the insulating floating seat 42 can also adapt to the floating terminal 43 to float in all directions, which is conducive to the floating terminal 43 maintaining its state after deformation, so that it can better adapt to assembly tolerances and maintain normal operation under vibration environment conditions.

[0111] Please see Figure 15 and Figure 16 The female connector 6 of the second embodiment of the present invention includes an insulating fixed base 61, an insulating floating base 62, a floating terminal 63, and a conductive housing 64. The insulating floating base 62 and the conductive housing 64 have similar structures to those of the female connector 4 in the first embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0112] Specifically in the second embodiment, the floating terminal 63 also includes a mating part 631, a floating connecting part 633, a horizontal fixing part 634 and a welding tail part 632 connected in sequence.

[0113] The specific structure of the mating part 631 and the welding tail part 632 of the floating terminal 63 is the same as that of the mating part 431 of the female connector 4 in the first embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0114] The extension direction of the horizontal fixing part 634 of the floating terminal 63 is different from that of the female connector 4 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the horizontal fixing part 634 extends horizontally directly below the mating part 631, while in the second embodiment, the horizontal fixing part 634 extends horizontally in a direction away from directly below the mating part 631.

[0115] Please see Figure 17 and Figure 18 The floating connection portion 633 of the floating terminal 63 includes three straight extension portions that extend in sequence and bend, wherein any two straight extension portions are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the three straight extension portions achieve deflection through multiple bends.

[0116] Specifically, the floating connection 633 includes a first bending portion 6331, a first straight extension portion 6332, a second bending portion 6333, a second straight extension portion 6334, a third bending portion 6335, a third straight extension portion 6336, and a fourth bending portion 6337 connected in sequence.

[0117] The first bending portion 6331 is formed by bending the lower end of the connecting portion 631 horizontally by 90 degrees. The first straight extension portion 6332 is connected to the first bending portion 6331 and extends horizontally from the horizontal end of the first bending portion 6331. The second bending portion 6333 is formed by bending the first straight extension portion 6332 downward. The second straight extension portion 6334 is connected to the second bending portion 6333 and extends vertically downward from the second bending portion 6333. The third bending portion 6335 is formed by bending the second straight extension portion 6334 horizontally by 90 degrees. The third straight extension portion 6336 is connected to the third bending portion 6335 and extends vertically downward from the third bending portion 6335. The fourth bending portion 6337 is formed by bending the third straight extension portion 6336 horizontally. The horizontal fixing portion 634 is connected to the fourth bending portion 6337 and extends horizontally from the fourth bending portion 6337.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the first straight extension 6332, the second straight extension 6334, and the third straight extension 6336 of the female connector 6 decrease in height from top to bottom. The three straight extensions form a flexible connection with the four bending parts, allowing the floating connection 633 to float relative to the mating part 631 and the horizontal fixing part 634. Furthermore, the three straight extensions of the floating connection 633 extending in different directions in three-dimensional space can deform in various directions in three-dimensional space, such as up and down, left and right, and front and back, thereby realizing the floating terminal 63 floating in various directions in three-dimensional space.

[0119] Please see Figures 19 to 21 In the second embodiment, the insulating mounting base 61 of the female connector 6 also has a terminal receiving groove 61a for receiving the floating terminal 63. The terminal receiving groove 61a divides the inner wall of the insulating mounting base 61 into opposing first limiting walls 613 and second limiting walls 614. The terminal receiving groove 61a forms an open opening on the side of the insulating mounting base 61, through which the floating terminal 63 is mounted in the insulating mounting base 61.

[0120] Near the top of the first limiting wall 613 of the insulating fixing base 61, there is a partition wall 615 extending horizontally towards the second limiting wall 614, with a gap 616 between the partition wall 615 and the second limiting wall 614. The partition wall 615 extends below the first straight extension 6332 of the floating terminal 63, and the gap between the partition wall 615 and the first straight extension 6332 allows the first straight extension 6332 to float up and down. However, the partition wall 615 also limits the float of the first straight extension 6332, preventing it from floating excessively and affecting the stability of the mating with the male connector.

[0121] The second straight extension 6334 is inserted into the gap 616 between the partition wall 615 and the second limiting wall 614 and can float in the gap 616. At the same time, the partition wall 615 and the second limiting wall 614 also constitute a horizontal floating limit for the second straight extension 6334, preventing the second straight extension 6334 from floating excessively in the horizontal direction.

[0122] A protruding stop 617 is provided on the second limiting wall 614. The stop 617 stops below the second straight extension 6334 to prevent the second straight extension 6334 from floating downwards excessively.

[0123] Please see Figures 22 to 24In the second embodiment, when the female connector 6 is assembled, the insulating floating seat 62 is floatingly disposed above the insulating fixed seat 61. The floating connection part 633 and the horizontal fixing part 634 of the floating terminal 63 are housed in the insulating fixed seat 61. The welding tail part 632 is exposed outside the insulating fixed seat 61. The mating part 631 extends upward into the insulating floating seat 62. The conductive housing 64 is sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixed seat 61 and the insulating floating seat 62 to prevent the insulating floating seat 62 from detaching from the insulating fixed seat 61.

[0124] Since the floating terminal 63 of the female connector 6 in the second embodiment also includes three straight extensions extending in different directions in three-dimensional space, it can also deform in various directions in three-dimensional space, thereby realizing the floating terminal 63 floating in various directions in three-dimensional space. Moreover, when the floating terminal 63 floats, the insulating floating seat 62 can also adapt to the floating terminal 63 under the elastic constraint of the mating spring of the conductive housing 64, thereby ensuring that the floating terminal 63 floats in the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions, so as to better adapt to the assembly tolerance between it and the electrical connector and maintain normal operation in the vibration environment.

[0125] In addition, the following should be noted:

[0126] In the above embodiments, the docking portion and the horizontal fixing portion of the floating terminal are connected by a floating connecting portion. The floating connecting portion is interconnected by three straight extension portions extending in different directions in three-dimensional space and multiple bending portions, thereby enabling the floating connecting portion to deform in various directions in three-dimensional space, and thus enabling the floating terminal to float in all directions up, down, left, right, front, and back. The connection relationship and bending direction between the bending portions and the straight extension portions are only illustrated here and are not intended to be limiting.

[0127] In other embodiments, the bending direction of the bent portion and the extending direction of the straight extension portion can be changed alternatively.

[0128] In other embodiments, the shape of the floating connector may not be limited to a combination of a straight extension and a bend. The floating connector may also be a wavy line shape with multiple bends, a spirally coiled spring shape, or a double helix shape similar to the DNA structure. These shapes can all cause the floating connector to deform in three-dimensional space.

[0129] In the above embodiments, the main fixing seat and the auxiliary fixing seat are connected by a snap-fit ​​connection. In other embodiments, the main fixing seat and the auxiliary fixing seat can also be connected by other means, such as bonding, or the main fixing seat and the auxiliary fixing seat can also be an integral structure.

[0130] The above embodiments of electrical connectors are merely illustrative examples. The structures of the various parts of the electrical connector assembly are not fixed combinations. In the absence of structural conflicts, the various parts of the electrical connector in multiple embodiments can be arbitrarily combined and used.

[0131] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily make corresponding modifications or alterations based on the main concept and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of protection claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: An insulating mounting base has a terminal receiving groove inside, and the bottom of the terminal receiving groove has a horizontally extending terminal fixing groove; An insulating floating seat is buoyantly mounted above the insulating fixed seat. The insulating floating seat has a through-hole and an annular groove on its outer wall. A floating terminal, fixed within the insulating mounting base, includes a soldered tail, a horizontally extending horizontally connected to the soldered tail, a mating portion, and a floating connecting portion formed by multiple bends and elastically connected between the mating portion and the horizontally fixed portion. The horizontally fixed portion is fixed in the terminal mounting groove, the floating connecting portion is buoyantly received in the terminal receiving groove, and the mating portion extends upward into the insertion hole of the insulating floating base; and... A conductive housing is sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixing base, and a plurality of elastic mating pieces extend upward from the conductive housing, the ends of which extend into the annular groove. The insulating mounting base includes a main mounting base and an auxiliary mounting base. The terminal receiving slot is formed on one side of the main mounting base, and a side opening is formed on the side of the main mounting base. The auxiliary mounting base is snapped into the side opening to encapsulate the floating terminal in the terminal receiving slot.

2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The floating connection portion of the floating terminal includes three straight extension portions that are bent and extended in sequence, wherein any two straight extension portions are perpendicular to each other.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The floating connection includes: a first bent portion connected to the docking portion, a horizontally extending first straight extension connected to the first bent portion, a second bent portion extending downward at a 90-degree angle from the first straight extension, a vertically extending second straight extension connected to the second bent portion, a third bent portion extending horizontally at a 90-degree angle from the second straight extension, a vertically extending third straight extension connected to the third bent portion, and a fourth bent portion connected to the third straight extension, wherein the horizontal fixing portion is connected to the fourth bent portion.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A bent arm extends downward from each of the opposite sides of the first straight extension, and the bent arm has a free end that is suspended in the air.

5. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The horizontal fixing portion of the floating terminal extends horizontally directly below the docking portion or horizontally in a direction away from directly below the docking portion.

6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The docking portion of the floating terminal includes two docking springs arranged opposite each other. The cross-section of the two docking springs is an arc shape that bends towards each other. The lower parts of the two docking springs are connected on one side and separated at the upper part, forming a vertically penetrating insertion cavity between them. The two docking springs move closer to the center of the insertion cavity near the upper end to form a neck.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The docking portion includes, from bottom to top, a straight cylindrical portion, a tapered portion formed by the tapered portion gradually narrowing upwards, and a funnel-shaped insertion guide portion formed upwards from the tapered portion. The neck is formed at the junction of the tapered portion and the insertion guide portion.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The docking portion has a first slit and a second slit. The first slit extends downward from the upper end of the insertion guide to the straight cylindrical portion and cuts off the straight cylindrical portion. The second slit extends downward from the upper end of the insertion guide to the straight cylindrical portion but does not cut off the straight cylindrical portion. The floating connecting portion is connected to the lower end of the straight cylindrical portion and is located directly below the second slit.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap between the terminal receiving groove and the floating connection part, and the terminal receiving groove has spacers that extend into the various parts of the floating connection part.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The auxiliary fixing base is provided with a spacer block, which is spaced between the bent arm of the floating terminal and the horizontal fixing part of the floating terminal.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The terminal receiving groove divides the inner wall of the main fixing seat into two opposing limiting walls. Each of the two limiting walls is provided with a slot, and the auxiliary fixing seat is provided with a locking block that engages with the slot.

12. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, One of the limiting walls of the main fixing seat is also provided with a protruding stop wall, which stops below the first bending part.

13. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: An insulating mounting base has a terminal receiving groove inside, and the bottom of the terminal receiving groove has a horizontally extending terminal fixing groove; An insulating floating seat is buoyantly mounted above the insulating fixed seat. The insulating floating seat has a through-hole and an annular groove on its outer wall. A floating terminal, fixed within the insulating mounting base, includes a soldered tail, a horizontally extending horizontally connected to the soldered tail, a mating portion, and a floating connecting portion formed by multiple bends and elastically connected between the mating portion and the horizontally fixed portion. The horizontally fixed portion is fixed in the terminal mounting groove, the floating connecting portion is buoyantly received in the terminal receiving groove, and the mating portion extends upward into the insertion hole of the insulating floating base; and... A conductive housing is sleeved on the outside of the insulating fixing base, and a plurality of elastic mating pieces extend upward from the conductive housing, the ends of which extend into the annular groove. The terminal receiving groove is formed on one side of the insulating fixing base, dividing the insulating fixing base into opposing first limiting walls and second limiting walls.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The first limiting wall and the second limiting wall have a first slot and a second slot respectively near the bottom. The openings of the first slot and the second slot are opposite to each other and together form the terminal fixing groove. The two sides of the horizontal fixing part of the floating terminal are respectively locked in the first slot and the second slot.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating floating seat includes a cylindrical body, an annular groove is disposed on the upper part of the insulating floating seat and surrounds the cylindrical body, and the outer wall of the cylindrical body protrudes outward in the lower direction near the annular groove to form a convex ring.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The conductive housing includes a sleeve portion fitted outside the insulating fixing base. Each of the elastic mating pieces is distributed at intervals along the upper end of the sleeve portion and surrounds it in a cage shape. The upper end of each elastic mating piece is bent toward the central axis of the conductive housing to form a hook. The end of the hook extends into the annular groove. The lower end of the sleeve portion is provided with an outwardly extending welding foot.

17. An electrical connector assembly, comprising: A male connector, a main mounting housing on which the male connector is inserted, and an electrical connector as described in claims 1-16 that is inserted and mates with the male connector; the male connector includes: a metal housing, a central conductive element housed within the metal housing, and an insulating base; the central conductive element is fixed on the insulating base, the insulating base being spaced between the metal housing and the central conductive element; the central conductive element makes corresponding contact with the mating portion of the floating terminal to establish a first electrical connection, and the metal housing is fitted around the outer periphery of the conductive housing to establish a second electrical connection.

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